VFL TODD HELTON HEADED TO COOPERSTOWN

VFL TODD HELTON HEADED TO COOPERSTOWN

Courtesy / UT Athletics

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee baseball legend Todd Helton is headed to Cooperstown after being selected for induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, as revealed by the MLB Network on Tuesday evening.

In his sixth year eligible for selection, Helton appeared on 79.7 percent of the ballots from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, surpassing the 75 percent threshold. He becomes just the second player in Southeastern Conference history to be voted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, joining Auburn’s Frank Thomas (2014).

Selected with the eighth overall pick in the 1995 Major League Baseball Draft by Colorado, Helton spent his entire 17-year Major League career with the Rockies and is still the franchise leader in games played (2,247), runs scored (1,401), hits (2,519), doubles (592), home runs (369), RBI (1,406), total bases (4,292) and walks (1,335).

Helton was a five-time MLB All-Star (2000-04), four-time Sliver Slugger award winner (2000-03), three-time Gold Glove winner (2001, 2002, 2004) and won the National League batting title in 2000. He also helped lead the Rockies to their first and only World Series appearance in franchise history in 2007. Helton joins Larry Walker as the second Rockies’ player to be enshrined in Cooperstown.

Already a member of the Tennessee Baseball Hall of Fame (Class of 2008), the Tennessee Athletics Hall of Fame (Class of 2017) and the National College Baseball Hall of Fame (Class of 2021), Helton had arguably the most decorated and dominant career of any player in program history and is still considered one of the greatest two-way players to ever play at the collegiate level.

During his time on Rocky Top, Helton was a standout performer at the plate and on the mound, setting numerous program records during his storied career. The Knoxville native still sits atop UT’s record book in career RBI (238), walks (147) and saves (23). He also holds single-season records for runs batted in (92 in 1995), earned run average (0.89 in 1994) and saves (12 in 1995).

Helton earned a multitude of national awards and accolades during his three seasons on Rocky Top, including winning the 1995 Dick Howser Trophy and earning National Player of the Year honors by the American Baseball Coaches Association, Baseball America and Collegiate Baseball Newspaper. Helton was also named the 1995 SEC Player of the Year, a two-time first-team All-American (1994 & 1995) and a Freshman All-American (1993).

In his final season at UT, Helton helped lead the Volunteers to 1995 SEC regular season and tournament titles, as well as their first Men’s College World Series appearance in 44 years.

“What Todd Helton did for the Colorado Rockies organization is nothing short of legendary,” Tennessee baseball head coach Tony Vitello said. “Nonetheless, folks here think just as highly of all he has accomplished in our great state. What he has done in this community prior to, during and after his time on Rocky Top may never be duplicated.

“He went from being a local superstar in high school to being a hometown representative for the University of Tennessee here in Knoxville. As many I’m sure have mentioned, he was not just a two-way standout on the baseball field but also a legit two-sport athlete. Athleticism helped create those opportunities, but extreme competitiveness helped fuel his success. Ever since his days of success in Major League Baseball have concluded, he has given back to UT in every way you can possibly imagine. He truly deserves every bit of love he receives from Vol Nation.”

The official induction ceremony for the 2024 Hall of Fame selections will take place in Cooperstown, New York on July 21.

For more information on Helton’s Hall of Fame selection and this year’s National Baseball Hall of Fame Class, click HERE.

Courtesy / UT Athletics
Basketball Game vs. Alabama an “Orange Out”

Basketball Game vs. Alabama an “Orange Out”

Courtesy / UT Athletics

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee announced Wednesday that its men’s basketball game today against Alabama will be dubbed an “Orange Out.”

Fans are encouraged to arrive early and wear orange Tennessee attire to Food City Center for the matchup. Doors to the arena open at 12:30 p.m. and tip-off is set for 2 p.m.

In addition, the first 2,000 students in attendance will receive an “Orange Out” shirt for the matchup between a pair of teams in the top seven nationally in NET, KenPom, ESPN BPI and BartTorvik metrics rankings.

The contest between No. 6/7 Tennessee (13-4, 3-1 SEC) and Alabama (12-5, 4-0 SEC) is sold out and will be televised live on ESPN2. It is the third of six confirmed sellouts at Food City Center this season, a new venue record for the Volunteers.

