August 2010
112 posts
KFD hopes to extinguish fire issues
By NATALIE LESTER N.Lester@theknoxvillejournal.com
An East Fifth Avenue resident has his roommates to thank for helping the Knoxville Fire Department (KFD) save his life around 4:15 a.m. on Aug. 31, according to KFD Cap. D.J. Corcoran.
“The people living in the house had called, because they smelled smoke,” Corcoran said. “They had gotten out of the house, but we found a man in bed with a...
New film competition comes to East Tennessee: ...
By NATALIE LESTER N.Lester@theknoxvillejournal.com
The Mountain Madness Film Festival (MMFF) will split the proceeds from its upcoming event between four charities – Toys for Tots, Heavenly Hats, the Second Harvest Food Banks of New Orleans and the Second Harvest Food Banks of East Tennessee.
“I can’t begin to express my sincere appreciation for all that [the festival] is doing for our...
Sevierville Police Department to offer Citizens...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
A Citizens Police Academy is being offered by the Sevierville Police Department this fall, according to officials.
The academy will provide an opportunity for citizens to learn basic police skills and experience police work in a safe, organized and structured environment.
The Academy will take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on...
Knox County School Board gives McIntyre positive...
Jim McIntyre (courtesy of Knox County Schools)
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Knox County Schools superintendent Jim McIntyre got some good grades from the Knox County School Board Aug. 30, as they held a special meeting called to evaluate his performance.
In its group evaluation, the school board said it was pleased with McIntyre’s performance over the past year,...
Man shot during incident at Sullivan Central High...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
A Blountville police officer shot a gunman who entered Sullivan Central High School Aug. 30, after the gunman allegedly pointed his weapon at a school resource officer, according to officials.
The man, whose name has not yet been released, was not a student at the school, officials said. It was yet to be determined whether he was...
Man robs Fountain City SunTrust Bank branch
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
The Knoxville Police Department is looking for a man who robbed a SunTrusk Bank branch in Fountain City, Aug. 30.
The suspect came into the bank, located at 2915 Tazewell Pike, at approximately 12:35 p.m, showing a note, claiming he had a gun and demanding money.
The suspect fled on foot after receiving an undetermined amount...
Woman killed in accident near Magnolia Avenue
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
A Knoxville woman was killed in an car accident Aug. 30 near the intersection of Magnolia Avenue and Olive Street, according to a Knoxville Police Department report.
Lisa M. Patrick, 49, of Holston Drive, was killed when her 2007 Ford F350 van, owned and operated by Knox Area Transit (KAT), was traveling east on Magnolia Avenue and approaching...
Military police return home
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
More than 50 soldiers from the Tennessee National Guard’s 253rd Military Police Company should be back in their own beds on Aug. 31.
The units, headquartered in Bristol and Lenoir City, will land at the National Guard Volunteer Training site in Smyrna at 8 p.m. on Aug. 30, where they will spend the night before out-processing the...
Smokies park lacks vote in Coke contest
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
Voting closes on Aug. 31 for Coke’s national park contest. A Minnesota park currently reigns over the Great Smoky Mountains National park by more than 600,000 votes.
Bear Head Lake State Park has over 1.56 million votes, while the Smokies currently claim 935,834 votes. The winning park will receive $100,000 from Coke.
Bear Head...
Eagles drop season opener to Winona State
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
Though Carson-Newman matched Winona State yard-for-yard on Aug. 28, the Warriors won the turnover battle and both team’s season opener 24-21 over the Eagles at Burke-Tarr Stadium.
C-N gained 366 yards in total offense over Winona State’s 359, but the Eagles had three turnovers. Two of the three were inside the Warriors’...
Man shot during incident in Lonsdale community
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
A Knoxville man received multiple gunshot wounds during an incident Aug. 28 `in the Lonsdale community near Texas Road, according to a Knoxville Police Department report.
Officers responded to a report of gunshots being fired in the area, and that a male victim, identified as 21-year-old Haushann Simpson, had been shot.
Witnesses told officers...
Knox County Schools announce new coupon book...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
Knox County Schools announced that its annual coupon book fund-raising sale will be held Sept. 23 through Oct. 8.
A new cover entitled “The Original Knox County Schools Coupon Book” will be new for this year.
A kickoff event will be held Sept. 23 at 9:30 a.m. at Christenberry Elementary School.
The coupon books...
Officials announce Knox County as pilot site for...
