Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett, right, and his wife Allison, center, were among the honorees at Child & Family Tennessee’s 2011 Founding Families Awards Luncheon May 12. WATE-6 news anchor Gene Patterson, left, served as the luncheon’s emcee. (Photo by J.J. Kindred) 

By J.J. KINDRED

J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett, University of Tennessee Athletic Director Mike Hamilton and the St. John’s Cathedral were among the honorees during Child & Family Tennessee’s 2011 Founding Families Awards Luncheon May 12 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

The event recognizes people in the community who have contributed to Child & Family Tennessee’s success, and made a difference in the lives of children through foster care or adoption, community leadership or inspiration. 

County and city officials, some who serve on Child & Family Tennessee’s Board of Directors or have made significant contributions, were in attendance. WATE-6 news anchor Gene Patterson served as the master of ceremonies. 

Burchett and his wife, Allison, adopted a five-year-old foster son, and said they were honored to be recognized for their efforts.

“I think it’s wonderful that we were able to come out with the folks who work with Child & Family. They’re the ones who really deserve recognition,” Allison Burchett said. “It always is a challenge. If we can manage to find the time to balance a mayoral run and election and soccer games, anyone can. 

“Tim and I don’t have any children of our own of course, and the child needed placement, so it wasn’t even a question as far as we’re concerned,” she added. 

Hamilton and his wife, Beth, adopted three children from Ethopia, in addition to their own two children. 

“We’ve been blessed to have five wonderful children and given a platform to talk about adoption,” Hamilton said. “To be recognized for some of that is really humbling. Our adoption was about family and creating our own family, without ever being recognized for it.

“(The adoption process) was difficult in the sense that it was time consuming, but I think no one would question the outcome is very much worth what you go through to get there,” Hamilton continued. “It gives you time to think about philosophy; it gives you time to think about your own history and why you’re going through the process and why you’re choosing to adopt.”

Hamilton added that it took a lot of divine intervention to balance raising a family and performing his duties as athletic director. 

“It involves a great God who has blessed us and allowed us to do that and having a great wife walking alongside of me,” Hamilton said. “We do it in partnership together and there are days we are certainly dysfunctional, but we try to give our children the best life we can, just like other parents.”

The Rev. Thom Rasnick, sub-dean of St. John’s Cathedral, accepted the award on his congregation’s behalf and said he felt truly honored. The Rev. John C. Ross could not attend. 

The church operates an orphanage, where its children are active church members, and is active in many community outreach projects. 

“We are truly blessed to be here today,” Rasnick said. “This award is an example of how being there for a child can change your life and the lives of those around you.”

Russ Jensen, director of the city of Knoxville’s 311 Center and a member of the Child & Family Tennessee’s Board of Directors, praised the efforts of the recipients.

“You got somebody who is the county mayor or in the state legislature or what have you, and you have someone like Allison, and they manage to find the time to be foster parents,” Jensen said. “Imagine what other folks could do. It’s a classic example of nobody’s too busy and nobody’s too big. As long as you’ve got love in your heart and you got room in your house, you can be a foster parent. It’s the same thing with Mike Hamilton. 

“I’ve known Mayor Burchett since I moved to Knoxville in ‘99 and he’s been supportive in everything I’ve done,” Jensen continued. “These people have never been too busy to take time and do the right thing.”

Former ‘American Idol’ runner-up and Southern rock artist Bo Bice will perform two shows at the Grand Resort Hotel in Pigeon Forge May 13-14. (Photo submitted) 

By J.J. KINDRED

J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com 

Bo Bice woke up with a big problem to deal with — cicadas.

“They’re all over my truck and they’re all over the side of my studio,” Bice said. “There must be at least 250 to 300 of them. I’m thinking about a new movie, ‘The Bugs,’ like ‘The Birds.’ These things come every 13 years, and I’m not a bug guy.”

Despite his run-in, Bice’s fans haven’t liked him because of his fear of insects. 

Bice, 35, is well-known for finishing runner-up to Carrie Underwood on “American Idol,” that launched her into superstardom in country music.

