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 Appearances by former head football coach of the Tennessee Volunteers Phillip Fulmer and the 2024 National Championship Tennessee Volunteers College World Series Baseball Trophy!

Check back for updates!


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


PRESENTED BY…


Thanks to our SportsFest 2025 Sponsors…







ATTENDING VENDORS

  • Visit My Smokies
  • Sports Treasures
  • Vol Shop
  • Underdog Collectibles
  • Ted Russell Ford Lincoln
  • Dick’s House of Sport
  • Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame
  • Knoxville Smokies
  • Premier Martial Arts
  • Carroll Sports Academies
  • Pickleville
  • AYSO Region 128
  • Nautical Boat Club
  • Vital Hydration
  • Step Up to Life Ministries
  • Local Internet Pro
  • American Home
  • Renewal by Andersen
  • Josh Hemphill State Farm
  • McLain’s Painting Service
  • Tiaras to Go
  • Knoxville Family Chiropractic
  • Old South Candy




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.

Event to Honor Great Smoky Mountain Veterans in Townsend

Event to Honor Great Smoky Mountain Veterans in Townsend

Townsend, TN (WOKI / WVLT) Veterans buried in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be honored this weekend at a special event in Townsend.

The Veterans Heritage Site Foundation is hosting the event scheduled for Saturday, June 14 at 11:00 a.m. at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center.

In addition to honoring the more than 250 veterans buried in over 65 sites within the national park, the foundation will also celebrate the Army’s 250th birthday and recognize Flag Day.

Officials say ten veterans from the War of 1812 who are buried in the park and surrounding cemeteries will also be recognized. Dr. Michael Woods, a professor at the University of Tennessee, and Dr. Warren Dockter will speak about the war and how Tennessee became involved.

The program also features Quilt of Valor presentations, and Vietnam veterans will receive a 50th Year Commemorative Pin.

News Anchor Casey Wheeless, with our news partner WVLT, is slated to emcee the event.

The event will be honoring the more than 250 veterans buried in over 65 sites within the national park. (Courtesy: WVLT)
Knoxville Police Searching for Missing West Knoxville Teen

Knoxville Police Searching for Missing West Knoxville Teen

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) The Knoxville Police Department is asking for help finding a missing teen.

KPD says 17-year-old Roycises Malone was last seen early Saturday, June 7 near Buck Toms Park in West Knoxville.

Malone is a black male, 6’1″ tall, weighing 190 lbs.

Anyone with information is asked to call East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers at (865) 215-7165. Tips may also be submitted online. Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

Tennessee Law Enforcement Agencies Want Your Vote for Best-Looking Cruiser

Tennessee Law Enforcement Agencies Want Your Vote for Best-Looking Cruiser

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) The 21st Annual Law Enforcement Challenge is underway, including “Tennessee’s Best-Looking Cruiser Award” competition.

The contest recognizes the law enforcement agency with the coolest cruiser photo chosen by the voting public.

You are allowed to cast your vote one time using your email address, here, through Friday, June 20.

All law enforcement agencies in Tennessee are eligible to participate.

The contest winner will be announced August 8.

The contest allows agencies to showcase pictures of their cruisers on which the public can then vote. (Pexels)
Knoxville Man Indicted for Second-Degree Murder in 2024 Overdose Death

Knoxville Man Indicted for Second-Degree Murder in 2024 Overdose Death

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) An investigation into a drug overdose death results in the arrest of a man on a second-degree murder charge.

Knoxville Police say 35 year-old Zachary Newton was indicted following a KPD Drug Related Death Task Force investigation into an overdose death of a 31-year-old woman at an apartment on Asheville Highway in July of 2024.

A Knox County Grand Jury indicted Newton for second-degree murder, sale and delivery of fentanyl and cocaine, and tampering with evidence after the overdose death.

The investigation revealed Newton was involved in a relationship with the victim and had supplied her with the drugs that ultimately caused her death.

Newton was taken into custody at a rehab facility on Monday, June 9.

Zachary Newton, 35 (Courtesy: KPD)
Knoxville City Council Approves First Reading of Proposed Sales Tax Increase

Knoxville City Council Approves First Reading of Proposed Sales Tax Increase

Knoxville, TN (WOKI/ WVLT) Knoxville City Council approves the first reading of the proposed sales tax increase.

