The Pacer

08/05/2026

Blake Stoker, the owner of Blake’s At Southern Milling in Martin, Tennessee, will appear on season seven of the Food Network show “BBQ Brawl”, premiering on May 11, 2026.

For Stoker, the Martin community has always been the driver behind his work, leading to many accomplishments and recognitions across his time in the food industry.

The City of Martin is preparing for Stoker’s television debut by increasing tourism efforts in the upcoming months.

To read more, visit https://www.thepacer.net/martin-restaurant-owner-to-appear-on-food-network/

(Pacer Story by Ryleigh Ulen / Photo provided by Food Network)

24/04/2026

The Los Angeles Rams surprised draft experts by taking Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th pick. Simpson, a native of Martin, Tennessee, was among 16 prospects who came to Pittsburgh even though many draft boards had him going in the second round.

Click the link below to see more photos from Simpson's monumental night.

Featured image: Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson poses after being chosen by the Los Angeles Rams with the 13th overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026…

24/04/2026

Ella Self, a rising senior from Somerville, Tennessee, has been named the next Student Body President at the University of Tennessee at Martin.

A graphic design major with a marketing minor, Self is involved in campus organizations including Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity, Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society, Student Alumni Council, LSA, UT Martin Student Government Association and more.

Read more about her journey and campus impact at https://www.thepacer.net/student-spotlight-ella-self/

(Pacer Story / Marques Rice)

23/04/2026

Chloe Kent is the Managing Editor at The Pacer and will be graduating with a degree in Mass Media and Strategic Communication this May. Join us in congratulating her on her graduation and enjoy her senior farewell column at the link below.

Featured Photo: (Pacer Photo / Miranda Conrad) First, I think it’s important for you to listen to “Au revoir (Adios)” by The Front Bottoms while you read this. There is no Chloe without a Midwest E…

23/04/2026

Chyler Lee is the Editor-in-Chief at The Pacer and will be graduating with a degree in Mass Media and Strategic Communication this May. Join us in congratulating him on his graduation and enjoy his senior farewell column at the link below.

I joined The Pacer in the spring semester of 2024. It was immediately after a time in which I was most confused about where my path was going. I spent my first year and a half in Martin as a biolog…

23/04/2026

Nate Szarzynski is the Sports Editor at The Pacer and will be graduating with a degree in Mass Media and Strategic Communication this May. Join us in congratulating him on his graduation and enjoy his senior farewell column at the link below.

When I heard of the Senior Farewell, I always dreaded writing my own. There is something about writing about myself that does not feel right or natural. With that being said, I decided to make the …

23/04/2026

Bethany Collins is the Opinion Editor at The Pacer and will be graduating with a degree in Mass Media and Strategic Communication this May. Join us in congratulating her on her graduation and enjoy her senior farewell column at the link below.

Featured image: (Photo Credit / Erika O’Brien) Oh, dear lordy, where do I begin? I have spent the past four years of my college career working for a job that I originally thought was temporar…

23/04/2026

Gwendolyn Lyle is a staff writer at The Pacer and will be graduating with a degree in Mass Media and Strategic Communication this May. Join us in congratulating her on her graduation and enjoy her senior farewell column at the link below.

Featured image: (Photo by Gwendolyn Lyle) I like sunsets, flowers and the way the leaves change color when fall comes around. I’ve been attending the University of Tennessee at Martin for three yea…

23/04/2026

Lauren Davis is a staff writer at the Pacer and will be graduating with a degree in Mass Media and Strategic Communication this May. Join us in congratulating her on her graduation and enjoy her senior farewell column at the link below.

Featured Image: (Pacer Photo by April Haynes) I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about what I wanted to say. In the words of my Section Editor and partner-in-crime, Bethany Collins, “You need to hur…

22/04/2026

The NFL Draft is just over the horizon, and things are starting to shake up.

It’s peak lying season from executives across the league, and it’s the BTR guys’ job to decide what’s the truth and what isn’t.

How many tackles could receivers could go in the first round?

Will another QB be drafted other than Fernando Mendoza?

To listen, visit https://www.thepacer.net/beyond-the-roster-ep-13-mock-draft-superlatives/
(Pacer Story by Nate Szarzynski, William Stevens and Chyler Lee / Pacer Graphic by Chloe Kent)

Featured Image: Beyond the Roster Logo (Pacer Graphic/William Stevens) Episode 13 The NFL draft lingers just two days away and we’re officially in peak lying season. The BTR guys try to sift …