Knoxville Police are asking for your help to find out what happened to 54-year-old Brian Sanderson.
Sanderson’s remains were found on November 30, 2003 along I-275 near Woodland Avenue, between the railroad tracks and the Woodland Avenue exit ramp. Police did not know whose remains had been found until earlier this year.
Sanderson’s death was ruled a homicide and no suspects have been identified but the investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to call East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers. You can call 865-215-7165 or **TIPS, and go online at http://www.easttnvalleycrimestoppers.org, via the free mobile app, P3 Tips, or the East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers Facebook page. Tipsters can remain anonymous and are eligible to receive a cash reward.
The remaining suspects who fired shots in the direction of Knox County Sheriff’s Officers are in custody.
The shots were fired at officers Saturday night near a mobile home park on Mynatt Road in the Halls Community. Three suspects were detained and three suspects fled the area, one caught by a KCSO K9 in an adjacent trailer park. Officers and Air watch continued to search the area as Officers were with the suspect at Maynardville Hwy and Shotsman, multiple additional shots were fired in their direction.
It is unclear at this time if these individuals’ were involved with shots fired in the officers direction. The investigation is on-going.
The Knoxville Fire Department is reminding everyone to be careful using space heaters as temperatures are dropping after they determine that’s the cause of a West Knoxville house fire.
Crews called to the 3300 block of Keith Avenue Saturday morning and found the home completely in flames and it has been determined a total loss.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Two men and a woman living in the home are being helped by the Red Cross.
KFD says you should keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from flammable materials and never leave them unattended.
Also, plug heaters directly into an outlet not into extension cords.
Nashville, TN (WSMV) Tennessee’s Republican representatives met on Monday to decide who will lead the House during the 114th General Assembly.
The GOP maintains a 75-24 supermajority in the state’s House of Representatives as Republicans enjoyed national victories for the White House, and majorities in the U.S. Senate, and the U.S. House of Representatives.
Cameron Sexton (Crossville) was unanimously re-elected as Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives. This will be his fifth term as the GOP leader.
“I truly appreciate the support and confidence my colleagues have placed in me to continue in my role as speaker,” Sexton said. “Tennessee continues to grow and thrive because of our conservative philosophies and our dedication to preserving Tennesseans’ freedom and liberty. We will continue fighting for solutions that strengthen and protect Tennessee families and communities.”
House Republicans also voted unanimously to re-elect Rep. William Lamberth (Portland) as majority leader, Rep. Jeremy Faison (Cosby) as caucus chairman, and Rep. Johnny Garrett (Goodlettsville) as majority whip.
“It is uplifting to witness the political shift across our nation this year, with Americans overwhelmingly voting to defend conservative values at every level of government,” Lamberth said. “Our caucus is unified in our commitment to pursue the extraordinary vision of Tennesseans who put their faith in us to lead. Tennessee is stronger than ever.”
Rounding out the GOP House leadership will be:
Rep. Pat Marsh (Shelbyville) – Speaker Pro Tempore
Rep. Mark Cochran (Englewood) – Assistant Majority Leader
Rep. Paul Sherrell (Sparta) – Floor Leader
Rep. Tim Hicks (Gray) – Caucus Vice Chair
Rep. Michelle Carringer (Knoxville) – Secretary
Rep. Rebecca Alexander (Jonesborough) – Treasurer
Rep. Fred Atchley (Sevierville) – Freshman Floor Leader
The 14th General Assembly is expected to convene on January 14, 2025.
The GOP maintains a 75-24 supermajority in the state’s House of Representatives. (Tennessee State Capitol / Credit: State of Tennessee)
Clinton, TN (WOKI) The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is investigating after a woman is found dead and a man injured following a fire early Tuesday morning in Clinton.
Clinton Police Department officials say fire crews were called to a house fire in the 1100 block of McAdoo Street in north Clinton just after 3:30 a.m.
When crews arrived, they found a man outside of the home with non-life threatening injuries and a middle-aged woman, who was found dead. CPD says the woman was found inside the building after the fire.
Officials say the fire was put out, then turned over to the Clinton Police Department and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
Police say a woman was found dead after a Tuesday morning fire. (Courtesy: CPD)
Greenville, TN (WOKI) Two access areas on the Nolichucky River in Greene County are reopening following damage wrought by Hurricane Helene.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is reopening the Poplar Springs Access Area and Joe Johnson Access Area at Bird’s Bridge for public use, both of which were severely damaged in late September when the Nolichucky River flooded during Hurricane Helene.
Poplar Springs Access Area (Courtesy: TWRA)
TWRA officials are reminding boaters and anglers to continue using caution when boating in Helene-affected waters by keeping a lookout for debris and changes in overall river conditions, as well as always wearing a personal floatation device.
Rankin Access Area on the French Broad River was also damaged and will likely remain closed until the spring of 2025.
Joe Johnson Access Area at Bird’s Bridge (Courtesy: TWRA)
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) A Knox County Schools student is arrested Tuesday morning for having a gun on school property.
Knoxville Police Department officials say a KPD School Resource Officer at West High School was notified that a 15-year-old student had potentially brought a gun to school.
KPD says another student notified school administration that the student was showing off the gun in a school bathroom.
The 15-year-old student was searched and found in possession of a loaded handgun in his backpack; he was charged for carrying a weapon on school property.
KPD adds that the student had not made any threats of violence.
Knoxville police say a Knox County Schools student has now been arrested for having a gun on campus.(Courtesy: WVLT)
Medic Regional Blood Center loses the 37th annual blood drive against Kentucky who keeps the trophy for the third year in a row but Medic is still a winner. Both Blood Centers have been able to stock blood supplies during a period when donations are low.
Kentucky collected 2,453 pints of blood during the week long blood drive while Medic collected 2,059 units which will be helpful during the holiday season.
At approximately 5:20 am this morning (Tuesday), Knox County 911 Communications District received a call about their neighbors house on fire. The caller stated that they could see flames on their neighbor’s roof.
When the first engine company arrived, they had heavy fire through the roof of the home. The crew from the first due company was able to make entry into the home to attack the fire. Most of the fire was in the attic in the back part of the home.
The fire was mostly extinguished by 5:40 am with the rear of the home suffering major fire and water damage.
As of 6:15 am crews were still on scene extinguishing hotspots.
There was one individual and 5 cats living in the home. The homeowner was able to escape without injury and crews are working to locate the animals.
There are no injuries to report of personnel or citizens.
Knoxville Fire Department investigators are on scene working to determine a cause.
Nashville, TN (WOKI) A bill that would limit cell phone use in Tennessee classrooms has been introduced.
House Bill 13 (HB13), introduced Tuesday by State Representative Republican Scott Cepicky, would require school boards to adopt policies prohibiting students from using “wireless communication devices” during class, with some exceptions.
Exceptions include using phones for educational purposes, under the directive of teachers, for student health emergencies and for the needs of disabled students.
The measure would also allow teachers to take devices from students who break the rules of the usage policies.
Currently, at least eight states have cell phone restrictions in schools.
The 114th Tennessee General Assembly is set to convene on January 14.
Currently, at least eight states have cell phone restrictions in schools. (Tennessee State Capitol / Credit: State of Tennessee)
