Sweetwater, TN (WOKI) Over a pound of meth hidden in the woods in Sweetwater is seized by law enforcement in Monroe County. Multiple law enforcement agencies executed a search warrant Friday, June 2 on a property on Sweetwater Vonore Road. The Monroe County Sheriff’s office says meth was found in the woods on the property…… MORE
The Tennessee Department of Transportation has announced road work on Dolly Parton Parkway (SR 35/US 411) beginning Tuesday, June 6. Motorists should expect delays during heavy traffic periods and be alert for changing traffic patterns. TDOT has provided the following information on the project. Motorists traveling on SR-35 (Dolly Parton Parkway/US 411) in Sevier County…… MORE
Knoxville Police have identified the man killed in a fatal downtown accident. They say 20 year-old Damien Sherwood was killed in Wednesday afternoon’s accident which involved two cars and a KAT bus. Sherwood reportedly attempted a U-Turn on the bridge hitting the bus then hit a Jeep turning onto Main Street. A woman in the…… MORE
Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs and Sheriff Tom Spangler reach a budget compromise which will see Patrol officers pay increase to $51,100, making them the fourth-highest in pay in East Tennessee and Corrections officers to $50,100 making them the second-highest in pay in East Tennessee. This means starting Patrol Officers will be making 30% higher…… MORE
Louisville, TN (WOKI) A 42-year-old Louisville woman is arrested Wednesday after firing a shotgun in the direction of two sanitation workers attempting to pick up her trash. The Blount County Sheriff’s Office says 42-year-old Theresa Reynolds reportedly fired two rounds at the workers, one of which struck the passenger door of their truck. Officers responded…… MORE
Maryville, TN (WOKI) The Maryville Police Department is asking for help in locating a missing 16 year old girl. Kena Reed is a Black girl with red dreadlocks and brown eyes. She stands at 5-feet-seven-inches and was last seen on McCammon Avenue on Tuesday, May 23. Police say she may be in the East Knoxville…… MORE
This Saturday will be the 11th Annual Sharon Parrott Memorial Cruise-In. It starts at 8 a.m. and runs through 2 p.m. There will be food and fun for all ages. Donations will be accepted and all proceeds from the event will go to HOPE Resource Center of Knoxville. The show will be at Mt. Harmony…… MORE
The investigation into the cause of a rollover crash in Halls continues and the Knox County Sheriff’s Office says the three minors injured were juniors at Halls High School and on the football team. That crash happened Tuesday night on Hill Road near Griffith Road with one person ejected from the vehicle taken to the…… MORE
Knoxville Police arrest a man in connection to a fatal shooting on Bradshaw Garden Road earlier this year. 28 year-old Samer Jurdi was taken into custody early this (Thursday) morning in connection to the death of 30-year-old Jeronimo Gomez in January. Jurdi was indicted by a Knox County Grand Jury for voluntary manslaughter, tampering with…… MORE
UPDATE (May 31): One week from a fire in the BirdVenture attraction at Anakeesta, the cause of the blaze is being released by investigators. The fire has been ruled an accident. Investigators say the fire was caused by “spontaneous combustion” from construction work on the owl house portion of the new area at the theme…… MORE
Roads in downtown Knoxville reopened following a deadly crash around 1:00 Wednesday afternoon. Knoxville Police Department officials report two cars and a KAT bus were involved in a crash on Henley Street. University of Tennessee officers saw an Infiniti sedan try to make a U-turn on the Henley Street Bridge but hit a KAT bus…… MORE
Rural Metro is investigating a house fire in East Knox County. It happened last night (Tuesday) in the 8100 block of Clay’s Corner. Crews found flames coming from the front of the home which suffered smoke and water damage. The resident made it out and several kittens and cats were rescued from the home. The…… MORE
If you have a teen driver, highway officials say now is the time to start talking with them about the dangers of being on the road. Officials say we’re officially in what’s known as the 100 deadliest days of the year. Triple A says from Memorial Day through Labor Day more teens are involved in…… MORE
The Knox County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a rollover crash in North Knox County. One person was ejected from the car and taken to the hospital, their condition has not been released.Two other people suffered minor injuries in the crash which saw the vehicle flip several times last night (Tuesday) on Hill Road near Griffith…… MORE
Sevierville, TN (WVLT/WOKI) Boasting 74-thousand square feet, over 100 gas pumps, and one friendly beaver with all the trappings, Buc-ee’s Sevierville location is tentatively set to open on June 26. The long-awaited travel center is part of I-40′s Exit 407: The Gateway to Adventure. Included in that project is an entertainment and shopping district, a…… MORE
The Safe Haven Baby Box installed at the Knoxville Fire Department Station number 17 on Western Avenue has been used for the first time. KFD officials say a healthy baby boy was surrendered early Saturday morning. A “Baby Box Alert” went out and the station crew of three immediately went to the box and found…… MORE
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation say a Jonesborough woman has been indicted after she reportedly stole thousands from the church where she worked. In Aug. 2022, TBI agents started to investigate a report of theft involving Ashlee White, a former employee of Grace Fellowship Church in Johnson City. TBI says White used the church’s credit…… MORE
UPDATE: NewsTalk 98.7 (WOKI) is learning more now about a shooting that occurred Monday afternoon (5/29) at Victor Ashe Park on Bradshaw Road. Knoxville Police Department officials say the shooting was the result of a “transaction” turned robbery. KPD reports the gunshot victim arranged to make a transaction with two other individuals in the park…… MORE
