The latest data on homelessness in Knoxville suggests that high rent prices and a low number of housing options are contributing to the problem.
The Knoxville Homeless Management Information System is a partnership between the city, the University of Tennessee and the Knoxville Knox County Homeless Coalition. The group tracks homeless data and recently released 2024′s second-quarter numbers.
According to KnoxHMIS, homelessness in the area is on the rise with a reported increase in homeless people from the beginning of this year into the second quarter up over 100 people.
KnoxHMIS tracks those numbers by counting how many people use their homeless services. 42% of the people in Knoxville who cannot find a place to live say there aren’t enough affordable options available. Rising rent prices are making the problem worse, in 2022, the National Association of Realtors listed the Knoxville market as number one for rent price increases. On average, over the last five years, 13% of Knoxville’s homeless population who worked with homeless services returned to homelessness after getting permanent housing.
Overall, the group claimed the problem would not be fixed until more and cheaper options became available in and around Knoxville.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation says a Campbell County man is charged with murder after a body was found inside a vehicle alongside a road.
62-year-old Audie Green was found dead in a vehicle along Highway 25 West on July 17th. The TBI investigation determined 33-year-old Joshua Cox had been a passenger in the vehicle and “was the person responsible for Green’s death.”
TBI agents obtained a warrant for Cox, charging him with one count of second-degree murder. He was already being held at Campbell County Jail on unrelated charges.
Knox County Schools on Monday highlighted new security measures that are being implemented to enhance school safety in the 2024-25 academic year, as part of the district’s ongoing “Safe Schools, Safe Students” initiative.
At a news conference, Superintendent Dr. Jon Rysewyk and Security Department Chief Jason Periard outlined three strategies to keep schools safe:
Staffing highly trained, armed officers in every school. This year, KCS has 120 School Security Officers (SSO’s) in district schools, as well as School Resource Officers (SRO’s) from partner agencies.
Individualizing safety plans to meet the specific needs of every school; and
Launching a new Text-A-Tip app to allow anonymous reporting of safety information and a timely response.
In connection with these strategies, KCS is taking several steps.
The Board of Education approved $600,000 in salary increases for SSO’s, which means starting pay will increase from $17.24 per hour to $19.16 per hour. The number of salary steps for SSO’s also increased from 14 to 20, which will allow for increased earnings over their career.
An additional $7 million in grant funding is being allocated to increase security. This includes funding to provide intrusion-resistant window reinforcements to every school by the end of the school year.
The district has identified a goal of adding 50,000 feet of perimeter fencing at schools, and last year installed more than 17,000 feet of fencing. That work will continue this year.
More than 25% of our schools will also begin the year with new, steel-reinforced concrete security bollards designed to protect students and staff during pick-up and drop-off.
More than 450 KCS staff members completed training for the National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC) certification for threat assessment, training that equips more individuals to focus on school safety and provide proactive supports for students.
The district is launching a new Text-A-Tip app, and a link has been pre-loaded on every student’s Chromebook. Reports will be monitored on a 24/7 basis by the KCS Operations Center to ensure the district is responding rapidly and intentionally to every notification. In addition, parents, students, and community members can download the app through Google Play and soon through the Apple Store.
On August 5, the KCS Security Department and school teams at Carter High and Fulton High are participating in active shooter drills with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and Knoxville Police Department.
“We never lose sight of the fact that school safety is essential – for our students and our employees,” said Superintendent Dr. Jon Rysewyk. “As Superintendent, my most important responsibility is maintaining safe and secure environments for every student and every school. I’m grateful for the work of Chief Jason Periard, of the KCS Security Division, along with the strong support of our partners at KCSO and KPD. Working together, they are committed to seeking continuous improvement in every aspect of our security operations.”
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee football will enter the 2024 campaign ranked No. 15 in the US LBM Preseason Coaches poll, which was unveiled on Monday.
The Volunteers are one of nine SEC programs in the preseason top 25, joining top-ranked Georgia, No. 4 Texas, No. 5 Alabama, No. 6 Ole Miss, No. 11 Missouri, No. 12 LSU, No. 16 Oklahoma and No. 20 Texas A&M.
