September 2010
118 posts
Campfield, Walker square up for state election
By NATALIE LESTER N.Lester@theknoxvillejournal.com
Steve Hill may be the caretaker of the District 7 State Senate seat, but he won’t be for long, with the upcoming election between current State Representative Stacey Campfield and Businessman Randy Walker.
Early voting starts Oct. 13 and the two candidates are heating up the campaign trail to talk with voters and potential constituents about the...
UPDATE: Missing teen found
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
The Knoxville Police Department reported that missing teenager Landon LeJune has been found.
LeJune, 13, was found by an officer Sept. 30 near a business on Magnolia Avenue, according to public information officer Darrell DeBusk. He is safe, and there were no signs of injuries.
LeJune was reported missing during the evening...
Early morning accident causes I-40 traffic to shut...
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
An accident involving two tractor trailers Sept. 30 caused all lanes along I-40 West near the Cherry Street exit to shut down, according to a Knoxville Police Department report.
Lt. Gordon Gwathney of KPD said that at approximately 2 a.m., a 2005 Freightliner semi truck was traveling west bound on I-40, just west of the Prosser Road overpass, when...
KPD, TBI searching for missing teen
Landon LeJune (courtesy of Tennessee Bureau of Investigation)
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
A 13-year-old boy was reported missing during the evening hours of Sept. 28, according to a report from the Knoxville Police Department and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
Landon LeJune was last seen at 2701 E. Fifth Ave., and fled to an unknown...
Fugate adjusting to life as a new school board...
Lynne Fugate
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
After close to one month as a new member of the Knox County School Board, Lynne Fugate is taking in everything that she can.
Fugate, who is employed as the executive vice president of CapitalMark Bank and Trust, was elected, unopposed, in the Fourth District to fill the vacated seat of long-time member Dan Murphy.
The married...
B-I-N-G-O! Kentucky profits big from Tennesseeans...
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
It seems like every state surrounding Tennessee has bingo halls, except for Tennessee itself.
But that’s not stopping Charles from getting his fix.
“You go into any of the parking lots and look at the tags, they all say Tennessee,” said Charles, who would only go by his first name. A truck driver by trade, he takes groups...
Locals plan informative ‘Restoring America’ rally
By NATALIE LESTER
N.Lester@theknoxvillejournal.com
Sally Absher, who serves as the 6th District representative on the Tennessee Republican Executive committee, is leaning towards bi-partisan information in her efforts to organize the first “Restoring America” rally in Knoxville.
“We want this to be bi-partisan,” Absher said. “Our hope is that people not answer the questions, but start asking the...
Hike works to reduce hunger in East Tennessee
By NATALIE LESTER N.Lester@theknoxvillejournal.com
More than 80,312 people in Knox County and 256, 684 in East Tennessee are at risk of going hungry, and food pantries are in need of financial resources to keep their shelves stocked.
Therefore, Emergency Food Helpers (EFH) is working together with coordinate food assistance programs to sponsoring the 20th annual Hunger Hike on Oct. 3.
“The event...
Parents question superintendent about TCAP scores,...
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Parents of students in Knox County had the opportunity to ask questions and share concerns about TCAP scores and tougher academic standards during a public forum at West High School Sept. 28.
The scores for the standardized tests came out last week, and superintendent Jim McIntyre explained that lower scores were to be expected because of...
Man shot at Major Avenue residence; suspects at...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
Knoxville police officers are looking for suspects in the shooting of a resident at 2205 Major Ave. Sept. 28.
Officials said that at approximately 6:14 p.m., officers responded to shots fired at the residence. They discovered upon arrival that the victim had been shot once in the arm.
The unidentified victim was transported to...
TDOT details Henley Street Bridge project
By NATALIE LESTER
N.Lester@theknoxvillejournal.com
In January, 38,000 cars must find another route to and from South Knox County as the Henley Street Bridge, which was built between 1930 and 1931, is closed for rehabilitation.
“Since it was open there have been several repairs without closing the bridge, but it is now time to close,” said Yyvette Martinez, Community Relations officer for TDOT.
The...
Severance discussion tabled for 60 days
By NATALIE LESTER N.Lester@theknoxvillejournal.com
After weeks of debate, the Knox County Commission deferred making a decision on future severance packages during their meeting on Sept. 27.
“Let’s come up with something that makes sense,” Commissioner Sam McKenzie said. “I think we moved a little hastily and I do not like the way this happened but to draw a box around it and say ‘We’re never...
