SportsFest 2025 – Saturday, June 28th

SportsFest 2025 – Saturday, June 28th

SportsFest returns on Saturday, June 28th, 2025 at Knoxville Expo Center!

SportsFest

Saturday, June 28th, 2025

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Knoxville Expo Center

*FREE ADMISSION!!!

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Join us on Saturday, June 28th at the Knoxville Expo Center for SportsFest!  This indoor festival celebrates all things sports!  There will be an awesome buy, sell, trade card show, a special football clinic featuring VFL QB Erik Ainge, pickleball, karate, soccer, and more!  Learn, play, shop, trade, interact, SportsFest has something for all ages. Exhibitors will be on-site offering a fun-filled day for the entire family.

SportsFest has all your bases covered!  Learn, play, watch! From the novice sports fan to the diehards, SportsFest has something for everyone.

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Scheduled to appear…

Erik Ainge– VFL QB from 2004-2007 and spent two seasons with the New York Jets for 2008-2010 after being drafted in the sixth round of the NFL Draft in 2008. Sports Animal host of the Erik Ainge Show Weekdays from 9a-12pm on 99.1 FM.

Jayson Swain– VFL WR from 2003-2006 and NFL WR with the Chicago Bears in 2007.  He is currently 6th all-time in UT history with 126 receptions. Swain is also 13th in career receiving yards with 1,721. Jayson also hosts the Josh & Swain show on 99.1 The Sports Animal from 12p-3p as well as his podcast The Swain Event.

Sterling HentonFormer Vols QB 1986-1990 and DJ “Sterl the Pearl”

Todd Kelly Jr.– Former Vols Defensive Back 2014-2018

Carlos Lopez of Vamos Vols

*Special Appearance by Phillip Fulmer


If you are interested in being a vendor or an exhibitor at SportsFest visit here.


PRESENTED BY…


Thanks to our SportsFest 2025 Sponsors…











Videos from past years below…




VFL TODD HELTON HEADED TO COOPERSTOWN

VFL TODD HELTON HEADED TO COOPERSTOWN

Courtesy / UT Athletics

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee baseball legend Todd Helton is headed to Cooperstown after being selected for induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, as revealed by the MLB Network on Tuesday evening.

In his sixth year eligible for selection, Helton appeared on 79.7 percent of the ballots from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, surpassing the 75 percent threshold. He becomes just the second player in Southeastern Conference history to be voted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, joining Auburn’s Frank Thomas (2014).

Selected with the eighth overall pick in the 1995 Major League Baseball Draft by Colorado, Helton spent his entire 17-year Major League career with the Rockies and is still the franchise leader in games played (2,247), runs scored (1,401), hits (2,519), doubles (592), home runs (369), RBI (1,406), total bases (4,292) and walks (1,335).

Helton was a five-time MLB All-Star (2000-04), four-time Sliver Slugger award winner (2000-03), three-time Gold Glove winner (2001, 2002, 2004) and won the National League batting title in 2000. He also helped lead the Rockies to their first and only World Series appearance in franchise history in 2007. Helton joins Larry Walker as the second Rockies’ player to be enshrined in Cooperstown.

Already a member of the Tennessee Baseball Hall of Fame (Class of 2008), the Tennessee Athletics Hall of Fame (Class of 2017) and the National College Baseball Hall of Fame (Class of 2021), Helton had arguably the most decorated and dominant career of any player in program history and is still considered one of the greatest two-way players to ever play at the collegiate level.

During his time on Rocky Top, Helton was a standout performer at the plate and on the mound, setting numerous program records during his storied career. The Knoxville native still sits atop UT’s record book in career RBI (238), walks (147) and saves (23). He also holds single-season records for runs batted in (92 in 1995), earned run average (0.89 in 1994) and saves (12 in 1995).

Helton earned a multitude of national awards and accolades during his three seasons on Rocky Top, including winning the 1995 Dick Howser Trophy and earning National Player of the Year honors by the American Baseball Coaches Association, Baseball America and Collegiate Baseball Newspaper. Helton was also named the 1995 SEC Player of the Year, a two-time first-team All-American (1994 & 1995) and a Freshman All-American (1993).

