December 2010
88 posts
Mickey Mallonee retires as city's special events...
City of Knoxville special events director Mickey Mallonee is recognized by the Knoxville City Council during its Dec. 28 meeting, as she is retiring from the city after 10 years in her position. (Photo by J.J. Kindred)
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
For almost every major event in the city of Knoxville during the last 10 years, Mickey Mallonee may have been responsible for...
Summitt to be honored with star on new Riverwalk...
Pat Summitt (courtesy of CNNSI.com)
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
University of Tennessee women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt will be the first person honored with a star on the new Riverwalk of Fame during a ceremony on Volunteer Landing on Jan. 5, according to a press release.
The unveiling is set for 11:30 a.m., near the base of the pedestrian bridge...
City council approves resolution adopting...
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
As the Knoxville City Council gets ready to appoint an interim mayor to replace Gov.-elect Bill Haslam during a special called meeting Jan. 10, they had the task of approving a resolution to adopt a procedure for the selection process of the position.
The resolution states that council members will hold a general discussion concerning the role...
Council approves budget surplus funds, denies...
Knoxville city councilman Joe Bailey, left, addresses issues as Councilman Daniel Brown, right, listens. (Photo by J.J. Kindred)
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
On its second reading, the Knoxville City Council approved an ordinance to amend the operating and capital budgets for the fiscal year 2010-11.
More than $8.1 million in surplus funds left from last year’s...
New solar power pack, chiller delivered to...
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
The Knoxville Convention Center received an inverter for a new solar array on its roof, as well as a new chiller for the center’s HVAC system.
Work began early on Dec. 28. The inverter and the chiller are being installed as part of the city’s program of energy improvements being made through a contract with Ameresco, an energy services...
Authorities seek escaped prisoner from Morgan...
Robert Lee Grant (courtesy of Tennessee Department of Corrections)
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
The Tennessee Department of Corrections Internal Affairs Division is asking for the public’s help in capturing an escaped prisoner in Morgan County.
Robert Lee Grant, 23, escaped from the Morgan County Correctional Complex-Annex Dec. 24, scaling a...
Allison Burchett celebrates Christmas with Ft....
By Martha Woodward Sunspherebook@aol.com
First Lady of Knox County, Allison Burchett, and others celebrated Christmas with the students and parents at Fort Sanders School this week with a special Christmas program and gift bags of books. Burchett and others have worked to gather donations of books for the youngsters over the last few weeks. A library is planned.
Fort Sanders School serves...
Mayors of City of Knoxville
As Knoxville looks forward to the election of a city mayor in 2011, let’s take a look at the last 5 men who have served in that position. Will Marilyn Roddy or Madeline Rogero become the first woman elected as mayor of Knoxville? It could happen.
2004-current Bill Haslam (1958)
Son of Pilot Corporation magnet Jim Haslam. Served as president and director of Pilor Corp. Former chief executive...
Female suspect sought in bar robbery attempt
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
Knoxville police are looking for a suspect in the attempted robbery of Martha’s Place Bar at 4624 Rutledge Pike Dec. 27.
Sgt. Josh Shaffer reported that the call was received at approximately 8:09 p.m., where a white female entered the bar, showed a small pistol and attempted to rob the business.
A bar employee grabbed the...
Applications available for Knoxville City Council...
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
The city of Knoxville announced Dec. 27 that applications are available for those interested in filling Vice Mayor Bob Becker’s Fifth District seat on the Knoxville City Council.
The chosen person will finish Becker’s unexpired term when he resigns next month to be with his wife and family in Richmond, Va., where he will also take a...
Knoxville city offices closed New Year's Eve
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
City of Knoxville offices will be closed Dec. 31 for the New Year’s holiday, according to a press release.
Waste Connections, the city’s household garbage collector will run its normal schedule on Dec. 31, while downtown trash collections will also run on Dec. 31. The city’s recycling centers will be open on Jan. 1,...
Campbell County man killed in ATV accident
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
A Campbell County man was killed Dec. 26 when he lost control of the all-terrain vehicle he was riding, according to a report from the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
David Leonard, 39, was riding his ATV on U.S. Highway 25W in Jellico, when he attempted to turn on a curve, but lost control because of hazardous road conditions in the...
Two fires occur during Christmas week
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
The Knoxville Fire Department reported two minor fires that occurred during Christmas week.
