The Tennessee Department of Human Services says Staff at Clinton Daycare Did Not Report Suspected Child Abuse to DCS
Freepik

The Tennessee Department of Human Services says Staff at Clinton Daycare Did Not Report Suspected Child Abuse to DCS

The Tennessee Department of Human Services says staff at a Clinton daycare did not report suspected child abuse or neglect to the Department of Children Services.

They found on July 2 that some incidents at Kiddie Korner of Clinton Nursey & Preschool were not reported to DCS, DHS or parents/guardians as is required.

Additionally, the report said documentation of “the incidents” was not completed and placed in the children’s files.

TDHS says the daycare took corrective action on July 6 by reviewing rules regarding reporting incidents involving neglect and abuse to the agency’s staff. It also recommended the daycare document and file all staff disciplinary actions and to add photos of children on the cubbies.

The Clinton Police Department and DCS are investigating an “incident” using force to make a child take a nap, reportedly injuring the child.

Report by Tennessee Department of Human Services:

Kiddie Korner of Clinton Nursery & Preschool

98 Mariner Point Dr(865) 457-5815[email protected]

Visit Details

Start Date/Time06/27/2025 11:05 AMEnd Date/Time06/27/2025 11:57 AM
Visit IDMNV20078776Regulatory IndividualJanelle McKenney
Consumer Website InformationSummary of Delivery of Safety Plan and Complaint Investigation Visit The visit conducted today included monitoring of the agency’s compliance with Licensing Rules and Regulations and Delivery of Safety Plan and Complaint Investigation. If any violations were received, details can be observed in the compliance details section of the visit along with corresponding corrective action plans.
Technical Assistance ProvidedTechnical assistance provided on June 27, 2025: 1. Continue documenting the supervision of all the educators on a safety plan whenever they are around children. 2. LCs reviewed the Rule on pages 58-59 – 1240-04-01-.15 PROGRAM, LANGUAGE, AND LITERACY DEVELOPMENT. (5) Behavior Management and Guidance. (5) Behavior Management and Guidance. c) Potentially shaming, humiliating, frightening, verbally abusive, injurious discipline methods, and/or techniques that isolate the child are prohibited. Based on the footage, a violation was given. 3. LCs reviewed the Rule on page 58 – 1240-04-01-.15 PROGRAM, LANGUAGE, AND LITERACY DEVELOPMENT. (4) Reclining Rest Period (e) No child shall be forced to lie down or nap or be forced to stay on a cot or on a mat for an extended period of time. 1. Children shall be allowed to participate in a quiet activity if not asleep within a reasonable time or if they wake up prior to the end of the rest period. Based on the footage, a violation was given. 4. LC also reviewed the Rule on page 59 based on the video footage (but did not give a violation just TA): (l) Physical Restraint and Seclusion. The following is not considered physical restraint and is considered acceptable: 1. Physical touch associated with prompting, comforting, or assisting that does not prevent the service recipient’s freedom of movement or normal access to his or her body. 2. Physical restraint and seclusion are emergency safety interventions, not therapeutic techniques, and are implemented in a manner designed to protect the child/youth’s safety, dignity, and emotional well-being. 3. The use of physical restraint is allowed only in the case of an emergency when the child/youth is at imminent danger of self-harm or of harming others and no other option exists to protect the safety of the child/youth and staff members. 5. One educator is not reflecting on the staff information tab in the provider portal, but she is cleared in bactrak. The agency has an open change report, but LCs advised that she needs to be added to a change report as soon as possible.

Quality/Compliance Indicators


Not Applicable

Compliance Details

IndicatorRuleCompliance StatusNon-Compliance ObservedCorrective Action TakenDate Correction Needed ByViolation Corrected Date
N/A1240-04-01-.15 Program Language and Literacy DevelopmentCompliantInappropriate discipline was used at naptime, as well as rough handling of a child.The agency corrected the violation with the following actions: A staff member was let go. The child care agency shared a memo on appropriate protocols during naptime. The child care agency printed out child care licensing rules about naptime procedures.07/11/202506/27/2025
N/A1240-04-01-.15 Program Language and Literacy DevelopmentCompliantChildren were forced to lie on their cots at naptime.The agency corrected the violation with the following actions: A staff member was let go. The child care agency shared a memo on appropriate protocols during naptime. The child care agency printed out child care licensing rules about naptime procedures.0

