The Great Smoky Mountains Association has opened a new visitor center called the Great Smokies Welcome Center. Located in Townsend, at 7929 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, this new center is a starting point for visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The center provides information about the park and sells souvenirs, parking tags, and other park-related items.

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Tribal Council has taken a “significant step forward” to renaming Clingmans Dome, according to a statement released by the tribe. The Tribal Council voted unanimously on a resolution to approve the submittal of an application to change the name of Clingmans Dome to “Kuwohi” on January 4.