NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Due to the forecasted significant winter storm and the threat of hazardous travel conditions across Tennessee, Governor Bill Lee has closed state offices on Friday, January 10, 2025.
State services offered online will remain available and state employees able to work from home should do so.
At the direction of Governor Lee, The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) issued a State of Emergency to provide regulatory relief ahead of a significant winter storm, with impacts expected Thursday evening through Saturday afternoon. TEMA continues to work with local, regional, and state partners to support readiness actions and any requests for resources.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is pre-treating interstates and state routes and urges Tennesseans to exercise caution and avoid non-essential travel.
A Knoxville lawyer is claiming that his client died after being hit and stun gunned while at the Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility.
Lance Baker said in a statement to WVLT News 46-year-old David Batts died after his arrest on January 7th.
Knoxville Police were called to the Knoxville Area Transit hub, where Batts worked as a maintenance worker, after receiving a call about a vehicle theft and they found Batts inside one of the buses.
He was cited for possession of what officers thought was heroin and he was taken to a hospital for a mental health evaluation.
An arrest report for Batts claims he assaulted two nurses while at the hospital so he was transferred to the Facility, where Baker claims he was hit and hit with a stun gun, once he was released from the hospital.
January Is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ahead of National Human Trafficking Awareness Day on January 11th, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) reintroduced a package of four bills to combat human trafficking, including the SAVE Girls Act, National Human Trafficking Database Act, End Child Trafficking Now Act, and PRINTS Act. Read more about this legislation below. “Human trafficking is a vile crime, and we need to do everything in our power to deter criminals and trafficking rings from preying on innocent men, women, and children,” said Senator Blackburn. “These bills would establish a national human trafficking database, authorize additional funding to prevent trafficking, combat child recycling at the border, and prevent traffickers from smuggling children across the border by requiring a DNA test to determine the relationship of accompanying children.”
BACKGROUND Today, Senator Blackburn reintroduced the: Stopping the Abuse, Victimization, and Exploitation of Girls (SAVE Girls) Act: Provides states, local governments, and non-profits with the vital resources they need to put an end to the trafficking of young women and girls. This legislation is co-sponsored by Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.). Click here for bill text.
National Human Trafficking Database Act:Establishes a national human trafficking database at the Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime and incentivizes state law enforcement agencies to report data.This legislation follows the success of a state-level data collection program in Tennessee implemented by Belmont University’s Data Collaborative and the anti-human trafficking organization Engage Together. It is co-sponsored by Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.). Click here for bill text.
End Child Trafficking Now Act: Requires a DNA test to determine the relationship between illegal immigrants coming across the border and any accompanying children. This legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), and Mike Lee (R-Utah). Click here for bill text.
Preventing the Recycling of Immigrants is Necessary for Trafficking Suspension (PRINTS) Act: Gives U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) the authority to fingerprint non-citizens under the age of 14 to combat human trafficking and child recycling. This legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.). Click here for bill text.
Agencies met this (Thursday) afternoon to prepare and plan for the upcoming winter weather. Coordinating departments include the Knoxville-Knox County Emergency Management Agency, American Medical Response, American Red Cross, City of Knoxville 311, City of Knoxville Public Service, City of Knoxville Transportation Engineering, Karns Fire Department, Knox County Emergency Communications District, Knox County Engineering and Public Works, Knox County Health Department, Knox County Public Safety, Knox County Regional Forensic Center, Knox County Rescue, Knox County Schools, Knox County Sheriff’s Office, Knoxville Fire Department, Knoxville Police Department, Knoxville Utilities Board, Knoxville-Knox County Office of Housing Stability, Rural Metro Fire Department, Seymour Volunteer Fire Department, Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Town of Farragut Public Works, University of Tennessee Office of Emergency Management, University of Tennessee Police Department.
All partner agencies are working together closely to prepare for the storm and will continue coordinating throughout the event.
Local utility partners are monitoring the situation for possible power outages and water main breaks. They are making preparations to restore service as quickly as possible in the event of an outage. While we are making efforts to prepare, we ask that community members also take time to plan and prepare for the winter weather. If at all possible, please stay off of roadways. Follow along with forecasts from local media and social media for additional updates.
Knox County Alerts – Knox County Alerts allows community members to receive emergency alerts by opting in. Community members can select what type of alerts they would like to receive and how they would like to receive them. Sign up at knoxcounty.org/alert http://knoxcounty.org/alert
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Tennessee has awarded a contract to remove debris from the state’s waterways following Hurricane Helene.