In his final season at UT, Helton helped lead the Volunteers to 1995 SEC regular season and tournament titles, as well as their first Men’s College World Series appearance in 44 years.

“What Todd Helton did for the Colorado Rockies organization is nothing short of legendary,” Tennessee baseball head coach Tony Vitello said. “Nonetheless, folks here think just as highly of all he has accomplished in our great state. What he has done in this community prior to, during and after his time on Rocky Top may never be duplicated.

“He went from being a local superstar in high school to being a hometown representative for the University of Tennessee here in Knoxville. As many I’m sure have mentioned, he was not just a two-way standout on the baseball field but also a legit two-sport athlete. Athleticism helped create those opportunities, but extreme competitiveness helped fuel his success. Ever since his days of success in Major League Baseball have concluded, he has given back to UT in every way you can possibly imagine. He truly deserves every bit of love he receives from Vol Nation.”

The official induction ceremony for the 2024 Hall of Fame selections will take place in Cooperstown, New York on July 21.

For more information on Helton’s Hall of Fame selection and this year’s National Baseball Hall of Fame Class, click HERE.

Courtesy / UT Athletics
Basketball Game vs. Alabama an “Orange Out”

Basketball Game vs. Alabama an “Orange Out”

Courtesy / UT Athletics

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee announced Wednesday that its men’s basketball game today against Alabama will be dubbed an “Orange Out.”

Fans are encouraged to arrive early and wear orange Tennessee attire to Food City Center for the matchup. Doors to the arena open at 12:30 p.m. and tip-off is set for 2 p.m.

In addition, the first 2,000 students in attendance will receive an “Orange Out” shirt for the matchup between a pair of teams in the top seven nationally in NET, KenPom, ESPN BPI and BartTorvik metrics rankings.

The contest between No. 6/7 Tennessee (13-4, 3-1 SEC) and Alabama (12-5, 4-0 SEC) is sold out and will be televised live on ESPN2. It is the third of six confirmed sellouts at Food City Center this season, a new venue record for the Volunteers.

Limited tickets are still available for just three remaining home games. Fans can buy their seats for the Jan. 30 contest against South Carolina HERE, the Feb. 7 outing versus LSU HERE and the Feb. 17 meeting with Vanderbilt HERE.

To keep up with 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.

Courtesy / UT Athletics

107.7 WIVK – General Contest Rules

OFFICIAL RULES

FOR CUMULUS RADIO STATIONS CONTEST & SWEEPSTAKES

A complete copy of these rules can be obtained at the offices of any radio station owned and/or operated by Cumulus Media Holdings Inc. (“Sponsor”) during normal business hours Monday through Friday or by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to 3280 Peachtree Road, Suite 2300, Atlanta, GA 30305, Attn: Legal Department.

Sponsor will conduct all Cumulus radio station contests and sweepstakes (“Contests” and “Sweepstakes”), including on-air contests, online and text-based sweepstakes, and contests and sweepstakes conducted through a Cumulus radio station’s social media accounts (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, etc.), substantially as described in these rules, and by participating, each participant agrees as follows:

