The Museum of Appalachia sits along Andersonville Highway in Norris, and offers a glimpse into life in Southern Appalachia over the years. - G. Chambers Williams III
A new exhibit celebrating East Tennessee’s musical roots and radio heritage opens on Friday at the Museum of Appalachia in Norris.
For opening day, Anderson County residents will be admitted to the museum at half the regular price, the museum announced. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“The exhibit brings to life one of the region’s most beloved radio variety shows, the ‘Mid-Day Merry-Go-Round,’ which aired from 1936 to 1961 on WNOX, East Tennessee’s first radio station,” the museum’s announcement said.
At the heart of the exhibit is archived audio from a once-lost 1938 Mid-Day Merry-Go-Round program, which is the only early recording of the program known to exist today.
The Mid-Day Merry-Go-Round “captivated Southern Appalachia with a blend of hillbilly music, gospel, comedy acts, and even jazz, capturing the voices and sounds of a bygone era,” the museum said.
Anderson County churches gather to celebrate Resurrection Day
Approximately 4,200 people attended a community-wide Easter Sunday service held by Second Baptist Church of Clinton at Anderson County High School’s football stadium. Following the service, children were treated to an egg hunt on the adjacent ACHS football practice field. More photos on page 2A. - Tony Cox
Adult periodical cicadas are brightly colored: blue bodied with red eyes and golden wings. - Stephen Lyn Bales
The UT Arboretum Society will host a virtual presentation on Thursday, May 1, at 7 p.m. EDT, exploring the fascinating world of periodical cicadas — a rare phenomenon that occurs only in eastern North America.
Of the approximately 3,400 cicada species worldwide, only seven spend 13 or 17 years underground as nymphs before emerging as adults. These unique insects, known for their red eyes and golden wings, are among the most intriguing members of the true bug family.
This year, Brood XI will emerge in certain areas of Tennessee, continuing a pattern of annual cicada appearances across the state. In recent years, residents have witnessed Brood X in 2021 and Brood XIX in 2023. There are 15 distinct cicada broods, each emerging in different years and locations.
The Anderson County Democratic Women’s Club will host its monthly meeting on Monday, April 28, at the Clinton Community Center, 101 S. Hicks St.
The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m., with the program set to start at 6 p.m.
The topic, “Climate and Energy and Policy, Oh My,” will be presented by Dan Terpstra, a retired computer scientist and Oak Ridge resident.
Terpstra will offer insights from his years of research, covering the history, current landscape and potential paths forward regarding climate and energy policy at both the local and national levels.
Terpstra spent the last 12 years of his career working with supercomputers in the Innovative Computing Laboratory at the University of Tennessee.
He is a founding member of Third Act Tennessee, a branch of the national organization committed to defending democracy and advancing climate action.
He has taught several courses on climate and energy issues for the Oak Ridge Institute for Continued Learning and has led a Sunday School class on climate justice topics for the past five years.
Pizza will be served at 5:30 p.m. A $5 donation is suggested.
For more information, email ac-democratic-women@outlook.com.
Scarboro Community Center in Oak Ridge will host fellowship, games, hands-on activities and free food from 1 until 5 p.m. Saturday, April 26.
This is the 21st annual event of its kind.
The community center is at 148 Carver Avenue.
Team Investment Group of Oak Ridge and the city of Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Department are presenting the event.
Co-sponsors are Science and Everyday Experiences, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Oak Ridge Alumnae Chapter, Oak Valley Baptist Church, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Spurgeon Chapel AME Zion Church, True Light Missionary Baptist Church and Oak Ridge Periodic Tables.
Emory Valley Center has announced that Barry Stephenson, president and chief executive officer of MCLinc, has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Compassion Award.
The award honors individuals who exemplify compassion, dedication and leadership in their professional and community efforts. Stephenson will be recognized during a celebration and fundraising event on Thursday, April 24.
The event will benefit Emory Valley Center, an organization that supports individuals with disabilities. Tickets are $100. For ticket information, contact Aaron Price at Aaron.Price@evcmail.org or 865-813-0576.
With more than 32 years of experience as a chemist, including 25 years in senior management roles in environmental analytical laboratories, Stephenson has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and innovation. His work has spanned all aspects of laboratory operations, administration, project management and business development.
Stephenson’s career also includes the creation and launch of fixed-base, mobile and on-site laboratories, along with oversight of field analytical and sampling services. He holds a bachelor of science in chemistry and a master of science in science education, both from the University of Tennessee.
Emory Valley Center is honored to recognize Stephenson for his compassionate leadership and contributions.
Shirley Auble of Oak Ridge, left, of the Shelter Animal Rescue Group, visits with Rick and Katie Sterling of Little Lake Pet Lodge of Clinton at a booth during last year’s Paws for the Cause Pet Expo at Carden Farm Dog Park. Their golden doodle Max rests at their feet. - G. Chambers Williams III
Lots of doggies and their families will be crowding the Carden Farm Dog Park in South Clinton on Saturday for the annual Paws for a Cause Pet Expo.
The event, at 410 Riverview Drive, runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and will include more than 60 vendors, nonprofits and food trucks.
There will also be a silent auction featuring more than 70 items up for sale, ranging from pet goodies to local gift cards, home décor, and more.
Every dollar raised goes directly to helping animals in the Anderson County community, through pet-care assistance, education, a pet-food pantry, and other efforts.
Besides the city of Clinton, sponsors include the Anderson County Animal Rescue Foundation and the Humane Society, Tennessee Valley.
