August 2011
106 posts
Fire breaks out at East Knoxville apartment...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
An early morning fire broke out Aug. 31 at an East Knoxville apartment complex, according to a report from the Knoxville Fire Department.
KFD spokesperson D.J. Corcoran said that the the blaze started approximately after 4 a.m. at Washington Ridge Apartments, Building 11, at 3125 Washington Ridge Way.
The fire was under control...
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Elvis Extravaganza September 3 in Talbott, TN
Posted by Martha Rose Woodward
Sunspherebook@aol.com
Knoxville Elvis Performance Artist, Ronnie Miller, announces the 2nd Annual Elvis Extravaganza to be held September 3, in Talbott, Tennessee to benefit the Disabled Veterans of America.
The event will begin at 6 p.m. and will be held at the West Hamblen Volunteer Fire Department at 6301 West Andrew Johnson Highway in Talbott.
Terry Turner,...
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Behind the Scenes in Campaign for New Carter...
Sunspherebook@aol.com
Sandy Loy recently shared his frustration and confusion with the whole process of the Campaign for a New Carter School. Loy said he was invited by Mayor Burchett last week to come downtown and discuss how to save the school. He readily accepted the invitation to share his knowledge with high hopes of helping to secure the new, much needed school for the boys and girls in...
Pearl lands marketing job with H.T. Hackney
File photo by Dave Ford
Former Tennessee men’s basketball coach Bruce Pearl is now the vice president of marketing for the H.T. Hackney Co. in Knoxville.
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Bruce Pearl is back on the workforce. Only it’s not on the basketball court.
The H.T. Hackney Company, a Knoxville-based wholesale distributor, said in a press release Aug. 30...
Pearl saga made for silver screen
By DAVE FORD
“Don’t laugh Dave. I really think you should.”
Those were the words of one of my coworkers who believes I should be the one to write the script about the latest American tragedy that is Bruce Pearl.
Now that the dust has settled and the NCAA Committee on Infractions has had its way with the former king of Knoxville, Hollywood will certainly come calling to tell...
Man arrested during standoff on Rifle Range Road
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
A 20-year-old man is in custody after threatening to kill himself and anyone who responded to the scene after a 90-minute standoff, according to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.
The man, whose identity has not been released, called 911 at 9:30 a.m. Aug. 30 and threatened to commit suicide, and if any police officers or emergency...
School board extends superintendent's contract
Jim McIntyre
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
As part of his annual performance review, the Knox County School Board extended superintendent Jim McIntyre’s contract during a special called meeting Aug. 29.
The contract was a four-year deal that runs through the fall of 2015.
In general, the board is pleased with McIntyre’s work, but there is always room for...
South Knoxville Branch Library reopens after storm...
Photo by J.J. Kindred
The South Knoxville Branch Library reopened for business Aug. 29 after being shut down for four months for repairs, as the result of a hail storm that occurred in the spring.
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
After a spring hail storm caused severe damage to the South Knoxville Branch Library, after almost four months of repairs, the library reopened...
Two charged with animal cruelty to llama
Stamos (courtesy of Knox County Sheriff’s Dept.)
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
Two Knox County people were charged Aug. 29 with animal cruelty regarding a llama that was being kept on their property, according to the Knox County Sheriff’s Department.
Pearl Scates, of 9905 Coward Mill Road, was cited with animal cruelty for not providing any...
Seniors participate in annual healthy living...
Photos courtesy of Knox County
More than 600 Knox County seniors came out to Tommy Schumpert Park Aug. 26 for the 5th Annual Healthy Living Senior Appreciation Picnic. Funded by private sponsors, senior citizens were treated to a free barbecue lunch, live music and a mini-health fair, which included free blood pressure checks, information about estate planning, and senior health and fitness...
Padgett campaign announces newest ad
Mark Padgett
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
Mark Padgett’s Knoxville mayoral campaign announced Aug. 29 its latest round of paid advertising, including the launch of their second TV commercial, “Lonsdale,” according to a press release.
The script reads as follows:
· As a kid, I washed dishes in my family’s restaurant right across the street...
UT celebrates grand opening of New Norris House
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
With the cut of a green ribbon, the University of Tennessee marked the opening of the New Norris House, a nationally recognized model for efficient and sustainable living.
The UT student-led team has worked for more than three years to bring the concept, first conceived in a classroom, to the modern and appealing...
