Courtesy / UT Athletics
TWRA
TWRA Urging Boaters Use Caution on Douglas Lake and Remind us About TDEC Water Contact Advisory
UPDATED STORY: (WOKI) The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has issued a temporary water contact advisory which is still in effect until further notice. Matt Cameron with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency says you shouldn’t eat fish or come in contact with waters flooded by Helene..
TVA has deployed a one-mile-wide boom across Douglas Reservoir above the town of Dandridge to help catch debris from massive flooding caused by Helene.
Matt Cameron with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency tells us that boom has worked and there’s no debris around it now but there’s a lot along the shoreline. He says you can boat on Douglas Lake but to use caution and be aware that boom is still in place so you have to pick a side of the lake and stick with it.
Cameron says if you have debris on your property you could separate natural combustibles, like wood and other materials you can safely burn from hazardous materials. He says use gloves to separate those items and bag them and take them to the landfill, do not burn those.
Cameron says this is an unprecedented event which, hopefully, we’ll never see again in our lifetime. He says this is the reason dams were built, to help control floodwater by collecting it in reservoirs which helps keep it from continuing downstream.
Cameron also says that, yes, some fish did die during flooding but not as many as expected. He says many fish found safe areas underwater and a lot of wildlife, like mice, beavers and even bears moved to higher ground.
ORIGINAL STORY: NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Due to flooding from Hurricane Helene in the North Carolina mountains and parts of Tennessee, TWRA is issuing a boating safety advisory for Douglas Lake.
A large field of floating debris has accumulated in Douglas Reservoir in Sevier and Jefferson counties, which is the inflow point from the Nolichucky, Pigeon, and French Broad Rivers and other watersheds. The debris field on Douglas is approximately one square mile in size.
To help contain the debris, TVA has deployed a one-mile-wide boom across Douglas Reservoir above the town of Dandridge. The boom extends across the entire lake surface at Mile 11 at Swanns Shoals upriver from downtown Dandridge and will be in place until further notice. A boom is a floating barrier that captures surface and submerged debris in bodies of water.
Debris can be hazardous, with the potential to cause injury or death. For the safety of the crews involved in debris cleanup as well as the safety of boaters, the public is advised to stay off the lake until further notice.
In addition to debris fields in the lake, The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) has issued a temporary water contact advisory. Members of the public should avoid all contact with waterbodies affected by the extreme flooding in East Tennessee.
The advisory applies to all surface waters in the Nolichucky, French Broad, Pigeon, Doe, and Watauga River watersheds as well as any other waters affected by the flooding. TDEC plans to resume water quality monitoring in these watersheds as areas become safely accessible and conditions have improved. TDEC will lift the advisory when appropriate.
Potential fishing or recreational event organizers should strongly consider postponing events for the safety of participants until debris and contaminant levels are at a safer level.
TVA Police along with officers from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will be on the water patrolling to help ensure safety, and signage will be set up around the area of the boom.
Cocke County Police Officer under Investigation for Nearly $100K in Questionable Reimbursements
Parrottsville, TN (WOKI) A Cocke County police officer is under investigation for nearly $100K in questionable reimbursements from the town of Parrottsville.
The Tennessee Comptroller’s Office says that the town of Parrottsville issued 25 reimbursement checks, totaling over $470,000, to the unnamed officer as repayment for the officer using personal funds to purchase 70 vehicles through GovDeals.com, as well as vehicle parts, repairs, fuel and transportation costs as part of a plan to generate revenue for the police department.
Investigators are questioning over $95,000 of that amount due, in part, to reimbursements they say were paid with no or inadequate supporting documentation.
The results of the investigation have been communicated to the Office of the District Attorney General of the 4th Judicial District.
KPD, MDC Announce ‘Medication Take Back’ Event
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) In coordination with DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, the Knoxville Police Department and Metro Drug Coalition are teaming up for a medication take back event this weekend.
The event will be held Saturday, October 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Food City on Mountain Grove Drive in Knoxville.
