Vols Climb To #15 In Polls With Checker Neyland presented by Pilot SEC Opener On Deck
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Vols Climb To #15 In Polls With Checker Neyland presented by Pilot SEC Opener On Deck

September 8, 2025

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee football jumped to No. 15 in both the Associated Press Top 25 and AFCA Coaches poll with its SEC opener on deck against No. 6/3 Georgia Saturday in Neyland Stadium. 

The SEC opener for both teams is a Checker Neyland presented by Pilot contest, which showcases UT’s iconic checkerboard pattern through the stadium. Neyland Stadium is sold out for a 22nd consecutive game. Fans are encouraged to wear orange or white, depending on their seat location. To find out if your seat section is orange or white, go to CheckerNeyland.com and enter your section/row/seat number as it appears on your digital ticket.

Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. on ABC. ESPN’s College GameDay will be on location in Knoxville for the first time since 2022. It will be the 12th time that the show has originated from Rocky Top and the program’s 28th all-time appearance. 

The Georgia contest will also serve as the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame On-Campus Salute for VFL legend John Henderson. Henderson, a two-time first-team All-American and 2000 Outland Trophy winner, will be officially inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame at the 67th NFF Annual Awards Dinner on Dec. 9 in Las Vegas.

The Vols (2-0) were the highest riser in the AP Top 25, climbing seven spots from No. 22 to No. 15. It’s the 22nd consecutive week that Tennessee has been ranked in the poll. Meanwhile, the Vols are in the Coaches rankings for the 50th straight week dating back to Sept. 11, 2022. Forty-five of those 50 weeks have seen UT land in the top 20. 

Associated Press Top 25 (Sept. 7) 
1. Ohio State (57) 
2. Penn State (5) 
3. LSU (2) 
4. Oregon (1) 
5. Miami 
6. Georgia 
7. Texas 
8. Notre Dame 
9. Illinois 
10. Florida State 
11. South Carolina 
12. Clemson 
13. Oklahoma 
14. Iowa State 
15. Tennessee 
16. Texas A&M 
17. Ole Miss 
18. USF 
19. Alabama 
20. Utah 
21. Texas Tech 
22. Indiana 
23. Michigan 
24. Auburn 
25. Missouri 

AFCA Coaches Poll 
1. Ohio State (62) 
2. Penn State (4) 
3. Georgia 
4. LSU (1) 
5. Oregon 
6. Miami 
7. Texas 
8. Notre Dame 
9. Illinois 
10. South Carolina 
11. Clemson 
12. Florida State 
13. Ole Miss 
14. Iowa State 
15. Tennessee 
16. Oklahoma 
17. Texas A&M 
18. Alabama 
19. Indiana 
20. Texas Tech 
21. Utah 
22. Michigan
23. USF 
24. Arizona State 
25. BYU 

A Madisonville Elderly Woman is Injured After Being Attacked by Several Dogs, Four People Arrested and Charged in Connection
WVLT

A Madisonville Elderly Woman is Injured After Being Attacked by Several Dogs, Four People Arrested and Charged in Connection

September 8, 2025

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office says an elderly Madisonville woman has been injured after being attacked by multiple dogs.

Sheriff Tommy Jones says deputies went to a home in the 2500 block of Fairview Road Saturday and found a 71-year-old woman lying on the front porch of the home with severe cuts to her body as a result of a dog attack.  She was taken to the hospital and her condition has not been released.

Witnesses says there were 10 to 15 pit bull mix dogs involved in the attack and with help from bystanders, they were able to get the dogs away from the victim after the attack.

Animal control officers went to the home, and after an investigation, four people were charged with animals at large resulting in a serious injury, which is a Class E felony:

Clayton Warren Davis

Sara June Burris

Ricky Lee Burris

Sheila Jenene Kryzak

Additionally, Jones said Sara Burris was charged with possession of paraphernalia, possession of drug paraphernalia and introduction of contraband into a penal facility.

Officials say 27 dogs were taken from a neighboring home by animal control.

Additional charges are pending against all suspects.

Canadian man charged after scamming elderly Gatlinburg man out of more than $200,000
GPD

Canadian man charged after scamming elderly Gatlinburg man out of more than $200,000

September 8, 2025

GATLINBURG, TN (Story courtesy of WVLT) – The Gatlinburg Police Department said a Canadian man has been arrested after he allegedly scammed an elderly Gatlinburg man out of $200,000.

