July 2010
77 posts
Valley View Drive open to traffic
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
A realigned section of Valley View Drive near Knoxville Center Mall reopened on July 30. The project, which began in mid-May 2009, will make transportation easier and safer for residents and drivers.
The three-tenths of a mile section redirected part of Valley View Drive to intersect with Washington Pike at Centerline Drive. ...
Police plan parking meter enforcement
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
As the a large part of the downtown construction around Gay Street comes to a close, officials will begin implementing the meters in the city lot between Summit Hill Drive and O.P. Jenkins Furniture Store on August 2.
The city has allowed free parking at that location while crews repaved and re-striped the surface as well as...
Early voting closes July 31
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
July 31 marks the last day voters may vote early in the primaries. Voters can compete their ballots at the City-County from noon to 5 p.m. The rest of the polling locations including Austin-East High School, Farragut Town Hall, Halls Recreation Center, and New Harvest Park are open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
More guardsmen return August 1, 2
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
Another 375 soldiers will join 275 troops who are already home at the Guard’s Volunteer Training site in Smyrna on August 1 and 2.
Units from Dunlap and Cookeville should reach Smyrna at 1:30 p.m. on August 1 with troops from Lebanon and Winchester arriving at 7:30 a.m. on August 2.
The groups are currently completing out-processing...
Accomplice in Christian-Newsom murders sentenced...
Vanessa Coleman was sentenced to 53 years in prison on July 30 for her role in the murders of Channon Christian and Chris Newsom in 2007. (Photo by J.J. Kindred)
By J.J. KINDRED J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
A judge sentenced Vanessa Coleman to 53 years in prison on July 30 for her role in the 2007 murders of Channon Christian and Chris Newsom.
Coleman, 21, had her sentence split by Judge...
Sign variances discussed at Fort Sanders...
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Variances for proposed new signs and wayfinding measures were the topic of a Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center stakeholders meeting July 29.
Representatives from the Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, as well as the City of Knoxville were on hand to hear different measures on the potential signage and adjustments, as the hospital’s campus...
Trial date set for men charged in Knox teen...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
The two men charged with the June 9 murder of an East Knoxville teen in June are set to go to trial early next year.
A Knox County grand jury charged Samuel Lamar Glass, 25, and Akeem Deshawn Dubose, 21, with felony murder for the shooting of 17-year-old Dachanna Dotson.
Glass and Dubose are scheduled to stand trial on April 18, 2011 after being arraigned on...
Bar raided in drug bust closed permanently
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
A North Knoxville bar was closed permanently July 29 after a temporary injunction was issued July 22 after a drug raid.
Knoxville police raided the Big Orange Bar and Grill on Clinton Highway, resulting in three employees and several patrons arrested, mostly for drug possession.
Kye Chae Kim, the bar’s owner met with the Knox County...
Hot weather will not turn cool any time soon
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
With August just around the corner, those looking for any relief from the record hot temperatures will be very disappointed.
The National Weather Service in Morristown has forecasted that although some isolated showers will continue to move through the area, daytime highs can be expected to reach 97 degrees or even higher as a new month...
Decision 2010 issue-by-issue: Republican...
By NATALIE LESTER N.Lester@theknoxvillejournal.com
Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam, U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp and Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey recognize Tennesseans’ struggles in an economic recession, and each plan to help the residents if elected governor.
During his time as Knoxville’s mayor, Haslam maintained seven budgets for city and lowered the debt by 25 percent.
Haslam’s campaign promises to restructure...
TDOT informs motorists of new traffic patterns...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
The Tennessee Department of Transportation is warning motorists traveling on State Route 33 crossing the bridge over Norris Lake that they should be alert for changed traffic patterns on the north side of the bridge.
Motorists traveling southbound approaching the bridge should be alert for a lane shift to the left. Those traveling northbound across the...
Sevier County Landfill employee known as hard...
Bobby G. Reagan
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Bobby G. Reagan was known as a man who worked hard his whole life.
However, there is one thing he may have liked just as much, or even more.
“He loved coffee,” said his daughter, Leanna Carty. “He was a big coffee drinker. He could drink it any time. When my husband and I were dating, he tried to fix Dad...
Oak Ridge forum discusses East Tennessee...
By NATALIE LESTER N.Lester@theknoxvillejournal.com
Representatives from across the region met on July 27to discuss initiatives to make East Tennessee carbon neutral by 2030 and to decrease energy use by 30 percent per capita at the first Energy Efficiency Forum.
