The Tennessee Highway Patrol is investigating after a student in Sevier County is hit by a car while waiting for their school bus this morning. (Friday)
The Sevier County Sheriff’s Office says the crash happened on East Union Valley Road near Seymour. The student was not hit by a school bus, but a car that was trying to go around the bus.
The juvenile was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries,.
Officials say the driver of the car has been charged and the bus was not moving at the time of the crash.
Today (Thursday) marks six months since Hurricane Helene made landfall, moving through East Tennessee and causing unprecedented destruction and taking several lives.
According to the National Hurricane Center, 18 Tennesseans lost their lives at the hands of the storm. Helene, which swiftly became a tropical storm as it made landfall, dumped billions of gallons of rain across not only East Tennessee, but western North Carolina. All that water, whether directly from the storm or from runoff in the Great Smoky Mountains, caused record-breaking crests on waterways like the Pigeon River.
The flooding took not only lives, but infrastructure, businesses and homes with it.
Tennessee is still working to recover, overcoming one of the worst natural disasters in Tennessee’s history.
Just this month, rafting businesses in Hartford started taking guests on the Pigeon River again, bring to life the town’s largest economic driver.
Last week, the National Hurricane Center released its final report on the storm, tallying 249 lives lost at the hands of Helene.
Part of I-40 between Tennessee and North Carolina has reopened to traffic, with one lane in each direction at 35 miles per hour through the narrow lanes.
Hartford, a community in Cocke County known for rafting on the Pigeon River, was one of the hardest hit areas after the floods from Helene.
Ever since the flood, the clock has been ticking for companies to rebuild in time for this year’s season. Crews have faced endless setbacks from crumbling roads and even more unexpected flooding.
Two businesses have been able to reopen so far for this year’s season and several others are expected to open in the coming months.
Hartford Road and Trail Hallow Road are partially crumbled away, still looking the same way they did when Helene initially swept through which is affecting some outfitters.
Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis told WVLT News the county’s highway department is actively working on road projects. He says they need to get design plans approved and secure funding through the state and federal level and says some projects are long-term. He says he hopes all roads will be ready for the 2026 rafting season.
The City of Erwin in Unicoi County is showing some real progress as it works to rebuild after Helene’s devastating floods.
It’s been six months since storms started moving through the area, paving the way for Helene to dump billions of gallons of water on East Tennessee and western North Carolina.
Helene’s waters caused the Nolichucky River to take away people’s livelihoods and even lives.
Riverview Baptist Church suffered some serious damage at the hands of Helene, but the church plans to open its doors for Easter service.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation has been working hard repairing and rebuilding roads across East Tennessee after massive flooding caused by Hurricane Helene destroyed numerous roads, bridges and interstates.
Crews have been working on crunch-time for the last six months to get these roads and interstates back open .
Mark Nagi with TDOT tells our news partner WVLT that of the 49 sections of roadway that were closed, which includes bridges that were destroyed, 44 roadways are now reopened.
TDOT recently celebrated I-40’s reopening, at least in part. The state has cleared one lane of the interstate on the Tennessee side of the Great Smoky Mountains. North Carolina crews have seen similar success, opening one lane of the interstate across the state line.
TDOT has been getting some help from the state and federal governments to speed up the process as much as possible.
In the six months since Helene swept through East Tennessee, Mountain Ways has been giving out money to those most affected.
Lori Moore is the executive director at Mountain Ways. She says the organization had donated more than $2.5 million to more than 500 families who lost their homes to Helene in Tennessee and North Carolina.
Individuals aren’t the only ones getting a hand from Mountain Ways, however. Tuesday, the group awarded grants to six volunteer fire departments in Cocke County that had lost gear in Helene’s floods. Hope House, another group which has been giving tiny homes to those in need, also received some help from Mountain Ways.
Pigeon Forge, TN (WOKI) The City of Pigeon Forge says its city manager of 44 years will soon be retiring.
