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May seeks NBC’s AGT

Bearden High School teacher auditions in song for hit show ‘America’s Got Talent’

January 10, 2019 by Michelle Hollenhead

Vicki May hopes her local singing audition will earn her a spot on NBC’s hit show “America’s Got Talent.”

Bearden High School art and photography teacher Vicki May was intrigued, but unsure, when her sister suggested she try out for the Knoxville auditions of “America’s Got Talent” late last year.

A vocal artist who currently serves as a member of the worship team at Faith Promise Church and also is lead singer for the local ’80s cover band “Vinyl Tap,” the try-outs were not on her radar until her sister suggested it.

“She has always been a big supporter of mine, and when she found out they were coming she encouraged me to try out,” said May, who was a bit skittish about the show’s preliminary audition, held locally Nov. 15 in Knoxville Convention Center.

That audition was one of dozens held throughout the country — and the first one ever in Knoxville — as precursors of auditions that will be recorded for national broadcasting when the popular NBC variety show begins its new season in May.

Town of Farragut volunteers

January 10, 2019 by Tammy Cheek

Debi Houck

Town of Farragut volunteers and staff members were treated to a “Thank You” Volunteer Breakfast Thursday morning, Dec. 20, in Town Hall by Farragut officials.

The Town has more than 100 volunteers in its Farragut Unsung Navy program, which can include those assisting with Town events, serving on Town committees and boards, Farragut Museum docents and helping residents through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.

Grain-free dog diets big topic among vets

Ask the Vet

January 10, 2019 by Stephanie Myers

Q: I am hearing different things from friends and neighbors about their dogs eating a grain-free diet. One neighbor says it’s good to feed grain free, but the other says it can cause problems. My Maltese just eats regular dog food – should I be feeding her something else? T.B, Farragut

A: There is a lot of talk in the veterinary community right now regarding grain-free diets. Last year, veterinary cardiologists started noticing a link between dogs being fed certain diets and a form of heart disease called dilated cardiomyopathy.

DCM can occur in any dog but tends to occur in breeds such as boxers, Dobermans and cocker spaniels. Specialists grew concerned after noticing an increase incidence of the disease in breeds not typically affected by DCM.