Category Archives: News Top Stories

Blount County Leaders to Request Change in Law Following Joseph Dalton’s Sentencing

Blount County Leaders to Request Change in Law Following Joseph Dalton’s Sentencing

MARYVILLE, TN (courtesy of WVLT / WOKI) – Former Blount County teacher Joseph Dalton was sentenced to six months of probation after he pleaded guilty to five counts of assault against students in the district. The Blount County Commission took a unanimous stand against that outcome Thursday night by agreeing to ask state leaders to change the…MORE

TULLAHOMA MAN INDICTED ON ARSON AND EXPLOSIVE CHARGESFOR SETTING FIRE TO NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION

TULLAHOMA MAN INDICTED ON ARSON AND EXPLOSIVE CHARGESFOR SETTING FIRE TO NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION

KNOXVILLE, TN (WOKI) – On May 7, 2025, a federal grand jury in Knoxville, Tennessee,returned an indictment charging Regan Darby Prater, 27, of Tullahoma, Tennessee, with arson forfirebombing the Highlander Center, a nonprofit research and education center in New Market,Tennessee, and with carrying an explosive device during the commission of the arson. Praterappeared in court…MORE

Economic Spring Numbers Show Decline in Spending in Pigeon Forge
WVLT

Economic Spring Numbers Show Decline in Spending in Pigeon Forge

PIGEON FORGE, TN (courtesy of WVLT / WOKI) – Sevier County’s multi-billion dollar economy took a hit in the month of March as spring break travel got underway. Visitor spending was down accounting for a $20B loss in spending and tourism leaders said the economy was to blame. The economic numbers reveal that visitors spent…MORE

‘Suspicious’ Sevier County Fire Prompts Investigation

‘Suspicious’ Sevier County Fire Prompts Investigation

Sevier County, TN (WOKI) Labeled a “suspicious” fire by Sevier County Fire and Rescue, several agencies are investigating after a camper caught fire Sunday near Little Cove Church Road. Officials say the fire caused significant damage to the camper, and authorities are asking for the public’s help in identifying any leads or witnesses that may…MORE

A Deadly Shooting is Under Investigation in Hawkins County
WVLT

A Deadly Shooting is Under Investigation in Hawkins County

The Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a deadly shooting. Chief Deputy Tony Allen says deputies went to a home on Rocky Hill Lane in Church Hill yesterday (Wednesday) morning and found a 22-year-old man, Shamond Harris, dead on the floor. The investigation led them to Cradic Road in Surgoinsville, where a firearm believed to…MORE

FORMER CORRECTIONS OFFICER INDICTED, CHARGED WITH OFFICIAL MISCONDUCT
tbi

FORMER CORRECTIONS OFFICER INDICTED, CHARGED WITH OFFICIAL MISCONDUCT

MONROE COUNTY (WOKI) – An investigation by special agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has resulted in the indictment of a now former corrections officer. On December 20, 2022, at the request of then 10th Judicial District Attorney General Stephen Crump, TBI agents began investigating numerous allegations of official misconduct involving Monroe County jail employees and…MORE

Cades Cove Vehicle-Free Days to begin Next Month

Cades Cove Vehicle-Free Days to begin Next Month

GATLINBURG, TN (WOKI) Great Smoky Mountains National Park will offer the first Cades Cove Vehicle-Free Day of the year on June 18. Vehicle-free days provide opportunities for pedestrians and cyclists to experience the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road without motor vehicles.  Vehicle-free days will continue every Wednesday through September 24.   Reminders for vehicle-free day: …MORE

New Tazewell Man Pleads Guilty to Murdering 3-year-old Son is Sentenced
WVLT

New Tazewell Man Pleads Guilty to Murdering 3-year-old Son is Sentenced

A New Tazewell man and his girlfriend plead guilty and have been sentenced in connection to a three-year-old’s death. In October 2022, the New Tazewell Police Department went to a home on Heritage Road for a young boy who was choking, and he was taken to the Claiborne County Hospital, where he was unresponsive and…MORE

Knox County Sheriff’s Office Identifies Victim in Deadly Head-On Crash

Knox County Sheriff’s Office Identifies Victim in Deadly Head-On Crash

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) UPDATE 5/7/25: The Knox County Sheriff’s Office has identified the victim in Monday’s fatal head-on crash on Millertown Pike. KCSO officials say deputies responded to the 7300 block of the road, and emergency personnel pronounced one of the drivers, 25-year-old Jacob Donovan Saunders-Lashley, of Corryton, dead at the scene. The other driver,…MORE

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Painting with a Purpose! (with McLain’s Painting Service)

Painting with a Purpose! (with McLain’s Painting Service)

Nominate your favorite Non-profit organization to get a fresh coat of paint up to $10,000 provided by Sherwin Williams! Nominations for Painting With A Purpose 2025 open on April 28th, 2025 and ends the first week of June. The winner will be announced in July.

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