Blount County Commission Votes on Resolution for Thorough Investigation on Every Sexual Misconduct in Blount County Schools after Teacher Pleads Guilty of to Assault

Posted on September 20, 2024

This resolution also included an official request of state legislators to take away state certification and benefits from any educator that’s pleaded or found guilty of sexual misconduct, to avoid those people from being in school in the future in Tennessee.

“I was sexually assaulted by Joseph Dalton when I was in kindergarten at Porter Elementary School,” said a former Blount County student who said she was assaulted by Dalton. “Ever since then, I have blocked it out of my mind and what he did to me has affected my life. But I’m a survivor of a child molester who isn’t being held accountable for what he did to me.”

Gym teacher Joseph Dalton was arrested back in January and plead guilty to assault after several reports of inappropriate contact with students.

He taught at two elementary schools in Blount County and is being accused of tickling and touching students.

Investigators used surveillance video which shows students forcibly trying to remove themselves from Dalton, some of these allegations go back to 2005. He will have another appearance in court in November.

Leaders say they’re in contact with a firm in Iowa who’d be able to audit Blount County schools and go through more than a decades worth of complaints.

Courtesy of WVLT

Kentucky judge shot, killed in his chambers; sheriff charged with murder

Posted on September 19, 2024

A Kentucky sheriff is charged with the murder of a district court judge

According to Kentucky State Police, at around 2:55 Thursday afternoon, they received a 9-1-1 call from the Letcher County Courthouse in reference to shots being fired from inside the building.

Several law enforcement agencies and emergency medical services responded to the scene and located District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, with multiple gunshot wounds.

KSP says lifesaving measures were attempted but unsuccessful.

Mullins was pronounced dead on scene by the Letcher County Coroner’s Office.

KSP’s preliminary investigation indicates that Letcher County Sheriff Shawn Mickey Stines, 43, shot Mullins following an argument inside the courthouse.

They say Stines was taken into custody at the scene without incident.

Letcher County Sheriff Mickey Stines (left) and District Judge Kevin Mullins (right).(WKYT)

Stines has been charged with one count of first-degree murder.

The investigation remains ongoing. Law enforcement officials give update outside of courthouse on Kentucky judge’s death

Before being appointed by Gov. Steve Beshear in 2009, Mullins was an assistant commonwealth attorney for nine and a half years. As a prosecutor, he primarily focused on drug-related offenses. As a judge, Mullins gained attention for his efforts to treat those with drug addictions rather than keeping them behind bars. In 2010, he started a program allowing inmates with substance use disorders to enroll in inpatient treatment as a condition of their pretrial release.

Stines was elected as the Sheriff of Letcher County in 2018 and reelected in 2022.

In a social media post, Attorney General Russell Coleman announced that his office will collaborate with the commonwealth’s attorney for the 27th Judicial Circuit, Jackie Steele, as special prosecutors in this case.

Letcher County Judge-Executive Terry Adams announced in a social media post that he signed an executive order to close the courthouse for Friday.

This is a developing story. Story is courtesy of WVLT

Courtesy of UT Sports

Andrews Elevated to Associate Head Coach

Posted on September 19, 2024

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee men’s golf head coach Brennan Webb announced Thursday the promotion of Bo Andrews to associate head coach.

“I am very excited to announce Bo Andrews has been promoted to Associate Head Coach of our program,” said Webb. “Bo has played an integral part in the program’s rise to one of the best in the country.

“His passion and care for Tennessee Golf is obvious to anyone who touches our program. Bo’s relentless energy and effort in our recruiting has led us to new heights in recruiting and help set us up to continue our rise to the top of NCAA golf.”

Andrews, who was hired as Webb’s assistant coach in 2018, has spent six full seasons with the Vols and has been part of 11 team tournament titles.

The Raleigh, North Carolina, native has also played an integral part in the individual development of golfers. In his time on Rocky Top, Andrews has seen nine individual tournament titles, 11 All-SEC selections and seven All-America honorees.

“I am so grateful to be named Associate Head Coach at the University of Tennessee,” said Andrews. “I deeply appreciate the confidence coach Webb and Tennessee have shown in my abilities.

“I am excited about taking on new responsibilities and continuing to contribute to the success of our recruiting efforts and the development of our student athletes.”