Years after his stint on the ever-popular FOX network phenomenon, he hasn’t done too shabby himself. He released his third album, properly titled “3,” this time last year, and his 2005 debut album, “The Real Thing,” opened at No. 4 on the U.S. charts and later went gold. It was one of the highest-rated debut albums ever for an “American Idol” finalist. 

Bice’s second album, “See the Light,” released in 2007, did not enjoy the success of his debut, but still had a solid footing. 

A Huntsville, Ala., native, he was born Harold Elwin Bice. He had the nickname of “Bogart” as a newborn by his grandmother because she thought he had what was described as “Humphrey Bogart” eyes. While his family continued to call him “Bogart,” Bice shortened it to “Bo.” 

Since his Idol days, not only has Bice performed all over the country and world, he has battled various personal and health issues which he overcame, and is now a father to three boys. 

“I’m just blessed to be busy, brother,” Bice said during a telephone interview May 12. “I ain’t complaining about nothing. I got to see the best of both worlds. I got to see Carrie’s dreams come true, and we were friends before we got on the finale. She’s a spectacular person. Truly, there hasn’t been a day that’s gone by that I said, ‘I should have won that show.’ 

“Someone asked me what I was thinking when I was standing there during the finale, and I thought, ‘Please don’t let me win this thing,’” Bice continued. “Some people it kind of hacked off, they thought why did I vote for this guy if he didn’t want to win? But for me, the purpose of the show was finding untouched talent. I played in bands for 15 years before I went on the show. If I was going to win that sucker, I would have to do what everyone else wanted. That’s the business. I wouldn’t be who I am if they didn’t vote for me. If I had to do it all over again, I would hope and pray for the same outcome. I have everything in the perfect spot that I want it in my life.” 

Bice described his music as true Southern rock. “You take a little bit of country, you take a little bit of blues, R&B, and some rock — if you had Otis Redding, Hank Williams Sr. and Stevie Ray Vaughan, that’s Southern rock. That’s what it means to me and always has. 

“I don’t want every record to be the same,” Bice continued. “There’s always all kinds of change to where the next one will be something different.”

Bice said he hasn’t been intimidated performing in front of bigger audiences.

“I did my first talent show at age nine, I was never too shy,” Bice said. “You sit there with a guitar and tell your stories through your songs. To be on a stage like ‘Idol’ and after going to stadiums and arenas, we still get the chance to do some big stadiums and arenas a couple of times a year.

“I play at a lot of theaters, and a lot of the theater gigs I love,” Bice continued. “I still long for places where it’s just me and the guitar. I went from playing ‘Freebird’ at an empty bar to a standing-room only stadium that is so packed that you can hardly hear yourself sing.” 

So how hard is it to balance a successful music career and be a father of three?

“A prescription of valium!” Bice said with a laugh. “(Kids) change your life. That’s what the true meaning of life is about for me. I’ve tried to live a little bit different, and don’t sweat the small stuff. I try to be my best for every single person on the face of this earth. I was trying everything I could and I got to a point where I was running myself ragged. I said, ‘Lord, I can’t do this anymore.’ It’s all about prioritizing.

“I believe that God has to come first, my family and then my business,” Bice continued. “As long as I keep it in that order, then I will be able to stay out here doing what I love to do at whatever capacity the Lord has me to do it.”

Bice was recently in Los Angeles on tour and travels there frequently. He said he keeps up with his fellow “Idol” contestants and will be going back for the show’s finale in two weeks. 

“I keep up with several of my friends,” Bice said. “Constantine Maroulis and I are extremely close. Everyone had us against each other because we were the two rock-and roll guys. I am friends with people on other seasons like Bucky Covington, and Mandisa and I were both in the airport sitting beside each other. 

“I keep up with all those folks as much as I can, and I’m proud to be part of the alumni,” Bice continued. “I’m still friends with so many of those who were grips, stagehands, producers — I had every dream answered for me.”

Bice said that people will not be disappointed when they come to see his shows. 

“I love being around the south. I always see a great reaction,” Bice said. “I’ve lived all over the state of Alabama, and there’s a soft spot there. Two ‘Idol’ winners came from there — Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks — and I was the runner-up. I guess I’m the loser of the bunch. 

