Local volunteers needed to help track seasonal changes of trees
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is currently recruiting local volunteers to ‘Adopt-A-Plot’ and track the seasonal change of trees, also called phenology.
Members of the public who visit the Smokies often are encouraged to sign up to adopt a plot of trees near the roadside at Kanati Fork, Newfound Gap, Kuwohi (Dome Rd.), and other locations in the park.
Interested volunteers can attend a virtual orientation session on March 11, 2023, f 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. EST, and later field site orientations will follow. Volunteers can sign up to visit their “adopted” study plot weekly, and less during summer months, to monitor trees from the first bud in spring to the last leaf drop in fall. Volunteers will monitor when trees develop buds, leaf out, produce flowers and fruit, and when leaves change color.
Data collected by volunteers will be used in collective park-wide research to interpret how changing climate and length of day affect when seasonal changes occur. Researchers are noticing seasonal and annual shifts of the timing of phenophases, the stages of the life cycles of trees in the park. Early or late phenophases can affect entire forest ecosystems because all organisms are interconnected in the food web and depend on trees to survive.
If you are interested in this exciting volunteer opportunity, please email Angel Chaffin at [email protected] to register for the virtual phenology orientation.
For more information about phenology research efforts across the country, visit the National Phenology Network at https://www.usanpn.org/.
…HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 3 AM EST SATURDAY… * WHAT…Southwest winds 25 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected. * WHERE…Northern Plateau and Central Tennessee valley. * WHEN…From 10 AM this morning to 3 AM EST Saturday. * IMPACTS…Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS…The saturated ground will make conditions more susceptible to down trees.
Bedford, TN
Cannon, TN
Cheatham, TN
Clay, TN
Coffee, TN
Cumberland, TN
Davidson, TN
De Kalb, TN
Dickson, TN
Fentress, TN
Giles, TN
Grundy, TN
Hickman, TN
Houston, TN
Humphreys, TN
Jackson, TN
Lawrence, TN
Lewis, TN
Macon, TN
Marshall, TN
Maury, TN
Montgomery, TN
Overton, TN
Perry, TN
Pickett, TN
Putnam, TN
Robertson, TN
Rutherford, TN
Smith, TN
Stewart, TN
Sumner, TN
Trousdale, TN
Van Buren, TN
Warren, TN
Wayne, TN
White, TN
Williamson, TN
Wilson, TN
…HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 PM CST THIS EVENING… * WHAT…South winds 25 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected. * WHERE…All of Middle Tennessee. * WHEN…From 6 AM to 6 PM CST Friday. * IMPACTS…Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Winds will ramp up starting around 3 am CST. With grounds already wet, some trees will come down much easier leading to power outages. Be sure to fully charge cell phones tonight so you will be able reliably receive any additional Severe Thunderstorm or Tornado Warnings that may be issued on Friday. Winds will begin to relax from west to east starting around sunset Friday evening.
Bell, KY
Clay, KY
Harlan, KY
Knott, KY
Leslie, KY
Letcher, KY
Perry, KY
…HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM FRIDAY TO 1 AM EST SATURDAY… * WHAT…South to southwest winds 15 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph at lower elevations. Across ridgetops and at elevations above 2,000 feet, winds 25 to 40 mph with gusts of 55 to 65 mph expected. The strongest wind gusts are expected between 2 PM and 10 PM. * WHERE…Bell, Harlan, Knott, Perry, Clay, Leslie and Letcher Counties. * WHEN…From 10 AM Friday to 1 AM EST Saturday. * IMPACTS…Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Scattered to widespread power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
Bledsoe, TN
Bradley, TN
Hamilton, TN
Marion, TN
McMinn, TN
Meigs, TN
Northwest Monroe, TN
Rhea, TN
Sequatchie, TN
West Polk, TN
…HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM EST /6 AM CST/ THIS MORNING TO 10 PM EST /9 PM CST/ THIS EVENING… * WHAT…South winds 25 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected. * WHERE…Southern Plateau and southeast Tennessee. * WHEN…From 7 AM EST /6 AM CST/ this morning to 10 PM EST /9 PM CST/ this evening. * IMPACTS…Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS…The saturated ground will make conditions more susceptible to down trees.
