Forest Inventory Underway on Tennessee State Forests

Forest Inventory Underway on Tennessee State Forests

NASHVILLE— Tennessee’s state forests are undergoing a comprehensive inventory aimed at promoting sustainable forest management.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry (TDF) engaged Steigerwaldt Land Services to conduct an in-depth inventory of the state’s 15 state forests.

“Sustainable management of Tennessee’s state forests is a responsibility we take very seriously,” State Forester Heather Slayton said. “The data from this inventory will provide extensive, accurate, and up-to-date information that will strengthen our ability to steward Tennessee’s forest resources for future generations.”

The inventory will provide better data about current forest composition, from young, regenerating trees to mature timber. This will allow TDF’s state forest management team to develop growth and yield projections with greater accuracy and will enable the team to plan and manage based on current and future forest volume rather than area.

Growth and yield projections are used to develop forest management plans and determine how much timber can be responsibly and sustainably harvested each year. The new inventory data gives more detailed information to internal and external stakeholders, including timber buyers.

In addition, this data will enable TDF to optimize forest health by resetting timber harvest targets. As trees age beyond maturity, they can weaken, creating entry points for pests and pathogens and making them more susceptible to storm damage. Applying timber harvest targets that are calibrated to current data and changing where, when, and how much harvesting occurs will reduce the number of overmature trees in the forest.

Finally, re-inventorying the state forest system supports TDF’s compliance with the sustainable forest management standards set forth by the internationally recognized Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). TDF is SFI-certified and submits to extensive annual third-party audits to ensure compliance with rigorous sustainable management standards.

TDF protects Tennessee’s forests by fighting wildland fires, coordinating hazard emergency response, providing prescribed fire guidance, services, and wildland fire training. Additionally, the division promotes the responsible use of forest resources by assisting landowners, providing quality seedlings, monitoring insects and diseases, improving urban forests, managing state forests, protecting water quality, and collecting forest inventory data. TDF also promotes forest industries to stimulate the state’s economy. Visit https://www.tn.gov/agriculture/forests for more information.

Defensive Line Continues to Grind as Season Nears
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Defensive Line Continues to Grind as Season Nears

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee hit the field in full pads for the first time on Wednesday, marking Practice No. 6 of its preseason training camp. Defensive line coach Rodney Garner addressed the media after the morning session, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong work ethic.

“When I played coach’s philosophy was he wanted practice to be the hardest thing we’d be at (and) he wanted the game to be easy,” Garner said. “That’s the same kind of philosophy that I want to relate to these guys.”

The Vols boast a seasoned defensive line this season, a group that played a key role in Tennessee’s defensive success last year. The unit ranked ninth nationally and second in the SEC with 41 sacks and led the league, finishing sixth in the nation, with 101 tackles for loss.

“Obviously, I’m proud of the guys I’ve got in the room,” Garner said. “Proud of the guys that started out with us when we started this journey four years ago. It is rewarding. Hopefully, these guys see improvement in their game and improvement in the d-line play. At the same time, just knowing that we still have so much room for improvement.”

Full comments from Garner and select quotes from defensive linemen Jaxson MoiCaleb Herring and Tyree Weathersby can be viewed below.

Tennessee Football Press Conference | Aug. 7, 2024

https://utsports.com/showcase/embed.aspx?Archive=22668&autoplay=false

Defensive Line Coach Rodney Garner

On the depth of the defensive line from this year compared to four years ago…
“Obviously, I’m proud of the guys I’ve got in the room. Proud of the guys that started out with us when we started this journey four years ago. It is rewarding. Hopefully these guys see improvement in their game and improvement in the d-line play. At the same time, just knowing that we still have so much room for improvement. It is definitely good having a great nucleus that can actually set the tone, set the culture, that can start to police itself with the young guys that are coming in saying, ‘hey, this is the way we do things, this is how we’re trying to build this thing.’ We’re trying to build it on a solid foundation. We’re not trying to build it on sand. We want to build it on a solid foundation that can last and that’s what we wanted to do so that it can be tested through the storms. Obviously, there’s a lot of storms and at times, still to this point, we haven’t risen up and played to the level that we need to play at when we get in those storms. When we’re dealing with the Alabama’s, the Georgia’s, the Florida’s, all that on a consistent basis, that’s truly where you’re going to be judged at at the end of the day.”