“We love to get to come back to Tennessee,” Bice continued. “We just have a lot of fun, and have a lot of energy. It’s going to be acoustic, so it will be my buddy Bart Walker and I. We just have a lot of fun, we cut up and play some good music. Most of all, we are there for our fans and we’re there to have a good time.”

Bo Bice will perform at the Grand Resort Hotel in Pigeon Forge May 13-14 at 8 p.m. For tickets and further information, call (800) 251-4444.

Larry Sanders Ottinger (courtesy of Knox County Sheriff’s Dept.) 

By J.J. KINDRED

J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com

A physical education teacher at Halls Middle School was arrested May 11 for allegedly beating his girlfriend last weekend. 

Larry Sanders Ottinger, 46, was charged with aggravated assault and false imprisonment. He was being held in the Knox County Detention Facility on $7,000 bond.

Ottinger, who has taught at the school for nine years, was placed on administrative leave with pay, pending the results of the investigation by the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, according to Melissa Copelan, public relations coordinator for Knox County Schools. 

Ottinger is accused of beating 42-year-old Angie Loy, who lived in North Knoxville.

According to a police report, the incident took place at approximately 10:20 p.m. May 7. Ottinger became angry during a conversation they had while traveling together and allegedly hit Loy in the face and head several times and pulled her hair.  

Ottinger is scheduled to be in court on May 18. 

From Knoxville Journal staff reports

News@theknoxvillejournal.com

Homeowners and business owners that suffered uninsured damage totaling more than half the value of their property during the storms on April 25-27, are encouraged to contact the City of Knoxville’s 311 with an estimate of the uninsured damage, according to a press release. 

The Knoxville-Knox County Emergency Management Agency is collecting information – for that level of damage – that it will forward to the Federal Emergency Management Agency to determine if the city is eligible for certain types of federal disaster assistance.

The agency will be gathering the information, using 311, through May 13. Any calls to the City of Knoxville’s 311 are not considered to be official reports nor formal claims. The city is accepting information and will forward it to the emergency management agency.

Joseph George Faddoul (courtesy of Knox County Sheriff’s Dept.) 

From Knoxville Journal staff reports

News@theknoxvillejournal.com 

A suspect has been identified in the incident where a Knoxville man was the victim of a hit-and-run incident at the Wal-Mart on 6777 Clinton Highway May 9, following a shoplifting incident that took place inside the store.

Knoxville Police Department Hit and Run Investigator Sandy Reynolds and Officer Sharon Terrell identified the suspect as 25-year-old Joseph George Faddoul, and on May 10 located his abandoned Lexus SUV in the parking lot of an Oak Ridge Highway business. 

The vehicle was impounded for processing. 

According to Lt. Tony Willis of the Knoxville Police Department’s E Squad West, at approximately 5:33 p.m. on May 9, officers received a report that Faddoul had shoplifted printer ink cartridges from the store, and then struck 58-year-old Norman Morgan in the parking lot with his vehicle as he escaped.

Morgan received what appeared to be a significant fracture to his ankle and a deep laceration to his elbow. He was transported to St. Mary’s Hospital for his injuries that appeared to be non-life threatening.

A warrant has been issued for Faddoul’s arrest. He will be charged with aggravated assault, theft and leaving the scene of an accident once he is apprehended. 

Those with information on Faddoul’s whereabouts are asked to contact the KPD’s Crime Information Line at (865) 215-7212. 

By J.J. KINDRED

J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com

Just days after two suspects were arrested for robbing the Krystal on 3910 Western Ave. that resulted in a standoff, a woman was shot at the same location May 11.

According to Lt. Keith DeBow of the Knoxville Police Department’s West District C Squad, at approximately 4:47 a.m., officers responded to a report of the shooting. 

They found the victim, identified as 55-year-old Debbie Buchanan, sitting in a 2011 Chevrolet HHR with a gunshot wound to the leg. She was transported to the University of Tennessee Medical Center for treatment of her wound which appeared to be non-life threatening. 

Darrell DeBusk, KPD public information officer, said Buchanan indicated that after smoking crack, she took a friend to a residence somewhere near Texas Avenue.  Sometime after that, she was sitting in her car talking to a female who was standing on the street when two males approached her, with one of them shooting her.

