On Thursday, November 7, 2024, Weston Stills was indicted by the Knox County Grand Jury on 5 counts of Especially Aggravated Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, 3 counts of Aggravated Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and 5 counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor.
The nine month long, joint investigation with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office Digital Intelligence Unit and Missoula Police Department (Missoula, Montana), was initiated by a cyber tip received through the NCMEC Cybertipline (National Center for Missing and Exploited Children).
A search warrant was executed on March 1, 2024, at the suspect’s residence. Evidence collected during the search warrant was forensically examined, which led to the identification of 5 victims, from Ohio, Montana and here in Knox County. Weston is in custody at the Roger D Wilson Detention Center.
If you have information regarding an Online exploitation of a minor, please call 911 or visit the NCMEC Cybertipline at https://www.missingkids.org/gethelpnow
Game Recap: Women’s Basketball | November 07, 2024
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee forced an opponent into 30+ turnovers for the second straight game and scored 48 points off those miscues on its way to a 90-50 victory over UT Martin on Thursday night at Food City Center.
The Lady Vols (2-0) were led by junior guard Ruby Whitehorn, who produced a double-double by halftime and finished with 18 points and 14 rebounds on the night. She had help on the scoring front from fifth-year guard Jewel Spear with 13, senior forward Sara Puckett with 11 and senior guard Samara Spencer with 10. Whitehorn’s work on the boards enabled the Big Orange to finish with a 54 to 28 advantage on the glass, including 33-7 on the offensive end and a 32-5 edge in second-chance points.
The Skyhawks (0-2), who were led by Kenley McCarn with 13 points, committed 31 turnovers on the night, with the Lady Vols posting a 48-11 margin in points off turnovers. Because of those miscues, UTM managed only 45 field goal attempts to Tennessee’s 84.
After UT Martin jumped on top early, 2-0, Tennessee countered and seized control. A Puckett jumper, a pair of Alyssa Latham free throws and a layup and three by Tess Darby propelled the Lady Vols to a 9-2 advantage by the 7:51 mark. After a Spear three-pointer just before the 4:56 media timeout and a Darby free throw immediately after it gave UT a 13-7 edge, the home team began to pull away. Puckett contributed six points to a 10-0 run to close the first frame, hitting a layup with 14 seconds remaining to send UT into the second quarter with a 23-9 lead.
Whitehorn came alive at the outset of the second period, tallying six points on a putback, jumper and layup, while Kaniya Boyd added a layup to send the Big Orange into the 4:48 media break with a 31-17 lead. Spear drained a three and then scored a layup on a heads-up pass from Talaysia Cooper to push the gap to 19, 36-17, with 3:41 to go. A Puckett layup and Cooper jumper extended the lead to 21, and Whitehorn’s putback with 57 seconds to go gave her a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double for the opening half and sent her squad into the locker with a 42-20 cushion.
Tennessee outscored UTM, 14-7, over the first 5:12 of the third stanza, with Spear and Avery Strickland knocking down three balls and Whitehorn hitting a layup before the 4:48 media timeout to build the Lady Vol lead to 59-27. A Samara Spencer three-pointer and a Whitehorn layup elevated the lead to 66-35 with 1:35 remaining, and free throws by Spencer and Zee Spearman sent the Big Orange into the final frame leading 69-37.
The Lady Vols scored the first five points of the final quarter, getting a pair of free throws from Whitehorn, another from Spencer and a trey from Boyd. Favor Ayodele scored off of a layup before UTM tallied prior to the 8:01 media break to make it 77-40. Tennessee out-dueled the Skyhawks 13-10 the rest of the way, with seven different Lady Vols adding points and Ayodele ending the evening with a tip-in to account for the final score.
NEXT UP: The Lady Vols will be back in action next Tuesday, as Middle Tennessee comes to Food City Center for a 6:30 p.m. contest. The matchup will be streamed live on SECN+.
PRESSURE COOKING: Tennessee’s pressure defense continued to cause opponents problems. The Lady Vols forced their second foe of the season into two ten-second backcourt violations, preventing UTM from getting across the timeline. The two penalties marked the third and fourth times the Lady Vols have forced that kind of turnover this season after only generating one such infraction a year ago.
