Knoxville, TN (WOKI) The Federal Emergency Management Agency is reminding people that they need to apply for FEMA assistance in order to qualify for a home inspection.
Following intense flooding brought by Hurricane Helene at the end of September, FEMA inspectors are checking in with those affected to determine if they qualify for federal assistance.
Once those affected apply for FEMA assistance, they can expect a call or text after scheduling an appointment. Those who received a letter saying they were ineligible are being asked to call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362.
That being said, if a FEMA inspector shows up unannounced, they’ll provide a government ID to prove they are in fact from FEMA. The inspections are also free, FEMA said.
The inspectors will consider, FEMA said:
The structural soundness of the home, both inside and outside.
Whether the electrical, gas, heat, plumbing and sewer/septic systems are all in working order.
Whether the home is safe to live in and can be entered and exited safely.
The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is Dec. 2.
Following intense flooding brought by Hurricane Helene, FEMA inspectors are checking in with those affected to determine if they qualify for federal assistance. (Courtesy: DHS.gov)
Newport, TN (WOKI) Several roads in Newport are closed after a railroad trestle collapsed into the Pigeon River.
Newport Police say the trestle spanned the river, which saw major flooding when Hurricane Helene moved through East Tennessee. It marks the latest in a series of damages caused by the storm.
River Road, Liberty Alley and Jimtown Road at East Broadway are all closed.
No word if this collapse will affect Norfolk Southern’s schedule to re-open their routes.
The trestle spanned the Pigeon River, which saw major flooding when Hurricane Helene moved through East Tennessee. (Courtesy: WVLT)
Athens, TN (WOKI) UPDATE: Five children at the center of an Endangered Child Alert out of Athens are found safe.
Officials with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation had issued the alert early Wednesday morning for the five boys saying that they may have been with their non-custodial parents.
TBI says all five children were later found safe in Georgia.
ORIGINAL STORY: The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has issued an Endangered Child Alert for five missing children out of Athens.
The Athens Police Department says they are believed to be with their non-custodial parents, 30 y/o Kurtis Pendergrass and 30 y/o Sawana Pendergrass. Kurtis has brown eyes, brown hair, is 5’10” and weighs 180 lbs. Sawana has blue eyes, brown hair, is 5’ tall and weighs 140 lbs.
They are believed to be in a white 2018 GMC Acadia with a TN tag 521 BMMM.
If you have any information please call 1-800-TBI-FIND.
or the Athens Police Department at 423-745-3222 or 1-800-TBI-FIND with info.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee men’s basketball team is No. 12 in the country in the preseason USA TODAY Coaches Poll, as announced Wednesday afternoon.
This is the seventh consecutive year, dating back to 2018-19, Tennessee is in the Coaches Poll to begin the year, extending the program record. Rick Barnes‘ team placed No. 10 in 2023-24, No. 11 in 2022-23, No. 17 in 2021-22, No. 14 in 2020-21, No. 25 in 2019-20 and sixth in 2018-19.
Previously, the longest preseason Coaches Poll ranking stream in Tennessee history was five consecutive campaigns, from 2006-07 to 2010-11.
Tennessee amassed 437 points in the voting, good for 47 more than Purdue, which finished at No. 13 in the polling.
Like the AP Poll, Tennessee is one of nine SEC institutions in the top 25 and one of six in the top 20. The Volunteers are featured alongside second-ranked Alabama, No. 11 Auburn, No. 15 Texas A&M, No. 16 Arkansas, No. 19 Texas, No. 21 Florida, No. 23 Kentucky and No. 25 Ole Miss. Each of those schools matched their AP spots except Texas A&M (No. 13 in AP Poll) and Ole Miss (No. 24 in AP Poll).
To keep up with the University of Tennessee men’s basketball team on social media, follow @Vol_Hoops on Instagram and X/Twitter, as well as /tennesseebasketball on Facebook.
One person was killed in a crash involving a motorcycle that happened on Tuesday night on Middlebrook Pike.