Buchanan then drove to Krystal to seek assistance, DeBusk said, adding that she was being evasive and less than forthcoming with answers to investigator’s questions.

No other information concerning the suspect description or a motive was available. 

The investigation is continuing. 

By J.J. KINDRED

J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com

According to statistics by the American Lung Association, Knoxville is the 14th worst city in the nation for ozone pollution, which can cause lung complications and an increased chance of upper respiratory diseases.

Thanks to a project launched by the East Tennessee Clean Fuels Coalition, they want to make sure none of that pollution affects school children in Knox County.

With the help of Knox County’s Safe Routes to School program, the coalition is working on a pilot program called the Idle-Free School Zone, where signs are placed at participating schools to make parents aware that idling their vehicles while waiting to pick up their children can cause harm to them, as well as the environment.

Because of their past involvement with the Safe Routes to School program, 11 elementary schools were pegged as a target audience, including Bearden, Beaumont, Cedar Bluff, Christenberry, East Knox, Fountain City, Lonsdale, Norwood, Sequoyah, South Knoxville and West Hills.

The Idle-Free Zone signs cost approximately $50. With three signs at each targeted school, the total cost would be $1,650. East Tennessee Children’s Hospital agreed to fund the signs.

Emily DeVillers, project facilitator, told The Knoxville Journal that she and other coalition officials met with Knox County School Board chairwoman Indya Kincannon last July.

“She said there was a problem around schools having all the parents in the drop off and pick up lines with their cars idling, waiting to pick up their children,” DeVillers said. “Some of them were waiting for an hour or more. She wanted us to do something about it.

“We met with city, county and school board officials to get approval to put up a street sign at elementary schools,” DeVillers continued. “We wanted to put some awareness out there to parents that (idling) is actually hurting their children. They’re out there playing at recess and inhaling these fumes, and this is not good for the environment and the health of their children.”

DeVillers said she got the approval of the sign design from Knox County Schools chief of staff Russ Oaks, and notified principals and school PTAs that they can participate in this program.

“Part of this program is also an education component, where a member of our staff will go into a classroom or a large assembly and teach kids about air pollution and where oil comes from, alternative fuels, and such,” DeVillers said. “We are contacting the principals, and there are some that don’t want to participate, which is fine because it means we can open it up to other schools in the county. Right now, we’re trying to get the schools to put up already existing posts, fences and buildings, so we can buy a lot more signs to get more schools to participate.”

DeVillers said that one of their partners, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, was also doing some studies and research to see if idling is actually causing less pollution to be in the air.

“We really just want to put less emissions into the air and save parents money during these hard economic times, and use less oil that we really don’t have in our country,” DeVillers said. “A parent was the person who gave us the idea ,and they want to do the best for their children. We hope they’ll be keen on the idea.”

DeVillers said a lot of the project’s material was received from Utah with their Idle-Free Utah program.

“There are 100 similar organizations just like us across the country,” DeVillers said. Utah’s Clean Cities program actually started an Idle-Free Utah program. There were 400 schools involved and the government and attorney general were also involved, so it’s just really worked well there. We took their materials and switched over to Tennessee and branched out.”

This summer and in the fall, the coalition hopes to branch out to other counties and make it a state-wide program with Idle-Free Tennessee, having hundreds of schools involved.

“We don’t have funding for all the schools. We’re not at the point where we have to convince everyone,” DeVillers said. “This is a more voluntary program to see how successful and receptive it is, and how many complaints we get from parents.

So far, Bearden, Fountain City, Sequoyah, Norwood, and West Hills Elementary have been confirmed to start putting up the idle-free signs.

“Eventually, if this program goes really far and we get more funding for the signs, we’ll hopefully do more elementary and middle schools.” DeVillers said. “We probably won’t do high school because not a lot of parents are picking up high school students. We did get approval for the program from TDOT, but other than that, we got approval from county officials. We just needed a lot of people on board ready to support it. “

For more information, go online to www.etcleanfuels.org.

Christopher Harold Roberts (courtesy of Knox County Sheriff’s Dept.) 

