Zeigler a Blue Ribbon Yearbook Preseason Second Team All-American
Courtesy of UT Sports

Zeigler a Blue Ribbon Yearbook Preseason Second Team All-American

September 3, 2024

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – University of Tennessee men’s basketball standout Zakai Zeigler is a Blue Ribbon Yearbook Preseason Second Team All-American, as announced Tuesday afternoon.

This is the first formal preseason All-America team released in advance of the upcoming 2024-25 season.

Zeigler, a senior guard, was a First Team All-SEC designee and the SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2023-24. He has twice been one of 10 semifinalists for Naismith Defensive Player of the Year.

A native of Long Island, N.Y., Zeigler averaged 11.8 points, 6.1 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game during a stellar 2023-24 campaign during which he shot 34.4 percent from deep. After playing in a reserve role the first six games of the year, as he fully recovered from a season-ending left knee injury in 2022-23, he averaged 13.3 points, 6.7 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 1.9 steals across his 30 starts as a junior, posting a 36.4 percent 3-point clip during that stretch.

The two-time reigning SEC assists leader, Zeigler is one of four three-time All-SEC Defensive Team selections in league history. He owns the Tennessee record for career assists in NCAA Tournament play (38) and was a member of the 2024 NCAA Midwest Region All-Tournament Team after leading the Volunteers to the Elite Eight.

Zeigler is one of four SEC players who made the Blue Ribbon Yearbook cut, joining Alabama’s Mark Sears (first team), Auburn’s Johni Broome (second team) and Texas A&M’s Wade Taylor IV (second team).

For news and information about the University of Tennessee men’s basketball team on social media, follow @Vol_Hoops on Instagram and X/Twitter, as well as /tennesseebasketball on Facebook.

2024-25 BLUE RIBBON YEARBOOK PRESEASON ALL-AMERICANS

First Team
R.J. Davis, North Carolina
Hunter Dickinson, Kansas
Alex Karaban, Connecticut
Caleb Love, Arizona
Mark Sears, Alabama

Second Team
Johni Broome, Auburn
Cooper Flagg, Duke
Braden Smith, Purdue
Wade Taylor IV, Texas A&M
Zakai Zeigler, Tennessee

Third Team
Robbie Avila, Saint Louis
Graham Ike, Gonzaga
Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton
Tamin Lipsey, Iowa State
J’Wan Roberts, Houston

Fourth Team
Oumar Ballo, Indiana
L.J. Cryer, Houston
Axel Lendeborg, UAB
Great Osobor, Washington
Hunter Sallis, Wake Forest

Knoxville Police Issue Nearly 300 Citations and Makes Multiple DUI Arrests Over the Labor Day Weekend

Knoxville Police Issue Nearly 300 Citations and Makes Multiple DUI Arrests Over the Labor Day Weekend

September 3, 2024

No fatalities reported by Knoxville Police over the Labor Day weekend.

Knoxville Police increased traffic enforcement between Friday and Labor Day and issued nearly 300 citations and five DUI arrests were made. There were 295 total citations issued including 87 for speeding and there were 44 crash investigations.

Below is a breakdown of KPD’s Labor Day weekend traffic report:

295 total citations
87 speeding citations
309 warnings
44 crash investigations
12 crashes with injury
0 fatalities
5 DUI arrests
53 motorists assisted


KPD said it conducted its enhanced traffic enforcement in an effort to keep the roads safe during the holiday.

TBI Investigating after Two Adults, Child Die in Monroe County House Fire, Police Say

TBI Investigating after Two Adults, Child Die in Monroe County House Fire, Police Say

September 3, 2024

Monroe County, TN (WOKI) The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is investigating a deadly house fire Tuesday morning in Monroe County.

Officials with the Madisonville Police Department say the fire broke out around 5:00 a.m. in the 500 block of Old Cemetery Road, and there were reports of people possibly trapped inside.

MPD says when officers arrived on the scene, the home was engulfed in flames and that two adults and a child had escaped the residence, but two other adults and a child were still unaccounted for within the burning home.

According to MPD, officers and firefighters with the Madisonville Fire Department tried to rescue those trapped inside, but the flames were too intense for emergency crews to reach them.