Limited tickets are still available for just three remaining home games. Fans can buy their seats for the Jan. 30 contest against South Carolina HERE, the Feb. 7 outing versus LSU HERE and the Feb. 17 meeting with Vanderbilt HERE.

To keep up with the University of Tennessee men’s basketball team on social media, follow @Vol_Hoops on Instagram and X/Twitter, as well as /tennesseebasketball on Facebook.

Courtesy / UT Athletics

107.7 WIVK – General Contest Rules

OFFICIAL RULES

FOR CUMULUS RADIO STATIONS CONTEST & SWEEPSTAKES

A complete copy of these rules can be obtained at the offices of any radio station owned and/or operated by Cumulus Media Holdings Inc. (“Sponsor”) during normal business hours Monday through Friday or by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to 3280 Peachtree Road, Suite 2300, Atlanta, GA 30305, Attn: Legal Department.

Sponsor will conduct all Cumulus radio station contests and sweepstakes (“Contests” and “Sweepstakes”), including on-air contests, online and text-based sweepstakes, and contests and sweepstakes conducted through a Cumulus radio station’s social media accounts (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, etc.), substantially as described in these rules, and by participating, each participant agrees as follows:

  1. No purchase is necessary. Void where prohibited.  All federal, state, and local regulations apply.
    Eligibility.
      This Contest is open only to legal U.S. residents age eighteen (18) years or older at the time of entry with a valid Social Security number and who reside in the Station’s Designated Market Area (“DMA”) as defined by Nielsen Audio, who have not won a prize from the station in the last 90 days or a prize valued at $500 or more in the last 180 days, and whose immediate family members or household members have not won a prize from the station in the last 90 days or a prize valued at $500 or more in the last 180 days.   Void where prohibited by law.  Individuals age 13 to 17 may be eligible to participate in Contests and Sweepstakes with the approval of a parent or legal guardian, provided that the parent or legal guardian is a legal U.S. resident at least 18 years of age at the time of entry with a valid Social Security number and resides in the Cumulus radio station’s listening area. Unless otherwise specified, Employees of Cumulus Media Holdings Inc., its parent company, affiliates, related entities and subsidiaries, promotional sponsors, prize providers, advertising agencies, other radio stations serving the Station’s DMA, and the immediate family members and household members of all such employees are not eligible to participate. The term “immediate family members” includes spouses, parents and step-parents, siblings and step-siblings, and children and stepchildren.  The term “household members” refers to people who share the same residence at least three (3) months out of the year. The Contest is subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations. Participation constitutes entrant’s full and unconditional agreement to these Official Rules and Sponsor’s decisions, which are final and binding in all matters related to the Contest. Winning a prize is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements set forth herein.
  2. Contest or Sweepstakes Period. The Contest or Sweepstake will begin and end at the times specified by Sponsor.  Sponsor’s computer is the official time keeping device for all Contests and Sweepstakes.
  3. How to Enter. Entry methods for Contest and Sweepstakes will be specified by Sponsor and entries must be received during the Contest or Sweepstakes Period to be eligible. Use of any automated system to participate is prohibited and will result in disqualification.  Sponsor shall not be responsible for lost, late, incomplete, invalid, unintelligible, inappropriate or misdirected entries, all of which will be disqualified.  In the event of a dispute as to any entry, the authorized account holder of the email address or telephone number used to enter will be deemed to be the participant. The “authorized account holder” is the natural person assigned the telephone number by the wireless carrier or an email address by an Internet access provider, online service provider or other organization responsible for assigning email addresses for the domain associated with the submitted address.  Potential winner may be required to show proof of being the authorized account holder. All entries become the sole and exclusive property of Sponsor and will not be returned.  Sponsor reserves the right to contact entrants and all other individuals whose email address is submitted as part of a Contest or Sweepstakes.  Time Delay Between Over-the-Air Analog Signal and Other Signal DeliveryDue to the time delay that exists between a Cumulus radio station’s analog over-the-air signal and its online webcast, listeners who listen to a Cumulus radio station online may hear Contest or Sweepstakes information or a cue to call later than listeners listening to the station’s analog over-the-air signal. As a result, the odds of an online listener winning a Contest Sweepstakes may be diminished
