The 2024 Covenant Health Knoxville Half Marathon and 5k are This Weekend and Road Closures will be in Place

The 2024 Covenant Health Knoxville Half Marathon and 5k are This Weekend and Road Closures will be in Place

Posted on April 4, 2024

It’s marathon time in Tennessee.

The 2024 Covenant Health Knoxville Half Marathon is scheduled for 7:30 am this Sunday but first the Kids Run gets underway on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. and the Covenant 5k starting at 7:00 p.m.

There will be road closures in place in and around downtown Knoxville to accommodate runners.

Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon announces road closures along race routes

Streets and lanes will be blocked within the center city and surrounding areas for the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon race events on April 6-7. All roads are expected to be open by 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 7.

Chalk Walk, live events and more will be happening simultaneously in Downtown Knoxville, and organizers are expecting high volume. Participants are urged to arrive at least 30 minutes before their race starts. Preferred routes include:

  • Traveling along 11th Street and parking in the 11th Street Garage.
  • Traveling south on 17th Street, turning left onto Grand Avenue, turning left into the Blackstock Parking Lot before The Foundry.
  • Exit Interstate 40 to downtown and park in Market Square or Locust Street garages.

Downtown Knoxville live parking availability and a map of lots and garages can be accessed at https://www.downtownknoxville.org/explore/parking/?t%5b%5d=37. Knoxville Police Department will provide more traffic and parking information on social media.

The Clinch Avenue Viaduct is the start for all races and will be closed to traffic starting at 1 p.m. Saturday until 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Parking will be prohibited on Clinch Avenue between 11th and 16th streets, and vehicles parked on the street will be towed Saturday evening.

On Saturday, the Covenant Kids Run starts at 5:30 p.m., necessitating closures of 11th Street and World’s Fair Park Drive in front of the former Candy Factory building and Knoxville Museum of Art, and periodic closures of Clinch and White avenues between 11th and 13th streets and a small portion of 13th Street between Clinch and White avenues during the run.

The 5K starts at 7 p.m. on Saturday with closures throughout the Fort Sanders neighborhood until about 8:30 p.m.

On Sunday morning, the marathon will require staggered road closures from 7:20 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. throughout downtown Knoxville and the following neighborhoods: Fort Sanders, Sequoyah Hills, Fourth & Gill, Parkridge, Island Home and Old Sevier.

Motorists who need to reach Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center and East Tennessee Children’s Hospital on Sunday morning should take Alcoa Highway to the Cumberland Avenue/Kingston Pike exit and enter the Fort Sanders area via 20th Street.

The details for specific road closures are as follows:

