December 2011
92 posts
2 tags
Teen Challenge Thrift Store Needs Shoppers
by Martha Rose Woodward
Sunspherebook@aol.com Challenge Thrift Store located at 2017 North Broadway has had a good year since they opened in mid-summer 2011. However, they need more shoppers and more donations.
Teen
Teen Challenge saw an increase in shoppers after our first review in the KJN and have requested that we write about them again to let shoppers know about the great deals you can...
3 tags
Upcycling - A New Trend
by Martha Rose Woodward
Sunspherebook@aol.com
What we used to refer to as “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” has a new name—upcycling.
Upcycling is defined as taking a found object and upgrading its use or rescuing it from being discarded while giving it a new use. Upcycling has been around as long as there have been people on this earth. It’s fun,...
2 tags
Talk of the Town December 30
by Martha Rose Woodward
Sunspherebook@aol.com
Wow! Where did the year go? I suppose it is only fitting that I take a look back at this year and determine the local news stories that I think affected our county the most. These are not in order of importance:
l. For the first time a black man became the mayor of the City of Knoxville when Daniel Brown was selected by his colleagues on the City...
Patricia Robledo named Business Liaison for City...
Patricia Robledo (courtesy of Robledo Translations LLC)
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
Mayor Madeline Rogero named Patricia Robledo as the city of Knoxville’s Business Liaison Dec. 29, heading up the new Office of Business Support. Robledo is a small-business owner and the executive director of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of East Tennessee.
“Patricia...
Tennessee tourist arrested for bringing gun to WTC...
From the Associated Press
A tourist from Tennessee reportedly thought she could check her loaded gun at New York City’s Sept. 11 memorial.
According to the New York Post, Meredith Graves, 39, was visiting the memorial at the World Trade Center site Dec. 22 and noticed a sign that said “No guns allowed.” The Post reports that Graves asked police where she could check her loaded...
State's teacher evaluation system to be reviewed
From Tennessee News Service reports
tnn@newsservice.org
Gov. Bill Haslam has commissioned an outside review of Tennessee’s new teacher evaluation system, following a recommendation by the House Education Committee.
The committee found that principals and teachers across the state are overwhelmed by the amount of time needed to prepare for a single observation. That is spawning...
Unidentified stabbing victim attacks UT medical...
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
A man who was arrested by Knoxville police officers for a stabbing incident Dec. 28 assaulted medical staff members who were treating him.
According to Sgt. J.D. Burrell of KPD’s East District G-Squad, at approximately 8:45 p.m., officers from KPD and the Knoxville Fire Department’s First Responders and EMS responded to the stabbing...
Woman shot at home on Pelham Road
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
Knoxville police say a woman was shot Dec. 28 at a mobile home on Pelham Road.
According to Sgt. David Sanders, the incident took place at approximately 3 p.m. He said the department received a call about a shooting and robbery at the home. When officers got to the scene, they found a female victim inside with a gunshot wound to...
Miners trapped, rescued from New Market zinc mine
Photo courtesy of WBIR
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Three miners that were trapped underground after a fire broke out Dec. 28 in a zinc mine near New Market have been rescued.
The miners, whose identities have not been released, suffered minor injuries when a drill rig caught fire at Young Mine on West U.S. Highway 11E.
The miners, members of a utility crew, were in...
Knoxville's annual 'First Night' Dec. 31
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
For the fifth straight year, Knoxvillians can ring in the new year with First Night Knoxville, an all-ages celebration of the arts that will held at a dozen venues in downtown Knoxville Dec. 31.
First Night will present entertainment by a wide variety of singers, musicians, artists and dancers who attempt to appeal to...
Curbside Recycling Campaign reaches goal of 20,000...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
The city of Knoxville has reached the goal of 20,000 sign-ups for its new household recycling program, according to a press release from the city.
The milestone comes just eight months after the campaign was launched and three months after the curbside collection service started.
“We are very pleased with the response of our...
City of Knoxville releases New Year’s holiday...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
City of Knoxville offices will be closed Jan. 2 for the New Year’s holiday.
Waste Connections, the city’s household garbage collector will run their normal schedule on Jan. 2.
The downtown trash collection will not run on Jan. 2, and the city’s recycling centers will be open on New Year’s Day.
The city’s Solid...
Two arrested in Blount County burglaries
Gregory Read Stewart
Joshua Dewayne Byrn (photos courtesy of Blount County Sheriff’s Dept.)