“We need strong partnerships in the Corridor, and we envision that meetings such as the one held this week in Oak Ridge will help to...
Indictments handed out in shooting death
Glass
Dubose
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
A Knox County Grand Jury has indicted 25-year-old Samuel Lamar Glass and 21-year-old Akeem Deshawn Dubose in the shooting death of 17-year-old DaChanna Dotson.
According to the Knoxville Police Department, the indictments on felony murder charges were handed down July 21.
Dotson was...
Police looking for West Knox CVS robbery suspect
(Courtesy of Knox Co. Sheriff’s Dept.)
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
The Knox County Sheriff’s Department is looking for a man who robbed a West Knoxville CVS Pharmacy location July 27.
According to the Sheriff’s Department report, a white male entered the CVS at 11946 Kingston Pike and presented a note, stating that he had a gun and was demanding oxycodone pills.
...
Council tentatively approves chicken ordinance
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Poultry was on the mind of the Knoxville City Council July 27 as they voted to approve an ordinance to keep a limited number of backyard chickens within the city limits.
However, the council will still have to consider the ordinance again next month because of proposed changes. If not for the changes, the ordinance would have been approved...
Decision 2010 issue-by-issue: Conservative...
By NATALIE LESTER N.Lester@theknoxvillejournal.com
The three conservative gubernatorial candidates promise to combat the federal healthcare legislation, which President Obama signed into law on March 23 despite opposition from some citizens.
The Affordable Care Act provides comprehensive health insurance reforms that will hold insurance companies more accountable, guarantee more health care...
Sinkhole on Highway 66 repaired
TDOT crews excavate a sinkhole on Highway 66 to reveal a leaking water pipe. The crews dug a hole 25 feet deep and 10 to 15 feet across to find the leak that contributed to the problem. (Photos courtesy of Tennessee Department of Transportation)
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
Tennessee Department of Transportation maintenance crews re-opened the northbound travel lanes on State Route...
Family confirms body of Pigeon Forge landfill...
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
A body found July 25 in a Sevier County landfill digester machine was confirmed to be that of Bobby G. Reagan, whom had been missing since July 22.
The body was discovered at the Sevier County Waste Compost Facility on Ridge Road in Pigeon Forge, according to the city’s fire department.
Officials said family members confirmed the...
Fountain City crash victim identified
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
A motorist was killed July 27 after crashing a car into a telephone pole at the intersection of Hotel Avenue and Holbrook Drive in the Fountain City area.
Knoxville Police Department officials identified the victim as Angela Oaks, 36, of Mascot, Tenn.
The police report stated that the driver was ejected from the vehicle, reported to be an...
Disabilities Act honored by city
By NATALIE LESTER N.Lester@theknoxvillejournal.com
As July 26 marked the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam and other city officials celebrated in the Ashley Nicole Dream Playground, which was Knoxville’s first totally handicap accessible playground.
Haslam declared the day “Recommitment Day,” as he encouraged residents to work toward full...
Morristown robbery suspect pleads guilty
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
An 18-year-old man has pleaded guilty to the robbery of a SunTrust Bank branch in Morristown, according to a press release.
Jamal Siler, of Morristown, entered a plea on July 26 in the U.S. District Court in Greeneville.
Sentencing has been set for Jan. 12.
Siler faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison; a maximum $250,000 fine; a maximum of five...
Decision 2010 issue-by-issue: Education leads to...
By NATALIE LESTER N.Lester@theknoxvillejournal.com
Though jobs and the economy rank as top issues for gubernatorial candidates, higher educational standards across Tennessee may be the key in turning the state’s workplace around.
Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam, U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp, and Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey all agree education is the key to success.
“The single greatest hindrance to recruiting...
Claiborne County Mayor committed to community,...
Joe Tyler Duncan (courtesy of Claiborne County Office of Economic Development)
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Claiborne County Mayor Joe Tyler Duncan was remembered as a selfless man of integrity, according to his daughter, Jody Beason.
“He loved his country and his community deeply,” Beason said. “When I was growing up, through his example he always...
Motorist killed in Fountain City
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
A motorist was killed July 27 after crashing a car into a telephone pole in the Fountain City area.
The accident occurred at the intersection of Hotel Avenue and Holbrook Drive.
Officials with the Knoxville Police Department say the driver was ejected from the vehicle, reported to be an Oldsmobile Cutlass. No other vehicles were involved.
The Knoxville...
City to launch pilot recycling program downtown
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
In partnership with Waste Connections, the City of Knoxville is launching a pilot recycling program in the downtown area.