By J.J. KINDRED

J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com 

A Powell man sleeping in his vehicle in a motel parking lot led to the discovery of a methamphetamine lab and an arrest May 10.

According to Knoxville Police Department public information officer Darrell DeBusk, at approximately 3:06 a.m., Officer Curtis Arms was conducting property checks at businesses on his beat when he observed a parked Ford Taurus at the Motel 6 parking lot on Merchants Center Boulevard with the driver’s door open, and the driver apparently asleep.  

Arms approached the sleeping male, identified as 43-year-old Christopher Harold Roberts, to check on him. Several items were found in the vehicle that is consistent with the manufacturing of meth, with a small amount of actual meth also located inside the vehicle.  

It was also discovered that Roberts had rented a room at the motel, and upon entry, the room items used in the manufacture of meth were found. It appears meth had been manufactured inside the room.  A hazardous waste cleanup crew was called to the motel to remove the dangerous materials.

Roberts was charged with promotion of meth manufacturing, possession of Schedule II for resale, possession of drug paraphernalia, and being a habitual motor offender. He is being held in the Knox County Detention Facility on $41,000 bond. 

From Knoxville Journal staff reports

News@theknoxvillejournal.com

A Knoxville man was shot during an incident at the Magnolia Mart on 2400 E. Magnolia Ave. May 9, according to a Knoxville Police Department report.

Sgt. Josh Shaffer reported that at approximately 10:18 p.m., officers responded to a report of a shooting.

Upon arrival, officers found 24-year-old Aaron Walker, the victim of the shooting, in the parking lot. Walker was conscious and was transported by EMS to the University of Tennessee Medical Center, with what appeared to be non-life threatening injuries. 

Officers began canvassing the area and searching for evidence. Multiple shell casings were found in the parking lot from at least two different types of firearms. A handgun was recovered near the scene. 

Shaffer said the motive for the shooting was not clear, but witnesses indicated that Walker and the suspect were in a confrontation prior to the shooting.  The suspect fled the scene in a green colored Nissan, possibly an Altima. The investigation is continuing.

Those with information are asked to call the KPD Crime Information Line at (865) 215-7212. 

From Knoxville Journal staff reports

News@theknoxvillejournal.com 

A Knoxville man was the victim of a hit-and-run incident at the Wal-Mart on 6777 Clinton Highway May 9, following a shoplifting incident that took place inside the store.

According to Lt. Tony Willis of the Knoxville Police Department’s E Squad West, at approximately 5:33 p.m, officers received a report that an individual had shoplifted printer ink cartridges from the store, and then struck 58-year-old Norman Morgan in the parking lot with his vehicle as he escaped.

The suspect’s vehicle was described as a gold Lexus sport utility vehicle with Tennessee tags, which was reported to have been headed southbound on Clinton Highway.

Morgan received what appeared to be a significant fracture to his ankle and a deep laceration to his elbow. He was transported to St. Mary’s Hospital for his injuries that appeared to be non-life threatening.

The suspect was described as a white male wearing a white T-shirt, brown or black shorts and black shoes. The investigation is continuing, as witness statements are being reviewed, and evidence recovered from the scene is being analyzed, Willis said.  

Star Sanders, a junior at South-Doyle High School, was appointed by the Knox County School Board to serve as its student representative during the next school year. (Photo by J.J. Kindred) 

By J.J. KINDRED

J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com 

Out of a dozen applicants for next year’s student representative on the Knox County School Board, Star Sanders stood out above the rest.

On the verge of completing her junior year at South-Doyle High School, Sanders was officially acknowledged by the board during its May 4 meeting as the next in line to serve in the position.

She will replace the current student representative, Hester Lam, a student at Hardin Valley Academy, when the school year officially ends. 

“We had a lot of really strong candidates, and it was a really hard choice,” said Indya Kincannon, school board chairwoman. “Star had a really strong record of things we look for in terms of leadership and communication skills and involvement in the school and community. All the applications were strong — she just rated a little bit above her peers, and that’s how we have to pick just one. If we could have more, it would be nice. We look forward to working with her.”

As she looks forward to her senior year, Sanders, 17, being the student representative will be another activity she will add to her already busy schedule.

