Campbell County, TN (WOKI) An investigation is underway in Campbell County after a body is found along a highway.
Officials with the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office say the office, together with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, is investigating after finding a body Wednesday along Highway 25.
The body was reportedly found near Highway 90.
As the investigation is ongoing, authorities have not released any further details at this time.
Chamique Holdsclaw, Tennessee women’s basketball’s all-time leading scorer and rebounder, will be inducted into the Washington D.C. Sports Hall of Fame on Sunday at Nationals Park.
The formal induction ceremony will be held prior to the Washington Nationals-Cincinnati Reds Major League Baseball game. The ceremony is scheduled for approximately 12:30 p.m. ET, followed by the game’s first pitch at 1:35 p.m. Gates will open at 12:15 p.m.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 1999 WNBA Draft, Holdsclaw spent the first six of her 11 pro seasons with the Washington Mystics. She earned WNBA Rookie of the Year honors and claimed five of her six WNBA All-Star awards while playing in the nation’s capital.
During her time with the Mystics, Holdsclaw led the league in scoring in 2002 and rebounding in 2002 and 2003, was a three-time All-WNBA second-team selection and averaged 18.3 points and nine rebounds per game.
The 6-foot-2 forward went on to play for the Los Angeles Sparks (2005-07), Atlanta Dream (2009) and San Antonio Silver Stars (2010), averaging 16.9 ppg. and 7.6 rpg. during her 11-year career while starting 252 of 279 contests. She picked up her sixth All-Star nod in 2005 while with the Sparks.
A three-time NCAA national champion with the Lady Vols in 1996, 1997 and 1998, including an undefeated 39-0 season en route to the last of those titles, Holdsclaw was a four-time winner of Kodak/WBCA All-America and All-SEC distinction. Additionally, she was a consensus two-time national player of the year recipient in 1998 and 1999, and she finished her collegiate career with 3,025 points and 1,295 rebounds. She still ranks No. 12 overall in NCAA Division I scoring and remains No. 1 in the SEC.
Internationally, Holdsclaw was an Olympic gold medalist with Team USA at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games and helped her country win gold at the 1998 FIBA World Championships in Berlin, Germany. In addition to the new hall of fame accolades, she previously was inducted into the NYC Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015 and both the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and the University of Tennessee Athletics Hall of Fame in 2018.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee baseball skipper Tony Vitello added another honor to his already lengthy list when he was named the 2024 National Coach of the Year by Baseball America on Thursday.
Vitello, who was also named the ABCA National Coach of the Year in June, led the Volunteers to their first National Championship in program history, as well as a single-season record 60 victories. He also guided the team to SEC regular season and tournament titles as part of an historic 2024 campaign.
UT made more history as the first SEC team to reach the 60-win mark in a single season and just the fourth conference team to win the SEC regular season title, SEC Tournament title and the NCAA Men’s College World Series in the same year, cementing itself as one of the greatest teams the sport has ever seen.
The Vols were also able to end the long drought of No. 1 national seeds coming up short in the postseason, becoming just the second No. 1 overall seed to win the MCWS since the tournament switched to its current format in 1999 – joining Miami who did so in 1999.
This marks Vitello’s first national coach of the year honor from Baseball America but is the fifth time he’s been named the nation’s top college baseball coach in his seven-year career.
Tennessee’s head man was tabbed national coach of the year in 2021 by Perfect Game and the National College Baseball Writers Association. Perfect Game selected Vitello as its national coach of the year in 2022, as well.
Vitello was also chosen as the ABCA Southeast Region Coach of the Year earlier this year, his third time earning that honor in the last four seasons (2021, 2022, 2024).
Under Vitello’s leadership, Tennessee has made three trips to Omaha in the last four seasons, won four combined SEC championships and three SEC eastern division titles. During that four-year span, the Vols’ 211 victories and .773 winning percentage rank No. 1 nationally.
A Knoxville man was sentenced on Wednesday in the United States District Court in Knoxville for supporting the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham, more commonly known as ISIS.
According to court documents obtained by WVLT News, Benjamin Alan Carpenter, also known as Abu Hamza, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison followed by 20 years of supervised release on Wednesday.
Carpenter was convicted in October 2023 of one count of attempting to provide material support and resources to a foreign terrorist organization.