Blount Smoky Mountains, TN
Cocke Smoky Mountains, TN
Sevier Smoky Mountains, TN
Southeast Monroe, TN
…HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM EST SATURDAY… * WHAT…South winds 30 to 50 mph with gusts up to 80 mph expected. * WHERE…Mountains of Southeast Tennessee including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. * WHEN…Until 1 AM EST Saturday. * IMPACTS…Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS…The saturated ground will make conditions more susceptible to down trees.
Hancock, TN
Hawkins, TN
Johnson, TN
Northwest Carter, TN
Northwest Greene, TN
Southeast Carter, TN
Southeast Greene, TN
Sullivan, TN
Unicoi, TN
Washington, TN
…HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 AM EST SATURDAY… * WHAT…Southwest winds 25 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected. * WHERE…Northeast Tennessee and southwest Virginia. * WHEN…From 10 AM this morning to 6 AM EST Saturday. * IMPACTS…Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS…The saturated ground will make conditions more susceptible to down trees.
Knox, KY
Laurel, KY
McCreary, KY
Whitley, KY
…HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM FRIDAY TO 1 AM EST SATURDAY… * WHAT…South to southwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts of 50 to 60 mph expected. The strongest wind gusts are expected between 1 PM and 8 PM. * WHERE…Laurel, McCreary, Whitley and Knox Counties. * WHEN…From 10 AM Friday to 1 AM EST Saturday. * IMPACTS…Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Scattered to widespread power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
Lee, VA
Russell, VA
Scott, VA
Washington, VA
Wise, VA
…HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 AM EST SATURDAY… * WHAT…Southwest winds 25 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected. * WHERE…Northeast Tennessee and southwest Virginia. * WHEN…From 10 AM this morning to 6 AM EST Saturday. * IMPACTS…Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS…The saturated ground will make conditions more susceptible to down trees.
Pulaski, KY
Wayne, KY
…HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM FRIDAY TO 1 AM EST SATURDAY… * WHAT…South to southwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts of 50 to 60 mph expected. The strongest wind gusts are expected between 11 AM and 8 PM. * WHERE…Pulaski and Wayne Counties. * WHEN…From 7 AM Friday to 1 AM EST Saturday. * IMPACTS…Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Scattered to widespread power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation says a one mile evacuation of some Cocke County residents is ordered following an overturned propane truck that is leaking propane. Residents who have nowhere to go, can go to Parrottsville Elementary School
It has closed State Route 340 at Allen Chapel Road.
A medical helicopter has been called to the scene. The driver of the truck was injured during the crash. The driver was responsive at the hospital.
Two deputies were taken to the hospital for inhaling propane fumes.
Metro Drug Coalition assembles panel of experts to answer community questions about youth substance misuse at a virtual town hall meeting.
On March 23, 2023, Metro Drug Coalition will host a virtual town hall meeting on youth substance misuse, and they are calling for questions surrounding the issue from Knox County community members. The panel, moderated by Star 102.1’s Kim Hansard, consists of professionals with diverse expertise and perspectives on substance misuse and how it impacts Knoxville’s youth.
Town Hall Panelists
Karen Pershing, Executive Director of Metro Drug Coalition
Josh Shaffer, Police Officer with the Knoxville Police Department
Dr. Stephanie Shults, Pediatrician at Shults Pediatric
Dr. Emily Woodrum, Clinical Psychologist at Cherokee Health
Caro Douglas, Graduate Student at the University of Tennessee
Topics covered in the town hall will include vaping, underage drinking, prescription drug misuse, and overdoses. Data from the recently released 2022 Knox County Youth Behavior Risk Survey and the 2021 Drug Related Death Report reveal the pressing need to open a dialogue surrounding substance misuse in Knox County’s youth.
18% of students used an electronic vapor product during the last 30 days.
More than one out of six students drank alcohol during the past 30 days.
One out of six students used some form of illicit drug (excluding alcohol or tobacco) during the past 30 days.
9% have used a prescription drug without a doctor’s prescription one or more times during their lifetimes.
One out of four students were offered, sold, or given illegal drugs on school property during the past 12 months.
The 2021 Drug-Related Death Report revealed a 46% increase in drug-related deaths among 15-24 year olds.
“Town halls are vital because they allow citizens the opportunity to have their voices heard, learn from a diverse group of community leaders, and leave feeling inspired to improve their communities,” said Sydney Ross, Metro Drug Coalition’s Youth Initiatives Coordinator. “This town hall will encourage open dialogue between members of the community and inspire collaboration to address the issue of substance misuse in Knox County youth.”