She is a cheerleader, a member of the school’s DECA and Key Clubs, National Honor Society, and also on the tennis team.

After her graduation as part of the class of 2012, Sanders is looking forward to attending Samford University in Birmingham, Ala., and major in business. 

Sanders has two sisters, one of whom just finished her sophomore year at the University of Tennessee. 

She hopes to set up her own Facebook page for students to voice their concerns, so she can take them back to the board, pending their approval of the concept. 

With her mother Nancy by her side, Sanders took time after her school day May 9 to talk with The Knoxville Journal about her new found position. 

The Knoxville Journal: Why did you decide to pursue the student rep seat?

Star Sanders: I thought it would be a great experience, and I was honored to be accepted. I thought it would be a great opportunity to be the voice for the students and learn the inner workings of the school system.

TKJ: How were you chosen?

SS: Anne Jackson, our college and career guidance counselor gave me the application and then Dr. (Clifford) Davis (South-Doyle High principal) encouraged her to fill it out. I applied and got accepted.

TKJ: Have you kept up with Knox County School issues, as well as those in your own school?

SS: I’ve always been interested in the school system. Our school has undergone a lot of change recently, and I’ve followed Knox County School issues, but not in-depth.

TKJ: What kind of influence or input would you like to have in this position?

SS: I would like to be a voice for the students, because after all, it’s all about the students anyway, and so I would give (the board) input into what the students want.

TKJ: What is one issue that you are really passionate about? Be specific.

SS: There’s a lot. That’s hard. Our school has students smoking in the bathroom, and that’s a big thing. It’s hard to go to the bathroom in smoke. There’s that, and kids’ education. Kids don’t have the ambition — sometimes we have to give them some incentive, and get them to try harder. We are our nation’s next generation, and if they don’t care about their education, then we’re all in trouble.

TKJ: How supportive have your family, friends, and teachers been?

SS: My mom and dad have been very supportive, and they have been excited about this for me. I’m excited too. My parents have always encouraged me to try my hardest and do the best I can. My teachers have helped me a lot with the application and my friends are all supportive.

Nancy Sanders: I understand she was chosen from the 15 schools in Knox County. I don’t know how many applicants there were from each school, but it was a pretty big pool. To be selected is an honor for her and it’s an honor for our school. Sometimes South-Doyle has gotten a bad rap, but we have a new administration here, and they are really trying to do a lot of things to make our school a better place. Her being elected is a real boost to our school.

TKJ: Would you like to pursue a career in politics once you’re out in the real world?

SS: It’s always a possibility. I change my mind almost every day. (laughs) After this experience, maybe I will want to. It will give me a nice feel , if I like it or not.

TKJ: Have you had a chance to talk to Ms. Kincannon, (Superintendent) Dr. (Jim) McIntyre and the rest of the board?

SS: I went to the meeting and I met them briefly, but not too in-depth. They were going to contact me after the school year and have a meeting and get to know me.

TKJ: Have you talked to Hester? Did she give you any early advice?

SS: I talked to her a lot on Facebook. She’s really nice and I like her a lot. She’s given me a feel for what it will be like. She’s got a folder full of stuff that’s she’s going to give me, and she’s been a lot of help. She told me at the meeting we’re not allowed to vote. She wanted to get together and go over lots of stuff, and that it will be a good experience and important to voice students opinions accurately. 

TKJ: I know it’s kind of early to ask this, but what kind of mark would you like to leave for the next student rep once your time is done?

SS: I hope to make a difference and be active and help accomplish things, and leave big shoes to fill.

TKJ: What do you think you will learn from the experience?

SS: I think I have so much to learn, and the way schools work. There is so much stuff going on and people don’t realize it. I do hope to influence decisions, even though I don’t vote.

by Martha Rose Woodward

Sunspherebook@aol.com

The nine members of the Tennessee State Legislative Judiciary Committee voted at 4:30 p.m. May 10 to change the way homeowners are notified concerning foreclosures of mortgages. Senate House Bill No. 1299 changes the amount of notices required from three to two and also changes the way in which properties will be decribed in newspapers.