KFD spokesman D.J. Corcoran reported smoke coming from an unoccupied home at 2918 Wilson Ave. at 4:15 p.m. Dec. 24, prompting neighbors to call 911.
Firefighters found a couch, sitting close to a kerosene heater, that was in flames upon their arrival....
UPDATE: Man killed in West Hills crash identified
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
The motorist killed Dec. 26 in a single vehicle crash, east of the West Hills exit on I-40 West, has been identified, according to a Knoxville Police Department report.
Sgt. Brian Evans of KPD’s Traffic Services Division reported the crash at approximately 9:37 a.m. Witnesses said Wade Arlyn Crane, 66, of Acworth, Ga., was...
One killed in single vehicle accident on I-40 West...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
An unidentified motorist was killed Dec. 26 in a single vehicle crash, east of the West Hills exit on I-40 West, according to a Knoxville Police Department report.
Sgt. Brian Evans of KPD’s Traffic Services Division reported the crash at approximately 9:37 a.m. Witnesses said the driver, believed to be 66 years old, was...
UPDATE: Woman in TVA Credit Union shooting dies;...
Brandon James Johnson (courtesy of Knox Co. Sheriff’s Dept.)
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
An Anderson County woman was killed, and a male suspect was shot outside the TVA Employees Credit Union branch at 1316 Wilson Road near Clinton Highway Dec. 22, in an apparent robbery attempt.
According to Knoxville Police Department public information officer Darrell DeBusk,...
Woman, suspect shot outside TVA Credit Union...
Police respond to an incident at the TVA Employees Credit Union branch on Wilson Road near Clinton Highway Dec. 22, as a woman and a male suspect were shot during a scuffle where an apparent robbery attempt was being made. (Photo by J.J. Kindred)
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
A woman and a male suspect were shot outside the TVA Employees Credit Union branch at 1316 Wilson...
Jefferson County bail bondsman arrested for...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
A Jefferson County bail bondsman was arrested Dec. 21 after a Knoxville police officer saw him holding another person at gunpoint in the parking lot of Clinton Plaza.
Lt. Gordon Gwathney said that police responded to the report of gunshots being fired at approximately 5:02 p.m. Upon arrival, several people were running, and the...
Suspect sought in attempted robbery of Cedar Lane...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
Knoxville police are looking for a female suspect in the attempted robbery of the Pizza Hut at 212 Cedar Lane Dec. 21.
According to Lt. Jim Settlemyer of KPD’s East Squad F Patrol Division, the suspect entered the restaurant and passed a note to the cashier, claiming she had a gun and to give her money.
The suspect was...
Teenager shot near Linden Avenue
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
A 17-year-old boy was shot near the 2400 block of Linden Avenue Dec. 21, according to a Knoxville Police Department report.
Sgt. Ryan Flores of KPD’s East E Squad Patrol Division said that officers responded to the report of gunfire at approximately 10:51 p.m. Shortly thereafter, emergency dispatch received a call from St....
Two arrested in inactive meth lab bust in...
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Morristown police officers arrested two suspects in connection to an inactive meth lab found Dec. 21 in a motel parking lot.
An anonymous caller alerted police at 6 a.m. about a suspicious-looking situation at the Super 8 Motel on East Andrew Johnson Highway in Morristown.
The person said there was a strange smell and people going in and out of...
Burchett, McIntyre announce Carter Elementary...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
Members of Carter Elementary School’s Request for Proposal (RFP) committee were announced Dec. 21 by Knox County mayor Tim Burchett and Knox County Schools superintendent Jim McIntyre.
The committee was organized to develop a request for proposal for the potential design-build concept for a new Carter Elementary School,...
Madeline Rogero: 'I believe in Knoxville'
Madeline Rogero
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Madeline Rogero doesn’t give up easily.
After unsuccessfully running for Knoxville mayor against Bill Haslam in 2003, Rogero is making another attempt to gain the office that was a launching pad for Haslam to become the state’s next governor.
Rogero, 58, has proven over the years that she has the credentials for...
Morristown attempted murder suspect caught in...
Braden Royce Clark (courtesy of Knox County Sheriff’s Dept.)
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
A Morristown attempted murder suspect was seen in the East Knoxville area and was taken into custody by Knoxville police officers, according to a report.
