Knoxville Police Department officers are investigating two separate and unrelated fatal crashes that happened on Thursday night.
At around 9 p.m. on Thursday, August 1, 2024, KPD officers were dispatched to a single-car crash on I-40 West near Hall of Fame Drive. The involved vehicle had hit the center median wall, for reasons that remain under investigation. The driver was pronounced dead at the UT Medical Center. Officers are investigating the possibility that the driver experienced a medical issue that led to the crash.
About 30 minutes later, at around 9:30 p.m., KPD officers were dispatched to a two-car crash on Martin Mill Pike at Lester Drive. Based on the investigation conducted at the scene, a Ford Mustang was travelling north on Martin Mill Pike when it crossed the center line and struck a Kia sedan. The driver of the Mustang was pronounced dead at the UT Medical Center. The Kia driver was also transported to UTMC with non-life-threatening injuries. The factors that contributed to the crash remain under active investigation.
The identities of the victims from the I-40 West and Martin Mill Pike crashes are being withheld at this time. Both of the fatal crash investigations remain ongoing.
Tennessee State Parks will pay tribute to Veterans of the U.S. military with Salute to Service days when all Veterans will be eligible for free camping and golf on the birthdays of each branch of military service. The first is on Sunday, Aug. 4, birthday of the U.S. Coast Guard, which was created in 1790.
All Veterans are eligible for a complimentary one-night camping stay and waived fees for golf on each of the branch birthdays. The free camping and golf will also apply to all Veterans on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.
The Salute to Service series leads to the 250th anniversary of the nation in 2026.
Dates for the free camping and golf days by branch are:
Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024 (Coast Guard)
Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024 (Air Force)
Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024 (Navy)
Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024 (Marines)
Monday, Nov. 11, 2024 (Veterans Day)
Friday, Dec. 13, 2024 (National Guard)
Friday, Dec. 20, 2024 (Space Force)
Saturday, June 14, 2025 (Army)
Monday, Aug. 4, 2025 (Coast Guard)
Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025 (Air Force)
Monday, Oct. 13, 2025 (Navy)
Monday, Nov. 10, 2025 (Marines)
Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025 (Veterans Day)
Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 (National Guard)
Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025 (Space Force)
Sunday, June 14, 2026 (Army)
“The Tennesseans who have bravely served our state and nation deserve our highest honor and respect,” said Gov. Bill Lee. “These free activities are one small way we can honor these remarkable individuals and show our appreciation. We hope Veterans will take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy our state parks, and we thank them for their unwavering dedication to our country.”
“We are always eager to honor our Veterans, and we hope they will take advantage of these special benefits at Tennessee State Parks,” said Commissioner David Salyers of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. “Our Veterans protect our way of life in the United States, and the parks are just one example of our freedom. We welcome our Veterans and pledge to continue to honor their service.”
“The expansion of benefits for the Veterans of Tennessee is a fantastic development! Our state parks are unrivaled, and our Veterans truly enjoy being outdoors,” said Commissioner Tommy Baker of the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services. “We are grateful to Commissioner Salyers and his team for their dedication to making Tennessee the top choice for Veterans to live and prosper!”
To claim a free stay on the commemorative dates, Veterans must call the Tennessee State Parks reservation line at 888-867-2757. Reservations for the one-night camping dates can be made at any time. Premium campsites are excluded from the offer. Official ID and proof of Veteran status are required upon check-in.
To claim the free round of golf, Veterans must contact the course directly. Tee times should be booked within the listed booking window for each course. The information about golf at Tennessee State Parks is available at https://tnstateparks.com/golf?.
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) The Knoxville Police Department is asking for information in their search for a second suspect wanted in connection to a shooting last month at a gas station.
The shooting happened on July 20 at the Shell gas station on Summit Hill Drive. KPD says 20-year-old Robert Steed is wanted for aggravated assault and reckless endangerment.
According to police, “it is alleged that Steed, who was shot during the incident, fired multiple rounds at the Shell.”
He is also accused of firing at a home on Hazen Street earlier that morning.
Another suspect, 23-year-old Dereke Upton, was also charged with aggravated assault in connection to the shooting.
Madisonville, Tn (WOKI) A suspect is in custody and more than 800 fentanyl pills are off the street following a drug bust Wednesday in Sweetwater.
Officials with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office say more than 800 pressed fentanyl pills, cash and other drugs were recovered by law enforcement after deputies and Sweetwater Police officers executed a search warrant at the Sweetwater Hotel in reference to the sale and delivery of fentanyl.