Please click here for state website https://onedhs.tn.gov/csp?id=cp_visit_details_maps&sysId1=cc46d6079796a250325b71971153af31&name1=Kiddie%20Korner%20of%20Clinton%20Nursery%20&address1=98%20Mariner%20Point%20Dr,%20Anderson&phone=(865)%20457-5815&[email protected]&parent=ProviderDetails&provList=%3Fid%3Dcp_provider_search_results&type=null&address=null&age=null&ptype=null&stype=null&src_type=null&name=null&visitsListURL=%3Fid%3Dcp_monitoring_visits&sysid=a42fefe29718aa14cdfffee6f053af68.

Knoxville Ranks #1 Nationally for People with Disabilities, New Trajector Medical Study Shows

Knoxville Ranks #1 Nationally for People with Disabilities, New Trajector Medical Study Shows

2025 rankings highlight the U.S. cities doing the best job of meeting critical needs

Knoxville, Tennessee has been ranked as the best city in the nation for people with disabilities, according to a new comprehensive 2025 analysis conducted by Trajector Medical, a leading provider of medical evidence services. The recognition highlights Knoxville’s commitment to accessibility and affordability alongside the availability of healthcare for residents with disabilities.

Knoxville earned the highest relative score (100) in Trajector Medical’s evaluation of 141 major U.S. cities.

The city’s #1 ranking is attributed, in part, to:

Healthcare Access:

  • Knoxville ranks ninth best for availability of health care. The city has the:
    • Sixth highest number of healthcare providers at Medicare-registered hospitals per 10,000 people with disabilities (988.17).
    • 13th highest number of Medicare-registered hospitals per 100,000 people with disabilities (22.05).

Economic Opportunity:

  • Knoxville residents with disabilities also have the 13th highest median earnings compared to those without disabilities ($4,585 less).

Knoxville’s achievement reflects a citywide commitment to removing barriers, fostering independence for people with disabilities and serve as a model for communities nationwide.

Trajector Medical’s 30 Best Cities For People With Disabilities

Hover over each location to see a city’s overall rank and additional data. City ranking is determined by 14 metrics spanning three key categories: accessibility, affordability, and health care.

Knoxville’s achievement reflects a citywide commitment to removing barriers, fostering independence for people with disabilities and serve as a model for communities nationwide.

Please go to https://www.trajectormedical.com/best-cities-for-people-with-disabilities/ for more information.

Note: To determine which cities are the best for people with disabilities, Trajector Medical examined data for the 150 most populated cities, 141 of which had available data.

Data Sources: The U.S. Census Bureau, The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, The Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Zillow.

Why It Matters

Nearly one in seven Americans (13.6%) has a disability, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. However, access to essential services, affordable housing, and employment opportunities varies widely. Trajector Medical’s study highlights this disparity but also underscores the crucial role of inclusive city planning and technology adoption in bridging this gap and supporting Americans with disabilities.

“Our mission has always been to empower people with disabilities who face barriers,” said Paige Polakow, president of Trajector Medical. “This research is another way we’ve fulfilled our promise for more than a decade to improve the life trajectory of those who are underserved or at risk.”

Methodology

Trajector Medical evaluated 141 U.S. cities using 14 metrics across accessibility, affordability, and health care—analyzing nearly 2,000 data points. Example metrics include the percentage of accessible buildings, affordable housing costs, and Medicare-registered hospitals per 100,000 people with disabilities. Data sources included the U.S. Census Bureau, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Zillow.

About Trajector Medical

Trajector Medical is a leading provider of medical evidence services for people with disabilities and is based in Gainesville, Florida. Founded in 2014, its licensed medical professionals help individuals gather the medical evidence they need to secure the disability benefits they medically, legally, and ethically qualify for.

To access the full rankings and methodology, visit Trajector Medical’s website https://www.trajectormedical.com/best-cities-for-people-with-disabilities/.

