DOLLYWOOD’S PUBLIC EMPLOYEES APPRECIATION DAYS RETURN

DOLLYWOOD’S PUBLIC EMPLOYEES APPRECIATION DAYS RETURN

April 21, 2025

As a thank you to our military, first responders, teachers and more who work tirelessly every day to serve our country and communities, Dollywood’s Public Employees Appreciation Days returns this spring and provides qualifying guests the opportunity to buy a one-day Dollywood admission ticket online for just $49 plus tax.

The exclusive offer can be purchased online at Dollywood.com/PublicEmployee for a limited time and is valid for use now through June 13. Members of the military, first responders, school system employees, government employees and medical employees who have verified their employment status through ID.me are eligible for the offer. Verified public employees may purchase up to six $49 one-day admission tickets to Dollywood theme park as part of the program.

Public Employees also can take advantage of special rates at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa and Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort during this time as well. Rates for eligible guests start at $159 per night for travel dates now through June 13.

Additionally, any of the admission tickets that are part of the Public Employees Appreciation Days may be upgraded to season passes, allowing guests to continue the fun of Dollywood’s 40th anniversary season. Guests currently can enjoy Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival (now-June 8) with iconic Mosaiculture displays throughout the park. Vivid larger-than-life flower sculptures create an immersive atmosphere for park guests with more than half-a-million blooms during this award-winning festival. Dollywood’s culinary team showcases their world-class abilities during the event with a menu full of delicacies to highlight the tastes of spring in the Smokies. “Play On,” a special 40th anniversary retrospective show featuring songs and scenes from many of the park’s iconic shows from years past, debuts on May 3, the date of the park’s first operational day in 1986. 

Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration presented by Food City (June 14-August 3) is everyone’s favorite summer tradition and once again includes Dollywood’s Sweet Summer Nights drone and fireworks show each night. Even more drones take to the skies this year to present a mesmerizing show that honors Dollywood’s 40th season. “Gazillion Bubble Show: Evolution” and “Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience” provide popping bubbles and playful pooches to help every guest feel like a kid this summer.

A family tradition for many, Dollywood’s Harvest Festival presented by Humana (Sept. 12- Oct. 27) celebrates the beauty of fall with thousands of carved pumpkins, spirited performances from talented singers and the fun of Great Pumpkin LumiNights. Great Pumpkin LumiNights, which previously has been named the best theme park harvest event in the world, features elaborate displays that are fun for every member of the family. Creative culinary items, accomplished artisans and fall fun in the Smokies make this a picture-perfect time to enjoy Dollywood.

The industry’s Best Theme Park Christmas event—Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana (Nov. 1- Jan. 4, 2025)—concludes the park’s 2025 season with six million lights, festive holiday shows and the warm Christmas atmosphere guests have come to expect during this joyous time of year.

For more information about Dollywood’s 2025 season or season passes, please visit Dollywood.com or download the Dollywood app.

Dolly Parton with the 40th Anniversary art package as part of Dollywood’s 40th Anniversary in 2025. Photo taken in Nashville, TN, at CTK Enterprises, on 9/20/24. (Courtesy: Curtis Hilbun / Dollywood)
KPD: CERT Officers Arrest One, Seize Multiple Firearms in Sunday Traffic Stop

KPD: CERT Officers Arrest One, Seize Multiple Firearms in Sunday Traffic Stop

April 21, 2025

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) A 20-year-old man is arrested and multiple firearms are seized following a traffic stop Sunday on Clinton Highway.

Knoxville Police Department officials say Community Engagement Response Team officers stopped 20-year-old Timir Thomas around 7:30 p.m. after spotting his Lexus sedan on Clinton Highway. KPD says Thomas had an outstanding warrant for felony evading arrest.CERT off

After detecting a strong smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle, officers detained Thomas as well as his 19-year-old male passenger.

A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of three loaded firearms, including an assault-style pistol, and a large amount of marijuana.