Earlene Teaster became Tennessee’s first female city manager when she was named to the position in 1980. She was first hired to be the city clerk in 1961.
Pigeon Forge Mayor David Wear says Teaster’s impact on the city is immeasurable. He says they are forever grateful for her unwavering leadership and steadfast support.
Teaster, who is currently Tennessee’s longest-serving city manager, is set to retire on June 30.
Tennessee’s longest-serving city manager is set to retire on June 30. (Courtesy: City of PigeonForge)
99.1 The Sports Animal is proud to announce the return of Sports Animal SportsFest on Saturday, June 28th, 2025 at Knoxville Expo Center!
Sports Animal SportsFest
Saturday, June 28th, 2025
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Knoxville Expo Center
Tickets are $5.00 at door.
*Free Admission for Children 12 and Under
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SportsFest 2025 Vendor and Sponsor Interest Form
Fill out this form for more information about becoming a vendor at SportsFest 2025 taking place Saturday, June 28, 2025 at the Knoxville Expo Center. We are searching for sports related items, activities and businesses.
Join us on Saturday, June 28th at the Knoxville Expo Center for Sports Animal SportsFest! This indoor festival celebrates all things sports! There will be multiple sports personalities doing Q&A’s, autograph signings, an awesome buy, sell, trade card show and more. Exhibitors will be on-site offering a fun-filled day for the entire family.
SportsFest has all your bases covered! Learn, play, watch or just get your picture with a VFL or other notable sports figure. From the novice sports fan to the diehards, SportsFest has something for everyone.
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More details coming soon…
Scheduled to appear…
Erik Ainge– VFL QB from 2004-2007 and spent two seasons with the New York Jets for 2008-2010 after being drafted in the sixth round of the NFL Draft in 2008. Sports Animal host of the Erik Ainge Show Weekdays from 9a-12pm on 99.1 FM.
Jayson Swain– VFL WR from 2003-2006 and NFL WR with the Chicago Bears in 2007. He is currently 6th all-time in UT history with 126 receptions. Swain is also 13th in career receiving yards with 1,721. Jayson also hosts the Josh & Swain show on 99.1 The Sports Animal from 12p-3p as well as his podcast The Swain Event.
East Tennessee Children’s Hospital (ETCH) is preparing for a potential measles outbreak. This comes as the first case of the highly contagious virus was confirmed in Middle Tennessee on Friday.
“We’re just sort of waiting for it to happen,” said Dr. Suzanne Rybczynski, the chief medical officer at ETCH. “We anticipate it could happen any time.”
It’s a deadly outbreak moving closer to home. Nearly 400 cases have been reported in 18 different states, and it already surpasses the nationwide total from 2024. The CDC reports that 95% of cases are people who aren’t vaccinated, or whose vaccination status is unknown.
“If you aren’t vaccinated or you don’t have immunity and you’re exposed to measles, you have a nine out of 10 chance of getting measles,” said Rybczynski.
Measles was declared eliminated from the United States in 2000. Experts thanked the vaccine, but the rate of people getting the shot is trending downward nationally and locally.
Across Tennessee, 75% of kids ages 4-6 have received the measles vaccine. In East Tennessee, Morgan County has the highest vaccination rate at 92%, which is the second-highest in the state behind Houston County. Meanwhile, Hancock County has the lowest rate at 56%, but this is far above the statewide lowest of just 35% in Clay County. Knox County sits just below the state average at 73%.
“If your child is vaccinated, the concern is honestly minimal because the vaccine is just that good,” said Roberta Sturm with Knox County Health Department.
Rybczynski said ETCH leaders have been watching the nationwide outbreak closely and planning for months.
“Most doctors and nurses and health care professionals alive today have never seen a case,” Rybczynski said. “We really have to think how we will handle that kid when they come through our door.”
Rybczynski said they are thoughtfully working to create protocols and navigate logistics so they can avoid facing complications if there is a case.