Man Killed, Woman Injured in Sevier County Crash, THP Says

Man Killed, Woman Injured in Sevier County Crash, THP Says

Sevier County, TN (WOKI) The Tennessee Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that killed a 54-year-old man and injured a 45-year-old woman Tuesday evening in Sevier County.

THP’s preliminary report indicates that the driver, John Tallent, was driving along Pittman Center Road around 9:00 p.m. when the car left the roadway, rolling multiple times.

According to the report, John Tallent died in the crash; Janet Tallent, the passenger, was injured.

Additional information was not released.

According to THP’s preliminary report, the driver, John Tallent, was driving along Pittman Center Road when the car left the roadway, rolling multiple times. (Courtesy: THP)
Rep. Tim Burchett Calls for Ghislaine Maxwell to Testify About ‘the truth’ Behind Jeffery Epstein

Rep. Tim Burchett Calls for Ghislaine Maxwell to Testify About ‘the truth’ Behind Jeffery Epstein

Knoxville, TN (WOKI / WVLT) Tim Burchett, the U.S. representative for Tennessee’s second congressional district, is calling on Ghislaine Maxwell to testify about “the truth” behind Jeffery Epstein.

Burchett, a Republican who represents areas like Knoxville, Maryville and as far north as LaFollette, has long called for answers in the Epstein case.

Burchett took to social media Tuesday announcing he’d sent a letter to James Comer, the chairman of the GOP Oversight Committee, requesting Maxewell appear before Congress, adding that subpoena powers be used if she refuses a congressional invitation.

“Given the events of the past week, I respectfully request you invite Ms. Ghislaine Maxwell to testify in a public hearing before the Committee,” the letter reads. “Should Ms. Maxwell refuse the invitation, I encourage you to use subpoena powers.”

Epstein, a New York financier who committed suicide in 2019 after being accused of orchestrating a years-long sex trafficking operation, was rumored to have kept a “client list” containing the names of people who participated in the abuse.

The Justice Department last week denied the list’s existence after previous reports that Attorney General Pam Bondi had at one time possessed the list.

(Courtesy: U.S. House of Representatives, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)
One in Custody Following Multi-Agency Drug Bust in Monroe County

One in Custody Following Multi-Agency Drug Bust in Monroe County

Monroe County, TN (WOKI) A multi-agency drug bust is credited with getting fentanyl and guns off the streets in Monroe County.

Monroe County Sheriff Tommy Jones announcing that agents with the sheriff’s office together with the 10th Judicial District Drug Task Force and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations seized approximately 31 grams of fentanyl, multiple handguns, a large quantity of cash and other items while serving a high risk warrant Monday evening.

Jones says one suspect was also taken into custody following a foot pursuit in the area of Turnpike Road.

One in custody following multi-agency drug bust in Monroe County. (Courtesy: Monroe County Sheriff’s Office)
Knoxville Police Identify the Victim in a Deadly Shooting at Days Inn in North Knoxville

Knoxville Police Identify the Victim in a Deadly Shooting at Days Inn in North Knoxville

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) UPDATE 7/16: The victim from the deadly shooting that occurred early Tuesday morning has been identified as Jakhory Dortch, 22 of Athens, Tennessee.

Based on the findings of the still ongoing investigation, Dortch and another man were involved in a physical altercation outside of a room at the Days Inn on Dante Road when Dortch was shot. The other involved individual was detained at the scene by responding KPD officers and questioned by Homicide Unit detectives.

No charges have been filed at this time. Upon completion of the investigation, which is being led by the KPD Homicide Unit, the case file will be presented to the Knox County District Attorney’s Office.

ORIGINAL STORY: Knoxville Police Department Homicide Unit detectives are investigating a deadly shooting that happened at the Days Inn on Dante Road early Tuesday morning.

At just after 3 a.m. on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, KPD officers were dispatched to the Days Inn at 114 Dante Road, where it was reported that two men were involved in a fight and shots were fired.

Officers located both men on scene, including one who had been shot. Despite life-saving efforts by responding Knoxville Fire Department personnel, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The other involved man was detained by responding officers and is being questioned by Homicide Unit detectives.

KPD crime scene technicians responded to the scene for evidence processing and collection.  