An investigation began on Monday when GPD said it received a report of possible internet fraud.

The victim was initially contacted through Facebook in early July and was persuaded to invest in what was presented as a legitimate investment opportunity, GPD said.

After making an initial investment of $2,000, GPD said he was urged to give additional money to grow the investment. During an in-person meeting on July 21, he gave people who identified themselves as communications staff of the purported investment firm $200,000 in cash.

wvlt
GPD said after adding the cash to the initial investment, his investment reached $1.3 million, but when he tried to withdraw the money, he was told an additional $280,000 in taxes were required.

Recognizing the potential fraud, GPD said the victim contacted them on Monday and said a meeting was scheduled the following day. He was also prepared to pay the individuals the taxes during the meeting.

Following an investigation, GPD said 31-year-old Yin Yiin Cheng, of Burnaby, British Columbia, was taken into custody Wednesday on several charges, including fraud, theft and financial exploitation of an elderly or vulnerable adult.

“This arrest is the result of quick action and strong collaboration between local law enforcement agencies,” Gatlinburg Police Chief Ronnie Barrett said. “Scammers who prey on the elderly exploit trust and we are committed to protecting our community from these crimes. We encourage residents to remain vigilant, verify unsolicited financial offers, and contact authorities whenever something feels suspicious.”

Cheng’s car and its contents were seized as evidence and are awaiting signed search warrants to examine, GPD said.

#22/17 Vols Overwhelm Bucs, 72-17, In Home Opener
Courtesy / UT Athletics

#22/17 Vols Overwhelm Bucs, 72-17, In Home Opener

September 7, 2025

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – No. 22/17 Tennessee exploded for 48 first-half points en route to a modern-era record total, dominating ETSU, 72-17, on Saturday afternoon in front of a sold-out crowd of 101,915 at Neyland Stadium in the Vols’ home opener.

With three different quarterbacks leading scoring drives and passing for a combined 458 yards, the Big Orange (2-0) surpassed their previous modern day best (since 1937) point total of 71, set Sept. 14, 2024, against Kent State. The Vols also carded a record number of first downs, finishing with 41 and generating 717 yards of total offense to the Buccaneers’ 216, while marking the fifth time in modern history they surpassed 700 yards, including four times during the Josh Heupel era.

UT put points on the scoreboard less than two minutes into the contest via a 21-yard touchdown toss from senior quarterback Joey Aguilar to redshirt junior wide receiver Chris Brazzell II. Before the end of the quarter, the Vols added a 29-yard field goal from Max Gilbert, a two-yard burst from sophomore running back Star Thomas and a one-yard plunge from sophomore running back Peyton Lewis. The final score of the period was set up by a nifty 40-yard punt return from sophomore Boo Carter, who finished the game with 94 yards on four returns.

Thomas opened the scoring in the second frame, rushing for his second TD of the day from two yards out with 11:41 remaining. Tennessee added a 37-yard field goal from Lewis and a 53-yard TD bomb from Aguilar to sophomore wideout Mike Matthews to take a 41-0 lead before ETSU ended the scoring blitz with 1:55 left before the half on a five-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Cade McNamara to tight end Taharin Sudderth. The Vols countered, though, on a seven-yard run from Jones with 22 seconds left to take a 48-7 lead at the intermission for the program’s third largest point total in a half in modern history.

ETSU opened the second half by cutting into the lead with a 41-yard Ewan Johnson field goal, but UT responded on reserve quarterback Jake Merklinger’s first career touchdown pass, a one-yarder to Brazzell. He added a second TD toss on a seven-yard completion to freshman tight end Jack Van Dorselaer to send Tennessee to the final frame with a 62-10 advantage.

Max Gilbert’s career-long 53-yard field goal opened the fourth quarter before ETSU responded with a 20-yard scoring run from Jason Albritton midway through the period. With freshman quarterback George MacIntyre calling signals, the Vols closed out the scoring with a 10-yard carry from freshman running back Daune Morris.

Aguilar had a productive afternoon, finishing 23-of-31 for 288 yards with two touchdowns in only two quarters of action before giving way to Merklinger and later MacIntyre. Thomas, meanwhile, rushed for a game-high 69 yards with a career-best three touchdowns on 12 carries, and Brazzell II and Matthews produced 100-yard receiving days with nine catches for 125 yards and six receptions for 111 yards, respectively.

