KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – Knoxville and Knox County area homeless service providers and churches plan to open overnight warming centers for people who live outside during the year’s coldest days, but they need some help.

The Knoxville-Knox County Office on Housing Stability is partnering with various locations to offer warming centers. Still, the office said it needs volunteers and supplies to make it happen.

It needs volunteers to deliver meals, set up cots, check people in or stay overnight from Jan. 1 to Jan. 15. It also needs new or used supplies like sleeping bags, bedding (especially comforters) and scrubs of all sizes. It’s also asking for toiletries, socks and underwear, but only in new condition.

Those interested in donating can contact Knox Area Rescue Ministries at (865) 673-6540 or by email at [email protected] . Those interested in volunteering can do so by calling 211 or emailing the Knoxville-Knox County Office of Housing Stability at http://[email protected].

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – With Christmas in the rear-view mirror, Knox County is preparing to take Christmas trees for recycling from any and all Knox County residents.

The county’s tree recycling program begins after the new year. Throughout the month of January, residents can bring their trees, cleared of all ornaments, lights, wire and other decorations, to drop-off centers at no cost. It’s a free service that also benefits the environment.

The county is planning to reuse the trees to make things like mulch and other soil products, keeping the trees out of landfills. Anyone with an unwanted tree can take it to one of these locations:

• Carter Convenience Center – 8815 Asheville Hwy
• Dutchtown Convenience Center – 10618 Dutchtown Rd.
• Halls Convenience Center – 3608 Neal Dr.
• John Sevier Convenience Center – 1950 West John Sevier Hwy
• Karns Convenience Center – 6930 Karns Crossing Ln.
• Powell Convenience Center – 7311 Morton View Ln.
• Tazewell Pike Convenience Center – 7201 Tazewell Pk.

A local, popular southern gospel group announcing the death of one of their members.

The McKameys say Peg McKamey Bean, also known as Ms. Peg, passed away yesterday (Tuesday) after suffering a stroke earlier in this month.

The McKameys are a family group based in Clinton making music for over six decades, performing across the U.S. and were regulars at Dollywood. In 2016, Peg McKamey Bean was inducted into The Southern Gospel Music Hall Of Fame.

Knoxville, TN (WOKI)  Knoxville Police and East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers are looking for more information after a man was shot in Krutch Park Saturday night, December 23.

The victim is in stable condition, and an investigation is underway with Knoxville Police and East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers asking for help to find that suspect.

Police say the shooting was an isolated incident. The
Executive Director for Crime Stoppers, Stacey Payne, adding that the event doesn’t mean that the downtown area is not safe.

“It’s a safe place,” said Payne. “Yes, these incidents happen, but you need to stop and take a look that overall, you’re in a safe location.”

Knoxville Police have increased their presence in the downtown area and will continue to do so throughout the holidays.

You are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 865-215-7165 if you have any information.