Thomas was subsequently charged with possession of a weapon with the intent to go armed.

KPD says CERT officers recovered three loaded firearms, including an assault-style pistol, following a traffic stop. (Courtesy: KPD)
Blount County Names New Director of Schools

Blount County Names New Director of Schools

April 21, 2025

Maryville, TN (WOKI) Blount County Schools officials Monday announcing a new director of schools.

Justin Ridge has been named the district’s new director, replacing Dr. Alisa Teffeteller, who has been serving in an interim role since late February.

According to BCS, Ridge is an experienced educator and administrator, overseeing homebound, homeschool and alternative programs for the district. He is also the founder and principal of Samuel Everett School of Innovation.

Additionally, Ridge served previously as assistant principal and athletic director at William Blount High School and began his teaching career at Greenback.

“As a product of the school system, a parent of two BCS students, and the spouse of a school psychologist in the district, this role is incredible meaningful to me,” Ridge said. “Blount County Schools is part of who I am, and I am committed to leading with transparency, purpose and a relentless focus on student success.”

Blount County has been on the search for a new director of schools since Jan. 6 when David Murrell resigned after 18 years in the position.

Since Murrell’s resignation, Jake Jones and Dr. Teffeteller have served in interim roles.

Ridge is the founder and principal of Samuel Everett School of Innovation. (Courtesy: BCS)
Grand Jury Returns Indictment in Crash that Killed Knoxville Councilman’s Daughter

Grand Jury Returns Indictment in Crash that Killed Knoxville Councilman’s Daughter

April 21, 2025

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) A woman has been indicted on several charges following the death of a Knoxville councilman’s daughter in a head-on collision.

A Knox County grand jury indicted 25-year-old Savannah Stanley earlier this month on five counts, including vehicular homicide and vehicular assault, in connection to the death of 21-year-old Kylie Roberto – the daughter of Knoxville councilman Andrew Roberto – in April 2024.

Three other people were injured in the crash. Court documents say the death and injuries were the proximate result of Stanley’s “intoxication” when her vehicle crossed the center line on Schaeffer Road on April 14, 2024 colliding with another head-on.

Kylie Roberto, the daughter of Knoxville councilmember Andrew Roberto, was killed in a crash on Schaeffer Road in April 2024. (Credit: Frankly Media)
TDOT Reminds Motorists to Work with Us – Move Over, Slow Down During National Work Zone Awareness Week

TDOT Reminds Motorists to Work with Us – Move Over, Slow Down During National Work Zone Awareness Week

April 21, 2025

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is joining states nationwide to ask motorists to Work with Us – move over and slow down for highway workers. TDOT will spread that message statewide during National Work Zone Awareness Week (April 21-25) to improve safety in Tennessee’s interstate and highway construction and maintenance work zones. This year’s theme is “Respect the Zone, So We All Get Home.”

TDOT’s 2025 Work Zone Awareness Week PSA

“Work zone safety is a shared responsibility, whether behind the wheel or working on the side of the road,” said Deputy Governor and TDOT Commissioner Butch Eley. “We engineer our roads to be as safe as possible, but no amount of engineering can change driver behavior. 113 TDOT workers have been killed in work zones. Let’s work together to ensure everyone makes it home safely.”

The spring and summer months provide perfect weather for highway work. Work zones include major interstate widening projects, repaving, and litter pickup. Motorists will encounter work zones across the state. Last year in Tennessee, 16 people died in work zone crashes. So far this year, there have been 35 incidents in which drivers crashed into TDOT equipment and vehicles, including HELP Trucks. These are secondary work zones where our HELP patrols and other first responders assist motorists.

TDOT launched the Work with Us—Move Over, Slow Down safety campaign in 2017 to raise awareness of the importance of safety in work zones throughout the year. To learn more about the campaign, see answers to frequently asked questions about work zones, and take the Work with Us pledge, click on the Work with Us link below.

