UPDATE (10/23/24): On October 22, 2024, The Knox County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a body on a dirt walking trail behind a community pool in Broadacres Subdivision in the Powell Community. Deputies arrived at the 7700 block of Cranley Road a short time later and confirmed a deceased female on the dirt trail. Detectives from Major Crimes and Juvenile Crimes and the Knox County Medical Examiner arrived and began collecting evidence and processing the scene. Later in the evening, Detectives arrested a fifteen-year-old male from Powell and charged him with second-degree murder. The suspect is being held at the Richard L. Bean Detention Facility.
This is an active and ongoing investigation, and therefore, additional charges may be brought.
“I am grateful to everyone at the Knox County Sheriff’s Office for their hard work and diligence in this case. I also want to thank the Knox County School System for their assistance and cooperation. We ask you to keep the family of the victim, the Powell community, and our responding personnel in your prayers. As law enforcement professionals, nothing can prepare us for days like yesterday.”
– Tom Spangler, Knox County Sheriff
KCSO officials say there is a court appearance expected tomorrow (Thursday) morning at 10:00 am for Judge Irwin to make a ruling on releasing of the suspect’s name. There are no other updates that I am aware of at this time.
Original story: The Knox County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after the body of a 13 year-old girl is found in Powell.
Sheriff Tom Spangler says the girl was found yesterday (Tuesday) on a trail off of Cranley Road in the Broadacres subdivision. She has not been identified.
A 15-year-old boy has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder in connection to the girl’s death.
The Sheriff says they are still looking at other possible leads and additional charges that may come about as a result of the investigation but says it was an isolated incident.
KCSO Major Crimes Division and the Juvenile Crimes Unit are investigating.
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Cookies, coffee, and Clydesdales are being served up next month as the Sunsphere’s Welcome Center opens to the public!
Visit Knoxville announcing Tuesday that the Sunsphere Welcome Center will open to the public on November 20, as part of Phase II of the plan to update and enhance the iconic structure.
Organizers invite YOU to the official ribbon cutting ceremony at Clinch Avenue beginning at 10:00 a.m. and featuring the Budweiser Clydesdales and coffee for purchase from Travelin‘ Tom’s Coffee.
The event will also include free Sunsphere cookies.
The Sunsphere has been the center of a series of renovations for quite a while now, getting a fresh coat of paint and updates to the iconic structure. (Courtesy: Visit Knoxville via Facebook)
Jefferson County, TN (WOKI) A man is in custody, charged with aggravated domestic assault, following a standoff late Monday night with police in Jefferson County.
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to Doane Road in the New Market area for a domestic violence call; the caller reportedly claimed 43-year-old Joshua Mumford had assaulted her and pointed a handgun at her head.
JCSO says before deputies arrived, the woman, another woman and a three-month-old child had left the house without being hurt.
Mumford, who had barricaded himself inside the residence and threatened to shoot law enforcement, surrendered to police around 11:30 p.m. after authorities deployed tear gas into the home.
Officials add that the White Pine Police Department, Jefferson City Police Department and the Sevierville Police Department also responded to the home.
Mumford is being held in the Jefferson County Detention Center without bond.
Before deputies arrived, JCSO said, the woman, another woman and a three-month-old child had left the house without being hurt. (Frankly Media)
DALLAS – Redshirt senior wide receiver Bru McCoy was tabbed as one of 20 semifinalists for 2024 Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year on Tuesday afternoon, as announced by the award’s selection committee.
The Witten Award honors the type of exemplary character and commitment to community, family and teammates demonstrated by Jason Witten, the 2012 NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year and one of the most prominent role models in the game.
McCoy is the fourth UT player to be named a semifinalist in the award’s eight-year history, joining Trey Smith (2019 winner), Hendon Hooker (2022) and Joe Milton III (2023).
The group of semifinalists consists of 19 seniors and one junior, all of which are well-respected individuals who have demonstrated a record of leadership by exhibiting exceptional courage, integrity and sportsmanship both on and off the field. The SEC boasts the most semifinalists of any conference with six.
Now in his third season at Tennessee, McCoy has become a team leader for the Big Orange in all facets. Through seven games this season, the California native leads the team with 20 receptions and ranks second with 289 receiving yards.
He has also fought through adversity and served as an inspiration to his teammates and others through his determination and commitment to helping others, all traits that are required to be considered for this prestigious honor.