On how this defensive line room compares to other rooms he has had…
“I think they’re really working at moving the needle in the right direction with less resistance. Everybody always wants to say, ‘you coach them hard,’ or ‘you’re hard on them,’ well this is a hard game. Life is hard. So, what you’re trying to do is prepare them for those difficult times. You know they try to say, ‘well you’re a dinosaur, you played in a dinosaur age,’ but when I played coach’s philosophy was he wanted practice to be the hardest thing we’d be at (and) he wanted the game to be easy. That’s the same kind of philosophy that I want to relate to these guys. I want them to really work their butts off. Prepare to be champions and then on Saturday be able to go out there and reap the rewards of their labor. That’s what we’re trying to stress to them. That’s what we’re working towards, and like I said, we still got so much room for improvement.”

On the younger players like Tyree Weathersby’s improvement…
“Weathersby is a talented young man. I think right now, skill wise, he’s inching closer to what he was before he got that injury and had everyone so excited. Right now, he’s probably not playing as fast as he was just because his head’s swimming and learning all the different calls and then dealing with me now as Coach G on the field, versus him being in the rehab room when you’re checking on him. Just a different pressure, resistance and all that. So, I think right now he’s learning. He’s feeling his way through, but he does flash, and he does show signs that he’s going to be a really good football player.”

On the praise surrounding this defensive line…
“Who’s praising them? I’m not. So, we just try to block out all the outside noise. You know, the one thing about it, when you look at that film, when you study it and you come in there every day and you really look at it and you’ve got to be your own biggest critic – and it’s no different from me as a coach – every day that I’m going out there on that field (and) I’m working to be a better coach today than I was yesterday. Same thing that they’re working for as players. And, you know, we all have a lot of room that we need to improve in a lot of areas. If they’re going to heap this kind of stuff on you, then you’ve got to prepare for it, and that’s the thing like I told them, man, this is not going to be easy. To whom much is given, much is required, so we’ve got to prepare ourselves to go out there and be able to play at a championship level. And that is the challenge every single day.”

On the leadership of Omari Thomas
“Big O is an incredible young man. He’s a great leader. He stands for all the things that a VFL is, and he’s a great young man. He does exemplify what we’re trying to be here and trying to get Tennessee back to the status that Tennessee is used to being. I think he’s done an outstanding job of showing those leadership skills. Now, obviously, he’s got to continue to elevate his game because, obviously, the better player you are, the better leader you are. So, we need for him to up his game and then all those things will even have much more meaning when he says them.”

On how the versatility and different abilities of the defensive line makes it easier on a coach…
“Well you know obviously, as a coach, you’re trying to help your players fill their tool box up with all the different tools. They may use this tool for this and that tool for that, but they got to have the different tools in their tool box. Obviously, you try to look at guys’ strengths and you try to coach them up to play this way according to this skillset, this is something that’s really your skillset versus what he’s doing over here, that’s his skillset so it may be a little different. Elijah Simmons is going to be a different type of player than Bryson Eason just because of skillset. You’re just trying to help them sharpen their tools and then they’ll be able to go in that box and pull out what they need at that particular time based off what they’re getting schematically from who they’re playing against and all that, so they can be successful.”

On what he has seen from Daevin Hobbs now that he has had a full offseason…
“I think Hobbs is continuing to grow. Obviously, I think his play strength has improved. Obviously, he’s a big, long, athletic kid that’s shown toughness. For him to be able to come in and play in this league as much as he did last year inside, I was impressed by him doing that because I thought that he was going to be more of a defensive end last year but because of injuries and all that he didn’t buck it at all. He went in and played the inside and did a decent job for us. I just continue to see his play elevate, and he’s going to be a really good player down the road for us.”

On how good a self-critic James Pearce Jr. has been since last season…
“I think James has grown. Just searching for that consistency from him. I talk to him constantly about being the CEO of his brand and being consistent. He just can’t ride that roller coaster up and down. He’s very, very, very talented, and he’s very smart. He can be elite, but now he has to make sure he’s that every day. He can’t pick and choose when he’s going to be a pro. I mean he’s got to be a pro every day.”

