Blountville, TN – At approx. 5:16 PM Tri-Cities Airport was alerted that Delta Air Lines flight 1534 flying to Atlanta from Indianapolis reported smoke in the cockpit and would be diverting to TRI. The plane landed safely at TRI at approximately 5:36 PM, and the alert was lifted and the call for mutual aid was cancelled. No injuries were reported and passengers have deplaned.
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Tri-Cities Airport (TRI) is a full-service commercial airport serving Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, Western North Carolina, and Eastern Kentucky. TRI offers non-stop flights to four hubs (Atlanta, Charlotte, Orland/Sanford, and St. Pete/Clearwater/Tampa) on Allegiant, American, and Delta. For more information about Tri-Cities Airport, visit www.triflight.com.
Greene County Native to be Laid to Rest After More than 70 Years
NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Department of Veterans Services Commissioner Many-Bears Grinder recognize the service and sacrifice of United States Army Private First Class Reece Gass of Greeneville who was presumably killed on January 14, 1945, but was not identified until 2016. Gass was serving with Company E, 33rd Armored Regiment, 3rd Armored Division in Belgium during World War II when he was killed in action when enemy fire destroyed his tank.
An American investigator recovered the remains of a soldier from a tank in Belgium in 1947, but repeated attempts to identify the remains were unsuccessful. The Greene County native was buried in a grave marked Unknown X-5867 Neuville in the U.S. Military Cemetery Hamm, Luxembourg with a headstone that read “Here Rests in Honored Glory a Comrade in Arms Known but to God.”
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency exhumed Gass in 2016 and was able to confirm his identity using DNA tests which matched a surviving niece.
“Reece was only 20 years old when he went off to war to fight for his state and country,” Haslam said. “We are grateful he will finally be laid to rest under a headstone that will bear his name in a community and state committed to honor his memory.”
“Private First Class Gass is an American and Tennessee hero who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.” Grinder said. “We are relieved this his family will finally get closure after waiting for more than 70 years.” Gass’ remains will arrive at the Tri-Cities Airport at 2525 TN-25 in Blountville on Thursday, June 8 at 8:15 p.m. (EDT). Media planning to attend the dignified transfer of remains at the airport will need to meet the Tri-Cities Airport Public Safety Officer at the Air Services Counter by 7:55 p.m. (EDT). Further instructions will be provided at the Air Services Counter. Interviews with family members will not be provided during the dignified transfer of remains.
Haslam has declared a day of mourning and ordered flags at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, June 10 in honor of Private First Class Reece’s ultimate sacrifice. Visitation will be from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (EDT) at Doughty-Stevens Funeral Home, 1125 Tusculum Boulevard, Greeneville, TN 37841 on June 9. Funeral service will be at Doughty-Stevens Funeral Home, 1125 Tusculum Boulevard, Greeneville, TN 37841 on June 10 at 2:00 p.m. (EDT). Graveside service will follow the funeral service on June 10 at Cross Anchor Cemetery, 560 Old Baileyton Road, Greeneville, TN at 3:00 p.m. (EDT).
Gass is survived by his nieces Roberta Gass, Jo Ann Jones, Betty Lou McAmis and Michelle Schofield of Greeneville, TN.
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**Press release courtesy of the Department of Veterans Services
Blountville, TN – For the 18th consecutive year, the Tri-Cities Airport Authority has been awarded a certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.
An award of Financial Reporting Achievement was also presented to Rene Weber, Tri-Cities Airport Authority’s Director of Finance, for his role in preparing the award-winning CAFR.
“We are pleased to be recognized by the Government Finance Officers Association for our Annual Financial Report. I especially appreciate the effort and attention to detail that Rene Weber and the finance staff exhibit daily when managing the Airport’s finances.” said Patrick Wilson, TCAA Executive Director.
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Tri-Cities Airport (TRI) is a full-service commercial airport serving Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, Western North Carolina, and Eastern Kentucky. TRI offers non-stop flights to four hubs (Atlanta, Charlotte, Orland/Sanford, and St. Pete/Clearwater/Tampa) on Allegiant, American, and Delta. For more information about Tri-Cities Airport, visit www.triflight.com.
Blountville, TN—New parking rates will go into effect beginning June 1, 2017, at Tri-Cities Airport. The new rates were approved by the Tri-Cities Airport Authority today. Current parking rates were last adjusted in 2010.
Parking revenue provides approximately 32% of the airport’s total operating revenue. Airport officials report that developing additional operating revenue to meet projected operating expenditures is needed.
