It’s Strawberry Season in Tennessee

It’s Strawberry Season in Tennessee

Posted on April 18, 2024

It’s time to Pick Tennessee Products and pick Tennessee strawberries. Strawberry season is underway. Most strawberry farms are planning to begin selling strawberries in mid-April.

Check out the list of local strawberry farms https://www.picktnproducts.org/listview/strawberries.html? to find fresh berries near you.

With warm spring days in the forecast, Tennessee farms will quickly have fields turning red with juicy and sweet strawberries. If you are looking for the freshest berries, head straight to the farm.

“The strawberries are doing very well,” Shelby Vanatta of Cabin Hill Farm in Montgomery County said. “Our estimated date for opening is April 24.”

It’s always best to call a berry farm in advance to learn picking procedures and to determine availability. Depending on weather, the typical strawberry season lasts four to six weeks, so head to a farm now for the freshest, best tasting strawberries.

Support your local economy and buy fresh strawberries from your local farmer. Use the free Pick Tennessee mobile app or go to https://www.picktnproducts.org/ to find a farm near you. Follow @PickTNProducts on Facebook, X, and Instagram to learn more about seasonal recipes, products, and activities.

An Office at UT Medical Center Evacuated Due to Threat
Photo courtesy of WVLT

An Office at UT Medical Center Evacuated Due to Threat

Posted on April 17, 2024

An investigation is underway following a threat which caused the evacuation of an UT Medical Center office.

Knoxville Police say the University Eye Specialists office was evacuated yesterday (Wednesday) out of an abundance of caution.  Officers swept the area but didn’t find anything suspicious.

The office returned to normal operations.

KPD to Conduct Sobriety Checkpoint Later This Month

KPD to Conduct Sobriety Checkpoint Later This Month

Posted on April 17, 2024

The Knoxville Police Department will conduct a sobriety checkpoint on the night of Saturday, April 27.

KPD officers will staff the checkpoint, which will be set up on Magnolia Avenue in the Parkridge area. The previous checkpoint that was scheduled for Magnolia Avenue on March 22nd was cancelled due to rain.

The purpose of the sobriety checkpoint is to deter impaired driving, prevent serious or fatal crashes, and increase public awareness of the consequences of driving while under the influence.  

During the checkpoint, officers will check motorists for signs of alcohol or drug impairment.  

Alcohol or drug impairment possibly contributed to over 43 percent of the fatal crashes that happened in Knoxville in 2022.  

In 2022, the KPD acquired a DUI checkpoint trailer through the Tennessee High Safety Office (TNHSO) Traffic Services grant at no cost to Knoxville taxpayers that will be used during the March 22nd sobriety checkpoint.  

The Knoxville Police Department reminds motorists to always practice safe driving habits in all situations. Motorists are encouraged to slow down, buckle up, reduce distractions, pay attention to the road, and never drive while under the influence.

Lenoir City Police Officer Arrested for Domestic Assault, Records Show

Lenoir City Police Officer Arrested for Domestic Assault, Records Show

Posted on April 17, 2024

Lenoir City, TN (WOKI) A Lenoir City police officer is arrested Tuesday and charged with domestic assault.

According to court records, Christopher Law was arrested and charged in connection to an altercation Tuesday involving his wife during which he allegedly shoved her, yelled at her, and smacked her phone out of her hand because he thought she was recording him.

The affidavit also claims that Law punched himself and told the victim to call the police because “they wouldn’t believe her” and she “would lose her job.”

When the victim left to report the incident to police, she stated she was concerned that Law would harm the child and that she was in fear for her and the child’s life, the affidavit says.

Court documents indicate Law’s alleged aggressive behavior toward his wife began Monday when coworkers at a retirement party requested that Law be picked up because he was intoxicated. When the victim arrived, Law began yelling at her in front of a young child.

Lenoir City Police Department officials say Law was suspended with pay pending the results of the investigation.