The state has selected Phillips & Jordan, Inc. as the primary vendor for the contract which will focus on removing debris from a number of waterways impacted by Helene.
Topping the list are portions of the Nolichucky River in Greene, Unicoi, and Washington counties and the French Broad River in Cocke County:
Nolichucky River in Greene, Unicoi, and Washington counties
French Broad River in Cocke County
Pigeon River in Cocke County
Watagua Lake and Tributaries
Johnson County waterways
Helene left “massive amounts of debris—including trees, sediment, and man-made materials—across East Tennessee’s waterways. This accumulation threatens local ecosystems, increases the risk of further flooding, and hampers the use of water resources for communities and businesses,” the state reported.
The state expects the contract to start as soon as next week although the work will likely take several months to complete.
“Our rivers and streams are vital to the people of Tennessee, our tourism, commerce, and agriculture,” said Tennessee Emergency Management Agency director Patrick C. Sheehan. “The debris created by Tropical Storm Helene poses serious risks to water quality, wildlife habitats, and the safety of our communities. This project is essential to restoring these natural resources and preventing future issues.”
A boom is brought onto Douglas Lake in October 2024 to capture debris from recent historic flooding from Hurricane Helene. The storm created a large formation of debris on Douglas Reservoir in Sevier and Jefferson counties. (Courtesy: TVA)
Loudon, TN (WOKI) Loudon is getting a new Safe Haven baby box later in the month.
The city has planned an unveiling and blessing for the box, located at the city’s police and fire department at 100 Cedar Street, for January 16.
A Safe Haven Baby Box is a temperature-controlled drop-off location for parents to anonymously surrender newborns in crisis. The boxes are a safe and legal alternative to abandoning babies
In addition to baby boxes, the organization provides a confidential national hotline, 1-866-99BABY1.
New Safe Haven Baby Box (FILE) (Courtesy: WVLT / KWCH)
Knoxville, Tenn – On Sunday, January 19, Knox County Public Library will host a celebration at the Tennessee Theatre in honor of Dolly Parton’s birthday and 20 years of Imagination Library in Knox County. The free event, Books, Birthday Cake, and Dreaming Big presented by Verizon, will take place between 1:00 and 6:00 with craft activities, cupcakes, and live music in the lobby. Ladybug Girl and Corduroy will be on hand for photos. Kids of all ages are encouraged to dress as a character from one of their favorite Imagination Library books. There will be a parade, a dance party, a video story time by Dolly, music by the Holston Middle School Show Choir, Dolly-themed trivia and a screening of Dolly’s iconic movie, 9 to 5.
Schedule of events:
1:00: Lobby opens | Send Dolly a birthday wish, take a photo with Corduroy or Ladybug Girl, enjoy crafts, cupcakes and more!
1:30: Happy Birthday, Dolly | Kids and families, join the story book parade and have a Dolly dance party! Watch a big screen storytime, then sing “Happy Birthday.”
2:30: Celebrate 20 Years | Enjoy a medley of favorite Dolly Parton songs by the Holston Middle School Show Choir and hear from participants about the impact of 20 years of Imagination Library in our community.
3:00: Dolly-themed Trivia and a screening of 9 to 5 | Play Dolly trivia for prizes before watching Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin deal with a horrible boss in 9 to 5.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Knox County was launched on January 15, 2005, with 1,500 children enrolled. Today, the program, which is administered by the Library, mails out free books every month to 19,000 children under the age of five. Since the Knox County program began, they have mailed out 4.1 million books to 100,000 children.
Having access to books is a critical first step in learning to read. Research shows that 90% of a child’s brain is developed in the first few years of life. Reading aloud to children helps forge synapsis, builds vocabulary, and prepares a child to learn to read when they enter school. Time spent reading together also nurtures the parent-child bond.
“We’re excited to celebrate 20 years of the Imagination Library and Dolly’s birthday. This is more than just a feel-good program,” commented Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs. “Early literacy can make the difference in whether a child succeeds in school, and having books in hand is the beginning of that journey.”
The event is free and open to the public through generous support from Verizon, the Lantry Family Foundation, and the Tennessee Theatre.
“At Verizon, we believe in the power of community and the importance of supporting initiatives that create lasting impacts. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library embodies the values we hold dear, fostering literacy and empowering young minds,” said Leigh Anne Lanier, Atlantic South Market President. “By sponsoring this event, we’re not only helping to put books into the hands of children but also strengthening the bonds within our local communities. Together, we can inspire the next generation and make a meaningful difference in the lives of families in the communities we serve.”