Suspect sought in bank robbery in Cocke County
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
The FBI’s Knoxville Division and the Cocke County Sheriff’s Office are searching for a suspect who robbed the National Bank of Tennessee branch in Cosby Sept. 27.
According to an FBI report, at around 11 a.m., the suspect entered the bank, located at 4406 Hooper Highway. He displayed a rifle at one of the teller...
Commission plans to exhaust funding possibility,...
By NATALIE LESTER N.Lester@theknoxvillejournal.com
The U.S. Department of Housing and Development (HUD) will have the final decision on the funding of the “public safety center” in the coming months, as the commission voted to allow the application for the funds to be completed on Sept. 27.
“I don’t think we have any option but to move forward with this concept,” commissioner Ed Shouse...
Knox Track Club, City of Knoxville to hold Pilot...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
The Knoxville Track Club and the City of Knoxville will present the fourth running of the Pilot CrossKnox 10 Miler and 5K Fun Walk at 2 p.m. Oct. 10, beginning near the Alex Haley statue in Morningside Park and ending — for runners — just beyond Bearden Elementary School.
Walkers will also start in Morningside and finish near...
Suspects sought in Tennessee Title Loans robbery...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
Two suspects robbed the Tennessee Title Loans at 3800 Chapman Highway Sept. 27, according to a Knoxville Police Department report.
Public information officer Darrell DeBusk said that at approximately 3:46 p.m., officers responded to a robbery call at the business, where witnesses said two black males entered the store, one of...
Five arrested, two wanted in Anderson County meth...
Stacy Ivan Paul
Donna Louise Paul
Joe Travis Griffith
Regina Sue Crosley
Rory Vincent Sharp
Thomas John Donlan
James Walter Lawson (all courtesy of Anderson Co. Sheriff’s Dept.)
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Five people were arrested and two are wanted by the Anderson County Sheriff’s Department after a methamphetamine lab was discovered on...
Chairman’s lunch educates commission
By NATALIE LESTER
N.Lester@theknoxvillejournal.com
The Knox County Commission multitasked on Sept. 27 at the first chairman’s lunch as they spent their lunch hour being briefed on Trustee John Duncan III’s office, the Henley Street Bridge construction and other discussion regarding the body’s website.
Duncan explained the changes he made in his administration as well as the attempted renovations...
Elderly couple grateful for neighbors' heroic...
Crews with the Knoxville Fire Department control a fire that occurred Sept. 26 at the home of Ollie and Roy Browner on South Castle Street. Neighbors rescued the couple from a possible fatality, as they were asleep during the blaze. (Photo by John Messner/QuikPixOnline.com)
Ollie Browner and her husband, Roy (not pictured), are thankful to their neighbors for saving their lives. (Photo by...
Suspect in Burger King robbery identified
Zavian Hill (courtesy Knox Co. Sheriff’s Dept.)
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
The suspect taken into custody, who allegedly robbed a Burger King restaurant on 2800 Chapman Highway Sept. 24, has been identified.
Zavian Hill, 33, of Knoxville was charged Sept. 27 with one count of aggravated robbery.
According to Sgt. Josh Shaffer of the Knoxville...
Knox County Schools receive $26.5 million federal...
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Knox County Schools received a five-year, $26.5 million federal grant from the Teacher Incentive Fund, supporting local efforts to improve student achievement and teacher effectiveness.
Thirteen high-needs schools will get around $17.6 million of the grant, which will go toward personnel costs and affect more than 650 teachers and 9,300...
Eat at Chili’s, help find a cure for childhood...
By NATALIE LESTER N.Lester@theknoxvillejournal.com
On Sept. 27, all profits from Chili’s Grill and Bar restaurants will benefit the St. Jude’s Research Hospital in Memphis.
Chili’s Kingston Pike manager Matt Maines said the effort brightens the day for all Chili’s employees.
“Company-wide – from the managers to the hourly employees – it makes people want to work,” Maines said. “The stories...
Missing Knoxville teenager found, Amber Alert...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
An statewide Amber Alert was canceled after a teenage girl taken from her school in Knoxville was found Sept. 25 in McComb, Miss., according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
Caitlyn Denise Shannon, 13, is in state custody after being found by U.S. marshals and local law enforcement at a McComb motel.
Officials said...
Pedestrian hit near apartment complex on Forestal...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
A pedestrian was hit near the Forest Creek Apartment complex on Forestal Drive Sept. 26, according to a Knoxville Police Department report.
According to Sgt. Josh Shaffer, police responded to the incident at approximately 7:41 p.m. Officers found the unidentified 27-year-old white male victim in the parking lot and discovered...