  4. Winner Selection. Contest and Sweepstakes winners will be determined according to the method specified by Sponsor at Sponsor’s sole and exclusive discretion.  The winning entrant will be contacted using the email address and/or telephone number provided with the entry and may be awarded the prize (subject to verification of eligibility and compliance with the terms of these rules or the specific Contest or Sweepstakes rules).  Sponsor’s decisions as to the administration and operation of Contests and Sweepstakes and the selection of potential winners is final and binding in all matters related to the Contest or Sweepstakes. Failure to respond to the initial verification contact within three (3) days of notification will result in disqualification.
  5. Verification of Potential Winner. POTENTIAL CONTEST AND SWEEPSTAKES WINNERS ARE SUBJECT TO VERIFICATION BY SPONSOR WHOSE DECISIONS ARE FINAL AND BINDING IN ALL MATTERS RELATED TO THE CONTEST OR SWEEPSTAKES. The potential winner must continue to comply with all terms and conditions of these Official Rules and/or the Office Rules of the specific Contest or Sweepstakes, and winning is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements. The potential winner will be notified by email and/or telephone call, after the date of random drawing. The potential winner will be required to sign and return to sponsor, within three (3) days of the date notice is sent, an affidavit of eligibility and a liability/publicity release (except where prohibited) in order to claim his/her prize, if applicable.  A winner who returns the affidavit of eligibility and liability/publicity release within the required time period will be deemed to have accepted the prize and thereafter will not be permitted to rescind their acceptance of the prize and/or return the prize.  If a potential winner cannot be contacted, fails to sign and return the affidavit of eligibility and/or the liability/publicity release within the required time period (if applicable), or if the prize or prize notification is returned as undeliverable, potential winner forfeits prize. In the event that the potential winner of a contest or sweepstakes prize is disqualified for any reason, Sponsor may award the applicable prize to an alternate winner by random drawing from among all remaining eligible entries.
  6.  Prizes. Contest and Sweepstakes prizes will be as specified by Sponsor.  Winner is responsible for all taxes associated with prize receipt and/or use.  Odds of winning a Contest or Sweepstakes prize depend on a number of factors, including but not limited to the number of eligible entries received by Sponsor during the Contest or Sweepstakes Period and the number of listeners participating at any given time.  Sponsor reserves the right to substitute any listed prize for one of equal or greater value for any reason.  For prizes that involve travel, unless otherwise specified, trips must be taken within the stated time periods or will be forfeited, winner and guest must travel on the same itinerary, and winner’s guest must be eighteen (18) years of age or older.  Trips are non-transferable and no substitution will be made except as provided at the Sponsor’s sole discretion.
  7. Entry Conditions and Release. By entering a Contest or Sweepstakes, each participant agrees to: (a) comply with and be bound by these Official Rules, the Office Rules of the specific Contest or Sweepstakes, and the decisions of Sponsor, which are binding and final in all matters relating to any Contest or Sweepstakes; (b) release and hold harmless Sponsor, Cumulus Media Inc., and its subsidiaries, related and affiliated companies, participating sponsors, the prize suppliers and any other organizations responsible for sponsoring, fulfilling, administering, advertising or promoting the Contest or Sweepstakes, and each of their respective past and present officers, directors, employees, agents and representatives (collectively, the “Released Parties”) from and against any and all claims, expenses, and liability, including but not limited to negligence and damages of any kind to persons and property, including but not limited to invasion of privacy (under appropriation, intrusion, public disclosure of private facts, false light in the public eye or other legal theory), defamation, slander, libel, violation of right of publicity, infringement of trademark, copyright or other intellectual property rights, property damage, or death or personal injury arising out of or relating to a participant’s entry, creation of an entry or submission of an entry, participation in a Contest or Sweepstakes, acceptance or use or misuse of prize (including any travel or activity related thereto) and/or the broadcast, exploitation or use of entry; and (c) indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Released Parties from and against any and all claims, expenses, and liabilities (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of or relating to an entrant’s participation in the Contest or Sweepstakes and/or entrant’s acceptance, use, non-use or misuse of the prize.
  8. Publicity. Except where prohibited, participation in a Contest or Sweepstakes constitutes winner’s consent to Sponsor’s and its agents’ use of winner’s name, likeness, photograph, voice, opinions and/or hometown and state for promotional purposes in any media, worldwide, without further payment or consideration, unless otherwise prohibited by law.
  9. Taxes. All State, Local, Federal and or other taxes, duties, tariffs, title fees, licensing fees, or other fees for prizes awarded in any Contest or Sweepstakes become the sole responsibility of the winner.  All those who win a prize or prizes valued $600 or more in any given year will be issued an IRS Form 1099 to report their winnings.