On what he saw from Jaxson Moi in the portal and what he has brought to the room…
“Obviously, I was really excited about Jaxson when he went in the portal and us recruiting him and all that. I had one plan for him. He came in and he’s probably exceeded what I had in mind, so he’s sort of deviated my plan. I think Jaxson is going to be a really good player for us, and obviously he’s going to be a tremendous leader. He’s going to be able to command respect in that locker room from everybody. His teammates respect him. They like him, all of them do, so I couldn’t be more excited to have him in my room than any other guys.”

On what this group has taught him for the past six days in camp…
“That we need a lot more work. That we’ve got to really improve. That we’ve got to get in much better shape, football playing shape. Like I told them today after we finished running, if we are in great shape, we will be more mentally tough, we will be more physically tough. That’s got to be our challenge. We got to put ourselves in a position where we’re not beating ourselves. We’ve got to go out there and be able to challenge our opponents to beat us, and we can’t beat ourselves, whether it be mentally or physically. That’s got to start in the classroom, obviously, our football IQ improving there, but also getting ourselves in the best physical shape that we can possibly be in. That we can go out there and play four quarters of championship football. That we can play the fourth quarter just like we started the first quarter and be able to finish in the games that really count.”

On how much he has focused on the ability to rotate guys in games…
“Well obviously my whole career has been about rotating, so I’ve played 10 to 12 guys everywhere I have ever been. If you look at my history of things, I’m always trying to develop enough guys that we can play at that championship level, but that’s my philosophy, that’s always has been my philosophy. Hopefully, we’re going to just improve our play. I do think right now we probably have more guys than what we’ve had here in the past to be able to do that, so I’m excited about that. I hope that we can stay healthy. I hope that we can continue to improve on the little things because that’s what it’s going to come down to. It’s just the little things. If we’re going to chase greatness, we’ve got to improve in the little areas. Those little minute things that we think are not that important, but they are very important when you are playing against high level competition.”

On how different Joshua Josephs is from last year and how different it’s going to be on that strong side of the defensive line…
“Josh is closer now to what he was when he first got here. Where last year, he sort of took a dip and, I guess, went into that sophomore lull. Where now, he’s coming back more energized, more focused (with) more attention to detail. I think he’s put on some really good weight. I think he’s improved his play strength. I think he’s improved his power and his explosiveness. So, I’m excited about this Joshua Josephs that’s here right now, I really am.

“At the strong side defensive end (position), we’ve got some good guys there. You got (Dominic Bailey) and (Tyre West) that do a really good job of complementing each other. They are very different in some ways, but they do a very good job of complementing each other. (Jayson Jenkins) has had a really good camp, you know going forward. You got (Tyree Weathersby) right there with them. I’m excited about the guys, it’s just now about continuing to move the needle in the right direction.”

https://utsports.com/showcase/embed.aspx?Archive=22669&autoplay=false

Junior DL Jaxson Moi

On why he transferred to Tennessee…
“I knew when I hit the portal that I wanted to be a part of a really explosive defense with a lot of D-line production. I had seen that it was very prominent here at Tennessee with coach Banks’ defense. I also wanted to be a part of a great culture. I’m a really big people person, I’m a big locker room guy, so really getting to know coach Heupel and his staff that he’s built and the players that are in this locker room; there was no better place for me.”

On transferring into an already deep defensive line room…
“It’s been a great learning experience for sure. I knew if I came here I was going to have to compete, but I know at the next level I’m going to have to compete so I’m not afraid of competition. It’s been great. The older guys, we’ve been able to compete, but I would say that it’s been competitive not combative. We lift each other up. We want to do great, but we don’t want anyone to do bad. Honestly, great atmosphere and great environment for sure.”

https://utsports.com/showcase/embed.aspx?Archive=22671&autoplay=false

Sophomore DL Caleb Herring

On how much bigger we was able to get during the offseason…
“Last year I came in around 205 (pounds) and now I’m up to 250, so yeah, I’ve put on around 45 pounds. The highest I got up to was around 255. I’m still trying to get adjusted to the weight, but I’ve been feeling good.”