Suspect in custody after allegedly robbing Burger...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
A man was taken into custody after he allegedly robbed a Burger King restaurant on 2800 Chapman Highway Sept. 24.
According to Sgt. Josh Shaffer of the Knoxville Police Department, at approximately 9:46 p.m., employees said that a black male that had his face covered, wearing a long sleeve shirt and white hat, walked into the...
Suspects sought in Western Avenue First Tennessee...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
Police are looking for two suspects in connection of the robbery of a First Tennessee Bank on 3900 Western Ave. Sept. 24.
According to a Knoxville Police Department report, at approximately 5:10 p.m., the two suspects entered the bank, wearing a form of painter/surgical masks. One suspect went to one teller, while the other...
Amber Alert issued for missing 13-year-old
Caitlyn Denise Shannon (courtesy Tennesee Bureau of Investigation)
Michael Crockett (courtesy of Tennessee Bureau of Investigation)
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
The Knox County Sheriff’s Office issued a statewide Amber Alert Sept. 24.
Caitlyn Denise Shannon, 13, was last seen with 46-year-old Michael Crockett. He is a convicted felon with a...
Kodak man arrested for aggravated rape of a child
Ivor J. Parsons (courtesy of Sevierville Police Dept.)
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
A Kodak man was arrested and charged Sept. 23 with the aggravated rape of a child under three years old, according to a Sevierville Police Department (SPD) report.
According to SPD Det. Kevin Bush, Ivor J. Parsons, 21, was apprehended when police received a tip, leading to...
Police looking for suspects in Cedar Bluff...
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Police are looking for two suspects who robbed the Weigel’s convenience store at 328 N. Cedar Bluff Road Sept. 24.
According to Lt. Tony Willis of the Knoxville Police Department, at approximately 3:42 a.m., two suspects came into the store, wielding weapons and demanding money. The clerk obliged, and said the suspects also took money...
Two more locations test positive for West Nile
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
The unseasonably warm temperatures have kept mosquitoes active later than usual this year. Knox County Health Department (KCHD) is still receiving positive lab reports confirming the presence of West Nile Virus (WNV) in mosquitoes. In addition to the Cedar Bluff and Milligan Street areas, two new areas in northeast and east Knox...
Clayton facility finishes 25,000th home
By NATALIE LESTER N.Lester@theknoxvillejournal.com
Over the past 16 years, Clayton Homes’ Appalachia facility has provided 25,000 homes for families across 17 different states.
“With 25,000 homes, if you consider the average family to have 3 or 4 members, that is somewhere between seventy-five and one hundred thousand people living in homes we’ve produced,” Appalachia’s General Manager Ronny...
Three arrested in Pilot, Bread Box robberies
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Three suspects were detained and a fourth is still at large, in connection with two Knoxville stores that were robbed within an hour of each other Sept. 23.
According to public information officer Darrell DeBusk of the Knoxville Police Department, the first robbery happened at the Pilot gas station on 5800 Western Ave., at approximately 2:15...
Knox County Schools launch annual coupon book...
Lana Frazier, left, an eighth-grader at Bearden Middle School, was recognized as the top-seller of coupon books during last year’s campaign. A event to launch this year’s campaign was held at Christenberry Elementary School Sept. 23. Pictured right is Scott Bacon, supervisor of business partnerships for Knox County Schools. (Photos by J.J. Kindred)
Students at Christenberry...
Identifying homeless in Knoxville the topic of...
David Patterson, director of the Knoxville Homeless Management System, speaks about identifying the homeless population in Knoxville during the latest public forum sponsored by the Ten-Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness Sept. 22. (Photo by J.J. Kindred)
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Identifying the homeless in Knoxville is not as easy a task as it seems, and people may...
Taxpayers no longer paying for SUV’s gas,...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
As promised on swearing-in day, Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett sold the Chevy Tahoe that was once assigned to the former mayor, and the money for the SUV is now in the Knox County general fund. Mayor Burchett also gave up his assigned parking space.
“I will park my car in the first open space I come to, just like any other Knox...
Knox County Health Department offers families a...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
As part of its Child Health Week events, Knox County Health Department (KCHD) and Knox County Schools Coordinated School Health Program are teaming up to provide parents, grandparents and child caregivers the tools and resources kids need to face today’s health challenges. A Healthy Weigh to Go: Encouraging Youth to Eat Right and...
Corker urges Tennesseans to participate in...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
U.S. Senator Bob Corker, ranking member of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, urged Tennesseans to participate in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency’s first-ever National Take-Back Day on Sept. 25.
The DEA, in coordination with state and local law enforcement agencies, will open collection centers from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for...