Sebastian Rogers’ Dad Hires Private Investigators as Search Continues

Sebastian Rogers’ Dad Hires Private Investigators as Search Continues

Posted on April 17, 2024

Hendersonville, TN (WOKI) The father of missing teen Sebastian Rogers has hired private investigators to assist in the search.

Seth Rogers confirming Wednesday that early on in the search for his son, he had hired some private investigators but fired them due to a lack of results. These are the third and fourth private investigators he has hired since Sebastian’s disappearance in late February.

Rogers also said that he’s grateful for the volunteers that continue to hand out flyers, but urges them to be safe when searching.

The 15-year-old with autism was last seen on Monday, February 26 near Stafford Court in Hendersonville and has been missing ever since.

In early April, the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office said they had “no actionable leads” in the search for Sebastian.

Those with information in the disappearance of Sebastian Rogers are urged to please call 1-800-TBI FIND.

Is Governor Bill Lee’s School Voucher Plan Bill Dead

Is Governor Bill Lee’s School Voucher Plan Bill Dead

Posted on April 17, 2024

 Governor Bill Lee’s bill to give students private school vouchers in Tennessee appears to be dying. The intent was to let 20,000 public school students go to private institutions across the state and give them $7,000 each.

For four weeks lawmakers have rolled Gov. Lee’s voucher plan, but as the session starts to wind down, many wonder if the different bills in the Senate and House are dead or alive.

“Well, it’s not dead in the Senate,” said Senator Jack Johnson (R-Franklin). “As the sponsor in the Senate, it’s not dead unless I take it off notice and I haven’t done that.”

Sen. Johnson said he is still pushing the Senate version of the bill. That one requires all students to take standardized tests and has open enrollment.

The House bill eases testing requirements and has more teacher benefits.

WSMV4 asked Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton where the House version of the bill stands.

In a statement, he said:

“Our conversations with the Senate and the governor are ongoing. We will continue our conversations in hopes that we can reach an agreement before the session ends. We all agreed not to move the bill forward if a consensus cannot be reached.”

Democrats who want nothing to do with vouchers hope both versions are done.

“I really hope the education voucher bill is dead,” said Representative Sam McKenzie (D-Knoxville). “It’s been the governor’s soul thing that he’s pushed, and I think it just doesn’t make sense to spend public dollars on private education.”

Sen. Johnson said the Senate plans to take up the voucher bill later this week. The Senate did pass its budget on Tuesday, it did not include the $400-million House voucher plan. Story courtesy of WVLT – WSMV

#2 VOLS BLAST SIX HOMERS TO TOPPLE KNIGHTS, 20-5
Courtesy / UT Athletics

#2 VOLS BLAST SIX HOMERS TO TOPPLE KNIGHTS, 20-5

Posted on April 17, 2024

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – No. 2/3 Tennessee ran its winning streak to seven games with a 20-5 midweek victory over Bellarmine on Tuesday night at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.

The Vols started fast with seven runs in the second inning to take an early lead and went on to score in six of the eight innings they batted in, finishing with six home runs and 20 hits on the night.

Blake Burke went 2-for-2 with a grand slam in UT’s seven-run second inning, the first of his career. It was Burke’s 13th homer of the season and 43rd of his career, putting him back in the lead for career home runs at Tennessee, one ahead of Christian Moore.

Burke’s single in the first inning also extended his hitting streak to 27 straight games, tying Condredge Holloway’s 49-year old program record that was set back in 1975.

Reese Chapman also had a big night at the dish, recording his first multi-homer game while driving in three runs and scoring three of his own.

Kavares Tears, Charlie Taylor and Colby Backus also went deep for the Big Orange in the win as the Vols tied their single-season high with six long balls, marking the fourth time this year they’ve accomplished the feat.

Seven different players recorded multiple hits for UT, led by Ariel Antigua’s career-high three base knocks, while 10 separate Vols drove in at least one run.

