Fireworks in the New Year? Check Those County Regulations First!

Fireworks in the New Year? Check Those County Regulations First!

December 29, 2023
Check the regulations in your county before purchasing or igniting fireworks to celebrate the New Year

Knoxville, TN (WOKI / WVLT) With New Year’s Eve just around the corner, you may be wondering if you will be able to celebrate with fireworks.

Many counties and cities across East Tennessee have regulations barring both the sale and the igniting of fireworks.

In Knox County, it is illegal to sell and set off fireworks; the same goes for the city of Knoxville unless you have a permit from the city.

Our news partner, WVLT, has compiled a list of counties and cities in East Tennessee where fireworks are and are not allowed to be sold and used; you can access that list here.

FAA investigating helicopter crash in Blount County

FAA investigating helicopter crash in Blount County

December 29, 2023

Authorities are investigating a helicopter crash in Blount County.

The Blount County Sheriff’s Office responded to the crash near Walland yesterday afternoon.

The Federal Aviation Administration says the helicopter made an emergency landing in a field after the pilot reported engine issues. There were six people on board and all passengers and the pilot were safe.

The FAA is handling the investigation.

VOLS Text

December 29, 2023

Text the word “VOLS” to 865-656-9900 for the latest scores, updates about the University of Tennessee VOLS and Lady VOLS from 99.1 THE Sports Animal!

KNOXVILLE MAN INDICTED ON FELONY CHARGES FOLLOWING BOATING COLLISION

KNOXVILLE MAN INDICTED ON FELONY CHARGES FOLLOWING BOATING COLLISION

December 29, 2023

A Loudon County Grand Jury has indicted a Knoxville man on felony charges stemming from a Tellico Lake boating collision on July 13, 2023.  Scott Reasonover, 48, of Knoxville, has been indicted on Felony Vehicular Assault (one count), Reckless Endangerment with a deadly weapon (four counts), Boating Under the Influence (one count), and Boating Under the Influence with child enhancement penalty (one count).

Based on an investigation by TWRA wildlife officers, Mr. Reasonover was found to be the operator of a vessel that collided with a tube being pulled by another vessel.  The collision with the tube resulted in all four occupants being injured, one of them being critical. 

Reasonover was taken into custody on outstanding warrants by the Knoxville Police Department and will be brought back to Loudon County for his arraignment.  His bond has been set at $15,000.

East Tennessee Crime Stoppers is Asking for Help to Identify the Man Suspected of Stealing Jewelry from a Walmart

East Tennessee Crime Stoppers is Asking for Help to Identify the Man Suspected of Stealing Jewelry from a Walmart

December 29, 2023

East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers is asking for your help to find a man accused of stealing jewelry.

He was seen entering a Walmart in Sevierville December 13th and police say he left with more than $2300 in stolen jewelry and other items.

We have his photo on our website Newstalk987.com. If you recognize him, please call Crime Stoppers at 865-215-7165.

Volunteer Assisted Transportation Marks 3,000 Riders; Asks for Volunteers

Volunteer Assisted Transportation Marks 3,000 Riders; Asks for Volunteers

December 28, 2023
Volunteer Assisted Transportation marks 3,000 riders and asks for volunteers (Pexels)

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Just ahead of the new year, a volunteer-driven service that helps seniors and people with disabilities get around Knox County hits a milestone.

Since its inception in 2009, Volunteer Assisted Transportation has helped more than 3,000 riders (3,011). From July 2022 through June 2023 alone, the service provided over 3,800 trips for more than 190 riders. Now, the organization is asking for a little more help to accomplish their mission.

Those interested need to have a driver’s license, be over 21 and be able to pass a background check and drug screen.

Anyone looking to help their community can do so by calling 865-673-5001 or visiting this website.

Worker Dies at Gatlinburg Convention Center, Police Say

Worker Dies at Gatlinburg Convention Center, Police Say

December 28, 2023
Worker dies at Gatlinburg Convention Center, police say (Courtesy: WVLT / Kyle Grainger)

Gatlinburg, TN (WOKI) Officials with the Gatlinburg Police Department release the details of a workplace fatality at the Gatlinburg Convention Center.

GPD says 66 year-old Jeffrey Coker died after falling while installing lights in the convention center’s ceiling; the incident occurred in the Great Hall area which has a 32-foot-tall ceiling.

Coker worked for The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Union No. 197 which had been hired to install stage elements for an upcoming event.

The Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration (TOSHA) is investigating the death. Those reports can take as long as 10 weeks to complete.

Workplace Death at Gatlinburg Convention Center under Investigation

Workplace Death at Gatlinburg Convention Center under Investigation

December 28, 2023
Workplace death at Gatlinburg Convention Center under investigation

Gatlinburg, TN (WOKI) A workplace fatality at the Gatlinburg Convention Center is under investigation.

Officials with the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration report that an investigator was dispatched to the Convention Center to determine who employed the worker and what led to the death after receiving a report regarding a workplace fatality.

No other information about the death has been released by TOSHA. Officials expect the investigation to take between eight and ten weeks with a report detailing the agency’s findings open for review once the investigation is final.

Podcasts

What's happening