At around 7:40 p.m. on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, Knoxville Police Department officers responded to a crash on Middlebrook Pike at Whitehall Road. The crash involved a Suzuki motorcycle and a black Acura sedan.
Based on the investigation conducted at the scene and witness statements, it is believed that the motorcycle was traveling at a high speed on Middlebrook Pike when it collided with the passenger side of the black Acura, which was attempting to turn left into the Retreat at West Hills apartment complex parking lot.
The motorcycle driver, a 53-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Acura sedan was transported to the UT Medical Center via AMR to be treated for injuries that are not expected to be life-threatening.
KPD crash reconstruction personnel responded to the scene and are leading the investigation.
Knoxville (October 22, 2024)—MEDIC Regional Blood Center is partnering with the Girl Scouts of the Southern Appalachians to promote civic engagement. MEDIC will have a mobile collection bus at the Girl Scouts parking lot (1567 Downtown West Boulevard, Knoxville, TN 37919) on October 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This drive is planned specifically during the early voting period, so voters heading to the Downtown West location can donate blood and vote. Those doing both will receive a MEDIC gift and a sleeve of Girl Scout cookies.
“This is a great way for community members to perform their civic duty in one place,” said Kristy Altman, VP of Communications and Public Relations. “We have had great success working with the Girl Scouts of the Southern Appalachians this year, and rewarding those who take time to donate and give blood is a great way to wrap up the early voting season.”
“We are proud to partner with MEDIC Regional Blood Center to encourage the importance of both voting AND giving blood,” said Lynne Fugate, CEO of Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians. “As we encourage the next generation to embrace their potential, it becomes crucial for all individuals, including Girl Scouts, to understand the significance of voting and civic participation. Girl Scouts can unlock a world of opportunities to create positive change, foster democracy, and contribute to the betterment of society. The same goes for donating blood. Every donation saves lives of all ages and helps people in our community. It is simple and fast to donate and can make a lifelong difference for someone else.”
Appointments for donations are preferred, but walk-in donors are welcome. Donors can call 865-524-3074 to schedule their appointment, visit medicblood.org/donate, or download the new MEDIC donor app to search for a drive closest to them and schedule their appointment. For more information on MEDIC Regional Blood Center, please visit our website at medicblood.org/eligibility/ or contact Vice President of Communications Kristy Altman at [email protected] or by phone at 865-805-2008.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee women’s golf team concluded its fall slate with a top-two finish at the Mercedes-Benz Collegiate Championship.
As a team, the Lady Vols shot 15-over, including a final-round score of 1-under, which was the lowest team-18-hole round on Tuesday.
UT was led by sophomore Sofie Engeseth who notched her first-career top-five finish. Engeseth capped off the tournament with a 4-under 67 in the final round to shoot even-par overall and tie for fourth in the 73-player field.
Manassanan Chotikabhukkana finished inside the top 10 after shooting 3-over in total. The junior logged a 1-under 71 on day three, which was her best score of the tournament.
Competing individually, Martina-Lopez Lanchares also tied for 10th after going low in the final round with a 3-under 68.
Freshman Kyra Van Kan posted a top-15 showing, shooting 4-over overall. Van Kan’s lowest round of the tournament came on Sunday when she notched a 69.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Two-time unanimous first-team All-America defensive back and College Football Hall of Famer Eric Berry has been named to the prestigious 2024 SEC Football Legends Class, the league office announced on Tuesday.
The 2024 Football Legends class includes 16 former stars who excelled on the gridiron and helped write the rich history of the sport at their respective institutions, and is the first to include representatives from new members Oklahoma and Texas.
The class will be honored at the 2024 SEC Football “Weekend of Champions” Dec. 6-7 in Atlanta, Georgia, highlighted by the annual SEC Legends Celebration presented by T-Mobile on Friday, Dec. 6 at the College Football Hall of Fame. The group will also be recognized prior to the SEC Football Championship Game, which will be held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 7.
Berry is the only player in school history to earn unanimous All-America honors twice. In 2009, he became the first player in school history to claim the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back after being a finalist in 2008. A finalist for the 2009 Nagurski Trophy, he also twice claimed the Jack Tatum Award as the nation’s top defensive back. A three-time All-SEC selection, Berry was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2008 after leading the conference with seven interceptions.