Marcus Phillips made his first-career start on the mound and looked sharp in two innings of work, retiring all six batters he faced with a pair of strikeouts.

Matthew Dallas picked up the first victory of his career after tossing 1.1 scoreless innings of relief with one punchout.

Brady Robertson, Derek Schaefer and JJ Garcia all had scoreless outings out of the bullpen, as well.

With the win, the Vols improved to 26-2 at Lindsey Nelson Stadium and 10-0 in midweek games this season. Their 26 home victories are the most in the country this year.

STAT OF THE GAME: With their six homers on Tuesday night, the Big Orange have now hit an NCAA-leading 101 on the year, marking the third consecutive season they have hit 100-plus long balls.

UP NEXT: Tennessee hits the road for a massive series at No. 3/3 Kentucky this weekend in Lexington. First pitch for Friday’s opener is slated for 6:30 p.m. ET and all three contests will be streamed on SEC Network+ and the ESPN app.

The Greene County Sheriff’s Department Charges Two People with Child Abuse
Photo courtesy of WVLT

The Greene County Sheriff’s Department Charges Two People with Child Abuse

Posted on April 16, 2024

The Greene County Sheriff’s Department says two people are charged with child abuse involving a four-month-old baby.

On March 28th, deputies were called to Greeneville Community Hospital for a report of possible child abuse involving a four-month-old baby.  Yesterday (Tuesday), a Grand Jury handed down indictments for 18-year-old Faith Stewart and 21-year-old Danny Furr.

Stewart was indicted on aggravated child endangerment and Furr was indicted on aggravated child abuse and child abuse and criminal impersonation.  

Both have been arrested with a bond of $150,000. They are scheduled to appear in court on July 31st.

The child has been placed in the custody of the Department of Children’s Services.

Human Remains Found in Kingsport Identified as Missing Hawkins Co. Man

Human Remains Found in Kingsport Identified as Missing Hawkins Co. Man

Posted on April 16, 2024

Sullivan County, TN (WOKI) Human remains found on a property in Kingsport earlier this month have been identified as a man missing since 2020.

Kingsport Police Department officials report the remains found at a Wadlow Gap Road property on April 7 are those of Nicholas Massengill.

Massengill, age 38 at the time of his disappearance, was reportedly last seen at Indian Path Hospital on April 27, 2020. According to the KPD, Massengill wasn’t a patient at the hospital but was visiting a friend.

KPD says the investigation remains active and ongoing.

Jillian’s Law Headed to Governor’s Desk

Jillian’s Law Headed to Governor’s Desk

Posted on April 16, 2024

Nashville, TN (WOKI) Both the Tennessee House and Senate passed “Jillian’s Law,” so the bill now heads to the governor’s desk.

Jillian Ludwig was a freshman at Belmont University in Nashville who was shot and killed in November of last year. The bullet was fired by a man who was deemed incompetent to stand trial for a prior crime.

The new law (HB1640/SB1769) will require people committed to remain institutionalized until “competency” is restored or until a court approves an outpatient treatment plan. It would also keep them from owning a firearm.

The Senate passed the bill unanimously. The House vote was almost unanimous as four representatives did not vote.

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It’s Strawberry Season in Tennessee

It’s Strawberry Season in Tennessee

Posted on April 18, 2024 by rcadle • 0 Comments

It’s time to Pick Tennessee Products and pick Tennessee strawberries. Strawberry season is underway. Most strawberry farms are planning to begin selling strawberries in mid-April. Check out the list of local strawberry farms https://www.picktnproducts.org/listview/strawberries.html? to find fresh berries near you. With warm spring days in the forecast, Tennessee farms will quickly have fields turning red with juicy…… Continue Reading

An Office at UT Medical Center Evacuated Due to Threat
Photo courtesy of WVLT

An Office at UT Medical Center Evacuated Due to Threat

Posted on April 17, 2024 by rcadle • 0 Comments

An investigation is underway following a threat which caused the evacuation of an UT Medical Center office. Knoxville Police say the University Eye Specialists office was evacuated yesterday (Wednesday) out of an abundance of caution.  Officers swept the area but didn’t find anything suspicious. The office returned to normal operations.… Continue Reading