  1. No purchase is necessary. Void where prohibited.  All federal, state, and local regulations apply.
    Eligibility.
      This Contest is open only to legal U.S. residents age eighteen (18) years or older at the time of entry with a valid Social Security number and who reside in the Station’s Designated Market Area (“DMA”) as defined by Nielsen Audio, who have not won a prize from the station in the last 90 days or a prize valued at $500 or more in the last 180 days, and whose immediate family members or household members have not won a prize from the station in the last 90 days or a prize valued at $500 or more in the last 180 days.   Void where prohibited by law.  Individuals age 13 to 17 may be eligible to participate in Contests and Sweepstakes with the approval of a parent or legal guardian, provided that the parent or legal guardian is a legal U.S. resident at least 18 years of age at the time of entry with a valid Social Security number and resides in the Cumulus radio station’s listening area. Unless otherwise specified, Employees of Cumulus Media Holdings Inc., its parent company, affiliates, related entities and subsidiaries, promotional sponsors, prize providers, advertising agencies, other radio stations serving the Station’s DMA, and the immediate family members and household members of all such employees are not eligible to participate. The term “immediate family members” includes spouses, parents and step-parents, siblings and step-siblings, and children and stepchildren.  The term “household members” refers to people who share the same residence at least three (3) months out of the year. The Contest is subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations. Participation constitutes entrant’s full and unconditional agreement to these Official Rules and Sponsor’s decisions, which are final and binding in all matters related to the Contest. Winning a prize is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements set forth herein.
  2. Contest or Sweepstakes Period. The Contest or Sweepstake will begin and end at the times specified by Sponsor.  Sponsor’s computer is the official time keeping device for all Contests and Sweepstakes.
  3. How to Enter. Entry methods for Contest and Sweepstakes will be specified by Sponsor and entries must be received during the Contest or Sweepstakes Period to be eligible. Use of any automated system to participate is prohibited and will result in disqualification.  Sponsor shall not be responsible for lost, late, incomplete, invalid, unintelligible, inappropriate or misdirected entries, all of which will be disqualified.  In the event of a dispute as to any entry, the authorized account holder of the email address or telephone number used to enter will be deemed to be the participant. The “authorized account holder” is the natural person assigned the telephone number by the wireless carrier or an email address by an Internet access provider, online service provider or other organization responsible for assigning email addresses for the domain associated with the submitted address.  Potential winner may be required to show proof of being the authorized account holder. All entries become the sole and exclusive property of Sponsor and will not be returned.  Sponsor reserves the right to contact entrants and all other individuals whose email address is submitted as part of a Contest or Sweepstakes.  Time Delay Between Over-the-Air Analog Signal and Other Signal DeliveryDue to the time delay that exists between a Cumulus radio station’s analog over-the-air signal and its online webcast, listeners who listen to a Cumulus radio station online may hear Contest or Sweepstakes information or a cue to call later than listeners listening to the station’s analog over-the-air signal. As a result, the odds of an online listener winning a Contest Sweepstakes may be diminished
  4. Winner Selection. Contest and Sweepstakes winners will be determined according to the method specified by Sponsor at Sponsor’s sole and exclusive discretion.  The winning entrant will be contacted using the email address and/or telephone number provided with the entry and may be awarded the prize (subject to verification of eligibility and compliance with the terms of these rules or the specific Contest or Sweepstakes rules).  Sponsor’s decisions as to the administration and operation of Contests and Sweepstakes and the selection of potential winners is final and binding in all matters related to the Contest or Sweepstakes. Failure to respond to the initial verification contact within three (3) days of notification will result in disqualification.
  5. Verification of Potential Winner. POTENTIAL CONTEST AND SWEEPSTAKES WINNERS ARE SUBJECT TO VERIFICATION BY SPONSOR WHOSE DECISIONS ARE FINAL AND BINDING IN ALL MATTERS RELATED TO THE CONTEST OR SWEEPSTAKES. The potential winner must continue to comply with all terms and conditions of these Official Rules and/or the Office Rules of the specific Contest or Sweepstakes, and winning is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements. The potential winner will be notified by email and/or telephone call, after the date of random drawing. The potential winner will be required to sign and return to sponsor, within three (3) days of the date notice is sent, an affidavit of eligibility and a liability/publicity release (except where prohibited) in order to claim his/her prize, if applicable.  A winner who returns the affidavit of eligibility and liability/publicity release within the required time period will be deemed to have accepted the prize and thereafter will not be permitted to rescind their acceptance of the prize and/or return the prize.  If a potential winner cannot be contacted, fails to sign and return the affidavit of eligibility and/or the liability/publicity release within the required time period (if applicable), or if the prize or prize notification is returned as undeliverable, potential winner forfeits prize. In the event that the potential winner of a contest or sweepstakes prize is disqualified for any reason, Sponsor may award the applicable prize to an alternate winner by random drawing from among all remaining eligible entries.
  6.  Prizes. Contest and Sweepstakes prizes will be as specified by Sponsor.  Winner is responsible for all taxes associated with prize receipt and/or use.  Odds of winning a Contest or Sweepstakes prize depend on a number of factors, including but not limited to the number of eligible entries received by Sponsor during the Contest or Sweepstakes Period and the number of listeners participating at any given time.  Sponsor reserves the right to substitute any listed prize for one of equal or greater value for any reason.  For prizes that involve travel, unless otherwise specified, trips must be taken within the stated time periods or will be forfeited, winner and guest must travel on the same itinerary, and winner’s guest must be eighteen (18) years of age or older.  Trips are non-transferable and no substitution will be made except as provided at the Sponsor’s sole discretion.
