KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The two-time defending SEC champion Lady Vols begin fall ball action this week with four games running Wednesday-Saturday at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium.
Play begins Wednesday at 6 p.m. ET against Carson-Newman, followed by a 5 p.m. showdown with Walters State on Friday.
Tennessee hosts doubleheader action on Saturday with games against Georgia Tech and Lipscomb on tap. The day starts at 11 a.m. versus the Yellow Jackets and concludes with a 4 p.m. first pitch against the Bison.
Admission is free for all fall contests at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium. Gates will open one hour prior to first pitch. Restrooms will be open, but concessions will not be available for fall softball games.
UT’s full weekend schedule can be found below. Dates and times (ET) are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, follow vol_softball on X and Instagram.
A Knoxville man is charged with driving under the influence after a pedestrian is killed in a crash.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol called to a crash on Murphy Road at Shannon Valley Farms Boulevard Thursday night.
Troopers say a pedestrian had been hit by an SUV driven by 46-year-old Aldo Weddington and was dead at the scene.
Weddington reportedly told troopers he had used marijuana in the past few weeks and was taking medication for anxiety. He then failed all field sobriety tests.
Additionally, court records said Weddington did not have a valid driver’s license.
Weddington was charged with DUI and driving without a license.
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (Monday, Sept. 23, 2024) — Dollywood’s Harvest Festival presented by Humana has once again been nominated for the USA Today 10Best Award for Best Theme Park Halloween Event. The Harvest Festival—which features the wildly popular Great Pumpkin LumiNights presented by Covenant Health—has been a perennial favorite for the award. The USA Today contest, which now is live, runs through Monday, Oct. 21 at 11:59 a.m.
Dollywood’s Harvest Festival (now-Oct. 28) provides fabulous fall family fun, with Great Pumpkin LumiNights serving as a great glowing end to the evening. Dollywood stays open until 9 p.m. every night during the festival, allowing families more time to enjoy 12,000 carved pumpkins throughout the park.
A page with a link to the voting page can be found at http://www.dollywood.com/vote. Anyone is eligible to vote and may do so once per day, per device. Nominees for all categories are chosen by a panel of relevant experts, which includes a combination of editors from USA Today, editors from 10Best.com, relevant expert contributors and more.
Families will bask in the glow of thousands of intricately carved pumpkins as they wander through displays in Dollywood’s Timber Canyon, Wilderness Pass, Wildwood Grove and Craftsman’s Valley areas. Beyond the impressive displays, guests can find exciting activities to create new memories together.
Artists from a number of genres provide hundreds of performances throughout the festival, while visiting craftspeople display their talents for guests to see. Special harvest-themed menu items from Dollywood’s award-winning culinary team also are a delight to enjoy. There is no doubt that each day is a picture-perfect opportunity for families to enjoy the experiences of a Smoky Mountain harvest.
For more information about Dollywood’s Great Pumpkin LumiNights and the Harvest Festival, please visit https://www.dollywood.com/ or download the Dollywood app.
The autopsy for a Jefferson County Judge who was hit and killed by a car while his was walking on the highway near Mountain Vista Trail shows alcohol in his system at the time of the incident.
Fourth Judicial District Circuit Court Judge O. Duane Slone shows that he had more than three times the legal limit of alcohol in his system when he was hit and killed by a car in August.
Slone’s cause of death is listed as “multiple blunt trauma,” and is consistent with that of an accident.
The driver of the car that hit Slone is not facing charges.
White Pine, TN (WOKI) UPDATE: The White Pine Police Department is investigating after officers say a road rage incident turned into a deadly shooting Monday morning.
Officers responded to Roy Messer Highway at Exit 4, close to I-81, around 5:00 a.m.
WPPD officials say 20-year-old Jordan Price was shot and killed in the incident which started on Roy Messer and ended with the shooting at a red light near I-81.
The suspect is 59-year-old Derwin Wilds who is facing a charge of voluntary manslaughter.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office are assisting in the investigation.
ORIGINAL STORY: The White Pine Police Department is investigating after officers say a road rage incident turned into a shooting Monday morning.
Officers sent to Roy Messer Highway at Exit Four, close to I-81, around 5 a.m. One person was injured in the shooting and their injuries are said to be life-threatening.
Police say the scene is safe and is not an active shooter situation but are asking motorists to avoid the area.
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Knoxville Police are investigating after a woman reported an assault early Sunday morning in Fort Sanders.
KPD officials say a 22-year-old woman reported that a man claiming to be an Uber driver assaulted her.
According to the woman’s report, the man, possibly of Middle Eastern descent with a heavy build, told her he was an off-duty driver who offered her a free ride to her apartment as she was walking home.
The woman reportedly got into the car when the man assaulted her and pushed her out before driving off.
“The Knoxville Police Department strongly encourages residents and visitors to never get in a vehicle with an unknown individual for any reason,” Erland said. “If you have requested a rideshare, always verify the driver information before getting in the car.”
Those with information are asked to call East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers anonymously at 865-215-7165.
Anyone who has experienced a similar assault is asked to call the special crimes unit at 865-215-6810.