The Morristown Police Department informed KPD officers that the suspect, identified as 21-year-old Braden Royce Clark, may...
Suspect sought in Chapman Highway Walgreens...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
Knoxville police are looking for a white male suspect in the robbery of a Walgreens pharmacy on Chapman Highway and Moody Avenue Dec. 20.
According to Lt. Gorden Gwathney of KPD, the suspect entered the store’s pharmacy at approximately 5:30 p.m., presented a note to the manager that he had a weapon and demanded...
UPDATE: Identity revealed of woman shot during...
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
The mother of a woman who was a robbery victim was shot during an incident Dec. 20 at a home at 4613 Sullivan Road near Western Avenue, according to a Knoxville Police Department report.
Public information officer Darrell DeBusk said police responded to the shooting at approximately 7:16 a.m. A witness saw a 17-year-old teenaged girl walking to...
Ripley's Aquarium to present 10th annual 'Dance...
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg will host its annual ‘Dance with the Sharks’ New Year’s Eve party Dec. 31, featuring live music, food, dancing and a champagne toast and fireworks display in downtown Gatlinburg when the clock strikes midnight. (Photo submitted)
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
Ripley’s Aquarium of the...
Suspects arrested in Melody Bar robbery
Jacky Franklin Manis
Cecilia Regina Manis
Mikie Lynn Wells
Orville Cox (courtesy of Knox Co. Sheriff’s Dept.)
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Four suspects were detained and charged in the early morning Dec. 19 robbery of the Melody Bar on North Central Street.
According to Knoxville Police Department public information officer Darrell DeBusk, two men...
Suspect in BB&T bank robbery on Maynardville...
Derrick Stephen Smith (courtesy of Knox Co. Sheriff’s Dept.)
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
A Knoxville man who was a suspect in the robbery of the BB&T Bank branch on Maynardville Highway Dec. 17, turned himself in Dec. 18 to the FBI’s Knoxville Division and the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.
Derrick Stephen Smith, 24, of Texas Valley Road, confessed to...
Woman shot during robbery attempt at Sullivan Road...
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
The mother of a woman who was a robbery victim was shot during an incident Dec. 20 at a home at 4613 Sullivan Road near Western Avenue, according to a Knoxville Police Department report.
Public information officer Darrell DeBusk said police responded to the shooting at approximately 7:16 a.m. A witness saw the unidentified woman walking to her...
Midway Business Park proposal shot down by Knox...
Some of these smiles by the ‘Yes’ sticker-wearing members of the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce soon turned into frowns, as Knox County commissioners voted against a long-debated plan to build a business park off Midway Road near I-40. (Photo by J.J. Kindred)
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Plans to build a new Midway Business Park went up in smoke Dec. 17, as...
Suspects sought in Kingston Pike CVS robbery
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
Knoxville police are looking for two suspects in the robbery of the CVS pharmacy at 4459 Kingston PIke Dec. 17.
According to KPD public information officer Darrell DeBusk, police responded to the robbery call at approximately 2:07 p.m., where witnesses said two males entered the store, presented handguns to the clerk and...
Oak Ridge man dies in crash at I-275 and Henley...
(Photo by John Messner/QuikPixOnline.com)
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
An Oak Ridge man was the victim of a fatal crash that tool place at the Henley Street tunnel near I-275 north Dec. 18.
According to Sgt. Brian Evans of the Knoxville Police Department’s Traffic Services Division, the victim, identified as 22-year-old Rashad J. Heyward, was...
KSO official Foltz named Knoxville's director of...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
The city of Knoxville announced that Knoxville Symphony Orchestra director of development Judith Foltz has been named as the city’s director of special events, beginning Jan. 3.
Serving in her current position since 2005, Foltz co-owned and managed the New City Merchants art gallery and antique business in Knoxville, was...
Snow, ice, freezing rain keep Knoxville city crews...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
Crews from the city of Knoxville have spent several nights this week implementing the city’s snow and ice response plan.
According to the city warehouse manager Winfield Whaley, crews used approximately 600 tons of bulk rock salt and 200 gallons of liquid calcium chloride between 6 p.m. Dec. 15 and 8 a.m. Dec. 16.
Crews...
Child rapist charged with hiring hit man to kill...
James Wallace Davenport (courtesy of Knox County Sheriff’s Dept.)