You can drop off any unused or unwanted medications at this event so they can be disposed of safely. No questions asked.
To learn more, please click here.
Courtesy / UT Athletics
Seven VFLs on NBA Opening Day Rosters
The NBA tips off its 79th year Tuesday and seven former University of Tennessee standouts are on active rosters around the league.
VFLs in the NBA this season include Tobias Harris (Detroit Pistons), Keon Johnson (Brooklyn Nets), Dalton Knecht (Los Angeles Lakers), Julian Phillips (Chicago Bulls), Josh Richardson (Miami Heat), Jaden Springer (Boston Celtics) and Grant Williams (Charlotte Hornets).
All-time, Tennessee boasts 55 NBA Draft selections, including eight since 2019.
The newest member of that group is Knecht, who was drafted by the Lakers in June 2024 at pick No. 17, becoming the highest-drafted Volunteer since Marcus Haislip went No. 13 in 2002. Knecht is the 10th top-20 pick in Tennessee history and the first since Tobias Harris went No. 19 in 2011.
During his lone season at Tennessee as a fifth-year guard, Knecht led the SEC in scoring at 21.7 points per game, good for eighth-best in the country. The SEC Player of the Year and runner-up for Associated Press National Player of the Year added 4.9 rebounds and 1.8 assists per outing, while shooting 45.8 percent overall, 39.7 percent beyond the arc and 77.2 percent at the line.
On Thursday night, Knecht posted 35 points—including 20 consecutive Laker points in the fourth quarter and overtime—and seven rebounds on 8-of-13 shooting from 3-point range to lead Los Angeles to a preseason victory at Phoenix.
Harris, entering his 14th professional season, is in his second stint with Detroit after playing for the organization in parts of three seasons (2016-18). In the 2023-24 regular season with the Philadelphia 76ers, Harris appeared in and started 70 games, averaging 17.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.7 blocks on 48.7 percent shooting from the field and a 35.3 percent clip from 3-point range. He scored 20-plus points 27 times, with 30-plus points on four occasions.
Johnson a fourth-year pro who played at Tennessee during the 2020-21 campaign, has appeared in 82 career games (12 starts) for the Brooklyn Nets, Portland Trail Blazers and Los Angeles Clippers. He has recorded averages of 5.9 points, 1.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 14.3 minutes per game, while shooting 36.3 percent from the field and 34.6 percent from 3-point range.
Phillips, embarking on his second season in the NBA with the Chicago Bulls, appeared in 40 games as a rookie in 2023-24 and averaged 2.2 points and 0.9 rebounds in 8.1 minutes per contest. He shot 41.6 percent from the field and 31.6 percent from beyond the arc. On Jan. 28 at Portland, Phillips matched a career-high scoring mark with 11 points, to go along with two rebounds. On Jan. 2, he logged a career-high three blocks at Philadelphia.
Richardson, now in his 10th professional season, is in his second stint with Miami after being drafted by the franchise in 2015 and spending his first four NBA seasons there. He is coming off an injury-shortened 2023-24 season in which he recorded averages of 9.9 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game, while connecting on 44.4 percent of his attempts from the field.
Springer, in his fourth year in the NBA and first full season with the reigning champion Boston Celtics, saw action in 49 games last year—32 as a member of the 76ers and 17 with Boston. Taken with the 28th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Springer averaged 3.3 points per game in 2023-24, en route to earning an NBA title in a reserve role with the Celtics.
Williams, a league veteran entering his sixth season of professional basketball, is set to suit up for his hometown Charlotte Hornets in 2024-25, after being traded at the deadline last season. Originally drafted by the Boston Celtics with the No. 22 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, Williams logged a career-high 10.3 points per game in 2023-24, split between the Mavericks (47 games) and the Hornets (29 games).