  7. Entry Conditions and Release. By entering a Contest or Sweepstakes, each participant agrees to: (a) comply with and be bound by these Official Rules, the Office Rules of the specific Contest or Sweepstakes, and the decisions of Sponsor, which are binding and final in all matters relating to any Contest or Sweepstakes; (b) release and hold harmless Sponsor, Cumulus Media Inc., and its subsidiaries, related and affiliated companies, participating sponsors, the prize suppliers and any other organizations responsible for sponsoring, fulfilling, administering, advertising or promoting the Contest or Sweepstakes, and each of their respective past and present officers, directors, employees, agents and representatives (collectively, the “Released Parties”) from and against any and all claims, expenses, and liability, including but not limited to negligence and damages of any kind to persons and property, including but not limited to invasion of privacy (under appropriation, intrusion, public disclosure of private facts, false light in the public eye or other legal theory), defamation, slander, libel, violation of right of publicity, infringement of trademark, copyright or other intellectual property rights, property damage, or death or personal injury arising out of or relating to a participant’s entry, creation of an entry or submission of an entry, participation in a Contest or Sweepstakes, acceptance or use or misuse of prize (including any travel or activity related thereto) and/or the broadcast, exploitation or use of entry; and (c) indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Released Parties from and against any and all claims, expenses, and liabilities (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of or relating to an entrant’s participation in the Contest or Sweepstakes and/or entrant’s acceptance, use, non-use or misuse of the prize.
  8. Publicity. Except where prohibited, participation in a Contest or Sweepstakes constitutes winner’s consent to Sponsor’s and its agents’ use of winner’s name, likeness, photograph, voice, opinions and/or hometown and state for promotional purposes in any media, worldwide, without further payment or consideration, unless otherwise prohibited by law.
  9. Taxes. All State, Local, Federal and or other taxes, duties, tariffs, title fees, licensing fees, or other fees for prizes awarded in any Contest or Sweepstakes become the sole responsibility of the winner.  All those who win a prize or prizes valued $600 or more in any given year will be issued an IRS Form 1099 to report their winnings.
  10. General Conditions. Sponsor reserves the right to cancel, suspend and/or modify any Contest or Sweepstakes, or any part of it, if any fraud, technical failures or any other factor beyond Sponsor’s reasonable control impairs the integrity or proper functioning of the Contest or Sweepstakes, as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion. Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any individual it finds to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Contest or Sweepstakes or to be acting in violation of these Official Rules or any other promotion or in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner. Any attempt by any person to deliberately undermine the legitimate operation of a Contest or Sweepstakes may be a violation of criminal and civil law, and, should such an attempt be made, Sponsor reserves the right to seek damages from any such person to the fullest extent permitted by law. Sponsor’s failure to enforce any term of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision.
  11. Limitations of Liability. The Released Parties are not responsible for: (1) any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by entrants, printing errors or by any of the equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Contest or Sweepstakes; (2) technical failures of any kind, including but not limited to malfunctions, interruptions, or disconnections in phone lines or network hardware or software; (3) unauthorized human intervention in any part of the entry process or the Contest or Sweepstakes; (4) technical or human error which may occur in the administration of the Contest or Sweepstakes or the processing of entries; or (5) any injury or damage to persons or property which may be caused, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from entrant’s participation in the Contest or Sweepstakes or receipt or use, non-use or misuse of any prize. If for any reason an entrant’s entry is confirmed to have been erroneously deleted, lost, or otherwise destroyed or corrupted, entrant’s sole remedy is another entry in the Contest or Sweepstakes, provided that if it is not possible to award another entry due to discontinuance or completion of the Contest or Sweepstakes, or any part of it, for any reason, Sponsor, at its discretion, may elect to hold a random drawing from among all eligible entries received up to the date of discontinuance for any or all of the prizes offered herein. No more than the stated number of prizes will be awarded. In event that production, technical, programming or any other reason causes more than stated number of prizes as set forth in these Official Rules to be available or claimed, Sponsor reserves the right to award only the stated number of prizes by a random drawing among all legitimate, unawarded, eligible prize claims.
  12. Disputes. Entrant agrees that: (i) any and all disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of or connected with a Contest or Sweepstakes, or any prizes awarded, other than those concerning the administration of the Contest or Sweepstakes or the determination of the winner, shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action; (ii) any and all disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of or connected with a Contest or Sweepstakes, or any prizes awarded, shall be resolved exclusively by the United States District Court or the appropriate state court located in the entrant’s Cumulus radio station’s listening area; (iii) any and all claims, judgments and awards shall be limited to actual out-of-pocket costs incurred, including costs associated with entering a Contest or Sweepstakes, but in no event attorneys’ fees; and (iv) under no circumstances will entrant be permitted to obtain awards for, and entrant hereby waives all rights to claim punitive, incidental and consequential damages and any other damages, other than for actual out-of-pocket expenses, and any and all rights to have damages multiplied or otherwise increased. SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, or the rights and obligations of entrant and Sponsor in connection with the Contest or Sweepstakes, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the state in which the entrant’s Cumulus radio station is located, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules (whether of the state in which the entrant’s Cumulus radio station is located or any other jurisdiction), which would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the state in which the entrant’s Cumulus radio station is located.
  13. Entrant’s Personal Information. Information collected from entrants is subject to Sponsor’s Privacy Policy, which is available on every Cumulus radio station’s website under the “Privacy Policy” link. All entry blanks, forms, devices, and materials gathered during the course of entry, as well as all information contained on or within, shall become the sole property of Sponsor to be used, disposed of or destroyed in its sole discretion. Sponsor is not responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate information entered by website users, and assumes no responsibility for any error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operation or transmission, communications line failure, theft or destruction or unauthorized access to a Cumulus radio station website.
  14. Sweepstakes Results. A winners list may be obtained thirty (30) days after the conclusion of a Contest or Sweepstakes by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Sweepstakes Sponsor identified below.