  • World’s Fair Park Drive: Closed from start of race until half-marathon passes from 11th Street, then closure is moved to south of parking lot beside the Knoxville Museum of Art; closed on north end by Fort Kid.
  • Clinch Avenue Viaduct from Henley to 11th streets: Closed throughout marathon weekend events.
  • Clinch Avenue: Closed at the start of marathon, 5K and Covenant Kids Run from 11th to 16th streets and at end of marathon between Union Avenue to World’s Park Drive.
  • White Avenue: Closed for 5K from James Agee to 22nd streets.
  • Lake Loudoun Boulevard: Southbound lanes from Todd Helton Drive to Neyland Drive closed for marathon.
  • Neyland Drive: Eastbound and westbound lanes closed for marathon from Walnut Street to Kingston Pike until turnaround is complete.
  • Kingston Pike: Eastbound lanes closed between Neyland Drive and Cherokee Boulevard; traffic will be two-way in westbound lanes.
  • Cherokee Boulevard: Southbound lanes closed.
  • Blows Ferry Road: Westbound lanes closed.
  • Alta Vista Way: Northbound lane closed.
  • Noelton Drive: Right lane closed from Alta Vista Way to Kingston Pike.
  • Kingston Pike: Right lane closed westbound from Noelton Drive to Forest Park Boulevard.
  • Forest Park Boulevard: Northbound right lane closed from Kingston Pike to Newcom Avenue.
  • Newcom Avenue: Closed from Forest Park Boulevard to Lebanon Street.
  • Lebanon Street: Closed from Newcom Avenue to Third Creek Greenway.
  • Tyson Park: Closed at Kingston Pike entrance and road closed sign inside Tyson Park at Highway 129 overpass.
  • Cumberland Avenue: Right westbound curb lane closed from Tyson Park to 22nd street.
  • 22nd Street: Closed for 5K from White to Clinch avenues. Closed for marathon from Forest to Cumberland avenues.
  • 23rd Street: Closed for 5K from Clinch to Grand avenues.
  • Forest Avenue: Closed for 5K from 13th to 21st streets. Closed for marathon from 17th to 22nd streets; continued closure from 17th Street east to 13th Street.
  • Highland Avenue: Eastbound lanes closed from 11th to 13th streets.
  • 11th Street: Closed from Highland to Western avenues.
  • Grand Avenue: Closed for 5K from 19th to 23rd streets. Closed for marathon between both intersections with World’s Fair Park Drive.
  • 21st Street: Closed for 5K from Grand to Forest avenues.
  • Gay Street: Northbound right lane closed from Jackson Avenue to Summit Hill Drive.
  • Magnolia Avenue: Closed between Gay and North Central streets.
  • Central Street: Closed between Magnolia Avenue and Broadway.
  • 3rd Avenue: Closed between North Central and Eleanor streets.
  • Deery Street: Closed between 4th and Lovenia avenues.
  • Lovenia Ave: Closed between Deery and Luttrell streets.
  • Luttrell Street: Closed between Lovenia and Wells avenues.
  • Wells Avenue: Closed between Luttrell and Eleanor streets.
  • Eleanor Street: Closed between Wells and 3rd avenues.
  • Fourth Avenue: Closed between Deery to Central streets.
  • 5th Avenue: Closed between Hall of Fame Drive and Winona Street.
  • Hall of Fame Drive: Closed between the two intersections with 5th Avenue.
  • Winona Street: Northbound lane closed between 5th and Washington avenues.
  • Washington Avenue: Closed between Winona and North Bertrand streets.
  • North Bertrand Street: Closed from Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue to McCalla Avenue.
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue: Westbound lanes closed from North Bertrand Street to Summit Hill Drive.
  • Summit Hill Drive: Westbound lanes closed from Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue to Patton Street.
  • Cumberland Avenue: Closed between Central and State streets.
  • State Street: Closed between Cumberland and Hill avenues.
  • Hill Avenue: Closed between State Street and the James White Connector.
  • James White Parkway: Closed between State Street Connector to Sevier Avenue ramp.
  • Sevier Avenue: Right lane closed from James White Parkway to Island Home Avenue; cones 6-8 feet from westbound curb for runner lane from Island Home Avenue to Council Place.
  • Island Home Avenue: Closed from Sevier Avenue to Maplewood Drive; westbound traffic to use Hillwood Drive.
  • Council Place: Closed between Sevier Avenue to Gay Street.
  • Wall Avenue: Closed between Gay Street and Market Square.
  • Union Avenue: Closed between Market Square and Locust Street.
  • Locust Street: Closed between Union and Clinch avenues.
An Investigation is Underway after a Teen is Killed and Three Other Teens Injured with Charges Pending in Anderson County

An Investigation is Underway after a Teen is Killed and Three Other Teens Injured with Charges Pending in Anderson County

Posted on April 4, 2024

An investigation is underway after a teen is killed in a car crash in Anderson County.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol says a 16-year-old died in the crash on Frost Bottom Road in Anderson County Monday morning and three teens were injured.

A 14-year-old teen was behind the wheel of a car which lost control and came to rest at an embankment near Highway 116.

None of the teens were wearing seatbelts. THP says charges are pending against all of the teens.

Tennessee Receiving Core Flourishes with New Athleticism Added to Bunch
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Tennessee Receiving Core Flourishes with New Athleticism Added to Bunch

Posted on April 4, 2024

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee wide receiver group has taken big steps during spring ball with the new additions of transfers and incoming freshmen. With the new boost of faces, the squad is leveling up their production each practice under the direction of third-year coach Kelsey Pope.