Tennessee has qualified for match play at the SEC Championships and NCAA Regionals in each of Andrews’ six seasons with the program, as well as making appearances at the NCAA Championships in 2021 and 2024.

Andrews aided in UT’s successful 2023-24 season that featured the program’s first team top-10 NCAA Championships finish since 1981.

During the 2023-24 season, the Vols captured a program-record-tying three team titles, and registered eight top-four team finishes. Additionally, the Big Orange earned their first ever No. 1 NCAA Regional seed while boasting an overall record of 143-35-1.

With their three-win season last year, Andrews and Webb became the first Tennessee golf coaching duo to produce three triple-win seasons.

Following its successful season, Tennessee capped off the year with a No. 7 overall national ranking and saw Bryce Lewis, Jake Hall and Evan Woosley-Reed earn All-America Honorable Mention status, which marked the first time in a single season in program history for three Vols to be named All-Americans.

Andrews also played an influential role in Lewis’ redshirt senior campaign that ended with him becoming the first Vol golfer to earn PGA TOUR Americas status through PGA TOUR University.

Knoxville Police are Investigating after Four Vehicles are Stolen from North Knoxville Dealership, One SUV Still Missing

Posted on September 19, 2024

UPDATE: One car still missing and Knoxville Police are investigating after multiple cars are stolen from a North Knoxville dealership.

Officers called to North Knox Chrysler Dodge on Callahan Drive to investigate a reported break-in and the theft of multiple cars last Thursday.

The suspects stole a car and 3 SUV’s, 3 of those recovered but a Grand Cherokee Trail Hawk is still missing.

Anyone with information is asked to call East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers

Original story: Knoxville Police are investigating after multiple cars were stolen from a North Knoxville dealership.

Officers called to North Knox Chrysler Dodge on Callahan Drive to investigate a reported break-in and the theft of multiple cars yesterday (Thursday) morning.

The investigation shows that at least four suspects broke into the dealership at just after 4 a.m. and left about two hours later.

The suspects stole a gray 2020 Grand Cherokee Trial Hawk, a gray 2021 Chevy Camaro, a gray 2024 Dodge Durango and a black 2025 Durango which was recovered in Birmingham, Alabama. Efforts remain ongoing to identify the suspects and locate the other three stolen vehicles.

Anyone with information is asked to call East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers at 865-215-7165. Tipsters can remain anonymous and be eligible to receive a cash reward.

Two Students Arrested at Union County High School

Posted on September 19, 2024

Union County, TN (WOKI) Two students are arrested Thursday, September 19 after an incident at Union County High School.

Union County Schools officials releasing a statement saying two juveniles are accused of assaulting a school resource officer and an administrator around 7:45 a.m. Thursday morning.

Officials say both juveniles were arrested and removed from the school.

It’s not yet clear what led to the altercation.

Teen Driver Died in Powell Crash, Passenger Ejected, Report Says

Posted on September 19, 2024

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) We’re learning more now about Monday’s deadly crash in Powell.

Officials with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office releasing an incident report Thursday afternoon detailing the crash in the 7900 block of Collier Road that killed the driver, a 17-year-old girl, who reportedly lost
control of the vehicle and hit a KUB utility pole, cracking it in half upon impact.

An 18-year-old passenger was ejected from the car in the crash; the passenger was listed in serious condition Monday.

The report also indicates the driver was speeding at the time.

Rural Metro Fire also responded to the crash. They say the roadway is one of many in Knox County without a shoulder, asking drivers to please slow down to avoid a crash.

The roadway was shut down for several hours on Monday.

*Officials said the car broke the utility pole in half when it crashed*. (*Courtesy: WVLT*)

With Goal of Zero Traffic Deaths in Mind, Knoxville’s Vision Zero Project Comes to Life

Posted on September 19, 2024

(Story courtesy of WVLT)

Knoxville, TN (WVLT) Vision Zero for the city of Knoxville is simple in its purest form.

“The goal is to eliminate all traffic fatalities and serious injury crashes,” Vision Zero Coordinator Cody Gentry said.

Gentry was named coordinator of the project in March that has seen already more than $1 million of federal grant funding awarded to reach its declared goal.

“This is something that’s happening, this is happening in the U.S. We are having other cities achieve zero deaths so why not Knoxville,” Gentry said.