During last (Tuesday) night’s meeting, city council voted 7-1 (with one abstention) in favor of putting Mayor Indya Kincannon’s proposed half-percent sales tax increase to the Local Option Sales Tax referendum on the ballot this November.

This would put the city’s rate at 2.75% and would generate an additional $47 million a year for quality-of-life amenities to all neighborhoods and relieve the strain on public infrastructure.

City council will take a second and final vote on June 24. If it passes the second reading, it will then go on the election ballot this fall, allowing residents to decide whether or not their sales tax will increase.

Original story: KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – Ahead of a first vote by the Knoxville City Council on Mayor Indya Kincannon’s proposed sales tax increase, Kincannon released a breakdown of what that added money will support.

The proposal is for a half-percent increase to the Local Option Sales Tax. This tax allows local municipalities, like cities, to charge their own sales tax on top of the 7% that Tennessee already charges statewide. Currently, this tax in Knoxville is 2.25%, and the increase would put the city’s rate at 2.75%.

Kincannon said that this would put Knoxville on par with several surrounding counties, including Anderson, Blount, Grainger, Jefferson and Sevier counties.

If the increase is passed, the added money will go towards the Five-Year Neighborhood Investment Plan, which a spokesperson with the City of Knoxville said will ensure projects within that plan will happen in five years.

According to Kincannon, the plan prioritizes several infrastructure needs, including the following:

  • Sidewalks within one-mile of schools (Parental Responsibility Zones, or PRZ), impacting neighborhoods surrounding nearly half the schools in the city
  • Repairs to existing greenways, facilities and parks
  • Increasing road paving
  • 1,000 affordable housing units

The following are some of the infrastructure upgrades included in the plan across Knoxville’s six districts:

  • District 1
    • Sidewalks
      • Young High Pike near Hedgeapple Lane – PRZ South-Doyle Middle School
      • Woodlawn Pike near Moody Avenue – PRZ Dogwood Elementary School
      • W. Martin Mill Pike near Chapman Highway
      • W. Martin Mill Pike near W. Moody Avenue
      • Chapman Highway near E. Young High Pike
      • Chapman Highway near Childress Street
    • Parks
      • Charter Doyle Park – playground equipment and dog park renovations
      • Ijams Nature Center Park – infrastructure improvements
      • Gary Underwood Park – renovations including basketball goal and playground equipment
      • Mary Vestal Park – renovations including playground equipment
      • Scottish Pike Park – renovations including playground equipment
    • Greenways
      • Sam Duff Greenway – resurface walking track
    • Facilities
      • South Knoxville Community Center – renovations
      • River Bluff Wildlife Area – improvements to parking, trails and overlook
  • District 2
    • Sidewalks
      • Buckingham Drive near Vanosdale Road – PRZ West Hills Elementary School
      • Cortland Drive near Sheffield Drive – PRZ West Hills Elementary School
      • Westwood Road near Herron Drive – PRZ Bearden Elementary School
      • Middlebrook Pike near W. Hills Road – PRZ Bearden Middle School
    • Parks
      • West Hills Tennis Center – pickle ball improvements including new bathrooms and new courts
      • Safety City – renovations including parking and playground equipment
    • Greenways
      • Third Creek Greenway – improvements and repairs
      • Jean Teague Greenway – improvements and repairs
      • Papermill Bluff / Weisgarber Greenways – improvements and repairs
      • Middlebrook Greenway to Jean Teague Greenway – new section – Third Creek connection
    • Facilities
      • Deane Hill Community Center – renovations
  • District 3
    • Sidewalks
      • Francis Road near Bearden View Lane – PRZ Bearden Middle School
      • Glenn Avenue near Fillmore Avenue– PRZ West View Elementary School
    • Parks
      • Victor Ashe Park – multi-purpose field improvements
      • Westview Park – renovations including playground equipment
    • Greenways
      • Northwest Greenway – new section connector toward Middlebrook Pike
      • Pleasant Ridge Greenway – new section from I-640 to Wilson Road
      • Pleasant Ridge Greenway – new section from Wilson Road to Western Avenue
    • Facilities
      • Cumberland Estates Community Center – renovations
  • District 4
    • Sidewalks
      • Buffat Mill Road near Teeple Street – PRZ Belle Morris Elementary School
      • Barton Street near Washington Pike – PRZ Belle Morris Elementary School
      • Cecil Avenue near Eighth Avenue – PRZ Fulton High School
      • Garden Drive near Jacksboro Pike – PRZ Central High School
      • Garden Drive near Rosebay Road – PRZ Fountain City Elementary, Gresham Middle, and Central High Schools
      • Jacksboro Pike from school entrance to Essary Drive – PRZ Central High School
      • Valley View Drive near Whittle Springs Road – PRZ Whittle Springs Middle School
      • Tazewell Pike and Beverly Road intersection improvements – PRZ Shannondale Elementary School
      • Millertown Pike near Loves Creek Road
      • Sanders Drive near Tazewell Pike
    • Parks
      • Whittle Springs Golf Course – renovations including parking lot and facility upgrades
      • Edgewood Park – renovations including fencing and playground equipment
      • First Creek Park – renovations including playground equipment
    • Greenways
      • First Creek Greenway – new section from Mineral Springs to Edgewood Park
    • Facilities
      • Fire Hall #15 (Jacksboro Pike) renovations
  • District 5
    • Sidewalks
      • Bruhin Road near Dutch Valley Drive – PRZ Inskip Elementary School
      • Central Avenue Pike near E. Inskip Drive – PRZ Inskip Elementary School
      • E. Columbia Avenue near Harvey Street – PRZ Christenberry Elementary School
      • Harvey Street near Churchwell Avenue – PRZ Christenberry Elementary School
      • Huron Street near Oglewood Avenue – PRZ Christenberry Elementary School
      • Henegar Street near Shamrock Avenue – PRZ Christenberry Elementary School
    • Parks
      • Sam E. Hill School – renovate into a community center including a basketball court
      • Lonsdale Park – renovations including a pavilion
      • Inskip Park – renovations including playground equipment
      • Adair Park – renovations including playground equipment
    • Greenways
      • Adair / Sue Clancy Greenway – new section toward downtown
    • Facilities
      • Inskip Pool – renovations to the facility, pool and grounds
  • District 6
    • Sidewalks
      • Boyds Bridge Pike near Brooks Avenue – PRZ Sarah Moore Greene Magnet Academy
      • Boyds Bridge Pike near Border Street – PRZ Sarah Moore Greene Magnet Academy
      • College Street near Jourolman Avenue – PRZ Beaumont Magnet Academy
      • S. Castle Street near Wilson Avenue – PRZ Austin-East Magnet High School
      • Wilson Avenue near S. Hermbree Street – PRZ Austin-East Magnet High School
    • Parks
      • Holston River Park – renovations including playground equipment
      • Chilhowee Park – infrastructure
    • Greenways
      • East Knox Greenway – new section toward Knoxville Botanical Gardens
      • Lower First Creek Greenway – new section connecting Caswell Park
    • Facilities
      • Dr. E.V. Davidson Community Center – renovations

Knoxville City Council is set to meet for a first vote on Tuesday. A second vote will then follow on June 24, and if both of those votes are in favor of raising the sales tax, the item will go on the Nov. 4 election ballot, allowing residents to decide whether or not their sales tax will increase.

Knoxville Police Arrest Three People, Including a Juvenile, after a Traffic Stops Leads to Drugs and a Stolen Gun
WVLT

Knoxville Police Arrest Three People, Including a Juvenile, after a Traffic Stops Leads to Drugs and a Stolen Gun

Knoxville Police arrest three people, including a juvenile, who are facing charges after a traffic stop leads to a stolen firearm and drugs being found in a car.

KPD officers pulled over an SUV for a tag light that wasn’t working on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue. Officers say the three people inside the car were acting suspiciously, and a K-9 officer alerted to drugs being inside the car.

Officers say they found four firearms, including a stolen handgun from Union County. Officers also found over 22 grams of suspected crack cocaine and other drug paraphernalia.

30-year-old Tyrone Tumlin, 21-year-old Marquis Twitty and a 17-year-old juvenile were all arrested.

Tumlin was charged with convicted felon in possession of a weapon in addition to schedule II drug offenses, Twitty was charged with theft of a firearm, and the juvenile was charged with prohibited weapon possession and possession of a handgun with an altered serial number.

An Investigation is Underway After a Knoxville Police Officer is Accused of Shoplifting from a West Knoxville Store
WVLT

An Investigation is Underway After a Knoxville Police Officer is Accused of Shoplifting from a West Knoxville Store

Knoxville, TN (KPD/WOKI) On Monday morning, the Knoxville Police Department received a report that a uniformed KPD officer had shoplifted from a convenience store on Kingston Pike. Upon receipt of that report, an on-duty West District Lieutenant immediately responded to the scene to conduct a preliminary investigation.  