More information about Books, Birthday Cake and Dreaming Big can be found at KnoxCountyLibrary.org/IL.
One of the top play-by-play radio announcers in sports, Hall of Fame radio voice and VFL Mike Keith, is returning to Rocky Top as the next “Voice of the Vols,” Tennessee Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Danny White announced on Thursday.
Keith just completed his 27th season with the Tennessee Titans in 2024, including the last 26 years as “The Voice of the Titans.”
“When we discussed potential candidates, one name topped our list without question: bringing Mike and his family back to Rocky Top,” said White. “He is a true icon in the broadcasting industry, and we are excited to harness Mike’s exceptional skill set to further elevate both the Vol Network and Tennessee Athletics in bold, innovative ways.”
Keith will be the lead play-by-play announcer for Tennessee’s football and men’s basketball games. He will also be involved in various new programming initiatives that will be unveiled later this year, promising fans an engaging and dynamic experience.
“While it is very hard to say goodbye to the Tennessee Titans, it is not hard to say “yes” to a return to the University of Tennessee and the Vol Network,” said Keith. “Alicia Longworth laid out a very exciting plan for how I can assist the talented VFL Films content team. Steve Early has continued to make me feel a part of the Vol Network family since I left Knoxville in 1998—it was like I never left. Everyone associated in this process has been very professional, very impressive and very kind. This continued a theme from a series of experiences that I have had over the last five years when dealing with anyone—athletics, University and Campus leadership, staff, faculty, students, etc.—-from the University of Tennessee. Everyone is just top-notch, and I mean EVERYONE. I am excited to join this entire team in hopes that I can add a solid contribution. It is great to be a Tennessee Volunteer, especially in 2025!”
Describing one legendary NFL play on January 8, 2000, put him on the map. Keith accurately and enthusiastically called the play that he later dubbed “The Music City Miracle,” a last-second touchdown that gave the Tennessee Titans a playoff win over the Buffalo Bills. ESPN named Mike’s description of “The Music City Miracle” as one of the 10 Best Radio Calls in American Sports History.
“The Vol Network prides itself on being a broadcast pioneer and industry leader, and Mike’s appointment assures our quality and innovative approach will continue for the next generation of Vol fans,” said Steve Early, Vice President and General Manager of Learfield-Vol Network. “Mike is Vol Network to the core, and both his knowledge and appreciation of our athletics history is invaluable. We celebrate a continuum of legendary announcers at this University so Mike will fit right in.”
With that signature call and scores more since 1999, Keith earned a spot on the “Top 100 Local Voices in the First 100 Years of Sports Broadcasting” list by Sports Broadcast Journal in 2021.
Along with being named Tennessee’s Sportscaster of the Year 12 times and winning 20+ Associated Press awards, Keith owns a 1997 Edward R. Murrow Award for nationwide excellence in reporting. He is a member of five Halls of Fame, including the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame, TSSAA Hall of Fame, BGA Hall of Fame and the University of Tennessee Baseball Hall of Fame.
Keith became WUTK’s sports director on his third day on campus in Knoxville in 1986. Within months of that appointment, at only 19, Keith was hired by the legendary John Ward with the Vol Network. He would work in various roles with the Vol Network from 1987-98, including being “The Voice of the Baseball Vols” from 1992-98.
Keith also hosted one of Tennessee’s first daily sports talk shows from 1989-98 for WIVK/WNOX Radio in Knoxville. His four-hour show was named Tennessee’s best in five of the first six years that awards were presented in AP’s sports talk show category in the 1990s.
Keith was born in Knoxville and raised in Franklin. He and his wife, Michelle, have two children, Abby and Matthew. Both his wife and daughter graduated from the University of Tennessee, while Keith’s grandfather, C.L. McPherson, played for General Neyland and lettered in 1932.
An investigation is underway following a multi-vehicle crash on Rutledge Pike.
At least one person was injured and had to be extracted from the vehicle in yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon’s crash according to officials with the Rural Metro Fire Department.
Crews responded to Rutledge Pike and Hidden Haven and officials say everyone injured was taken to the hospital with what appears to be non-life threatening injuries.