MCSO estimates the pressed fentanyl pills carry a Monroe County street value of over $5,500.
“Recovered from the search warrant was over 800 pressed fentanyl pills that carries a Monroe County street value of over $5500,” Sheriff Tommy Jones shared in a social media post titled “Search Warrant Results in Large Fentanyl Bust.” “Also recovered was various other drugs, drug paraphernalia, and over $900 in currency.”
One suspect, who has not been identified, was taken into custody and transported to the Monroe County Justice Center.
More than 800 pressed fentanyl pills, cash and other drugs were recovered by law enforcement in Sweetwater on Wednesday, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — With 30 days remaining until Tennessee football’s 2024 season opener, position battles are beginning to take shape as the Vols progress through fall training camp. A pair of new transfers and young, budding talent in the tight end room make that competition particularly intriguing as UT’s Aug. 31 matchup with Chattanooga draws closer.
Second-year tight ends coach Alec Abeln met with the media after Thursday’s practice at Haslam Field and fielded questions on the depth, chemistry and versatility of his group through two practices of preseason camp.
“Their chemistry is great,” Abeln said. “They all obviously want to play. They all obviously want to be the starter. That’s still up for grabs, it’s open competition this camp. That’s the stock coach answer, but that’s the reality of it.
“They each have different skill sets, which allows you to do different things with each guy. It gives us flexibility as a staff as far as what we can get into and what we can call for certain guys. The offense is still the offense, but it definitely gives us the ability to use guys really intentionally.”
With the departure of veteran tight ends Jacob Warren and McCallan Castles to the NFL, Abeln has seen his players improve their leadership skills over the course of the offseason. He acknowledged Miles Kitselman and Holden Staes, who both transferred into the program this past spring, and redshirt freshman Ethan Davis as standouts early in camp.
“Honestly, every guy in our room has a leadership quality that’s been really good,” Abeln explained. (Miles Kitselman) comes to work every day and attacks stuff. He’s a little bit more vocal, little bit more blue collar if you will. (Holden Staes) shows up with great energy and great attention to detail every day. He’s a positive influence. E (Ethan Davis), man, when his energy is the right way, there’s nobody that’s got a better personality, better energy for our group. When he shows up with that type of energy it’s contagious for all of us, but really all of those guys have stepped up in a big way.”
Full comments from Abeln’s Thursday press conference can be viewed below, along with select quotes from freshman running back Peyton Lewis, freshman wide receiver Braylon Staley and freshman offensive lineman Bennett Warren.
Campbell County, TN (WOKI) One man is killed and several other people are injured during a boating accident Friday, July 26 on Norris Lake.
Officials with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency say the crash happened around 10:00 p.m. near the shoreline of the Cove Creek area, upstream from Mountain Lake Marina.
According to TWRA, ten people were on the boat, six of whom were injured in the crash. Two people, including the boat’s driver, 51-year-old Ralph Miller of Powell, were airlifted to the University of Tennessee Medical Center; Powell died on Wednesday, July 31.
TWRA says a woman who was hospitalized with serious injuries is no longer in critical condition and is expected to be released from UT Medical Center soon.
Campbell County Emergency Services, the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office, the Campbell County Rescue Squad and the Campbell County Fire Department responded to the crash.
TWRA says the incident marks the 14th boating death in Tennessee this year.
ATLANTA – Tennessee wide receiver Bru McCoy was named to the 2024 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List, as announced by the Wuerffel Foundation on Thursday.
The Wuerffel Trophy is college football’s premier award for community service and one of the most meaningful awards in collegiate sports.
The award is named after Danny Wuerffel, the 1996 Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback from the University of Florida who parlayed his success on the football field into a lifetime of service. The trophy embodies Wuerffel’s commitment to being a humanitarian while honoring student-athletes who are inspired to serve others and make positive impacts on society.
McCoy, who enters his third season at UT, has made it a main focus of his to make a positive impact within the Knoxville community and beyond, primarily through his “Huddle for Hearts” initiative.
In partnership with the Peyton Walker Foundation, McCoy developed “Huddle for Hearts” to help provide youth athletic organizations with AEDs (automated external defibrillator), a medical device designed to save those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.
“Huddle for Hearts” is aiming to not only spread awareness about the dangers and prevalence of sudden cardiac arrest, but to alert people on prevention and treatment. In partnership with the Peyton Walker Foundation, McCoy is working to raise money to provide communities with AEDs while increasing understanding and awareness about sudden cardiac arrest in sports.
McCoy’s vision goes beyond Knoxville, as he is working towards involving athletes from schools across the country to take part in this initiative to help spread awareness and make AEDs accessible to underserved communities nationwide.