“Our heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to the families affected by this heart-wrenching tragedy, not just today but in the difficult days ahead,” MPD said.

“We also wish to express our gratitude to the Madisonville Fire Department, Monroe County EMS, Monroe County E-911, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, 10th District Attorney General’s Office, Sweetwater Police Department, and Monroe County Rescue Squad for their support and assistance during this investigation,” MPD continued.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation into the fire.

Additional information, including the identities of those who died, has not been released.

(Pexels)

Shannon Walker Sentenced to 8 Years in Ben Kredich Death Case

Shannon Walker Sentenced to 8 Years in Ben Kredich Death Case

September 3, 2024

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) He pled guilty to vehicular homicide by intoxication among other charges; now, the man accused of killing the son of the University of Tennessee’s swim coach, is headed to prison.

Knox County Courts announcing Tuesday that Shannon Walker has been sentenced to eight years in prison in the death of 24-year-old Ben Kredich with an additional eight years of supervised probation upon his release.

According to the Knoxville Police Department, Walker was driving on Kingston Pike just west of Concord around 4:00 p.m. in August of 2023 when he crossed several lines of traffic, hitting Kredich.

Prior to the crash, Walker had reportedly been taken to Parkwest Medical Center after receiving Narcan. He was discharged from the hospital about an hour before the crash.

In total, Walker pled guilty to vehicular homicide by intoxication, four counts of reckless endangerment, and possession with intent to sell fentanyl. In addition, he is prohibited from having a driver’s license while on probation.

According to KPD, Shannon Walker was driving on Kingston Pike just west of Concord around 4 p.m. in August of 2023 when he crossed several lines of traffic, hitting Ben Kredich.(Courtesy: KPD)
GSMNP: Flint Gap Fire Caused by Lightning

GSMNP: Flint Gap Fire Caused by Lightning

September 3, 2024

Gatlinburg, TN (WOKI) Lightning from a recent summer storm is to blame for the Flint Gap Fire burning in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Park fire officials and fire investigators making that announcement Tuesday say the exact date of the lightning strike is unknown, but the fire burning near Hannah Mountain was reported to the park on August 26 and is currently 17 acres in size.

The park says there is low potential for significant growth over the next few days due to the current high humidity, lack of strong winds, and shaded terrain.

Park officials add that lightning caused wildfires are relatively rare in the Smokies with most occurring during the month of August.

Currently, the park says there are ground crews and a “Type 3” helicopter working on the fire. Crews are monitoring fire activity and working to identify areas where they can safely confine and contain the fire. No structures are threatened.

As of Tuesday, the park said Parson Branch Road and some park trails and backcountry campsites are closed due to the potential fire danger.

GSMNP officials advise checking the park website for road closures and other updates before visiting the park.

Photo 2 of tree struck by lightning near Hannah Mountain. (Courtesy: GSMNP)

Knoxville Woman Charged with First-Degree Murder in Connection to Knox County Shooting
Photo courtesy of WVLT

Knoxville Woman Charged with First-Degree Murder in Connection to Knox County Shooting

September 2, 2024

A Knoxville woman is charged with first-degree murder in connection to a shooting that happened at a Knox County apartment.


The Knox County Sheriff’s Office called to an apartment on Oak Valley Drive Sunday night for a shooting. They found a man with a gunshot wound, he was taken to the hospital and pronounced dead.


29-year-old Alexandria Pastor-Light admitted to shooting the victim in the face after making him take his clothes off in the bedroom.


She was taken into custody and charged. The investigation is still underway.

Iamaleava Tabbed SEC Freshman of the Week
Courtesy of UT Sports

Iamaleava Tabbed SEC Freshman of the Week

September 2, 2024

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (UT Sports) — After a record-breaking display on Saturday against Chattanooga, the Southeastern Conference office announced Monday that Tennessee redshirt freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava was selected as SEC Co-Freshman of the Week.

Iamaleava, making his second career start and first in Neyland Stadium, set a Tennessee school record for passing yards in a half (314) to lead the No. 15 Vols to a 69-3 season-opening victory over the Mocs. The signal caller opened the game 10-of-10 for 159 yards and two touchdowns and finished 22-of-28 for 314 yards with three touchdowns and no picks — all in the first half as UT built a 45-0 lead at the break.