The investigation into the shooting remains in the early stages and under active investigation. Additional information will be made available as the investigation progresses.  

Knoxville Fire Department Officials are Investigating a House Fire in East Knoxville
KFD

Knoxville Fire Department Officials are Investigating a House Fire in East Knoxville

Knoxville, TN (KFD / WOKI) – This morning (Wednesday) around 4:50am, Knoxville Fire Department was dispatched to a house fire located on Wilson Avenue.

Knox County Communication District received a call that a house next door from the caller was on fire.

Engine 6 arrived on scene within minutes and stated that there was heavy smoke and fire showing from the whole right side of the residence. Firefighting operations started quickly and crews were able to attack the fire from inside the home.

The fire was under control within 10 minutes.

Crews are still on scene cleaning up and making sure there are no hot spots.
The residence suffered heavy fire, smoke, and water damage and is a total loss.

It was reported that 5 people and 2 dogs were staying in the home. All occupants evacuated safely and were uninjured. The dogs were not in the home and are trying to be located.

There were no injuries from firefighters to report.

Authorities are Still Working to Find Out What Caused a Boom in Blount County
WVLT

Authorities are Still Working to Find Out What Caused a Boom in Blount County

Many people felt and heard a large boom in Blount County and authorities are still working to determine what caused it.

The Blount County Sheriff’s Office says they received several calls after the boom was heard at around 1:30 p.m. yesterday afternoon (Tuesday).

While thousands of people were without power after the boom, Blount County deputies patrolled the area for blown transformers and City of Alcoa officials say it was not electric-related.

Maryville Police Chief Tony Crisp said no injuries have been reported.

TDOT and Vulcan Materials were not blasting at the time the boom was reported.

Two Charged after Bullet Lands in Child’s Bedroom in Powell, Warrants Say

Two Charged after Bullet Lands in Child’s Bedroom in Powell, Warrants Say

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Two people are facing charges after several bullets hit a home in Powell Sunday afternoon.

According to charging documents, the Knox County Sheriff’s Office went to a home on Blueberry Road around 6:30 p.m. on Sunday after receiving a report of shots fired.

The victim told deputies his house had been hit by gunfire, and deputies found at least five bullet holes going into the home, including one that went into a child’s bedroom and landed in a laundry basket.

Further investigation lead to the arrest of 18-year-old Makyla Wesley and 18-year-old Juliun Laderach who police suspected of drinking while discharging a handgun near their neighbor’s home.

The pair are facing reckless endangerment and other charges and are scheduled to appear in court on July 16.

Makyla Wesley and Juliun Laderach (Courtesy: JIMS)
Former Monroe County Paramedic Facing Federal Child Pornography Charges, Court Docs Say

Former Monroe County Paramedic Facing Federal Child Pornography Charges, Court Docs Say

Monroe County, TN (WOKI) A now former Monroe County paramedic is facing federal child pornography charges.

According to court records, an investigation began into 27-year-old Nathan Lee Westbrook after investigators received a cyber tip involving the possession and distribution of child pornography on social media platform KiK in February.

A federal search warrant was executed on July 11 confirming a Kik account and associated email, from which six video files depicting child pornography were uploaded and distributed, were Westbrook’s.

Court records indicate Westbrook also admitted to having child pornography on his phone and computer, adding that no other person had used his computer or phone.

Monroe County EMS Director Randy White confirmed that Westbrook was a paramedic but has since been terminated.

“The actions of one individual do not reflect the integrity and dedication of the hardworking men and women of Monroe County EMS,” White said. “We hold all staff to the highest professional and ethical standards, and we remain committed to serving the public with honor and accountability.”

Monroe County Mayor Mitch Ingram added that it was a deeply concerning situation.

“This situation is deeply concerning, and while Mr. Westbrook is entitled to due process under the law, the safety and trust of our community remain our top priorities,” said Ingram. “We will continue to cooperate fully with all investigative authorities and ensure transparency as this matter unfolds.”

Westbrook is currently being held at the Blount County Justice Center. He is scheduled to have a detention hearing on Thursday.

Nathan Westbrook, 27 (Courtesy: Monroe County Sheriff’s Office)

Weather

  • Forecast
  • Currents
  • Planner