The Wuerffel Foundation recently partnered with Allstate to unify college football’s highest community service honors. Eleven of the watch list nominees will be named to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and will be Allstate Wuerffel Trophy semifinalists.
The 2024 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy finalists and recipient will be selected by a national voting committee, including a fan vote component, and announced on ESPN’s Home Depot College Football Awards Show on Dec. 12. The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Presentation Gala will take place Feb. 1, 2025, at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.
The complete list of 2024 Wuerffel Trophy Watch List selections and more information about the award 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) Lott Trophy Watch List Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List
An East Tennessee school system is asking police to investigate a hazing incident.
WVLT is working to learn more about what happened and who is involved but Claiborne County Sheriff Bob Brooks says school officials at Claiborne County High School called the Sheriff’s Office to report the incident.
The New Tazewell Police Department is leading the investigation.
A fuel leak on I-75 North that shut down the interstate in Campbell County is contained.
Officials with the Tennessee Department of Transportation say the crash involved an overturned vehicle and a tanker truck leaking fuel yesterday (Wednesday).
Officials say the leak on the tanker is contained to about 20 gallons and the tanker will have to be offloaded on scene. There is a large debris field and they are looking at an extended clean up time.
Knoxville Police Department officers are investigating two separate and unrelated fatal crashes that happened on Thursday night. At around 9 p.m. on Thursday, August 1, 2024, KPD officers were dispatched to a single-car crash on I-40 West near Hall of Fame Drive. The involved vehicle had hit the center median wall, for reasons that remain…… Continue Reading
Tennessee State Parks will pay tribute to Veterans of the U.S. military with Salute to Service days when all Veterans will be eligible for free camping and golf on the birthdays of each branch of military service. The first is on Sunday, Aug. 4, birthday of the U.S. Coast Guard, which was created in 1790.…… Continue Reading
Gloria Johnson will face off against Senator Marsha Blackburn in November after winner her U.S. Senate Democratic Primary. Becky Duncan Massey defeating Monica Irvine for Tennessee Senate District 6. Also, some new faces on Knox County Commission and many incumbents retain their position. Sam McKenzie winning his race for Tennessee House of Representatives District 15…… Continue Reading
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) The Knoxville Police Department is asking for information in their search for a second suspect wanted in connection to a shooting last month at a gas station. The shooting happened on July 20 at the Shell gas station on Summit Hill Drive. KPD says 20-year-old Robert Steed is wanted for aggravated assault…… Continue Reading
Madisonville, Tn (WOKI) A suspect is in custody and more than 800 fentanyl pills are off the street following a drug bust Wednesday in Sweetwater. Officials with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office say more than 800 pressed fentanyl pills, cash and other drugs were recovered by law enforcement after deputies and Sweetwater Police officers executed…… Continue Reading
Posted on August 1, 2024 by Jim Kelly • 0 Comments
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — With 30 days remaining until Tennessee football’s 2024 season opener, position battles are beginning to take shape as the Vols progress through fall training camp. A pair of new transfers and young, budding talent in the tight end room make that competition particularly intriguing as UT’s Aug. 31 matchup with Chattanooga draws closer. Second-year…… Continue Reading
Campbell County, TN (WOKI) One man is killed and several other people are injured during a boating accident Friday, July 26 on Norris Lake. Officials with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency say the crash happened around 10:00 p.m. near the shoreline of the Cove Creek area, upstream from Mountain Lake Marina. According to TWRA, ten…… Continue Reading
Posted on August 1, 2024 by Jim Kelly • 0 Comments
ATLANTA – Tennessee wide receiver Bru McCoy was named to the 2024 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List, as announced by the Wuerffel Foundation on Thursday. The Wuerffel Trophy is college football’s premier award for community service and one of the most meaningful awards in collegiate sports. The award is named after Danny Wuerffel, the 1996 Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback…… Continue Reading
An East Tennessee school system is asking police to investigate a hazing incident. WVLT is working to learn more about what happened and who is involved but Claiborne County Sheriff Bob Brooks says school officials at Claiborne County High School called the Sheriff’s Office to report the incident. The New Tazewell Police Department is leading…… Continue Reading
A fuel leak on I-75 North that shut down the interstate in Campbell County is contained. Officials with the Tennessee Department of Transportation say the crash involved an overturned vehicle and a tanker truck leaking fuel yesterday (Wednesday). Officials say the leak on the tanker is contained to about 20 gallons and the tanker will…… Continue Reading