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
Two suspects are in custody after committing burglaries in Maryville, according to a release from the Blount County Sheriff’s Office.
Joshua Dewayne Byrn, 22, and Gregory Read Stewart, 25, both of Wildwood Road, are in...
Stabbing incident at Mingle Avenue residence leads...
Robbie Snider (courtesy of Knox County Sheriff’s Dept.)
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Knoxville police responded to a stabbing that took place at a residence at 1723 Mingle Ave. Dec. 28.
According to Lt. Robert Hembree of KPD’s West District Patrol Division, officers responded to an aggravated assault call at approximately 2:51 a.m.
The resident, identified...
Man arrested after assaulting police officer
Robert Lee Jackson (courtesy of Knox County Sheriff’s Dept.)
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
A man was arrested Dec. 27 after attacking a Knoxville police officer who attempted to take him into custody, according to a report.
At approximately 8:20 p.m., a call came in to dispatch concerning a disturbance at 4513 Sullivan Road involving an intoxicated male with...
Pilot Flying J store presents check to Salvation...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
Pilot Flying J presented a check for $35,000 to the Salvation Army at the Pilot Food Mart on Middlebrook Pike Dec. 23, surpassing last year’s donations to the charity as part of the annual Red Paper Kettle campaign.
According to a press release, each year Pilot Flying J teams up with the Salvation Army during the holiday season...
1 tag
The Ten Most Fascinating Knoxvillians of 2011
by Martha Rose Woodward
Sunspherebook@aol.com
For the second year in a row, I am naming the 10 Most Fascinating People of the Year for Talk of the Town. Here are the rules: l. Each person must be someone I have met in my role as reporter/writer for the Knoxville Journal Newspaper. 2. I cannot select family members, friends, or staff members. 3. The person must be alive. 4. I interpret the word...
3 tags
Lee A. Hord's New Book
by Martha Rose Woodward
Sunspherebook@aol.com
Lee A. Hord, Sr has written a new book about how to achieve a life of impact performance. He tells his readers to “Eat the elephant!”
According to Infinity Publishing, Hord is a performance improvement expert who delivers improved performance success in virtually every business segment. Every person and organization is confronted with seemingly...
2 tags
ABCs of Bullying part 3
by Martha Rose Woodward
Sunspherebook@aol.com
Anoka-Hennepin, a Minneapolis School District, has been named as one of the worst districts for bullying since a total of 6 students from there committed suicide after being victims of bullying.
Tammy Aaberg is one mother from Anoka-Hennepin who turned tragedy into a cause. She said her 15-year-old son, Justin, was bullied at school because he...
MEDIC asking for blood donations for holidays
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
Blood donations are very low during the holiday, and the MEDIC Regional Blood Centers are asking the public for help.
All MEDIC locations will be closed on Dec. 26 and they need to stock their blood supply in order to be ready for the holidays.
On Dec. 23, the main MEDIC location on Ailor Avenue will feature an appearance by...
City of Knoxville announces Christmas holiday...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
The city of Knoxville announced that its offices will be closed Dec. 26 for the Christmas holiday.
Waste Connections, the city’s household garbage collector will run their normal schedule on Dec. 26. The downtown trash collection will not run that day.
The city’s recycling centers will be open but the Goodwill...
Duncan School of Law files lawsuit against...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
The Lincoln Memorial University John J. Duncan, Jr. School of Law filed a federal lawsuit against the American Bar Association (ABA) over its denial of school accreditation Dec. 22.
The suit claims that the ABA denied the school due process and violated the Antitrust Act.
According to a report from the university, LMU...
Ripley's Aquarium to hold annual New Year's Eve...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies will ring in 2012 with its 11th annual “Dance with the Sharks” New Year’s Eve Party. Dec. 31.
Guests will have the opportunity to explore the underwater world of Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies while they party the night away and welcome a brand new year.
The party will feature...
Valuable sculptures missing in Sevier County
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
The Sevier County Sheriff’s Department is asking for assistance to find several sculptures worth up to $155,000 that are missing, according to a press release.
Officials arrived at Norton Creek Road Dec. 12 after a report of three sculptures being stolen. After an investigation, it was determined that the sculptures had...
Inskip principal helps launch new initiative for...
