Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
Wednesday, August 5th, 2026 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Award-Winning CASA Monroe Rodeo Returns September 11 & 12 with Patriotic Tribute, Family Fun, and Championship Rodeo Action
The countdown is on for one of East Tennessee’s most anticipated events as the 4th Annual CASA Monroe Rodeo returns to Legacy Horse Ranch at Rarity Bay in Vonore on Friday and Saturday, September 11 & 12. More than just an evening of world-class rodeo entertainment, the award-winning event serves as CASA Monroe’s largest fundraiser of the year, helping provide trained volunteer advocates for abused and neglected children throughout Monroe County.
Presented by Tate’s Building Supply and Powered by Stowers, the Official Machine Sponsor, this year’s rodeo promises two unforgettable nights featuring world champion cowboys and cowgirls competing in seven action-packed rodeo events. Contestants will be competing for the highest prize money payout of any rodeo in the Southeast, making the CASA Monroe Rodeo a premier stop on the professional rodeo circuit and attracting top talent from across the country.
In just four years, the CASA Monroe Rodeo has earned an impressive reputation throughout the rodeo industry. The event was recognized as a Top 5 New Rodeo of the Year by the International Professional Rodeo Association (IPRA) in 2024, followed by Top 5 Outdoor Rodeo of the Year honors in 2025. These national recognitions have firmly established the CASA Monroe Rodeo as one of the Southeast’s premier rodeo events and a destination for both contestants and spectators alike.
While the rodeo delivers two nights of championship entertainment, its mission extends far beyond the arena.
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Monroe recruits, trains, and supports volunteers who advocate for children who have experienced abuse or neglect and are involved in the juvenile court system. These specially trained volunteers become a consistent voice for children during one of the most difficult periods of their lives, ensuring their best interests remain the focus as judges make critical decisions about their futures.
Every ticket purchased, sponsorship secured, and volunteer hour donated directly supports CASA Monroe’s mission of ensuring every child has the opportunity for a safe, permanent, and nurturing home. The rodeo has become much more than a community event—it is an investment in the lives of Monroe County’s most vulnerable children.
This year’s rodeo offers something for everyone long before the first gate opens.
Guests can enjoy a variety of local food trucks, browse merchandise from vendors, let the kids explore the Free Kids Zone, or test their skills on the ever-popular mechanical bull. Families will also have the opportunity to meet Miss Rodeo USA 2026, Ashley Polson, who will be attending throughout the weekend, greeting fans, signing autographs, and helping celebrate one of East Tennessee’s premier events.
Friday night is also Kid’s Night, with children 12 and under receiving free General Admission, making it the perfect opportunity for families to experience professional rodeo together.
As the community gathers on September 11, the evening will begin with a heartfelt tribute marking the 25th Anniversary of one of the most significant days in American history. Before the rodeo action begins, guests are invited to participate in a special patriotic ceremony featuring the Presentation of Colors, the singing of the National Anthem, and a moving aviation performance overhead.
Together, the community will pause to remember those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, honor the courageous first responders and military members who answered the call, and celebrate the resilience, unity, and unwavering spirit of the American people. Organizers hope this meaningful tribute will serve as a powerful reminder that while rodeo celebrates the American West, it also celebrates the values that unite our nation.
For guests looking to elevate their rodeo experience, the Ace Management Partners VIP Lounge returns once again, offering an exclusive evening unlike anything else in East Tennessee.
Guests in the VIP Lounge will enjoy a delicious catered dinner, complimentary adult beverages, live entertainment from Chad Bradford and the Dixie Mafia, premium reserved arena seating, designated VIP parking, and an exclusive meet-and-greet with Miss Rodeo USA Ashley Polson. VIP guests will also have the unique opportunity to mingle with many of the world champion cowboys and cowgirls competing throughout the weekend.
Even if guests step away from the arena, they won’t miss a moment of the action. Every ride, run, and championship performance will be streamed live inside the lounge on a giant jumbo screen, allowing everyone to enjoy the excitement while relaxing in a comfortable hospitality setting. Whether entertaining clients, celebrating with friends, or simply looking for a first-class rodeo experience, the Ace Management Partners VIP Lounge offers an unforgettable way to experience the weekend.
