Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Police announcing Friday afternoon they are searching for a former West High School football coach who’s been accused of sex crimes.
Officials say Richard Scott Shaver, who goes by Scott Shaver, is wanted for four counts of sexual battery by an authority figure.
Police believe Shaver is on the run with his wife in the Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge area and that they might be driving a white Chrysler Pacifica with Tennessee tag 315-BDVN.
Anyone who sees them can call the East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers at 865-215-7165 or submit a tip online. Tipsters can remain anonymous and be eligible to receive a cash reward.
According to the TSSAA website, Shaver worked as an assistant coach alongside Chad Brooks; Brooks himself was recently accused of having inappropriate relationships with current and past students.
Campbell County, TN (WOKI) A woman is arrested after a crash investigation in Campbell County.
The Campbell County Sheriff’s Office was called to the scene of a car crash on U.S. 25W and found Autumn Alexander walked away from the crash and was carrying an envelope filled with $14,000.
Further investigation revealed the money had been reported stolen by an elderly man currently hospitalized in North Knoxville who says the cash was taken without permission from his home.
The money was recovered and logged into evidence and Alexander was charged with aggravated burglary and theft of property over $10,000.
Autumn Alexander was arrested after she was found with an envelope carrying $14,000 in cash, according to police. (Courtesy: Campbell County Sheriff’s Office)
Knoxville,TN The U.S. Mint has made its final order of penny blanks in the last phase of fading out the penny.
Artazn Zinc has a factory in Greene County and are the nation’s sole manufacturer of penny blanks.
“The importance of Artazn to our community cannot be overstated,” said Greene Co. Mayor Kevin Morrison. “This company provides high-quality manufacturing jobs and supports a skilled workforce, not just in Greene County but throughout the region.”
Morrison told our news partner, WVLT News, they support 250 local jobs which will be in jeopardy once production is completed.
Artazn Zinc is has a factory in Greene County. They are the nation’s sole manufacturer of penny blanks. (Courtesy: WVLT)
NEWPORT, TN (TWRA / WOKI)— In response to potential impacts from recent flooding caused by Hurricane Helene and in partnership with Tennessee State Representative Jeremy Faison, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) stocked approximately 10,000 walleye at two locations along the Pigeon River on May 20, 2025, to support fish populations and bolster natural reproduction.
“The Pigeon River is healthier and more vibrant today than anyone alive can remember,” said Rep. Faison. “I’m deeply grateful for the continued dedication of the TWRA in supporting the decisions that keep the Pigeon sustainable and thriving. The sight of 10,000 walleye growing and repopulating our river is truly exciting—and a powerful sign of progress.”
TWRA Chief of Fisheries Jason Henegar also commented on the effort. “We understand concerns that recent flooding from Hurricane Helene may have impacted river ecosystems and fish habitats,” said Henegar. “Our most recent survey of the Pigeon River indicates minimal changes in fish populations. However, consistent with the agency’s ongoing fisheries management efforts, we are conducting walleye stocking to support and enhance natural reproduction.”
Henegar added that TWRA will continue monitoring affected river systems to better assess the long-term ecological impacts of the storm.
Each year, TWRA stocks over 10 million warm and cold-water fish into Tennessee’s lakes, rivers, and streams to enhance natural reproduction, sustain healthy fish populations, and provide quality angling opportunities for the public.
TWRA warm-water fish stocking information may be found here and cold-water fish stocking information may be found here.
A cow falls off a trailer and runs into traffic yesterday (Thursday) afternoon on I-75 in Loudon County causing multi-vehicle crashes which injured several people and debris on the road which caused the interstate to be temporarily closed.
Loudon County deputies responded to the crashes on I-75 yesterday (Thursday) and say the back of a cattle truck was open resulting in a cow falling from the trailer. It was injured but began running into traffic in both directions near mile marker 72. “Unfortunately, before the cow could be secured, it caused a wreck with injuries on I-75 South at the 72-mile marker,” LCSO officials said. “Northbound traffic was temporarily shut down as a safety precaution while first responders worked to secure the scene and prevent additional accidents.”
The Tennessee Highway Patrol and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture responded after a multi-vehicle crash involving a semi-truck on I-75 North.
One driver was arrested for Driving Under the Influence and this wreck also resulted in debris, including nails, screws, building materials, and other items being scattered across the interstate, requiring a temporary shutdown of I-75 North.
A third wreck was reported in Philadelphia at the intersection of Highway 11 and Pond Creek Road which left multiple people were injured, including children.
LCSO officials say traffic was backed up for several miles in both directions of I-75 for the majority of the day due to these incidents, all lanes have reopened.
Update: A drowning victim is found in Lenior City.
Multiple agencies including the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency were called to Fisherman’s Boat Ramp off Highway 444 last night and preliminary reports indicate that a jet ski accident occurred involving two juveniles and an adult, near the shoreline of the boat ramp area.
The two juveniles were wearing life jackets at the time of the incident. The adult, who was not wearing a life jacket, entered the water in an attempt to assist one of the juveniles.
His body has been recovered.
Original story: First responders are searching for a possible drowning victim in Lenior City.
