Community
January 21, 2026 by Jake Nichols
George Quarles has not yet personalized his new office inside the Lee Athletic Center at Webb School of Knoxville.
Two Spartan football helmets sit under a television, and on the white board, players’ last names are scrawled in black marker with each group separated by class.
The decor is minimal, yet Quarles appears right at home in his new digs.
After leading Maryville to 11 state titles in 18 years as head coach and spending almost a decade with three different college programs, the Jefferson County graduate is ready for a fresh start in a setting that is all too familiar.
“The biggest thing to me is the mountains,” he said with a smile. “Whether it’s down Alcoa Highway or Pellissippi going back toward Maryville, just seeing those mountains calms me down and makes me feel good.
“It’s just the right time for me to come back and do this. And we have so many friends that live here, so that’s been a good part for us. It has been really nice to be back home.”
In his return to East Tennessee, the 58-year-old is tasked with leading a Webb program that is looking to return to prominence in Division II-AA.
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January 21, 2026 by Tammy Cheek
Faith Lutheran Church celebrated a milestone of one of its members: the 100th birthday of Elmer E. Syler.
“One hundred years is not just a longevity accomplishment; it’s that [he] has seen and witnessed life for which you have no personal reference,” church member Stephen Dean said. “Just as Elmer is amazed at how life has changed since he was born, you should be amazed how little you understand about the life he lived.”
“There must be something following me [to keep me alive],” Elmer said. “There’s something in my life I haven’t done yet.”
At the church service, state Rep. Jason Zachary presented Elmer with a flag that flew over the state capital and a proclamation in his honor for his “faith, patriotism and
courage.”
Additionally, Elmer received a proclamation from Lenoir City Mayor Tony Akins and Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, a letter from the Air Force and a letter from U.S. President Donald Trump.
In wishing Elmer a happy birthday, Trump wrote, “I also extend my personal gratitude for your unwavering service to our country. The grit, tenacity and extraordinary bravery you have displayed throughout your life continue to inspire generations of Americans.”
“He’s a very humble man,” said Elmer’s daughter-in-law Donna Syler. “He’s one of the best fathers-in-law.”
“With Elmer, every Sunday, it’s a teaching lesson,” said friend George Herbold, who drives Elmer to church and back. “We drive 13 miles one way and 13 miles another way, so it’s always a teaching lesson about the Depression, how he grew up, how they didn’t depend on anybody else but themselves.
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January 21, 2026 by Jake Nichols
From the basketball court to the swimming pool, there have been plenty of familiar faces at different athletic events across the Farragut area in the past few weeks. Several pictures were captured at the Farragut-Rhea County District 4-4A matchups on Jan. 6, as the Admirals won both games against the Eagles. That night also featured a special honor for Farragut senior K.J. McNealy, who broke the Lady Admirals’ 23-year-old program rebounding record held by 2002 graduate and former coach Alex Munday. Then fans smiled for more photos at the Lenoir City-Hardin Valley basketball games at Lenoir City High Friday, Jan. 9, as both Panther squads defeated the Hawks in two separate battles.
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January 21, 2026 by Staff Reports
First Baptist Church of Concord will host a community-wide Worship Night Sunday, Jan. 25, in the Student Center/Gym of its church, 11704 Kingston Pike, bringing together churches, pro-life organizations and community members from across the 865 region for an evening of worship, prayer and unity.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with worship beginning at 6 p.m. The evening will feature live worship, personal testimonies, a message from Pastor John Mark Harrison and focused prayer for the greater Knoxville communities, particularly around the value and sanctity of human life.
“Organizers emphasized the event is not a fundraiser or political rally, but a gathering centered on faith, worship and prayer,” a FBC press release stated. “Attendees will also have the opportunity to connect with local life-affirming organizations that serve women, families and individuals throughout the region.”
“This night is about unity,” organizer Breanne Houston said. “We’re coming together simply to worship the Lord, pray for our city and seek God’s heart for life, healing and hope in our community.”
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