In a close vote of five for and four against, the bill made its way out of committee and will progress to the full legislative body soon.

More on this developing story coming soon.

Fourth-grade students in Knox County Schools enjoyed a Tennessee Smokies game as part of the annual Safe Kids & Health Awareness Day May 10. (Photo by J.J. Kindred) 

By J.J. KINDRED

J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com

Fourth-grade students in Knox County Schools, along with their parents and some teachers, got to witness life lessons and enjoy a day off from school with a baseball game, as they attended the 19th annual Tennessee Smokies Safe Kids & Health Awareness Day at Smokies Park May 10.

Students learned about personal safety and healthy lifestyle choices, as well as Knoxville police officers giving safety demonstrations with their K-9 units, and the Smokies’ emcee playing numerous games with the students.

Smokies players signed autographs and took pictures with students before their game against the Huntsville Stars.

The game was free to all Knox County fourth-graders and teachers, and the Smokies organization, along with its corporate sponsors, treated the students, parents and teachers to lunch.

“This day is all about making healthy choices, whether its staying away from drugs or eating healthy or being physical fit, it’s just trying to import a message to fourth-graders that they need to be making good choices in their lives,” said Scott Bacon, supervisor of business partnerships for Knox County Schools.

“It’s simply about staying off drugs and morphing that into their entire lifestyle,” Bacon continued. “In other words, put down that X-Box controls and get out and be active. It’s about making smarter choices in eating, and getting enough rest. That will make a difference in daily life and your attitude.”

Aneisa McDonald, a specialist for the organization Coordinated School Health, said the event was “a great day to build safety and health issues awareness in Knox County Schools. We also have teachers and parents helping with their kids today.

“I work with Coordinated School Health in all the counties,” McDonald continued. “We work to improve student health in a capacity to learn to work with schools, families and the communities, and this is a great example of partnerships to help a program such as this. (The kids) love the opportunity to come out and experience baseball and what it’s like to be in Tennessee Smokies stadium. For some of them, it’s the first time they seen a professional game.”

Marian Curtner (courtesy of Facebook) 

By J.J. KINDRED

J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com

An accident on I-40 May 7 claimed the life of a 21-year-old Knoxville woman, according to a Knoxville Police Department report.

Not long after 8 p.m., Marian Curtner was killed when her 1997 Mazda Miata convertible traveling eastbound on I-40 East near Cedar Bluff struck the median wall and overturned. 

Curtner was pronounced dead at the scene. She was a graduate of Farragut High School, and was studying nursing at Tennessee Wesleyan College, according to her Facebook page.

It is unknown if alcohol or drugs were involved, and an investigation is ongoing, according to Lt. Keith DeBow of KPD’s West C Squad.

A fire at the J.D. Byrider Car Dealership in West Knoxville May 7 caused one firefighter to be injured. The cause of the fire was not determined. (Photo courtesy of Knoxville Fire Department) 

From Knoxville Journal staff reports

News@theknoxvillejournal.com

A fire was reported at the J.D. Byrider car dealership at 8413 Kingston Pike May 7, according to the Knoxville Fire Department.

Spokesman D.J. Corcoran reported that at approximately 1:30 p.m., fire crews were called to the dealership because of a report of a fire. Upon arrival, firefighters found fire in the dealership’s service center area. 

The fire was contained to the rear area of the building, specifically around a Ford Expedition that was parked inside to be serviced.

Workers in the sales area reported the service center had been unoccupied since May 6, Corcoran said.

One firefighter injured his ankle and was sent to the hospital for X-rays. No other injuries were reported. The investigation is ongoing.

Leslie Janous (courtesy of Knox County Sheriff’s Dept.) 

From Knoxville Journal staff reports

News@theknoxvillejournal.com 

Knoxville ‘party mom’ and fugitive embezzler Leslie Janous was apprehended by FBI agents in Apache Junction, Ariz., May 6, after several weeks on the run.

She was arrested at a residence located in Apache Junction, a town approximately 40 miles east of Phoenix.

Manuel Johnson, an agent with the FBI’s Phoenix division, said that his office got lead information from the Knoxville office that eventually led to Janous’ arrest. 