East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers asking for help to find a missing Knoxville teen. 15 year-old Tashawn Lambert was last seen by his Dad on May 23rd who believes his son could be staying with a friend on Alliance Drive. He attended Gresham Middle School. If you have any information, you are asked to call…… MORE
East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers asking for help to find a missing Knoxville teen. 15 year-old Tashawn Lambert was last seen by his Dad on May 23rd who believes his son could be staying with a friend on Alliance Drive. He attended Gresham Middle School. If you have any information, you are asked to call…… MORE
A months-long investigation ends in a murder charge for a state prison inmate in Northeast Tennessee. Forty-eight year old Gregory Barner has been charged with first degree murder in the death of fellow inmate 70-year-old Robert Henry Hicks Jr. back in January; Barner was served the indictment on Thursday, May 25 at the Northeast Correctional…… MORE
Memorial Day Weekend has many of us looking to the water. Community swimming pools and splash pads opening across East Tennessee. The Oak Ridge pool will be open from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. today (Friday) through Monday, after that will be regular operating hours. In Knoxville, Inskip Pool and Karns Pool both open tomorrow…… MORE
Updated story: An arrest made in the death of a teen found in a Clinton home. A juvenile taken into custody this morning charged with Homicide, Aggravated Assault, Reckless Endangerment and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in connection to 19 year-old Payton Bridges’s death, who police believe was shot in a home on Fowler Street…… MORE
Rural Metro is investigating an early morning house fire in South Knoxville. Crews called to the scene in the 6200 block of Neubert Springs Road before 5 this morning. That road closed earlier as crews fought the blaze with equipment blocking the road but has re-opened. All family members and their pets made it out…… MORE
Blount County, TN (WOKI) Students needing a meal next month as summer gets underway won’t go hungry in Blount County. Officials with Blount County Schools Nutrition Department have announced that they will provide free breakfast and lunch from June 1st to June 23rd, every Monday through Friday. There are no income requirements, and anyone 18…… MORE
East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers is asking for help to find a missing 16 year-old girl. Izabaila Walker was reported missing on May 18th and could be staying with a friend on Vermont Avenue in Knoxville. She attends Carter High School. We have her photo on our website Newstalk987.com. Anyone with information is asked to…… MORE
Great Smoky Mountains National Park extending the public comment period for the Laurel Falls Trail Management Plan Environmental Assessment through June 4th. The additional time is being provided because the website was unexpectedly down May 19 to May 23. The trail management plan addresses visitor experience and safety, parking, and trail infrastructure rehabilitation for one…… MORE
An investigation is underway in Pigeon Forge after a teen dies following a shooting at a motel. Pigeon Forge Police say it happened last (Wednesday) night at the Americana Inn. The victim is a 15-year-old male who died from his injuries at the hospital.… MORE
The Knox County Sheriff’s Office identifying the suspects involved in a suspected road rage . Marcus Watts and Christopher Sentell have been arrested and charged in Tuesday night’s incident on West Emory Road near Karns Valley. Watts is being charged with attempted first-degree murder. Sentell is charged with accessory after the fact and reckless driving.…… MORE
Tina Turner has died at 83. The Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s death was announced Wednesday on Instagram. Turner died Tuesday, after a long illness in her home in Küsnacht, Switzerland, near Zurich, according to her manager. She became a Swiss citizen a decade ago. “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of…… MORE
An investigation is underway following a chase and shooting in Cocke County that leaves a woman dead and an officer injured. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is investigating Tuesday’s incident that involved a Parrottville Police Department officer and a Cocke County Sheriff’s Office deputy. The woman, Whitney Fox, reportedly led the officers on a chase…… MORE
The Knoxville Police Department is investigating an overnight shooting with multiple victims in the Lonsdale area. Officers responding to a shots fired call in the area of Sherman Street and Delaware Avenue. Officers were then told that a car that was reportedly involved in the shooting crashed into another car near the intersection of Sherman…… MORE
It sounds like tabloid fodder, but a Knoxville man is in custody after biting a “large chunk of flesh” from another man’s face. It happened last Wednesday on Wimpole Avenue where officers found the victim bleeding heavily from his face. The suspect, Amini Sekibibi, was also at the scene and is accused of biting him…… MORE
The University of Tennessee addressing housing issues on campus by building three new residence halls. The new halls will be built in partnership with RISE Real Estate and will be the first round of halls built with a public-private partnership. All three buildings are expected to be seven stories tall, with two planned in areas…… MORE
Three people arrested and police are investigating a fight at a Madisonville motel which involved a machete. It happened at the Town and Country Motel on US Highway 411 Saturday night. Madisonville police say the suspects were intoxicated and biting and use of a machete resulted in the arrests of Roger Powers, Corey Everett and…… MORE
The man who shot at a Knox County Sheriff’s deputy is in custody. KCSO says 51 year-old Floyd Dalton, Jr. was found in Anderson County last night after firing at an officer yesterday morning following an attempted traffic stop for reckless driving. Dalton, who already had outstanding warrants, faces additional charges. He was found with…… MORE