Tennessee will face four teams in the poll with three of those games occurring away from Neyland Stadium, including No. 22 NC State in Charlotte, No. 16 Oklahoma in Norman, No. 5 Alabama in Knoxville and No. 1 Georgia in Athens. The Vols are one of eight SEC teams who will square off against a non-conference team appearing in the preseason poll, joining Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, LSU, South Carolina, Texas and Texas A&M.
UT is ranked in the Coaches poll for the 31st consecutive week, which is the program’s longest stretch since being ranked 34 straight weeks from 2003-05. The current streak dates back to Sept. 11, 2022.
After shutting out Big Ten West champion Iowa 35-0 in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, Tennessee concluded the 2023 campaign No. 17 in both polls.
The Vols’ first ranked test comes Week 2 against No. 22 NC State in Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium. Tickets for the Duke’s Mayo Classic are on sale now at AllVols.com.
The Associated Press Preseason Top 25 will be announced on Aug. 12.
AFCA Preseason Coaches Poll 1. Georgia (46) 2. Ohio State (7) 3. Oregon 4. Texas (1) 5. Alabama 6. Ole Miss 7. Notre Dame 8. Michigan (1) 9. Penn State 10. Florida State 11. Missouri 12. LSU 13. Utah 14. Clemson 15. Tennessee 16. Oklahoma 17. Kansas State 18. Oklahoma State 19. Miami (Fla.) 20. Texas A&M 21. Arizona 22. NC State 23. Southern Cal 24. Kansas 25. Iowa
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — One of Tennessee football’s most experienced position rooms was highlighted on Monday as UT wrapped up Practice No. 5 of preseason training camp. Offensive line coach Glen Elarbee and a trio of veteran, in-state O-line contributors spoke to media after Monday’s session on Haslam Field to break down the group’s development in the trenches.
Tennessee enters the 2024 campaign with one of the most veteran offensive lines in the country and returns three full-time starters from last season. The room has combined for 284 games played and 113 starts, ranking second and 12th in the FBS, respectively.
Elarbee discussed the impact that experience has on the young offensive lineman and labeled his veterans as ‘coaches’ on the field during fall camp.
“It’s a super veteran crew,” Elarbee said. “There are guys that have played a lot of football. You just go across the board; (Dayne Davis) is a coach on the field. (John Campbell Jr.) is a coach on the field. (Cooper Mays) is always a coach on the field. (Javontez Spraggins), coach on the field. (Andrej Karic) in his second year has become a great coach on the field. They know it so well, and they’re helping bring those young guys along.”
A preseason first team All-America and All-SEC selection, Cooper Mays provides continuity for the offense as he enters his fourth straight season as the starting center. The Kingston native was available to media on Monday and spoke about his connection with redshirt freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava heading into his fifth season with the program.
“Nico is so mature for his age,” Mays said. “He’s a younger guy, but he doesn’t act like that … We just have to be really communicative. Kind of the whole offense in general, but especially with me and the quarterback, you have to talk a lot and kind of pick each other’s brain. He tries to see how I’m seeing things and I’m trying to see how he sees things. So, just trying to get on the same page there has been really cool.”
Full comments from Elarbee and select quotes from Mays, redshirt senior offensive lineman Dayne Davis and redshirt senior offensive lineman Jackson Lampley can be viewed below.
Tennessee Football Press Conference | Aug. 5, 2024
On how much better the depth is on the offensive line… “So much better. Especially this spring where so many young guys got reps, and then you get all of the older guys back. One, it helps you with your older guys. You can plug in young guys and get them reps and the team doesn’t suffer. They can function. They can go and do the job, and it helps them continue to grow. Them moving up helps guys that have just gotten here like Bennett Warren and Lance Heard. Those kinds of guys still get reps, and it just makes life a lot easier, for sure.”
On if this is the most veteran-filled group he’s been around and how he’s seen them help the younger guys… “It’s a super veteran crew. There are guys that have played a lot of football. You just go across the board; (Dayne Davis) is a coach on the field, (John Campbell Jr.) is a coach on the field, Coop (Cooper Mays) is always a coach on the field, Spraggs (Javontez Spraggins), coach on the field. Dre (Andrej Karic) in his second year has become a great coach on the field. They know it so well, and they’re helping bring those young guys along.”
