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Ten Mile teen advocating for East Tennessee in nation’s capital

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Ten Mile teen advocating for East Tennessee in nation’s capital


TEN MILE, Tenn. (WVLT) – In the midst of National Agriculture Week, the group 4-H has brought three students from across the country to Washington D.C. to learn more about agriculture and speak to lawmakers.

Of the three students taken on the trip, 18-year-old Mattie Smith from Ten Mile is the only one from Tennessee.

Smith, a third-generation beef cattle farmer, is advocating for her family’s 400-acre farm back home as she’s seen it struggle over the last few years with costs to run the land increasing.

“There’s got to be a change, and sadly for us, it meant cutting down our herd to half its size,” said Smith.

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On the trip, Smith will get the chance to meet with other members of the 4-H council, agriculture leaders, and members of Congress.

While speaking with lawmakers in the nation’s capital, Smith hopes to convey the importance of family farms like hers in East Tennessee.

“What they’re doing is not just for the face of a farm. It’s for the heart of the family that’s running that farm,” said Smith.

Smith said she hopes the nation’s leaders in agriculture and policies will think about how important agriculture and farming is when it comes to everyday life, including things as simple as eating.

Smith will get the chance to meet with Congress and others on Tuesday, which is National Agriculture Day.

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Wildfire in Pigeon Forge 0% contained, Division of Forestry says

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Wildfire in Pigeon Forge 0% contained, Division of Forestry says


PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WVLT) – The Tennessee Division of Forestry said a wildfire began burning in Pigeon Forge on Monday and is not contained.

According to the forestry division’s wildfire tracking map, the fire on Rocky Creek Way was first reported Monday evening. As of 10 p.m., it had grown to two acres in size and was 0% contained.

Additional information, including how many crews have responded and if any homes or businesses are in danger, hasn’t been released.

This is a developing story.

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Copyright 2026 WVLT. All rights reserved.



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Tornadoes possible as Middle Tennessee braces for severe storms tonight and Tuesday night

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Tornadoes possible as Middle Tennessee braces for severe storms tonight and Tuesday night


NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – We’re starting the week with back to back First Alert Weather Days. The first one is tonight, Monday April 27, with another round of storms expected Tuesday night.

Severe risk for two days(WSMV)

Both rounds bring a risk for damaging wind gusts greater than 60mph, hail larger than quarters, and tornadoes.

Damaging straight line wind will be the most widespread threat both nights. For Monday night the tornado threat is higher, with a lower risk for tornadoes.

By Tuesday night, the setup shifts slightly. Damaging wind remains the dominant hazard, but the risk for hail increases compared to tonight’s storms.

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WSMV First Alert Weather
WSMV First Alert Weather(wsmv)

No matter which threat materializes, now is the time to prepare. Take a few minutes to secure any loose outdoor items that could be blown around in strong wind. If you have vehicles or outdoor furniture, consider ways to protect them from potential hail damage.

It’s also a good idea to review your severe weather safety plan and make sure you have multiple ways to receive warnings.

It’s important to prioritize tools that can wake you up if you decide to go to sleep.

A NOAA weather radio is a great resource. First Alert Meteorologist Dan Thomas has step by step instructions to help program your NOAA Weather Radio. The process takes a few minutes and allows you to receive weather watches and warnings issued for your area.

The WSMV4 First Alert Weather App can alert you before trouble arrives. Download the WSMV 4 First Alert Weather app for iPhone or Android. Make sure you have ‘locations’ and ‘notifications’ turned on when using a weather app.

WSMV

Knowing where to go before a tornado warning is issued — at home or at work — can make a critical difference.

Three factors can help guide that decision.

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Think windowless

The first step is finding an interior room without windows. A hallway, bathroom or closet can all serve as shelter options.

Think low

A basement is the preferred location, but if one is not available, move to the lowest level of the home or business. Sheltering under a stairwell provides extra protection, as does taking cover under a sturdy piece of furniture.

Think small

Putting as many walls as possible between you and the storm increases safety. A windowless closet or interior bathroom is among the best available options.

Blankets, pillows or a helmet can be brought to the shelter location to provide additional protection from the storm and flying debris.

Mobile homes and cars do not offer protection during a tornado. Anyone in either should seek a conventionally constructed building — a neighbor’s home, a family member’s house or a nearby business.

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Tennessee man dies after falling from raft into Ocoee River

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Tennessee man dies after falling from raft into Ocoee River


TURTLETOWN, Tenn. (WSMV) – A Tennessee man died Sunday after he fell from a raft while paddling on the Ocoee River in Polk County, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.

The TWRA said game wardens and Tennessee State Park Rangers responded to just south of Ocoee Dam No. 2 for reports of an unconscious man on the Ocoee River.

Witnesses told officials that 50-year-old Richard White, of Cleveland, fell from a raft while paddling on the river. Bystanders pulled him from the water and performed CPR until emergency services arrived.

The TWRA said White was taken to Bradley Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

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White was wearing protective equipment, including a helmet and a personal floatation device, the TWRA said.

The investigation is ongoing.

This incident marks the sixth boating-related fatality this year, the TWRA said. This is the first death this year in which the victim was wearing a life jacket.

Copyright 2025 WSMV. All rights reserved.



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