BACK-TO-BACK 30+ TURNOVER NIGHTS: The Lady Vols have posted back-to-back games of forcing their opponents to turn the ball over thirty or more times. Tennessee caused UT Martin to turn the ball over 31 times in Thursday’s contest. The Skyhawks tossed it over seven times in the first quarter, 11 in the second, eight in the third and five in the fourth. UT’s foes have turned it over 37 (Samford) and now 31 times, marking the first back-to-back 30+ turnover games for Lady Vol opponents since the 2014-15 squad forced Winthrop into 34 and Tennessee State into 38 on Nov. 21, 2014, and Nov. 24, 2014.
RUB-A-DUB-DUB: Junior Ruby Whitehorn, whose nickname is “Rub Dub”, showcased her skills on both sides of the ball, nabbing her second career double-double in the game against UT Martin. The guard fired in 18 points and pulled down 14 rebounds to tie her career high on the boards. She finished with eight on the offensive end and six defensively. Whitehorn was eight for 14 on field goals while also adding three steals and a pair of assists. She also was perfect at the charity stripe, sinking both free throws that she attempted.
A TEAM AFFAIR: Every player that was available on head coach Kim Caldwell‘s squad got to see the court during tonight’s affair. Eleven players scored and a total of 13 players saw action, including a new starting combination of Sara Puckett, Zee Spearman, Jewel Spear, Kaniya Boyd and Talaysia Cooper. The fresh five featured a first-time collegiate starter in Boyd and a first-time Lady Vol starter in Spearman.
BETTER ON THE BOARDS: After grabbing 41 rebounds, including 21 of the offensive variety, vs. Samford on Tuesday, Tennessee was even stronger on Thursday night vs. UT Martin. The Lady Vols finished the night with 54 total rebounds and grabbed 33 on the offensive glass. Those were margins on +26 vs. the Skyhawks in both areas.
Anderson County, TN (WOKI) A former Anderson County sheriff has died.
Officials with the sheriff’s office announcing Thursday that former Sheriff Bill White has died.
White served as sheriff from 2002 to 2006.
“Our hearts are broken at the Sheriff’s Office today upon hearing of the passing of former Sheriff Bill White,” officials said. “We ask everyone to join us extending our condolences to his family and keeping them in our prayers.”
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Knoxville Police will conduct a sobriety checkpoint later this month.
The checkpoint will be set up on Cumberland Avenue in the Fort Sanders area on November 21.
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.
Alcohol or drug impairment possibly contributed to over 43 percent of the fatal crashes that happened in Knoxville in 2022.
During the department’s most recent sobriety checkpoint in August on Kingston Pike, three people were arrested for DUI.
Knoxville Police to conduct sobriety checkpoint in the Fort Sanders area. (Courtesy: KPD)
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Renowned sports broadcaster for the University of Tennessee Bob Kesling Thursday announcing he will retire as the Voice of the Vols after the 2024-25 men’s basketball season.
Kesling has enjoyed an incredible career that stretches over five decades, marking him as a pillar of the Vol Network and the iconic voice of UT football and men’s basketball.
Kesling worked under legendary broadcaster and former Voice of the Vols John Ward for 15 seasons, handling pre-game, halftime and post-game interviews, before ascending to the role in 1999.
Tennessee Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Danny White reflected on Kesling’s career announcing Tennessee plays on Thursday, calling him an icon for Tennessee Athletics.
“Bob‘s influence has been remarkable, touching so many lives as the ’Voice of the Vols’ and through his heartfelt dedication as a mentor and leader in our Knoxville community for over 50 years,” White said. “He embodies the true spirit of someone who has given his all for Tennessee.”
Kesling has received numerous awards over his decades-long career, including induction this summer into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame in Murfreesboro. The event was organized by the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters and further cemented the Vol Radio Network’s legacy.
“As an icon in the broadcasting industry, we are deeply appreciative of the professionalism he brings to Tennessee Athletics each time he takes the microphone,” White said. “His contributions resonate with all of us here on Rocky Top and we cannot thank him enough for everything he has done.”