According to the Department of Justice, evidence presented at the trial demonstrated that Carpenter served as the leader of Ahlut-Tawhid Publications, an international organization of pro-ISIS “munasirin,” or supporters, dedicated to translating, producing, and distributing ISIS propaganda throughout the world.
For years, the DOJ said Carpenter used his alias “Abu Hamza” to publish a large body of ISIS media, including a weekly newsletter.
In 2020 and 2021, Carpenter contacted an individual he believed to be affiliated with ISIS’ central media bureau and provided translation services for a project intended to relaunch Al-Hayat Media Center, ISIS’s official foreign-language media arm, according to the DOJ. Unbeknownst to him, however, that individual was an FBI undercover employee who had infiltrated Carpenter’s group.
He was then arrested in March 2021.
“For years, this defendant led a global digital media operation to distribute pro-ISIS propaganda, promoting the group’s radical message of terror and pushing it to every corner of the world,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of this defendant’s conduct and the Justice Department’s commitment to identifying and holding accountable those who would provide material support to foreign terrorist organizations.”
The case was investigated by the Knoxville Joint Terrorism Task Force, which is composed of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. It was led by the Knoxville FBI Field Office and involved the assistance of FBI offices from across the country.
Story courtesy of WVLT
July 18, 2024 [Knoxville, Tennessee] — Dogwood Arts and Visit Knoxville are excited to announce a large-scale public art project unlike any other in our area. The project will transform an unassuming, little used space into an extensive outdoor art gallery, further enhancing the public art in Knoxville alongside cities like Asheville, Miami, and Philadelphia as must-visit destinations to appreciate art of all kinds.
Knox Walls at Emory Place will be an immersive art destination in North Knoxville featuring thirteen large-scale, permanent murals by prominent artists from across the country. The murals will be located in the space behind Lilienthal Gallery, Pivot Point Gallery, French Fried Vintage, Design AF, NOI Knoxville, and Harb’s Carpeting & Oriental Rugs between N. Central Street and N. Broadway [see attached site plan for reference].
“The high caliber of artists who responded to our nationwide call surpassed our expectations and our entire team is brimming with excitement to bring each of the artists selected to Knoxville — it’s an opportunity unlike any other for us to welcome and host internationally-recognized, award-winning artists to leave their mark on our City,” said Sherry Jenkins, Executive Director of Dogwood Arts. “Critical funding from Visit Knoxville and personal investment and commitment by Ilana Brodt (a talented artist , Lilienthal Gallery Owner, and owner of many of the buildings involved) were two important elements that helped bring this dream to life. We all hope Knox Walls at Emory Place will become a catalyst for community connection, economic growth, and accessibility to the arts in North Knoxville and beyond.”
“We are thrilled for the opportunity to continue our partnership with Dogwood Arts on this exciting creative endeavor,” said Kim Bumpas, President of Visit Knoxville. “We know that murals and street art are a big draw for visitors in destinations across the country, and Knoxville is no exception. The Emory Place mural project will continue to showcase Knoxville as a nature-loving-adventure-seeking-ARTSY-kinda-town!”
While funding for artist commissions is always a challenge for a project of this size, the project could not happen without the support and commitment of the property owners Ilana Brodt and Johnny and Libby Harb (owners of Harb’s Rug Gallery – on Broadway since 1926). Brodt has already invested significantly in the project collaborating with Dogwood Arts on artist selections and having all of the walls of her buildings cleaned and primed in preparation for the artists who will be arriving soon. Prep of the Harb’s walls will follow shortly.
About the project, Brodt said, “As I developed Emory Place into a hub for arts and culture, I wanted to extend the arts into the alley behind Lilienthal Gallery. When Dogwood Arts came and asked if they could have murals painted there, I was very excited to collaborate. I remembered a project I was a part of in Miami – Wynwood Walls. I envisioned full scale, top to bottom murals, with a specific topic that all artists would work together on. The murals will be permanently on the walls, as an open exhibition, accessible to the public.
I was very excited that we are bringing well-known mural artists from across the US to Knoxville, as well as collaborating with local artists. I always want to bring a taste of other places to raise the awareness of art here. Street art is a global phenomenon which inspires those who see it as they pass by, it enriches an area, and brings civic pride.”