On how much easier it is to operate with quality depth at the tackle position… “Because those guys have gotten reps and having the depth, it helps not only us, but it helps the team. You can practice and put guys out there when you don’t need to necessarily rep that guy and you can still continue to go and function. It will help us when we get to the fall, hopefully you’re rotating guys, preparing them for the next year and also helping guys last for what is hopefully a very long season.”
On having former offensive lineman Parker Ball on staff… “He’s the smartest guy in this building. Last year – love him as a player – (but) he was already a coach in the making. He got with (John Campbell Jr.) every Friday and studied tips. He’s just picked up where he’s left off. One, he’s been in it for three years, so he knows it inside and out. He’s the freakiest, smartest human being walking the planet. He keeps me correct. We’ll be sitting in the meeting room, I can just hear him go (imitates cough and sniff sound). That’s your Parker noise, and I’ll know I misspoke, and I’ll correct it, and if I don’t, he’ll jump my button and get me corrected. He’s awesome man. He’s going to be a way better coach than I ever could have been.”
On finding a second center behind Cooper Mays… “It’s awesome. It’s a great competition. (Vysen Lang) and Satt (William Satterwhite) probably are taking most of those reps and competing. Satter has come along at a high rate. Vysen has improved in a ton of areas. Max Anderson and Jesse Perry have also taken some center reps. You always have (Dayne Davis) if a bomb went off. He did it last year if he had to. But, we’re doing a bunch of different guys. We’re on day five of camp and have two more weeks. Let the competition sort itself out.”
On John Campbell Jr. on the right side of the offensive line… “Really good. You can tell he put in a ton of work this offseason. When we were on break, he’s always sending me videos of him doing work, getting sets (and) asking for critiques. He’s a meticulous note taker. He has, in my opinion, looked flawless. He’s done a phenomenal job, and all of that credit is due to him.”
On who is working at left guard and if he likes one starter or multiple players to be able to play … “I think you always let the competition sort itself out. (Andrej Karic) has worked left guard. (Dayne Davis) has worked left guard. Lamp (Jackson Lampley) has worked left guard. Sham (Shamurad Umarov) is working left guard. Even BG (Brian Grant) has bounced in there. We are kind of moving guys around day-to-day. At the end of day, whoever is the best, that guy is going to play and then we are going to have to play somebody behind him. It’s going to be a long year. Coach Heupel is making an emphasis on us rotating, so I’m trying to make that point in the way we practice that guys are rotating in and taking a lot of reps with ones and twos.”
On how to manage workload for a veteran group and how comfortable he is rotating players in game situations … “One, every practice we have a rep plan for exactly the number of reps guys are getting. There are some drills that I know I probably don’t need to get Coop (Cooper Mays) into. There are other things where it’s tempo or third downs, and I know he does need to be in there. Same thing with a John Campbell Jr., a Spraggs (Javontez Spraggins), older guys. Their bodies have been playing for a long time. You give them the reps they need and then, again, having the depth helps so that we can go and play guys. As far as rotating goes, if you’re relatively equal, I love the rotation because it keeps guys fresh. The only time you get nervous is when you have a drop-off when you put a guy in. With this bunch, I feel like we’re far along.”
On guys deciding to stay another year in college rather than move on… “I think it speaks to who we are in the room. One, we talk about it all the time, there’s stuff outside football that we talk about. There are things in life. We were in there after chapel the other day, and I was telling them, ‘I know I don’t say it enough, but I love every single one of you in here.’ I think there’s a family in that room and they enjoy being in it. It’s a healthy (and) fun environment. When it’s time to get to work, by gosh it has to happen, but we enjoy playing the game too. They all want to win a championship. They want to go do that and they want to go compete.”
On if having to face the defensive line each day in practice has helped… “For sure. Iron sharpens iron. I feel like we’ve gotten better. They’ve also have taken steps. It’s a great defensive line. You get to go against those guys every day in one-on-one pass rush, or any drill honestly, it helps you grow. I do think our young guys have taken big steps. Now getting some of the vet guys back, that’s going to help prepare them to be ready to roll in the season.”
On what it has been like having a quarterback who is younger than him… “I have been thinking about it a little bit, but it is kind of hard to think though because (Nico Iamaleava) is so mature for his age. He’s a younger guy, but he doesn’t act like that. Like you said, I have had guys that weren’t just mature, they were 24 or 25 years old, like older guys. It’s been a little bit of an adjustment. Just got to be really communicative. Kind of the whole offense in general, but especially with me and the quarterback, you have to talk a lot and kind of pick each other’s brain. He tries to see how I’m seeing things and I’m trying to see how he sees things. So, just trying to get on the same page there has been really cool.”