OPENING DAYS SCHEDULE
Tuesday, Oct. 22
Knicks at Celtics (Springer) – 7:30 p.m. ET (TNT)
Timberwolves at Lakers (Knecht) – 10 p.m. ET (TNT)
Wednesday, Oct. 23
Pacers at Pistons (Harris) – 7 p.m. ET
Nets (Johnson) at Hawks – 7:30 p.m. ET
Magic at Heat (Richardson) – 7:30 p.m. ET
Hornets (Williams) at Rockets – 8 p.m. ET
Bulls (Phillips) at Pelicans – 8 p.m. ET
Courtesy / UT Athletics
Dylan Sampson, Cooper Mays Collect SEC Weekly Honors
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — After Tennessee’s gritty, thrilling victory over the No. 7 Alabama Crimson Tide on The Third Saturday in October, the Southeastern Conference office announced that a pair of Volunteers were recognized with weekly league honors. Junior running back Dylan Sampson was tabbed the SEC Offensive Player of the Week, while senior center Cooper Mays earned SEC Co-Offensive Lineman of the Week accolades.
Sampson rushed for a career-high-tying 139 yards on 26 carries with two touchdowns to lead Tennessee’s offense to a 24-17 win over the Tide. Both of Sampson’s scores came in the second half, and 83 of his 139 yards came after contact. His 139 rushing yards on Saturday were the most by a player against Alabama since Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels of LSU had 163 on Nov. 4, 2023.
In only seven games this season, Sampson has now moved into a tie for second place in UT single-season rushing touchdowns with 17, one shy of a 95-year-old school record of 18 set by Gene McEver in 1929. The Baton Rouge, Louisiana, native eclipsed the 100-yard mark for an SEC-leading sixth time this season, which is now tied for sixth in UT single-season history. Sampson also notched multiple rushing touchdowns for the sixth time this season after no other Volunteer this century (2000-24) had even five in a single campaign.
In terms of the UT career record books, Sampson is now fourth in rushing touchdowns (30) and sixth in 100-yard rushing games (10).
Mays paved the way for a Tennessee offense that put up 408 total yards and 214 rushing yards, the most rushing yards allowed by Alabama all season. The preseason All-American played all 76 offensive snaps and did not allow a sack or commit a penalty as Tennessee beat No. 7 Alabama for the second time in a row at Neyland Stadium.
It was the 21st consecutive game that Mays did not allow a sack, a streak that dates back to the 2022 season. According to PFF, Mays was the highest graded blocker in the game on both sides at 82.9. He led the way for a Vol offensive line that tallied 10 points in the fourth quarter, including a 7-play, 54-yard go-ahead drive with 5:52 remaining.
Tennessee has earned 10 SEC weekly honors this season and 39 during the Josh Heupel era (2021-present) — including seven Offensive Player of the Week awards and 11 Offensive Lineman of the Week accolades.
SEC Weekly Awards – Week 8
Offensive Player of the Week
Dylan Sampson, RB, Tennessee
Co-Defensive Player of the Week
Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia
Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
Special Teams Player of the Week
Damian Ramos, PK, LSU
Co-Offensive Lineman of the Week
Emery Jones, OT, LSU
Cooper Mays, C, Tennessee
Co-Defensive Lineman of the Week
Tonka Hemingway, DT, South Carolina
Mykel Williams, DT, Georgia
Freshman of the Week
Jadan Baugh, RB, Florida
Tennessee Football – 2024 SEC Weekly Honors
Offensive Player of the Week (1)
Dylan Sampson (vs. Alabama, 10/19)
Special Teams Player of the Week (1)
Max Gilbert (at Oklahoma, 9/21)
Offensive Lineman of the Week (2)
Cooper Mays (vs. NC State, 9/7; vs. Alabama, 10/19)
Defensive Lineman of the Week (2)
Joshua Josephs (at Oklahoma, 9/21)
James Pearce Jr. (vs. Florida, 10/12)
Freshman of the Week (4)
Boo Carter (vs. Florida, 10/12)
Nico Iamaleava (vs. Chattanooga, 8/31; vs. NC State, 9/7; at Oklahoma, 9/21)
Courtesy / UT Athletics
Lady Vols Win Big Against #25 Auburn
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Another Hadyen Kubik double-double and an outstanding team effort for block defense led Tennessee to an upset victory (25-19, 25-19, 15-25, 25-19) against the No. 25 Auburn Tigers on Sunday afternoon at Food City Center.
