TOP PHOTO: Retired Knoxville forensic specialist Arthur “Art” Bohanan demonstrates grave finding tools Tuesday evening on the grounds of Cove Lake State Park.

The Tally Town Festival is coming Sat., July 29, to La Follette.

By Charlie Hutson

CARYVILLE, TN (WLAF) – A good crowd came out to hear Arthur Bohanan speak Tuesday evening at the Cove Lake State Park Pavilion for a Tally Town Fundraiser. Bohanan is a retired forensic specialist from Knoxville and was the featured speaker for Tally Tonight. See the full photo gallery HERE.

It was an interesting and learning experience at Tuesday’s fundraiser.

Master of Ceremonies Bill Claiborne opened the program by providing some history about the Appalachian Italian heritage. Claiborne went on to explain how you could bid on silent auction items.

Martha Hill visits with Art Bohanan.
Art Bohanan (left) demonstrates the gender ball, and he allowed others to try both tools, the ball and the grave finder.

After enjoying a spaghetti dinner served by Katie’s Catering, attendees were introduced to Art Bohanan. Bohanan shared his history and about what he’s doing these days in forensics and law enforcement. Once he discussed a few of the criminal cases he worked during his career, it was time to get out some of his tools.

Bill Claiborne, Tally Town organizer, served as Tuesday’s master of ceremonies.

Bohanan and the group headed toward the Indian burial ground at the park. He demonstrated two tools he uses, a body finder and a gender ball. The body finder is somewhat like a water witch people use to find water, and the gender ball does what it says. It can detect the gender of a dead body, and according to data, with a great deal of accuracy. Bohanan allowed several people to use the tools.

Art Bohanan shared stories of some of the criminal cases he’s worked over the years.
Cherry Lemonds entertained the crowd playing the hammer dulcimer, the same instrument used on WBIR’s Heartland Series theme.

Tally Tonight served both as an informational gathering and fundraiser for the first Tally Town Festival. The fest is coming to La Follette on Sat., July 29, and will feature music, food, exhibits and lots more. For more information, connect to the Tally Town Facebook page. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 06/07/2023-6AM)

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