KPD Communication Manager Scott Erland made the announcement Monday, saying a woman reported that a man claiming to be an Uber driver assaulted her. (Courtesy: KPD)
Rockwood, TN (WOKI) A man is arrested and charged after trying to grab two girls Friday at a Rockwood High School football game.
Officials with the Roane County Sheriff’s Office say two girls reported to a school resource officer that a man was lurking outside of the fence behind the visitors’ bleachers and had grabbed one of them by the arm.
RCSO says 38-year-old Oscar Livingston Jr. was caught running through a nearby neighborhood with the help of Rockwood police and the Tennessee Highway Patrol; he was charged with two counts of simple assault.
Police say none of the girls were hurt in the incident, and there is no evidence to suggest that Livingston knew the two girls either.
Oscar Livingston Jr. charged with simple assault at Rockwood football game. (Courtesy: Roane County Sheriff’s Office)
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) A suspected wanted in connection to a deadly West Knoxville shooting in April is indicted for murder after being found in Kentucky.
Knoxville Police Department officials say 49-year-old Michael Merrick was taken into custody for a DUI charge in Whitley County, Kentucky but has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of 49-year-old Nicole Fanney on April 25 of this year.
Police say officers found Fanney who had been “shot multiple times” after responding to an apartment on Atchley Ridge Way; she was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to court documents, Merrick has been indicted for second degree murder, tampering with evidence and unlawful possession of a weapon.
When officers arrived on the scene, they reportedly found the woman, who was pronounced dead.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – After Tennessee picked up a top-15 victory on the road against Oklahoma this past weekend, the Southeastern Conference office recognized three Vols with weekly awards. Redshirt freshman placekicker Max Gilbert was tabbed the SEC Special Teams Player of the Week, junior edge rusher Joshua Josephs was named SEC Co-Defensive Lineman of the Week, and redshirt freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava earned SEC Freshman of the Week accolades for the third time this season.
Tennessee’s three SEC weekly honorees are its most in a single week since having three players recognized after the win over No. 3/1 Alabama on Oct. 15, 2022. Additionally, Iamaleava’s three SEC Freshman of the Week awards this season ties the school record set by Tyler Bray — who won it three times in a four-week span during the 2010 campaign.
Gilbert earns SEC Special Teams Player of the Week recognition for the first time in his career after making 3-of-3 fields goals and drilling both of his PATs in Norman, helping the Vols secure the 25-15 victory. The Memphis native hit field goals of 27, 41 and 32 yards and accounted for all six of the Vols’ points in the second half to finish off the win. His 10 field goals and 24 extra points this season both rank fourth in the FBS, and his 54 points scored are tied for second in the nation.
Josephs was a disruptive force on a dominant Tennessee defensive line Saturday night, posting three tackles, a tackle for loss, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery in one of the most memorable defensive efforts in school history. The win was Tennessee’s first over an AP Top 15 team on the road since 2006, and Josephs delivered arguably the biggest play of the game with a forced fumble and recovery in the red zone. He was the highest graded defensive player in the game according to Pro Football Focus with a mark of 94.4 and part of a defensive unit that limited the Sooners to a season-low 36 yards rushing.
Iamaleava complemented the elite defensive display with a solid performance in his first career SEC start, completing 13-of-21 passes for 194 yards and one touchdown through the air and adding 15 yards on the ground. He fired a career-long 66-yard touchdown pass to Dont’e Thornton Jr. in the first quarter and connected with Bru McCoy on a pair of spectacular throws for 38 and 42 yards in the win.
Tennessee has earned six SEC Weekly honors this season and 35 during the Josh Heupel era (2021-present) — including six Freshman of the Week accolades, seven Defensive Lineman of the Week awards and five Special Teams Player of the Week honors.
SEC Weekly Awards – Week 4
Co-Offensive Player of the Week Nate Noel, RB, Missouri Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
Defensive Player of the Week TJ Metcalf, DB, Arkansas
Special Teams Player of the Week Max Gilbert, PK, Tennessee
Offensive Lineman of the Week Austin Barber, OT, Florida
Co-Defensive Lineman of the Week Bradyn Swinson, DE, LSU Joshua Josephs, DE, Tennessee
The Associated Press announced on Sunday that it has named LVFL and Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson to its 2024 WNBA All-Rookie Team.
Jackson, who starred at Tennessee from 2022-24 and was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Sparks, was one of five players chosen to the squad. She joined AP WNBA Rookie of the Year honoree Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever along with Angel Reese (Chicago Sky), Leonie Fiebich (New York) and Kamilla Cardoso (Chicago) on the squad. The WNBA will soon announce its awards as well.
A three-time Coaches All-SEC First Team recipient and four-time WBCA All-America Honorable Mention choice, Jackson is the eighth Lady Vol to be named to a WNBA All-Rookie Team. She follows previous honorees Jordan Horston (2023), Diamond DeShields (2018), Glory Johnson (2012), Candace Parker (2008), Nicky Anosike (2008), Tamika Catchings (2002) and Chamique Holdsclaw (1999).