  10. General Conditions. Sponsor reserves the right to cancel, suspend and/or modify any Contest or Sweepstakes, or any part of it, if any fraud, technical failures or any other factor beyond Sponsor’s reasonable control impairs the integrity or proper functioning of the Contest or Sweepstakes, as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion. Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any individual it finds to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Contest or Sweepstakes or to be acting in violation of these Official Rules or any other promotion or in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner. Any attempt by any person to deliberately undermine the legitimate operation of a Contest or Sweepstakes may be a violation of criminal and civil law, and, should such an attempt be made, Sponsor reserves the right to seek damages from any such person to the fullest extent permitted by law. Sponsor’s failure to enforce any term of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision.
  11. Limitations of Liability. The Released Parties are not responsible for: (1) any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by entrants, printing errors or by any of the equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Contest or Sweepstakes; (2) technical failures of any kind, including but not limited to malfunctions, interruptions, or disconnections in phone lines or network hardware or software; (3) unauthorized human intervention in any part of the entry process or the Contest or Sweepstakes; (4) technical or human error which may occur in the administration of the Contest or Sweepstakes or the processing of entries; or (5) any injury or damage to persons or property which may be caused, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from entrant’s participation in the Contest or Sweepstakes or receipt or use, non-use or misuse of any prize. If for any reason an entrant’s entry is confirmed to have been erroneously deleted, lost, or otherwise destroyed or corrupted, entrant’s sole remedy is another entry in the Contest or Sweepstakes, provided that if it is not possible to award another entry due to discontinuance or completion of the Contest or Sweepstakes, or any part of it, for any reason, Sponsor, at its discretion, may elect to hold a random drawing from among all eligible entries received up to the date of discontinuance for any or all of the prizes offered herein. No more than the stated number of prizes will be awarded. In event that production, technical, programming or any other reason causes more than stated number of prizes as set forth in these Official Rules to be available or claimed, Sponsor reserves the right to award only the stated number of prizes by a random drawing among all legitimate, unawarded, eligible prize claims.
  12. Disputes. Entrant agrees that: (i) any and all disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of or connected with a Contest or Sweepstakes, or any prizes awarded, other than those concerning the administration of the Contest or Sweepstakes or the determination of the winner, shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action; (ii) any and all disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of or connected with a Contest or Sweepstakes, or any prizes awarded, shall be resolved exclusively by the United States District Court or the appropriate state court located in the entrant’s Cumulus radio station’s listening area; (iii) any and all claims, judgments and awards shall be limited to actual out-of-pocket costs incurred, including costs associated with entering a Contest or Sweepstakes, but in no event attorneys’ fees; and (iv) under no circumstances will entrant be permitted to obtain awards for, and entrant hereby waives all rights to claim punitive, incidental and consequential damages and any other damages, other than for actual out-of-pocket expenses, and any and all rights to have damages multiplied or otherwise increased. SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, or the rights and obligations of entrant and Sponsor in connection with the Contest or Sweepstakes, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the state in which the entrant’s Cumulus radio station is located, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules (whether of the state in which the entrant’s Cumulus radio station is located or any other jurisdiction), which would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the state in which the entrant’s Cumulus radio station is located.
  13. Entrant’s Personal Information. Information collected from entrants is subject to Sponsor’s Privacy Policy, which is available on every Cumulus radio station’s website under the “Privacy Policy” link. All entry blanks, forms, devices, and materials gathered during the course of entry, as well as all information contained on or within, shall become the sole property of Sponsor to be used, disposed of or destroyed in its sole discretion. Sponsor is not responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate information entered by website users, and assumes no responsibility for any error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operation or transmission, communications line failure, theft or destruction or unauthorized access to a Cumulus radio station website.
  14. Sweepstakes Results. A winners list may be obtained thirty (30) days after the conclusion of a Contest or Sweepstakes by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Sweepstakes Sponsor identified below.

