Aaron Osborne

• Knoxville man recounts speedy 89-day Appalachian Trail through-hike Published 08/12/2012 at 4 a.m.

  To hikers along the Appalachian Trail in the summer of 2001, the 20-year-old in sneaker-like hiking shoes carting a 25-pound pack would aptly be known by his trail name, "Swift."

• Class of 2000: Much has happened in 12 years since graduation Published 08/05/2012 at 4 a.m.

  In 1988 — long before kids could Skype on something called the Internet or text friends with a smartphone — the News Sentinel paid a visit to Chilhowee Elementary School in East Knoxville to report on one classroom's first day ...

• Class of 2000: 'Happy with the way it all turned out' Published 08/05/2012 at 4 a.m.

  Nearly 24 years ago Jeff Gentry told News Sentinel reporters he wanted to be a "choo choo driver." An honest answer from a first-grader on his first day of school.

• Class of 2000: Years pass, but classmates remain friends forever Published 08/05/2012 at 4 a.m.

  Blakely Jenkins Roof and Elizabeth Ward bumped heads while swimming at Holston Hills Country Club about 25 years ago. They've remained friends since.

• Class of 2000: From student to wartime sailor to mother Published 08/05/2012 at 4 a.m.

  In an Aug. 28, 1988, newspaper photograph, Gayla Mitchell is pictured doing flips over the monkey bars during her class's first recess at Chilhowee Elementary School.

• Class of 2000: Teacher appreciates her career, hearing from former students Published 08/05/2012 at 4 a.m.

  Sandra Fry's teaching career began in August 1988 when she welcomed the Class of 2000 to their very first day of first grade at Chilhowee Elementary School. Her students would have referred to her then as Mrs. Khaddouma; she has ...

• Young-Williams Animal Center approved as state nonprofit, 15-year contract with county Published 07/28/2012 at 4 a.m.

  Young-Williams Animal Center will continue to serve Knoxville and its animals as a Tennessee nonprofit organization for at least 15 more years.

• Seymour Volunteer Fire Department receives FEMA grant Published 07/27/2012 at 4 a.m.

  The Seymour Volunteer Fire Department will soon have live-in firefighters, better equipment and an anticipated faster emergency response time thanks to a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

• Park seeks volunteers for Clingmans Dome station Published 07/25/2012 at 4 a.m.

  Great Smoky Mountains National Park is seeking volunteers with an interest in the outdoors who don't mind hiking and helping out at heights above 6,000 feet — at the Clingmans Dome visitor contact station nestled a few hundred feet below ...

• Grainger sheriff: 3 juveniles steal, damage golf carts in ramming spree Published 07/24/2012 at 4 a.m.

  Three juvenile boys are being held for their roles in a two-night theft and vandalism spree involving 13 golf carts at a Rutledge campground, according to the Grainger County sheriff.

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