Elisa Luna (file photo by J.J. Kindred)
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Inskip Elementary School principal Elisa Luna joined Patricia Neal Medical Director Dr. Mary Dillon Dec. 21 to help launch a new initiative to help spinal cord victims like herself, as well as others striving to overcome debilitating conditions.
Luna held a therapy session for members of the media,...
Knox County schools receive $100,000 TVA grant
Photo by J.J. Kindred
Knox County school superintendent Jim McIntyre, center, holds a giant check while discussing the significance in the school system receiving a $100,000 grant from the Tennessee Valley Authority, to benefit TAP (Teacher Advancement Program). TAP is in place at 18 county schools.
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
The Knox County Schools, in collaboration...
Search warrant leads to arrest on cocaine...
Alejandro Esteves Licona (courtesy of Knox County Sheriff’s Dept.)
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
A suspect was arrested Dec. 20 for cocaine possession after a search warrant was conducted at an apartment complex in northwest Knoxville.
According to Sgt. Josh Shaffer of the Knoxville Police Department’s Repeat Offender Squad, the warrant was executed at the...
Northwest Middle students receive $27,000 in new...
Photo courtesy of Knox County Schools
These Northwest Middle School students are all smiles as Fidelity Investments presented the school with $27,000 worth of new musical instruments during a special music assembly at the school Dec. 20.
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
Students at Northwest Middle received a big holiday surprise Dec. 20 during a special...
Rogero names Hagerman city director of engineering
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
Mayor Madeline Rogero announced Dec. 20 the appointment of Jim Hagerman, a registered professional engineer with experience in sustainability projects, as the director of engineering for the city of Knoxville.
Hagerman was recently named “Engineer of the Year” for the Tennessee Valley Authority.
“I am thrilled to...
The Fritz gaining a huge following in the...
Photo submitted
The Fritz, a progressive funk band based in western North Carolina, will kick off a Southeastern New Year’s Eve tour at Barley’s Taproom & Pizzeria Dec. 29.
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Western North Carolina-based band The Fritz is known for its premium funk style of play.
They will display that style by kicking off a Southeastern New...
Illegal animals seized in backyard of residence
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
Along with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, the Knox County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant Dec. 19 at 139 Water Road in the Heiskell community.
At least 100 animals were discovered in bad living conditions, including a lynx in a cage in the back yard, a large monkey in a bird cage in the living room,...
Suspects arrested in home invasion
Isaac Lane
Daryn Kerr (photos courtesy of Knox County Sheriff’s Dept.)
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Knox County Sheriff’s officers arrested two out of three suspects Dec. 20 in a home invasion robbery that took place Dec. 19 at 9616 Norris Freeway.
Isaac Lane and Daryn Kerr, both 19 and from Knoxville, were arrested and charged with one count each of...
Former Campbell County teacher arrested on drug...
Stephen Pebley (courtesy of Campbell County Sheriff’s Dept.)
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
A former Campbell County teacher was arrested Dec. 19 and charged with using drugs on school property.
Stephen Pebley, 62, was arrested for the second time. He’d been a teacher at Campbell County High School for 35 years when he was caught cooking meth back in 2007. He...
Commissioners approve resolution for Lakeshore...
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Knox County commissioners passed a resolution Dec. 19 to ask the state Legislature and Gov. Bill Haslam to delay the closure of Lakeshore Mental Health Institute.
Commissioners also further discussed mental health issues and future plans in case Lakeshore closes.
They, along with mental health officials, say they may buy into the...
Christi Branscom named city's director of public...
Christi Branscom (courtesy of City of Knoxville)
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
Mayor Madeline Rogero announced Dec. 19 that Christi Branscom, who brings a strong background in developcent, construction and law, has been appointed director of public works for the City of Knoxville.
Branscom has been with Partners Development since 1991 and also is...
STEM Academy names section of school after Haslam...
(Photos by J.J. Kindred)
Gov. Bill Haslam, right, along with Knox County school superintendent Jim McIntyre, left, addresses a crowd of officials and students at L&N STEM Academy during an event Dec. 16 at the school, as a section of the school was named after Haslam’s family, the Haslam Commons. The Haslam family was instrumental in opening the school this year.
Rogero, new City Council members sworn in
Photo by J.J. Kindred
Madeline Rogero, right, with her husband, Gene Monaco, center, by her side, gets sworn as the 68th mayor of the city of Knoxville during a ceremony Dec. 17 at the Jacobs Building in Chilhowee Park. She is also the city’s first female mayor.