Jackson, who was in the starting lineup for 35 of 40 games this season, played 28.8 minutes per contest and averaged 13.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists for the Sparks. The 6-foot-2 Tennessee product shot 45.6 percent from the field, 34.7 percent beyond the three-point arc and 80.7 percent from the free throw line.
Only Dearica Hamby had a higher scoring average (17.3) and more starts (40) and average minutes played (33.7) for Los Angeles than the rookie. As a scorer, Jackson registered double figures on 28 occasions, tallying 20 points or more six times. Her season best of 25 came on Aug. 25 at Dallas, when she connected on nine of 15 attempts from the field, including 6-of-8 marksmanship from three-point land in a 37-minute outing. She added four assists, three rebounds, three blocks and two steals vs. the Wings as well.
As the No. 4 selection in the 2024 WNBA Draft, Jackson became the 46th Lady Vol taken in all WNBA Drafts and the 44th in drafts featuring only college players. She was the 21st Lady Vol taken in the first round (19th in college-only drafts) and gave UT first-round picks in four consecutive drafts for the first time in the program’s rich history. She followed Jordan Horston (2023, 9th, Seattle), Rae Burrell (2022, 9th, Los Angeles) and Rennia Davis (9th, Minnesota, 2021) in that run.
Posted on September 24, 2024 by Jim Kelly • 0 Comments
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The two-time defending SEC champion Lady Vols begin fall ball action this week with four games running Wednesday-Saturday at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium. Play begins Wednesday at 6 p.m. ET against Carson-Newman, followed by a 5 p.m. showdown with Walters State on Friday. Tennessee hosts doubleheader action on Saturday with games against Georgia Tech and…… Continue Reading
Posted on September 24, 2024 by rcadle • 0 Comments
A Knoxville man is charged with driving under the influence after a pedestrian is killed in a crash. The Tennessee Highway Patrol called to a crash on Murphy Road at Shannon Valley Farms Boulevard Thursday night. Troopers say a pedestrian had been hit by an SUV driven by 46-year-old Aldo Weddington and was dead at…… Continue Reading
Posted on September 24, 2024 by rcadle • 0 Comments
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (Monday, Sept. 23, 2024) — Dollywood’s Harvest Festival presented by Humana has once again been nominated for the USA Today 10Best Award for Best Theme Park Halloween Event. The Harvest Festival—which features the wildly popular Great Pumpkin LumiNights presented by Covenant Health—has been a perennial favorite for the award. The USA Today contest, which…… Continue Reading
Posted on September 23, 2024 by rcadle • 0 Comments
The autopsy for a Jefferson County Judge who was hit and killed by a car while his was walking on the highway near Mountain Vista Trail shows alcohol in his system at the time of the incident. Fourth Judicial District Circuit Court Judge O. Duane Slone shows that he had more than three times the…… Continue Reading
Posted on September 23, 2024 by rcadle • 0 Comments
White Pine, TN (WOKI) UPDATE: The White Pine Police Department is investigating after officers say a road rage incident turned into a deadly shooting Monday morning. Officers responded to Roy Messer Highway at Exit 4, close to I-81, around 5:00 a.m. WPPD officials say 20-year-old Jordan Price was shot and killed in the incident which…… Continue Reading
Posted on September 23, 2024 by rtravers • 0 Comments
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Knoxville Police are investigating after a woman reported an assault early Sunday morning in Fort Sanders. KPD officials say a 22-year-old woman reported that a man claiming to be an Uber driver assaulted her. According to the woman’s report, the man, possibly of Middle Eastern descent with a heavy build, told her…… Continue Reading
Posted on September 23, 2024 by rtravers • 0 Comments
Rockwood, TN (WOKI) A man is arrested and charged after trying tograb two girls Friday at a Rockwood High School football game. Officials with the Roane County Sheriff’s Office say two girls reported to a school resource officer that a man was lurking outside of the fence behind the visitors’ bleachers and had grabbed one…… Continue Reading
Posted on September 23, 2024 by rtravers • 0 Comments
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) A suspected wanted in connection to a deadly West Knoxville shooting in April is indicted for murder after being found in Kentucky. Knoxville Police Department officials say 49-year-old Michael Merrick was taken into custody for a DUI charge in Whitley County, Kentucky but has been charged with second-degree murder in the death…… Continue Reading
Posted on September 23, 2024 by Jim Kelly • 0 Comments
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – After Tennessee picked up a top-15 victory on the road against Oklahoma this past weekend, the Southeastern Conference office recognized three Vols with weekly awards. Redshirt freshman placekicker Max Gilbert was tabbed the SEC Special Teams Player of the Week, junior edge rusher Joshua Josephs was named SEC Co-Defensive Lineman of the Week, and redshirt freshman quarterback Nico…… Continue Reading
Posted on September 23, 2024 by Jim Kelly • 0 Comments
The Associated Press announced on Sunday that it has named LVFL and Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson to its 2024 WNBA All-Rookie Team. Jackson, who starred at Tennessee from 2022-24 and was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Sparks, was one of five players chosen to the squad. She joined AP…… Continue Reading