TDOT’s overhead Dynamic Message Signs will display work zone safety messages on the interstates in Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga, and Knoxville. Prominent buildings and bridges will be lit in orange, and “Work with Us—Move Over, Slow Down” signs are posted at work zones across the state.

This Wednesday, April 23, is “Wear Orange Day.” Please show your support for National Work Zone Awareness by wearing orange and tagging @myTDOT. This week, follow @myTDOT on Facebook, X, and Instagram as we post photos, infographics, and videos to broaden awareness of the importance of driving safely and undistracted, primarily through work zones.

In 2024, there were 2,318 total crashes, 563 with injuries in work zones on Tennessee roads. Do your part to keep yourself and TDOT road workers safe – check TDOT SmartWay in advance and Know BEFORE You Go, secure your phone in a hands-free device, and Work With Us by moving over and slowing down when you see vehicles with flashing lights.  

Knoxville Police Arrest a Third Person in an Attempted Murder and Carjacking at at West Knoxville Business

Knoxville Police Arrest a Third Person in an Attempted Murder and Carjacking at at West Knoxville Business

April 21, 2025

Knoxville Police have arrested the third person involved in an attempted murder and carjacking at BucketHead Tavern.

36-year-old Michael Thompson’s arrest comes after two others, 25 year-old Tre’Veon Bradley and 24 year-old Jaden Moore were arrested in November and December of last year.

KPD says Thompson was wanted on a grand jury indictment that charged him with attempted second-degree murder and carjacking centering on a 61-year-old victim back in October.

Thompson’s arrest follows another investigation at BucketHead Tavern from the beginning of this month for a shooting in the parking lot.

Knoxville Police Have Arrested a Man Wanted for Attempted First-Degree Murder
WVLT

Knoxville Police Have Arrested a Man Wanted for Attempted First-Degree Murder

April 21, 2025

Knoxville Police say that a man wanted for attempted murder has been taken into custody.

42-year-old Willie Tolbert, who police say is wanted for two counts of attempted first-degree murder, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon and other weapon charges was arrested today (Monday).

On April 9th, Officers responded to an alley behind a home on Brooks Avenue and Tolbert reportedly fired shots at two other men. Fortunately, no one was hit.

#2/4 Vols Fall to Kentucky, 8-2, in Series Finale
Courtesy / UT Athletics

#2/4 Vols Fall to Kentucky, 8-2, in Series Finale

April 21, 2025

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – No. 2/4 Tennessee struggled at the plate for the second straight day and was unable to salvage a series win on Sunday, falling 8-2 to Kentucky in the finale at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.
 
The Vols managed just six hits and two runs, with the side being retired three times following leadoff hits, stalling any offensive momentum. UT also committed two errors and allowed six stolen bases, adding to Kentucky’s 11-hit, eight-run output.
 
Wildcats’ starter Ben Cleaver earned the win, striking out seven over seven innings. His two earned runs came on a two-run homer by Hunter Ensley.
 
Ensley’s blast, his seventh of the season, trimmed the deficit to 3-2 in the sixth inning. In the top of the seventh, Cannon Peebles caught a runner stealing, Andrew Fischer made a diving stop for the second out and Nate Snead ended the inning by blowing a fastball by UK leadoff man Tyler Bell for a strikeout. Tennessee recorded just two hits over the final three innings as Kentucky pulled away with five late runs.
 
Vols’ starter Tegan Kuhns was primed for a solid outing, retiring the first five batters he faced before allowing four straight to reach base before exiting in the second inning. Snead handled the bulk of Sunday’s contest with 3.2 innings, giving up three runs on five hits while striking out two. Brandon Arvidson, Tanner Franklin and Dylan Loy also pitched in relief.

Ensley Adds to Team Lead in RBIs

Ensley accounted for all of Tennessee’s offense for the second straight game, going 2-for-4 with a home run to add to his team lead in RBIs, which now sits at 45.