On if this has been the most veteran group of offensive linemen he has been around… “Probably. I’m not sure exactly the numbers or anything. Maybe I have been on one that is older earlier in my career, but it has been really, really cool seeing guys develop. Kind of like I said with the d-line, there has been guys added from the transfer portal that are here now with significant roles and there are also guys that have been here the whole time like me and Spraggs (Javontez Spraggins) that have gone here and developed the whole way through. So, it has been really cool to see everybody mix together and make one unit.”
On how much better he feels going into this year after battling an injury early last season… “A lot, just really it’s the mental thing, knowing that I feel good and knowing I’m 100 percent. Yeah, I feel really good.”
On what position on the offensive line is he spending the most time at right now… “So far in fall camp, three or four. We will hit that five mark eventually I would assume. Just working everywhere, priding myself in versatility, you know left tackle, right tackle, left guard, center, everywhere. Just having the versatility to go anywhere.”
On how taxing it is mentally to play multiple positions on the offensive line… “It is at times for me, talking myself into knowing the offense. It’s not really mentally taxing. Sometimes it does get physically taxing just having to switch up your technique up, fundamentals and stuff. Footwork is completely different at both (sides). There are completely different players at all of those too on the other side (defensive line). Inside you got Big O (Omari Thomas) and you got Big E (Elijah Simmons) and then outside you got going against (James Pearce Jr.), Joshua Josephs and those guys, so sometimes it does get physically tough.”
On if starting and playing well at the end of last season played a role in his decision to come back for another year… “You know, that was part of it, for sure, just to be able to go out there and start and have a positive impact. I think that was a big reason why I decided to come back. The other reason why I really decided to come back was the guys in the locker room, you know? They’ll always have a special place in my heart. And same here as at the University of Tennessee. I mean, this school has done a lot for me throughout my entire life So I think those two factors were really why I decided to come back.”
On working at the left guard position… “Yeah, just being consistent. Playing the way I typically play, especially the run game and also the pass game. Just being able to move people, but also playing smart. I think those two things are really going to help me.”
On his relationship with the coaching staff… “It’s great. Coach (Glen Elarbee) and I have a great relationship. Coach (Josh Heupel) and I also have a great relationship. To speak volumes about Coach Heupel, the day my grandfather died, he called me and my family and was just devastated that it happened, and (he) really cares about me as well as my family. He also cares about everybody else on this team. I mean, he’s the perfect guy you could have as a head coach.”
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) As hurricane Debby looks to advance up the eastern seaboard, members of the Knoxville Fire Department are deployed Monday afternoon to aid in the response.
Knoxville Fire Department officials announcing a possible 10-day deployment of its Swift Water Team to South Carolina to support local emergency services and communities affected by Hurricane Debby.
“We are committed to helping our neighbors in South Carolina during this critical time,” said KFD Chief Stan Sharp. “Our firefighters are trained and prepared for high-risk situations, and we will do everything we can to support the local emergency services and communities affected by Hurricane Debby.”
KFD says the team is a specialized task force of 12 firefighters, including experts in Swift Water Rescue and emergency medical services, equipped with emergency response vehicles and essential supplies.
12 firefighters will deploy to South Carolina, equipped with emergency response vehicles and essential supplies.
Morgan County, TN (WOKI) A woman is charged in a string of arsons and vandalism in Morgan County.
The Morgan County Sheriff’s Office says 59-year-old Anita Hall was charged in the crimes on July 27.
A storage unit complex on Petros Highway then an explosion with black smoke at a home on Malachi Drive where deputies found a new F450 truck on fire, both reported on that Saturday.
MCSO says Hall was also seen setting cardboard boxes on fire and tampering with several trailers at an RV Park in Petros.
There were more vandalism reports along with Hall allegedly stealing a car’s registration tag.
Hall reportedly admitted to the crimes when detectives caught up to her. She is charged with numerous crimes including: Vandalism over $60,000, Arson, Burglary and theft.