The success of the CASA Monroe Rodeo is made possible through the incredible support of sponsors, volunteers, and community partners who believe in CASA Monroe’s mission. Their generosity allows the organization to continue serving children while also providing Monroe County with one of the highest-quality sporting events in the region.
CASA Monroe is still seeking volunteers to help make this year’s event another success. Individuals who volunteer for one evening of the rodeo will receive a special thank-you incentive. Volunteers may choose two complimentary General Admission tickets or $50 off one VIP ticket for the opposite night, allowing them to enjoy the rodeo when they are not volunteering.
Whether attending, volunteering, sponsoring, or simply sharing the event with family and friends, every person who becomes part of the CASA Monroe Rodeo is helping write a brighter future for children in our community.
General Admission and VIP tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting www.CasaMonroeRodeo.com.
And the excitement doesn’t stop there. Organizers say even more announcements are on the way, with additional entertainment, special features, and surprises set to be revealed in the coming weeks.
Stay tuned—there’s still more excitement to come as East Tennessee prepares for two unforgettable nights of championship rodeo action, patriotic celebration, family fun, and a mission that changes children’s lives.
Wednesday, August 5th, 2026 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Fall Into a More Functional Garage Space

As the vibrant colors of fall begin to paint the landscape, it’s the perfect time to prepare your garage for the upcoming season. For more than 15 years, PremierGarage of Knoxville has been at the forefront of providing high-quality, custom garage cabinetry designed to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your space.
The fall season brings a natural shift in activities, from summer sports and outdoor fun to preparing for colder weather and holiday gatherings. This transition makes it an ideal time to rethink your garage’s organization. Our custom garage cabinets offer the perfect solution to keep everything in its place, giving your garage a uniform and inviting look while maximizing storage space.
Imagine incorporating upper and lower cabinets with drawers specifically designed to organize your sports gear, tools, lawn care items, car cleaning products, and even holiday decorations. Our custom garage cabinetry can be tailored to fit your unique needs, with features like baskets, drawers, and cabinet dividers, making it easy to store and access everything you need as the seasons change.
One of the key benefits of our custom garage cabinets is the fully enclosed storage space they offer. As the weather cools, it’s essential to protect your belongings from dust, pests, and fluctuating temperatures. Our cabinets keep your items safe and secure, providing peace of mind that your investments are well-protected.
Additionally, safety is a significant concern in any garage, especially with children and pets around. Our cabinets are the perfect solution for keeping harmful liquids, sharp tools, and other dangerous items out of reach. Our custom cabinets not only offer superior organization but also enhance the safety of your garage, ensuring it’s a space the whole family can enjoy.
This fall, you can also personalize the look and feel of your garage with a variety of more than 25 available finishes. Whether you prefer a sleek, modern aesthetic or something more traditional, our professional installation team ensures that your garage storage solutions are as sturdy as they are stylish, capable of holding your heaviest belongings with ease.
As you prepare for the season ahead, consider the transformative impact that our custom cabinetry can have on your garage. With a free in-home consultation, we can help you design the garage of your dreams, tailored to your needs and ready to support your lifestyle through every season. Let us guide you in creating a space that is not only functional but also a true extension of your home, reflecting your style and ensuring everything is in its place as the leaves begin to fall.
Give us a call today at (865) 947-8686 to schedule your free in-home consultation and let’s see what’s possible for your space!
REQUEST A FREE CONSULTATION
PremierGarage
(865) 947-8686
PremierGarage.com
Wednesday, August 5th, 2026 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Statehood for Tennessee
By Bo Carey
Last month we celebrated 250 years of American Independence, a most significant milestone. Few may know that it’s been 230 years since Tennessee earned the status of full statehood, dating back to 1796. The people and places which shape our state are indeed unique and significant, starting with Native American cultures predating colonial days, followed by waves of settlers and dreamers with the rugged spirit which characterizes the state today.
At the onset of our country, we were a part of the state of North Carolina. The independent thinking pioneers in East Tennessee were generally not pleased to live under North Carolina’s laws and oversight. By 1785 they attempted to establish self-government and created the State of Franklin. It was a noble experiment but only lasted for three years. When the vast Southwest Territory was created, the lands which now comprise Tennessee were included. William Blount, from right here in our backyard, was named territorial governor, and his leadership paved the way for Tennessee’s independence. Finally on June 1st, 1796 Tennessee became the 16th state in the union, less than 20 years after the onset of the American Revolution.