The victory over AU (14-4, 4-3 SEC) marked Tennessee’s second ranked win at home for the year after also beating No. 25 UCLA in September. The team has successfully bested nine top-25 opponents during the Eve Rackham Watt era.
Kubik finished with 12 kills, 10 digs and one block to pace the Big Orange (10-7, 3-4 SEC). The junior outside hitter has now recorded a double-double in three straight matches and boasts five for the season.
Graduate student outside hitter Nina Cajic posted an all-around performance with 13 kills, six digs, three aces, three assists and three blocks. Junior middle blocker Keondreya Granberry led the Lady Vols in blocks, chipping in for eight of the team’s 13. UT now boasts five matches with double-digit blocks this season.
In total, five different players finished the day with multiple blocks. The freshmen duo of Paityn Chapman and Chelsea Sutton each recorded five in the contest. Chapman ended the match with seven kills and a dig as well. Redshirt sophomore setter Caroline Kerr added her fifth double-double of the year, tallying 27 assists, 17 digs, five kills, two blocks and one ace. On the back row defense, sophomore defensive specialist Mackenzie Plante had eight digs, while sophomore libero Katie Barrier added six.
As a team, the Big Orange finished with 43 kills on .229 hitting–well above Auburn’s SEC-best seasonal opponent hitting percentage of .168–to go along with 52 digs, 13 blocks and five aces. The Tigers ended the contest with 52 kills on .199 hitting, 47 digs, seven aces and six and a half blocks.
Tennessee dominated the first set defensively. The team tallied seven blocks, holding the Tigers to a .000 hitting percentage and 12 attacking errors. The Lady Vols had 17 digs to keep the momentum going and take control of the set, 25-19.
The second stanza was a back-and-forth effort with both teams fighting for the lead until the Big Orange went on a 7-0 run to end the frame. Kubik led the offense with six kills, as the Lady Vols finished with 16 on .361 hitting.
Auburn outhit UT in the third frame, tallying 14 kills on .545 hitting compared to the Big Orange’s six kills and .000 hitting. The Lady Vols bounced back with a strong fourth frame to prevent the Tigers from making a comeback.
Up next, the Lady Vols are headed on another three-match road trip. Tennessee will be traveling to Gainesville first to take on the Florida Gators on Friday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. ET. The contest will be televised on SEC Network.
Biltmore.com
Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina Announcing it’s Re-Opening in Time for Christmas
The historic Biltmore Estate has announced its plan to reopen on November 2nd after closing to repair damages following Helene.
Biltmore staff says it’s just in time for their seasonal Christmas at Biltmore.
The yearly holiday event lasts until January and features the estate covered in Christmas decorations from wreaths to garlands as well as thousands of ornaments.
They say for more than 125 years, Biltmore has been a witness to the resilience of this community. They say welcoming guests back to the estate provides critical support to the community.
A Holiday Experience Like No Other
November 2, 2024–January 5, 2025
A yuletide visit to Biltmore is a feast for the senses, featuring fragrant wreaths, glittering garland, and the sparkle of thousands of ornaments from Biltmore House to Antler Hill Village! Dazzling by day, the house is all the more magical during Candlelight Christmas Evenings, Biltmore’s most beloved of holiday traditions.
Select ticket options include Chihuly at Biltmore and FREE next-day grounds access.
WVLT
SEC Fines University of Tennessee After Fans Storm Field After Alabama Win Which Also Sees the Vols Back in the Top 10 in AP Poll
The Southeastern Conference has fined the University of Tennessee after fans stormed the field following Saturday night’s win over the Alabama Crimson Tide.
The $100,000 fine, which was handed down yesterday (Sunday), is a result of SEC‘s policy that went into effect in June of last year.
Schools are fined $100,000 for their first offense, $250,000 for a second offense and $500,000 for a third offense.