On what the energy has been like in the defensive line room…
“The energy is always there, especially with coach G (Rodney Garner) and the way he coaches. He coaches us in a tough manner but at the same time, we all know why he’s doing that. He’s trying to push us to the best of our abilities. Something I learned from B.Y. (VFL Byron Young) – I heard him say this in an interview – don’t listen to the tone, listen to the message because he’s just trying to get it across and trying to make you better. For the guys, we’ve made it to where it is player led. Big O (Omari Thomas), Big E (Elijah Simmons), really all those guys – they’ve been to us. And just the competition in that room, everybody is trying to push each other to get better and just continuing to build on from there. We’re never satisfied.”

https://utsports.com/showcase/embed.aspx?Archive=22670&autoplay=false

RS-Freshman DL Tyree Weathersby

On how tough Coach Rodney Garner coaching style is…
“He’s going to coach you aggressively, you know he’s going to stay on you and make sure. He’s more so about building men, as well. He isn’t just all about coaching (football). He is about building character and all that. Of course, he is hard on you but at the end of the day, I mean that is what we all came here for.”

On what it is like getting back from the injury that kept him out last season…
“We are about to get right now, so at this point I’m just here to work and compete. I’m 100 percent now, so I am just looking forward to the season and competing in fall camp.”

Claiborne High School Head Football Coach Resigns
Claiborne Co High School Facebook

Claiborne High School Head Football Coach Resigns

The head football coach for Claiborne High School, Nathan Medlin, has resigned from his position, leaving Corey McGinnis to be named as interim head coach for the 2024-25 season.

Medlin’s resignation comes as police are investigating a “hazing incident” at the school.

A school board meeting is scheduled for tonight but discussion of the incident or the football coach’s resignation is not listed on the agenda.

Free Diapers for TennCare and CoverKids Members Now Available

Free Diapers for TennCare and CoverKids Members Now Available

Nashville, TN (WOKI) TennCare and CoverKids members under the age of two are now eligible to receive up to 100 free diapers per month.

The TennCare Diaper Benefit is now live, and members are able to receive the diapers beginning Wednesday, August 7 at participating pharmacies across Tennessee; a prescription is not required.

Click here for the list of participating pharmacies from the Tennessee Division of TennCare.

TennCare will cover the following four major diaper brands:

  • Huggies
  • Cuties
  • Pampers
  • Luvs

According to TennCare, the participating pharmacies will select which diapers they carry from the approved list above. Package sizes and types of diapers from the four brands will be added as the list of covered products grows, TennCare stated.

TennCare and CoverKids members under age two eligible to receive free diapers. (Courtesy: WVLT)
Knoxville Area Urban League’s CEO Steps Down

Knoxville Area Urban League’s CEO Steps Down

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) The president and CEO of The Knoxville Area Urban League is stepping down.

Leaders with group announcing Wednesday that Dr. Charles F. Lomax Jr. is stepping down as president and CEO of the organization “to pursue other opportunities.”

In their statement, leaders expressed their “deepest gratitude” for Lomax’s service; he had been in the role since December of 2022.

KAUL’s board has picked Avice Reid to fill-in as interim president and CEO while a search committee is formed to find a permanent successor.

“I am honored to step into this role and continue the important work of the Knoxville Area Urban League,” Reid said. “I look forward to collaborating with our passionate team, community partners and members to further our mission of economic empowerment and social justice.”

Reid is a Knoxville native who has worked with the Tennessee Valley Authority and City of Knoxville as executive director of the police department’s Police Advisory and Review Committee.

Charles F. Lomax Jr. (Courtesy: Knoxville Area Urban League)
Crossville Woman Charged in 2021 Drug Overdose Death

Crossville Woman Charged in 2021 Drug Overdose Death

Cumberland County, TN (WOKI) A Crossville woman has been charged with
second-degree murder following an investigation.

Officials with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation say 35-year-old Jerica Marie Hayes was indicted Monday, charged with one count of second-degree murder and one count of delivery of fentanyl, in the death of 35-year-old Samuel Mashburn.

TBI says Mashburn was found dead on September 14, 2021 in the driveway of a home on Willow Street in Crossville and that an autopsy determined he died from acute combined multiple drug intoxication.

TBI’s investigation lead to Hayes, a friend of Mashburn’s, as the person who supplied him with fentanyl.

According to TBI, Hayes is currently housed at the Cumberland County Jail on a $1 million bond.

Samuel Mashburn was found dead in the driveway of a home on Willow Street in September 2021, TBI said. (Frankly Media)
Karen Weekly Agrees to Contract Extension
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Karen Weekly Agrees to Contract Extension

Tennessee Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Danny White announced that Tennessee Athletics and head softball coach Karen Weekly have agreed to a one-year contract extension. The extension keeps Weekly under contract through June 30, 2029.
 