Curley is expected to be one of the Vols’ top players as he enters his sophomore year following a prolific debut season that saw him earn Freshman All-SEC honors as well as Freshman All-America recognition from multiple outlets. The California native participated with the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team over the summer after batting .285 with 51 runs scored, 10 doubles, 12 home runs, 50 RBIs and nine stolen bases during his impressive freshman season in which he became the team’s starting shortstop. Curley was also named to the 2024 Men’s College World Series All-Tournament team after helping lead Tennessee to its first national championship in program history.
An ABCA All-Southeast Region first team selection as a sophomore, Snead emerged as UT’s go-to arm out of the bullpen in 2024, ranking second on the team with 29 appearances while leading all non-starting pitchers with 75.1 innings pitched. The hard-throwing right hander posted a 10-2 record and a 3.11 ERA while also finishing tied for the team lead with six saves on the year. Snead appeared in five of the Vols’ six games in Omaha, helping lead the Big Orange to their first MCWS title. The Wisconsin native played for the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team over the summer, as well.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Due to the forecasted significant winter storm and the threat of hazardous travel conditions across Tennessee, Governor Bill Lee has closed state offices on Friday, January 10, 2025. State services offered online will remain available and state employees able to work from home should do so. At the direction of Governor Lee, The Tennessee…… Continue Reading
A Knoxville lawyer is claiming that his client died after being hit and stun gunned while at the Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility. Lance Baker said in a statement to WVLT News 46-year-old David Batts died after his arrest on January 7th. Knoxville Police were called to the Knoxville Area Transit hub, where Batts worked…… Continue Reading
January Is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ahead of National Human Trafficking Awareness Day on January 11th, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) reintroduced a package of four bills to combat human trafficking, including the SAVE Girls Act, National Human Trafficking Database Act, End Child Trafficking Now Act, and PRINTS Act. Read more about this legislation below. “Human trafficking is a vile crime, and…… Continue Reading
Agencies met this (Thursday) afternoon to prepare and plan for the upcoming winter weather. Coordinatingdepartments include the Knoxville-Knox County Emergency Management Agency, American MedicalResponse, American Red Cross, City of Knoxville 311, City of Knoxville Public Service, City of KnoxvilleTransportation Engineering, Karns Fire Department, Knox County Emergency Communications District,Knox County Engineering and Public Works, Knox County…… Continue Reading
Posted on January 9, 2025 by rtravers • 0 Comments
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Tennessee has awarded a contract to remove debris from the state’s waterways following Hurricane Helene. The state has selected Phillips & Jordan, Inc. as the primary vendor for the contract which will focus on removing debris from a number of waterways impacted by Helene. Topping the list are portions of the Nolichucky…… Continue Reading
Posted on January 9, 2025 by rtravers • 0 Comments
Loudon, TN (WOKI) Loudon is getting a new Safe Haven baby box later in the month. The city has planned an unveiling and blessing for the box, located at the city’s police and fire department at 100 Cedar Street, for January 16. A Safe Haven Baby Box is a temperature-controlled drop-off location for parents to…… Continue Reading
Knoxville, Tenn – On Sunday, January 19, Knox County Public Library will host a celebration at the Tennessee Theatre in honor of Dolly Parton’s birthday and 20 years of Imagination Library in Knox County. The free event, Books, Birthday Cake, and Dreaming Big presented by Verizon, will take place between 1:00 and 6:00 with craft activities, cupcakes, and live…… Continue Reading
Posted on January 9, 2025 by Jim Kelly • 0 Comments
One of the top play-by-play radio announcers in sports, Hall of Fame radio voice and VFL Mike Keith, is returning to Rocky Top as the next “Voice of the Vols,” Tennessee Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Danny White announced on Thursday. Keith just completed his 27th season with the Tennessee Titans in 2024, including…… Continue Reading
An investigation is underway following a multi-vehicle crash on Rutledge Pike. At least one person was injured and had to be extracted from the vehicle in yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon’s crash according to officials with the Rural Metro Fire Department. Crews responded to Rutledge Pike and Hidden Haven and officials say everyone injured was taken to…… Continue Reading
Posted on January 9, 2025 by Jim Kelly • 0 Comments
Read Online | Perfect Game All-America Teams A list of Tennessee baseball’s 2025 preseason All-America selections can be found below. This article will be updated as outlets release their respective preseason All-America teams over the coming weeks. Dean Curley – INF – So. – La Verne, Calif. Outlet (Pos. – Team): Perfect Game (INF – 2nd) Curley is expected to…… Continue Reading