Tennessee ‘First to the Top’ council members (L-R) State Sen. Jamie Woodson, Tennessee education commissioner Tim Webb, Tennessee SCORE executive director Brad Smith, and Knox County Schools superintendent Jim McIntyre served as panelists during an education forum sponsored by the Knox County Parent Teacher Association Aug. 27. (Photo by J.J. Kindred)
By J.J. KINDRED
...
City receives award for financial reporting
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
For the 23rd consecutive year, the City of Knoxville received the Certificate for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ending on June 30, 2009.
“The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial...
Woman killed in Union County wreck
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
A Luttrell resident was killed when she was thrown from an ATV in Union County on Aug. 28, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
Jessica R. Varner, 29, was a passenger on the 2007 Honda Rancher traveling eastbound along Old Valley Road when driver U.J. Ray, 60 lost control around a slight curve.
The car left the roadway and...
Bolze sentenced to 27 years for Ponzi scheme role
Dennis Bolze was sentenced to 27 years by a federal court judge for his role in a Ponzi scheme. (Photo courtesy of Blount County Sheriff’s Dept.)
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Judge Thomas Varlan sentenced former Gatlinburg businessman Dennis Bolze to 27 years in prison Aug. 26, for his role in a Ponzi scheme, where he defrauded investors out of millions.
After his...
Governor’s Environmental Stewardship awards city...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
The Knox-Area Medication Collection and the Water Quality Forum’s Rainy Day Brush-Off programs were recently recognized by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation through Governor’s Environmental Stewardship awards.
On Aug. 21, the city and Medication Collection Program hosted one of the biggest unwanted medicines...
Morristown man killed in accident on I-40 in...
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
A motorist driving along I-40 West in Sevier County was killed in a two-vehicle accident Aug. 26, according to Sevierville Police Department public information officer Bob Stahlke.
Timothy L. Johnson, 22, of Morristown was pronounced dead at the LeConte Medical Center in Sevierville.
Police crash reconstructionist Preston Parrish said that a...
Addiction treatment topic of latest Ten-Year Plan...
Hilde Phipps, director of adult addiction services at the Helen Ross McNabb Center, talks to an audience about addiction treatment during a public forum Aug. 25. (Photo by J.J. Kindred)
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Hilde Phipps defined addiction as a chronic progressive illness that if left untreated, can be fatal.
The director of adult addiction services at the...
Corker aims to change financial debate direction
By NATALIE LESTER N.Lester@theknoxvillejournal.com
Sen. Bob Corker believes the officials in Washington must move away from finger pointing from the Left and Right about how the economic recession came to be and start talking about how to fix it.
“It doesn’t do any good to point fingers, we must solve the problem,” Corker said. “Let’s not worry about how we got here, let’s solve the problem. ...
Man arrested on burglary charges, suspect in...
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
A burglary suspect was apprehended inside a local business on Aug. 24, according to a Knoxville Police Department Report.
Public information officer Darrell DeBusk said that KPD investigators Ron Linkins and Brandon Glover, along with investigators from the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, apprehended Charles Christopher Tallent, who was...
Golf tournament welcomes blind, champion player
By NATALIE LESTER N.Lester@theknoxvillejournal.com
Those participating in the second annual Dr. Tom Kim Charity Golf Tournament will be playing along one golfer who has a greater challenge when it comes to keeping his drives in the short grass.
A 1966 car crash left an athletic, 18-year-old David Meador blind. After the accident, his father encouraged him to remain active, and Meador was on the...
City Director Sam Anderson retires from post,...
Sam Anderson is retiring from the city of Knoxville after 34 years in different positions (Photo courtesy of the City of Knoxville)
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
The end of an era has come with a long-time staff member of the city of Knoxville.
Sam Anderson was recognized by the Knoxville City Council during its meeting Aug. 24, as he retired from his position from the...
Free Health Clinic celebrates five years
By NATALIE LESTER N.Lester@theknoxvillejournal.com
The Free Clinic of America on Chapman Highway will celebrate five years and approximately 84,000 patients at the end of September.
Dr. Tom Kim opened the Free Clinic of America on Chapman Highway in 2005 to provide healthcare to uninsured, working citizens.
“America is no different than third-world countries in health care,” Kim explained. ...
Backyard chicken ordinance approved by city...
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
After several delays during the last several months, the Knoxville City Council voted 5-3 to approve an ordinance to keep a limited number of backyard chickens within the city limits under an annual permitting system.
Councilman Chris Woodhull, the ordinance’s creator, made one amendment, stating as a condition of a permit being issued,...
