TDOT Launches Make Travel Bright Safety Sign Contest
THP

TDOT Launches Make Travel Bright Safety Sign Contest

December 2, 2024

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is excited to announce a contest to see who can come up with the best holiday travel safety message for the Dynamic Message Signs you see on the interstates. The contest gives Tennessee motorists a chance to help the department raise awareness about various safety issues and save lives.

Starting today, TDOT will begin taking entries. Entries will be considered for five highway safety categories: seatbelt usage, impaired driving, distracted driving, speeding, and aggressive driving.

“This contest is a fun way to engage citizens and assist TDOT in accomplishing our goal of saving lives by getting the attention of drivers and reminding them to practice safe driving habits,” said Deputy Governor and TDOT Commissioner Butch Eley. “We encourage motorists to check the message boards daily for important travel information. This holiday season we want everyone to reach their destination safely.”

Entering the contest is easy! Just go to this link from TDOT’s website Make Travel Bright Safety Sign Contest.

The contest web page will list the categories and allow you to type your message and submit your entry. The contest will run through December 11th. TDOT will then allow the public to vote on the best messages, on the @myTDOT Facebook page beginning December 16th. The winning message will be placed in rotation to run on the overhead Dynamic Message Signs statewide. Keep it clean! Any message containing profanity or lewd comments will be disqualified.  The message boards are not to be used for advertising purposes; therefore, please refrain from using sports team names, singers’ names, etc., in your entries.

A total of 217 Dynamic Message Signs are in the state’s four urban areas (Chattanooga, Knoxville, Memphis, Nashville), and in some rural areas across the state. The main purpose of the signs is to alert motorists of incidents, lane blockages, hazardous road conditions, or Amber Alerts. In 2012, TDOT became the first DOT in the nation to display roadway fatality numbers on the overhead signs. In addition to the fatality statistics, safety messages are displayed during off-peak travel times.

Knoxville Police are Investigating Two Separate Fatal Crashes on I-40 East in West Knoxville

Knoxville Police are Investigating Two Separate Fatal Crashes on I-40 East in West Knoxville

December 2, 2024

The Knoxville Police Department is investigating two separate fatal crashes that happened on I-40 East Sunday night.

The first crash occurred at around 8:15 p.m. on I-40 East near the Papermill Drive exit. Officers responded to the location on a report that pedestrian had been struck.

Officers arrived on scene and confirmed that a male pedestrian was fatally struck initially by a Honda SUV and then a Mazda SUV after attempting to run across I-40 East for unknown reasons. Both involved vehicles remained on scene.

The victim has been tentatively identified, pending confirmation by Medical Examiner’s Office personnel.

The second crash happened at around 10:45 p.m. on I-40 East near the West Hills exit. Officers responded to that location on a report that a Chevy Corvette had collided with the back of a semi-truck. Officers and emergency medical personnel arrived on scene, where the Corvette driver, an adult man, was pronounced dead.

Based on the investigation conducted at the scene, it is believed that the semi-truck was slowing down for traffic when the Corvette struck the back side of the truck. Speed was likely a factor in the crash.

The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Both crashes are under active investigation by KPD crash reconstruction personnel.

Knoxville Police Asking for Help in a Cold Case, Victim Identified Earlier This Year
KPD

Knoxville Police Asking for Help in a Cold Case, Victim Identified Earlier This Year

December 2, 2024

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.

Suspects Arrested After Shots are Fired in the Direction of Knox County Sheriff’s Deputies
WVLT

Suspects Arrested After Shots are Fired in the Direction of Knox County Sheriff’s Deputies

December 1, 2024

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.

(Courtesy: WVLT)
Knoxville Fire Department Officials Reminding Everyone to Use Caution Using Space Heaters after Fire Destroys a West Knoxville Home
KFD

Knoxville Fire Department Officials Reminding Everyone to Use Caution Using Space Heaters after Fire Destroys a West Knoxville Home

December 1, 2024

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.

The home did not have any working smoke alarms.

TN House Republicans Elect Leaders for 114th General Assembly

TN House Republicans Elect Leaders for 114th General Assembly

November 26, 2024

(Story courtesy of WVLT News)

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)
Woman Found Dead, Man Injured after Clinton Fire, Police Say

Woman Found Dead, Man Injured after Clinton Fire, Police Say

November 26, 2024

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)
TWRA Reopens Access Areas Damaged by Helene for Public Use

TWRA Reopens Access Areas Damaged by Helene for Public Use

November 26, 2024

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)
Knox County Student Arrested with a Gun at School, Police Say

Knox County Student Arrested with a Gun at School, Police Say

November 26, 2024

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 Annual Blood Drive Against Kentucky
Medic

Medic Regional Blood Center Loses Annual Blood Drive Against Kentucky

November 26, 2024

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.

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