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The Daily Times cake wasn't decorated with 125 lighted candles at Tuesday's birthday bash for Blount County's newspaper.

But it could have been — with the blaze kept safely under control. Firefighters from every local fire department were on the scene at the Times' offices.

A ladder truck was extended and ready, complete with an oversized Old Glory waving in the September breeze.

Hundreds of folks The Daily Times relies on daily -- and who Blount County relies on -- were in attendance. More than 1,400 people registered at the party. Hundreds more also attended.

Readers, newsmakers and well-wishers dropped by to celebrate the local newspaper that is as deeply rooted in the community as the families, churches, civic organizations, businesses, governments and other groups blessed enough to live in this place grounded between the Great Smokies and the Tennessee River.

It was a hot party on the second day of autumn in the 125th year of The Daily Times. The temperatures were sizzling along with the bands, the popcorn and the hot dogs.

Standing beside the lectern, with the aid of a cane and wearing his favorite red cap, was the man of the day, a man celebrating his 84th birthday and his 61st year with the Times — Editor Dean Stone.

(Yes, earlier he had been autographing volumes of "Snapshots of Blount County History," the books he wrote and illustrated with photographs to chronicle the lives and times of the county where he was born and raised.)

Dean Stone Day

If there was ever any doubt as to whom this day belonged, it was erased by the steady stream of proclamations read in Stone's honor.

From Gov. Phil Bredesen: "On behalf of the people of Tennessee, by virtue of the authority vested in me, I hereby confer upon Dean Stone a Day of Recognition."

"And that makes it official," said Times Publisher Max Crotser after reading the proclamation from the governor. "It is Dean Stone Day, and we're very delighted with that."

Maryville Mayor Joe Swann, Alcoa Mayor Don Mull and Blount County Finance Director Dave Bennett (standing in for County Mayor Jerry Cunningham, who was out of state dealing with a death in his family) appeared together on a podium by the Greenbelt at the entrance to the walking bridge across Pistol Creek.

They were together to announce a new annual honor to be presented jointly by the three governments.

"Some time ago, Mayor Cunningham, Mayor Mull and I decided we wanted to have an award every year that the three mayors gave together to a person who has made a tremendous contribution to our county," Swann said.

"This will be the first of these kind of awards that we give. It didn't take us long to figure out the one person who we most wanted to give the first award to was Dean Stone."

Swann handed Stone a shimmering symbol, an artwork of leaded glass cut in the shape of Blount County with an etching of the Three Sisters horizon silhouetted over the name of Dean Stone and labeled as the first Blount County Achievement Award.

The announcement of the new award was delayed until Tuesday to happen in conjunction with the 125th celebration, Swann said. Future awards will be given on Sept. 1 each year, symbolic of the first meeting of the Blount County Court held on the first Monday of September 1795.

"We're glad that Dean is the first winner," Mull said.

Bennett linked the award and its first recipient to the community.

"I've often said that this is absolutely the greatest community in the world to live. And part of the reason we're here is because we've had The Daily Times along our side -- not only reporting the news, but being there for all of the events they help with, be it the United Way or Relay for Life or whatever they're asked to do. They step up."

He read from a proclamation signed by the three mayors: "Dean has written and published many editorials that bring to light very important issues regarding our local governments, industry and our environment."

Recognition via Nashville

Next on the dais was state Sen. Raymond Finney, holding a joint resolution signed by legislators of the General Assembly.

"This is two pages of tedious legal writing. I won't read it," Finney quipped to the crowd standing on asphalt under a summerlike sun.

"Thank you," Stone replied as the audience shared a laugh.

"This just tells the affection and appreciation for all you've done for this community. Maryville and Blount County are better places to live in because you've been an integral part of this."

State Rep. Doug Overbey stepped up to present a proclamation from the Tennessee House of Representatives.

"It recites your service to our nation, entering combat July 4, 1944, in Italy serving in World War II. It cites an award for tourism excellence named in your honor," he said.

Rep. Joe McCord added his thoughts.

"Over the years, you've been involved in so many issues -- controversial, some of 'em. I have never heard anyone say a negative thing about you. I don't know how that's possible.