City council approves election ballot referendum
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
After much debate by the Knoxville City Council during its last meeting, an ordinance setting the number of signatures needed to get a referendum on the city election ballot was approved Aug. 24.
The ordinance was approved on the second reading by a 6-2 vote, with the number of signatures set at seven percent, or 7,000.
Councilwoman Marilyn...
Commission accepting resumes for State Senate Seat...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
The Knox County Board of Commissioners willl receive resumes from candidates interested in serving in the office of State Senator, District 7.
Interested applicants must be a citizen of the United States, 30 years old, and have lived in Tennessee for at least three years and in their district for one year.
The person selected may...
Several injured in minivan crash at Kingston salon...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
Ten people were injured, including four critically, when a minivan crashed into a salon in Kingston on Aug. 24.
The crash happened at Classic Styles Salon on 38 S. Kentucky St.
According to a Kingston Police Department report, a couple was riding in the minivan, and the husband, identified as 52-year-old Richard Ward, was...
Austin-East students hope to continue success...
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
During the last school year, ninth-grade students at Austin-East High School tested a new program that will help them write research papers with more confidence.
Created by nationally-known school supplier Mead, “Builder: Research Paper Edition” helps students plan, organize and write improved term papers.
After being formally...
Power IT down event plans cut on energy usage
By NATALIE LESTER
N.Lester@theknoxvillejournal.com
On Aug. 27, the Power IT Down Day hopes to slash energy use in Knox County.
“Individuals will turn their computers, printers and other peripheral devices off in their offices for that particular weekend,” explained Commissioner Bud Armstrong. “It is estimated that it will save us somewhere around 55 kilowatts per hour per person.”
The third...
Lockett receives probation for tax return...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
On Aug. 24, U.S. Magistrate Judge Bruce Guyton placed Former Knox County Law Director Bill Lockett on probation for one year in punishment for the federal misdemeanor of not filing his tax returns.
Lockett also faces a six-month term of home confinement.
Judge Guyton noted that normal sentencing for the defendant’s crime included...
New Pizza Inn on Clinton Highway continues to do...
A new Pizza Inn location on Clinton Highway opened June 7. (Photo by J.J. Kindred)
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Those looking for a smorgasbord of various kinds of pizza and all the trimmings, would be glad to know of the latest Knoxville-area location of Pizza Inn.
Open since June 7 on Clinton Highway, business at the new location continues to be strong, according to...
Man killed in motorcycle crash on North Broadway
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
A Knoxville man was killed when his motorcycle crashed in the 5500 block of North Broadway Street on Aug. 23, according to a Knoxville Police Department report.
The victim was identified as 55-year-old Bruce Arnold.
According to KPD public information officer Darrell DeBusk, officers responded to a crash with injury. Witnesses said Arnold was...
Commission postpones illegal alien employment...
By NATALIE LESTER
N.Lester@theknoxvillejournal.com
Bob Bowman, with Kramer-Rayson attorneys, and his clients worry the first offense of a proposed amendment regarding employment of illegal aliens may be too soon to remove the business’s license.
“It is very hard to manage businesses with the regulations the government is putting on them,” Bowman said. “The very first offense results in 30 day...
Knox County Commission sends Carter Elementary...
By NATALIE LESTER N.Lester@theknoxvillejournal.com
Approximately 300 people from the Carter Elementary community lined the walls and filled the seats in the Main Assembly room at the City-County Building on Aug. 23 with their shirts displaying their ever-present anthem, “If we build it, they will come.”
The Carter residents have been pushing for a new school building since March, and argue the...
Knox County opens new Thomas “Tank” Strickland...
Knox County Commission Chairman Thomas “Tank” Strickland admires the sign for the new park, which was named for him and opened on Asheville Highway on Aug. 23. (Photo Courtesy of Natalie Lester).
By NATALIE LESTER
N.Lester@theknoxvillejournal.com
A crowd of close to a hundred people gathered on Aug. 23 as Mayor Mike Ragsdale, along with government representatives from both Knox County and...
Cracker Barrel stabbing suspect still at large
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Police are still looking for a man who attacked and stabbed an elderly woman at the Cracker Barrel restaurant on Central Avenue Pike Aug. 20.
According to a Knoxville Police Department report, officers responded to an afternoon call that a stabbing had occurred at the Cracker Barrel location.
Upon arrival, officers learned that the female...
Cosby couple arrested on drug trafficking,...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
A Cosby couple was arrested by federal agents after being indicted by a grand jury on drug trafficking, firearms violations, and illegal ginseng trafficking.