Pope and receivers Squirrel White, Dont’e Thornton Jr. and Chris Brazzell II spoke with local media following the conclusion of the eighth spring practice on Wednesday afternoon. The Vols worked out in shoulder pads prior to Thursday night’s scrimmage.

“It’s been physical, and it’s good to see,” Pope said. “I’ll tell you, there are some days the defense wins. You don’t always like that as a coach, but you do like to see which guys will respond to tough situations. That’s one of the things we have tried to put an emphasis on in the spring. It’s putting our guys in more physical situations. Last year, I can’t tell you if we got a pass interference call. You probably are not going to get one. So, we have to start practicing that way and not even anticipating it. Regardless of what happens, you have to go make plays regardless of who is draped over you or pulling you.”

White, a third-year veteran junior, returns as one of the main leaders in the receiving core. The Birmingham, Alabama, native produced his best season during the 2023 campaign with 67 receptions for 803 yards and two touchdowns. He produced three 100-yard receiving games, doing so against South Carolina, Alabama and Vanderbilt.

“The competition has been really good,” White said. “The defense, they are flying around making plays. We are getting each other better each and every day. Coming out there with a mindset of having fun out there, just playing from snap to whistle.”

Thornton Jr., a former Oregon transfer, returns as a primary outside threat for the Vols. Thornton Jr. posted 224 receiving yards on 13 receptions while securing one touchdown at Missouri, in which he sustained a lower-body injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the season.

“To start, I am feeling very confident now that I have a year under my belt with the offense,” Thornton remarked. “I feel like everything is a lot easier for me. Now I can play faster, and not have to think too much while I am playing. With things going a little bit better towards the end of last season, then with me going down, that’s nothing I can control. I just used that as a way to get deeper in the playbook, build my faith and know what I need to work on when I come back.”

Brazzell II has made his way to Rocky Top after a two-year stint at Tulane. Brazzell II brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the field and in the film room. The 6-foot-5 lengthy receiver saw action in all 13 games during last season and boasted 44 receptions for 711 yards while hauling in five touchdown passes.

“I’m a bigger and also a taller receiver,” Brazzell said. ” I’m not really like a big-body receiver who runs big-guy routes. I’m able to run a slant, curl or a dig route. I’m also able to take the top off. I feel like I am an all-around receiver.”

Authorities are Searching for an Escaped Inmate from Cocke County
Photo courtesy of WVLT

Authorities are Searching for an Escaped Inmate from Cocke County

Posted on April 4, 2024

Police need your help to find an inmate that’s on the loose after escaping from the Cocke County detention center.

Cocke County Sheriff C.J. Ball says 37-year-old Stephen Jones escaped last night (Thursday) and was last seen in the parking lot of Food City on Broadway Street.

Jones was wearing blue jeans, a dark blue shirt, and a black hat. He is charged with DUI, no insurance, open container, simple possession and false reporting.

If anyone has information, contact dispatch at 423-623-3064.

Alcoa Police Searching for 5 Suspects in Apartment Vandalism

Alcoa Police Searching for 5 Suspects in Apartment Vandalism

Posted on April 3, 2024

Alcoa, TN (WOKI) The Alcoa Police Department is asking for help finding five suspects in an apartment vandalism.

APD says officers and detectives went to the Ardmore Apartments construction site on Monday, April 1 after receiving a report of vandalism.

Police say construction workers reported finding signs of vandalism in multiple buildings including the destruction of appliances and light fixtures, flooding through floors of several apartments, and paint on carpeting, hardwood flooring, and drains.

APD says the vandalism happened sometime after 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 29 and before 3:00 a.m. on March 30, where security camera footage shows the five suspects (who police say appear to be juveniles) leaving the property.

To view the entirety of the footage click here.

Anyone with information leading up to the vandalism or about the suspects in the videos is asked to contact the APD Criminal Investigations Section at 865-981-4111 or East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers at 865-215-7165.

Neighbors Want Proposed South Knox County Housing Plan Nixed, Petition Circulating

Neighbors Want Proposed South Knox County Housing Plan Nixed, Petition Circulating

Posted on April 3, 2024

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Neighbors in South Knox County are calling on Heartland Development to stop a proposed plan to bring around 170 homes to the Tarklin Valley area.