SWEEPSTAKES SPONSOR: CUMULUS MEDIA HOLDINGS, INC., 3280 Peachtree Road, Suite 2300, Atlanta, GA 30305, Attn: Contests and Sweepstakes.

TBI: 313 Initiative Drug Bust Leads to Three Arrests, Kids Removed from Knox County Home

TBI: 313 Initiative Drug Bust Leads to Three Arrests, Kids Removed from Knox County Home

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Three people have been charged and three children have been removed by the state from a Knox County home after a drug bust that was part of the 313 Initiative.

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation officials say the arrests were made Thursday, June 5 at a home on Pelleaux Road during which almost two pounds of fentanyl, more than half a pound of cocaine and methamphetamine were seized as well as firearms and thousands of dollars in cash.

TBI says three adult males inside the home, all from the Detroit, Michigan area, were arrested and booked into the Knox County Jail.

The three people facing charges are:

  • Michael Siebert (DOB: 3/27/85): Three counts of possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver a schedule II controlled substance within a drug-free zone, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a firearm during commission of a dangerous felony and maintaining a dwelling for drug use
  • Antwon Siebert (DOB:7/9/85): Three counts of possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver a schedule II controlled substance within a drug-free zone, possession of a firearm during commission of a dangerous felony and maintaining a dwelling for drug use
  • Roy Hines (DOB: 12/3/90): Three counts of possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver a schedule II controlled substance within a drug-free zone, possession of a firearm during commission of a dangerous felony and maintaining a dwelling for drug use

TBI officials say three children were also in the home and were removed by the state.

