October 2011
98 posts
McIntyre does not recommend closing schools,...
Jim McIntyre (courtesy of Knox County Schools)
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Knox County schools are in a major dilemma, as they face a $7 million shortfall for fiscal year 2013, causing them to look at closing five of its smallest schools, as well as outsourcing custodians.
But superintendent Jim McIntyre is recommending that they not close those schools and that the...
Suspect arrested in armed robbery incident, caught...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
The suspect in an armed robbery incident at the Ingles grocery store Oct. 28 at 214 Cedar Lane was taken into custody in Warren County, Ohio.
According to Lt. Bryan Malone of the Knoxville Police Department’s East Sector, the incident took place at approximately 3:50 p.m., as officers responded. A 70-year-old woman was...
4 tags
Maria Compere — 1.7 million bulbs planted
by Martha Rose Woodward
Sunspherebook@aol.com
The Knoxville Green Association held its bi-yearly plant sale on Saturday, October 22, and Sunday, October 23 at the Windsor Square Shopping Center. Founder, Marie Compere, and committee members were on hand to sell daffodil bulbs, azaleas and other greenery in order to raise money to support activities of the group.
Maria Compere says it is not...
Talk of the Town October 28
Talk of the Town October 28 by Martha Rose Woodward
Sunspherebook@aol.com
When Bill Haslam ran against Madeline Rogero in 200l, only 29,883 citizens voted; he won by 53% verses her 46% and we thought that was a year for low voter turn out. In 2007, when Haslam ran against Isa Infante, the total votes cast dropped to 6,560; she got about 995 and he got the rest. In this year’s Primary, only 16%...
Education Opportunity Center on UT campus
by Martha Rose Woodward
Sunspherebook@aol.com
For many people caught in the current unemployment crisis, returning to school for training in a new field or going to college in general may be what it takes for them to move off the unemployment lines. Good news came this week as $2.3 million in funding by the Department of Education was approved for the Educational Opportunity Center program...
Liberal Madeline Wants a Rain Tax
from Brian Hornback
Shock and Awe Blog (formerly Brian’s Blog)
Liberal Madeline Wants a Rain Tax
The City of Knoxville Stormwater Report contails information on the possibility of a “rain tax” A good summation was posted over on the website of the “Big Metal Shed on the Hill” (aka the Knoxville Sentinel) The Tennessee State Legislature recently passed Stormwater...
Woman charged with hit-and-run on toddler
Tina Moore (courtesy of Knox County Sheriff’s Dept.)
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
An 18-month-old boy was the victim of a hit-and-run incident Oct. 26 that caused him to be hospitalized.
According to Sgt. J.D. Burrell of the Knoxville Police Department, the incident took place at approximately 5:20 p.m. at 2527 Boyds Bridge Pike. The driver fled the scene in an...
'Party Mom' Leslie Janous sentenced to nine years...
Leslie Janous (courtesy of Knox County Sheriff’s Dept.)
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Knoxville “party mom” Leslie Janous was sentenced to nine years in prison after pleading guilty to swindling more than $4 million from her former employer.
Janous, 36, was sentenced Oct. 26 in front of Judge Leon Jordan in U.S. Federal Court. She was also ordered to pay...
Young-Williams Animal Center offers one-week...
Black kittens like Mischief are available for just a $75 adoption fee from Oct. 30-Nov. 5 at Young-Williams Animal Center. In celebration of Halloween, all orange and black cats and kittens as well as adult hound dogs are available for special adoption fees for one week only.
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
In celebration of Halloween, Young-Williams Animal...
City of Knoxville financial analyst arrested on...
John Harold (courtesy of Knox County Sheriff’s Dept.)
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
An employee in the city of Knoxville’s finance department was arrested Oct. 25 on felony theft charges, according to city of Knoxville officials.
John Harold, a senior financial analyst, was taken into custody, and booked on theft charges between $10,000 just under $60,000.
...
Twenty-one suspects indicted on various drug, gun...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
Twenty-one people were indicted on various drug and gun charges in U.S. District Court in Greeneville Oct. 26, as court officials unsealed an indictment for the suspects.