SWEEPSTAKES SPONSOR: CUMULUS MEDIA HOLDINGS, INC., 3280 Peachtree Road, Suite 2300, Atlanta, GA 30305, Attn: Contests and Sweepstakes.

Former Hancock County Jail a Total Loss after Major Fire, TBI Investigating

Former Hancock County Jail a Total Loss after Major Fire, TBI Investigating

Sneedville, TN (WOKI) An investigation is underway in Hancock County following a fire early Tuesday morning that destroyed an historic building.

Officials with the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office say the former Hancock County Jail, which was built in 1860 and located on Jail Street in Sneedville, caught fire around 3:00 a.m.

Despite a multi-agency response, fire officials declared the structure a “total loss.”

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the cause of the fire which they consider to be suspicious.

The building was also home to the Hancock County Historical and Genealogical Society and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Roane County Sheriff’s Office Asking for Public’s Help after Deadly Hit-and-Run

Roane County Sheriff’s Office Asking for Public’s Help after Deadly Hit-and-Run

Roane County, TN (WOKI) The Roane County Sheriff’s Office is asking for information following a fatal hit-and-run incident Tuesday on Harriman Highway.

According to the sheriff’s office, the deadly incident occurred in the 4200 block of Harriman Highway Tuesday morning where a car struck a pedestrian and left the scene.

RCSO is asking anyone who saw the incident or has information about the vehicle or driver involved to call the sheriff’s office at 865-717-4700.

Additional information was not released.

According to the sheriff’s office, the deadly hit-and-run happened in the 4200 block of Harriman Highway. (Frankly Media)
Man Indicted for Helping Blount County Deputy Shooting Suspect While on the Run

Man Indicted for Helping Blount County Deputy Shooting Suspect While on the Run

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) A Knox County Grand Jury has now indicted an Alcoa man for helping accused murder suspect Kenneth DeHart while he was on the run from police.

The Grand Jury returned with a true bill indictment against 46-year-old Maurice Donnell Warren for Accessory After The Fact in helping DeHart.

According to court records, Warren was helping DeHart while he was on the run for more than five days, buying him pre-paid cell phones at a store on Ray Mears Boulevard back in February of 2024.

DeHart is accused of shooting and killing Deputy Greg McCowan and injuring Deputy Shelby Eggers during a traffic stop in Blount County.

Warren is scheduled for arraignment on May 19 in Knox County Criminal Court.

Maurice Warren, 46 (Courtesy: JIMS)

Teen Facing Several Charges after Leading Police on Chase in Stolen Car Following Shooting in Knoxville

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) A Knoxville man with multiple outstanding warrants is now facing several additional charges in connection to Tuesday night’s shooting near Taylor Homes Road.

Knoxville police arrested and charged 19-year-old Gabriel Teams after fleeing a traffic stop in a stolen car.

KPD says the car, a black Honda Accord, was witnessed leaving the scene of a shots fired call in the area of Taylor Homes Road and Kenner Avenue. Nobody was struck or injured in the shooting.

In addition to multiple outstanding warrants, including for burglary, Teams is facing charges of auto theft, felony evading arrest and reckless endangerment, among others.

Vols Sign Prep Guard Troy Henderson
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Vols Sign Prep Guard Troy Henderson

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – University of Tennessee head men’s basketball coach Rick Barnes announced Wednesday the signing of Troy Henderson.

A guard from Chester, Va., Henderson is a four-time Virginia High School League (VHSL) all-state designee, including a two-time player of the year, and a three-time state champion.

“Our staff is excited for Troy and his family to join the Tennessee basketball program. He is a pass-first point guard with a great deal of toughness, both physically and mentally,” Barnes said. “Troy can really facilitate and is a three-level scorer with range on his jumper. He possesses a lot of the leadership qualities we look for in a point guard, which will help him at this level. Troy comes from a winning tradition in both high school and AAU ball, and has received excellent coaching throughout his life.”