After a nationwide call for artists in early 2024 attracted more than 90 submissions from Connecticut to California, Dogwood Arts and Lilienthal Gallery chose thirteen artists to participate — including some of our own supremely talented local artists — who will create more than 7,000 square feet of murals once the project is complete.
Each artist commissioned by Dogwood Arts will take between 5-10 days to complete their individual murals; work will begin in late July and continue through early September. A press event will be scheduled in mid-August when the largest concentration of artists will be working in the space, more details to follow. Knox Walls at Emory Place will officially open to the public in early October 2024.
Knox Walls at Emory Place is funded by Dogwood Arts, Visit Knoxville, Lilienthal Gallery, the Tennessee Arts Commission, and ORNL Federal Credit Union – presenting sponsor of Dogwood Arts.
Dogwood Arts has commissioned more than 50 murals in Downtown Knoxville since starting the Art in Public Places Mural Program in 2019. The AIPP Mural Program was established to advance existing creative efforts in Strong Alley, transform unique public spaces in our community, provide opportunities for local and regional artists to create new artwork, and improve access to the arts for everyone. More information about the program can be found online at https://www.dogwoodarts.com/murals..
Dogwood Arts, presented by ORNL Federal Credit Union, is a 501(c)3 organization with a mission to promote and celebrate our region’s art, culture, and natural beauty. For more information on Dogwood Arts, visit www.dogwoodarts.com or call (865) 637-4561.
It’s that time of year where kids are preparing to go back to school. In Alcoa, they are going back earlier than anyone else.
“Our summers are abbreviated compared to school systems that you might think run a more traditional school calendar,” Alcoa High School Principal Caleb Tipton said.
Alcoa City Schools’ official first day of school is July 19, but Tipton said this actually helps his staff.
“In a lot of ways, it keeps your people fresh,” Tipton said.
The Director of Schools, Rebecca Stone, said the shortened summer also helps out the students.
“A lot of times, when you come back the first of the school year, you will do a refresh for the first couple of weeks,” Stone said. “You don’t have to do that.”
The school schedule also allows for the high school to operate with a block schedule. This means students have fewer, but longer, classes each semester.
“It’s a huge benefit because I don’t have to worry about planning a 20 or 30 minute lab. I can do a 70 minute lab and go into a lot more depth with students and show them what were trying to discover,” science teacher Alex Taylor said.
While it is different than what they may be used to in other schools, Principal Tipton said they are looking ahead.
“That’s what they are going to need to be used to for the most part when they leave us and go to post secondary,” Tipton said. “A lot of your courses are going to be around the 90 minute mark.”
Officials said they hope this helps the student’s attention spans for college, or for a 40-hour work week.
“You know, being able to train yourself, within that allotted time, to focus on your task,” Tipton said.
Also, being able to take breaks when needed.
“Go hard for a nine week period of time and then give a break,” Stone said. “And then they come back fresh again. That’s always a benefit to kids, that’s always a benefit to students.”
Summer break is quickly approaching its end as the start of the school year is right around the corner for East Tennessee schools.
When does school start again for other East Tennessee schools systems? Start dates for East Tennessee school systems can be found below in alphabetical order:
Story courtesy of WVLT
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) An investigation is underway and three teens have been charged in connection to a car break-in at a Knoxville apartment complex.
Knoxville Police Department officials say officers responded around 2:55 a.m. Wednesday, July 17 to the 3100 block of North Broadway where they saw three people who had allegedly broken into a white Kia sedan.
KPD says the individuals ran from officers as they arrived at the scene but were apprehended shortly after.
All three teenagers, ages 14, 16 and 18, were arrested and charged.
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Two Knoxville restaurateurs and managers of Marble City Market are indicted, accused of stealing almost a quarter-million dollars from the food hall.
Ashley and Paul Moody took over operations at Marble City Market in August of 2022. The management shake-up was supposed to help the food hall pick up steam, but now owner of RSQ Management Douglas White is claiming they embezzled money from the business he co-owns.
The Moodys have a long history in the Knoxville hospitality industry from working at Blackberry Farm and opening Smash City Burgers.
Knoxville police have been given a list of all reported theft items; the couple was indicted for stealing “at least $250,000.”