Charges involve distribution plans for more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana, more than five kilograms of cocaine, oxycodone and money laundering in East...
'Yo Gabba Gabba' creator hopes to make live show...
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
On the heels of receiving two Daytime Emmy nominations, a season four pick up from the Nickelodeon network and rising ticket sales for their upcoming live tour in Australia, “Yo Gabba Gabba!” is currently on a 50-city tour across North America.
Fans of all ages have the opportunity to see the characters come to life on stage for...
Energy Efficiency Loan Program helps businesses...
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Knoxville-based Quality Machine and Welding Company, a steel fabricator, is one of many companies feeling great about its operations these days.
The company is one of many Tennessee businesses to receive funds from Pathway Lending’s $50 million Energy Efficiency Loan Program, a collaborative effort launched in August of last year by the state...
Knox County Sheriff's Office offers Halloween tips
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
Trick or Treating is always a fun time for children and to make sure it is enjoyable and safe, the Knox County Sheriff’s Office has made some suggestions.
•Children should go out during daylight hours only, unless accompanied by a responsible adult.
•Small children should never be allowed to go out alone.
•If you let a child...
Grace Christian Academy math teacher wins...
Photo by J.J. Kindred
Julie Bass, a fifth-grade math teacher at Grace Christian Academy, shows her student Anna Arwood, right, a math problem using a MimioPad technology tool. Bass was one of 10 teachers from across the nation to receive a “Jump Start” grant for her classroom from DYMO/Mimio, a company based out of the Boston area that creates classroom technology.
By J.J....
Man stabbed in apparent domestic incident
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
Knoxville police responded to a stabbing incident that took place Oct. 25. According to Sgt. Shawn Neal of KPD’s West Sector A Squad, officers responded to the incident at approximately 11:15 p.m. The stabbing occurred on Western Avenue near Pleasant Ridge Road.
Upon arrival, officers found the victim, identified as Kevin...
Lisa Hurst wants to make Boys & Girls Club...
Photo by J.J. Kindred
John D. Lee, right, retiring president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley, is passing the torch on to Lisa Hurst, right, effective Dec. 31.
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
The following is part two of The Knoxville Journal’s interview with Lisa Hurst, who will take over as the new president and CEO of the Boys &...
Megabus service to expand to Atlanta, Chattanooga
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
Knoxville residents can begin traveling to Atlanta and Chattanooga on Megabus starting in November.
The city-to-city, express bus company on Tuesday named Atlanta as a hub. Daily service to and from 11 cities including Knoxville starts on Nov. 16.
Megabus will offer two daily departures to Atlanta and Chattanooga from its...
Mayoral candidates appalled at anonymous hate...
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
A controversial letter circulated to Knoxville voters slamming mayoral candidate Madeline Rogero and supporting her opponent, Mark Padgett.
The letter, titled “Wake Up Knoxville Republicans,” makes several derogatory comments about Rogero, calling her a “left-wing community organizer like her hero, Barack Hussein Obama,”...
Long-time Knox County finance department official...
Photo by J.J. Kindred
Ann Acuff, right, a long-time official in the Knox County Finance Department, is retiring after 45 years of service. She was acknowledged by Knox County Commission Chairman Mike Hammond, left, and County Mayor Tim Burchett, center, in a proclamation given by the county during the County Commission meeting Oct. 24.
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Ann...
County Commissioners approve three percent pay...
Photo by J.J. Kindred
Frances Fogerson, human resources director for Knox County, addresses the Knox County Commission on the issue of pay raises for county employees during their Oct. 24 meeting, as Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett, right, listens in.
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Knox County employees will now receive a boost in the paychecks, thanks to the Knox County...
Suspect sought in Walgreens robbery on North...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
Knoxville police are searching for a suspect in the robbery of the Walgreens pharmacy at 2400 N. Broadway St. Oct. 23.
According to KPD public information officer Darrell DeBusk, at approximately 10:34 p.m., officers responded to a robbery call at the Walgreens. The victims said the suspect approached the pharmacy counter...
Urban Outfitters Store makes tour stop in...