Defensively, the Volunteers limited the Bucs to 49 yards rushing and 10 first downs on the day, including a first quarter where ETSU was held to zero first downs, seven total yards and -17 yards rushing. Junior linebacker Arion Carter registered four stops, a tackle for a loss and a forced fumble, while redshirt senior defensive tackle Bryson Eason added four tackles and a tackle for a loss.

UP NEXT
Tennessee is back at Neyland Stadium next Saturday, as No. 4/3 Georgia comes to town for the SEC opener for both schools. Kickoff is slated for 3:30 p.m. on ABC.

Aryan Nation Member Convicted in Knoxville Bar Stabbing, DA Says

Aryan Nation Member Convicted in Knoxville Bar Stabbing, DA Says

September 5, 2025

(Story courtesy of WVLT News)

Knoxville, TN (WVLT) A member of the Aryan Nation has been convicted after stabbing three people in a bar fight on New Year’s Eve of 2024, according to 6th District Attorney General Charme Allen.

The man charged is Shawn Edward Hatcher, and he stabbed three people after he was asked to leave a woman alone at Brickyard Bar and Grill, said Allen.

“Once on scene, officers learned that Hatcher had been flirting with a woman who had asked him to stop touching her, and the female victim told Hatcher to leave the woman alone. As the female victim was leaving with her group of friends, Hatcher punched her and then stabbed her. Two men in the group intervened and were also stabbed and cut by Hatcher,” said Allen.

Hatcher has been convicted of two counts of aggravated assault, assault and unlawful possession of a weapon due this incident, said Allen.

This is not Hatcher’s first conviction.

“Hatcher has prior felony convictions for attempted especially aggravated kidnapping, aggravated burglary and possession of contraband in a penal facility. Hatcher has also been identified previously as a member of the Aryan Nation,” said the District Attorney General.

Because of his history, Hatcher is facing six to ten years on each of the aggravated assault cases, said Allen.

Shawn Edward Hatcher (Courtesy: JIMS)
TOSHA Opens Investigation into Sevierville Lifeguard’s Drowning
SPD

TOSHA Opens Investigation into Sevierville Lifeguard’s Drowning

September 5, 2025

(Story courtesy of WVLT News)

Sevierville, TN (WVLT) The Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration (TOSHA) has opened an investigation after a lifeguard at Sevierville’s Resort at Governor’s Crossing drowned late last month.

Chris Cannon, the state labor and workforce development department chief communications officer, told WVLT News Friday that TOSHA was trying to determine whether or not the workplace contributed to the death of 21-year-old Colden Riner.

“TOSHA has opened an investigation to determine whether workplace conditions caused the death or if it was a personal medical condition,” Cannon said. “This will necessitate waiting for the medical examiner’s report, which could take several months.”

Police said Riner fell into a pool and became unresponsive. They’re still investigating.

A State of Tennessee representative has confirmed that TOSHA is investigating after a lifeguard died at Sevierville’s Resort at Governor’s Crossing. (Courtesy: SPD)
TBI Investigating after Union County Inmate Dies

TBI Investigating after Union County Inmate Dies

September 5, 2025

Union County, TN (WOKI) Agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation are investigating the death of a Union County inmate who was found unresponsive in his cell last week.

TBI officials say 37-year-old Justin Davis was found unresponsive in his cell at the Union County Jail on Friday, August 29.

Davis’s condition prompted jail staff to move him to a nearby hospital for treatment.

TBI confirming Friday afternoon that Davis died at the hospital on Thursday, September 4.

TBI is investigating the case at the request of 8th Judicial District Attorney General Jared Effler.

The Union County inmate was 37-year-old Justin Davis, TBI said. (Courtesy: WVLT / WSMV)
Tennessee’s Ruby Whitehorn Pleads Guilty to Lesser Charges in Assault Case

Tennessee’s Ruby Whitehorn Pleads Guilty to Lesser Charges in Assault Case

September 5, 2025

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Lady Vols Guard Ruby Whitehorn pleaded guilty Friday to two misdemeanors as part of an agreement that will see her record cleared.

Whitehorn pleaded guilty to aggravated trespassing and vandalism; originally, she also faced domestic assault and burglary charges, but they were dismissed.

