Sebastian Rogers’ Dad Hires Private Investigators as Search Continues

Sebastian Rogers’ Dad Hires Private Investigators as Search Continues

April 17, 2024

Hendersonville, TN (WOKI) The father of missing teen Sebastian Rogers has hired private investigators to assist in the search.

Seth Rogers confirming Wednesday that early on in the search for his son, he had hired some private investigators but fired them due to a lack of results. These are the third and fourth private investigators he has hired since Sebastian’s disappearance in late February.

Rogers also said that he’s grateful for the volunteers that continue to hand out flyers, but urges them to be safe when searching.

The 15-year-old with autism was last seen on Monday, February 26 near Stafford Court in Hendersonville and has been missing ever since.

In early April, the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office said they had “no actionable leads” in the search for Sebastian.

Those with information in the disappearance of Sebastian Rogers are urged to please call 1-800-TBI FIND.

Is Governor Bill Lee’s School Voucher Plan Bill Dead

Is Governor Bill Lee’s School Voucher Plan Bill Dead

April 17, 2024

 Governor Bill Lee’s bill to give students private school vouchers in Tennessee appears to be dying. The intent was to let 20,000 public school students go to private institutions across the state and give them $7,000 each.

For four weeks lawmakers have rolled Gov. Lee’s voucher plan, but as the session starts to wind down, many wonder if the different bills in the Senate and House are dead or alive.

“Well, it’s not dead in the Senate,” said Senator Jack Johnson (R-Franklin). “As the sponsor in the Senate, it’s not dead unless I take it off notice and I haven’t done that.”

Sen. Johnson said he is still pushing the Senate version of the bill. That one requires all students to take standardized tests and has open enrollment.

The House bill eases testing requirements and has more teacher benefits.

WSMV4 asked Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton where the House version of the bill stands.

In a statement, he said:

“Our conversations with the Senate and the governor are ongoing. We will continue our conversations in hopes that we can reach an agreement before the session ends. We all agreed not to move the bill forward if a consensus cannot be reached.”

Democrats who want nothing to do with vouchers hope both versions are done.

“I really hope the education voucher bill is dead,” said Representative Sam McKenzie (D-Knoxville). “It’s been the governor’s soul thing that he’s pushed, and I think it just doesn’t make sense to spend public dollars on private education.”

Sen. Johnson said the Senate plans to take up the voucher bill later this week. The Senate did pass its budget on Tuesday, it did not include the $400-million House voucher plan. Story courtesy of WVLT – WSMV

The Greene County Sheriff’s Department Charges Two People with Child Abuse
Photo courtesy of WVLT

The Greene County Sheriff’s Department Charges Two People with Child Abuse

April 16, 2024

The Greene County Sheriff’s Department says two people are charged with child abuse involving a four-month-old baby.

On March 28th, deputies were called to Greeneville Community Hospital for a report of possible child abuse involving a four-month-old baby.  Yesterday (Tuesday), a Grand Jury handed down indictments for 18-year-old Faith Stewart and 21-year-old Danny Furr.

Stewart was indicted on aggravated child endangerment and Furr was indicted on aggravated child abuse and child abuse and criminal impersonation.  

Both have been arrested with a bond of $150,000. They are scheduled to appear in court on July 31st.

The child has been placed in the custody of the Department of Children’s Services.

Human Remains Found in Kingsport Identified as Missing Hawkins Co. Man

Human Remains Found in Kingsport Identified as Missing Hawkins Co. Man

April 16, 2024

Sullivan County, TN (WOKI) Human remains found on a property in Kingsport earlier this month have been identified as a man missing since 2020.

Kingsport Police Department officials report the remains found at a Wadlow Gap Road property on April 7 are those of Nicholas Massengill.

Massengill, age 38 at the time of his disappearance, was reportedly last seen at Indian Path Hospital on April 27, 2020. According to the KPD, Massengill wasn’t a patient at the hospital but was visiting a friend.

KPD says the investigation remains active and ongoing.

Jillian’s Law Headed to Governor’s Desk

Jillian’s Law Headed to Governor’s Desk

April 16, 2024

Nashville, TN (WOKI) Both the Tennessee House and Senate passed “Jillian’s Law,” so the bill now heads to the governor’s desk.

Jillian Ludwig was a freshman at Belmont University in Nashville who was shot and killed in November of last year. The bullet was fired by a man who was deemed incompetent to stand trial for a prior crime.

The new law (HB1640/SB1769) will require people committed to remain institutionalized until “competency” is restored or until a court approves an outpatient treatment plan. It would also keep them from owning a firearm.

The Senate passed the bill unanimously. The House vote was almost unanimous as four representatives did not vote.

University of Tennessee Extends Enrollment Deadline Amid FAFSA Delays

University of Tennessee Extends Enrollment Deadline Amid FAFSA Delays

April 16, 2024

Knoxville, TN (WOKI / WVLT) The University of Tennessee is extending its enrollment confirmation deadline amid delays in processing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The Department of Education’s change in the distribution of FAFSA information to universities across the country has resulted in delays in financial aid information for students and families, meaning they have less time to decide where to go to school.