She is being held on a $210,000 bond, with more charges pending.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee defensive lineman James Pearce Jr. added to his impressive list of preseason accolades on Monday when he was named to the 2024 Walter Camp Player of the Year Award Preseason Watch List.
The talented junior edge rusher is one of 50 total players, including just nine on the defensive side of the ball, tabbed as players to watch for the prestigious award, which is presented annually to the nation’s top college football player.
Pearce Jr. was recognized as a Walter Camp Football Foundation Preseason First-Team All-American earlier this summer, as well, following a breakout sophomore season in which he earned first-team All-SEC honors after racking up 14.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks.
The Charlotte, North Carolina, native also added two forced fumbles, a pass breakup and an interception return for a touchdown last year and enters this season as projected top-10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The watch list will be narrowed to 10 semifinalists in early November and three finalists will be announced on Nov. 26. The 2024 Walter Camp Player of the Year recipient, which is voted on by the 133 NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision head coaches and sports information directors, will be announced on ESPN’s College Football Awards Show on Dec. 12.
The complete list of 2024 Walter Camp Award Preseason Watch List can be found HERE.
James Pearce Jr., DE, Jr. First-Team All-American (Athlon, Phil Steele, Walter Camp) First-Team All-SEC (Athlon, Media, Phil Steele, Walter Camp) Walter Camp Award Watch List Lott Trophy Watch List Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List
The latest data on homelessness in Knoxville suggests that high rent prices and a low number of housing options are contributing to the problem. The Knoxville Homeless Management Information System is a partnership between the city, the University of Tennessee and the Knoxville Knox County Homeless Coalition. The group tracks homeless data and recently released…… Continue Reading
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation says a Campbell County man is charged with murder after a body was found inside a vehicle alongside a road. 62-year-old Audie Green was found dead in a vehicle along Highway 25 West on July 17th. The TBI investigation determined 33-year-old Joshua Cox had been a passenger in the vehicle…… Continue Reading
Knox County Schools on Monday highlighted new security measures that are being implemented to enhance school safety in the 2024-25 academic year, as part of the district’s ongoing “Safe Schools, Safe Students” initiative. At a news conference, Superintendent Dr. Jon Rysewyk and Security Department Chief Jason Periard outlined three strategies to keep schools safe: In…… Continue Reading
Posted on August 5, 2024 by Jim Kelly • 0 Comments
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee football will enter the 2024 campaign ranked No. 15 in the US LBM Preseason Coaches poll, which was unveiled on Monday. The Volunteers are one of nine SEC programs in the preseason top 25, joining top-ranked Georgia, No. 4 Texas, No. 5 Alabama, No. 6 Ole Miss, No. 11 Missouri, No.…… Continue Reading
Posted on August 5, 2024 by Jim Kelly • 0 Comments
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — One of Tennessee football’s most experienced position rooms was highlighted on Monday as UT wrapped up Practice No. 5 of preseason training camp. Offensive line coach Glen Elarbee and a trio of veteran, in-state O-line contributors spoke to media after Monday’s session on Haslam Field to break down the group’s development in the trenches. Tennessee…… Continue Reading
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) As hurricane Debby looks to advance up the eastern seaboard, members of the Knoxville Fire Department are deployed Monday afternoon to aid in the response. Knoxville Fire Department officials announcing a possible 10-day deployment of its Swift Water Team to South Carolina to support local emergency services and communities affected by Hurricane…… Continue Reading
Morgan County, TN (WOKI) A woman is charged in a string of arsons and vandalism in Morgan County. The Morgan County Sheriff’s Office says 59-year-old Anita Hall was charged in the crimes on July 27. A storage unit complex on Petros Highway then an explosion with black smoke at a home on Malachi Drive where…… Continue Reading
Posted on August 5, 2024 by Jim Kelly • 0 Comments
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee defensive lineman James Pearce Jr. added to his impressive list of preseason accolades on Monday when he was named to the 2024 Walter Camp Player of the Year Award Preseason Watch List. The talented junior edge rusher is one of 50 total players, including just nine on the defensive side of the ball, tabbed…… Continue Reading
East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers is asking for help to identify a suspect in a theft that took place at an Alcoa store. The man is seen on camera leaving the store on Hunters Crossing Drive with 10 boxes of Robitussin inside his clothes without paying for them. We have his photo on our website…… Continue Reading