Berry’s tenure in Rocky Top established him as the SEC’s all-time leader in career interception return yards (494) and single-season interception return yards (265 in 2008). He also holds the Vol record for career yards (35.3) per interception. His 14 career interceptions ranks tied for fifth in UT career annals.
The two-year team captain out of Fairburn, Georgia, culminated his career with 245 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, 14 interceptions, 31 passes defended, two forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries.
Berry became the highest drafted Vol defensive player since Reggie White (1984) when he was selected with the fifth overall pick in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft by Kansas City. Berry played with the Chiefs until 2018, making five Pro Bowl appearances and earning first team All-Pro honors three times. After being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2014, he was named the 2015 NFL Comeback Player of the Year.
In December 2023, Berry was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame, becoming the 26th Vol to do so.
2024 SEC Football Legends Class Alabama – Barrett Jones, Offensive Lineman, 2009-12 Arkansas – Ken Hamlin, Free Safety, 2000-02 Auburn – Marcus McNeill, Offensive Tackle, 2002-05 Florida – Rex Grossman, Quarterback, 2000-02 Georgia – Terrence Edwards, Receiver, 1999-2002 Kentucky – Dicky Lyons Sr., Tailback/Receiver/All-Purpose, 1966-68 LSU – Andrew Whitworth, Offensive Tackle, 2002-05 Ole Miss – Dexter McCluster, Running Back, 2006-09 Mississippi State – Fletcher Cox, Defensive Lineman, 2009-11 Missouri – Chase Daniel, Quarterback, 2005-08 Oklahoma – Barry Switzer, Head Coach, 1973-88 South Carolina – Corey Miller, Defensive End, 1987-90 Tennessee – Eric Berry, Defensive Back, 2007-09 Texas – Vince Young, Quarterback, 2002-05 Texas A&M – Luke Joeckel, Offensive Tackle, 2010-12 Vanderbilt – Ricky Anderson, Punter/Kicker, 1981-84
UPDATE (10/23/24): On October 22, 2024, The Knox County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a body on a dirt walking trail behind a community pool in Broadacres Subdivision in the Powell Community. Deputies arrived at the 7700 block of Cranley Road a short time later and confirmed a deceased female on the dirt trail. Detectives from Major Crimes and Juvenile Crimes and the Knox County Medical Examiner arrived and began collecting evidence and processing the scene. Later in the evening, Detectives arrested a fifteen-year-old male from Powell and charged him with second-degree murder. The suspect is being held at the Richard L. Bean Detention Facility.
This is an active and ongoing investigation, and therefore, additional charges may be brought.
“I am grateful to everyone at the Knox County Sheriff’s Office for their hard work and diligence in this case. I also want to thank the Knox County School System for their assistance and cooperation. We ask you to keep the family of the victim, the Powell community, and our responding personnel in your prayers. As law enforcement professionals, nothing can prepare us for days like yesterday.”
– Tom Spangler, Knox County Sheriff
KCSO officials say there is a court appearance expected tomorrow (Thursday) morning at 10:00 am for Judge Irwin to make a ruling on releasing of the suspect’s name. There are no other updates that I am aware of at this time.
Original story: The Knox County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after the body of a 13 year-old girl is found in Powell.
Sheriff Tom Spangler says the girl was found yesterday (Tuesday) on a trail off of Cranley Road in the Broadacres subdivision. She has not been identified.
A 15-year-old boy has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder in connection to the girl’s death.
The Sheriff says they are still looking at other possible leads and additional charges that may come about as a result of the investigation but says it was an isolated incident.
KCSO Major Crimes Division and the Juvenile Crimes Unit are investigating.
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Cookies, coffee, and Clydesdales are being served up next month as the Sunsphere’s Welcome Center opens to the public!
Visit Knoxville announcing Tuesday that the Sunsphere Welcome Center will open to the public on November 20, as part of Phase II of the plan to update and enhance the iconic structure.