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
Madeline Rogero was sworn in as the 68th mayor of...
2 tags
Rogero Receives Standing Ovation at Christmas...
by Martha Rose Woodward
Sunspherebook@aol.com
On Thursday, December 16, the Democratic Women of Knox County met for their regularly scheduled monthly meeting with two things in mind: l. Celebrating Christmas with a festive dinner and 2. Celebrating the successes of their candidates in the last city election.
Each person invited to the event was asked to bring a dish and cans of non-perishable...
1 tag
Talk of the Town Dec. 16
by Martha Rose Woodward
Sunspherebook@aol.com
Obama’s Latest Opinion Polls
approve disapprove
Real Clear Politics Average: 43.2 51.4
Gallup 41 51
Rasmussen 45 54
CNN 44 54
Quinnipiac 44 50
Fox 42 48
According to writer Elise Viebeck for the newsletter The Hill: Voters want to cut lawmaker pay and make them work longer. More than two-thirds of likely...
1 tag
Writers’ Guild Welcomes Bill Landry
by Martha Rose Woodward
Sunspherebook@aol.com
The Knoxville Writers’ Guild cheerfully welcomed WBIR-TV star of the Heartland Series, Bill Landry, as their guest speaker for the December 1st meeting. Landry, who was invited by the Program Committee to discuss his new book “Appalachian Tales & Heartland Adventures,” arrived early to sign books and meet with members and guests. A crowd of over...
1 tag
ABCs of Bullying part 2
by Martha Rose Woodward
Sunspherebook@aol.com
Bulling is something that most everyone has experiences and it can range from teasing like “Fattie fattie two by four, can’t get through the kitchen door,” to name calling that involves profanity. Bullying is not only verbal but can also be physical, indirect, and there is a new category—cyber bullying. Each form of bullying can range from...
Woman killed by fallen tree on car
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
A Knoxville woman was killed after a tree fell on a car she was driving in south Knoxville Dec. 14, according to a Knoxville Police Department report.
Tiffany Nichole Raley, 30, was driving down the 300 block of Colonial Drive at approximately 1 p.m., when the tree fell on the car, killing her instantly.
The car was a Chevrolet...
Teen escapes early morning fire
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
A Northwest Knoxville teenager made it out of his home safely after a fire occurred there Dec. 15.
According to Knoxville Fire Department spokesperson D.J. Corcoran, crews responded to home at 1505 Virginia Ave. just after 4:30 a.m. The home was fully engulfed when they arrived.
A neighbor called 911 to report the flames, after...
Mental Health Commissioner addresses Lakeshore...
Photo by J.J. Kindred
State Mental Health Commissioner Doug Varney, left, addresses his proposal to close the Lakeshore Mental Health Facility during a Knoxville appearance Dec. 14, at the request of Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett. Pictured right is deputy commissioner Marie Williams.
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Tennessee Department of Mental Health Commissioner Doug...
Living Christmas Tree to be held at...
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
In its 23rd year, the Living Christmas Tree, presented by Sevier Heights Baptist Church in South Knoxville, continues to grow more and more popular each year.
Always one of Knoxville’s biggest events during the Christmas season, this year’s presentation will be held Dec. 17-19 at Thompson-Boling Arena, with performances at 3...
LC Family Fun & Karaoke to host New Year's Eve...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
The LC Family Fun & Karaoke will be hosting its New Year’s Eve Extravaganza Dec. 31.
Doors will open at 7 p.m. with dinner and live music beginning at 9 p.m.
The event will also feature karaoke, arcade games, pool tables, basketball hoops, air hockey, music, dancing, and those in attendance will have the opportunity...
Suspect sought in ORNL Credit Union robbery
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
The FBI’s Knoxville Division and the Knoxville Police Department (KPD) are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect who robbed the Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) Federal Credit Union Dec. 13.
According to a press release from FBI-Knoxville, at approximately 1:45 p.m., the suspect entered the ORNL...
Schools receive gift cards from Peyton Manning's...
Photo by J.J. Kindred
Representatives from Knox County elementary schools received gift cards from Peyton Manning’s “Peyback Foundation,” during a special event Dec. 14 at Beaumont Elementary School. The cards provide grocery and gas assistance to needy families during the holidays.
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Several Knox County elementary schools received gift cards...