The preliminary investigation, including a review of security footage, revealed that at around 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 7, 2025, KPD Officer Tyler Wheeler entered the store while on duty, went behind the counter, took multiple pouches of Kratom and concealed them in his pocket before leaving the store. The pouches were valued at approximately $30 per pouch.

KPD Property Crimes Unit detectives continued the investigation and following consultation with the Knox County District Attorney’s Office, Wheeler was issued a misdemeanor citation for theft on Tuesday night.

Officer Wheeler has been placed on administrative re-assignment with his police powers suspended. The Office of Professional Standards has opened an internal investigation.

Wheeler was sworn in as a KPD officer in September 2023 and was assigned to the West District at the time of the incident.

The following is a statement from Chief of Police Paul Noel:

“Once we were made aware of the accusation, we acted quickly and unambiguously. Based on our investigation, Officer Wheeler’s actions completely disgrace his oath of office and tarnish the reputation of the many men and women of the KPD who serve with integrity. We demand accountability at all levels of our organization and expect our officers to hold themselves to a higher standard. Officer Wheeler’s actions fell woefully short of those expectations and will not be tolerated.”

Tennessee Has Four Named to ABCA Southeast All-Region Teams
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Tennessee Has Four Named to ABCA Southeast All-Region Teams

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee had four players named to the American Baseball Coaches Association/Rawlings Southeast All-Region teams on Tuesday.

Liam Doyle (SP), Hunter Ensley (OF) and Andrew Fischer (1B) were all first-team selections while Gavin Kilen (SS) was named to the second team.

UT was one of five schools to have four players named to the ABCA Southeast All-Region teams along with Alabama, Auburn, Florida and Georgia Tech. The Vols and Crimson Tide were the only two programs with three first-team selections.

Under head coach Tony Vitello, Tennessee has had 24 different players account for 26 total all-region honors.  

Doyle – who has already been named the Perfect Game National Pitcher of the Year, the SEC Pitcher of the Year, the NCBWA District 3 Pitcher of the Year and is a finalist for both the Golden Spikes Award and the Dick Howser Trophy – has put together one of the most dominant seasons on the mound in program history.

The Derry, New Hampshire, native, finished his junior campaign with a 10-4 record and 3.20 ERA in 19 appearances (17 starts) and leads the nation with a Tennessee program record 164 strikeouts. One of the top prospects for the upcoming MLB Draft, Doyle was just the third Vol to ever garner SEC Pitcher of the Year honors and is also the third player in program history to be named a finalist for both the Golden Spikes Award and the Dick Howser Trophy, joining UT legends Todd Helton (1995) and Chris Burke (2001).

On top of leading the NCAA in total strikeouts, Doyle also leads or is tied for the SEC lead in wins (10), WHIP (0.99) and strikeouts per nine innings (15.43), all of which also rank in the top 20 nationally.

In his final season on Rocky Top, Ensley had a breakout year for the Big Orange, setting career highs in batting average (.336), OPS (.949), at-bats (241), runs (46), hits (81), doubles (17), RBIs (62), total bases (128), walks (30), on-base percentage (.418) and stolen bases (seven). Ensley’s hits and doubles totals both led the team while he earned second-team All-SEC honors and was also tabbed to the SEC All-Defensive team.

Fischer put together one of the most complete offensive seasons in program history, leading the Vols in OPS (1.257), runs (70), home runs (25), RBIs (65), total bases (165), slugging percentage (.760), on-base percentage (.497) and walks (63). His 63 walks tied Chase Headley’s program record from 2005 while his 25 long balls led the SEC and are the second most in a single season in UT history.

The Manasquan, New Jersey, native, was the only player in the country to reach base in every game this season, getting on in all 65 contests for the Big Orange. Fischer’s marks in homers (third), walks (fourth), slugging percentage (12th) and total bases (16th) all rank in the top 20 nationally.

Kilen also had a career year for the Vols, leading the team with a .357 batting average and four triples. The junior infielder also ranked second on the team in OPS (1.112), homers (15), total bases (141) and slugging percentage (.671) despite missing 12 games in the middle of the season with a hamstring injury.