“The significant reduction in state airport funding over the past several years, and into the foreseeable future, has created a need for the airport to be more self-sufficient in funding future capital expenditures,” said Patrick Wilson, Tri-City Airport Authority executive director.
Estimates indicate the parking rate adjustments will generate approximately $250,000 in additional annual parking revenue to fund increasing operating and capital expenditures.
Airport staff conducted a parking rate survey of 25 southeast airports. Tri-Cities Airport’s new rates remain below the average of all 25 southeast airports, even when broken down by Tennessee airports and competing airports.
For individuals picking up passengers, a cell phone waiting lot is located off Terminal Loop Road, just outside the park lot exit. The cell phone waiting lot is free, but visitors must wait in their vehicle until the passenger(s) have arrived, and then exit the lot and drive to the baggage claim curb to pick up passengers.
For additional information regarding parking, please visit the airport’s parking information here or visit www.triflight.com/passenger-guide/parking/.
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Tri-Cities Airport (TRI) is a full-service commercial airport serving Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, Western North Carolina, and Eastern Kentucky. TRI offers non-stop flights to four hubs (Atlanta, Charlotte, Orland/Sanford, and St. Pete/Clearwater/Tampa) on Allegiant, American, and Delta. For more information about Tri-Cities Airport, visit www.triflight.com.
Blountville, TN – Tri-Cities Airport (TRI) unveiled an updated name, new logo and new website today. The new logo highlights the Airport code, TRI, and reflects the clean, modern design of the Airport. The new website, www.triflight.com, is mobile-friendly, easy to navigate, and highlights information passengers access the most.
The Airport has served the Tri-Cities area since 1937 and continues to evolve as the community grows and changes. The most recent enhancements to the terminal area have improved access, convenience, and appearance for an important front door to the region.
“These improvements gave us an opportunity to also update the image that represents the Airport’s brand,” said Patrick Wilson, executive director. “The term ‘Regional’ was removed from the name which provides a better indication that Tri-Cities Airport is a full-service commercial airport providing services and facilities for passengers, air cargo, corporate and general aviation.”
The Tri-Cities Airport Authority approved removing regional from the name and the initial logo concept on August 25. The Airport staff then turned its focus to finalizing the logo, updating collateral materials, social media sites, and development of the new website.
“We are so pleased to have the new website up and available for our community,” said Kristi Haulsee, director marketing and air service development. “The new triflight.com provides information airport users need the most right at their fingertips. It also highlights opportunities to connect with the airport through newsletters and social media sites.”
Social media plays a key role in the Airport’s rebranding effort. Two hashtags will be used to help tell the story of TRI, as well as offer passengers the opportunity to share their travel adventures. #FlyTRI will be used when sharing information about TRI, and #IFlyTRI can be used by passengers to tell their positive TRI experiences and share their travel stories.
“The rebranding effort shows our continued commitment to grow our facilities and services to support the quality of life and economic development of Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia and the surrounding areas,” said Wilson.
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Tri-Cities Airport (TRI) is a full-service commercial airport serving Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, Western North Carolina, and Eastern Kentucky. TRI offers nonstop flights to four hubs (Atlanta, Charlotte, Orland/Sanford, and Tampa/Clearwater/St. Petersburg) on Allegiant, American, and Delta. For more information about Tri-Cities Airport, visit www.triflight.com.
Contact: Kristi Haulsee Tri-Cities Airport Authority Director of Marketing & Air Service Development O: 423-325-6032/C: 423-802-4086 khaulsee@TRIflight.com
Office Space Available in the Airport Terminal Building
453 square feet consisting of two offices, walk in storage area, and a kitchenette. Call early and choose your colors and tenant specifics. Amenities include security, all utilities, parking.
Available Office Space: Suite 126
Lower level of Terminal Building 498 square feet 2 offices and 1 storage area Amenities include utilities, use of all common areas, parking, security; janitorial services available by contract
Contact:
Kathy A. Yakley Manager Human Resources and Administrative Services Tri-Cities Airport Authority (423) 325-6003 (423) 325-6041 fax Email: yakley@triflight.com
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. ENTRY IN THIS PROMOTION CONSTITUTES YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THESE OFFICIAL RULES.
Eligibility. Tri Cities Airport Social Media Giveaways (the “Promotions”) are open only to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia who are at least eighteen (18) years of age at the time of entry. Employees of the Tri Cities Airport, as well as the immediate family (spouse, parents, siblings and children) and household members of each such employees, are not eligible. All federal, state and local laws and regulations apply. Void where prohibited.