Photos by J.J. Kindred
The Urban Outfitters store made a stop in downtown Knoxville Oct. 22 on the last stop of its four-city tour. The tour was created as a way to bring the Urban Outfitters shopping experience to different cities without a store location. Various women’s and men’s clothes, handbags and other accessories were made available to customers.
Alisha Murphy of...
Historic House Luncheon and Benefit with Crissy...
Historic House Luncheon and Benefit with Crissy Haslam
info@knoxalliance
by Martha Rose Woodward
Sunspherebook@aol.com
On Monday, October 17, the Historic House Museums of Knoxville along with the Arts & Culture Alliance of Knoxville held a luncheon to celebrate the founding of the City of Knoxville 220 years ago. First Lady of Tennessee Crissy Haslam was the featured speaker....
2nd Annual Green Thumb Gala for Knoxville...
by Martha Rose Woodward
Sunspherebook@aol.com
The Second Annual Green Thumb Fund-raising Gala for the Knoxville Botanical Gardens was held on Friday, October 14 on the grounds of the gardens at 2743 Wimpole Street. The event was co-hosted by Jackie Wilson and Joan Ashe, along with a committee of active members and volunteers. Approximately 250 guests were in attendance.
The party got started...
Talk of the Town
by Martha Rose Woodward
Sunspherebook@aol.com
Talk of the Town for October 21
How do you spell bravery? I’d say a clear definition of bravery is the courage it took for the University of Tennessee’s football team and coach to run onto the field facing off against LSU last Saturday. Maybe we need to also ask, How do you spell torture?
Big week for myself and the staff at the Knoxville...
Powell Middle eighth-grader arrested for bringing...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
A Powell Middle School student was arrested Oct. 20 for bringing an unloaded pistol to school.
According to Melissa Copelan, public affairs director for Knox County Schools, school administrators said that according to students, the eighth-grade boy had a gun and he was showing it off to his friends before classes started in the...
Pleasant Ridge Elementary principal surprised with...
Photo by J.J. Kindred
Ashley Aldridge, right, principal of Pleasant Ridge Elementary School, is surprised by Heather Winters, left, of the Junior League of Knoxville and some of their officials as they presented a $25,000 grant to the school to help with literacy programs.
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Ashley Aldridge, principal of Pleasant Ridge Elementary School, had...
Woman battled cancer despite good health,...
Photo submitted
Ashley Roback, right, has battled breast cancer since late 2009. After a remission in December of last year, she is on the road to full recovery and works with several organizations to promote awareness. Pictured left to right is her husband Zafer, son Trey and daughter Olivia.
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
It was supposed to be one of the greatest times...
Move back to East Coast paid off to form Benyaro
Photo submitted
Benyaro will perform at Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria Oct. 23.
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
In 2004 Ben Musser moved from Austin, Texas to his native East Coast to New York City, looking to put together an act that would get people’s attention.
After serving as the drummer for The Broken West, Musser moved to New York only knowing his...
County Commission accepting Ethics Committee...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
The Knox County Commission are accepting resumes from anyone who wants to serve on the Knox County Ethics Committee.
Citizen appointment will be considered during the commission’s Nov. 21 meeting.
Those interested can mail, fax or e-mail or hand deliver their resume to the Office of the Knox County Commission, Suite 603,...
Annual Neighborhood Bike Ride takes place Oct. 22
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
The 11th annual Neighborhood Bike Ride will “Head for the Hills” Oct. 22 — or at least North Hills — as the family-friendly ride travels through several North Knoxville and Downtown North neighborhoods on this year’s journey.
According to a press release from the city of Knoxville, the ride leaves at 10:30 a.m. from North...
Search for pharmacy robber winds up marijuana bust
Eliazar Hernandez Ortiz (courtesy of Knox County Sheriff’s Dept.)
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
As Knoxville police were searching for a man who robbed the Walgreens on Clinton Highway Oct. 18, they had an unexpected arrest along the way.
According to KPD public information officer Darrell DeBusk, the robbery incident took place at approximately 9...
Suspects arrested in residential burglary on...
Robert Irvin Winchester
Nancy Cheek (photos courtesy of Knox County Sheriff’s Dept.)