In order to include as many community voices as possible, the town hall will take place virtually over Zoom from 7 pm – 8 pm on March 23, 2023. Community members who would like to submit questions or register for this free event should visit metrodrug.org/townhall.
A bill adding a firing squad as a means of execution for death row inmates in Tennessee passed the House Criminal Justice Committee and is now heading to the Finance, Ways, and Means Committee.
If the bill is passed, it would allow death row inmates to choose dying by a firing squad rather than lethal injection or electrocution.
Currently, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Utah and South Carolina allow death row inmates to die by firing squad.
Following this bill being discussed, State Representative Paul Sherrell is now apologizing after comments he made Tuesday suggesting Tennessee’s death row inmates be executed by “hanging by a tree.”
Sherrell’s comments took place during the House Criminal Justice Committee meeting.
Gloria Sweet-Love, President of the Tennessee State Conference of the NAACP responded to Sherrell’s comment:
“While debating the firing squad as a method of execution in the House of Representatives’ Criminal Justice Committee, Representative Paul Sherrell stated: “I think it’s a very good idea, and I was just wondering about, could I put an amendment on that it would include hanging by a tree, also?” Representative Sherrell’s comment is beyond disgusting. He is celebrating a particular form of execution used against African Americans in Tennessee and across the nation, including innocent and wrongfully convicted persons. In many parts of the South, lynchings took place in nearly every county as it exemplified racialized and anti-Black violence. We know from numerous research studies that Blacks are also disproportionately executed, especially when the alleged victim is White. Sherrell’s comment–with reference to the most detested form of racialized violence–appears to be tinged race. It is a sad day in Tennessee politics when a lawmaker publicly announces that he wants to resurrect the lynching tree. We demand an apology from Representative Sherrill and ask the House leadership to condemn statements advocating racialized violence.”
On Wednesday, a statement released from Sherrell:
“I regret that I used very poor judgment in voicing my support of a colleague’s bill in the Criminal Justice Committee on Tuesday. My exaggerated comments were intended to convey my belief that for the cruelest and most heinous crimes, a just society requires the death penalty in kind. Although a victim’s family cannot be restored when an execution is carried out, a lesser punishment undermines the value we place on protecting life. My intention was to express my support of families who often wait decades for justice. I sincerely apologize to anyone who may have been hurt or offended.”
The amendment proposing execution by firing squad comes as the state is currently revising the protocol used by the Department of Correction to execute death row inmates. At this time, executions in Tennessee have been halted while investigations continue into previous methods not following protocol.
A Florida man indicted in Tennessee on murder charge in connection to the overdose death of his son.
The investigation by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the White Pine Police Department began in September 2021, when they were looking into the death of then 39 year-old Jason Imler after he was found dead at a residence in the 1000 block of Rosella Drive.
His cause of death was determined to be an overdose caused by fentanyl toxicity. The investigation revealed that his father, 63 year-old Jeffrey Imler was responsible for giving him the drugs.
The Jefferson County Grand Jury returned indictments charging him with one count of Second Degree Murder and one count of Delivery of Schedule II – Fentanyl. He was arrested in Palm Beach County, Florida and brought back to Tennessee and booked into jail.
Knoxville Police have identified the victims from the fatal crash on I-40 West at Midway Road.
58 year-old Randall Ball and 56 year-old Latisha Beck of East Tennessee. The third victim, a 48-year-old man, remains hospitalized with critical injuries.
That crash happened Monday morning and the preliminary investigation says a pick-up crossed the median hitting an SUV with the two victims and a semi-truck, that driver not injured.
KISS announcing the absolute final shows of their final tour, The End of the Road Tour, with stop at Thompson Boling Arena on November 24th.
Tickets go on sale for a KISS Army presale on Monday at 10am local time. Additional presales will be available throughout the week before the general on sale starting on March 10th at 10am local time at live nation dot com.
The tour ends with a massive show in the city where it all began for KISS, New York City where they will play Madison Square Garden.
The Knox County Health Department is wrapping up Heart Health Month by encouraging those who are interested to sign up for KCHD’s FREE Heart Health Classes.
It’s a free two-part series were you work with a Registered Dietitian to learn about healthy eating and exercise, weight management, goal setting and more.
Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women. This class is designed for people with heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or those just wanting to learn about healthy eating and physical activity. Classes are scheduled for March 9 and 16 from 6-7 p.m. at the Knox County Health Department on Dameron Avenue.