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Author Bill Cotter Visits Knoxville
Sunspherebook@aol.com
On August 23 and 24, Bill Cotter, author of over 50 books, contributor to hundreds of others, world’s fair and Disney expert, and his wife, Carol, traveled to Knoxville from Los Angeles, Californai in order to meet with Martha Rose Woodward and tour the site of the 1982 World’s Fair site. The Cotters were in Nashville checking their son into Vanderbilt and...
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Fall 2011 East Tennessee Plant Swap
Sunspherebook@aol.com
The Fall 2011 East Tennessee Plant Swap will be held at: Cheryl Peters’ house 7704 Dave Road, Knoxville, TN 37938 Saturday, September 24, 2011 Setup will begin at 9:30am Swapping starts at 10:00am Lunch will be at 11:30am or noon
What is a plant swap?
The East Tennessee Plant Swap occurs two times a year in Knoxville. It is a time when those who love plants and...
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Talk of the Town--Aug. 26 by Martha Rose Woodward
Talk of the Town—Aug. 26
Sunspherebook@aol.com
Slipped away this week for a few days of rest and relaxation for a true vacation in Walland, TN at Misty River Cabin and RV Rentals. No other way to describe the place than heaven on earth. Owners, Jimmy and Diane Felton, have thought of everything—-the entire atmosphere is dreamy.
This was my third trip to Misty River. Previously I...
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Sports Editor John Adams to Appear at September 1...
Sunspherebook@aol.com
Sports Editor John Adams to Appear at September 1 Guild Meeting by Martha Rose Woodward
Just in time for football season, John Adams, a local sports editor, will be the guest speaker for the Writers’ Guild on Thursday, September 1. Adams will be discussing his sports journalism journey from Louisiana to Tennessee.
The meeting, which is open to the public, will be...
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Sunsphere in Good Hands--Tony Cappiello's by...
Sunspherebook@aol.com
Tony Cappiello, a local attorney and real estate developer, thinks he can do something none have been able to do before him—-make a success of the 5th Floor at the Sunsphere by opening an upscale bar and lounge.
Cappiello leased the space and is remodeling the entire 5th floor by clearing out the last renovation and refurbishing the floor plan to take advantage of what the...
Young-Williams Animal Center to hold 'Black Pearl'...
Photo submitted
Adrianna is one of many ‘black pearl’ dogs waiting to be adopted at the Young-Williams Animal Center.
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
Young-Williams Animal Center is celebrating a “Black Pearl” adoption event to encourage adoptions of dogs and puppies with black coats.
From Aug. 26 to Aug. 28, “black pearl” dogs at...
Knox County greenway projects moving forward
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
Two Knox County Parks and Recreation greenway projects are moving forward, after Knox County Commission approved agreements during its Aug. 22 meeting that will make those greenways a reality.
Nearly a mile of greenway, known as the Halls Park to School Link, will be constructed to connect Halls Elementary School to Norris...
Suspect sought in Home Federal Bank robbery in...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
The FBI’s Knoxville Division and the Pigeon Forge Police Department are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the man who robbed a Pigeon Forge bank Aug. 24.
According to the FBI, at approximately 11:14 a.m., the suspect entered the Home Federal Bank located at 3671 Parkway in Pigeon Forge and passed a note to...
Suspect arrested in bank robbery attempt on South...
Ronald Samuel Rosenbaum (courtesy of Knox County Sheriff’s Dept.)
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Knoxville police arrested a suspect in the robbery of the Community South Bank at 625 S. Gay St. Aug. 24.
Ronald Samuel Rosenbaum, 30, was arrested after officers responded to the call about the robbery at approximately 1:17 p.m. Witnesses said Rosenbaum entered...
State audit report reveals former cheerleading...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
An investigation by the Comptroller’s Division of Municipal Audit has revealed that Pam Schleif, the former cheerleading coach at Pigeon Forge High School and Middle School, kept thousands of dollars in fees and revenues from fundraising activities that should have been turned over to the schools.
From 2008 through 2010, Schleif...
Bearden High unveils Bertelkamp Center for...
Photo by J.J. Kindred
A ceremony was held Aug. 24 at Bearden High School to unveil the Bertelkamp Center for Academic Excellence, which helps students and student-athletes to improve their academic standing with tutoring help. Pictured left to right are Knox County School Board vice-chairwoman Karen Carson, Lori Bertelkamp McKelvy, Bert Bertelkamp and Bearden High principal John Bartlett.