The 313 Initiative is a partnership of dozens of law enforcement agencies aiming to stop drugs from coming to Tennessee from the Detroit, Michigan area.

The 313 Initiative is a partnership of dozens of law enforcement agencies aiming to stop drugs from coming to Tennessee from the Detroit, Michigan area. (Courtesy: WVLT / WSMV)
Knoxville Police Announce June Sobriety Checkpoint in West Knoxville

Knoxville Police Announce June Sobriety Checkpoint in West Knoxville

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) The Knoxville Police Department will conduct a sobriety checkpoint in West Knoxville later this month.

KPD says officers will staff the checkpoint, which will be set up on Kingston Pike, the night of Friday, June 20.

The purpose of the checkpoint is to deter impaired driving, prevent serious or fatal crashes, and increase public awareness of the consequences of driving while under the influence.

During the checkpoint, officers will check motorists for signs of alcohol or drug impairment, which possibly contributed to at least 10 fatal crashes that occurred in Knoxville in 2024.

KPD conducted its most recent sobriety checkpoint on March 28, 2025 in the 1100 block of N. Broadway. Over 600 drivers were checked for signs of intoxication but no DUI arrests were made.

The Knoxville Police Department reminds motorists to always practice safe driving habits in all situations. Slow down, buckle up, reduce distractions, pay attention to the road, and never drive while under the influence.

KPD says officers will staff the checkpoint, which will be set up on Kingston Pike, the night of Friday, June 20. (Courtesy: KPD)

Four Facing Charges after Hefty Knoxville Drug Bust, Police Say

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Four people are facing charges after a hefty drug bust by the Knoxville Police Department.

Knoxville Police Department officials say the arrests happened Wednesday following the execution of search warrants at homes on Cedar Avenue and Bishop Street.

KPD says the search warrants were obtained as part of ongoing drug distribution investigations and resulted in the discovery of over 180 grams of cocaine, over 90 grams of fentanyl, around one pound of marijuana, over 340 grams of an unidentified powder and four firearms.

The search warrants resulted in the arrest of the following individuals:

  • Bernard Campbell, 54 of Knoxville: Maintaining a dwelling for drug purposes, schedule II drug violations and possession of unlawful drug paraphernalia
  • Amos Wright, 47 of Knoxville: Felony drug charges, convicted felon in possession of a weapon, and possession of a firearm while in the commission of a dangerous felony
  • Dale Campbell, 48 of Knoxville: Felony drug offenses.
  • Mark Reeves, 49 of Knoxville: Schedule II drug possession and possession of unlawful drug paraphernalia

According to KPD, Bernard Campbell, Amos Wright and Dale Campbell each have prior felony convictions for drug distribution.

Officials say several agencies, led by the Knoxville Police Department’s Organized Crime Unit, assisted in the execution of the search warrants to include KPD Special Operations Squad personnel, Community Engagement Response Team officers, and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and Federal Bureau of Investigation agents.

The search warrants were executed Wednesday at homes on Cedar Avenue and Bishop Street, according to officials with the Knoxville Police Department. (Courtesy: KPD)

Knoxville Man Pleads Guilty to 2023 Double Murder

Knoxville Man Pleads Guilty to 2023 Double Murder

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) A Knoxville man has plead guilty to a 2023 double murder.

Jair Romario Martin pleaded guilty in Knox County court Thursday to the murders of 22-year-old Madison Johnson and 21-year-old Heidi Johnson, who were found dead inside a home in the 400 block of Woodlawn Pike in May of 2023.

Officials with the district attorney’s office confirming Martin stands convicted of several charges to include two counts of first-degree murder and has waived his right to a jury determination for sentencing, which means a judge will decide his fate later in the month.

He faces life in prison or life without parole; that decision will be made on June 16.