The people of our state refuse to be labeled due to our region. Tennessee was the last southern state to secede from the union and the first to be readmitted. East Tennesseans voted 2 to 1 against secession. As we here in the east boast the Great Smoky Mountains, we cannot be viewed as a mountain state, with the deltas of West Tennessee and broad lakes in between looking anything but mountainous. Although Nashville is known as Music City USA, that only goes back to its birthplace for country music. Memphis can stand toe to toe with any other city, including New Orleans, due to its blues influence on Beale Street along with a favorite son named Elvis.
At the onset of the War of 1812, Tennessee sent so many men to fight for the United States that we far, far exceeded the amount requested by the government. This same desire to risk lives while defending our country happened again in the Mexican American War a few years later, and we have been known as the Volunteer State ever since. Leading up to the latter conflict, Tennessee natives Sam Houston and Davy Crockett made historic names for themselves which today are celebrated more in Texas than they are here.
Today the state finds itself subject to a massive influx of new residents, with heavy migration coming from California, New York, and the Chicago suburbs. A first reaction would be to resist what changes this might bring to our way of life…. to the traditions of faith, hard work and individualism which have been our core strengths. My observations suggest those fleeing these other states are in line with our culture and wish to support our way of life rather than change it. They like lower taxes, less government oversight and our laid-back way of life. For those who condemn our state, wishing for something more like the big northeast or west coast urban centers, the easy test remains: How many people do you know who are anxious to move OUT of Tennessee? There just aren’t many “volunteers.”
Bo Carey is a 6th generation Loudon County resident with a passion for local history. He is the owner of Greer’s Home Furnishings in Historic Loudon and is available for lectures or programs for any area group or civic club.
Call (865) 659-2300.
bocarey95@gmail.com | office 865-458-2046
Tuesday, June 30th, 2026 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on From the Watauga to the World: How East Tennessee Helped Build 250 Years of American Freedom
When America marks its 250th birthday, the spotlight will naturally fall on Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, the green at Lexington, and the harbor at Boston. But the story of American freedom was never written only on the coast. Tucked into the folds of the Appalachian Mountains, the hardy settlers and stubborn patriots of East Tennessee were busy proving, in their own rough-hewn way, that ordinary people could govern themselves, fight for liberty, and shape a nation — even from a place that wasn’t yet a state, in a country that didn’t fully exist yet either.
A Government Born on the Frontier
Long before East Tennessee was East Tennessee, it was a remote stretch of land claimed by the Cherokee and contested by colonial charters that barely acknowledged it existed. In 1772, a group of settlers along the Watauga River — men like John Carter, James Robertson, Charles Robertson, Zachariah Isbell, and a young John Sevier — did something remarkable. With no colonial government to answer to and no king’s officer close enough to object, they drafted the Watauga Association, a written compact establishing local self-rule beyond the reach of British authority.
It wasn’t a declaration of independence. It wasn’t even, by modern standards, a perfect document — the settlers’ claims to the land came at the expense of the Cherokee, a tension that would shadow the region for decades. But the Watauga Compact captured something essential to the American character: the conviction that free people, left to their own devices on a hard frontier, could write their own rules and govern themselves by consent rather than decree. It was self-government practiced before it was philosophized, four years before Jefferson ever put quill to paper in Philadelphia.
The Overmountain Men March to War
By the fall of 1780, the Revolution was faltering in the South. The British had taken Charleston, crushed the Continental Army at Camden, and sent Major Patrick Ferguson into the Carolina backcountry with an ultimatum for the frontier settlements: lay down arms, or he would cross the mountains and lay their country waste with fire and sword.
East Tennessee answered with its feet. Colonels John Sevier and Isaac Shelby, both Watauga settlers, sent riders through the hills calling for militia to muster at Sycamore Shoals. Shelby brought 240 militiamen; Sevier brought a like number, and Colonel William Campbell arrived with 400 Virginians. On the morning of departure, the Reverend Samuel Doak blessed the gathered men before they set off over the Appalachians on foot and horseback — an army that, by definition, had to go “over the mountain” just to reach the fight, which is exactly how they earned their name: the Overmountain Men.