McCoy’s determination to return from a gruesome ankle fracture-dislocation last season has inspired his teammates, coaches, fans and countless others as he prepared to return to the football field and represent the Vols in his final collegiate season in 2024. His courage during the early days of his recovery followed by his persistence throughout the rehabilitation process has served as a reminder to everyone that anything is possible if you put your mind to it and attack every day with a purpose.
Aside from his inspirational road to recovery, McCoy has also used his platform to benefit others in need through his “Huddle for Hearts” initiative, which has helped provide youth athletic organizations with AEDs (automated external defibrillator), a medical device designed to save those experiencing Sudden Cardiac Arrest.
McCoy was inspired to start the initiative after seeing the sudden cardiac arrest incident involving NFL player Demar Hamlin during the Buffalo Bills – Kansas City Chiefs “Monday Night Football” game in January of 2024. The frightening incident resulted in McCoy getting involved with the Peyton Walker Foundation’s life-saving efforts.
The winner of the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year will also receive a $10,000 contribution in his name to his school’s athletic scholarship fund. The contribution will be made by Jason Witten’s SCORE Foundation, the official charity of Jason and his wife Michelle. The SCORE Foundation, founded in 2007, has positively impacted tens of thousands of children and families in Texas and Tennessee over the last 16 years.
Witten was a standout tight end at Tennessee during his college career, earning All-America honors from the Sporting News in 2002 before being selected in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft and going on to have a decorated 17-year pro career that included 11 Pro Bowl appearances.
Three finalists will be named on Monday, Dec. 16 and the winner will be announced at the award ceremony at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Feb. 12, 2025.
The complete list of semifinalists for the 2024 Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award can be seen HERE.
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — After a remarkable performance in Tennessee’s victory over rival Alabama, the Burlsworth Trophy announced Tuesday that Tennessee redshirt senior defensive back Will Brooks has been selected as the award’s Walk-On of the Week for week eight of the college football season.
The safety from Birmingham, Alabama, was a crucial contributor to Tennessee’s stout defensive effort this past Saturday. He led all Volunteers with eight tackles (five solo), two of which saved touchdowns, and added one tackle for loss as the Vols beat the Crimson Tide, 24-17.
Brooks iced the game with a diving interception, his second of the season, with 1:24 to play, and Tennessee was able to run out the clock for the victory. He also made a critical shoestring tackle in the first quarter on Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe that prevented a long touchdown.
According to Pro Football Focus, Brooks was the highest graded defender in the game at 84.1.
The Burlsworth Trophy, named in honor of former Arkansas Razorback Brandon Burlsworth, annually recognizes the most outstanding college football player who began his FBS career as a walk-on. All Burlsworth Trophy nominees are selected by their respective schools, and the winner is set to be announced in early December.
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (Tuesday, October 22, 2024) — One of Dolly Parton’s greatest dreams—the little theme park named Dollywood that opened in her home county in 1986—has now become one of the world’s leading family destinations and is set to celebrate its 40th season in 2025. Dollywood Parks & Resorts looks a lot different than it did when it opened on May 3, 1986, but the mission at its heart remains the same—to create a welcoming environment where families can enjoy making memories together.
Dollywood has special events, new celebrations and several returning favorites planned to commemorate the milestone anniversary. The fun begins at Tripadvisor’s #1 US theme park with Season Passholder Preview Day set for Friday, March 14.
“I can’t believe that we’ve been making memories for folks here at my Dollywood for 40 years,” Dolly explained. “That’s a lot of laughter, hugs and smiles, and I’m glad that we’ve been able to be part of it for so many years. When we opened Dollywood, the main thing I wanted to do was to give families a fun place where they could enjoy time spent together. I’m so proud of all the people who have worked to make Dollywood what it is today, and I want to thank all the guests who have supported us and trusted us to help them create those days they’ll never forget.
“And just think, I spent opening day watching the parking lot because I was worried that people might not show up,” she added with a laugh. “But look at how far we’ve come since then—and we’re just getting started!”
A new 40th anniversary show, which debuts Memorial Day weekend and runs through the end of summer, highlights moments from guest-favorite shows during the park’s illustrious history of entertainment offerings. Additionally, a new drone and fireworks show honoring the 40th anniversary season takes place as part of Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration presented by Food City, and a new opening ceremony will occur at the beginning of each operating day during the 2025 season.