According to a press release, Johnny Carl Grooms, 58, was arrested Aug. 23, and Rosalba Ibarra Grooms, 32, was arrested on Aug. 19. Both were arraigned on Aug. 23.
The...
New Hopewell Elementary alum gives donation for...
Randy Boyd, right, president and CEO of Radio Systems Corporation, shares the latest classroom technology with student Emmie Lucas, left. Boyd and several Knox County School officials visited the school Aug. 23 to unveil new classroom technology, thanks to a $25,000 donation. New gadgets being used in the classrooms include ‘Active Expressions,’ resembling a cell phone and allowing...
Landscape worker attacks homeowner’s son with...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
Knoxville authorities are searching for a suspect who attacked a man with a chainsaw around 1 p.m. on Aug. 21.
Officers have identified the man as a 27-year-old Brandon Petrey of Whitley County, Kentucky.
According to the Knox County Sheriff’s Department, Petrel was working with a landscaping company on one homeowner’s yard on...
Former NASCAR champion endorses Haslam in...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
Three-time Winston Cup Champion Darrell Waltrip endorsed Knoxville Mayor and Republican gubernatorial nominee Bill Haslam in his Campaign for governor on Aug. 19.
The endorsement occurred three days before Haslam presides as the Grand Marshall of the Food City 250 on Aug. 21 at the Bristol Motor Speedway.
In his endorsement, Waltrip...
State unemployment rate drops two-tenths
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
news@theknoxvillejournal.com
According to the State Department of Labor and Workforce, the Tennessee unemployment rate for July was 9.8%, down two-tenths percentage point from June.
“Tennessee has employment growth of 1.7 percent over the past year, resulting in an unemployment rate that has fallen by over one percentage point,” said Labor Commissioner...
Duck – Duck – RACE! Annual event benefits the Boys...
By NATALIE LESTER N.Lester@theknoxvillejournal.com
Nearly 50,000 ducks will be seen floating down the Tennessee River on Aug. 21, as they race for more than $23,000 in prizes.
Oak Ridge National Lab Federal Credit Union serves as one of the premier sponsors for the event, and Public Relations Director Nancy Ballard said her employees love being involved.
“Our employees are so excited every...
East Tennessee counties awarded litter grant funds...
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Several East Tennessee counties were among those awarded litter grant funds by Gov. Phil Bredesen and Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Commissioner Gerald Nicely on Aug. 18.
Ninety-five counties statewide were awarded a total of $3,862,515 in funds, as part of the StopLitter campaign in Tennessee.
Knox County received $127,431,...
Energy efficiency may attract more businesses to...
By NATALIE LESTER
N.Lester@theknoxvillejournal.com
More businesses looking to relocate to Knoxville are considering the energy efficiency and green efforts of the city, according to Knox County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Mike Edwards.
“If we’re not what they expect a community to be, they will dismiss us and they do,” Edwards said. “Many of them are sometimes...
Ongoing study of traffic operations on Kingston...
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
An informal open house discussing the ongoing study of traffic operations on Kingston Pike and Northshore Drive was held at Bearden Elementary School Aug. 17.
Representatives from Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., the City of Knoxville’s consultant for the study, were on hand to briefly discuss the aspects and answer any questions from the...
Pellissippi State Community College opens new...
Officials from Pellissippi State Community College and from Knox and Blount County participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony for the college’s brand new Blount County campus on Aug. 18. The new campus, which broke ground in May 2008, cost $22 million. (Photos by J.J. Kindred)
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
A new era in higher education began in Blount County on...
East Knox mosquitoes test positive for West Nile;...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
Another batch of Knoxville mosquitoes have tested positive for the West Nile virus, according to a release from the Knox County Health Department (KCHD).
KCHD received the positive lab report for the mosquitoes in the Milligan Street area of East Knox County near the zoo and have scheduled a spray to reduce the mosquito population...
First day of school smooth sailing for most;...
Inskip Elementary School principal Elisa Luna talks to students on the first day of school during an event for Knox County school and government officials. (Photo by J.J. Kindred)
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
As students in Knox County Schools returned for a brand new school year on Aug. 17, one principal in particular is glad to be back in the fold.
After she was shot...
Man suffers gunshot wound during robbery attempt
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
A Knoxville man was shot during an incident on Porter Avenue on Aug. 16.
According to Lt. Chris Baldwin of the Knoxville Police Department’s East Division, officers responded to a report of a shooting on 4006 Porter Ave.
Witnesses said they heard a gunshot and saw a vehicle leaving the address. A second call came stating that they were...