As part of the agreement, Whitehorn is required to complete an 11-month and 29-day probation and attend anger management classes. Her lawyer, Greg Isaacs, released a statement after her appearance.

“Ruby Whitehorn is an excellent student athlete and we were pleased with a lot of hard work and investigation by all the parties, [and] that we were able to resolve this case,” Isaacs said. “The agreement is a judicial diversion plea to two simple misdemeanors aggravated trespassing and vandalism. That means at the end of this case, it will be completely dismissed and expunged.”

Whitehorn is currently under suspension from the team. She is due back in court November 13.

Lady Vols Guard Ruby Whitehorn pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors: aggravated trespassing and vandalism. (Courtesy: JIMS)
Home Builders Association of Greater Knoxville files lawsuit against Loudon County
WVLT

Home Builders Association of Greater Knoxville files lawsuit against Loudon County

September 5, 2025

LOUDON COUNTY, Tenn. (Story courtesy of WVLT) – The Home Builders Association of Greater Knoxville is suing Loudon County over limits on building homes on certain roads.

“To ensure that we can continue to provide affordable homes under fair and transparent zoning and regulation policies,” said Becky Snyder, Home Builders Association of Greater Knoxville.

The suit claims Loudon County passed a moratorium without proper notice required by the state.

Both sides said they want to promote growth for Loudon County. County Mayor Buddy Bradshaw said they want to protect the rural areas and Snyder said she wants to make sure local builders are able to provide homes for people.

She adds that HBAGK advocates for local builders across East Tennessee.

“So we have a lot of trades and suppliers and builders and home owners that live and work in Loudon County, so this is important to them and therefore important to us as an association,” said Snyder.

The point of the lawsuit, according to Snyder, is to make sure both sides are following the rules when it comes to building properly.

Bradshaw said the moratorium was a pause on development. It’s aimed to prevent building subdivisions with 10 lots or more near county roads less than 20 feet wide.

He said the current regulation the board is looking to change prevents subdivisions with five lots or more being built near county roads less than 18 feet wide.
“So that’s going to help reduce some of the traffic coming on some of these roads,” Bradshaw said. “I live on one of those roads myself, and I know when you pass another vehicle then you know it’s not always safe. Everybody slows down sometimes. Clean out a ditch if you have to if it’s a big vehicle.”

He’s talking about rural and narrow roads like Browder School Road. Bradshaw said since this is still being worked on, people can share their thoughts at county’s public meetings.

“Every one of our meetings, we have a public comment section. Our workshops are open for any comment. Of course, with our voting meetings on the first Mondays, those are per state law to name to what’s on the agenda,” Bradshaw said. “But our workshops, anybody can come in and talk about whatever they want to talk about.”

Bradshaw said the pause is temporary as the commission board works on a permanent resolution for developments on narrow roads

He said they’ll meet back in court in the coming weeks.

State Dollars to Help Pay for $1.7 Billion Fuel Center in Oak Ridge
WVLT

State Dollars to Help Pay for $1.7 Billion Fuel Center in Oak Ridge

September 4, 2025

OAK RIDGE, TN (Story courtesy of WVLT) – Thursday, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced that Oklo Inc. has selected Oak Ridge, Tennessee for their new $1.7 billion expansion.

Oklo is an advanced nuclear technology company and the new facility will create over 800 new jobs.

“The facility will recycle used nuclear fuel from today’s operating fleet, establishing the nation’s first privately funded nuclear recycling capability and providing a durable, domestic fuel supply for advanced reactors,” said the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.

Governor Lee said Tennessee is in a great position for nuclear energy.

“Tennessee is well-positioned to lead America’s energy independence, which is why we created the Nuclear Energy Fund to support and expand our state’s nuclear ecosystem. We’re proud to partner with Oklo to innovate for the future, while bringing continued opportunity and prosperity to Tennessee families,” said Lee

The new expansion is one of many that have been utilizing a fund that helps companies mover to Tennessee.

“Oklo is the fifth company to locate in Tennessee utilizing the Nuclear Energy Fund, which assists nuclear power-related businesses choosing to relocate or grow in the Volunteer State and supports the state’s universities and research institutions in further developing their nuclear education programs,” said TDEC.

The total Nuclear Energy Fund is $50 million and it was in Gov Lee’s recommended 2023-2024 budget and an extra $20 million was allocated in the 2024 and 2025 legislative sessions.

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