Special Traffic Alert I-275 in Knox County this Weekend
TDOT

Special Traffic Alert I-275 in Knox County this Weekend

July 15, 2025

KNOXVILLE, TN (TDOT – WOKI) – Motorists traveling on I-275 in Knox County should be aware of upcoming road construction activities that will have a significant impact on traffic.

Beginning at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 18, I-275 will be closed in each direction as crews work to replace the bridge over Elm Street and Bernard Avenue.  Motorists can bypass the work zone by using I-40 and I-640. This closure will be in place until 6 a.m. on Monday, July 21.

This is the second consecutive weekend closure of I-275 in this area. There will be a third weekend closure of I-275 in the Fall.

This project employs Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) techniques, including innovative planning, design, materials, and construction methods. ABC works safely and cost-effectively to reduce the onsite construction time that occurs when building new bridges or replacing and rehabilitating existing bridges. ABC improves site constructability, total project delivery time, and work-zone safety for the traveling public. 

You can learn more about the I-275 bridge replacement project here: https://www.tn.gov/tdot/projects/projects-region-1/interstate-275–bridge-over-elm-street-bernard-avenue.html

This schedule is contingent on favorable weather conditions.  Motorists are advised to expect delays and use extreme caution in this area as workers will be present.

As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and “Know Before You Go!” by checking travel conditions before leaving for your destination. Drivers should never tweet, text, or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.

East Tennessee Man and His Wife Facing Charges after Conspiring to File False Tax Returns Claiming Millions

East Tennessee Man and His Wife Facing Charges after Conspiring to File False Tax Returns Claiming Millions

July 15, 2025

An East Tennessee man has pleaded guilty to claiming millions in false tax returns.

According to the United States Department of Justice, Ryan Glidewell, of Kingsport, conspired with others to file false tax returns seeking refunds based on the Employee Retention Credit and paid Sick and Family Leave Credit, both of which were created by Congress to aid struggling businesses during the COVID-19 global pandemic.

Glidewell worked with two co-conspirators, including his wife Aylissa, to create phony businesses that didn’t have any employees or operations to falsely claim the credits. All of the phony businesses were located in Sullivan County.

The DOJ says Glidewell filed several false tax returns for those businesses and directed the tax refunds to be mailed to an address he controlled.

In total, officials say the false returns claimed almost $3 and a half million in tax refunds, of which the IRS paid $1.8 million.

Glidewell pleaded guilty to Conspiring to commit wire and mail fraud Aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return
Money laundering and is set to be sentenced on November 12, where he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the conspiring to commit wire and mail fraud charge, a maximum of 10 years for the money laundering charge and a maximum of three years for the aiding and assisting in the filing of a false tax return charge.

This comes after Aylissa pleaded guilty in the scheme back in March to conspiring to commit wire and mail fraud. She is scheduled to be sentenced on September 15.

TDEC SEEKS APPLICANTS FOR FAST CHARGE TN NETWORK GRANTS
Robin Joffe

TDEC SEEKS APPLICANTS FOR FAST CHARGE TN NETWORK GRANTS

July 8, 2025

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) has released its second solicitation for Light Duty Zero Emission Vehicle Supply Equipment projects under the Fast Charge TN Network grant program.

Funds are available for local power companies, for-profit or non-profit organizations, and government entities, including local governments or public institutions of higher education based in Tennessee.

TDEC and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) initially partnered in 2021 to develop a statewide electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging network designed to power the growth of EVs across Tennessee and reduce barriers to transportation electrification, leveraging various funding sources.

This solicitation is funded through the Volkswagen Diesel Settlement Environmental Mitigation Trust (EMT), from settlements resolving allegations that Volkswagen violated clean air standards in sales of vehicles in model years 2009-2016. The purpose of the trust is to execute environmental mitigation projects that reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides. Under the current solicitation, $2.8 million in EMT funding is available for eligible projects.

Projects implemented under this solicitation will support the continued development of the Fast Charge TN Network, building out direct current fast charging infrastructure at least every 50 miles along prioritized corridors. Following the first round of solicitation, 35 Fast Charge TN Network sites are now live and operational, and 18 sites are currently under development, but charging infrastructure gaps remain.

