Alabama Town says a Water Tower ‘screams’ Tennessee Vols Isn’t a Prank
City of Calera Facebook page

Alabama Town says a Water Tower ‘screams’ Tennessee Vols Isn’t a Prank

November 13, 2024

A water tower in Calera, Alabama has many residents raising their eyebrows over its color and design.

The City shared a photo of a new water tower that is brightly painted orange and white in a checkerboard design that looks similar to the end zones found on Shields-Watkins Field inside Neyland Stadium.

City officials said it‘s not an elaborate prank instead, the design is federally-mandated by the FAA because of its proximity to an airport.

(City of Calera Facebook post) Attention, citizens! We’ve been flooded with calls about the new water tower on County Road 12 near Savannah Pointe. Yes, we know that bright, gaudy orange and white checkered pattern might scream “Tennessee Volunteers’ end zone”—but rest assured, this is not some elaborate prank by city employees, and it hasn’t been “vol-untarily” vandalized. 🏈

Believe it or not, this eye-catching design is federally mandated by the FAA because of the tower’s proximity to the Shelby County Airport. ✈️ Safety first, fashion second! So while it may look like we’re making a bold statement in orange, we’re just following the rules—no team loyalty implied!

A Maryville Man Wanted on Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and Other Charges is Arrested in Georgia
WVLT

A Maryville Man Wanted on Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and Other Charges is Arrested in Georgia

November 13, 2024

A Maryville man, charged with Sexual exploitation of a minor, trafficking and other charges, is arrested in Georgia

The Blount County Sheriff’s Office says 51-year-old Shane Rewis was indicted earlier this month on multiple charges including two counts of sexual abuse of a child, Trafficking for a commercial sex act and various other charges.

An investigation began in May after two female juveniles reported that he contacted them with inappropriate comments and photos.

He is being held in a Georgia Jail pending extradition to Tennessee on his charges.

Multiple Arrests on Drug Charges in Sweetwater

Multiple Arrests on Drug Charges in Sweetwater

November 13, 2024

Eight people are arrested on various drug charges after a search warrant is executed at a Sweetwater home.

The Sweetwater Police Department says the home on Monroe Street was a “known hub for illegal drug activity, including overdoses, assaults and the sale of narcotics” in addition to where stolen property was found during Saturday’s search.

After an extensive investigation involving a search warrant, SPD said the following eight people were arrested on the scene on various drug-related charges:

  • Jeremy Copenhaver
  • Jonathan Moore
  • Loretta See
  • Jason McIntosh
  • Sarah Lynn
  • David Neloms
  • Rebecca Burrell
  • Sarah Sawyer

Officials also say warrants have been issued for a ninth person.

SPD urging residents not to hesitate calling authorities if they see anything suspicious or have concerns about criminal activity.

39 Residents Displaced after Morristown Apartment Fire

39 Residents Displaced after Morristown Apartment Fire

November 12, 2024

Morristown, TN (WOKI) Thirty-nine people are displaced following an apartment fire over the weekend in Morristown.

The fire broke out around 9:40 Saturday morning, November 9, at the Trent Apartments on Morningside Drive.

Officials with the Morristown Fire Department say firefighters at the scene said flames could be seen shooting through the roof.

MFD says the fire took several hours to bring under control and has left 39 residents displaced from their homes.

No injuries were reported, and the Red Cross is assisting those impacted by the fire.

39 people are displaced by Morristown apartment fire. (Courtesy: City of Morristown)
KPD: Man Armed with Axe Shot by Officers in North Knoxville

KPD: Man Armed with Axe Shot by Officers in North Knoxville

November 12, 2024

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) An investigation is underway by The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation following an officer-involved shooting Tuesday afternoon in North Knoxville.

Officials with the Knoxville Police Department say the incident happened in the 2600 block of Fairview Street just before 2:00 p.m.

They say officers responded to the area after hearing about a man armed with an axe. Officers encountered the man, and at some time during that encounter, he was shot at least one time.

The man was taken to an area hospital; his condition is not known at this time.

This is a developing story.

Man armed with axe hospitalized after Knoxville officer shoots him, KPD says. (Courtesy: KPD)
Knoxville Police Investigating after Man Shot, Robbed at AirBnB, KPD Says

Knoxville Police Investigating after Man Shot, Robbed at AirBnB, KPD Says

November 12, 2024

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) The Knoxville Police Department is investigating after a man said he was robbed and shot in the leg at an AirBnB in northeast Knoxville.