The first-half passing yards broke the previous program record of 313 set by Tyler Bray in the first half vs. Troy on Nov. 3, 2012. Iamaleava’s performance was the fourth 300-yard passing total in a half in Tennessee history.

Iamaleava was the first UT freshman – redshirt or true – to start at quarterback in a season opener since 2004. His 78.6 completion percentage was the sixth-best in the country for Week 1 and the best by any freshman in the nation.

The Long Beach, California, native is Tennessee’s first SEC Freshman of the Week honoree since running back Dylan Sampson was recognized on Nov. 28, 2022. During the Josh Heupel era (2021-present), Tennessee has compiled 31 SEC weekly honors — including four Freshman of the Week awards.

SEC Weekly Awards – Week 1

Co-Offensive Player of the Week
Diego Pavia, QB, Vanderbilt
Carson Beck, QB, Georgia

Defensive Player of the Week
Keon Sabb, DB, Alabama

Co-Special Teams Player of the Week
Peyton Woodring, PK, Georgia
Tyler Keltner, PK, Oklahoma

Co-Offensive Lineman of the Week
Cameron Williams, OT, Texas
Fernando Carmona Jr., OL, Arkansas

Co-Defensive Lineman of the Week
Kyle Kennard, DE, South Carolina
Dylan Stewart, DE, South Carolina

Co-Freshman of the Week
Nico Iamaleava, QB, Tennessee
Ryan Williams, WR, Alabama

Tennessee Football – 2024 SEC Weekly Honors (1)

SEC Freshman of the Week (1)
Nico Iamaleava (vs. Chattanooga, 8/31)

The Knoxville Fire Department is Investigating a Fire at a Business in Fountain City
KFD

The Knoxville Fire Department is Investigating a Fire at a Business in Fountain City

September 2, 2024

The Knoxville Fire Department is investigating a commercial fire in Fountain City.

Crews were called to a possible fire near Casey’s on Tazewell Pike yesterday (Monday) afternoon and found heavy smoke coming from the rear of the shopping center at the Retreat Massage and Skin Care Center. 

Firefighters found a fire in a hallway space and quickly put it out.  However, business has suffered moderate, fire, smoke, and water damage. Other businesses in the same building also suffered moderate smoke damage.

The business was closed at the time of the call and was not occupied.

No injuries were reported.

The Knoxville Fire Department is Investigating an East Knoxville Fire that Destroys Home
KFD

The Knoxville Fire Department is Investigating an East Knoxville Fire that Destroys Home

September 2, 2024

The Knoxville Fire department is investigating a Labor Day house fire in East Knoxville.

Crews were called to the 4000 block of Catalpa Avenue yesterday morning and found heavy fire and smoke coming from two windows of the house.  A fire was discovered in a bedroom and crews quickly put the fire out but the home has suffered significant smoke, water, and fire damage.

Four people, two adults and two children, were at home at the time of the fire and were able to escape without injury. Two adults and two children were in the home.

The American Red Cross is providing assistance to those residents.

Knoxville Police Investigating an Assault with a Pick-Axe and Charge Man with Second-Degree Murder
Courtesy of WVLT

Knoxville Police Investigating an Assault with a Pick-Axe and Charge Man with Second-Degree Murder

September 2, 2024

Update: An arrest is made after Knoxville Police find a man in his bed with a pick-axe stuck in his skull.

KPD was called to a home in the 1000 block of Morrell Road on Sunday and found the victim who is in critical condition. Witnesses told police the suspect, Jeinison Hernandez-Moran, hit the victim multiple times with the axe, then fled but turned himself into police at the scene. It’s believed he knows the victim.

He is charged with attempted second-degree murder. The investigation remains active and ongoing.

Original Story: The Knoxville Police Department is investigating an assault in West Knoxville leaving a victim is in critical condition.

The assault happened at a home in the 1000 block of Morrell Road on Sunday and KPD says the victim was taken to the University of Tennessee Medical Center with life-threatening injuries.

Additionally, a suspect, later identified at Jeinson Hernandez-Moran, and several witnesses were detained for questioning.

Hernandez-Moran was charged with attempted second-degree murder.

KPD says the assault doesn’t appear to be random in nature as the victim and suspect, both of whom are adult men, knew each other.

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