“Once that patient is in our system, like I said, you have to shut down a room for two hours,” Rybczynski said. “No one can go into a room that someone has had measles in.”
Knox County Health Department said they are also preparing for if there is a case.
Rybczynski said the most effective way to protect yourself and your children from Measles is with the vaccine. She suggests contacting your primary care provider.
Vaccines are also available at the Knox County Health Department.
The first measles case of 2025 has been confirmed in the state, and it’s in Middle Tennessee.
Tennessee Department of Health says the infected person is recovering in their home.
Doctor Joseph Gigante with the Monroe Carell, Junior Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt says the spread of measles seems to be moving fast after starting in west Texas.
Tennessee health officials say measles is highly infectious and spreads through the air when an infected person speaks, coughs or sneezes.
Doctors say watch out for symptoms of small bumps, high fever, cough and a runny noise. Measles can also be fatal.
There’s an active national measles outbreak with over 300 cases in 11 states, including two deaths.
GATLINBURG, Tenn.—Due to dry conditions, low relative humidity, a continued high fire danger, and forecasted high winds, the National Park Service (NPS) is instituting an immediate ban on all campfires and charcoal use in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This fire ban will remain in effect until further notice on both the Tennessee and North Carolina sides of the park. This is consistent with the National Weather Service Red Flag Warning in our area.
Campers, backpackers, and visitors using picnic areas may continue to use cookstoves with compressed gas canisters and gas grills that feature an on/off switch. Stoves and grills must be attended at all times.
The NPS is collaborating with multiple agencies in response to current and predicted weather and fuel conditions. Visitors are urged to exercise extra caution while recreating on public lands, including national parks and national forests, in North Carolina and Tennessee when fire danger is elevated.
For the latest information regarding the fire ban in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, please visit the park’s current conditions webpage.
The highly anticipated JONASCON, Jonas Brothers revealed tour details for their massive “JONAS20: LIVING THE DREAM” tour – a powerful, full-circle celebration of their 20-year journey from performing in malls to headlining the biggest stadiums in the world. The brothers, who just released their new single “Love Me To Heaven,” exclusively shared the tour news this past Friday on Good Morning America.
“We’re beyond excited to hit the road and celebrate 20 years of music,” said the Jonas Brothers. “Our fans have been with us through every chapter, and this tour is our way of honoring them, the memories we’ve made, and the ones we’ll create together. We can’t wait to make this our biggest, most unforgettable tour yet.”
Marshmello will join the tour for the 10 iconic stadium shows, bringing his chart-topping hits — including his iconic collabs with the brothers — to life in a high-energy set that keeps the party going all night. In addition, The All-American Rejects and Boys Like Girls will join as special guests in select cities.
Kicking off August 10th at MetLife Stadium, this 43-date tour promises a one-of-a-kind experience for fans. The band will return to iconic venues like Dodger Stadium in LA, Rogers Centre in Toronto, Wrigley Field in Chicago, Globe Life Field in Arlington, while also debuting at several new stadiums and arenas from August through November.
Each night will take fans on a full, career-spanning journey — with dedicated sets from every chapter of Jonas including Nick Jonas & the Administration, Nick Jonas’ solo career, Joe Jonas’ solo work, and DNCE — all leading up to an unforgettable headlining performance from the Jonas Brothers.
⭐ Fans can sign up for the Artist Presale now through Wednesday, March 26 at 10 AM ET at livemu.sc/jonasbrothers. The Artist Presale will run Thursday, March 27 from 10am local time to 3pm local time.
⭐ General on-sale begins Friday, March 28 at 10am local time at ticketmaster.com.
⭐The tour will also offer a variety of different VIP packages and experiences for fans to take their concert experience to the next level. Packages vary but include premium tickets, invitation to the pre-show VIP Lounge, specially designed 20 year anniversary Jonas Brothers VIP gift item & more. For more information, visit vipnation.com.