The two are facing charges of theft and violating the computer act.
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Due to overwhelming demand, Knoxville native and country music superstar, Morgan Wallen, is adding a second show at Neyland Stadium.
Tickets for Wallen’s first concert on Sunday, September 22, sold out Wednesday morning in about an hour.
Wallen’s second show at Neyland Stadium is set for Friday, September 20; tickets go on sale Thursday morning, July 18, at 11:00 a.m. through Ticketmaster.
“I’ve had the honor of playing in a lot of college, MLB and NFL stadiums the past two years, but getting to play to my hometown at Neyland Stadium, nothing tops this for a boy from East Tennessee,” Wallen said when he announced the show.
GATLINBURG, Tenn. — The Great Smoky Mountains National Park roads crew have implemented a temporary one-lane closure of the northbound Spur to clear a rockslide near the tunnel. The lane closure starts north of Westgate Resorts Road.
The rockslide started yesterday afternoon following a brief rain shower. Crews from Blalock are assisting NPS to clear the road and remove loose rocks from the cliff above the road. The road should fully re-open by the end of today, July 17.
Campbell County, TN (WOKI) An investigation is underway in Campbell County after a body is found along a highway. Officials with the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office say the office, together with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, is investigating after finding a body Wednesday along Highway 25. The body was reportedly found near Highway 90. As…… Continue Reading
Chamique Holdsclaw, Tennessee women’s basketball’s all-time leading scorer and rebounder, will be inducted into the Washington D.C. Sports Hall of Fame on Sunday at Nationals Park. The formal induction ceremony will be held prior to the Washington Nationals-Cincinnati Reds Major League Baseball game. The ceremony is scheduled for approximately 12:30 p.m. ET, followed by the game’s…… Continue Reading
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee baseball skipper Tony Vitello added another honor to his already lengthy list when he was named the 2024 National Coach of the Year by Baseball America on Thursday. Vitello, who was also named the ABCA National Coach of the Year in June, led the Volunteers to their first National Championship in program history, as…… Continue Reading
A Knoxville man was sentenced on Wednesday in the United States District Court in Knoxville for supporting the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham, more commonly known as ISIS. According to court documents obtained by WVLT News, Benjamin Alan Carpenter, also known as Abu Hamza, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison followed by…… Continue Reading
July 18, 2024 [Knoxville, Tennessee] — Dogwood Arts and Visit Knoxville are excited to announce a large-scale public art project unlike any other in our area. The project will transform an unassuming, little used space into an extensive outdoor art gallery, further enhancing the public art in Knoxville alongside cities like Asheville, Miami, and Philadelphia…… Continue Reading
It’s that time of year where kids are preparing to go back to school. In Alcoa, they are going back earlier than anyone else. “Our summers are abbreviated compared to school systems that you might think run a more traditional school calendar,” Alcoa High School Principal Caleb Tipton said. Alcoa City Schools’ official first day…… Continue Reading
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) An investigation is underway and three teens have been charged in connection to a car break-in at a Knoxville apartment complex. Knoxville Police Department officials say officers responded around 2:55 a.m. Wednesday, July 17 to the 3100 block of North Broadway where they saw three people who had allegedly broken into a…… Continue Reading
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Two Knoxville restaurateurs and managers of Marble City Market are indicted, accused of stealing almost a quarter-million dollars from the food hall. Ashley and Paul Moody took over operations at Marble City Market in August of 2022. The management shake-up was supposed to help the food hall pick up steam, but now…… Continue Reading
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Due to overwhelming demand, Knoxville native and country music superstar, Morgan Wallen, is adding a second show at Neyland Stadium. Tickets for Wallen’s first concert on Sunday, September 22, sold out Wednesday morning in about an hour. Wallen’s second show at Neyland Stadium is set for Friday, September 20; tickets go on…… Continue Reading
GATLINBURG, Tenn. — The Great Smoky Mountains National Park roads crew have implemented a temporary one-lane closure of the northbound Spur to clear a rockslide near the tunnel. The lane closure starts north of Westgate Resorts Road. The rockslide started yesterday afternoon following a brief rain shower. Crews from Blalock are assisting NPS to clear the…… Continue Reading
