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The Sevier County Central Dispatch E911 director allegedly made questionable purchases and worked on personal business during his work hours, an investigation found.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — An investigation from the Tennessee Comptroller's Office found that a Sevier County 911 director allegedly made questionable purchases and worked on personal business during his work hours.

Investigators determined that Todd Spence, Sevier County Central Dispatch's E911 director, made purchases totaling at least $9,462.80 from July 2021 through March 2023.

Spence was placed on leave without pay pending further internal investigation, according to Sevier County officials. The county said law enforcement and the District Attorney General's office were consulted through the process.

The purchases included tactical equipment, clothing, food and drinks, travel and supplies. Investigators question if the items were used for business-related purposes and if they were used exclusively in the dispatch center, the Comptroller's Office said.

According to the report, Spence made nearly $4,000 in "wasteful clothing purchases," saying SCCD does not have a uniform policy. That included more than a dozen polos and 15 pairs of tactical pants for himself. The report said he also bought 20 heavy-duty jackets with the SCCD logo worth more than $2,200.

County officials told investigators they were not monitoring these purchases.

"The director ordered his personal preference of performance polos and tactical pants in multiple colors and with his embroidered name, title, and the SCCD logo. Without a uniform policy or other guidance, the clothing quantities and styles selected were excessive and wasteful," the report said.

The report went on to say the director made wasteful food purchases worth more than $3,200, which included premium coffee pods snacks, energy drinks and protein drinks.

"Dispatchers confirmed snacks were provided but did not recall energy drinks or protein shakes being offered. The director said dispatchers can leave the office for food (lunch), but they usually bring their food to work or have it delivered. SCCD has a fully functioning kitchen and a drink vending machine; therefore, investigators question the use of SCCD funds for the purchase of food and drinks," the report said.

The report said he also paid more than $290 for protective cases for his phone, watch and badge, as well as a tall foldable director chair that was used at gun shows for his personal business.

The investigation also found the director conducted personal business during work hours by teaching multiple first aid classes without the knowledge of county officials. From July 2022 through June 2023, the director did not record 64 annual leave hours for classes he instructed during county work hours. Investigators also said he used his official job title and affiliation with the county in emails when notifying outside agencies about classes hosted by his personal business.

"Due to improper oversight of the director, county officials were unaware that the director was conducting first aid training classes on behalf of his private business during county work hours," the investigation report said.

The Tennessee Comptroller's Office said Sevier County officials failed to provide adequate oversight over the dispatch center's purchases and that they also failed to enforce its outside employment policy.

"County officials are responsible for designing internal controls to give reasonable assurance of the reliability of financial transactions and the effectiveness and efficiency of county operations. Providing increased oversight of the director’s purchases in a timely manner reduces the risks of errors, fraud, waste, or abuse," the report said.

The Tennessee Comptroller's Office said county officials indicated that they've corrected or intend to correct the deficiencies found in the investigation.

Sevier County officials said they recently implemented new oversight measures for department directors.

"Sevier County's policy states that all purchases made are at the discretion of officials and directors of county departments. In addition, officials and department directors are wholly responsible to ensure a proper record of their work is documented and to ensure conflicts of interest do not arise. The county has recently implemented new governmental structure and oversight to ensure department directors are more directly accountable to county officials. This change along with new and updated policies provide better internal controls for county government," the Seiver County government said in response to the investigation.," Sevier County officials said.

Buc-ee's Sevierville is officially open and welcoming travelers and super fans to its mega gas station convenience store.

On June 26, Buc-ee's hosted its grand opening, welcoming the public starting at 6 a.m. at 170 Buc-ee's Boulevard off of Interstate 40 exit 407.

Guests bought beaver merchandise, stocked up on pounds of beef jerky and checked out the super clean bathrooms.

New to Buc-ee's? Don't get the hype? Here are all the answers to the burning questions you have about this beloved gas station.

What is Buc-ee's famous for?

How to choose!

Why is the Buc-ee's mascot a beaver?

Buc-ee's founder Arch "Beaver" Aplin III created the mascot based on his childhood nickname, inspired by old toothpaste commercials for Ipana featuring the cartoon character Bucky Beaver.

The nickname stuck with him and he incorporated it into his gas station chain.

Where is Buc-ee's headquarted?

Buc-ee's is headquartered in Lake Jackson, Texas, which is south of Houston.

Buc-ee's opened its first store in 1982 on the border of Lake Jackson and Clute, Texas.

Why are the Buc-ee's gas stations so big?

Some of the Buc-ee's stores are quite small. These smaller stores are mostly found in Buc-ee's home state of Texas, resembling a typical gas station.

However, the travel centers are where Buc-ee's gets its reputation for bigger and better.

These stores are monstrous in size. The Buc-ee's in Crossville, Tennessee, is 53,400 square feet, and the largest one so far is in New Braunfels, Texas, at over 66,000 square feet.

To put that in perspective, an American football field is 57,600 square feet!

