Knox County Sheriff’s Office Asks for Public Assistance to Find Missing Knoxville Woman

Knox County Sheriff’s Office Asks for Public Assistance to Find Missing Knoxville Woman

February 8, 2024
Knox County Sheriff’s Office asks for public’s help to locate missing Knoxville woman, Heather Ann Hayes, 47. (Courtesy: KCSO)

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) The Knox County Sheriff’s Office asks for the public’s help Thursday afternoon in locating a missing Knoxville woman.

KCSO officials say 47-year-old Heather Ann Hayes was reported missing Thursday morning by her family who is concerned for her welfare due to some risk factors that could hinder Hayes’ ability to return home safely.

Hayes is described as a white female, 6’1″ tall, weighing 200 lbs. Officials say she is bald but usually wears head coverings or bandanas.

Heather Ann Hayes, 47 (Courtesy: KCSO)

KCSO adds Ms. Hayes has a scar between her eyebrows and some missing teeth. It is not known what Hayes was wearing at the time of her disappearance.

If you have seen Ms. Hayes or know her whereabouts, please call Detective Steve Ballard at 865-215-2243.

Missing Jefferson County woman at Center of Silver Alert Found Safe, TBI Says

Missing Jefferson County woman at Center of Silver Alert Found Safe, TBI Says

February 8, 2024
Sharon Looney was last seen on Wednesday around 2 p.m. near her home on Horseshoe Bend Rd. in New Market, police said. (Courtesy: TBI)

Jefferson County, TN (WOKI) A missing Jefferson County woman, the subject of a Silver Alert issued early Thursday, has been found safe.

Officials with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office say 71-year-old Sharon Looney was located near her home in New Market with the assistance of air support from the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

The sheriff’s office says THP was able to use a helicopter to direct a search team to Looney, and she was taken to a nearby hospital.

Looney had last been seen Wednesday near her home on Horseshoe Bend Road in New Market.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation had issued a Silver Alert on behalf of Jefferson County law enforcement as Looney has a medical condition which may have impaired her ability to return safely without assistance.

The Knoxville Ice Bears are Getting a New Name

The Knoxville Ice Bears are Getting a New Name

February 8, 2024

Knoxville’s hockey team is rebranding for one night only this week, hitting the ice as the Scruffy City Shriners tomorrow (Friday) as they take on Fayetteville.

The new team name and rebrand also comes with a new logo, color scheme, uniforms and merchandise.

The Shriners will hit the ice at 7:35 p.m. Fans can also expect a live jersey auction for some game-worn uniforms.

Tennessee in the Top 10 Most Sinful States in America

Tennessee in the Top 10 Most Sinful States in America

February 8, 2024

A new study ranks Tennessee in the top 10 of the most sinful states in America.

WalletHub released its “Most Sinful States in the U.S.” study on Tuesday morning with the Volunteer State ranked at number 5.

The study compared 50 states across 55 indicators of immoral or illicit behavior, including violent crimes, excessive drinking and gambling disorders among the population.

Tennessee was ranked third for anger/hatred, 15th for jealousy, second for excesses/vices, 11th for greed, and fifth for lust. Nevada, Louisiana, California and Florida came in ahead of Tennessee.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol says Charges are Pending in Fatal North Knoxville Crash

The Tennessee Highway Patrol says Charges are Pending in Fatal North Knoxville Crash

February 8, 2024

The Tennessee Highway Patrol says charges are pending against a teenager after a deadly crash on East Emory Rd.

The crash happened on Sunday afternoon near Bell Road and resulted in four people being taken to the hospital with serious injuries.

THP says a car was stopped for others to turn when a car being driven by an 18-year-old, who was not wearing a seatbelt, struck it from behind, pushing it into 69-year-old Edwin Carlin’s lane who hit the car and was pronounced dead.

Possible Arson Fire in GSMNP Under Investigation

February 7, 2024
Great Smoky Mountains in snow (Courtesy: GSMNP)

Gatlinburg, TN (WOKI) National Park Service rangers are asking for the public’s help as an investigation is launched into a possible arson fire in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park this week.

NPS officials say the possible arson fire happened off Laurel Creed Rd. near Crib Gap Trail Tuesday afternoon.

Park rangers are asking for help to find anyone who was in the area of Crib Gap Trail, Anthony Creek Trail, or Lead Cove Trail Tuesday afternoon around 6:00 p.m.

Anyone with information about vehicles or suspicious activity in the area is asked to submit a tip by email, an online form or by calling 888-653-0009 or 865-436-1230.

Knoxville City Council Passes its ‘Missing Middle Housing’ Plan

Knoxville City Council Passes its ‘Missing Middle Housing’ Plan

February 7, 2024
(Courtesy: City of Knoxville)

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) More rental housing options are coming to Knoxville.

In an 8 to 1 vote Tuesday night, the Knoxville City Council passed Mayor Indya Kincannon’s plan to build more affordable homes in the city.

That means building diverse housing options that take up less space in the city like duplexes and townhomes.

City Council also discussed densely populated and walkable communities and a mix of single family homes and mid rise apartments also called attainable housing because it’s easier to get than a single family unit, and it provides more space without lawn care.

Now that the measure is passed, officials say they’re working on the details to see when these homes will start construction.

Knoxville City Council Moves Forward on Washington Pike Project

Knoxville City Council Moves Forward on Washington Pike Project

February 7, 2024
Officials said it should take around two years to complete once it is passed. (Courtesy: WVLT)

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Knoxville’s City Council is addressing fixing a busy Knoxville road that’s known for being a hotspot for car crashes.

The Council approved a new project Tuesday for Washington Pike with the goal to add more lanes.

They also want to create a new sidewalk and bicycle paths to make it safer.

The next steps include a community meeting with home and business owners along the road to learn what they think about the project which should take around two years to complete once the property is purchased.

The federal government is funding 80% of this project since the city plans to bid out the construction.

The Knoxville Fire Department is Investigating the Cause of a Fountain City House Fire

The Knoxville Fire Department is Investigating the Cause of a Fountain City House Fire

February 7, 2024

The Knoxville Fire Department is investigating a house fire in the Fountain City area.

Crews were called to the 3800 block of Garden Drive just after 11 this morning for a bedroom fire which was reported by a man who lives there that returned home after leaving for work to retrieve something he’d left there. Two adults and a dog lived in the home which has suffered significant fire, smoke, and water damage.

No smoke alarms were present in the house and KFD is reminding if you own a home in the city to call 311 and they will come and install a smoke detector in your home.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported and the American Red Cross is assisting the residents.

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