JONAS BROTHERS: “JONAS20: Living the Dream” TOUR DATES
*With Marshmello
+With The All American Rejects
#With Boys Like Girls
Sun Aug 10 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium*+
Tue Aug 12 – Washington, DC – Nationals Park*+
Thu Aug 14 – Philadelphia, PA – Citizens Bank Park*+
Sun Aug 17 – Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium*+
Thu Aug 21 – Toronto, ON – Rogers Centre*#
Sat Aug 23 – Boston, MA – Fenway Park*#
Tue Aug 26 – Chicago, IL – Wrigley Field*#
Thu Aug 28 – Detroit, MI – Comerica Park*#
Sun Aug 31 – Arlington, TX – Globe Life Field*#
Sat Sep 06 – Los Angeles, CA – Dodger Stadium*#
Thu Sep 18 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena#
Sat Sep 20 – Portland, OR – Moda Center#
Mon Sep 22 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena#
Thu Sep 25 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center#
Fri Sep 26 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center#
Sun Sep 28 – Phoenix, AZ – PHX Arena (Formerly Footprint Center)#
Sun Oct 02 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena#
Fri Oct 04 – Omaha, NE – CHI Health Center#
Sun Oct 5 – Des Moines, IA – Wells Fargo Arena#
Tue Oct 07 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center+
Wed Oct 08 – St. Louis, MO – Enterprise Center+
Fri Oct 10 – St. Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center+
Sun Oct 12 – Milwaukee, WI – Fiserv Forum+
Tue Oct 14 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena+
Thu Oct 16 – Tulsa, OK – BOK Center+
Fri Oct 17 – Austin, TX – Moody Center+
Sat Oct 18 – San Antonio, TX – Frost Bank Center+
Sun Oct 19 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center+
Wed Oct 22 – Tampa, FL – Amalie Arena+
Fri Oct 24 – Sunrise, FL – Amerant Bank Arena+
Sun Oct 26 – Orlando, FL – Kia Center+
Tue Oct 28 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
Wed Oct 29 – Raleigh, NC – Lenovo Center+
Sat Nov 01 – Lexington, KY – Rupp Arena+
Sun Nov 02 – Indianapolis, IN – Gainbridge Fieldhouse+
Tue Nov 04 – Knoxville, TN – Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center+
COLUMBIA, Tenn. – Sophia Nugent homered twice and drove in a career-high six RBIs to lead No. 7 Tennessee to an 8-0 run-rule victory over Eastern Kentucky Tuesday night at Ridley Sports Complex in Columbia, Tennessee.
The win improves Tennessee to 26-4 on the season as they took on EKU in the annual Midstate Classic. More than 3,500 fans filled the stands, with many cheering on local stars Saviya Morgan, Laura Mealer, Ryan Brown, and Aubrey Barnhart, all of whom hail from the Midstate.
The Lady Vols extended their win streak to six games and recorded their 17th run-rule victory of the season.
Nugent provided the offensive punch as she went 2-for-2, scoring twice, and hitting two home runs. She put Tennessee on the board with a two-run shot in the second inning, then blew the game wide open with a grand slam in the third.
Brown, a native of nearby Thompson’s Station, sealed the run-rule victory with an RBI single in the fourth.
IN THE CIRCLE Karlyn Pickens (10-3) was dominant in the circle, tossing four innings of one-hit ball with three walks and seven strikeouts. Her performance lowered her ERA to 0.73 on the season. After Tuesday’s outing, Pickens has gone 71 innings without allowing back-to-back hits.
Freshman Erin Nuwer closed out the game with a scoreless fifth inning, recording two strikeouts.
NOTABLE PERFORMERS Senior McKenna Gibson extended her reached-base streak to 28 games, dating to the end of the 2024 season.
DUE UP Tennessee will return home to Knoxville for a three-game series against Arkansas, March 22-24. The series will run Saturday through Monday, with all games airing on SEC Network.