Safety center funding appears unlikely: commission...
By NATALIE LESTER N.Lester@theknoxvillejournal.com
The plans to build a “public safety center” in Knox County to keep individuals arrested for intoxication and the mentally ill out of jail may face a financial delay.
“It’s a brilliant idea, but it isn’t eligible,” said Community Development Services proprietor Charlie Blair, who works in Maryville to help communities secure HUD funding.
In a...
Tennessee receives $11.6 million for health...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
The federal government has approved an $11.6 million grant for Tennessee, which will help existing health information exchanges share electronic health data and lower costs, the Bredesen administration announced Sept. 31.
The funds, made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will help the state further the...
World War II headstones found abandoned; family...
George Andrew Tate, Jr.
Howard H. Biggs
Freeman Embree Brown, Jr. (photos courtesy of KETV-TV/Omaha, Neb.)
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
Three World War II headstones were found abandoned in a garage at a residence in Omaha, Neb., according to information provided to the Knoxville Police Department by an Omaha television station KETV and the Omaha...
California man robbed of jewelry at Kingston Pike...
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
A male victim was robbed by several suspects at the Ramada Inn on Kingston Pike Sept. 22, according to a Knoxville Police Department report.
Public information officer Darrell DeBusk said that at approximately 10:20 a.m., officers responded to a fight and robbery call at the hotel.
The victim, 68-year-old Yehuda Hacson of California, was...
City council rejects appeal of homeless housing...
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
During its Sept. 21 meeting, the Knoxville City Council rejected an attempt by opponents of a homeless housing project to terminate the concept.
The Flenniken School housing project was to feature a multi-family unit for the homeless on the north side of Flenniken Avenue. The unit was being built through the Knox County Ten-Year Plan to End...
Police looking for suspect throwing rocks off I-40...
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Four motorists suffered damage to their vehicles as an unidentified male was alleged to have thrown rocks off the Thorngrove Pike overpass onto I-40 where they were traveling Sept. 20, according to a Knoxville Police Department report.
Public information officer Darrell DeBusk said that between approximately 8:55 p.m. and 9:10 p.m., three...
TCAP scores lower than normal due to higher...
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program test scores are expected to be lower for students than normal, as the State Department of Education officially released them Sept. 21 in Knox County schools.
A press conference was held at Karns Middle School by Knox County Schools Superintendent Jim McIntyre, along with Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett...
TDOT opens Henley Street Bridge Community Center
By NATALIE LESTER
N.Lester@theknoxvillejournal.com
As the bid review process for the restoration of the Henley Street Bridge project continues, the Tennessee Department of Transportation opened a Community Center for the project on Sept. 21.
The center will provide a central location for community members, business owners and motorists to obtain information about the project, learn more about the...
County completes Dutchtown renovation, introduces...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
Recycling can save cash, and new improvements at Knox County’s Dutchtown Road recycling and convenience center help make it easier to recycle and keep tax dollars out of the landfill.
The County generates revenue by selling recycled materials collected at the county’s eight convenience centers, which is money that is not collected...
Severance packages continue to heat debate among...
By NATALIE LESTER N.Lester@theknoxvillejournal.com
The three county employees who were awarded severance packages after resignation from their posts under Mayor Ragsdale, which were to be revoked weeks later by the Knox County Commission, will probably never see the money.
“This is a terrible situation in a terrible economy,” Law Director Joe Jarret said. “I wish I could be a hero and tell you...
Burchett establishes Knox County POW/MIA...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett presented a signed proclamation to a group of area veterans and the Knox County Veterans Service Office on Sept. 20.
Burchett honored missing and imprisoned veterans with a proclamation declaring Sept. 17-23, 2010, Knox County POW/MIA Recognition Week. Sept. 17 was National POW/MIA Recognition...
Knox Co. Schools begin flu vaccine
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
On Sept. 20, Knox County Schools and the Knox County Health Department began the sixth year of in-school flu vaccinations to protect children and the community from the disease.
Knox County’s in-school flu vaccination program, which began in 2004, is a national model for community flu prevention campaigns. Evidence supports...
Former St. Mary’s employee to succeed Burchett in...
By NATALIE LESTER N.Lester@theknoxvillejournal.com
Steve Hill was sworn in moments after the Knox County Commission selected him to fill the State Senate District 7 seat vacated by Tim Burchett.
On Sept. 20, the Knox County Commission elected Steve Hill to fill the State Senate District 7, after a brief debate between George Montgomery and him.
Hill was sworn into office, with his wife Terry by...
