Category Archives: Local News

The Dollywood Express Derails with Passengers on Board

The Dollywood Express Derails with Passengers on Board

The Dollywood Express train derails while carrying passengers in the park. It happened last (Sunday) night and all passengers were evacuated with no injuries were reported. Officials say the train, a 110-ton coal-fired steam engine, experienced a mechanical issue. The Dollywood Express takes guests on a five-mile trip around the park and through the foothills…MORE

Former University of Tennessee President Joe Johnson Dead at 90

Former University of Tennessee President Joe Johnson Dead at 90

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Vol Nation is grieving the passing of former University of Tennessee president Joe Johnson, dead at the age of 90. UT officials announcing Johnson’s death on Friday. Johnson was system president from 1990 to 1999 and then served as interim president from 2003 to 2004. A release from current UT System President…MORE

Lake Fire Contained in Great Smoky Mountains National Park 

Lake Fire Contained in Great Smoky Mountains National Park 

Updated story: Firefighters have successfully contained the 10-acre Lake Fire near backcountry campsite 87 in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  Firefighters will continue to monitor the fire through the weekend. Smoke may be visible as the fire smolders in leaf litter and brush. Campsite 87 remains closed.  The Lake Fire was reported at about 1:30…MORE

Jefferson County’s Mayor is Arrested in Bradley County on DUI Charges

Jefferson County’s Mayor is Arrested in Bradley County on DUI Charges

Jefferson County Mayor Mark Lee Potts is arrested for DUI in Bradley County. The Tennessee Highway Patrol says Potts was found lying face down in a ditch surrounded by beer containers at the 20-mile marker on I-75 South when police arrived at the scene Wednesday night. A police report states that Potts admitted to drinking…MORE

Knoxville Police Capture Shooting Suspect after Early Morning Chase

Knoxville Police Capture Shooting Suspect after Early Morning Chase

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Knoxville police captured a shooting suspect following an early morning chase Thursday. KPD officials say officers apprehended 29-year-old Brandon Nichols after he lost control of his motorcycle, crashing at the intersection of Witt Lane and Dandridge Avenue. Nichols was wanted in connection to a shooting incident around 3:00 a.m. near N. Sixth…MORE