The all-region teams are voted on by members of the American Baseball Coaches Association and the process is led by the ABCA NCAA Div. I All-America & Coach of the Year Committee.

The ABCA/Rawlings NCAA All-America teams will be announced the morning of Friday, June 13 prior to the start of the 2025 Men’s College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska. Only first-team All-Region selections are eligible for All-America honors.

The full ABCA All-Region teams can be seen HERE.

Doyle Named Perfect Game Pitcher of the Year, Four Vols Earn All-America Honors
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Doyle Named Perfect Game Pitcher of the Year, Four Vols Earn All-America Honors

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee ace Liam Doyle headlined a group of Vols who earned postseason All-America honors from Perfect Game on Tuesday as the junior lefthander was tabbed as the outlet’s National Pitcher of the Year.

Doyle was dominant throughout the season and helped lead UT to its fifth consecutive NCAA Super Regional appearance. The Derry, New Hampshire, native, finished his junior campaign with a 10-4 record and 3.20 ERA in 19 appearances (17 starts) and leads the nation with a Tennessee program record 164 strikeouts.

One of the top prospects for the upcoming MLB Draft, Doyle was the third player in UT history to garner SEC Pitcher of the Year honors and was also named the NCBWA District 3 Pitcher of the Year.

On top of leading the NCAA in total strikeouts, Doyle also leads or is tied for the SEC lead in wins (10), WHIP (0.99) and strikeouts per nine innings (15.43), all of which also rank in the top 20 nationally.

Earlier this month, Doyle became just the third player in program history to be named a finalist for both the Golden Spikes Award and the Dick Howser Trophy, joining UT legends Todd Helton (1995) and Chris Burke (2001).
 

Fischer, Kilen, Clark Also Earn Perfect Game All-America Honors

Joining Doyle as Perfect Game All-America first-team selections were first baseman Andrew Fischer and second baseman Gavin Kilen. The Vols have now had nine different players earn first-team All-America status under head coach Tony Vitello.

Levi Clark was named a first-team Freshman All-American as a designated hitter to round out the group. He is the ninth Tennessee player to earn Freshman All-America recognition during Vitello’s tenure.

Fischer put together one of the most complete offensive seasons in program history, leading the Vols in OPS (1.257), runs (70), home runs (25), RBIs (65), total bases (165), slugging percentage (.760), on-base percentage (.497) and walks (63). His 63 walks tied Chase Headley’s program record from 2005 while his 25 long balls led the SEC and are the second most in a single season in UT history.

The Manasquan, New Jersey, native, was the only player in the country to reach base in every game this season, getting on in all 65 contests for the Big Orange. Fischer’s marks in homers (third), walks (fourth), slugging percentage (12th) and total bases (16th) all rank in the top 20 nationally.

Kilen also had a career year for the Vols, leading the team with a .357 batting average and four triples. The junior infielder also ranked second on the team in OPS (1.112), homers (15), total bases (141) and slugging percentage (.671) despite missing 12 games in the middle of the season with a hamstring injury.

Clark got off to red hot start to his collegiate career and also had a strong finish to the year as Tennessee’s primary designated hitter.

The Marietta, Georgia, native, ranked second on the team with a .459 on-base percentage and finished the season with nine doubles, 10 home runs, 34 RBIs, 35 walks and a 1.053 OPS.

The full Perfect Game All-America Teams can be found on their website by clicking HERE.

CDC Reports Case of West Nile Virus in Knox County

CDC Reports Case of West Nile Virus in Knox County

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reporting three human cases of West Nile Virus in Tennessee, including one in Knox County.

So far in 2025, the CDC is reporting 10 cases across the U.S.; nearly a third of those are in Tennessee, which also has the most cases of all the states listed.

The other two cases are being reported out of Carroll County and Shelby County.

According to the CDC, West Nile Virus is the leading mosquito bite-caused disease in North America, though only about one in five people who are infected see symptoms, and only one in about 150 people develop a serious illness.

There are plenty of ways to prevent West Nile Virus, which is primarily spread through mosquito bites. The CDC lists these recommendations:

  • Use insect repellent
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants outside
  • Treat clothing and outdoor gear
  • Take steps to control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors
So far in 2025, the CDC is reporting 10 cases across the U.S. Nearly a third of those are in Tennessee, which also has the most cases of all the states listed.

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