Several 95-gallon receptacles at 20 different downtown locations will be featured in the project. They will hold recyclable material such as aluminum cans, bottles, glass containers, plastic cups and mixed paper, among...
Applicants flood Cellular Sales
By NATALIE LESTER N.Lester@theknoxvillejournal.com
After the July 20 announcement of Cellular Sales opening of the national call center, the company received over 1,000 applications within three days.
Staffing solutions is helping management sift through resumes and applications for the supervisor, manager and customer service representative positions. The company plans to hire 200-250 of the...
Sinkhole found on Highway 66 in Sevierville
TDOT officials investigate a possible sinkhole off Highway 66 and Huffaker Road in Sevierville. (Photo courtesy of City of Sevierville)
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Crews from the Tennessee Department of Transportation began work July 26 to repair a sinkhole discovered on Highway 66 south, off Huffaker Road in Sevierville.
The sinkhole was discovered in a northbound...
Suspect arrested in shooting leaving three dead
Benjamin K. Fowler (courtesy of Knox County Sheriff’s Dept.)
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
A second suspect was identified by the Knox County Sheriff’s Department July 26 for a shooting in a South Knoxville home July 24 that left three people dead.
Benjamin K. Fowler, 34, was charged with two counts of felony murder and is currently being held without bond...
Cancer victim copes with condition, motherhood
Vanessa Francis, left, has been receiving treatment for thyroid cancer while balancing her life as a single mother. She graduated from Karns High School with a 4.0 GPA while four months pregnant. Pictured right is her 9-month-old daughter, Riley. (Photo by J.J. Kindred)
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
At only 19 years old, Vanessa Francis has experienced enough drama in her...
Suspect in Valarium shooting named
BY NATALIE LESTER N.Lester@theknoxvillejournal.com
The Knoxville Police Department charged Phi Nguyen of Oneida with two counts of attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault and felony vandalism after a shooting at the Valarium nightclub on July 25.
The suspect fired multiple shots at a vehicle, with driver Tuan Le and passenger Hoai Tu Nguyen inside. The victims were leaving a wedding...
Decision 2010 issue-by-issue: Unemployment tops...
By NATALIE LESTER N.Lester@theknoxvillejournal.com
The Tennessee Newspaper Network and WBIR-TV released a poll on July 25 showing Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam’s 11-point lead in the race for the gubernatorial Republican nomination, yet 17 percent of voters also said they were undecided in their decision.
Despite the attacks in television spots in recent weeks, the candidates do have something in...
Haslam leads rivals for GOP nomination
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
According to a poll conducted by Mason-Dixon Polling and Research, Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam leads opponents Zach Wamp and Ron Ramsey by 11 points for the gubernatorial Republican nomination.
Thirty-six percent of the 625 Tennessee residents surveyed pledged their support for Haslam, followed by 25 percent for U.S. Representative...
Jamming in the Park attracts Knoxville crowd
From Staff Reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
The weekend heat did not stop hundreds of car enthusiasts from visiting Knox Volks Motor Club’s 2010 Summer Jam on July 24 and 25.
The club hosted the car show over the weekend at Chilhowee Park with competitions in 25 categories including Beetles, Convertible, Bus, and Water Cooled. Dr. Feelinggood from Tennessee’s Premier Voltswagen Festival,...
Sevier County man still missing
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
A Sevier County man who went missing soon after arriving at work on July 22 still hasn’t been found. Bobby G. Reagan, described as being a white male, 5’11” and 220 pounds, was last seen at his workplace, Sevier County Wast Compost Facility, between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. His co-workers and police have searched the 170-acre landfill for any sign...
Shooting claims three lives
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
A shooting in South Knoxville claimed the lives of three area residents early July 24.
Two intruders entered Larry Doyal’s home with a shotgun. Doyal was armed with a pistol at the time. Shots were fired in the residence, leaving one of the alleged intruders, Ronald H. Carter, III, Doyal’s fiancee, Judy Adams, and Doyal’s son, Robert Sanders...
Rogersville man pleads guilty in series of...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
A Rogersville man pleaded guilty to four robberies in northeast Tennessee in the course of a year, according to a press release from the Knoxville division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Shannon Cavin, 37, entered pleas of guilty on July 22 at the United States District Court in Greeneville, to the robberies of the Kingsport Press Credit Union in...
Knoxville bar raided, shut down in drug bust
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Three employees and several patrons are facing drug charges after Knoxville police officers raided the Big Orange Bar and Grill on Clinton Highway July 22.