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
A man who was charged with raping an 11-year-old girl, currently serving time in the Knox County Detention Facility, is now accused of trying to hire a hit man to kill the child and her family.
It was discovered that the hit man hired was an undercover Knox County...
Sevierville police seek help in solving debit card...
An ATM surveillance picture was released of the suspect who allegedly stole a woman’s purse with her debit card at a Food City location as she was shopping. The card was used several times this month in Sevier County and other surrounding locations. (courtesy of Sevierville Police Department)
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
The Sevierville Police...
Wade to replace Rogero as Knoxville community...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
Mayor and Gov.-elect Bill Haslam announced Dec. 15 that Community Development Administrator Becky Wade has been appointed to lead the city of Knoxville’s community development department beginning Jan. 1.
Wade, who has extensive experience in community development, replaces Madeline Rogero, who is resigning to begin her...
Teens from Child & Family Tennessee go to Target...
An unidentified teen goes shopping at the SuperTarget in Farragut with Carlos Reyes, right, a case worker with Child & Family Tennessee. The teen was one of 24 who got a $250 gift card through Miami Dolphins quarterback and Knoxville native Chad Pennington’s 1st and 10 Foundation, to shop for items of his choosing during an event Dec. 14. (Photo by J.J. Kindred)
By J.J. KINDRED
...
Haslam names former Chattanooga Times Free Press...
Tom Griscom (courtesy of WTVC-Chattanooga)
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Gov.-elect Bill Haslam announced the addition of former Chattanooga Times Free-Press publisher and executive editor Tom Griscom to his transition team Dec. 13.
Griscom, 61, will join the transition on a temporary basis, and help Haslam develop a communications plan and form his communications...
Suspect sought in armed robbery of Pigeon Forge...
(Courtesy of FBI-Knoxville Division)
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
A suspect is being sought in the armed robbery of a Sevier County Bank branch at 3605 S. Parkway in Pigeon Forge Dec. 14.
According to the FBI’s Knoxville Division and the Pigeon Forge Police Department, at approximately 9:11 a.m., the suspect entered the bank, showed a semi-automatic pistol to...
Fire occurs at Gallaher View Road apartment...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
A fire was discovered at the Copper Pointe Apartments at 401 S. Gallaher View Road Dec. 13, according to a Knoxville Fire Department report.
Spokesman D.J. Corcoran said that at approximately 4:29 p.m., fire alarms sounded at the complex, and the fire was contained to one unit within minutes of the dispatch call.
Crews were...
Knoxville City Council approves surplus funds...
Knoxville city councilwoman Marilyn Roddy, right, addresses the issue of surplus funds to give city employees pay raises, while Councilman Nick Della Volpe, left, looks over documentation. The council approved more than $8.1 million in funding during its Dec. 14 meeting. (Photo by J.J. Kindred)
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
More than $8.1 million in surplus funds left from...
Winter weather causes Knoxville city crews to work...
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Approximately 1,000 tons of salt were used to keep the city’s main streets going, as heavy precipitation hit Knoxville during the day Dec. 12 and into Dec. 13, causing school closings and cancellations of many events and activities.
As the temperature continued to drop, and snow began to fall, dozens of trucks were on the road in...
New Diverging Diamond Interchange opens in Alcoa
This diagram describes the new Diverging Diamond Interchange, which opened in Alcoa this week. It is reportedly one of only five open to traffic in the country. (Courtesy of TDOT)
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
The city of Alcoa officially opened its much-anticipated Diverging Diamond Interchange Dec. 13, connecting U.S. 129 to Middle Settlements Road and Bessemer Street.
...
First section of CItyView Riverwalk opens,...
The brand new, $30 million CityView Condominiums opened as part of the new Riverwalk Dec. 10, along the South Knoxville Waterfont. The new development features 124 units, with tenants already occupying the property. (Photo by J.J. Kindred)
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
The CityView Riverwalk opened Dec. 10 as part of a newly-developed area along the South Knoxville...
UPDATE: KPD downgrades to Level One Severe Weather...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
As of 2 p.m. Dec. 13, the Knoxville Police Department downgraded to Level 1 of the Severe Weather Plan, and expects to maintain that level throughout the evening, according to public information officer Darrell DeBusk.
Patrol will respond to emergency or in-progress calls, any call involving violence (or threat of), accident...