Knoxville Police have identified the victim in a deadly shooting at an East Knoxville business with the investigation still underway. 25 year-old Adrian Robuck, a military veteran, was working as an armed security guard at The Kave on Magnolia Avenue early Saturday morning and was shot outside in what police believe is a targeted shooting…… MORE
Knox County will host a job fair to fill open positions in the Engineering & Public Works and Parks and Recreation departments. It will be held Thursday at John Tarleton Park on Division Street from 1-3 p.m. Full-time positions available include laborers of different levels, mechanics, maintenance technicians, convenience center operators, inspectors, groundskeepers and construction…… MORE
The Knoxville fire department is investigating a house fire in East Knoxville. Crews called to Glider Avenue this morning and found fire coming from the rear of the home coming from a bathroom area. The occupants were not home at the time of the fire but did return before crews left. A woman and three…… MORE
East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers asking for help to find a missing Knoxville teen. 16-year-old Darius Evans left where he was staying on Division Street with three other boys late Thursday night. He attends Fulton High School. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-865-215-7165.… MORE
Many parents across Tennessee will find out today if their third grader is at risk of being held back. Districts will know which third grade students passed or didn’t meet expectations in the literacy portion of the TCAP. For the first time, students whose scores do not meet expectations may not be allowed to move…… MORE
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee marked https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axsCBMGh6Ns the signing of the Teacher Paycheck Protection Act, https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0281 a landmark bill that will give teachers the largest pay raise in state history and protect Tennessee teachers and taxpayers by ensuring that union membership dues are no longer collected by school districts. “Teaching is more than just a career – it’s…… MORE
Knoxville Police are investigating a fatal shooting in East Knoxville with a suspect in custody, charged with first-degree murder, following a stand-off with police. Officers responding to Wilderness Road and found a woman who had been shot in the backyard of the home. She was pronounced dead at the hospital. KPD officers identified the suspect…… MORE
Witt Utility District manager Benjamin Harris and his brother, Joseph Harris, Witt’s district water treatment operator, have been charged after an investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. The investigation began in July 2021 and ran through March of this year. The investigation found that Benjamin Harris had misappropriated at…… MORE
Knox County Parks and Recreation Department is launching a new initiative for the summer called Park & Play to expand recreation and wellness access across Knox County. “Knox County has an incredible park system,” said Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs. “It only stands to reason that Parks staff would find ways to expand recreation offerings…… MORE
Knoxville Police say the man on the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Most Wanted list wanted for double murder is in custody. 26 year-old Jair Martin was taken into custody earlier today at an apartment on Goins Drive after receiving tips he could be inside. Martin is accused in the shooting deaths of Madison and Heidi…… MORE
East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers is asking for help finding a fugitive wanted for sexual exploitation of a child. Orlando Antonio Santiago could be in Knoxville or Sevierville. His last known address was on Geyland Heights Road in Knoxville. Anyone with information asked to call East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers at 865-215-7165 .… MORE
Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs will attend most Knox County Schools’ graduation ceremonies over the next two weeks, keeping a promise he made to each public high school senior class. Throughout the school year, Mayor Jacobs visits graduating classes to share a message of encouragement about the importance of earning a high school diploma—whether a…… MORE
It’s time for summer, and MEDIC is ready to kick things off with the annual Parrot Head Week from May 22 – 26. MEDIC will be serving cheeseburgers to throughout the week, and donors will receive a special edition t-shirt (while supplies last), Texas Roadhouse coupon, Salsarita’s coupon, and automatic entry to win one of…… MORE
The Tennessee Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash in Sevier County. It happened yesterday afternoon on Newport Highway when THP says a car driven by 23 year-old Kobe Jack crossed the highway into an SUV driven by 29 year-old Jesse Lohr, who swerved to avoid Jack’s car which still hit him head-on. Jack, who…… MORE
Josh Ward offers a farewell message to the great duo of John Wilkerson and Jimmy Hyams.
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Big Ticket has returned for the 2023 season! Find out how you can win a Tennessee season ticket package from 99.1 The Sports Animal, Food City and Certified Angus Beef, and Body Armor Sports Drink!
The Sports Animal is teaming up with McLain’s Painting Service to help “Paint It Forward” this summer. Nominate your favorite Non-profit organization to get a fresh coat of paint up to $10,000 provided by Sherwin Williams!
The 10th Annual Big Kahuna Wing Festival returns to the World’s Fair Park Performance Lawn on Sunday, September 3rd from 2pm to 9pm!
Aerosmith: Peace Out- The Farewell Tour, 50th Anniversary of Aerosmith, Celebrating a Lifetime of Hits- Tickets on sale Friday, May 5th at 10am through ticketmaster.com.
Our very own longtime sports reporter and journalist Jimmy Hyams is hanging up his everyday headphones after 25 plus years on The Sports Animal.