Over the past two seasons, Weekly has guided the Lady Vols to back-to-back SEC regular season titles and one SEC Softball Tournament crown.
 
“Karen’s unwavering determination to be the best and build a championship program has been exciting to be a part of,” said White. “She exemplifies the competitive excellence we aim for in our athletics department. We are thrilled to secure her dynamic leadership for the long term and continue competing for titles on Rocky Top.”
 
The back-to-back SEC Coach of the Year, Weekly has led Tennessee to 95 wins – 38 in conference – over the last two years, with two trips to Super Regionals and a semifinal appearance at the 2023 Women’s College World Series.
 
“I am very appreciative of Danny White’s continued faith in me to lead the Lady Vol softball program,” Weekly said. “It is an honor and privilege to be a part of the best athletics department in college sports and we are just getting started.”
 
The success of the 2023 and 2024 seasons has recharged and reinvigorated the program and fanbase. Tennessee’s incoming freshman class is ranked No. 4 in the nation and is ready to make its mark this coming season.
 
For 2024, Tennessee sold out season tickets for softball as fans packed out Sherri Parker Lee Stadium every weekend. Over the past two seasons, 101,167 fans have passed through the gates at SPL to cheer the Lady Vols to a 46-8 home record.
 
Currently the longest-tenured head coach on Rocky Top, Weekly enters her 24th season at the helm of Tennessee softball in 2025. She boasts 1,308 career wins and holds a record of 1,085-340-2 (.761) while leading the Lady Vols.
 
Among coaches in head-to-head sports at the University of Tennessee, only Pat Summitt (1,098) has collected more wins than Weekly.

Squirrel White Recognized On Biletnikoff Award Preseason Watch List
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Squirrel White Recognized On Biletnikoff Award Preseason Watch List

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation announced Wednesday that Tennessee junior wide receiver Squirrel White was tabbed to the preseason watch list for the 2024 Biletnikoff Award, which annually recognizes the college football season’s outstanding FBS receiver.

White is one of 49 players on the preseason watch list and one of eight players from the Southeastern Conference. Any player, regardless of position (wide receiver, tight end, slot back, and running back) who catches a pass is eligible for the award. As such, the Biletnikoff Award recognizes college football’s outstanding receiver, not merely college football’s outstanding wide receiver.

The speedy wideout from Birmingham, Alabama, enters his third season at Tennessee after a productive sophomore campaign for the Vols last fall. White started all 13 games in 2023 and led the Big Orange with 67 catches for 803 yards as he developed into one of the SEC’s best slot receivers. His 67 receptions ranked fifth in the league and tied for the seventh-most in UT single-season history.

Known for his explosive playmaking ability and elusiveness, White has been clocked at 23.4 miles per hour on the Catapult GPS system. He has produced 10 catches of 30-plus yards, nine catches and 40-plus yards, six catches of 50-plus yards and three catches of 60-plus yards over the course of his college career.

The Biletnikoff Award semifinalists, finalists and recipient are selected by the highly distinguished Biletnikoff Award National Selection Committee, a group of 600 prominent college football journalists, commentators, announcers, Biletnikoff Award winners, and other former receivers. Semifinalists will be unveiled Nov. 18 before three finalists are announced on Nov. 26.

The 2024 Biletnikoff Award winner will be revealed on The Home Depot College Football Awards show on Dec. 12, and the trophy will be presented at The Biletnikoff Award Banquet & Celebration on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center in Tallahassee, Florida.

A complete list of Tennessee’s preseason honors can be found below.

2024 Tennessee Football Preseason Honors

Head Coach Josh Heupel
Dodd Trophy Watch List

John Campbell Jr., OL, R-Sr.
Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List

Bryson Eason, DL, R-Sr.
Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List

Nico Iamaleava, QB, R-Fr.
Maxwell Award Watch List

Lance Heard, OL, So.
Fourth-Team All-SEC (Athlon)

Cooper Mays, C, Sr.
Outland Trophy Watch List
First-Team All-American (Walter Camp)
First-Team All-SEC (Media)
Second-Team All-SEC (Athlon, Phil Steele)
Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List

Bru McCoy, WR, R-Sr.
Wuerffel Trophy Watch List
AFCA Good Works Team Nominee
Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List