What followed was one of the most consequential battles most Americans have never heard of. At King’s Mountain, South Carolina, on October 7, 1780, these frontier riflemen surrounded Ferguson’s loyalist force and overwhelmed it in barely an hour. The stunning victory, won by a force of about 1,800 backcountry men over roughly 1,000 Tories, has been justly described as a key turning point in the American Revolution. British commander Henry Clinton later admitted the defeat “proved the first link of a chain of evils” that ultimately ended in the loss of America. Thomas Jefferson called it simply the turn of the tide.
These weren’t professional soldiers. They were farmers, hunters, and frontiersmen who marched a thousand miles from the nearest battle most history books remember, carrying long rifles built for deer and turkey, and they broke the back of the British war effort in the South. East Tennessee didn’t just support the Revolution from a distance — its sons crossed a mountain range to physically save it.
Statehood, Stubbornness, and the Shape of a Nation
John Sevier didn’t stop at King’s Mountain. He went on to help lead the short-lived State of Franklin, an audacious — and ultimately failed — attempt by East Tennesseans to govern themselves as a fourteenth state outside of North Carolina’s control. When that experiment collapsed, Sevier didn’t fade into obscurity; he became Tennessee’s first governor, serving six terms and later representing East Tennessee in Congress. William Blount, who governed the Southwest Territory before statehood, helped guide the region through the delicate transition from frontier outpost to full member of the union. By 1796, the settlements that had once organized themselves at Watauga had become the State of Tennessee — proof that the impulse toward self-government planted decades earlier had taken permanent root.
A Farmer From Fentress County
Fast forward more than a century, past statehood, past the Civil War that split Tennessee itself, to the muddy forests of the Argonne in France, 1918. There, a reluctant draftee from a two-room log cabin in Fentress County would add his own chapter to the story of American freedom.
Alvin York had grown up poor and largely self-taught, working his family’s farm in the hills near Pall Mall. He’d wrestled with his conscience before the war — his Christian faith made him question whether he could take a life — but once in uniform, Corporal York found himself thrust into command when his unit’s noncommissioned officers became casualties during the Meuse-Argonne offensive. What happened next earned him the Medal of Honor: leading seven men, York fearlessly charged a machine gun nest pouring deadly fire on his platoon, and in that single heroic act, the position was taken along with four officers and 128 men. By the time the fighting ended, he had helped silence dozens of machine guns and brought in well over a hundred prisoners.
York came home not chasing fame but pursuing something quieter and, in his own words, harder-won: education for the children of his home county. He considered his fight to build a high school in rural Tennessee his greatest battle, and the institute he founded still serves students today. From a backwoods farm to the fields of France and back again to a one-room schoolhouse cause, York embodied a particular East Tennessee strain of patriotism — unassuming, dutiful, and rooted in the conviction that freedom is worth defending and worth passing on through the next generation.
What the Mountains Taught the Nation
There’s a thread running from the Watauga Compact to King’s Mountain to a machine-gun nest in the Argonne, and it isn’t hard to see. East Tennessee has never been the seat of American power. It has rarely had a vote in the rooms where founding documents were signed or wars were declared. What it has had, again and again, is people willing to organize themselves, march when called, and fight — whether for the right to govern their own settlements, to break a British army’s momentum in the Revolution’s darkest hour, or to silence the guns threatening their fellow soldiers a world away.
As the nation pauses this year to reflect on two and a half centuries of independence, it’s worth remembering that the story of American freedom was never told from only one vantage point. Some of it was written in Philadelphia. Some of it was carried over a mountain on foot by men who had never seen the Atlantic Ocean, and some of it was earned by a farmer’s son who just wanted his neighbors’ children to have a school. East Tennessee’s contribution to American liberty isn’t a footnote to the national story — it is, in its own quiet and stubborn way, part of the spine of it.