According to the police report, bar manager William Brown and employees George Woodward and Rachel Ketelle were among those arrested for drug possession.
Also arrested were Brian White, 22,...
Future projects in Knoxville’s Downtown North...
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
A plan for future projects in the Downtown North redevelopment area of Knoxville was discussed during a public forum July 22 at Regas Restaurant.
The meeting was actually a follow-up to last year’s Downtown North Streetscape design process that created a development for improvements to major road corridors in the area.
North Central Street and...
Public forum held on mental illness symptoms,...
Sheryl McCormick, right, coordinator of recovery training services at Peninsula, gives a presentation on the effects of mental illness during a public forum July 21. It was one of a series of forums affiliated with the Ten-Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness by the city of Knoxville. Pictured left is Mary Thom Adams of the local organization Positively Living. (Photo by J.J. Kindred)
By J.J....
Hit-and-run suspect arrested
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
A LaFollette man was arrested by the Tennessee Highway Patrol July 21 after he was suspected of a hit-and-run accident on July 20 that left a pedestrian dead.
According to a press release, Louis Bargy IV, 29, was taken into custody after investigators determined he was the man behind the wheel of a car that hit and killed 29-year old Michael R. Jones. He...
Teacher evaluation stirs discussion
Jim McIntyre, superintendent for Knox County Schools, addresses a crowd of teachers and administrators during a public forum July 21 discussing a new teacher evaluation policy as a result of the new “First to the Top” legislation passed earlier this year. (Photo by J.J. Kindred)
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
A capacity crowd of teachers and administrators...
Authorities investigate Sweetwater explosion
By NATALIE LESTER
N.Lester@theknoxvillejournal.com
A mobile home exploded after 4:30 p.m. on July 21 for reasons that are being investigated by State and Monroe County authorities.
A trailer in Valley Mobile Home Park on South Main Street was engulfed in flames when officers arrived on the scene.
A victim escaped the mobile home but passed away after transfer to Sweetwater Hospital. It is...
Chapman Highway Hardees robbed
By NATALIE LESTER N.Lester@theknoxvillejournal.com
An armed African-American man robbed the Hardee’s restaurant on Chapman Highway on July 21. Authorities believe the male may be a repeat offender who also raided the Domino’s on Broadway and Long John Silver’s on Clinton Highway.
Knox County School Board candidates discuss hot...
Ninth District Knox County School Board candidate Pam Trainor, left, shakes hands with Lisa Carroll of the League of Women Voters during a school board candidate forum held July 20 at Fulton High School. Also pictured left-to-right are Robert Bratton, incumbent 9th District school board member and Trainor’s opponent; and Gavin Luter, education project coordinator for the United Way...
National College extends V.A. military benefits
BY NATALIE LESTER
N.Lester@theknoxvillejournal.com
Through their Military Affairs department and educational opportunities, the National College of Business and Technology seeks to make veteran education a priority.
“[Post-military education] has always been important, but we weren’t doing it effectively,” said the College’s Tennessee Director of Military Affairs, Michael Wright. “That is why I...
Cellular Sales brings up to 250 jobs to Knoxville
BY NATALIE LESTER
N.Lester@theknoxvillejournal.com
With Tennessee unemployment resting at 10.5 percent, Cellular Sales’ new National Call Center should bring smiles to the unemployed.
The center plans to hire between 200 and 250 new employees within the next two months. The operation will employ supervisors, managers and customer service representatives in full-time and part-time...
'Get Motivated' seminar to bring increased traffic
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
Increased traffic is expected around downtown Knoxville as the Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum will be hosting a “Get Motivated” seminar on July 21.
The one-day event will start at 8 a.m. and end at 5 p.m.
According to a press release from the City of Knoxville, officials say that approximately 10,000 people and an additional 4,000 to...
Airplane Filling Station needs donations to take...
Fundraising efforts are continuing to renovate the Airplane Filling Station on Clinton Highway. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2004 and built in 1930, the structure was originally used as a gas station until the 1960s, and several different kinds of businesses have occupied it since then. (Photo by J.J. Kindred)
By J.J. KINDRED
...
Maryville woman robbed by intruders
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
An 82-year-old Maryville woman was the victim of a home invasion on July 17.
According to a Blount County Sheriff’s Office report, authorities responded to a call from the woman who claimed that two masked men forced their way into her home and held her at gunpoint.
The suspects allegedly tied the woman’s hands to a chair, and...
