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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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 TNPolice Department)
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)
NASHVILLE, TN – Once again, Manchester, Tennessee, will host the annual Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, one of the most popular live music events in the country. Since 2002, the event has featured a diverse assortment of performers on a 700-acre Middle Tennessee farm that becomes the temporary home for thousands from across the country. Over 65,000 people are expected to attend this year’s festival, which runs from Thursday, June 12, 2025, through Sunday, June 15, 2025.
The area in and around Manchester always sees increased traffic volumes during this time. And the Tennessee Department of Transportation is gearing up for the extra traffic. TDOT works closely with the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), Manchester Police Department, Manchester Fire and Rescue, Coffee County Sheriff’s Department, Coffee County EMA, and festival promoters to keep traffic moving on I-24 while also getting Bonnaroo attendees to their destination.
TDOT HELP units will assist with traffic management during the festival and aid any motorists who require assistance. In addition, TDOT will be taking the following steps:
HELP trucks will be on-site, patrolling the interstate and state routes throughout the festival region.
Exit 111 (SR-55) will be used as the main festival exit. Alternate exits will be used if congestion occurs on the interstate.
TDOT maintenance units will be posted throughout the festival region, and maintenance personnel will be on call all weekend.
Variable message signs will be in place to warn drivers ahead of delays.
No construction-related lane closures on I-24 near the festival between Tuesday, June 10, 2025, and Tuesday, June 17, 2025.
Median crossovers will be guarded to prevent motorists from parking in the crossovers and blocking emergency vehicles.
Festival traffic will be kept in the right lane and/or on the shoulder of the interstate, allowing through traffic to utilize the left travel lane unimpeded.
Emergency vehicles will use county roads that will be kept at low volume.
Temporary communication towers will be in place to improve emergency communications.
If drivers need the assistance of a state trooper while traveling anywhere in Tennessee, they can dial *THP (*847) from their cell phone. They will be automatically connected to the nearest THP dispatch office and the operator will send a state trooper to their location.
From your desktop or mobile device, access the latest construction activity and live-streaming SmartWay traffic cameras at www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic. As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and “Know Before You Go!” by checking travel conditions before leaving for their destination. Drivers should never tweet, text, or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.
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.