Omarr Norman-Lott, DT, Sr.
Third-Team All-SEC (Phil Steele)

James Pearce Jr., DE, Jr.
Walter Camp Award Watch List
Lott Trophy Watch List
Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List
First-Team All-American (Athlon, Phil Steele, Walter Camp)
First-Team All-SEC (Athlon, Media, Phil Steele, Walter Camp)

Keenan Pili, LB, Sr.
Fourth-Team All-SEC (Athlon)
Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List

Jackson Ross, P, So.
Fourth-Team All-SEC (Phil Steele)

Dylan Sampson, RB, Jr.
Doak Walker Award Watch List
Third-Team All-SEC (Athlon)
Fourth-Team All-SEC (Phil Steele)

Javontez Spraggins, OL, Sr.
Third-Team All-SEC (Athlon)
Fourth-Team All-SEC (Phil Steele)
Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List

Omari Thomas, DL, Sr.
Fourth-Team All-SEC (Athlon)
Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List

Squirrel White, WR, Jr.
Biletnikoff Award Watch List
Third-Team All-SEC (Athlon, Phil Steele)

Knox County Public Library Offers Dozens of Resources for Homework Help
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Knox County Public Library Offers Dozens of Resources for Homework Help

KNOXVILLE, Tenn.— With school set to start tomorrow, Knox County Public Library wants to remind families that it offers dozens of research options to help local students get ahead.

First and foremost? A library card, which lets folks access free online tutoring, test prep courses, primary sources for historical research, and more.  

“As we start out the new school year, I want to encourage everyone to make sure their library cards are up to date and active because our library system has many resources available to help students achieve academic success,” said Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs.

Additionally, Brainfuse Help Now is an online, live tutoring service that helps with math, reading, science and social studies. Students can get feedback on a writing assignment, take practice tests, and more.

Gale Power Search allows students to search an enormous collection of newspapers, magazine/journal articles, and books simultaneously. And, Transparent Language Online builds all four core skills of language: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students can choose from more than 100 languages, including English and American Sign Language. 

World Book Encyclopediaprovides resources for all ages with video, activities, games, and other information. It’s also available in World Book Advanced for high school students, World Book Discover for reluctant or new readers, World Book Early Learning for Pre-K to Grade 2, and World Book Kids for elementary students. 

Additionally, the McClung Digital Collection is full of photographs, manuscripts, documents, and scrapbooks from East Tennessee. These primary sources are invaluable in learning about the local role in woman suffrage, the early effort to create the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, the 1982 World’s Fair, the George Barber architecture catalog, and more. 

These are just a handful of online resources available to help students succeed this year. The library system also offers dozens more including historic newspapers and test prep courses. For even more information, check out knoxcountylibrary.org.

Medic in Competition with Blood Assurance as Smokies Take on Lookouts

Medic in Competition with Blood Assurance as Smokies Take on Lookouts

MEDIC and Chattanooga-based Blood Assurance kick off their annual competition on August 6 – 11. The center collecting the most red blood cells through the week will be the winner! This competition aligns with the Tennessee Smokies hosting the Chattanooga Lookouts at home!

Donors will receive a ticket to a Tennessee Smokies game, the August tie-dye shirt, a box of Girl Scout cookies, and a Texas Roadhouse coupon.

MEDIC offers several special incentives specifically for platelet donors including daily e-gift cards, MEDIC platelet punch card program, and the daily MEDIC gift. Platelet donors must make an appointment by calling 865-521-2684. Appointments can be made online at http://www.medicblood.org, via the MEDIC app, or by calling 865-524-3074.

MEDIC is the primary blood product provider for 25 hospitals including Blount Memorial, Covenant Health System, East TN Children’s Hospital,

Tennova Healthcare, and UT Medical Center. MEDIC recruits blood donors in 23 counties.

As a reminder, the blood, platelets, and plasma products on the shelves now are what would be used in a trauma event, and it takes at least three days for donated blood to be processed and ready for distribution.

MEDIC is an independent, nonprofit organization. Products donated through MEDIC truly help community members in East TN and Southeastern Kentucky. Products donated through any other collection activity/organization do not stay in East TN or Southeastern Kentucky. Those products are shipped out of the area and nationally.