"They say you're judged by what people say about you when you're not around, and I want you to know you're respected not only in this community but across the state."

From nation's Capitol

Because of the heavy congressional agenda — including current events dealing with the nation's finances and the attempt to wind up legislative work before the presidential election — both U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander and U.S. Rep. John J. "Jimmy" Duncan Jr. sent proclamations from the Senate and House along their regrets for having to stay in Washington. Jane Chedester represented Alexander.

Denise Lambert, representing Duncan, read from remarks presented by the congressman Tuesday on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.

"Madame Speaker, I rise today to honor a newspaper and its editor that are woven into the fabric of one of this nation's most remarkable and scenic communities. So often, citizens of smaller towns must sift through larger newspapers from nearby cities for news that is relevant to their lives. For the last 125 years, however, the people of the city of Maryville and Blount County have turned to The Daily Times for news coverage that focuses on their community. Support for the newspaper is strong and the numbers can prove it," Lambert said, reciting words Duncan had read into the Congressional Record earlier in the day.

"Mr. Stone is well known by the Blount County community for many reasons, whether it's his photography, community service or stewardship of The Daily Times. Chances are he has touched the life of everyone in Blount County some way."

Herk Holbert and Bill Hogan of the Kiwanis Club of Alcoa, of which Stone has been a member since 1966, had a special announcement of their own.

They read from a proclamation honoring Stone's service, especially to children worldwide.

"Dean has honored the Alcoa Kiwanis, The Daily Times and Blount County with his journalistic talents by setting the highest standards."

They then announced the establishment of a $1,000 Dean Stone Scholarship for Journalism to be given annually to a student.

BMH resolutions

Joe Dawson, administrator of Blount Memorial Hospital, and Bob Redwine, chairman of the BMH Board of Directors, also spoke and delivered resolutions of appreciation to The Daily Times and to Stone.

Dawson characterized the relationship with the paper as "invaluable" to BMH over the 61 years since the establishment of Blount County's hospital.

Redwine presented a another resolution of appreciation, this one specifically for Dean Stone. He also noted the hospital was well represented at the event.

"I want to mention, both to Max and to Dean, that we have our entire nine-member Board of Directors here, as well as some of the senior executives at the hospital. That's how much we thought of the 125th."

Crotser had a final letter to read. Return address: the White House, Washington, D.C.

"Happy birthday. We are pleased to add our best wishes to your celebration. May your special day be filled with joy and cherished memories and the love of friends and family. With warm regards, George and Laura Bush."

Dean's turn

Dean Stone, at last, had his say. His comments, characteristically, were short and to the point.

Stone looked out over the crowd of more than 2,000 and said:

"I'm thankful for the opportunity of working with all you people out there. There are many things that are done in the community. A lot of times I have gotten credit for the things you did. That's the way it goes.

"Those of us who sometimes provide leadership realize that -- that we're just getting credit for what somebody else does. So we appreciate working with you.

"It's a great community. I've said numerous times that I'm so glad I was born here because I might never have found it, and I think it's the greatest place in the world to live in.

"I appreciate all you folks -- working with you, my fellow employees and the various people recognized here today. I'm very appreciative of it," Stone said.

"Thank you, very much."

Special thanks

Community assets were out in force to support the event: Blount County Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit, Alcoa Police Department K-9 Unit, Alcoa Police Department Traffic Unit Dodge Charger, "Larry the 8-Foot Firefighter" and 135-foot ladder truck with American flag from the Alcoa Fire Department, Blount County Fire Department brush truck, Blount County Fire Department's "Sparky the Fire Dog," Maryville Fire Department fire safety robot, Maryville Fire Department engine, Blount County Fire Department Color Guard.

The Maryville Police Department's assistance was especially appreciated.

Entertainment was provided by The Dixie Highway Band, The Russell Family and White Oak Flats.

Among the sponsors of the event were Atmos Energy, Food City and CBBC, along with the fire departments of Blount County, Maryville and Alcoa, the police departments of Alcoa and Maryville and the Blount County Sheriff's Office and the Rural/Metro Ambulance Service.