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
Two suspects were arrested Oct. 18 after committing a burglary at a residence on Washington Avenue.
According to KPD public information officer Darrell DeBusk, officers were dispatched at approximately 10:01 p.m., where...
School board discusses budget cuts, possible...
Photo by J.J. Kindred
A huge crowd of teachers, parents and other school employees were on hand at the Knox County School Board’s mid-month work session Oct. 18 to listen to the discussions about the possible closing of schools and outsourcing school custodians due to necessary budget cuts.
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
As the Knox County school system faces a $7...
Apartment complex shooting suspect arrested,...
Devin Ackron Jamison
Jaron Harris (photos courtesy of Knox County Sheriff’s Dept.)
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
The suspect wanted in a robbery attempt at the Grand Forest Apartments complex on Forest Avenue Oct. 13 was apprehended by Knox County sheriff’s officers without incident at a Parkview Avenue residence Oct. 18.
According to Knoxville Police...
Commission approves contract for water,...
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
As an education consent item, Knox County commissioners approved a $750,000 contract with the Coca-Cola company for water, flavored water and low-calorie isotonic beverages for the school nutrition program.
During the commission’s Oct. 17 work session, school superintendent Jim McIntyre said the justification for the contract was that...
Knox County Schools to begin 'Tip411' program
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
Knox County schools will begin rolling out its Tip411 program throughout its 29 middle and high schools. The initiative is a partnership between the Knox County Schools and the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.
Students who feel unsafe or have a need to anonymously report potential violence, drugs, bullying, or other sensitive...
Man arrested for burglary of Future Learning...
Patrick Barnes (courtesy of Knox County Sheriff’s Dept.)
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
A man was arrested Oct. 18 for committing a burglary at the Future Learning Center at 1310 Hollywood Road.
According to Knoxville Police Department public information officer Darrell DeBusk, officers responded to an alarm call at the center at approximately 2:16 a.m.
Sgt. Chris...
County Commissioners mainly supportive of county...
Photo by J.J. Kindred
John Troyer, Knox County finance director, discusses the financial ramifications of a proposed pay increase for county employees during the Knox County Commission’s work session Oct. 17.
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Knox County Commissioners were supportive of a proposed three percent pay raise for county employees during their work session...
Lisa Hurst faces new challenges as new Boys &...
Photo by J.J. Kindred
Lisa Hurst has been named as the new president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley.
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Lisa Hurst has literally worked her way up to the top of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley.
Active with the organization herself as a client since she was a little girl, Hurst has served in...
Warrants issued for arrest of shooting suspect
Devin Ackron Jamison (courtesy of Knox County Sheriff’s Department)
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Warrants have been issued for the arrest of a man wanted for the murder and attempted murder of residents in a robbery attempt at the Grand Forest Apartment complex Oct. 13.
According to Knoxville Police Department public information officer Darrell DeBusk, Devin...
Crissy Haslam visits local school to promote book...
Photo by J.J. Kindred
Tennessee First Lady Crissy Haslam, left, gets ready to receive a copy of the book “Be True to You: Celebrating the Things that Make Us Unique,” produced as a project of the K-Town Youth Empowerment Network Council and the third-grade classes at Sarah Moore Greene Elementary School, from Chrystal Armstrong, right, coordinator for the youth council.
By J.J....
Suspects arrested for robbery at Turkey Creek...
Gary Hampton
Travis Cozart (photos courtesy of Knox County Sheriff’s Dept.)
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Two suspects were arrested after allegedly robbing a female at the Wal-Mart at 10900 Parkside Drive in the Turkey Creek area Oct. 16.
According to the Knoxville Police Department public information officer Darrell DeBusk, the incident happened at...
3 tags
First Lady speaks at Knoxville's 220th Year...
by Martha Rose Woodward
First Lady Crissy Haslam was the featured speaker for the 220th year birthday celebration for the city of Knoxville held at the Foundry on Monday, October 17 at noon. Haslam was there to highight the fund-raiser for the historic homes of Knoxville including Blount Mansion, Crescent Bend, James White’s Fort, Mabry-Hasen House, Marble Springs and Ramsey House.
Robin...