KPD to Conduct Sobriety Checkpoint Later This Month

KPD to Conduct Sobriety Checkpoint Later This Month

Posted on April 17, 2024 by rcadle • 0 Comments

The Knoxville Police Department will conduct a sobriety checkpoint on the night of Saturday, April 27. KPD officers will staff the checkpoint, which will be set up on Magnolia Avenue in the Parkridge area. The previous checkpoint that was scheduled for Magnolia Avenue on March 22nd was cancelled due to rain. The purpose of the sobriety checkpoint is to…… Continue Reading

Lenoir City Police Officer Arrested for Domestic Assault, Records Show

Lenoir City Police Officer Arrested for Domestic Assault, Records Show

Posted on April 17, 2024 by rtravers • 0 Comments

Lenoir City, TN (WOKI) A Lenoir City police officer is arrested Tuesday and charged with domestic assault. According to court records, Christopher Law was arrested and charged in connection to an altercation Tuesday involving his wife during which he allegedly shoved her, yelled at her, and smacked her phone out of her hand because he…… Continue Reading

Sebastian Rogers’ Dad Hires Private Investigators as Search Continues

Sebastian Rogers’ Dad Hires Private Investigators as Search Continues

Posted on April 17, 2024 by rtravers • 0 Comments

Hendersonville, TN (WOKI) The father of missing teen Sebastian Rogers has hired private investigators to assist in the search. Seth Rogers confirming Wednesday that early on in the search for his son, he had hired some private investigators but fired them due to a lack of results. These are the third and fourth private investigators…… Continue Reading

Is Governor Bill Lee’s School Voucher Plan Bill Dead

Is Governor Bill Lee’s School Voucher Plan Bill Dead

Posted on April 17, 2024 by rcadle • 0 Comments

 Governor Bill Lee’s bill to give students private school vouchers in Tennessee appears to be dying. The intent was to let 20,000 public school students go to private institutions across the state and give them $7,000 each. For four weeks lawmakers have rolled Gov. Lee’s voucher plan, but as the session starts to wind down,…… Continue Reading

The Greene County Sheriff’s Department Charges Two People with Child Abuse
Photo courtesy of WVLT

The Greene County Sheriff’s Department Charges Two People with Child Abuse

Posted on April 16, 2024 by rcadle • 0 Comments

The Greene County Sheriff’s Department says two people are charged with child abuse involving a four-month-old baby. On March 28th, deputies were called to Greeneville Community Hospital for a report of possible child abuse involving a four-month-old baby.  Yesterday (Tuesday), a Grand Jury handed down indictments for 18-year-old Faith Stewart and 21-year-old Danny Furr. Stewart…… Continue Reading

Human Remains Found in Kingsport Identified as Missing Hawkins Co. Man

Human Remains Found in Kingsport Identified as Missing Hawkins Co. Man

Posted on April 16, 2024 by rtravers • 0 Comments

Sullivan County, TN (WOKI) Human remains found on a property in Kingsport earlier this month have been identified as a man missing since 2020. Kingsport Police Department officials report the remains found at a Wadlow Gap Road property on April 7 are those of Nicholas Massengill. Massengill, age 38 at the time of his disappearance,…… Continue Reading

Jillian’s Law Headed to Governor’s Desk

Jillian’s Law Headed to Governor’s Desk

Posted on April 16, 2024 by rtravers • 0 Comments

Nashville, TN (WOKI) Both the Tennessee House and Senate passed “Jillian’s Law,” so the bill now heads to the governor’s desk. Jillian Ludwig was a freshman at Belmont University in Nashville who was shot and killed in November of last year. The bullet was fired by a man who was deemed incompetent to stand trial…… Continue Reading