The Sevierville location is the biggest Buc-ee's at 74,000 square feet. However, it will be surpassed by the one being built in Luling, Texas, by 1,000 square feet.

What are Buc-ee's gas prices?

Buc-ee's was once sued in Alabama for having prices that were too low.

On June 20, Buc-ee's in Crossville had gas for $2.84 a gallon for regular and $3.12 for diesel, according to user submissions on gasbuddy.com.

The average in Tennessee that day was $3.15 for regular and $3.60 for diesel, according to AAA.

Why did Buc-ee's choose Sevierville?

The reason is simple: Sevierville is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the country.

With Gatlinburg, Dollywood and Great Smoky Mountains National Park nearby, it's a no-brainer to put a popular gas station in the most visited area of Tennessee.

Even with fewer visitors last year, Great Smoky Mountains National Park remains the most-visited national park in thecountry.

Will Buc-ee's come to Knoxville?

Unfortunately, it seems that Buc-ee's isn't planning any new locations in East Tennessee.

"With this location, we are pretty much at the eastern end; maybe we need to start back at the western end," Buc-ee's spokesperson Stan Beard told Knox News earlier this year.

Beard said the next Buc-ee's in the state will be in Murfreesboro with construction starting soon. There's another one planned for Clarksville.

What kind of jobs can you get at Buc-ee's?

Buc-ee's is hiring for those eager to work for the beaver. The Sevierville location is hiring as of June 20 for cashier, food service associate, grocery stocker, gift/merchandise associate, restroom attendant and janitorial positions.

Full-time jobs range in pay from $17 to $20 an hour and come with medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k) match and three weeks of paid time off.

There also are managerial positions at Buc-ee's, like an assistant car wash manager. If you'd like to apply, you can visit buc-ees.com/careers/ for more information.

How many Buc-ee's locations are there?

There are 58 Buc-ee's locations across Texas, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina and Tennessee. Sevierville will be the 45th location.

Are truckers and 18-wheelers allowed at Buc-ee's?

Buc-ee's doesn't allow big 18-wheel trucks at the gas station.

"So, the way we are set up, we are set up for the family traveler," director of operations Josh Smith told Knox News. "So … we don't have the space or the capacity to hold 18-wheelers in the lot. We respect them. We thank them for what they do. Unfortunately, we're just not designed to have 18-wheeler traffic in the parking lot."

Keenan Thomas is a business growth and development reporter. Email [email protected]. Twitter @specialk2real.

It’s been a long time coming, but the country’s largest Buc-ee’s is finally here.

The Buc-ee's in Sevierville, Tennessee, opened for business on Monday, June 26. Doors opened to the public at 6 a.m. EST, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11:00 a.m. EST.

The store will be the chain’s biggest output until the opening of the location currently being built in Luling, Texas, which will surpass the Sevierville store by 1,000 square feet.

“Buc-ee’s Sevierville, located at ‘The 407,’ is nestled in the gateway to Pigeon Forge, Dollywood, Gatlinburg, and of course, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park,” Stan Beard, Director of Real Estate for Buc-ee's, said in a news release. “We are thrilled to join such a beautiful community that has long-since been a destination for travelers from around the world.”

The 74,000-square-foot flagship location is Tennessee’s second Buc-ee’s. It sits right off Interstate 40 at Exit 407: a popular starting point for vacations in the Great Smoky Mountains. The 200-acre piece of land that spans both sides of the interstate was developed by Kituwah LLC and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).

"It is not a coincidence that we chose The 407 as our first big store location outside of Texas. We will be the proverbial 'welcome sign' at the front door of the exceptional travel experience that the Smoky Mountains, Sevierville, and Sevier County has to offer," Beard said in a 2021 news release. "You won't forget your first visit to Buc-ee's and it won't be your last! We are thrilled to share our over-the-top customer experience and be a pivotal part of the Kituwah and EBCI vision for the Gateway to Adventure."

The Sevierville Buc-ee’s features 120 pumps, 22 electric vehicle stations, and a giant 250-foot car wash.

See y’all there!

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn., May 31, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Buc-ee's, home of the world's cleanest bathrooms, freshest food and friendliest beaver, will unveil its newest travel center in Sevierville, Tennessee, on Monday, June 26, 2023. Doors will open to the public at 6 a.m. ET, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony will follow at 11:00 a.m. ET.

When it debuts, Buc-ee's Sevierville will be the largest travel center in the world. The store's 74,000-square-foot floor plan will remain the biggest Buc-ee's until that record moves back to Texas, where construction is currently underway on a 75,000-square-foot location in Luling, TX.

Located at exit 407 off Interstate 40 and Winfield Dunn Parkway, Buc-ee's Sevierville offers 120 fueling positions outside its store with thousands of snack, meal and drink options for travelers on the go. The new travel center also features a state-of-the-art car wash (coming soon), along with the same award-winning restrooms, cheap gas, quality products and excellent service that have won the hearts, trust and business of millions in the South for 40 years. Buc-ee's favorites, including Texas barbeque, homemade fudge, kolaches, Beaver Nuggets, jerky and fresh pastries, are all available as well.

