The group, which includes former Sheriff James “J.J.” Jones and other high-ranking and former personnel, faces charges of conspiracy to commit theft, theft of property over $250,000, and theft of services over $60,000.

According to the indictment, the alleged activity took place between January 2011 and September 2018. Prosecutors claim the defendants used a KCSO narcotics credit card and seized cash funds to make unauthorized purchases for personal benefit.

The indictment also alleges that some individuals performed personal projects while on duty using sheriff’s office equipment and resources, including vehicle restoration work conducted at a facility known as the “Blue Building.”

All 11 individuals are scheduled to appear in court for arraignment on July 1 at 9 a.m.

Following the indictments, Knox County Sheriff-Elect Brent Gibson stated that unethical conduct will not be tolerated moving forward and emphasized accountability within the department.

The charges remain allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

The meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Central Time at party headquarters in Nashville and will include board members as well as public participation.

Candidate Mike Davis filed the challenge, arguing the May 5 primary results were unfair following the indictments of two other candidates, David Amburn and former Sheriff J.J. Jones.

In that primary, Brent Gibson received the most votes with just over 44 percent, followed by Amburn, Davis, and Jones.

According to party rules, the State Primary Board cannot call for a new election before or during the general election cycle. Instead, the board has several options: allow the results to stand with Gibson as the nominee, select a different nominee from among the candidates, or vacate the election entirely, leaving no Republican nominee on the ballot.

The meeting will include statements from both sides, public comment, and a final vote by the board.

Kid A’ Riffic Fun in the Park kicks off June 3 and will be held every Wednesday throughout June, offering free activities for children ages 2 to 12.

The program, hosted by Knoxville Parks and Recreation and sponsored by Home Federal Bank, features hands-on crafts, games, and interactive experiences designed to keep young visitors engaged and active.

Events will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at different locations each week, including Chilhowee Park, Covenant Health Park, Baxter Avenue Park, and Hill Avenue.

Organizers say the goal is to give families a free, fun way to create lasting memories while enjoying the outdoors.

Additional events are also planned for July at the Urban Wilderness Gateway Park, West Hills Park, and World’s Fair Park.

More details about the event schedule can be found on the City of Knoxville website.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency confirmed the bear is fitted with a GPS tracking collar after being moved earlier this year along with her four cubs. The family had been living under the porch of a vacant home that was set for renovations.

TWRA says wildlife crews safely relocated the bears to a den site inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The GPS collar was placed on the mother to ensure she remained in the area until the appropriate time for her and her cubs to emerge.

Officials say the bear’s behavior is not unusual, noting she simply chose an unsafe location for her den this season.

TWRA is reminding residents to take precautions to avoid conflicts with wildlife. Recommendations include never feeding or approaching bears, securing garbage and recycling, removing pet food and bird feeders, and cleaning outdoor grills.

Wildlife experts say following these guidelines helps protect both people and animals.