The case centers on 22-year-old Madison Johnson and 21-year-old Heidi Johnson, who were found dead inside a home on the 400 block of Woodlawn Pike in May of 2023. (Courtesy: TBI)
Body Found Near Railroad Tracks in Lenoir City, Sheriff’s Office Says

Body Found Near Railroad Tracks in Lenoir City, Sheriff’s Office Says

Lenoir City, TN (WOKI) An investigation is underway in Loudon County after a body is found Friday near the railroad tracks in Lenoir City.

Officials with the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office say the body was discovered near the tracks off Foute Town Road and that the scene is being actively investigated and processed by deputies and Criminal Investigation Detectives.

LCSO says the body will be taken to the Knox County Regional Forensic Center in Knoxville for examination.

No additional information was released.

Loudon County Sheriff’s Office investigates a body found near railroad tracks in Lenoir City. (Courtesy: Loudon County Sheriff’s Office)
Doyle Selected as Finalist for Dick Howser Trophy
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Doyle Selected as Finalist for Dick Howser Trophy

DALLAS – Tennessee ace Liam Doyle added another notch to his impressive list of accolades this season by being named a finalist for the 38th Dick Howser Trophy, the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association announced on Thursday afternoon.

Doyle is one of four finalists for this year’s award and is the only pitcher. Three of the nation’s top shortstops Wehiwa Aloy (Arkansas), Roch Cholowsky (UCLA) and Alex Lodise (Florida State) were the other finalists.

One of the most prestigious awards in college baseball, the Dick Howser Trophy has been given to the top player based on two rounds of national voting by NCBWA members since 1987. It is given in memory of the former Florida State All-American shortstop and major league player and manager who died of brain cancer in 1987. Criteria for consideration of the trophy include performance on the field, leadership, moral character and courage – all qualities that were exemplified by Dick Howser’s life.

Doyle will look to join Tennessee legend and Baseball Hall of Famer Todd Helton (1995) as the only Vols to ever win the award. The junior lefty is just the fourth UT player to be named a finalist in the award’s history, joining the likes of Trey Lipscomb (2022) and Chris Burke (2001). Doyle is also the first UT player to be selected as a finalist for the Dick Howser Trophy and the Golden Spikes Award in the same season since Burke in 2001.

For the season, Doyle boasts a 10-3 record with a 2.84 ERA and 0.96 WHIP in 18 appearances (16 starts). He leads the NCAA with 158 strikeouts,15.46 strikeouts per nine innings and ranks in the top 12 nationally in victories (ninth), WHIP (12th) and hits allowed per nine innings (seventh).

The Derry, New Hampshire, native, was named the Knoxville Regional’s Most Outstanding Player last weekend after going 1-0 and recording a save in his two appearances against Miami (OH) and Wake Forest. Doyle pitched nine innings and allowed just one earned run on four hits while striking out 16 batters during the regional.

In his most recent outing against Wake Forest on Monday night, Doyle broke Luke Hochevar’s single-season strikeout record of 154 by punching out five of the seven batters he faced to bring his season total to 158, which leads the nation entering this weekend’s NCAA Super Regional at Arkansas.

The 2025 Dick Howser Trophy will be presented to this year’s winner during a press conference at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, Nebraska, on Friday, June 13 at 11 a.m. (ET).

For more information on the Dick Howser Trophy, visit the NCBWA’s official website.

Former Knoxville Officer Sentenced in Federal Child Sex Images Case

Former Knoxville Officer Sentenced in Federal Child Sex Images Case

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) A former Knoxville Police Department officer is sentenced to over two decades in prison for possessing child sexual abuse material.

The case first came to light in November 2024 when court documents revealed that Officer Dan Roark had asked a woman in Virginia who he was dating, repeatedly, for pictures and videos of her then five-year-old daughter.

Investigators revealed more than 20,000 text messages between Roark and the woman with Roark asking for specific pictures and videos of the girl in exchange for money.

Roark pleaded guilty to conspiracy to sexually exploit a child and receipt of child pornography. He was sentenced Thursday to 25 years in prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release. He is also required to register with the state sex offender registry.

