‘Seven Brides for Seven Brothers’ April 16-18
CAK High School Musical Theatre is excited to present the classic, high-energy musical Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, a show packed with toe-tapping songs, hilarious moments and unforgettable dance numbers.
It’s this week in the CAK Christian Life Center: Thursday, April 16, 7 p.m.; Friday, April 17, 7 p.m.; and Saturday, April 18, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Join us as the talented students bring this lively story of adventure, romance and brotherly chaos to the stage. From soaring vocals to athletic choreography, this production is sure to keep you smiling from start to finish. Bring the whole family and experience a night of laughter, music and CAK creativity you won’t want to miss. Ticket info here.
Farragut High sends six to play college sports
Six Farragut High School seniors signed to play college sports on April 15: (from left) Lincoln Unger, soccer, Maryville College; Adrian D’Aloisio, soccer, Bethany College; Zain Kureshi-Smith, baseball, Johnson University; Megan Voss, dance, Tennessee Chattanooga; Courtney George, track and cross country, University of the Cumberlands; and Christie George, track and cross country, University of the Cumberlands.
Whitney Lee is new volleyball coach
Whitney Lee
Farragut High School has a new head volleyball coach. Whitney Lee was introduced to returning and prospective players on April 15 by FHS principal Dr. John Bartlett.
Coach Lee teaches freshman seminar at FHS and is an assistant athletic director. Originally from Sebring, Florida, she excelled at volleyball in both high school and college. Also, she coached overseas for eight years in Myanmar and South Korea. Her background includes middle and high school plus and national-level players.
Lee has been a certified personal trainer since 2018 where she has worked with athletes across multiple sports including volleyball, swimming, cheerleading, football, lacrosse and basketball – focusing on strength, conditioning and overall performance.
Jack Tate contributed information for these reports.
Mag Comic Expo is Saturday
Pellissippi State Community College invites the Knoxville community to the 5th annual Mag Comic Expo, a free, all-ages pop culture festival that blends fandom culture, live music, local commerce and student engagement.
The Mag Comic Expo will take place Saturday, April 18, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Pellissippi State’s Magnolia Avenue campus. Admission is free.
Live performances will take place throughout the day in the Community Room including punk rocker and Pellissippi instructor Rus Harper, the Robyn James Ensembles and Knoxville’s own Mal-Nombre.
Attendees are encouraged to dress as their favorite characters and compete in the cosplay contest for a chance to win prizes. All fandoms and costumes are welcome.
Central Cinema will co-host an afterparty with Nirvana Comics following the events, with cult films and fresh popcorn.
UT to host Vol Nurse Discovery Day
Victoria Niederhauser
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Nursing and Dean Victoria Niederhauser will host middle school students from Gresham, Whittle Springs and Halls middle schools on Friday, April 17, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Vol Nurse Discovery Day is a hands-on, immersive event introducing middle school students to careers in nursing and health care. Students will participate in interactive simulation experiences, explore different nursing specialties, and learn about educational pathways into the profession.
With a growing demand for nurses nationwide, early exposure programs like Vol Nurse Discovery Day help build a strong pipeline of future health care professionals by inspiring students to explore nursing careers at a young age.
Boys & Girls Clubs to host ribbon cutting for new Campbell County Club
Bart McFadden
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley (BGCTNV) plans the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Campbell County club today (4/16/26) at 4 p.m. at 711 S. 4th Street, LaFollette. Bart McFadden is president/ CEO of BGCTNV.
The club has been open since January 6, 2026, but organizers wanted a community-wide celebration of the effort it took to open this facility.
“The opening of this club has absolutely been a dream come true,” said Bill Jones, president of the advisory committee of Boys & Girls Club of Campbell County. “Holding the door open for the children as they got off the bus and ran inside on our opening day was one of the best moments of my life. … Our community came together to make this happen. It’s been so uplifting to see something positive – something I know will have a huge positive impact on the lives of these children.”
The Campbell County Club was made possible through many donations including a significant contribution from ORNL Federal Credit Union.
“At ORNL Federal Credit Union, we believe in investing in the future of the communities we serve,” said Jennifer Kouchis, chief strategy & growth officer. “Supporting Boys & Girls Club of Campbell County was a natural fit for our mission, and we are honored to play a part in providing a space where kids can learn, grow and thrive.”
The community is invited to attend the ceremony, tour the facility and learn about the programs offered. The BGCTNV serves more than 8,400 youth across East Tennessee each year.
In Memoriam: Donna Murray, teacher and business owner
Donna Murray
Donna Kitts Murray, 67, passed away on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at her home in Halls, Knox County, Tennessee. She taught cosmetology at Halls High School for 20 years and owned the Pro Cuts salon until 2025. She had some clients for more than 30 years.
Ms. Murray hated funerals but loved fun, the color pink and springtime, her obituary noted. “If Donna touched your life in a positive way, please come on April 12, share your memories, wear a joyful color and celebrate her life with her family and friends. The full obituary is here.
Gary Roach had 18 years as chief Smoky Bear
Gary Roach
Gary Odom Roach, 76, passed away on April 9, 2026. He was Sevier County High School principal for 18 years, winning numerous honors. Gary grew up in Rutledge, Tennessee with his older brother, Dennis, who also became a teacher.
Gary Roach graduated from ETSU in 1971 and obtained his master’s in educational administration from the University of Montevallo, Alabama, in 1974. He worked as a teacher in Grainger County; transportation supervisor and assistant principal in Hamblen County; assistant principal in Jefferson County; and finally principal of Sevier County High School.
Mr. Roach was an active member of First Baptist Church Sevierville, where he served as a lifetime deacon and taught Sunday School classes until only a month ago. Gary and his wife, Darlene, had four daughters and seven grandchildren. The full obituary is here. Services were held on April 12 at First Baptist Church Sevierville. The family suggested attendees wear purple as a nod to his beloved Smoky Bears.
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