The Imagination Playhouse, which features plays based on books from Dolly’s Imagination Library, becomes a permanent fixture this season, offering its much-loved shows for younger guests from March through the end of September. The theater will offer a rotation of playhouse favorites guests have enjoyed through the years. During Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration, new story time and character meet & greets are part of the Imagination Playhouse experience.
Also in celebration of the 40th anniversary, “Heartsong: The Movie” will be remastered and moved—appropriately—to Dreamsong Theater as part of The Dolly Parton Experience. “Heartsong: The Movie” will run in conjunction with “Heidi Parton’s Kin & Friends.”
The Country Fair area of the park also receives a bright refresh during the 2025 season to celebrate the classic fun and family togetherness of this special area of the park. In addition, Country Fair transforms during the Harvest Festival to become Candy Corn Country, with decorations and theming to highlight the “corny” fun of this fall treat. The special festival fun doesn’t end there, however. A favorite of years past, Peppermint Valley returns during Smoky Mountain Christmas to provide a bright red and white lighting scheme in Country Fair.
“I’m excited to welcome guests to celebrate our 40th anniversary season with us in 2025,” said Dollywood Parks & Resorts President Eugene Naughton. “We are thrilled to have earned the Tripadvisor #1 US theme park designation last year along with being the highest ranked US park in Golden Ticket Award voting for Best Park last year. We’ve worked hard for 40 seasons to make the Dollywood experience the best theme park experience in the country, and our guests are telling us we’ve done just that through these awards. And remember what Dolly said, ‘We’re just getting started!’”
The season begins with the I Will Always Love You Music Festival, March 15- April 13. Returning for 2025 is the show honored as the Golden Ticket Award winner for Best New Show of 2024, “From the Heart—The Life & Music of Dolly Parton.” In this instant classic, Dolly’s remarkable story is told in an inspirational and uplifting way as guests experience the emotional pull she faced as she left everything she had known in Sevier County to move to Nashville in pursuit of her dreams. “From the Heart” phenomenally tells Dolly’s exceptional story through her own narration and legendary music catalog. The show takes place in Celebrity Theater and runs through the Flower & Food Festival.
Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival (April 18-June 8) blooms bright with iconic Mosaiculture displays throughout the park. Vivid larger-than-life flower sculptures create an immersive atmosphere for park guests with more than half-a-million blooms during this stunning festival. Dollywood’s culinary team showcases their world-class abilities during the event with a menu full of delicacies to highlight the tastes of spring in the Smokies.
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration presented by Food City (June 14-August 3) is everyone’s favorite summer tradition, and once again includes Dollywood’s Sweet Summer Nights drone and fireworks show each night. Even more drones take to the skies this year to present a mesmerizing show that honors Dollywood’s 40th anniversary season. Two more guest-favorite shows, “Bubble Evolution” and “Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience,” provide popping bubbles and playful pooches to help every guest feel like a kid this summer.
A family tradition for many, Dollywood’s Harvest Festival presented by Humana (Sept. 12- Oct. 27) celebrates the beauty of fall with thousands of carved pumpkins, spirited performances from talented singers and the fun of Great Pumpkin LumiNights. Great Pumpkin LumiNights, which previously has been named the best theme park harvest event in the world, features elaborate displays that are fun for every member of the family. Creative culinary items, accomplished artisans, and fall fun in the Smokies make this a picture-perfect time to enjoy Dollywood.
The industry’s Best Theme Park Christmas event—Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana (Nov. 1- Jan. 4)—concludes the park’s 2025 season with six million lights, festive holiday shows, and the warm Christmas atmosphere guests have come to expect during this joyous time of year.
With 40th anniversary season surprises ahead, guests should consider a season pass to ensure they can experience all the fun! Three season pass levels—Diamond, Gold and Silver—provide great options for every guest, while the popular Pre-K Imagination Season Pass offers free admission all season long to any child born in 2020 or 2021. Passes are on sale now to current 2024 season passholders and go on sale to the general public on Monday, Oct. 28. Anyone visiting during this season’s Smoky Mountain Christmas festival (opens Friday, Nov. 1) can receive full value from their admission ticket to upgrade to a 2025 season pass! It’s the perfect Christmas gift for every member of the family.
Dollywood Diamond Season Passes provide a premium experience for guests. In addition to admission all season long, Diamond passholders receive four Bring-A-Friend Free tickets, free general parking, the largest discounts on dining, merchandise and lodging, an all-season unlimited 40th anniversary refill mug, as well as discounts on TimeSaver passes, VIP tours and preferred parking. Diamond Season Passes also provide the passholder season access to Dollywood’s Splash Country.