Promotion Period to be defined as time of post to 11:59 pm ET on the same day.
Sponsor: Tri Cities Airport. 2525 TN-75, Blountville, TN 37617
Prizes and Approximate Retail Value (“ARV”): Prizes will vary based on giveaway type. Each giveaway will consist of one prize. Value of the prize will be valued at $100.00 or less.
No substitution is allowed and no cash alternative is available, except the Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value in Sponsor’s sole discretion. Each winner is responsible for all taxes and fees associated with prize receipt and/or use.
Odds: Odds of winning a prize depend on the number of eligible entries received during the Promotion Period.
How to Enter:
“Like” Tri Cities Airport on Facebook (www.facebook.com/TRIflight), Follow Tri Cities Airport on Instagram (@triflight_), or follow Tri Cities Airport on Twitter (@triflight) Tri Cities Airport will post giveaway instruction messages throughout the Promotion Period. Follow the instructions on each post to enter to win. Limit one prize per person per year.
Drawings and Giveaways:
Winners will be chosen by sponsor based on all entries received by 11:59 pm ET. Winners will be notified via Facebook/Instagram comment and/or private message within five (5) days of winning. Twitter winner will be notified by tagging the winner user’s handle. If winner does not respond with requested contact information for prize delivery within two (2) days of being notified, the potential winner forfeits prize. Sponsor is not responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate information. In the event that a potential winner is disqualified for any reason, Sponsor will award the applicable prize to an alternate winner by a random drawing from among all remaining eligible entries.
Release: For entry in the Promotion and/or receipt of any prize, each entrant and winner agrees to release and hold harmless Sponsor, its parent, subsidiaries, affiliates, suppliers, distributors, Tri Cities Airport and advertising/promotion agencies and each of their respective parent companies and each such company’s officers, directors, employees and agents from and against any claim or cause of action, including, but not limited to, personal injury, death, or damage to or loss of property, arising out of participation in the Promotion or receipt or use or misuse of any prize. Entrance shall be considered permission to use entrant’s email address in future promotions and mailings.
Publicity: Except where prohibited, participation in the Promotion constitutes each entrant’s and winner’s consent to Sponsor’s and its agents’ use of his or her name, likeness, photograph, or voice for promotional purposes in any media, worldwide, without further payment, consideration, or compensation.
9. Limitations of Liability: Sponsor reserves the right to cancel the Promotion if any fraud, technical failures or any other factor beyond Sponsor’s reasonable control impairs the integrity of the Promotion as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion.
Winners’ List: To receive a copy of the Winners’ List for this Promotion (available after December 31, 2016), mail a self-addressed, stamped #10 envelope to be received by January 15, 2016 to: Winner’s List, Tri Cities’s Social Giveaways, 2525 TN-75, Blountville, TN 37617.
Miscellaneous: Except where prohibited, by participating you agree to these Official Rules and to the decisions of Sponsor, whose decisions are final and binding in all respects. Failure to comply with these Rules may result in disqualification. All issues concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Rules shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Tennessee, State of Virginia, and State of North Carolina. By entering, entrants irrevocably consent to the sole and exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Tennessee located in the county of Sullivan for any action, suit or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Promotion.
*Subject to change, please contact TRI for additional questions or policies.
Sidewalks located in front of the Tri-Cities Airport terminal building are currently being removed and replaced as part of the airport’s parking and frontage roadway construction project. The construction project provides wider walkways, better traffic flow, designated crosswalks and an improved look and function for the front of the airport. Drivers should proceed carefully in front of the terminal as construction workers and equipment are present.
The passenger drop-off and pick-up areas will be partially blocked as the sidewalks are removed and replaced. However, both areas will remain open allowing drivers up to five minutes to drop off and pick up passengers. The cell phone waiting lot is available free of charge for individuals requiring a longer wait time to pick up passengers.
“We realize this phase of construction will be an inconvenience and would like to ask for the public’s patience as we work to complete this project as quickly as possible,” said Kristi Haulsee, Director of Marketing and Air Service Development. “We would also like to remind passengers to arrive at the airport at the time recommended by the airlines, especially during this phase of construction. Passengers should arrive two hours prior to their Allegiant flight, and one and a half hours for Delta or American flights.”