“We are fully committed to providing unwavering support to our students by extending the confirmation deadline, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding their college choices. Our team remains committed to welcoming and assisting the newest members of our Volunteer family. We will continue our efforts to meet our students’ needs wherever they are,” said Kari Alldredge, vice provost for the Division of Enrollment Management.

New incoming students who have finished the FAFSA are expected to get their financial aid packages from UT in late April. The new deadline is May 15, 2024.

KCS To Host Student Hiring Expo

KCS To Host Student Hiring Expo

April 16, 2024

On Thursday, April 18, Knox County Schools will host the “865 Ready! Hiring Expo”, which aims to connect local businesses with 11th- and 12th-grade job seekers.

The event will take place at the Jacob Building at Chilhowee Park and Exposition Center. Companies will conduct on-site interviews for temporary / seasonal employment, summer employment, part-time employment, full-time employment, youth apprenticeships, registered apprenticeships, work-based learning, and internship opportunities.

Date: Thursday, April 18

Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Location: Jacob Building at Chilhowee Park, 3301 E. Magnolia

Sponsors of this event include:

Industry Title Sponsor

UT Medical Center

Silver Sponsors

Del-Air Mechanical Contractors

Integration Technology, LLC

Lincoln Memorial University

Messer Construction Company

Shoffner Kalthoff, MES

Bronze Sponsors

DeRoyal

Hillcrest Healthcare

NURSEFirst

Red Stag Fulfillment

Tennessee Army National Guard

Beverage Sponsor

Coca-Cola Consolidated

Two or more board members may be in attendance.

Tennessee Highway Patrol is Investigating a Fatal Crash in Hancock County

Tennessee Highway Patrol is Investigating a Fatal Crash in Hancock County

April 16, 2024

The Tennessee Highway Patrol is investigating a deadly crash in Hancock County.

THP says 58-year-old Ronnie Kinsler’s pick-up truck had broken down in the southbound lane of Panther Creek Road Sunday night and he was standing behind it while another truck was parked in front it with the driver of the other standing between the two trucks.

Reports show that an SUV hit Kinsler and rear-ended his truck, he was killed, and the drivers of both the SUV and the other truck were injured.

Charges are pending against the driver of the SUV.

Anderson County Schools Investigating Possible Student Record Manipulation

Anderson County Schools Investigating Possible Student Record Manipulation

April 16, 2024

Anderson County Schools is investigating possible issues related to student grades and coursework at Clinton High School.

ACS believes that at least one student’s records were manipulated to satisfy graduation requirements, and a teacher and Clinton High School principal Dan Jenkins, Tennessee’s Principal of the Year award winner in 2023, were suspended. Jenkins resigned but says he looks forward to clearing his name. “In my 14 years at Clinton High, and the four most recent as its principal, I have been dedicated to my students, teachers, and the entire community. I look forward to the facts coming to light in this matter and clearing my name,” said Jenkins.

On Friday, April 12, Clinton High School Assistant Principal Amanda Powers was appointed by Director of Schools Tim Parrott as the school’s Interim Head Principal.

ACS is working with the Tennessee Department of Education to conduct the investigation.

Anderson County School Facebook page post: Recently, Anderson County Schools began investigating possible issues related to student grades and coursework at Clinton High School. When it became more clear during the course of the investigation that at least one student’s records were likely manipulated to satisfy graduation requirements, the decision was made to place both a Clinton High School administrator and a teacher on suspension status, pending further investigation into this situation. The teacher remains on suspension status, but the administrator at that time indicated his desire to resign. The Director of Schools accepted his resignation.

Anderson County Schools continues to investigate this situation, and remains in communication with the Tennessee Department of Education regarding the same. As the materials and evidence being reviewed as part of this investigation stem from confidential student records, the school system can offer no further comment at this time. Once the full investigation stands as complete though, and Anderson County Schools has a better idea as to the scope of any related issues, a full report will be delivered to officials, parents, and community members during a future meeting of the Anderson County Board of Education.

On Friday, April 12, 2024, Director of Schools Tim Parrott appointed Clinton High School Assistant Principal Amanda Powers to serve as the school’s Interim Head Principal. As an experienced educator and administrator, Director Parrott has full faith and confidence in Principal Powers as she leads Clinton High School through the remainder of this school year.

Missing 5-Year-Old at Center of Endangered Child Alert Found Safe, TBI Says

Missing 5-Year-Old at Center of Endangered Child Alert Found Safe, TBI Says

April 15, 2024

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) UPDATE: A missing 5-year-old at the center of a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Endangered Child Alert early Monday afternoon has been found safe.

TBI officials say 5-year-old Nolen Wilmeth and his mother, Emily Livesay, were both believed to be missing but have since been located and are safe.

TBI making that announcement around 2:45 p.m. Monday.

ORIGINAL STORY: The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation issues an Endangered Child Alert Monday afternoon for a missing 5-year-old out of Knox County.

TBI officials say 5-year-old Nolen Wilmeth and his mother, Emily Livesay, are both missing and are believed to be traveling in a silver 2016 Honda CRV with the Tennessee tag BFL0737.

Anyone with information that can aid in the search is asked to call the Knox County Sheriff’s Office at 865-215-2243 or the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND.

Podcasts

What's happening