The Fast Charge TN Network program is managed by TDEC’s Office of Energy Programs and is intended to complement the State’s implementation of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Grant Program, which seeks to build fast charging EV infrastructure along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors. The national program is administered in the state by the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT).

To avoid duplicative efforts, the prioritized areas for buildout under this second round of funding are areas that TDOT, TDEC, and TVA anticipate the State’s NEVI program will not address in Alternative Fuel Corridor buildout.

Applicants must commit to owning, operating, and maintaining grant-funded EV fast-charging infrastructure for at least five years following equipment procurement, delivery, installation, and commissioning. The charging infrastructure must be publicly accessible 24/7, 365 days of the year and located within identified infrastructure gap areas.

Priority will be given to locations within designated infrastructure gap zones as defined in the interactive infrastructure gap areas map. However, these areas are subject to change prior to final award announcements. More information on eligibility considerations and application requirements may be accessed in the application manual.

Applications and supporting documentation must be submitted electronically via the TDEC online grants management system available at tdec.smartsimple.com.

Applications must be received by Sept. 12 at 4 p.m. CDT. TDEC will announce awards after conducting a comprehensive review and evaluation of all complete and eligible grant applications. Grant contracting efforts will occur shortly thereafter.

TDEC will host a mandatory application workshop webinar on July 14 from 1-3 p.m. CDT. Registration can be accessed online. The workshop will be recorded and posted on the TDEC website for applicant reference.

Applicants will be required to attend the virtual application workshop prior to application submission, either by participating during the initial webinar session or viewing the recording. The application workshop will provide guidance on the application process and program terms and conditions, including project eligibility, timelines for implementation, and reporting requirements.

Interested individuals and organizations are advised to sign up for the TDEC VW Settlement email list to be kept apprised of all future and related announcements.

For additional information on the Fast Charge TN Network, visit tn.gov/EVfastcharge. For more information on TVA’s EV programming, visit energyright.com/ev/.

For more information on the VW Settlement, visit the TDEC website at tn.gov/environment/VWSettlement. 

TDOT with a Special Traffic Alert for I-275 in Knox County
TDOT

TDOT with a Special Traffic Alert for I-275 in Knox County

July 7, 2025

KNOXVILLE – Motorists traveling on I-275 in Knox County should be aware of upcoming road construction activities that will have a significant impact on traffic.

Beginning at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 11, I-275 will be closed in each direction as crews work to replace the bridge over Elm Street and Bernard Avenue.  Motorists can bypass the work zone by using I-40 and I-640. This closure will be in place until 6 a.m. on Monday, July 14.

Motorists should be aware that I-275 will also be closed beginning on Friday night, July 18, through Monday morning, July 21.  A third weekend closure of I-275 will be necessary in the Fall.

This project employs Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) techniques, including innovative planning, design, materials, and construction methods. ABC works safely and cost-effectively to reduce the onsite construction time that occurs when building new bridges or replacing and rehabilitating existing bridges. ABC improves site constructability, total project delivery time, and work-zone safety for the traveling public. 

You can learn more about the I-275 bridge replacement project here: https://www.tn.gov/tdot/projects/projects-region-1/interstate-275–bridge-over-elm-street-bernard-avenue.html

This schedule is contingent on favorable weather conditions.  Motorists are advised to expect delays and use extreme caution in this area as workers will be present.

As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and “Know Before You Go!” by checking travel conditions before leaving for your destination. Drivers should never tweet, text, or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.

An Investigation is Underway in North Knoxville Following a House Fire
KFD

An Investigation is Underway in North Knoxville Following a House Fire

July 3, 2025

At 3:49pm Wednesday, the neighbors of 5201 Camelia Dr called 911 to report that the house was on fire. When Knox County Communications dispatched the KFD units, they reported that fire was coming out of the front window. 

Crews arrived within minutes and saw heavy smoke and flames coming from the front of the home. Squad 14 was able to make quick entry and knock the fire down within minutes. Crews are still on scene overhauling and cleaning up. Fortunately, the fire was able to be extinguished quickly, the hot days can present additional challenges. Thankfully there was no one home at the time of the fire.

There are no injuries reported.

Investigators are on scene trying to determine a cause.