It‘s a legacy that’s stretched over some of Tennessee’s most famous sports moments.
“Bob Kesling has been the soundtrack to the memories of generations of Vols fans,” Chancellor Donde Plowman said. “From his calls of Pat Summitt’s six national championships to the 2022 football win over Alabama, he has cemented his place in Tennessee Athletics history. His professionalism, dedication, and love for Tennessee is unmatched and we are grateful that he chose to share his talents with all of us for the last three-plus decades.”
Active in the community, Kesling serves on the boards of directors for Goodwill, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and the Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame. He was also the 2013 United Way Campaign Chairperson. He was inducted into the Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame in 2015 and the Tennessee Boys and Girls Club Hall of Fame in 2020.
A 1977 graduate of Tennessee, Kesling and his wife, Tami, have two daughters, Allison and Melissa; he retires after the 2024-25 men’s basketball season to spend more time with his family which now includes four grandchildren with another anticipated in April.
Kesling, a pillar of sports radio, is the longest-serving member of the Vol Network and someone Tennessee fans have come to expect each time the Vols start play. (Courtesy: UT Athletics)
Kesling has enjoyed an incredible career that stretches over five decades, marking him as a pillar of the Vol Network
GeneralNovember 07, 2024
The Vol Network and Tennessee Athletics announced on Thursday that renowned announcer Bob Kesling will retire as the Voice of the Vols after the 2024-25 men’s basketball season.
Kesling has enjoyed an incredible career that stretches over five decades, marking him as a pillar of the Vol Network, which celebrated its 75th anniversary. His dedication and experience have made him the longest-serving member in the organization’s storied history, a testament to his unwavering commitment and influence within the community.
“Bob’s influence has been remarkable, touching so many lives as the Voice of the Vols and through his heartfelt dedication as a mentor and leader in our Knoxville community for over 50 years,” Tennessee Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Danny White said. “He embodies the true spirit of someone who has given his all for Tennessee. As an icon in the broadcasting industry, we are deeply appreciative of the professionalism he brings to Tennessee Athletics each time he takes the microphone. His contributions resonate with all of us here on Rocky Top and we cannot thank him enough for everything he has done.”
This summer, Kesling received the prestigious honor of being inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame during a ceremony held in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The event, organized by the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters, celebrated his significant contributions to the field of broadcasting. By joining the Hall of Fame, Kesling is now part of an exclusive group of distinguished individuals who have made remarkable impacts on Tennessee Athletics and the Vol Radio Network, further solidifying his legacy in the state’s rich broadcasting history.
“Bob Kesling has been the soundtrack to the memories of generations of Vols fans,” Chancellor Donde Plowman said. “From his calls of Pat Summitt’s six national championships to the 2022 football win over Alabama, he has cemented his place in Tennessee Athletics history. His professionalism, dedication, and love for Tennessee is unmatched and we are grateful that he chose to share his talents with all of us for the last three-plus decades.”
For over 25 years, Kesling has served as the “Voice of the Vols” on radio and television. A graduate of the University of Tennessee, he has represented Tennessee Athletics in various capacities, both on-air and off-air, most notably as Director of Broadcasting. He is a four-time recipient of the “Sportscaster of the Year” award for the state of Tennessee.
“Bob Kesling is a cornerstone in our proud 75-year history of the Vol Network,” Vol Network Vice President & General Manager Steve Early said. “It will be hard to imagine a football Saturday without the presence of such a skilled and dedicated story-teller. His unmatched versatility as both a radio and television personality has been an advantage Tennessee fans have enjoyed for 50 years. Nobody loves the Vol Network more than Bob. It’s fitting that an entire generation has grown up knowing only his voice. And the amount of people he has encouraged and influenced in this industry says all you need to know about his broadcasting legacy. To me, he personifies loyalty and what it means to be a big-time professional. The Vol Network is better because of Bob Kesling.”
Since being named the lead announcer on the Vol Radio Network in 1999, Kesling has been the play-by-play voice for Tennessee football and basketball across the 60-plus stations that make up the Vol Radio Network, one of the largest networks in collegiate sports. He also hosts “Vol Calls,” a weekly coaches’ call-in radio show, and the “Big Orange Hotline” during the football season. Additionally, he hosts “The Josh Heupel Show” and “The Rick Barnes Show” on the Vol Television Network.
