A-2 • January 4, 2017 • Halls/Fountain City Shopper news
Crowd rallies for Dippin’ Donuts By Sandra Clark
Owner Kent Tharp celebrates the grand opening Dec. 31 of Dippin’ Donuts in Halls. Photo by S. Clark
Kent and Mary Tharp had already put in 12 hours when we arrived at 5 p.m. on Saturday’s grand opening of Dippin’ Donuts at 6625 Maynardville Pike in Halls’ Black Oak Center. Stock was low and Kent had all the backroom cookers abuzz to prepare more doughnuts. Folks were coming in so fast, you’d think they had never seen a doughnut. Actually, few of us have seen the array of specialties offered at Dippin’ Donuts. “We’ve got 50 varieties of doughnuts and nine varieties of holes,” said Kent Tharp. “We’ve got ice cream and fritters, but we’re best known for our beignets.” Beignet is a French term for deep-
COMMUNITY NOTES ■■ Fountain City Lions Club meets 6 p.m. each first and third Monday, Lions Community
fried choux pastry. Think New Orleans. Kent Tharp said he’s been in the doughnut business for 30 years and owns the name Dippin’ Donuts as well as the store. Why Halls? “My lease (on Kingston Pike) was up and this store is on the right side of the road.” The site has previously been a Time Out Deli and more recently the Backwoods Bistro. It’s a clean, no-frills eatin space with adequate counter space to place an order. Don’t see what you want? Tharp will make it for you. The store is open daily 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Mary Tharp talked about the growth of the business. “In 2003 (when the store opened on Kingston Pike), we had (contracts to deliver to) two motels and
each second and fourth Monday, Shoney’s, 343 Emory Road. Building, 5345 N. Broadway. ■■ Halls Community Lions Club meets 7:15 p.m.
Sharing hopes for 2017
Sisters Dawn Butler and Bess Smith chatted at Amber Restaurant about the imminent arrival of Butler’s first grandchild. The girl, Nora, is expected in April. “We want her to be healthy of course, and I will get to keep her all the time,” said great-aunt Smith. “I’m wishing for a peaceful year, no more wars, and that’s really it. I’m tired of hearing about so much violence.”
From page A-1
Beki Proffitt paused during lunch with family at Amber Restaurant to say that 2016 was good for her and her family, and she hopes things keep going that way. “I hope people keep being supportive of each other,” she said.
M.W. Rhyne Jr. OD is pleased to announce the opening of
East Tennessee Binocular Vision Center on January 3, 2017 at 9051 Executive Park Dr. Suite 401
■■ Halls Republican Club meets 7 p.m. each third Monday at the Boys & Girls Club of Halls/ Powell, 1819 Dry Gap Pike. Info: knoxgop.org.
five churches; now we have about 30 regulars. For churches, we give a discount and deliver.” Dippin’ Donuts also delivers to 32 local Pilot stations. Online, customers rave about the unique flavors such as peanut butter donuts. Most like the freshness, knowing the doughnuts are cooked onsite. All churches, pastors, youth directors and program directors can call for free delivery on fresh-made pastries: 865-588-3765 or fax to 865-588-7489. Through Feb. 28, those who bring their church bulletin for the week to Dippin’ Donuts on Sunday or Wednesday will receive one free, regular-sized doughnut of their choice. Let’s give Kent and Mary Tharp a rousing Halls welcome!
■■ Seventh District Democrats meet 6:30 p.m. each fourth Monday, Halls Branch Library, 4518 E. Emory Road. Info: Mary Ann Page, map@ parodee.net or 247-8155; Dan Haney, bdl66@ comcast.net or 922-4547.
Closer look at 2016 state Rep. Steve Hall during a campaign event. Even more absurd is that the mess isn’t over yet. Daniel’s criminal charges remain pending as legislators return to Nashville this month. Here are some other things to watch in 2017: Knoxville City Council district seats (1, 2, 3, 4 and 6) will be on the ballot this fall, but few will notice. On average, only 5,000 people bother to vote in a typical city election. (Knoxville has a population of about 185,000.) Also, although the Republican primary won’t be held until May 2018, two heavyweight candidates are lining up to be the next sheriff: assistant chief Lee Tramel and former chief
deputy Tom Spangler. Tramel will have the blessing of current Sheriff Jimmy “J.J.” Jones (who is term limited). Spangler will raise a lot of money from his political connections in Blount County, where he is employed part-time as director of training. Of course, political posturing is also underway in the race to succeed county Mayor Tim Burchett (who is also term limited). Rumored and announced candidates for mayor are Commissioner Brad Anders, Law Director Bud Armstrong, county GOP leader Buddy Burkhardt and Commissioner Bob Thomas. The wild card in the race is Glenn Jacobs (the professional wrestler formerly
From page A-1 known as “Kane”). Celebrities win elections. Jacobs would be a strong candidate for mayor or Congress. Rumors continue to swirl around the political futures of Burchett and U.S. Rep. John J. Duncan Jr. Both have been around a while. 2018 will be the 30th anniversary of Duncan’s election to Congress and the 24th anniversary of Burchett’s first election to the state Legislature. According to a Federal Election Commission filing this month, the “Duncan for Congress” campaign account has $974,058.05 in available cash. That’s a lot of money. 2017 will be an interesting year. Scott Frith is a local attorney. You can visit his website at pleadthefrith.com.
pellissippi state community college
Business & Community Services non-credit courses for continuing education
KEEP your new year’s resolutions!
Although offering full scope optometric care, Dr. Rhyne will continue to emphasize the diagnose and treatment of visual disorders associated with problems in developmental delays and learning difficulties along with problems caused by trauma (head injuries, stroke, and other neurological disorders.) Prescribed treatment consists of specialty lenses and vision therapy. Dr, Rhyne who has 42 years of experience in this field was recently honored by the Consumer Research Council of America by his inclusion in “Guide to America’s Top Optometrist” 2016 Edition. KN-1401415
For more details call: 865-437-3166
one stop shop o
Let us help you through your whole wedding. From save the dates to invitations to thank you cards...and much more!
• personal development • computer training • industrial & technical • business and professional • online courses • customized training
Come see us at Pink Bride! January 8, 2017 11am-4pm Knoxville Convention Center KN-1423779
Member of