WEBSITE: http://www.medicblood.org

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Forest Inventory Underway on Tennessee State Forests

Forest Inventory Underway on Tennessee State Forests

NASHVILLE— Tennessee’s state forests are undergoing a comprehensive inventory aimed at promoting sustainable forest management. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry (TDF) engaged Steigerwaldt Land Services to conduct an in-depth inventory of the state’s 15 state forests. “Sustainable management of Tennessee’s state forests is a responsibility we take very seriously,” State Forester Heather…Continue Reading

Defensive Line Continues to Grind as Season Nears
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Defensive Line Continues to Grind as Season Nears

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee hit the field in full pads for the first time on Wednesday, marking Practice No. 6 of its preseason training camp. Defensive line coach Rodney Garner addressed the media after the morning session, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong work ethic. “When I played coach’s philosophy was he wanted practice to be the…Continue Reading

Claiborne High School Head Football Coach Resigns
Claiborne Co High School Facebook

Claiborne High School Head Football Coach Resigns

The head football coach for Claiborne High School, Nathan Medlin, has resigned from his position, leaving Corey McGinnis to be named as interim head coach for the 2024-25 season. Medlin’s resignation comes as police are investigating a “hazing incident” at the school. A school board meeting is scheduled for tonight but discussion of the incident…Continue Reading

Free Diapers for TennCare and CoverKids Members Now Available

Free Diapers for TennCare and CoverKids Members Now Available

Nashville, TN (WOKI) TennCare and CoverKids members under the age of two are now eligible to receive up to 100 free diapers per month. The TennCare Diaper Benefit is now live, and members are able to receive the diapers beginning Wednesday, August 7 at participating pharmacies across Tennessee; a prescription is not required. Click here…Continue Reading

Knoxville Area Urban League’s CEO Steps Down

Knoxville Area Urban League’s CEO Steps Down

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) The president and CEO of The Knoxville Area Urban League is stepping down. Leaders with group announcing Wednesday that Dr. Charles F. Lomax Jr. is stepping down as president and CEO of the organization “to pursue other opportunities.” In their statement, leaders expressed their “deepest gratitude” for Lomax’s service; he had been…Continue Reading

Crossville Woman Charged in 2021 Drug Overdose Death

Crossville Woman Charged in 2021 Drug Overdose Death

Cumberland County, TN (WOKI) A Crossville woman has been charged withsecond-degree murder following an investigation. Officials with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation say 35-year-old Jerica Marie Hayes was indicted Monday, charged with one count of second-degree murder and one count of delivery of fentanyl, in the death of 35-year-old Samuel Mashburn. TBI says Mashburn was…Continue Reading

Karen Weekly Agrees to Contract Extension
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Karen Weekly Agrees to Contract Extension

Tennessee Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Danny White announced that Tennessee Athletics and head softball coach Karen Weekly have agreed to a one-year contract extension. The extension keeps Weekly under contract through June 30, 2029. Over the past two seasons, Weekly has guided the Lady Vols to back-to-back SEC regular season titles and one SEC Softball Tournament crown. “Karen’s unwavering…Continue Reading

Squirrel White Recognized On Biletnikoff Award Preseason Watch List
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Squirrel White Recognized On Biletnikoff Award Preseason Watch List

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation announced Wednesday that Tennessee junior wide receiver Squirrel White was tabbed to the preseason watch list for the 2024 Biletnikoff Award, which annually recognizes the college football season’s outstanding FBS receiver. White is one of 49 players on the preseason watch list and one of eight players from the Southeastern…Continue Reading

Knox County Public Library Offers Dozens of Resources for Homework Help
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Knox County Public Library Offers Dozens of Resources for Homework Help

KNOXVILLE, Tenn.— With school set to start tomorrow, Knox County Public Library wants to remind families that it offers dozens of research options to help local students get ahead. First and foremost? A library card, which lets folks access free online tutoring, test prep courses, primary sources for historical research, and more.   “As we…Continue Reading

Medic in Competition with Blood Assurance as Smokies Take on Lookouts

Medic in Competition with Blood Assurance as Smokies Take on Lookouts

MEDIC and Chattanooga-based Blood Assurance kick off their annual competition on August 6 – 11. The center collecting the most red blood cells through the week will be the winner! This competition aligns with the Tennessee Smokies hosting the Chattanooga Lookouts at home! Donors will receive a ticket to a Tennessee Smokies game, the August…Continue Reading