Heartland Development plans to get the land rezoned by the Knox County Planning Commission to allow them to build single-family homes off Pickens Gap Road.

Most people living in the area are against the plan, and they have already organized a petition against the development which has garnered more than 100 signatures.

Residents opposing the plan are expected to attend the Knox County Planning Commission meeting on April 11.

This plan is not a part of Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs’ Growth Policy Plan that was voted down by Farragut last week.

Two People are in Custody and an Investigation is Underway in Cocke County after a Woman is Found Dead in her Home
Photo courtesy of WVLT

Two People are in Custody and an Investigation is Underway in Cocke County after a Woman is Found Dead in her Home

Posted on April 3, 2024

An investigation is underway after a daughter is charged in her mother’s death in Cocke County.

Sheriff C.J. Ball says deputies responded to Battle Road in Newport after getting a call from 36 year-old Polly Fox saying she had found her mother dead in her home.

Deputies found Ola Schumacher dead with a “deep cut to her throat.” Police have charged 35 year-old Rayanna Keene and Fox with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence.

Tennessee’s Attorney General Joins Multi-State Lawsuit Against Mariner Finance

Tennessee’s Attorney General Joins Multi-State Lawsuit Against Mariner Finance

Posted on April 3, 2024

On Tuesday, Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti announced that Tennessee has joined a multistate lawsuit against Mariner Finance over widespread violations of multiple consumer protection laws. The suit alleges that Mariner Finance charged consumers for hidden add-on products that consumers were not fully informed about or, in some instances, did not agree to buy. In doing so, Mariner illegally added hundreds or sometimes thousands of dollars to the amounts consumers owed the company. In 2019 alone, Mariner charged consumers $121.7 million nationwide in premiums and fees for add-on products.

“My duty is to ensure that companies treat Tennessee consumers fairly and honestly,” Attorney General Skrmetti said. “Businesses that engage in deceptive practices deprive Tennessee consumers of making an informed choice, and that is illegal and wrong. I’m proud to join this bipartisan lawsuit on behalf of The Volunteer State.”

The lawsuit also alleges that Mariner engages in illegal, aggressive sales tactics to extend credit to new borrowers. These kinds of predatory sales practices can lead consumers into a cycle of debt that’s hard to overcome.

On April 1, 2024, the Court granted Tennessee’s previously filed joint motion to intervene, allowing The Volunteer State to intervene and join the litigation by filing a Second Amended Complaint that includes the intervening states as parties.

According to Mariner’s website, Mariner has 34 branches in Tennessee. Any consumer who believes they have been deceived by Mariner’s harmful practices can file a complaint with Tennessee. Consumers can find more information about how to submit a complaint to the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office https://www.tn.gov/attorneygeneral/working-for-tennessee/file-a-consumer-complaint.html?

In addition to Attorney General Skrmetti, today’s Second Amended Complaint includes as Plaintiffs the attorneys general of Pennsylvania, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin.

The National Weather Service says it was an EF-1 Tornado that hit a Morgan County Town
Photo courtesy of WVLT

The National Weather Service says it was an EF-1 Tornado that hit a Morgan County Town

Posted on April 3, 2024

Updated story: The National Weather Service in Sunbright yesterday (Wednesday) surveying damage caused by what they say is an EF1 tornado.

Sam Roberts with the National Weather Service says maximum winds of 105 mph were associated with this twister which was about 100 yards wide and it’s path 2.8 miles long.

Cleanup continues as several homes and businesses were damaged.

Original story: The National Weather Service says a tornado did touch down near Sunbright.

Morgan County E-911 says the tornado was confirmed just after 5:30 p.m. yesterday (Tuesday). No fatalities have been reported. Wartburg Police Chief Michael Cox says no injuries were reported during yesterday’s (Tuesday’s) twister.

Highway 27 was shut down and traffic was being rerouted because of downed trees, powerlines and debris on the roads. Most power has been restored after thousands were in the dark after the storm. Officials set up an emergency shelter at Central High School in Wartburg.

Several businesses suffered significant damage from the tornado including Schubert Funeral Home. It’s not known when the funeral home will reopen but services will continue in Wartburg.

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