This was Tennessee‘s first offense as the updated policy reset schools’ prior record for fines. Under the previous policy, Tennessee’s fine would have been $250,000.
TN Vols Football back in the top 10 in AP Poll Following Alabama win
The Tennessee Volunteers are back in the top 10 in the AP College Football Poll after defeating Alabama 24-17 in Knoxville.
The Vols are ranked No. 7 in the country, while Alabama dropped eight spots to No. 15 after the loss.
Oregon is now ranked as the No. 1 team and Texas fell four spots to No. 5 after being beaten by Georgia, who moved up to No. 2 in the poll.
Penn State and Ohio State are numbers 3 and 4.
Tennessee has a bye week and will take on Kentucky November 2nd in Neyland Stadium.
State of Tennessee Helene Recovery Including FEMA Information
Hurricane Helene Recovery
Roadway Closures as of October 18, 2024. Click on the map for a higher resolution image.
Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) crews are working to assess damage, inspect all state-owned bridges, and repair connectivity in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which hit Tennessee on September 27, 2024. The counties with the most significant damage are Washington, Carter, Unicoi, Johnson, Greene, and Cocke, but this has a major impact across East Tennessee. Long-term closures will be in place across the region as many routes will require significant repairs and for others, a total rebuild.
Interstate 26/40 Northern Detour
Interstate 26/40 Southern Detour
Detailed Route Closure Information
The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) continues to deploy personnel at the request of affected counties and is coordinating with local officials to assess damages and ensure life safety needs are met. For more on efforts and resources provided by TEMA, click here.
Traffic Impacts
Updates about bridge, lane, and road closures will be posted to this page. For the most up-to-date closure information, please visit TDOT SmartWay.
Affected Property Owners
If you own property along the highlighted State Routes impacted by Helene, TDOT needs to speak with you about right-of-way access during the rebuilding process. Property owners can contact us by emailing [email protected] or by calling 833-TDOTFIX (836-8349) and following the voice prompts.
Hurricane Helene
Disaster Hotline: (423) 830-2696
The Disaster Hotline is operational from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, Monday – Saturday and 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. ET on Sunday. This hotline is available for community members, donors, and national/international organizations seeking information or requiring specific logistical considerations about disaster relief efforts.
Volunteer and Donation Information
Protective Actions and Key Messages
- If you are suffering a mental health crisis, call or text 988.
- Apply for FEMA Individual Assistance: online anytime or by phone at 1-800-621-3362 between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. ET.
- Individuals may be eligible for FEMA’s Serious Needs Assistance, an upfront, flexible payment of $750 to help cover essential items while survivors are assessed for Individual Assistance eligibility. For more information about Serious Needs Assistance, visit FEMA’s website.
- The Crisis Clean-Up Hotline (844) 965-1386 has been established for survivors who need assistance with clean-up efforts. This service is at no cost to the survivors who are requesting assistance. The hotline will be available until Oct. 25.
- The Disaster Hotline, (423) 830-2696, has been established to serve as a unified regional hotline.
- The Tennessee Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Affairs reminds Tennesseans to be cautious and wary of disaster relief scams. You can find helpful tips on their website.
- Do not enter damaged buildings or hazardous locations.
- Hire only licensed contractors and do not pay the total amount before the work is complete. More tips for consumers can be found here.
- Restoring your ability to communicate is a critical priority. Always call 811 before you dig.
- Report down or cut power lines and stay clear of the area.
- If your house or property sustained damage, take pictures before cleanup efforts and contact your insurance company. TDCI’s Complaint Line for insurance: (615) 741-2218 or 1-800-342-4029.
- Do not self-deploy to assist impacted areas. Wait for local officials to issue guidance.
- Do not attempt to cross flooded roads or walkways. Turn around, don’t drown.
- Contact your local emergency management agency if you need immediate assistance.
