The pedestrian bridge that crosses E. Lamar Alexander Parkway from High Street to East Goddard Avenue is temporarily closed for repairs. The bridge is expected to be closed for two weeks to perform the repairs, weather permitting.

For more information, contact city of Maryville Engineering and Public Works at 865-273-3302.

Courtesy of the Blount County MLK Celebration Committee, 2021 MLK Day activities announced
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 11, 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting the 2021 MLK Day Celebration, but Blount Countians will have opportunities to remember Dr. King’s life and legacy during the weekend of Jan. 16-18.

The annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Celebration and March in Blount County both have been cancelled, but a virtual program will be shared online that will include announcement of the MLK Scholarship winner by representatives of DENSO and a reading of the winning essay by the scholarship recipient. Adriel McCord, co-chair of the MLK Celebration Planning Committee, will provide closing remarks.

The video can be viewed Jan. 18 on the Blount County MLK Celebration Facebook page, facebook.com/mlkblount.

The committee had announced previously plans for a march and an outdoor program in the Maryville Greenbelt.
“With the likelihood that social distancing would be an issue, the committee was concerned about the potential of a super spreader event,” explained Belinda Kenny, co-chair of the committee. “Due to the uptick in COVID cases and the Governor's Executive order No. 70, limiting gatherings to 10 or less people, the committee felt it was in the best interest of the community to cancel the march.”

McCord and Kenny said the committee is hopeful for in-person celebrations in 2022.

“For almost 40 years, Blount County has supported a Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Celebration that has grown in scope and participation and become a much-anticipated event in the life of this community,” Kenny said. “Since 1982, Martin Luther King Jr. Day/Weekend in Blount County has brought prominent speakers and performers to our celebrations, introduced new issues and perspectives to attendees, and brought people together in important and inspiring ways.

“Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 weekend celebration cannot include the events our community looks forward to attending every year, but we do plan to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy with a program that prioritizes the health and safety of participants,” she continued. “We appreciate the community’s support and look forward to announcing plans for future MLK Weekend Celebrations and, possibly, Junteenth observances.”

NAACP celebrates virtually
The Alcoa-Blount County NAACP Chapter will celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King with an education forum and children/youth program, both held over the Zoom video conferencing platform.

“Building the Beloved Community: Facing History and Ourselves” will be held Sat., Jan. 16, from 9:45 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. and will focus on the importance of diversity in education. Dr. Erika Henderson, associate program director, regional growth at the nonprofit Facing History and Ourselves in Memphis, will be the keynote presenter. Other presenters include Marjorie Stewart, retired Maryville City Schools educator; and attorney Charles Carpenter. Dr. Keri Prigmore, director of attendance and coordinated school health with Alcoa City Schools; and Katy Childs, associate professor of English at the University of Tennessee, will moderate a roundtable discussion to conclude the program.

To register, people should complete the Google form posted at https://forms.gle/S3jWKeUhUeWUHuZU6. Registrants will receive the Zoom link via email.

“Sharing of Stories Related to Beloved Community/Diversity,” the program for children and youth, will be held from 2-3 p.m., Sat., Jan. 16.

To register, people should complete the Google from posted at https://forms.gle/yeSDPrG6vHrEGYB26. Registrants will receive the Zoom link via email.

The City of Maryville Municipal Center Offices, the Operation Center, and Recycling Centers will all close in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 18, 2020. All offices and the Recycling Centers will reopen on Tuesday, January 19. There will be no change in the residential trash pick-up schedule.

For more information, call the Administration Department at 865-273-3400. 

​Maryville, TN – On January 7, 2021, the Tennessee Highway Safety Office recognized city of Maryville Police Corporal Ben Belitz with the East Tennessee Traffic Safety Officer of the Year award. The city of Maryville Police Department also placed second overall in its size in the prestigious Law Enforcement Challenge competition. Two other awards were presented to Maryville personnel.
 
“Each year the Tennessee Highway Safety Office in conjunction with the National Highway Transportation Administration recognizes law enforcement organizations in East Tennessee for achievements in traffic safety,” Traffic Lieutenant Michael Braden explained. “Our department participates in the challenge each year in order to measure our success against other agencies in the state. The goal remains to keep our roads safer throughout the year.”
 
Maryville Police Corporal Ben Belitz was awarded East Tennessee Officer of the Year. According to Braden, “Corporal Belitz is dedicated to our traffic safety program and his diligence in his field secured this win. He worked hard to help design and implement the traffic safety program.”
 
The department’s second place win overall reflects its excellence in several categories of traffic safety. The Georgia Highway Safety Office scores and judges the applicants by a combination of statistical performance as well as presentation of information.
 
In addition to these awards, Officer Travis Hill was recognized for Impaired Driving Enforcement and Officer Matthew Tipton was recognized for speed enforcement.
 
“These awards are a reflection of the hard work of our entire department,” said Chief Tony Crisp. “It is a rewarding experience for our staff to be recognized for the work they do every day and we appreciate the Tennessee Highway Safety Office for their support.”
 
For more information about the Maryville Police Department, please visit www.maryvillegov.com.

Engineering and Public Works is wrapping up the last leaf collection of the year. The final round of fall leaf collection will begin Monday, January 4 and run through January 15, 2021. Residents should have all remaining leaves at the curb by Sunday, January 3.
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One additional leaf collection will be performed in the spring and will begin on March 15, 2021. Residents should have leaves at the curb by Sunday, March 14.

Place leaves in the front yard, not in a ditch or drainage system which could clog your storm drain. Please keep leaves separate from bulk and brush.

For more information, please contact Engineering and Public Works at 273-3302.