Janous, 36, was scheduled to go through a preliminary hearing in Phoenix May 9, to determine whether she would be brought back to Knoxville. It was not clear whose home she was in, and whom she knew in Arizona. No other details were available. 

Janous pled guilty to two counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering in February, and is scheduled to appear for sentencing on July 18.

A warrant was issued on April 10, in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, charging Janous with violating conditions of her pre-trial release imposed by the court.

Through its Digital Billboard Initiative in partnership with Lamar Outdoor Advertising, the FBI placed Janous’ photo on electronic billboards throughout Tennessee. 

Janous confessed in court to stealing $4.5 million in retirement money from her employer Scancarbon, a precious-metals brokerage firm. A warrant had been issued against Janous after an alarm on the ankle bracelet monitoring device she was ordered to wear after her February guilty plea showed she failed to return home the night of April 18. 

She apparently flaunted her wealth on the Internet, in a court filing and at a “Sweet 15” birthday gala for her daughter. With the funds she purchased several tracts of real estate, a plasma TV, luxury cars, and pieces of expensive jewelry, among other high-priced items.

From Knoxville Journal staff reports

News@theknoxvillejournal.com

Knoxville police are looking for a suspect in the robbery of the Subway at 5201 Kingston Pike May 8.

According to Sgt. Steve Still of the KPD’s West F Squad, at approximately 8 p.m., the suspect entered the restaurant with a semi-automatic handgun and demanded money.

The suspect got away with an undetermined amount of cash. He had his face covered, and no detailed description was given. 

The Violent Crimes Unit responded to the scene. Those with information are asked to call the KPD Crime Information Line at (865) 215-7212.

William John Weaver

Sheila Fay Evans (courtesy of Knox County Sheriff’s Dept.) 

By J.J. KINDRED

J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com

Two suspects were arrested May 8 in a standoff with Knoxville police officers after they committed an armed robbery at the Krystal at 3910 Western Ave.

According to KPD public information officer Darrell DeBusk, witnesses said that one of the suspects, identified as 40-year-old William John Weaver, entered the restaurant, armed with a handgun, and demanded cash.

After taking the cash drawer, Weaver fled the store to a 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara in the parking lot, a vehicle description was provided by witnesses. No one was hurt during the robbery.  

Officers located Weaver’s vehicle at approximately 10:18 p.m., on Western Avenue near Proctor Street. Officers conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle but as the officers approached the suspect’s vehicle, Weaver put his gun to the head of the female driver, identified as 39-year-old Sheila Fay Evans.  

The vehicle pulled away and continued down Western Avenue, with officers in pursuit to Henley Street.  The vehicle then drove onto I-275 North then to I-75 North.  Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers put spike strips near the Emory Road exit, and the suspect’s damaged vehicle continued to travel north on I-75.  

The vehicle then exited onto Raccoon Valley Road and stopped in a Pilot parking lot. KPD, THP and Knox County Sheriff’s officers trapped the vehicle in the parking lot.  

A KPD Negotiator Unit and Special Operations Squad (SOS) were on the scene, and Weaver and Evans attempted to drive away. SOS members immediately closed in on the vehicle, and officers arrested Weaver and Evans without incident. 

Weaver was charged with one count of aggravated robbery, and Evans was charged with one count of facilitation to commit aggravated robbery and one count of evading arrest.

Both are being held in the Knox County Detention Facility, with Weaver being held on $100,000 bond and Evans on $9,000 bond. Additional charges on both suspects could be pending.  

 by Sunspherebook@aol.com

Everyone is invited to the Spring 2011 East Tennessee Plant Swap that will be held on May 28, 2011 at New Harvest Park, 4775 New Harvest Lane, Knoxville, TN 37918.

Setup will begin at 9:30am, swapping starts as soon as people arrive, a pot-luck lunch will be at 11:30am, and a presentation will be given at 12:00.

For more information, please visit our site at www.easttnplantswap.com. Be sure to check out the FAQ page and feel free to sign up for the Swap Forum to arrange pre-trades (read the announcement before submitting your information).
 Bring plants, gardening equipment, or related items to swap. ABSOLUTELY no money to exchange hands.