By...
Summitt remains fearless
By DAVE FORD
D.Ford@theknoxvillejournal.com
On the same day the East Coast was shaken by the largest earthquake to hit the region in decades, Big Orange country was rocked to its core with the announcement that Pat Summitt had been diagnosed with early-onset dementia.
During her iconic tenure at the University of Tennessee, Summitt has faced countless opponents and disposed of most of them....
Hannah Miller not in music for the stardom
Photo submitted
Hannah Miller will perform at the WDVX Blue Plate Special and the Relix Variety Theatre Aug. 29.
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Unlike other ambitious musicians, Hannah Miller didn’t move to Nashville to become a star.
Instead, she is described as a singer and songwriter that combines pop, soul, gospel and Americana, to make her own, comforting...
Blount County School Board chairman dies
John Paul Davis Jr.
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
Blount County Board of Education Chairman John Paul Davis Jr. died Aug. 22 at the age of 64.
Davis had been diagnosed earlier this year with stage IV esophageal and stomach cancer. He later received treatment at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
School board members granted a...
Police searching for carjacking suspect
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
A suspect is being sought by the Knoxville Police Department who was involved in a carjacking at the H & R Block on Adair Drive near Broadway Aug. 23.
According to Sgt. Josh Shaffer, the incident began at approximately 8:43 p.m., when an officer was passing the Pilot Gas Station at North Broadway and Adair Drive, and observed...
Downtown trolley system changes approved by City...
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Changes to the downtown trolley system run by Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) were approved by the Knoxville City Council during its meeting Aug. 23.
This means three new trolley routes can go outside of the Center Business Improvement District, which houses the location of some parking lots run by the city.
These changes already existed last...
Details announced for 53rd Annual Fairest of the...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
The Tennessee Valley Fair will crown three of East Tennessee’s loveliest ladies as Fairest of the Fair, Junior Fairest of the Fair, and Fair Princess, with all three pageants being held at the Fairgrounds Sept. 10, beginning at 7 p.m.
The Fairest of the Fair pageant is one of the most anticipated events at the Fair each year. For...
Trader Joe's to open Knoxville location
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
Trader Joe’s, a trendy grocery store chain that sells exotic foods and beverages, will open a store in Knoxville.
A lease for a new store in Suburban Plaza, 8025 Kingston Pike has been signed, according to company officials. It’s part of the $2.5 million renovation Baker Story McDonald Properties is making to the...
Maryville resident shares 2009 Hudson River plane...
Photo by J.J. Kindred
Vallie Collins, left, a Maryville resident, speaks about her experience as one of 155 passengers on a U.S. Airways flight that crashed into the Hudson River in New York City in 2009, which gained her national media attention. She spoke at the Blount County Public Library Aug. 22.
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
January 15, 2009, was the first day of...
Commissioners put Carter school issue on the shelf...
Photo by J.J. Kindred
Knox County commissioner Dave Wright, right, expresses his concerns over the Carter Elementary School issue during the commission’s Aug. 22 meeting, as commissioner Larry Smith, left, listens.
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Knox County commissioners withdrew from consideration during its Aug. 22 meeting an agreement to build a new Carter...
Commissioners approve funds for contracted...
Photo by J.J. Kindred
Knoxville resident Steve Rose, along with his daughter Amy, plead with Knox County commissioners to provide funds to the Cerebral Palsy Center during its meeting Aug. 22. Amy relies on the center for assistance for her treatment of the disorder.
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Knox County commissioners approved $41,000 to go to five contracted...
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Is the New Carter School Down for the Count? by...
After the Knox County Commission voted to table the campaign for the new Carter Elementary School for 90 days in last night’s meeting, many are wondering if the school is down for the count. Mayor Tim Burchett is asking everyone to continue to ask the school board and county commission for support and patience as he seeks to find a solution to this problem.
The Knoxville Journal Newspaper...
Sheriff's checkpoint nets 24 citations
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
Blount County Sheriff James Lee Berrong said 24 citations were issued during a sobriety checkpoint held Aug. 20.
According to a press release, the Sheriff’s Office conducted the checkpoint on U.S. Highway 129, also known as the Dragon, starting at Tabcat Bridge. Fourteen deputies took part in the checkpoint. A total of 243...