Gentry met WVLT at the intersection of Sutherland Ave. and Tobler, in front of West High School.

That intersection was where a student was hit by a car while walking to class last school year.

“One of the largest contributing factors we see in crashes is speed,” said Gentry.

The intersection received a few thousand dollars in improvements, but is eclipsed by larger projects, receiving millions of dollars in funding, all with the same goal.

“We had 36 total fatalities in 2023 which was up, we typically average somewhere in the mid to low 20s,” said Gentry.

Roads like Chapman Highway, Magnolia Ave. and Broadway are receiving the brunt of attention.

“It really needs it, so many accidents right here, all the young people racing up here along magnolia, its dangerous, lives have been lost,” Reuben Mitchell who lives in East Knoxville said.

Data WVLT News obtained showed since 2022, a three mile stretch of Magnolia Ave. had been the location of 13 serious crashes that resulted in seven deaths.

“I would do a roundabout at these main intersections, Cherry and Magnolia I’d do a round about stop people from running lights, speeding and racing and things like that,” Mitchell said.

While a project that is slated to last until 2040, Vision Zero is already being put to work, with Sutherland and Tobler being a tangible example of the work being done.

“We call these quick build projects, so the overall idea is we want to get something on the ground as quick as cheaply as possible but still achieve the results were going for,” said Gentry. ”We can take these quick build projects we can be more nimble be more reactive get things on the ground.”

*The City of Knoxville started a nearly 15-year project called Vision Zero with the goal of reducing traffic related deaths to zero.* (*Courtesy: WVLT*)

Great Smoky Mountains Fire Continues to Grow, Park Says

Posted on September 19, 2024

Gatlinburg, TN (WOKI) A fire in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that broke out last month has grown again.

Park officials providing an update Thursday say The Flint Gap Fire which was sparked by lightning on August 26 has grown to 58 acres, a 12 acre increase since the last update from the park earlier this week.

According to the park, the fire is smoldering rather than actually burning, and recent rainfall has helped stem it from growing even more. Officials are warning though that there is room for concern as the fall season looms, with falling leaves offering an opportunity for the fire to continue spreading.

“While fire activity is currently minimal, there is a potential for increased burning as leaves drop and weather conditions change.,” the park said. “Despite some rain this week, precipitation levels remain low and no significant moisture is forecasted for the next several weeks. In preparation of changing conditions, fire staff continue to execute a full suppression strategy.”

Visitors may see more firefighting equipment near the Abrams Creek area, the park said, as crews continue to fight the fire and clear pathways to make it easier to get into the area where the fire is burning.

As of now, the fire is uncontained, but there is no threat to campgrounds or any structures. Parson Branch Road, several trails and backcountry campsites remain closed due to fire activity.

*The park said the fire, which was started by a lightning strike on Aug. 26, has grown to 58 acres*. (*Courtesy: GSMNP*)

Courtesy of WVLT

Knoxville Woman Sentenced for Hiring Online Hitman to Kill Wife of Man She Met on Dating Site

Posted on September 19, 2024

A Knoxville woman, who thought she was hiring a hit man to kill the wife of a man she met online, is headed to prison.

Melody Sasser met a man on match dot com last year before he moved away and eventually married someone else.

She reportedly paid almost ten thousand dollars through Bitcoin on Online Killers Market to hire a hitman for a “job.”

She provided license plate numbers and other details about her target, the fiancee of the man she met on-line.

Sasser entered a plea deal and she will face 100 months in prison and pay more than $5000 in fines.

Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee Warning of Impersonators Trying to Get Donations

Posted on September 19, 2024

Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee is putting the word out, warning people that impersonators are trying to get “donations” for the group.

“These parties may use buckets and display Second Harvest’s name but are NOT affiliated with the organization or its 670+ community partners,” the organization said.