Tuesday, June 30th, 2026 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Lakeside Property Rentals

Tuesday, June 30th, 2026 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Hope Grows as Alzheimer’s Research Accelerates
By Laurie Fox for Our PLACE
The two-day 7th Annual Symposium on Alzheimer’s and Dementia, hosted by The Pat Summitt Clinic and the UT Brain & Spine Institute in June, brought together physicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals to share the latest advancements in Alzheimer’s and dementia diagnosis, treatment, and care. Our PLACE Memory Day Center was honored to attend and learn from these leading experts.
The keynote speaker, Maria C. Carrillo, PhD, Chief Science Officer of the Alzheimer’s Association, shared an inspiring message of hope. As the leader who helps shape the organization’s global research strategy, Dr. Carrillo highlighted how international collaboration is accelerating discoveries and bringing new possibilities for treatment and care. We are fortunate to have nationally recognized experts and resources right here in our community, serving families throughout East Tennessee and beyond.
One of the most encouraging themes of the conference was the progress being made in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. There are six stages of Alzheimer’s, and the newest therapies have shown the greatest impact in slowing disease progression during stages one through three. These early stages may include increased forgetfulness, difficulty organizing or planning, misplacing valuables more frequently, and subtle changes that are often noticed by family and friends before the individual recognizes them.
This reinforces an important message: early diagnosis matters. Identifying symptoms sooner can open the door to treatments and interventions that may help preserve independence and quality of life for a longer period of time. As discussed in last month’s article, if you have concerns about memory changes, you are not alone, and support is available.
At Our PLACE, we remain committed to serving as a trusted resource for individuals and families navigating dementia-related diagnoses. We invest in ongoing education, collaborate with local and national experts, and continually seek new ways to provide the highest level of care and support. Throughout the coming year, I look forward to sharing additional insights and key takeaways from this conference. In the meantime, Sarah Martin, Executive Director of Our PLACE, is always available at 865-657-7222 to answer questions and help guide families in partnership with their healthcare providers.
Join us at 10 a.m. on July 17 at the Tellico Village Yacht Club for our second “Ask the Expert” Brain Health Education Series with geriatrician Dr. John Kriese, DO. He will lead us through one patient’s Alzheimer’s journey. Other healthcare professionals will also be available to answer questions and discuss ways to support lifelong brain health. We will hold another session on October 23. Check here next month for more details.
My latest “Moment of Joy” came while attending a very different kind of convention.
One afternoon at Our PLACE, as everyone gathered around the table in anticipation of live music, David turned to Roger and said, “I have some women coming in this afternoon to dance with.”
Roger grinned and replied, “Now you’re talking my language!”
Without missing a beat, Faye chimed in, “You stinker.”
Roger proudly announced, “It is a stinker convention!”
The table erupted in laughter, and for a moment, everyone was simply enjoying each other’s company. Now that sounds like a convention worth attending.
Our PLACE, an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, encourages anyone with questions to reach out to us at director@ourplacetn.org or (865) 657-7222 to schedule a 30-minute confidential appointment. Together we are better!
OurPLACE TN
103 Cheeyo Way
Loudon, TN 37774
Friday, June 5th, 2026 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Anakeesta Unveils Crystal Express
with More Exciting Improvements to Come
Visitors returning to Anakeesta are discovering a dramatically transformed mountaintop adventure park, highlighted by the debut of the highly anticipated Crystal Express gondola system and the first phase of an ambitious multi-year expansion project.
After temporarily closing in January for construction, Anakeesta reopened in stages throughout the spring. The centerpiece of the reopening arrived May 22 with the launch of the Crystal Express, described as the world’s only all-glass gondola system.
Replacing the park’s original Chondola, the Crystal Express represents a major improvement in both capacity and guest experience. The new system features 56 panoramic cabins equipped with glass floors and wraparound windows, offering sweeping views of downtown Gatlinburg and the surrounding Great Smoky Mountains during the approximately four-minute ride to the summit.
The upgraded gondola also triples the park’s transportation capacity, significantly reducing wait-times; a welcome benefit especially during peak tourist seasons. The fully enclosed cabins and stroller-friendly loading areas were designed with families in mind, helping streamline arrivals at the bustling Parkway entrance.
The Crystal Express is only one part of Anakeesta’s broader “Making More Magic” initiative, a five-year, $100 million expansion plan that park officials say is the largest investment in the attraction’s history.