Organizers invite YOU to the official ribbon cutting ceremony at Clinch Avenue beginning at 10:00 a.m. and featuring the Budweiser Clydesdales and coffee for purchase from Travelin‘ Tom’s Coffee.
The event will also include free Sunsphere cookies.
The Sunsphere has been the center of a series of renovations for quite a while now, getting a fresh coat of paint and updates to the iconic structure. (Courtesy: Visit Knoxville via Facebook)
Posted on October 23, 2024 by rtravers • 0 Comments
(Story courtesy of WVLT News) Knoxville, TN (WOKI) The Federal Emergency Management Agency is reminding people that they need to apply for FEMA assistance in order to qualify for a home inspection. Following intense flooding brought by Hurricane Helene at the end of September, FEMA inspectors are checking in with those affected to determine if they qualify…… Continue Reading
Posted on October 23, 2024 by rtravers • 0 Comments
Newport, TN (WOKI) Several roads in Newport are closed after a railroad trestle collapsed into the Pigeon River. Newport Police say the trestle spanned the river, which saw major flooding when Hurricane Helene moved through East Tennessee. It marks the latest in a series of damages caused by the storm. River Road, Liberty Alley and…… Continue Reading
Athens, TN (WOKI) UPDATE: Five children at the center of an Endangered Child Alert out of Athens are found safe. Officials with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation had issued the alert early Wednesday morning for the five boys saying that they may have been with their non-custodial parents. TBI says all five children were later…… Continue Reading
Posted on October 23, 2024 by Jim Kelly • 0 Comments
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee men’s basketball team is No. 12 in the country in the preseason USA TODAY Coaches Poll, as announced Wednesday afternoon. The Volunteers previously earned the same opening position in the Associated Press Top 25 Poll, as revealed Oct. 14. The No. 12 ranking is the program’s eighth-highest preseason mark ever…… Continue Reading
One person was killed in a crash involving a motorcycle that happened on Tuesday night on Middlebrook Pike. At around 7:40 p.m. on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, Knoxville Police Department officers responded to a crash on Middlebrook Pike at Whitehall Road. The crash involved a Suzuki motorcycle and a black Acura sedan. Based on the…… Continue Reading
Knoxville (October 22, 2024)—MEDIC Regional Blood Center is partnering with the Girl Scouts of the Southern Appalachians to promote civic engagement. MEDIC will have a mobile collection bus at the Girl Scouts parking lot (1567 Downtown West Boulevard, Knoxville, TN 37919) on October 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This drive is planned specifically…… Continue Reading
Posted on October 23, 2024 by Jim Kelly • 0 Comments
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee women’s golf team concluded its fall slate with a top-two finish at the Mercedes-Benz Collegiate Championship. As a team, the Lady Vols shot 15-over, including a final-round score of 1-under, which was the lowest team-18-hole round on Tuesday. UT was led by sophomore Sofie Engeseth who notched her first-career top-five finish. Engeseth capped…… Continue Reading
Posted on October 23, 2024 by Jim Kelly • 0 Comments
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Two-time unanimous first-team All-America defensive back and College Football Hall of Famer Eric Berry has been named to the prestigious 2024 SEC Football Legends Class, the league office announced on Tuesday. The 2024 Football Legends class includes 16 former stars who excelled on the gridiron and helped write the rich history of the…… Continue Reading
UPDATE (10/23/24): On October 22, 2024, The Knox County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a body on a dirt walking trail behind a community pool in Broadacres Subdivision in the Powell Community. Deputies arrived at the 7700 block of Cranley Road a short time later and confirmed a deceased female on the dirt…… Continue Reading
Posted on October 22, 2024 by rtravers • 0 Comments
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Cookies, coffee, and Clydesdales are being served up next month as the Sunsphere’s Welcome Center opens to the public! Visit Knoxville announcing Tuesday that the Sunsphere Welcome Center will open to the public on November 20, as part of Phase II of the plan to update and enhance the iconic structure. Organizers…… Continue Reading