Henderson, who totaled a 104-6 record across his four-year high school career, is rated a three-star prospect by both 247Sports and On3. The former tabs him the No. 26 point guard and the No. 12 player in Virginia in the class of 2025.
The 6-foot-1, 180-pounder initially signed with Fordham, but changed paths after a coaching change after the 2023-24 season. He totaled over 2,150 points in his high school career.

During a senior campaign in which he averaged 13.7 points, 6.0 assists 3.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game, Henderson aided John Marshall High School to a 25-2 record and a VHSL Class 2 state title. The 107-81 victory over Graham High School featured a VHSL state championship team scoring record. Henderson, a VHSL Class 2 First Team All-State honoree, finished with 20 points, eight assists and three steals in the decision.

Previously, Henderson attended Lancaster High School for the first three years of his prep career. In each of his three seasons there, Henderson won both Northern Neck District Player of the Year and Region A Player of the Year. He was the VHSL Class 1 Player of the Year as both a sophomore and junior.

Henderson led Lancaster to back-to-back VHSL Class 1 state crowns during his final two years there. He scored a game-best 30 points, shooting 11-of-23 from the floor and 5-of-5 at the line, in a 65-59 win over Auburn High School in the 2024 final, adding seven rebounds and five steals to go along with the go-ahead three-point play with 1:12 left. That performance capped a junior campaign in which he ranked third in the state with 25.9 points per game, adding 5.1 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 3.1 steals per outing for a 26-2 team.

During Henderson’s sophomore year, Lancaster went 29-0 and concluded the season with a 62-40 title game triumph over George Wythe High School. He scored a game-high 30 points on 11-of-16 shooting and led all players with six rebounds. Henderson averaged 23.8 points, 4.5 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game on the year, plus hit 71 3-pointers.

Before becoming the first Northern Neck District team ever to win back-to-back state titles, Lancaster fell in the state semifinals during Henderson’s freshman campaign, finishing 24-2 that season. He collected the first of three straight VHSL Class 1 First Team All-State nods that year.
Across his three years at Lancaster, Henderson totaled over 1,800 points to shatter the program record of 1,452 that stood for 25 years. On the AAU circuit, Henderson competed for Team Loaded VA.

Tennessee has nine prior letter winners from the state of Virginia, with James Daniel III (2017-18) the most recent ones. Two other players from Virginia, Justin Jackson (2008-09) and Duke Crews (2006-08), have earned letters over the last three-plus decades.

Henderson is the fifth newcomer slated to join the Volunteers in 2025-26, alongside fellow prep signees DeWayne Brown II and Amari Evans, as well as Vanderbilt transfer Jaylen Carey and Maryland transfer Ja’Kobi Gillespie.

To keep up with the University of Tennessee men’s basketball team on social media, follow @Vol_Hoops on Instagram and X/Twitter, as well as /tennesseebasketball on Facebook.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT HENDERSON
Paul Biancardi, ESPN Basketball Recruiting Director: “Troy Henderson is a tough, aggressive point guard. He has the ability to score at one end and defend at the other. Troy fits Rick Barnes‘ system as a player who will develop over four years and contribute to winning at Tennessee.”

Jamie Shaw, On3 Senior National Recruiting Analyst: “Troy Henderson is a tough-minded lead guard. He is a guy who elevated the floor of each team he has been on with his play at the point of attack. Henderson can touch the paint on-ball to put pressure on the defense. He defends with a purpose, sliding his feet with the ball and wanting to take on the challenge. His team this summer, Team Loaded VA, finished 19-1 on the Adidas 3SSB Circuit, making a run to the Final Four. He followed that up by going 25-2 with John Marshall for a national top-10 finish. Over the past 12 months, winning has followed Troy around.”

Rockwood High School Student is Arrested for Making Threat
Rockwood High School Webpage

Rockwood High School Student is Arrested for Making Threat

A student at Rockwood High School is arrested after making a threat.

Chief Deputy Tim Phillips with the Roane County Sheriff’s Office says school officials were made aware of a potential threat allegedly made by a student yesterday (Tuesday) morning.

Law enforcement responded to make sure everyone on campus was safe and Phillips said there was no immediate danger to students or staff. They identified the student and took them into custody

The investigation is on-going.

Official Press Release:

April 15, 2025

Roane County Sheriff’s Office Addresses Threat Made by Student at Rockwood High.