Throughout spring 2026, guests have already seen significant upgrades across the property. Firefly Village, the heart of the mountaintop park, has undergone a substantial reimagining with updated landscaping, whimsical pathways, new gathering spaces, covered seating areas, and expanded overlooks designed to maximize Smoky Mountain views.
Among the newest additions is the Bear Paw-shaped observation deck, along with refreshed village aesthetics intended to create what park officials describe as a more immersive “fairy tale” atmosphere.
Adventure attractions are also expanding. Anakeesta’s renowned Treetop Skywalk — already billed as North America’s longest tree-based skywalk — is receiving additional bridges, canopy pathways, elevated viewing towers, and glass handrails that open panoramic forest vistas to guests walking high above the mountainside.
Perhaps the most anticipated addition still to come in 2026 is the new Firefly Experience, scheduled to debut later this year. Inspired by the Great Smoky Mountains’ famous synchronous fireflies, the immersive nighttime attraction will combine music, lighting effects, and storytelling to recreate the magical glow phenomenon year-round.
According to recent construction updates, the creative production phase for the Firefly Experience is now underway, with lighting installation and programming continuing through the summer months.
Anakeesta officials say these upgrades are intended not only to increase capacity but also to deepen visitors’ connection to the Smokies through nature-focused experiences, scenic immersion, and family-friendly adventure.
Construction is expected to continue into 2027 as additional phases of the expansion move forward. Future plans include new thrill rides, expanded dining options, additional themed areas, and further development across the mountaintop property.
Even amid the ongoing work, Anakeesta remains one of East Tennessee’s fastest-growing tourism destinations. With Crystal Express now carrying guests skyward above Gatlinburg, 2026 is shaping up to be a defining year for the attraction and for Smoky Mountain tourism as a whole.
Friday, June 5th, 2026 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Lakeside Property Rentals

Friday, June 5th, 2026 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Elite Exteriors

Monday, May 4th, 2026 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Thank you for 25 Years!

May 2001 to May 2026
For 25 years, Mountain Views has had the privilege of sharing the stories, landscapes, and spirit that make East Tennessee such a remarkable place to call home. As we celebrate this milestone, we pause to offer our heartfelt thanks to the people who made it all possible: our loyal readers and our dedicated advertisers.
To our readers, you have been the soul of this publication from the very beginning. Whether you’ve picked up each issue to discover local businesses, community highlights, gardening tips, or simply to enjoy the beauty of our region, your continued support has given Mountain Views its purpose. You’ve shared our pages with friends and encouraged us to keep going through changing times. It’s because of you that we’ve been able to grow, evolve, and remain a trusted voice in East Tennessee for a quarter of a century.
To our advertisers, we extend our deepest appreciation for your faith in us and your commitment to connecting with our community. Your support has not only sustained this publication financially but has also helped build a bridge between local businesses and the people they serve. Each ad placed in Mountain Views represents more than a transaction—it reflects a shared investment in the vitality and success of our region. Together, we’ve been able to highlight the hardworking entrepreneurs, family-owned shops, and growing enterprises that define the character of East Tennessee.
Over the past 25 years, we’ve witnessed change—new faces, new businesses, new challenges, and new opportunities—yet the heart of this community has remained constant. Through it all, Mountain Views has been honored to serve as a storyteller, a connector, and a celebration of the place we all cherish.
As we look ahead, we do so with gratitude and excitement. The future holds new stories to tell, new partnerships to build, and new ways to serve you better. While the world continues to change, our commitment remains the same: to reflect the beauty, resilience, and spirit of East Tennessee in every issue we publish.
We thank God for you and for this community. We thank God for our good friends Tom and Judy Irmen, who started Mountain Views and graciously brought us on several years ago. We feel so honored to have the opportunity to share the blessings of the incredible people, amazing businesses, and the wondrous beauty of East Tennessee each month.
On behalf of the entire Mountain Views team, thank you for 25 incredible years! Whether you’ve been with us since the first issue or just discovered us recently, you are part of the Mountain Views family. We look forward to continuing this journey together for many years to come.
With sincere gratitude,
Tim & Kathy Rose