Crews were called to Fisherman’s Boat Ramp off Highway 444 last night and preliminary reports indicate that a jet ski accident occurred involving two juveniles and an adult, near the shoreline of the boat ramp area.
The two juveniles were wearing life jackets at the time of the incident. The adult, who was not wearing a life jacket, entered the water in an attempt to assist one of the juveniles and has not been seen since.
Multiple agencies responded to the scene which has been turned over to the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency.
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Tennessee lefthander Liam Doyle continues to pile up the accolades as he was named one of 16 semifinalists for the National Pitcher of the Year Award, the College Baseball Foundation announced on Thursday.
Doyle, the nation’s leader in strikeouts, was named the SEC Pitcher of the Year on Monday and is also a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award and the Dick Howser Trophy.
The Derry, New Hampshire, native, has put together one of the most dominant seasons by a UT pitcher in program history to this point. His137 strikeouts ranks tied for third most in Tennessee single-season history. He needs just 18 more strikeouts to surpass Luke Hochevar’s record of 154 set in 2005.
Doyle’s 15.54 strikeouts per nine innings also lead the nation while his 0.92 WHIP is the best in the SEC and ranks 13th nationally. His nine victories are tied for 15th most in the NCAA and second in the SEC while his 5.45 hits allowed per nine innings rank seventh and second, respectively. Doyle has held opponents to a miniscule .171 batting average over 79.1 innings pitched, second lowest in the SEC.
The SEC led all conferences with five players on the list of semifinalists for this year’s National Pitcher of the Year award.
Finalists for the National Pitcher of the Year Award will be announced on June 4, with the 2025 winner to be announced at a date to be finalized later that month.
For the full list more information on the Pitcher of the Year Award, visit the College Baseball Foundation website at www.collegebaseballhall.org.
Nashville, TN (WOKI) Governor Bill Lee officially made Tennessee the 27th state to ban Glock switches.
The Governor signed a bill Wednesday that ensures harsh penalties for anyone caught with a handgun displaying the device; that device allows users to convert semi-automatic firearms into illegal fully automatic machine guns.
The, now law, expands the definition of a machine gun in the state, elevating the charge from a Class E felony to a Class C felony.
These devices have been connected to several mass shootings. They are common in everyday street crime, which often poses a serious threat to responding officers.
The new law also expands penalties for felons found to be in possession of firearms in the state.
The device attaches to a handgun and allows it to discharge rapidly, similar to an automatic weapon. (Courtesy: WVLT)
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon wants Knoxville voters to increase sales tax in November, saying the city plans to use the extra funding to pay for things like affordable housing, road improvements and parks.
The mayor made the announcement Thursday. She said she planned to propose a vote in November that would max out the city’s local option sales tax, an increase of 0.5%. That means everything, minus a few key exceptions, will cost 0.5% more within city limits.
What is a Local Option Sales Tax?
Tennessee charges a 7% sales tax across the state. Local municipalities, like cities, are allowed to charge their own sales tax on top of that 7%; right now, Knoxville charges another 2.25%. The increase would put the city’s rate at 2.75% and the total at 9.75%.
The City of Knoxville last increased its local option sales tax in 1988.
What’s being excluded?
Kincannon is excluding groceries, rent, utilities, gas, prescriptions, bus fare and healthcare visits from her proposed tax increase. Those sales tax rates will stay the same, even if the increase passes.
Who decides?
First, the Knoxville City Council will be voting to put the increase on the November ballot. That vote is expected to come in June.
If it passes, the increase will be up to city voters only. Those who live in Knox County, but not Knoxville, will not vote on the increase.
A simple majority passes the increase— 50% plus one vote.
How does Knoxville’s current tax rate stack up to our East Tennessee neighbors?
Plenty of other counties in East Tennessee max out the local option for sales tax. For example, Anderson, Grainger, Jefferson, Sevier and Blount counties all charge the full 2.75%.
What will the money be used for?
City data claims the increase would raise $47 million annually. The city hasn’t released a list of projects yet, but city representatives did provide a breakdown of what types of projects that $47 million will go towards:
Affordable Housing: $10,000,000
Greenways and Roads: $12,000,000
Parks: $10,000,000
Facilities and Maintenance: $5,000,000
Sidewalks and Traffic Calming: $10,000,000
Knoxville Mayor announces plan to have vote on tax increase. (Courtesy: WVLT)
Two men are arrested after being pulled over for registration violations in Oliver Springs.
Oliver Springs Police Officers were conducting what they called “proactive patrol” in the Midway Drive area.
“Proactive policing is a force multiplier that helps us detect and deter criminal activity before it escalates. By maintaining a visible presence and enforcing even the most minor infractions, we not only remove dangerous substances from our streets but also build trust within the community. This strategy ultimately makes Oliver Springs a safer place for all residents,” said Chief David Laxton.
An officer noticed a displayed registration didn’t match the vehicle.
The 25-year-old driver was arrested and charged with unlawful use of license plate, driving on a suspended license and possession of marijuana.
A short time later, an attentive officer noticed the driver of another vehicle showing deceptive behavior so they conducted a stop for an improperly displayed registration plate and while searching the car, they found meth, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
A 50-year-old man from Knoxville was arrested. He was charged with manufacture/sale/delivery of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and improper display of registration plates.