The Roane County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with Roane County Schools and 9th Judicial District Attorney Generals Office, is currently investigating a threat made by a student at Rockwood High. The safety of our students, school staff, and community remains our top priority.

On April 15, 2025 at 10:45, school officials were made aware of a potential threat allegedly made by a student. The incident was immediately reported to law enforcement, and officers responded promptly to ensure the safety of everyone on campus. The student involved has been identified and arrested. There is no immediate danger to students or staff at this time.

“Our agency takes all threats seriously and responds with swift and appropriate action,” said Chief Deputy Tim Phillips. “We appreciate the quick reporting by school personnel and the cooperation of students.”

We encourage parents to speak with their children about the seriousness of making threats, even if intended as jokes, and to report any suspicious behavior to school officials or law enforcement.

Chief Deputy Tim Phillips

Missionary Pastor from Maryville Church Kidnapped in South Africa is Rescued Following Shootout

Multiple media outlets reporting that Josh Sullivan, the pastor from Maryville that was abducted in South Africa is now safe.

According to a statement from the “Hawks,” a specialized police unit that investigates crimes, several police agencies went to a house and found Sullivan in a car.

The suspects in the car reportedly tried to flee and opened fire on the police. The officers shot and killed three of the suspects and were able to rescue Sullivan.

The Hawks say he is “miraculously unharmed” and in excellent condition.

This story comes courtesy our news partner Fox News https://www.foxnews.com/: Authorities in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa rescued a kidnapped American pastor during a deadly shootout on Tuesday at a house in KwaMagxaki, Gqeberha.

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (HAWKS) released a statement announcing that an operation led by the agency “resulted in the successful rescue” of an American pastor who was kidnapped.

Though the news release did not name the pastor, 34-year-old Josh Sullivan, of Tennessee, was kidnapped by several armed, masked men last week at his church in the Eastern Cape, Fellowship Baptist Church Motherwell.

AMERICAN PASTOR’S KIDNAPPING IN SOUTH AFRICA FUELED BY SOARING ARMED ROBBERY INCIDENTS IN RECENT YEARS

Josh Sullivan preaching

American pastor Josh Sullivan, who was kidnapped from his church in the Eastern Cape Province last week, has been rescued by police following a “high-intensity shootout.” (Fellowship Baptist Church/Facebook)

Police said they received tips that Sullivan was inside a safe house in KwaMagxaki, Gqeberha. 

When they arrived at the home, suspects inside a car on the premises began firing at law enforcement and attempted to flee.

A “high-intensity shootout” took place and three unidentified suspects were killed. 

Sullivan was found inside the same car that the suspects were in, but he was “miraculously unharmed,” police said, adding that he is “currently in an excellent condition.”

‘SLOWING THINGS DOWN’ IS ‘KEY’ TO SAFE RETURN OF TENNESSEE PASTOR KIDNAPPED IN SOUTH AFRICA: RETIRED FBI AGENT

Josh Sullivan stands with his son, wearing a football uniform, on a football field in Tennessee

Josh Sullivan is from Maryville, Tennessee, and spent years observing the leadership of Fellowship Baptist Church Pastor Tom Hatley, according to congregation members on Facebook. (Facebook)

Tom Hatley, pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church in Maryville, Tennessee, confirmed Sullivan’s rescue early Wednesday morning in a Facebook post.

“Josh has been released. I just got ‘the go ahead to let it be known’. SA media has started broadcasting. American media will follow. Thank you for your support and prayers. Please do not stop praying for The Sullivans. Praise The Lord Jesus Christ!” he wrote.

Sullivan is from Maryville and spent years learning how to be a pastor under Hatley’s leadership, according to congregation members on Facebook.

Sullivan went to South Africa with his wife and two children in 2018 after the couple participated in a six-month internship there in 2015 as part of their Bible training to become missionaries.

Pastor Josh Sullivan and his wife

Josh Sullivan, an American pastor from Tennessee, has been working as a missionary in South Africa with his wife and their children since 2018. (Fellowship Baptist Church Motherwell/Facebook)

“It was during this time that the Lord began to stir their hearts specifically for the Xhosa people,” fellow Missionary Mark Coffey said. “They returned in 2018 as full-time church-planting missionaries, determined to share the Gospel and see lives changed. Josh committed himself to two years of language school and became fluent in Xhosa so he could preach, disciple, and minister more effectively.”