Up Next

Tennessee will host Lipscomb on Tuesday, April 22. First pitch is slated for 6 p.m. ET on SEC Network+ and the ESPN app.

Three Indicted for Murder Charges Following Two Separate Drug Related Death Task Force Investigations
KPD

Three Indicted for Murder Charges Following Two Separate Drug Related Death Task Force Investigations

April 20, 2025

Three different individuals have been indicted for murder charges following two separate Knoxville Police Department-led Drug Related Death Task Force investigations into overdose deaths.

Last week, Amanda Martin, DOB 8/21/84, and George Joslin, DOB 9/5/79, were indicted by a Knox County Grand Jury for second-degree murder as well as sale and delivery of methamphetamine and fentanyl. Those indictments were the result of an investigation into the overdose death of a 54-year-old woman at a McCroskey Avenue residence in March 2024.

The investigation revealed that Joslin and Martin supplied the victim with methamphetamine and fentanyl that ultimately resulted in her death. At the time of the indictment, Martin was already in custody for previous charges related to drug distribution. Joslin was located by patrol officers at his McCroskey Avenue home and taken into custody on April 13.

Separately, KPD Drug Related Death Task Force detectives also obtained a grand jury indictment charging Demichael Hines, DOB 5/19/88, with second-degree murder and sale and delivery of fentanyl. That indictment was the result of an investigation into the December 2023 overdose death of an 18-year-old girl at a sober living facility in Fountain City.

Symphony Jones, DOB 11/2/93, was previously indicted for second-degree murder in May 2024 as a result of that investigation. Continued investigation revealed that Hines was the source of drug supply. Hines was taken into custody by members of the KPD’s Community Engagement Response Team following a traffic stop on April 12.

“These indictments are a product of our officers’ resolve to combat the overdose epidemic by holding individuals who recklessly traffic deadly drugs accountable,” Chief Paul Noel said. “Those efforts are making a difference and undoubtedly preventing further unnecessary deaths.”

About the Drug Related Death Task Force

The Drug Related Death Task Force is an inter-agency investigation and prosecution team who examines overdoses that occur in Knox County as a means to combat the opiate epidemic. Founded under the direction of the Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (AHIDTA), the task force consists of the Knox County District Attorney General’s Office, Knoxville Police Department, Knox County Sheriff’s Office, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration and Knox County Regional Forensic Center. The goal of the task force is to decrease overdoses by holding drug dealers accountable when their drug trafficking leads to overdose deaths. The task force also gains intelligence about the opiate epidemic that can be used by member agencies and others across the country to fight this increasing problem.

DOJ: Blount County Man Sentenced to More than 15 Years in Jail on Child Pornography Charges
WVLT

DOJ: Blount County Man Sentenced to More than 15 Years in Jail on Child Pornography Charges

April 20, 2025

 The United States Department of Justice says a Blount County is sentenced on child pornography charges.

Maryville Police received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children on August 7, 2023 reporting that someone, later identified as 26-year-old Julian Gerdeman, had uploaded child pornography to a Google storage drive.

During the investigation, the DOJ said the IP address came back to the address of Gerdeman’s mother and that he was living in an unattached garage at the time of the tip.

Law enforcement executed a search warrant on August 21st and found 4,324 images of child pornography that Gerdeman had received on various dates.

On April 16, Gerdeman entered a plea agreement for two counts of receipt of Maryville Police and one count of possession of and access with intent to view child pornography and was sentenced to 189 months behind bars. After he is released, the DOJ said he will be on lifetime supervised release and will be required to register with the state’s sex offender registries and comply with special sex offender conditions.

Gerdeman’s mother, Diane Lashmit, was charged with tampering with proceedings and accessory after the fact.

Lashmit is accused of tampering with evidence in Gerdeman’s case. Her trial is now set to begin on July 15th.

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