Knoxville City Council Approves First Reading of Proposed Sales Tax Increase

Knoxville City Council Approves First Reading of Proposed Sales Tax Increase

Posted on June 11, 2025

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

Posted on June 11, 2025

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

Posted on June 11, 2025

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

Posted on June 11, 2025

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

Posted on June 11, 2025

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

Posted on June 10, 2025

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.
Wildlife Officers Find Body of Missing Douglas Lake Boater
WVLT

Wildlife Officers Find Body of Missing Douglas Lake Boater

Posted on June 10, 2025

Dandridge, TN – UPDATE 6/10: A 22-year-old man who went missing on Douglas Lake Sunday afternoon has marked the 11th boating death in Tennessee this year.

Officials with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency reporting Tuesday afternoon that the body of David Molina had been located after a days-long search in the Muddy Creek Area.

The Carter County Rescue Squad, which was helping in the search, first spotted Molina’s body using an underwater sonar system. His body was later recovered in more than 80 feet of water.

TWRA says witness accounts indicate Molina entered the water from a pontoon boat around 1:30 p.m. on Sunday and did not resurface. He was not wearing a personal flotation device (PFD).

This marks the 11th boating fatality in Tennessee this year. TWRA urges boaters to always wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD when boating or swimming in Tennessee waters. 

TWRA extends its sincere appreciation to all the agencies involved in the search and recovery efforts, including rescue squads from Jefferson County, Carter County, Hawkins County, Sevier County, Church Hill, Greeneville, Newport, and Morristown.

TWRA offers condolences and prayers for Mr. Molina’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.

ORIGINAL STORY: The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and local emergency responders continue the search for a missing boater on Douglas Lake after receiving a report yesterday afternoon that an individual had entered the water and did not resurface.

According to witnesses, on the afternoon of June 8, 2025, at approximately 1:30 p.m., David Simanca Molina (21), of Knoxville, jumped into the water from a pontoon boat and never resurfaced.

The incident occurred in the Muddy Creek area of Douglas Lake, near Point 7, in approximately 80 feet of water. In cooperation with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, multiple area rescue squads, and other first responders, TWRA officers have been actively searching the area by boat and with sonar since the initial report. Additionally, specialized teams are utilizing side-scan sonar and a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) in the ongoing search.

“We are doing everything possible to locate the missing boater and bring closure to the family,” said TWRA Captain George Birdwell. “We’ve been unable to pinpoint an exact location where the victim entered the water and currently have a very large search area. We appreciate the public’s patience and support during this ongoing operation.”

The search will continue as conditions allow. At this time, no additional information is available, but updates will be provided as the situation develops.

Dulcie’s Café Food Truck Stolen on Cherry Street, Knoxville Police Say

Dulcie’s Café Food Truck Stolen on Cherry Street, Knoxville Police Say

Posted on June 10, 2025

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Dulcie’s Café, a family owned restaurant in Knoxville, is asking the community for help after reporting that their food truck was stolen over the weekend.

Officials with the Knoxville Police Department say the theft occurred just after 1:00 a.m. on Sunday at 701 N. Cherry Street.

A video from Dulcie’s Café’s Facebook page shows a white truck pulling into the parking lot and driving away with the trailer. KPD says the truck appears to be a Home Depot rental.

The restaurant said in a Facebook post that they are offering a reward for anyone with information.

Property crime detectives from the KPD are currently looking for any information related to the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to contact East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers at 865-215-7165.

The family owned restaurant is searching for any information about their food truck that was reported stolen on Cherry Street early Sunday morning. (Courtesy: Dulcie’s Cafe)
Three Hospitalized after Reported Plane Crash in Murfreesboro

Three Hospitalized after Reported Plane Crash in Murfreesboro

Posted on June 10, 2025

Murfreesboro, TN (WOKI) Three people are hospitalized Tuesday following a plane crash near the Middle Tennessee State University campus in Murfreesboro.

Officials with the Murfreesboro Police Department say crews are on the scene of a “downed small aircraft” in the Clark Boulevard area and that all three people on board the plane were taken to a local hospital where they are listed in stable condition.

MPD says the FAA is en route to take over the investigation.

A spokesperson for MTSU confirmed that the crash has not impacted the school or campus in any way and that there is no known connection to the school’s flight program at this time.

This is a developing story.

The plane crash was reported in the 700 block of Clark Boulevard. (Courtesy: Murfreesboro TN Police Department)
Monroe County Sheriff Asking for Help in Search for Missing 19-Year-Old

Monroe County Sheriff Asking for Help in Search for Missing 19-Year-Old

Posted on June 10, 2025

Monroe County, TN (WOKI) The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help finding a missing person.

Officials with the sheriff’s office say 19-year-old Caden Long was last seen on Saturday, June 7. He was wearing a gray and red Sequoyah hoodie, white tennis shoes and khaki shorts.

Anyone with information is asked to contact authorities through the Monroe County Dispatch Non-Emergency Line at 423-442-4357.

Caden Long, 19 (Courtesy: Monroe County Sheriff’s Office)

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