State and local leaders attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony will include Sevierville Mayor Robbie Fox, Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters, EBCI Principal Chief Richard Sneed, and many other partners and officials who helped Buc-ee's bring the project to Sevierville.

After the opening of Buc-ee's Sevierville, Buc-ee's will operate 46 stores across Texas and the South. Buc-ee's Sevierville is the second Buc-ee's location in Tennessee, joining Buc-ee's Crossville, which debuted on June 27, 2022. Since beginning its multi-state expansion in 2019, Buc-ee's has opened travel centers in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Buc-ee's recently announced the brand is headed West with store groundbreakings in Colorado and Missouri. The first Virginia location was announced in March of this year.

"Buc-ee's Sevierville, located at 'The 407,' is nestled in the gateway to Pigeon Forge, Dollywood, Gatlinburg, and of course, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park," said Stan Beard of Buc-ee's. "We are thrilled to join such a beautiful community that has long since been a destination for travelers from around the world."

Buc-ee's Sevierville will bring at least 200 new full-time jobs to the area with starting pay well above minimum wage, full benefits, a 100% matching 401k up to 6%, and three weeks of paid vacation.

About Buc-ee'sBuc-ee's is the world's most-loved travel center. Founded in 1982, Buc-ee's now has 34 stores across Texas, including the world's largest convenience store, as well as 12 locations in other states. Buc-ee's is known for pristine bathrooms, a large amount of fueling positions, friendly service, Buc-ee's apparel and fresh, delicious food. Originally launched and still headquartered in Texas, Buc-ee's has combined traditional quality and modern efficiency to redefine the pit stop for their customers. For more information, visit www.buc-ees.com.

Source: Buc-ee's

The new Buc-ee's in Sevierville opened early morning on Monday, June 26, 2023. Proclaimed as the world's largest travel center, the new location will be on I-40 at Exit 407. (Photo credit: WLOS Staff)

SEVIERVILLE, TN (WLOS) — It’s more than a place to fill up with gas and grab some snacks. The biggest Buc-ee’s in the country opened Monday just across the North Carolina border in eastern Tennessee.

Buc-ee's Family Travel Center opens as largest location yet in Sevierville, Tennessee

An opening celebration ushered in the new destination.

At 74,000 square feet, with 120 gas pumps, it has the designation as the biggest Buc-ee’s yet, at least until a 75,000 square foot location in Luling, Texas is complete.

“They’re having a big Buc-ee’s opening at the largest one in the world,” said Montgomery Wallman, visiting from Washington state. He’s in Tennessee looking around for property and found out about the Buc-ee’s opening and had to see it.

“Very impressive,” he said.

You can fill up on gas and fill your senses inside the huge facility off I-40 in Sevierville, everything from barbeque to Beaver Nuggets. Representatives say you can shop for Christmas, or even furnish your home.

BUC-EE'S OPENS LARGEST TRAVEL CENTER IN SEVIERVILLE, TENNESSEE

“You watch hundreds of people flow into the building with the awe and the shock on their faces,” said Buc-ee’s Director Operations Josh Smith. “It’s fun. It’s exciting. There are so many people out here ready to go. You got the crowd forming about midnight last night. So, we opened the doors and watched hundreds of people flow into the building with shock on their face."

Faces from parents to kids revealed amazement.

“Cheap gas, good BBQ,” said Tamara Asher.

“There’s a lot of stuff,” said her daughter Lily.

“They have an ice cream freeze in there,” said her son Seth.

Local YouTubers chronicled the event.

“We’ll just let everybody know that it’s open and it’s huge,” said Will Grace from Kodak, Tennessee.

Dignitaries were on hand for the ceremonial ribbon cutting, including Tennessee Governor Bill Lee.

“If you read the story about this great American story, that is manifest here today it’s impressive,” the governor said.

Buc-ee’s Founder Arch “Beaver” Alpin, from Texas, was on hand. His childhood nickname is behind the infamous beaver mascot.

'SOMETHING YOU HAVE TO EXPERIENCE:' SOUTH CAROLINA'S FIRST BUC-EE'S NOW OPEN IN FLORENCE

“Everyone at Buc-ee’s is so humble for this welcome,” he said.

This travel center is putting more than 400 to work in full-time jobs. It’s the biggest to date, until Buc-ee’s home state of Texas opens a bigger one next year.

This Buc-ee’s is part of an all-encompassing development called the exit 407-gateway to adventure owned and operated by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

It is designed to attract visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

“They’ve got an exciting little resort-style, venue-show, theater kind of thing going on," Smith said. They’ve been a pleasure to work with. It’s going to be a sight to see."

Montgomery Wallman says this Buc-ee’s is too.

“I wish they had one of these back home where we’re from. That place is incredible,” he said.

Smith says he won’t say where, but there are plans in place to put a Buc-ee’s in North Carolina.