Information www.TN.Gov
Country News
Billy Ray Cyrus Delivers “Trainwreck” Performance During Inauguration Ball
Dead & Company, Billy Strings, Dave Matthews, Vampire Weekend, Noah Kahan Lead Lineup For MusiCares Tribute To Grateful Dead
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Courtesy / UT Athletics
Highlights Tennessee vs. Alabama 10/19/24
Courtesy / UT Athletics… Continue Reading
TWRA
TWRA Urging Boaters Use Caution on Douglas Lake and Remind us About TDEC Water Contact Advisory
UPDATED STORY: (WOKI) The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has issued a temporary water contact advisory which is still in effect until further notice. Matt Cameron with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency says you shouldn’t eat fish or come in contact with waters flooded by Helene.. TVA has deployed a one-mile-wide boom across Douglas…… Continue Reading
Cocke County Police Officer under Investigation for Nearly $100K in Questionable Reimbursements
Parrottsville, TN (WOKI) A Cocke County police officer is under investigation for nearly $100K in questionable reimbursements from the town of Parrottsville. The Tennessee Comptroller’s Office says that the town of Parrottsville issued 25 reimbursement checks, totaling over $470,000, to the unnamed officer as repayment for the officer using personal funds to purchase 70 vehicles…… Continue Reading
KPD, MDC Announce ‘Medication Take Back’ Event
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) In coordination with DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, the Knoxville Police Department and Metro Drug Coalition are teaming up for a medication take back event this weekend. The event will be held Saturday, October 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Food City on Mountain Grove Drive in…… Continue Reading
Courtesy / UT Athletics
Seven VFLs on NBA Opening Day Rosters
The NBA tips off its 79th year Tuesday and seven former University of Tennessee standouts are on active rosters around the league. VFLs in the NBA this season include Tobias Harris (Detroit Pistons), Keon Johnson (Brooklyn Nets), Dalton Knecht (Los Angeles Lakers), Julian Phillips (Chicago Bulls), Josh Richardson (Miami Heat), Jaden Springer (Boston Celtics) and Grant Williams…… Continue Reading
Courtesy / UT Athletics
Dylan Sampson, Cooper Mays Collect SEC Weekly Honors
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — After Tennessee’s gritty, thrilling victory over the No. 7 Alabama Crimson Tide on The Third Saturday in October, the Southeastern Conference office announced that a pair of Volunteers were recognized with weekly league honors. Junior running back Dylan Sampson was tabbed the SEC Offensive Player of the Week, while senior center Cooper Mays earned SEC Co-Offensive Lineman…… Continue Reading
Courtesy / UT Athletics
Lady Vols Win Big Against #25 Auburn
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Another Hadyen Kubik double-double and an outstanding team effort for block defense led Tennessee to an upset victory (25-19, 25-19, 15-25, 25-19) against the No. 25 Auburn Tigers on Sunday afternoon at Food City Center. The victory over AU (14-4, 4-3 SEC) marked Tennessee’s second ranked win at home for the year after also…… Continue Reading
Biltmore.com
Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina Announcing it’s Re-Opening in Time for Christmas
The historic Biltmore Estate has announced its plan to reopen on November 2nd after closing to repair damages following Helene. Biltmore staff says it’s just in time for their seasonal Christmas at Biltmore. The yearly holiday event lasts until January and features the estate covered in Christmas decorations from wreaths to garlands as well as…… Continue Reading
WVLT
SEC Fines University of Tennessee After Fans Storm Field After Alabama Win Which Also Sees the Vols Back in the Top 10 in AP Poll
The Southeastern Conference has fined the University of Tennessee after fans stormed the field following Saturday night’s win over the Alabama Crimson Tide. The $100,000 fine, which was handed down yesterday (Sunday), is a result of SEC‘s policy that went into effect in June of last year. Schools are fined $100,000 for their first offense,…… Continue Reading
State of Tennessee Helene Recovery Including FEMA Information
Hurricane Helene Recovery Roadway Closures as of October 18, 2024. Click on the map for a higher resolution image. Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) crews are working to assess damage, inspect all state-owned bridges, and repair connectivity in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which hit Tennessee on September 27, 2024. The counties with the most…… Continue Reading