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An Investigation is Underway Following a Cemetery Fire in Blount County

Posted on September 27, 2023

*Crews work to stop crematorium fire at Maryville cemetery (Courtesy: WVLT / Canva)*

Updated story: An investigation is underway into a fire at a Blount County cemetery.

The Blount County Sheriff’s Office and Fire Department called to the scene at Grandview Cemetery yesterday afternoon.

Fire Officials initially thought the crematorium had caught fire but believe it started in a chapel and mausoleum and at this time believe it was an accidental fire.

Original story: Maryville, TN (WOKI) UPDATE (9/27, 5:15 P.M.) A structure fire in a Blount County cemetery has now been nearly extinguished by firefighters.

Officials with the Blount County Sheriff’s Office say deputies and the Blount County Fire Department responded to a structure fire call around 2:00 p.m. Wednesday afternoon. They say the fire occurred at a chapel and mausoleum at Grandview Cemetery on Tuckaleechee Pike, not at a crematorium as previously reported.

Authorities say the blaze was brought under control by 4:30 p.m. but that there was structural damage to the attic. They added that the downstairs area, where bodies laid in rest, did not appear to be damaged.

No injuries were reported.

ORIGINAL STORY: The Blount County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) and the Blount County Fire Department (BCFD) are currently working to stop a fire at Grandview Cemetery.

Law enforcement officials are reporting the crematorium at the cemetery in Maryville caught fire Wednesday afternoon.

They say crews are currently working to keep people away from the scene.

More information will be released as it is obtained.

This is a developing story.

Dolly Parton Releases Vols-Themed Version of ‘Rockstar’ Album, Includes Live Version of ‘Rocky Top’

Posted on September 27, 2023

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Dolly Parton is teaming up with the Tennessee Vols again, this time to release a UT-themed version of her rock album “Rockstar.”

The album, a double CD edition, marked Dolly’s first jump into rock music. Now, Vol fans can treat themselves to a special version that includes a live recording of “Rocky Top.”

The CD release comes just a day after the country star announced a line of UT-themed merchandise.

The album can be pre-ordered here.

TBI: Missing Blount County Man ‘Found Safe’ Following Silver Alert

Posted on September 27, 2023

Blount County, TN (WOKI) UPDATE (9/27): A Blount County man at the center of a Silver Alert issued by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation earlier Wednesday morning has been found.

TBI officials report that 92 year-old Keith Gordon was found safe around 12:30 Wednesday afternoon, September 27.

Officials say he had been missing since September 23 when he was seen last traveling on Alnwick Boulevard in Maryville.

ORIGINAL STORY: A Silver Alert is issued by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation on behalf of the Blount County Sheriff’s Office for 92 year-old Keith Gordon.

He was last seen on September 23rd on Alnwick Boulevard in Maryville. He could be in a 2010 silver Toyota Corolla with a TN tag.

He has a medical condition that may impair his ability to return safely without assistance.

Please call 1-800-TBI-FIND if you have any information.

U.S. Department of Transportation Allocating Money to U.S. Forest Service to help with Flood Damage and Millions Going to Cherokee National Forest

Posted on September 27, 2023

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration is giving the U.S. Forest Service over 4 and a half million dollars in “quick release” emergency funds to repair road damage caused by August’s storms and flooding in Tennessee.

The money is mainly for repair work in the Cherokee National Forest where flood damage caused several road closures in the area, including the closure of two campgrounds. The funds will go towards extended repairs in this area.

TWRA is Investigating the 24th Fatal Boating Incident in Tennessee this Year

Posted on September 27, 2023

Officials are investigating the 24th fatal boating incident on Tennessee waters this year.

It happened on Fort Loudon Lake and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency says two men were on board the boat, presumably fishing when the boat was pulled into the spillway of Fort Loudon Dam and capsized, sending both men into the water.

One man is rescued by a fisherman on another boat, while the other was later recovered dead at the dam.

The surviving man taken to the hospital, his condition has not been released.

Smoke May Remain in the Great Smoky Mountains Following Wildland Fire

Posted on September 27, 2023

Park reports 5-10 acre wildfire on Fontana Lake shore

Great Smoky Mountains National Park firefighters are suppressing a 5-10 acre wildland fire near backcountry campsite 87 on Fontana Lake’s shore.

The Lake Fire was reported at approximately 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 26. Firefighters were on scene early this (Tuesday) evening and will remain in the area overnight to monitor and continue to suppress the fire. No structures are threatened by the fire. Smoke may be visible.

The fire is smoldering and creeping through timber and brush understory with significant leaf litter. Firefighters are using a full suppression attack and there is no threat to fire lines at this time. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Backcountry campsite 87 has been closed to all use.

Silver Alert for a Missing Campbell County Man is Over

Posted on September 27, 2023

Update: Robert Lawson has been found safe.

Original story: The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation issues a Silver Alert for 72 year-old Robert Lawson out of Campbell County.

He was last seen yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon in the area of Pleasant Ridge Road in Lafollette. He may be traveling on a bronze Honda Foreman Rubicon four-wheeler.

He has a medical condition that may impair his ability to return safely without assistance.

Anyone with information please call 1-800-TBI-FIND.

Smokies Stadium Releases Parking Plan for Record-Attendance Oliver Anthony Show

Posted on September 26, 2023

*In a video uploaded on Friday, Oliver Anthony says his song doesn’t support either party.(Courtesy: CNN, YouTube/Oliver Anthony Music via CNN Newsource)*

Kodak, TN (WOKI) Smokies Stadium is expecting near-record attendance for Thursday’s upcoming Oliver Anthony concert, and as such, stadium representatives have released a plan for parking.

Due to crowd expectations for the “Rich Men North of Richmond” singer, the stadium is opening up three overflow lots with complimentary shuttles. The main lot can only hold 1,600 cars, so police will also be on hand to direct people to the appropriate spot.

Additionally, stadium representatives caution that Thursday’s show is general admission; so, the earlier you arrive, the more likely it is that you’ll get the seats you want.

Billboards Raising Awareness for Fentanyl Overdoses coming to Knoxville

Posted on September 26, 2023

*Rachel’s Angels is bringing two billboards to Knoxville in the midst of a nationwide campaign to stop drug overdoses. (Courtesy: WVLT)*

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Billboards warning of the dangers of drugs like fentanyl are coming to Knoxville.

Statewide data shows the alarming trend of increases in overdose deaths involving fentanyl; now, Ohio-based activist group Rachel’s Angels is helping raise awareness of it’s dangers here in East Tennessee.

Founded in 2017, Rachel’s Angels has been putting up billboards around the country for the last several years from California to Kentucky. Coming this December, one will be on Clinton Highway and another on East Central Street in Knoxville.

If you’d like to donate to help Rachel’s Angels continue to fundraise so they can put more billboards up, you can go to their website.

Knoxville Police Arrest a Man who Pointed a Gun at Neighbor following a Standoff

Posted on September 26, 2023

A man is arrested and charged after pointing a gun at his neighbor.

Knoxville Police responding to a disturbance call at a home in the 1900 block of Granville Terrace in the Morningside area last night (Monday).

The suspect, 41 year-old Justin Teixeira, refused to come out of his home once officers arrived on the scene so KPD negotiators were called to the scene and he finally came out after two hours. He is charged with aggravated assault.