KPD officials say officers responded to the AirBnB in the 1700 block of 8th Avenue around 2:40 Tuesday morning. While there, they spoke with the victim, a 44-year-old man, who reportedly told the officers that he had been with a woman and after falling asleep, he woke up to two masked and armed people who robbed him of his cash and shot him.

The suspects were described to police as two younger males; both reportedly fled from the scene.

At this time, the investigation is ongoing.

According to KPD Communications Manager Scott Erland, officers responded to the AirBnB around 2:40 a.m. Tuesday. (Courtesy: KPD)
Governor Bill Lee and TN Attorney General will Investigate if Tennesseans were Discriminated Against During Relief Work by FEMA

Governor Bill Lee and TN Attorney General will Investigate if Tennesseans were Discriminated Against During Relief Work by FEMA

November 11, 2024

Governor Bill Lee and Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti will be investigating if Tennesseans were discriminated against during relief work by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

WVLT reporting this investigation comes after FEMA said one of its employees advised her disaster relief team to avoid homes with signs supporting President-elect Donald Trump in Florida after Hurricane Milton.

A FEMA spokesperson said the agency is “deeply disturbed by this employee’s actions,” and the incident is under investigation. The employee has been removed from her role.

Lee says FEMA exists to serve all Americans, and these actions have eroded the people’s trust by failing to deliver desperately needed relief to all survivors. 

SUV Plunges Down I-40 Embankment After Driving Around Barriers
WVLT

SUV Plunges Down I-40 Embankment After Driving Around Barriers

November 11, 2024

A Cocke County Swiftwater Rescue Team and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol respond to a crash that happened after the driver of a vehicle drives around road closed barriers and plunges down an embankment on a Helene-damaged stretch of I-40 in western North Carolina.

The Junaluska Fire Department said the crash happened around 8 p.m. Saturday on I-40 East near Dry Gap Ridge in Haywood County. Firefighters say the SUV drove around a blockade and crashed down the rocky embankment before coming to a rest on the passenger side of the vehicle, right on the bank of the Pigeon River.  The crash was just miles from the Tennessee state line.

Emergency crews utilized a rope rescue to repel down the embankment and free the driver from the vehicle. Officials said the SUV ended up an estimated 100 feet from the roadway.

The driver was airlifted to the hospital but their condition has not been released.  Officials say the driver is  “very fortunate to be alive.”

Semi-Truck Fails to Yield for Train in Greeneville
WVLT

Semi-Truck Fails to Yield for Train in Greeneville

November 11, 2024

A train crashes into a semi-truck in Greeneville.  

The train has major damage following today’s (Monday) crash which happened when the tractor-trailer tried to turn left over the tracks near Snapps Ferry Road and Coile Street.

The tractor-trailer driver did not yield to the train causing the crash. The truck’s trailer was damaged, but the vehicle itself was not.

The train engine’s conductor reported wrist pain to police. The truck driver was not injured.

CEO of United Way of Greater Knoxville Resigns, Interim CEO Appointed

CEO of United Way of Greater Knoxville Resigns, Interim CEO Appointed

November 11, 2024

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) The United Way of Greater Knoxville Monday announced that its board of directors has accepted CEO Matt Ryerson’s resignation.

Ryerson was hired in December 2019 and served as CEO of the UWGK for five years.

“Matt served as a bridge, following Ben Landers’ 26 years of leadership in the CEO position, to where we are today. And now, we’re ready to move forward with the next chapter of this great organization with intention, innovation and dedication,” UWGK Board Chair Clarence Vaughn III said.

The organization says UWGK Chief Impact Officer Chrystal Armstrong Brown will serve as interim CEO as of November 11.

“Chrystal is a proven leader with a passion for community, vision for transformational innovation and commitment to measurable and meaningful impact,” Vaughn said. “The board is thrilled to have her step into the Interim CEO position to provide stability and servant leadership throughout this transition.”

Armstong Brown has served as Chief Impact Officer since April 2023. Previously, she served as vice president of program development for Emerald Youth Foundation for nearly five years, and before that, she was the director of education for United Way of Southwest Virginia.

The UWGK board of directors is working on next steps to identify and appoint the organization’s next CEO.

Chrystal Armstrong Brown (Courtesy: United Way of Greater Knoxville)

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