The Gold Pass represents tremendous value for guests thanks to two Bring-A-Friend Free tickets, free general parking, a one-day unlimited refill mug, as well as discounts on dining, merchandise, and lodging. Both Diamond and Gold passholders receive access to special events and activities just for them. Only the named passholder can receive the perks associated with each pass type.
Gold and Diamond passholders can take advantage of another great perk—complimentary TimeSaver line access the first hour of every operating day. This great benefit allows the named passholder expedited boarding on Dollywood’s world-class rides and attractions including Big Bear Mountain, the two-time winner of the Golden Ticket Award for Best Family Coaster.
Silver Season Passes also are available and include two Bring-A-Friend Free tickets and a discount on Dollywood lodging. Select blackout dates apply to adult and senior Silver Season Passes and Silver Bring-A-Friend Free tickets. Child Silver Season Passes do not have blackout dates.
Guests at this world-class family vacation destination can experience even more fun at one of Dollywood’s award-winning resort hotels, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa or Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort. Both properties offer unbeatable hospitality and exclusive complimentary privileges, including TimeSaver passes, door-to-door transportation, preferred parking at Dollywood parks, and package delivery for purchases made at Dollywood theme park.
For more information about Dollywood’s 2025 season or season passes, please visit Dollywood.com or download the Dollywood app.
Dolly Parton with the 40th Anniversary art package as part of Dollywood’s 40th Anniversary in 2025. Photo taken in Nashville, TN, at CTK Enterprises, on 9/20/24.
Photo by Curtis Hilbun/Dollywood
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.
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.
The Tennessee Comptroller’s Office says that the town of Parrottsville issued 25 reimbursement checks to the officer totaling $472,430.72. (Frankly Media)
UPDATE (10/23/24): On October 22, 2024, The Knox County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a body on a dirt walking trail behind a community pool in Broadacres Subdivision in the Powell Community. Deputies arrived at the 7700 block of Cranley Road a short time later and confirmed a deceased female on the dirt…… Continue Reading
Posted on October 22, 2024 by rtravers • 0 Comments
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Cookies, coffee, and Clydesdales are being served up next month as the Sunsphere’s Welcome Center opens to the public! Visit Knoxville announcing Tuesday that the Sunsphere Welcome Center will open to the public on November 20, as part of Phase II of the plan to update and enhance the iconic structure. Organizers…… Continue Reading
Posted on October 22, 2024 by rtravers • 0 Comments
Jefferson County, TN (WOKI) A man is in custody, charged with aggravated domestic assault, following a standoff late Monday night with police in Jefferson County. Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to Doane Road in the New Market area for a domestic violence call; the caller reportedly claimed 43-year-old Joshua Mumford had assaulted her…… Continue Reading
Posted on October 22, 2024 by Jim Kelly • 0 Comments
DALLAS – Redshirt senior wide receiver Bru McCoy was tabbed as one of 20 semifinalists for 2024 Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year on Tuesday afternoon, as announced by the award’s selection committee. The Witten Award honors the type of exemplary character and commitment to community, family and teammates demonstrated by Jason Witten, the 2012 NFL Walter…… Continue Reading
Posted on October 22, 2024 by Jim Kelly • 0 Comments
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — After a remarkable performance in Tennessee’s victory over rival Alabama, the Burlsworth Trophy announced Tuesday that Tennessee redshirt senior defensive back Will Brooks has been selected as the award’s Walk-On of the Week for week eight of the college football season. The safety from Birmingham, Alabama, was a crucial contributor to Tennessee’s stout defensive effort this…… Continue Reading
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (Tuesday, October 22, 2024) — One of Dolly Parton’s greatest dreams—the little theme park named Dollywood that opened in her home county in 1986—has now become one of the world’s leading family destinations and is set to celebrate its 40th season in 2025. Dollywood Parks & Resorts looks a lot different than it did when…… Continue Reading
The Tennessee Department of Transportation say Interstate 40 is back open across Cocke County. One lane is open in each direction between mile marker 451 (just before the TN/NC state line) and approximately mile marker 446. This opening is for local traffic, and not into North Carolina. I-40 is open as normal leading up to…… Continue Reading
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
Posted on October 21, 2024 by rtravers • 0 Comments
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