Kesling began his association with the University of Tennessee as a walk-on fullback on the 1972 freshman football team. His broadcasting career started in 1974 when he worked as a film editor for the “Bill Battle Show” on the Vol Television Network while still a student.
In 1976, Kesling became the spotter for John Ward on Vol Network radio broadcasts, sitting beside the legendary “Voice of the Vols” for 15 seasons and handling pre-game, halftime, and post-game interviews.
He also has a long history with the Lady Vols basketball team, serving as the radio play-by-play voice from 1978 to 1999 and calling Pat Summitt’s first six NCAA National Championships.
WIVK Radio in Knoxville appointed Kesling as its Sports Director in 1976. In 1980, he was named Sports Director at WBIR-TV in Knoxville, where he anchored the 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. news.
During his tenure at WBIR-TV, Kesling also worked for Jefferson-Pilot Sports on its SEC Television package. He served as pre-game host and play-by-play announcer for the basketball network in 1989 and joined the football broadcasts as a sideline reporter and play-by-play announcer in 1992. Kesling remained with WBIR and Jefferson-Pilot Sports until accepting the Vol Network position in 1999. Throughout his extensive broadcasting career, he has been a long-time member of the SEC Radio Network. He has also broadcast various sporting events for CBS/Westwood One Radio, FOX Sports, FOX SportSouth, and the SEC Network. Additionally, he called games for the Knoxville Cherokees hockey team, the Knoxville Blue Jays baseball team, and the Nashville Sounds baseball team.
Active in the community, Kesling serves on the boards of directors for Goodwill, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and the Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame. He was also the 2013 United Way Campaign Chairperson. He was inducted into the Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame in 2015 and the Tennessee Boys and Girls Club Hall of Fame in 2020. A 1977 graduate of Tennessee, Kesling and his wife, Tami, have two daughters, Allison and Melissa.
Knoxville Police receiving several reports of scam callers using the names of KPD officers to pressure victims into giving them money.
KPD says callers often identify themselves as law enforcement officers or use the names of actual officers and use spoofed phone numbers to both disguise their real number and make it appear as if they are actually calling from a local law enforcement agency.
Officials say scammers usually threaten or intimidate victims by demanding money for bond or in lieu of an arrest with the goal of scaring victims into paying sometimes requesting gift cards or cryptocurrency.
KPD officials reminding residents that law enforcement will never call to request money or ask for financial information. Please call KPD, if you receive one of these calls.
The Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration has fined Appalachian Electric after one of its linemen died on the job.
Nathan Potter died on July 23 after being electrocuted on a job site in Grainger County. He had been a lineman for more than a decade and was with Appalachian Electric for six years.
TOSHA says he was in a bucket truck tightening bolts on the framing of a transporter when he came into contact with a energized switch which was not insulated at the time of the incident.
TOSHA cited Appalachian Electric and fined the company $8,000.
Tennessee Highway Patrol is investigating a car chase that ends in a deadly crash.
Campbell County Sheriff’s Office Deputies tried to pull over a car in the Valley View community yesterday afternoon (Wednesday), but the driver, identified by THP as 25-year-old Cassie Miller, didn’t stop and fled from police.
Miller then led deputies on a chase that ended in a crash on Howard Road in LaFollette when she tried to take a curve but ran off the road and struck a tree.
Troopers said Miller was fatally injured. A passenger, a 55-year-old man, was also injured in the crash.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee softball team will hold a home run derby on Friday, Nov. 8 at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium and honor one of its “Legends of the Game” Lauren Gibson as a part of its homecoming festivities.
The event is slated to begin at 6:00 p.m. ET and will be open to the public free of charge. The derby will be contested over three rounds, featuring a field of 15 players. Seven Lady Vol alumni will also participate in a two-round home run derby.
Gibson – a three-time first-team All-American and the 2013 SEC Player of the Year – will be honored between the team and alumni home run derby. A native of Pasadena, Maryland, Gibson arrived on Rocky Top in the fall of 2009. Over the next four seasons, she established herself as one of the program’s all-time greats.