#2/4 Vols Topple Knights in 13-3 Midweek Win
Courtesy / UT Athletics

#2/4 Vols Topple Knights in 13-3 Midweek Win

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – No. 2/4 Tennessee found the win column for the 32nd times this season with a 13-3 run-rule victory over Bellarmine on Tuesday night at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.
 
The Knights (9-27) got on the board early with a leadoff home run, but UT (32-5) quickly answered back and took control of the game. Reese Chapman sparked a six-run offensive surge in the second inning with an RBI triple, part of a rally that saw nine Volunteers reach base and was capped by a three-run blast from Andrew Fischer.
 
Andrew Behnke earned his second win of the season, coming on in the second inning and stranding a pair in scoring position with back-to-back strikeouts. Michael SharmanRyan CombsLuke PayneTanner Wiggins and Austin Hunley all delivered scoreless outings in relief.
 
Chapman stayed hot at the plate, notching his second extra-base hit of the night with an RBI double in the fourth, followed by an RBI single from Manny Marin to increase UT’s lead to six.
 
The Vols added insurance in the seventh with back-to-back homers from Dylan Bargo and Chris Newstrom to pull them closer to a run-rule victory. Hunter High capped the night with a walk-off infield single in the eighth. 

Offensive Output Throughout the Lineup

Dean Curley led the charge at the plate, turning in his third three-hit performance of the season, going 3-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored. In all, 11 different Volunteers tallied hits, with four turning in multi-hit efforts as Tennessee’s offense continued to roll. Seven different UT players recorded an RBI, as well.

Chapman Continues to Rake 

Following Tuesday’s performance, Chapman is now 8-for-13 with four extra-base hits over his last five games. The Colorado native boasts a .333 batting average with 10 home runs and 38 RBI to go along with an OPS of 1.090 on the season.

Up Next

Tennessee will be back at home this weekend as they host the Kentucky Wildcats fora three-game set starting Friday night at 6:30 p.m. All three games will be streamed on SEC Network+ and the ESPN app.

More Honors Roll in for Karlyn Pickens
Courtesy / UT Athletics

More Honors Roll in for Karlyn Pickens

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee junior Karlyn Pickens continues to dominate the national spotlight, earning her third consecutive National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Pitcher of the Week award. She was also named SEC Pitcher of the Week for the third week in a row.
 
With her latest NFCA honor, Pickens makes history as the first student-athlete to win either NFCA Player or Pitcher of the Week three consecutive times.
 
A native of Weaverville, North Carolina, Pickens went 2-0 over the weekend, leading the Lady Vols to a series win at No. 1 Texas. She threw two complete-game victories, striking out 20 batters over 15 innings while allowing just two runs and issuing five walks.
 
Her performance helped Tennessee become only the second SEC team to win a series against both the No. 1 and No. 2 ranked teams in the same season. Pickens now holds a 17-4 record on the year.
 
In addition to her NFCA and SEC accolades, Pickens was named D1Softball Pitcher of the Week and Softball America Star of the Week.
 
Over her career on Rocky Top, Pickens has now earned three NFCA Pitcher of the Week honors and 10 SEC weekly awards.
 
Tennessee returns to action this weekend, hosting Auburn in a three-game series at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium. The series runs Thursday through Saturday.

Knoxville Man Holds Victim at Gunpoint with AR-15 Rifle while Robbing Home, Report Says

Knoxville Man Holds Victim at Gunpoint with AR-15 Rifle while Robbing Home, Report Says

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) A Knoxville man is facing charges after holding a man at gunpoint Sunday while robbing his Mount Olive Road home.

According to charging documents, 62-year-old Jackie McBee forced his way inside the victim’s residence with an AR-15 style rifle, forcing the man to get on his knees at gun point in the living room.

The report indicates the victim told police he had known McBee for years and that McBee put the rifle to the his head multiple times while another suspect moved through the house, collecting items. In all, the report said, the two got away with money, a watch and some jewelry.

McBee is in custody, charged with aggravated burglary and aggravated robbery.

No word on the other suspect.

Jackie McBee, 62 (Courtesy: JIMS)

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