As part of the airport’s improvements, a new credit-card-only parking lot was recently opened offering convenience and easy access to the covered walkway. The new lot is located on the right past rental car parking. Parking rates are $2.00 per hour or $10 per day with rates repeating every 24 hours.
Tri-Cities Airport improvements will continue through the summer with paving of Airport Circle once the sidewalks are complete. Upgrades in the baggage claim area and expansion of the general aviation ramp will also take place this summer.
The final phases of Tri-Cities Airport’s terminal frontage project are underway as milling and paving of Airport Circle begin tonight at 6:30 PM and continues through the daytime hours of Saturday. Completion of the asphalt binder course and temporary pavement markings is anticipated to be complete late afternoon on Saturday.
Milling and paving will take place during low traffic periods for minimal impact to passengers. Traffic will be maintained through the work area with a minimum of one lane open at all times. No milling and paving will be done immediately in front of the terminal building due to sidewalk construction. Drivers should proceed with caution as construction workers and equipment will be present during evening hours.
“We appreciate the continued patience of the public as we embark on this phase of the terminal frontage project,” said Kristi Haulsee, Director of Marketing and Air Service Development. “In order to have plenty of time to navigate the construction area, passengers need to arrive at the airport at the time recommended by the airlines.”
Work will continue on the terminal frontage project during the next few weeks to complete the sidewalks and crosswalks. New wayfinding and regulatory signs will be installed to aid motorists in navigating the airport.
Tri-Cities Airport improvements will continue through the summer with upgrades in the baggage claim area, a new passenger boarding bridge, and expansion of the general aviation ramp.
The Tri-Cities Airport’s terminal frontage project is complete and was christened with a celebration by airport and regional community leaders today.
This $6.24 million project was implemented to improve passenger convenience and safety in front of the terminal building. The project widened sidewalks, increased the size of the drop-off/pick-up lane, provided more curb frontage for vehicles to actively load and unload, improved pedestrian access to public parking lots, and provided landscaping features that present a better front door image to people visiting the region. A new cell phone waiting lot and credit card-only parking lot were also established as part of the project.
The project spanned three years with design work for Phase I beginning in April 2013 and design work for phase II beginning in February 2014. Construction started in March 2015 with sidewalks being removed on the parking lot side of the terminal front. More than 3,500 cubic yards of dirt was moved to make way for the upgrades.
As a result of the upgrades, short-term parking has 247 spaces including nine ADA accessible spaces, long-term parking has 722 spaces including 13 ADA accessible spaces, and the express credit card-only parking lot has 210 spaces including 10 ADA accessible spaces.
One very special item remains from the previous configuration of the terminal front, a statue of Senator Kenneth McKellar. The statue has been carefully restored to its original beauty and placed on a new base at the edge of short-term parking. Senator McKellar was a friend and advocate of commercial aviation and played a role in helping to establish Tri-Cities Airport. So much so, the airfield was named for him – McKellar Field.
Edgar Bowlin, internationally-known and local artist, sculpted the statue from marble in 1958. Bowlin is well-known for a bronze bust of Helen Keller, a statue named “Pleased Boy of Noble Street”, and many other pieces that include past presidents. He is also well-known for his paintings. The airport was honored to have Bowlin’s two sons, Col. Gladwyn Bowlin and Edgar Bowlin, Jr., at the celebration to see the restoration of their father’s work.
During 2015, the Airport Authority also completed several renovations to the interior of the main terminal. These improvements included construction of new restroom facilities at the mid-point of the existing restrooms, and renovations to the rental car wing of the terminal.
AUG. 25, 2016 – COL. GLADWYN BOWLIN WITH FATHER’S SCULPTURE OF SENATOR KENNETH MCKELLAR
During 2015, the Airport Authority also completed several renovations to the interior of the main terminal. These improvements included construction of new restroom facilities at the mid-point of the existing restrooms, and renovations to the rental car wing of the terminal.
Additional improvements during 2016 include upgrades in the baggage claim area and a new passenger boarding bridge. A project was also begun that provides new concrete aircraft parking areas at the general aviation facilities, and grading to accommodate future expansion of the general aviation ramp. Tailwind Concessions has recently opened a new retail space in the concourse allowing expansion of the restaurant.
Consultants for the road front improvement project included Atkins Global Consulting, Versen Landscape Architects, and Armstong Aviation. Contractors for the project included Summers and Taylor, Acorn Electric, and Henderson Landscaping. The airport received $5.7 million in federal and state grants, and $93,267 in PFC funds toward the project.