She played a pivotal role in leading the Lady Vols to the 2013 Women’s College World Series, earning a spot on the WCWS All-Tournament Team.
Throughout her collegiate career, she showcased her skills as a second baseman – posting an impressive .401 batting average during her senior year along with 19 home runs and 68 RBIs that earned her SEC Player of the Year.
Her achievements extend beyond college, as she has represented the United States on the international stage, claiming gold medals at the World Cup of Softball and the Pan American Games, where she recorded an outstanding .529 batting average. With numerous accolades, including NFCA First Team All-American honors and multiple selections to All-SEC teams, Gibson has solidified her legacy as a Lady Vol great.
Gates will open one hour before first pitch. Restrooms will be open, but concessions will not be available for fall softball events. Fans will be allowed to bring in their own food and non-alcoholic beverages.
On Thursday, November 7, 2024, Weston Stills was indicted by the Knox County Grand Jury on 5 counts of Especially Aggravated Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, 3 counts of Aggravated Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and 5 counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor. The nine month long, joint investigation with the Knox County Sheriff’s…… Continue Reading
Posted on November 8, 2024 by Jim Kelly • 0 Comments
Game Recap: Women’s Basketball | November 07, 2024 KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee forced an opponent into 30+ turnovers for the second straight game and scored 48 points off those miscues on its way to a 90-50 victory over UT Martin on Thursday night at Food City Center. The Lady Vols (2-0) were led by junior guard Ruby Whitehorn,…… Continue Reading
Posted on November 7, 2024 by rtravers • 0 Comments
Anderson County, TN (WOKI) A former Anderson County sheriff has died. Officials with the sheriff’s office announcing Thursday that former Sheriff Bill White has died. White served as sheriff from 2002 to 2006. “Our hearts are broken at the Sheriff’s Office today upon hearing of the passing of former Sheriff Bill White,” officials said. “We…… Continue Reading
Posted on November 7, 2024 by rtravers • 0 Comments
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Knoxville Police will conduct a sobriety checkpoint later this month. The checkpoint will be set up on Cumberland Avenue in the Fort Sanders area on November 21. 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…… Continue Reading
Posted on November 7, 2024 by rtravers • 0 Comments
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Renowned sports broadcaster for the University of Tennessee Bob Kesling Thursday announcing he will retire as the Voice of the Vols after the 2024-25 men’s basketball season. Kesling has enjoyed an incredible career that stretches over five decades, marking him as a pillar of the Vol Network and the iconic voice of…… Continue Reading
Posted on November 7, 2024 by Jim Kelly • 0 Comments
Kesling has enjoyed an incredible career that stretches over five decades, marking him as a pillar of the Vol Network GeneralNovember 07, 2024 The Vol Network and Tennessee Athletics announced on Thursday that renowned announcer Bob Kesling will retire as the Voice of the Vols after the 2024-25 men’s basketball season. Kesling has enjoyed an…… Continue Reading
Knoxville Police receiving several reports of scam callers using the names of KPD officers to pressure victims into giving them money. KPD says callers often identify themselves as law enforcement officers or use the names of actual officers and use spoofed phone numbers to both disguise their real number and make it appear as if…… Continue Reading
The Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration has fined Appalachian Electric after one of its linemen died on the job. Nathan Potter died on July 23 after being electrocuted on a job site in Grainger County. He had been a lineman for more than a decade and was with Appalachian Electric for six years. TOSHA…… Continue Reading
Tennessee Highway Patrol is investigating a car chase that ends in a deadly crash. Campbell County Sheriff’s Office Deputies tried to pull over a car in the Valley View community yesterday afternoon (Wednesday), but the driver, identified by THP as 25-year-old Cassie Miller, didn’t stop and fled from police. Miller then led deputies on a…… Continue Reading
Posted on November 7, 2024 by Jim Kelly • 0 Comments
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee softball team will hold a home run derby on Friday, Nov. 8 at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium and honor one of its “Legends of the Game” Lauren Gibson as a part of its homecoming festivities. The event is slated to begin at 6:00 p.m. ET and will be open to the…… Continue Reading