2 Bat Chiefs

2 Engines

1 Squad

1 Ladder

1 Rescue

1 Ambulance

18 total members

Augusta Quarry Reopens After Renovation, Search for Missing Swimmer Scaled Back
WVLT

Augusta Quarry Reopens After Renovation, Search for Missing Swimmer Scaled Back

July 2, 2025

Wednesday, the City of Knoxville announced that Augusta Quarry would reopen to the public. It comes after a lengthy renovation and not long after a missing swimmer, who still has not been found, prompted a search effort from the Knoxville Fire Department.

The city closed the quarry in March of 2024 to carry out an extensive renovation project, which added new floating platforms, bathrooms, changing rooms and a walkway around the quarry.

On June 16, the Knoxville Fire Department announced it was on the lookout for a man who disappeared while swimming at Augusta Quarry while it was still closed. The search has since been scaled back; the person has not been found.

Wednesday, Assistant Chief Mark Wilbanks told WVLT News that crews wouldn’t be at the quarry consistently, but people may see them doing the occasional shore search for the missing man or doing training exercises.

The additions to Augusta Quarry are aimed at making it easier to access and safer.

“Augusta Quarry didn’t even open to the public until 2017,” Urban Wilderness Coordinator Wes Soward said. “Even then, it was a raw experience. You’d have to make your way down a rutted old gravel quarry road, and parking was severely limited, so it was challenging just to get to the water. Now, it’s a safer environment, and a lot more family-friendly.”

Soward added that the city’s agreement with River Sports Outfitters, who will be an on-site vendor, means that life jackets will be available to borrow for free. Other watersports equipment, like paddleboards and inflatable tubes, will be offered to rent.

Other additions include:

  • Three bathrooms
  • A changing room
  • A water bottle refilling station
  • An outdoor shower
  • A path connecting a 38-vehicle parking lot with the overlook, trailheads, the new buildings and the water’s edge
  • A floating “beach” platform at the end of the walkway, lining the quarry lake’s southwestern edge, with ladders
  • A circular floating swim platform, also with ladders
  • An expanded overlook

The quarry will be open from 7:45 a.m. each day and close at 8 p.m. There will be staff there from 10 a.m. to close, but no lifeguards.

Story courtesy of WVLT news

Dolly Parton to Perform in Las Vegas for First Time in More Than 30 Years

Dolly Parton to Perform in Las Vegas for First Time in More Than 30 Years

June 23, 2025

Las Vegas, NV (WOKI / WVLT) Dolly Parton is headed back to Las Vegas for the first time in more than 30 years!

The queen of country music will be performing six times at The Colosseum in Caesars Palace for Dolly: Live in Las Vegas. The shows are slated for December 4 through December 13, but tickets go on sale Wednesday, June 25 at 10:00 a.m.

“To say I’m excited would be an understatement,” Dolly said. “I haven’t worked Vegas in years and I’ve always loved singing there. I’m looking so forward to the shows in The Colosseum at Caesars and I hope you are as well. See you there!”

Interested in catching Dolly in Vegas? Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.

Dolly Parton to perform in Las Vegas for first time in more than 30 years. (Courtesy: WVLT)
Deadline to Apply for New School Voucher Program in Tennessee is This Week
Robin Joffe

Deadline to Apply for New School Voucher Program in Tennessee is This Week

June 12, 2025

Story courtesy of WVLT: KNOXVILLE, TN (WVLT) – Private schools have prepared for Gov. Bill Lee’s new school voucher program with nearly 40,000 families looking to cash in on the scholarships.

This coming school year, only 20,000 students will be granted scholarships from the program. State numbers show 244 private schools have opted-in to allow families to use the scholarships at their private school.

This includes all 10 Catholic schools in the Diocese of Knoville.

“It’s been very rewarding for the schools as well as the families of course,” interim superintendent for the Diocese of Knoxville, George Valadie, said. “There was a lot of leadup to it; a lot of education to our families, a lot of education of families in our parishes.”

The schools in this part of East Tennessee include Knoxville Catholic and Sacred Heart Cathedral.

Valadie added some families are not having to switch schools to get this scholarship.

“Some of the families who have applied and received vouchers were already enrolled,” Valadie said.

Some schools are having to put students on a waitlist with so many families trying to attend certain schools. Valadie said some schools are already full.