Former Officer Dan Roark was accused of asking for and receiving pictures of a naked five-year-old girl. (Courtesy: KPD)
Downtown Knoxville Installing Cameras with Goal to Cut Down on Car Noise

Downtown Knoxville Installing Cameras with Goal to Cut Down on Car Noise

(Story courtesy of WVLT News)

Knoxville, TN (WVLT) The City of Knoxville is adding noise cameras to the downtown area with the goal to stop noisy cars on Gay Street.

“It’s annoying, it’s distracting, especially when you’re waking up and when you’re putting kids to bed,” Blaine Owens, a Knoxville resident, said.

Carter Hall, Knoxville’s deputy director for the Center for Service Innovation, said they have received numerous complaints over the years and needed a way to limit these issues.

“It’s a tough issue to figure out how to really enforce. It’s a little more complicated than just having an officer standing on a corner with a decibel reader, so finding an innovative way to try to enforce the laws that we have on the books was something that we were excited about,” Hall said.

Back in 2022, Knoxville went through a pilot program with noise cameras. Through this trial, they found that car noise was a big problem in Downtown Knoxville.

“What we found with the data was, not only did we have legitimate violations happening regularly, the numbers were enough that we thought it was appropriate to move forward on a solution for residents,” said Hall.

The cameras can pick up on noise that breaks the city ordinance, record that vehicle and then issue a ticket. City officials said they are looking for illegally modified cars that are producing that excess noise.

“The camera system has an algorithm driven with it that will actually identify specific noise characteristics and will say ‘this is actually the kind of sound pattern that is the kind of thing we’re looking for’, and it will pick up, let’s say, fire trucks, street sweepers,” Hall said. “Those have a very specific sound characteristic, and it will say ‘hey, that’s actually not the kind of violation that we’re looking for’, so we can get really narrow and specific with it.”

Owens said this has been an annoying situation that has caused them headaches.

“Specifically at night, a lot of motorcycles and loud cars trying to like show off in an area that’s heavy with pedestrians,” Owens said.

The city is hoping these cameras can act as deterrents for these types of cars downtown.

“I think it’s important. If it keeps people away from these big downtown urban canyons where that sound will really reverberate, then that’s great,” Hall said.

The City of Knoxville found through a pilot program that excessive car noise was often violating the city’s noise ordinance. (Courtesy: WVLT)
Former West High School Coaches Accused of Sex Crimes Move through Court System

Former West High School Coaches Accused of Sex Crimes Move through Court System

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Two former West High School football coaches are moving through the court system after being accused of sex crimes.

Chad Brooks was scheduled for arraignment Wednesday, June 4 but that was rescheduled to June 16. He is charged with multiple counts of aggravated statutory rape and statutory rape by an authority figure.

Richard Scott Shaver, who was charged with four counts of sexual battery by an authority figure and two counts of attempted sexual battery by an authority figure, was arraigned Tuesday and will be in court again on July 24 and Sept. 3 for status hearings.

Shaver worked as an assistant coach alongside Brooks. Both men are no longer employees of Knox County Schools.

Richard Shaver (left) and Chad Brooks (Right). (Courtesy: WVLT)
Investigation Underway after Officer-Involved Shooting in Sweetwater, TBI Says

Investigation Underway after Officer-Involved Shooting in Sweetwater, TBI Says

Sweetwater, TN (WOKI) The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is investigating after a man is hospitalized following an officer-involved shooting Wednesday morning in Sweetwater.

TBI officials say the incident occurred around 1:00 a.m. at a home in the 100 block of Camp Hill Road when Monroe County deputies and officers with the Madisonville Police Department responded to a report of a man having a “mental episode.”

Despite law enforcement’s attempt to negotiate with the man and the deployment of tear gas, the suspect opened the front door and fired a shot.

TBI says a Madisonville officer returned fire, hitting the man. He as treated at the scene and taken to a nearby hospital.

The TBI investigates officer-involved shootings, then reports their findings to the district attorney general, who decides whether or not charges need to be filed.

The officers and deputies tried to negotiate, TBI said, and used tear gas on the man, who had produced a gun. (Courtesy: WVLT)

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