The groups have been appearing on street corners and public locations in Knoxville, according to Second Harvest. Donators are being asked to call 865-521-0000 or email [email protected] to verify their donations before they give money. Story courtesy of WVLT

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Blount County Commission Votes on Resolution for Thorough Investigation on Every Sexual Misconduct in Blount County Schools after Teacher Pleads Guilty of to Assault

Posted on September 20, 2024 by rcadle • 0 Comments

District Leaders and the Blount County Commission unanimously voted on a resolution that asks for more thorough investigation into every single complaint of sexual misconduct in Blount County Schools. This resolution also included an official request of state legislators to take away state certification and benefits from any educator that’s pleaded or found guilty of…… Continue Reading

Courtesy of WVLT

Kentucky judge shot, killed in his chambers; sheriff charged with murder

Posted on September 19, 2024 by rcadle • 0 Comments

A Kentucky sheriff is charged with the murder of a district court judge According to Kentucky State Police, at around 2:55 Thursday afternoon, they received a 9-1-1 call from the Letcher County Courthouse in reference to shots being fired from inside the building. Several law enforcement agencies and emergency medical services responded to the scene…… Continue Reading

Courtesy of UT Sports

Andrews Elevated to Associate Head Coach

Posted on September 19, 2024 by rcadle • 0 Comments

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee men’s golf head coach Brennan Webb announced Thursday the promotion of Bo Andrews to associate head coach. “I am very excited to announce Bo Andrews has been promoted to Associate Head Coach of our program,” said Webb. “Bo has played an integral part in the program’s rise to one of the best in the country. “His passion and…… Continue Reading

Knoxville Police are Investigating after Four Vehicles are Stolen from North Knoxville Dealership, One SUV Still Missing

Posted on September 19, 2024 by rcadle • 0 Comments

UPDATE: One car still missing and Knoxville Police are investigating after multiple cars are stolen from a North Knoxville dealership. Officers called to North Knox Chrysler Dodge on Callahan Drive to investigate a reported break-in and the theft of multiple cars last Thursday. The suspects stole a car and 3 SUV’s, 3 of those recovered…… Continue Reading

Two Students Arrested at Union County High School

Posted on September 19, 2024 by rtravers • 0 Comments

Union County, TN (WOKI) Two students are arrested Thursday, September 19 after an incident at Union County High School. Union County Schools officials releasing a statement saying two juveniles are accused of assaulting a school resource officer and an administrator around 7:45 a.m. Thursday morning. Officials say both juveniles were arrested and removed from the…… Continue Reading

Teen Driver Died in Powell Crash, Passenger Ejected, Report Says

Posted on September 19, 2024 by rtravers • 0 Comments

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) We’re learning more now about Monday’s deadly crash in Powell. Officials with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office releasing an incident report Thursday afternoon detailing the crash in the 7900 block of Collier Road that killed the driver, a 17-year-old girl, who reportedly lostcontrol of the vehicle and hit a KUB utility pole,…… Continue Reading

With Goal of Zero Traffic Deaths in Mind, Knoxville’s Vision Zero Project Comes to Life

Posted on September 19, 2024 by rtravers • 0 Comments

(Story courtesy of WVLT) Knoxville, TN (WVLT) Vision Zero for the city of Knoxville is simple in its purest form. “The goal is to eliminate all traffic fatalities and serious injury crashes,” Vision Zero Coordinator Cody Gentry said. Gentry was named coordinator of the project in March that has seen already more than $1 million…… Continue Reading

Great Smoky Mountains Fire Continues to Grow, Park Says

Posted on September 19, 2024 by rtravers • 0 Comments

Gatlinburg, TN (WOKI) A fire in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that broke out last month has grown again. Park officials providing an update Thursday say The Flint Gap Fire which was sparked by lightning on August 26 has grown to 58 acres, a 12 acre increase since the last update from the park…… Continue Reading

Courtesy of WVLT

Knoxville Woman Sentenced for Hiring Online Hitman to Kill Wife of Man She Met on Dating Site

Posted on September 19, 2024 by rcadle • 0 Comments

A Knoxville woman, who thought she was hiring a hit man to kill the wife of a man she met online, is headed to prison. Melody Sasser met a man on match dot com last year before he moved away and eventually married someone else. She reportedly paid almost ten thousand dollars through Bitcoin on…… Continue Reading

Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee Warning of Impersonators Trying to Get Donations

Posted on September 19, 2024 by rcadle • 0 Comments

Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee is putting the word out, warning people that impersonators are trying to get “donations” for the group. “These parties may use buckets and display Second Harvest’s name but are NOT affiliated with the organization or its 670+ community partners,” the organization said. The groups have been appearing on…… Continue Reading