New principal wants to put West among top 100...
Photo by J.J. Kindred
Katherine Banner is in her first year as the principal of West High School.
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Katherine Banner is putting all of her chips in the middle of the table.
As the new principal of West High School, Banner has set her goals high. She served as part of the redesign administrative team at Austin-East Magnet High School for four...
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Sandy Loy Appeared on WNOX Radio by Martha Rose...
Sunspherebook@aol.com
Sandy Loy, owner and CEO of Construction Management Inc., appeared on the Bob and ed Show on WNOX Radio on Monday, August 22 to discuss the issues surrounding the contruction of the New Carter Elementary School. Loy says he became involved in the situation when he was asked to tour the school and give his professional assessment as to whether it would be better to renovate...
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Turkey Creek Public Market by Martha Rose Woodward
Sunspherebook@aol.com
Developers Charles Atchley and John L. Turley are pleased to oversee the opening of the Turkey Creek Public Market, a farmers’-style market on Outlet Drive off Lovell Road in Farragut. They had planned to open in early June, but the date kept getting moved forward.
The site formerly known as the Outlets Mall has a new entrance and a new name as the Turkey Creek Public...
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The Last Relapse Band by Martha Rose Woodward
Sunspherebook@aol.com
The Last Relapse band from Atlanta, Georgia will be in Knoxville on September 4, 2011 to perform during the Boomsday Celebration. They performed in Knoxville last December 16 and were well received.
The band describes themselves as “..an Indie/Rock band.” They say their music is “sing along lyric driven ambient rock.” They released their first CD entitled “Machine” in...
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West Memphis 3 are Free by Martha Rose Woodward
The West Memphis 3 were set free from prison Friday, Aug. 19, after DNA testing gave rise to concerns that the police had acted too quickly in 1994 to put the then teenagers in jail. On shoddy evidence, the three were railroaded into jail probably because they wore Goth-style clothing, dabbled in Satanic worship and had bad hairdos.
After 3 Cub Scouts were found tied, cut and dead near their...
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Could Sandy Loy Hold Answer to New Carter School's...
submitted by Martha Rose Woodward
Sunspherebook@aol.com
Just as it appears the new Carter School deal is dead, some are asking, will Mayor Burchett be able to pull the new Carter School rabbit out of a magical hat after all?
The Knoxville Journal hears that the mayor is working feverishly behind the scenes to find a way to save the school. Can he find a way to secure another builder?
Who can...
Devon Group pulls out of Carter school project
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
The Devon Group, the architectural firm that won the bid to build the new Carter Elementary School, announced Aug. 18 that they were pulling out of the project, a move that could have a stinging effect on whether the project moves forward.
“The reasons have nothing to do with you and nothing to do with the plans for the school,” said...
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Judge Orders Hearing in Case of West Memphis Three
Submitted by Martha Rose Woodward
Sunspherebook@aol.com
After recent DNA testing pointed a finger at a fourth suspect, the trio who have come to be known as the West Memphis Three, who have been serving in prison since 1994, finally heard some good news—-a judge is scheduling a hearing to review their trials and imprisonment.
Circuit Court Judge David Laser released the...
Sevierville Golf Club at Wilderness Resort...
Photos by J.J. Kindred
Sevierville mayor Bryan Atchley, center, with giant scissors, and other Sevier County officials get ready to cut the ribbon during a grand opening event Aug. 18 to officially open the brand-new Sevierville Golf Club at the Wilderness Resort.
The club features two 18-hole championship courses, featuring The Highlands, a par 70 that winds through lush rolling hills and...
Compassion Knoxville releases report on homeless...
Photo by J.J. Kindred
Bill Murrah, a community activist for the homeless, speaks about the implementation of the recommendations given by the task force of Compassion Knoxville concerning the homeless during a special meeting Aug. 17 at the City-County building.
By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
Compassion Knoxville, a task force formed after the Ten-Year Plan to End...
Humane Society president makes Knoxville...
Photo by J.J. Kindred
Wayne Pacelle, left, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, made an appearance in Knoxville this week to promote his new book. He conducted a book signing at Barnes & Noble, and also toured the Young-Williams Animal Center with the help of his friend Michael Blackwell, right, administrator of the Animal Center.
By J.J. KINDRED
...
