TWRA says the 'collar' seen on a Maryville bear was a GPS tracker used to monitor a mother and her four cubs after they were relocated to the Smokies.

Police warned after a bear was seen in north Clinton Wednesday; officials posted safety steps and a non‑emergency line for sightings. Authorities urge residents to secure attractants and report sightings.

Bill and Tracy Frist are backing a new Appalachian wellness center at Maryville College that links health training with conservation in the Southern Appalachians. The Alexander Institute is projected at 65,000 sq ft with $12M in state seed funding.