“We had some families reach out to a school and a specific grad that they were trying to get into, we were just full. But, another family reached out, a similar family, and the grade they wanted to get into was open,” Valadie said.

Valadie said how the process works of accepting students through the voucher program is that a family will reach out to the state and notify them of the school they’re looking to send their child to. Then, it falls on school leaders to accept them.

Valadie added some students have notified school leaders of their plans to attend, but others they hear about for the first time, so they will ask the family questions about the student before giving their decision.

Regardless of any factors, Valadie believes families should have this choice.

“They might not consider us. They may consider a different private school, but at least they can find the one that works best for their student, so I think that’s what matters,” Valadie said.

The deadline to apply for the program is June 13, and the enrollment deadline is July 15.

Knoxville’s Mayor Breaks Down What a Proposed Sales Tax Increase Will Support
Visit Knoxville

Knoxville’s Mayor Breaks Down What a Proposed Sales Tax Increase Will Support

June 10, 2025

Ahead of a first vote by the Knoxville City Council on Mayor Indya Kincannon’s proposed sales tax increase, Kincannon released a breakdown of what that added money will support.

The proposal is for a half-percent increase to the Local Option Sales Tax. This tax allows local municipalities, like cities, to charge their own sales tax on top of the 7% that Tennessee already charges statewide. Currently, this tax in Knoxville is 2.25%, and the increase would put the city’s rate at 2.75%.

Kincannon said that this would put Knoxville on par with several surrounding counties, including Anderson, Blount, Grainger, Jefferson and Sevier counties.

If the increase is passed, the added money will go towards the Five-Year Neighborhood Investment Plan, which a spokesperson with the City of Knoxville said will ensure projects within that plan will happen in five years.

According to Kincannon, the plan prioritizes several infrastructure needs, including the following:

  • Sidewalks within one-mile of schools (Parental Responsibility Zones, or PRZ), impacting neighborhoods surrounding nearly half the schools in the city
  • Repairs to existing greenways, facilities and parks
  • Increasing road paving
  • 1,000 affordable housing units

The following are some of the infrastructure upgrades included in the plan across Knoxville’s six districts:

  • District 1
    • Sidewalks
      • Young High Pike near Hedgeapple Lane – PRZ South-Doyle Middle School
      • Woodlawn Pike near Moody Avenue – PRZ Dogwood Elementary School
      • W. Martin Mill Pike near Chapman Highway
      • W. Martin Mill Pike near W. Moody Avenue
      • Chapman Highway near E. Young High Pike
      • Chapman Highway near Childress Street
    • Parks
      • Charter Doyle Park – playground equipment and dog park renovations
      • Ijams Nature Center Park – infrastructure improvements
      • Gary Underwood Park – renovations including basketball goal and playground equipment
      • Mary Vestal Park – renovations including playground equipment
      • Scottish Pike Park – renovations including playground equipment
    • Greenways
      • Sam Duff Greenway – resurface walking track
    • Facilities
      • South Knoxville Community Center – renovations
      • River Bluff Wildlife Area – improvements to parking, trails and overlook
  • District 2
    • Sidewalks
      • Buckingham Drive near Vanosdale Road – PRZ West Hills Elementary School
      • Cortland Drive near Sheffield Drive – PRZ West Hills Elementary School
      • Westwood Road near Herron Drive – PRZ Bearden Elementary School
      • Middlebrook Pike near W. Hills Road – PRZ Bearden Middle School
    • Parks
      • West Hills Tennis Center – pickle ball improvements including new bathrooms and new courts
      • Safety City – renovations including parking and playground equipment
    • Greenways
      • Third Creek Greenway – improvements and repairs
      • Jean Teague Greenway – improvements and repairs
      • Papermill Bluff / Weisgarber Greenways – improvements and repairs
      • Middlebrook Greenway to Jean Teague Greenway – new section – Third Creek connection
    • Facilities
      • Deane Hill Community Center – renovations
  • District 3
    • Sidewalks
      • Francis Road near Bearden View Lane – PRZ Bearden Middle School
      • Glenn Avenue near Fillmore Avenue– PRZ West View Elementary School
    • Parks
      • Victor Ashe Park – multi-purpose field improvements
      • Westview Park – renovations including playground equipment
    • Greenways
      • Northwest Greenway – new section connector toward Middlebrook Pike
      • Pleasant Ridge Greenway – new section from I-640 to Wilson Road
      • Pleasant Ridge Greenway – new section from Wilson Road to Western Avenue
    • Facilities
      • Cumberland Estates Community Center – renovations
  • District 4
    • Sidewalks
      • Buffat Mill Road near Teeple Street – PRZ Belle Morris Elementary School
      • Barton Street near Washington Pike – PRZ Belle Morris Elementary School
      • Cecil Avenue near Eighth Avenue – PRZ Fulton High School
      • Garden Drive near Jacksboro Pike – PRZ Central High School
      • Garden Drive near Rosebay Road – PRZ Fountain City Elementary, Gresham Middle, and Central High Schools
      • Jacksboro Pike from school entrance to Essary Drive – PRZ Central High School
      • Valley View Drive near Whittle Springs Road – PRZ Whittle Springs Middle School
      • Tazewell Pike and Beverly Road intersection improvements – PRZ Shannondale Elementary School
      • Millertown Pike near Loves Creek Road
      • Sanders Drive near Tazewell Pike
    • Parks
      • Whittle Springs Golf Course – renovations including parking lot and facility upgrades
      • Edgewood Park – renovations including fencing and playground equipment
      • First Creek Park – renovations including playground equipment
    • Greenways
      • First Creek Greenway – new section from Mineral Springs to Edgewood Park
    • Facilities
      • Fire Hall #15 (Jacksboro Pike) renovations
  • District 5
    • Sidewalks
      • Bruhin Road near Dutch Valley Drive – PRZ Inskip Elementary School
      • Central Avenue Pike near E. Inskip Drive – PRZ Inskip Elementary School
      • E. Columbia Avenue near Harvey Street – PRZ Christenberry Elementary School
      • Harvey Street near Churchwell Avenue – PRZ Christenberry Elementary School
      • Huron Street near Oglewood Avenue – PRZ Christenberry Elementary School
      • Henegar Street near Shamrock Avenue – PRZ Christenberry Elementary School
    • Parks
      • Sam E. Hill School – renovate into a community center including a basketball court
      • Lonsdale Park – renovations including a pavilion
      • Inskip Park – renovations including playground equipment
      • Adair Park – renovations including playground equipment
    • Greenways
      • Adair / Sue Clancy Greenway – new section toward downtown
    • Facilities
      • Inskip Pool – renovations to the facility, pool and grounds
  • District 6
    • Sidewalks
      • Boyds Bridge Pike near Brooks Avenue – PRZ Sarah Moore Greene Magnet Academy
      • Boyds Bridge Pike near Border Street – PRZ Sarah Moore Greene Magnet Academy
      • College Street near Jourolman Avenue – PRZ Beaumont Magnet Academy
      • S. Castle Street near Wilson Avenue – PRZ Austin-East Magnet High School
      • Wilson Avenue near S. Hermbree Street – PRZ Austin-East Magnet High School
    • Parks
      • Holston River Park – renovations including playground equipment
      • Chilhowee Park – infrastructure
    • Greenways
      • East Knox Greenway – new section toward Knoxville Botanical Gardens
      • Lower First Creek Greenway – new section connecting Caswell Park
    • Facilities
      • Dr. E.V. Davidson Community Center – renovations

Knoxville City Council is set to meet for a first vote on Tuesday. A second vote will then follow on June 24, and if both of those votes are in favor of raising the sales tax, the item will go on the Nov. 4 election ballot, allowing residents to decide whether or not their sales tax will increase.

Story courtesy of our news partner WVLT

The Reward has Risen for Information Leading to a Missing Middle Tennessee Teen, New Photos Released
TBI

The Reward has Risen for Information Leading to a Missing Middle Tennessee Teen, New Photos Released

June 5, 2025

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has put out a new missing person flyer out for Sebastian Rodgers.

He’s the teen who vanished more than a year ago in Sumner County, in Middle Tennessee.

TBI say the missing 15-year-old has autism. He was last seen at his Hendersonville home in February of 2024.

A $50,000 reward is being offered for any information on where Sebastian’s whereabouts.

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