Knoxville Police say a man and woman charged with murder are arrested in Mobile, Alabama
Ronald and Carissa Rogers were arrested this morning in Mobile, Alabama for the March 11th murder of 25 year-old Artimeyo Folks.
Ronald is charged with second-degree murder and Carissa with accessory after the fact.
Folks was found shot outside of a Western Heights apartment complex and died after being taken to the hospital.
Two Homicide detectives are heading to Mobile for additional investigation and both Ronald and Carissa Rogers will be extradited back to Knox County soon.
East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers is asking for help finding a missing Knoxville teen.
17 year-old Shaun Sullivan was last seen on May 1 by his mother leaving their house on Rocky View Way on foot. He has a tattoo above his right eyebrow that reads “LL Granny.”
Sullivan has not been in contact with his family and there is concern for his safety.
If you have any information , you are asked to call East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers at 865-215-7165.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The fourth-ranked Tennessee Lady Vols clinched their second SEC regular-season title on Saturday – the program’s first since 2007 – with a 4-2 victory over South Carolina at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium.
Under the direction of head coach Karen Weekly, Tennessee led the conference wire-to-wire in its pursuit of the league crown. The Lady Vols displayed excellence throughout the season, sweeping four SEC series and winning seven.
Tennessee (41-7, 19-4 SEC) clinched the title in comeback fashion, getting a Zaida Puni three-run home run in the fifth inning to jump in front of the Gamecocks.
Down 2-1, sophomore Katie Taylor drew a two-out walk to keep the inning alive for UT. South Carolina then intentionally walked Kiki Milloy to bring Puni to the plate. On a full count, Puni crushed the go-ahead three-run shot over the wall in left to put Tennessee up, 4-2.
Senior Payton Gottshall came out of the bullpen to start the sixth inning – tossing the game’s final two frames – and shut the door to help clinch UT’s conference title.
Milloy opened the scoring in the first with her single-season record-breaking 20th home run – a solo shot to left field. The homer places Milloy all alone atop the single-season home run rankings, breaking the previous single-season mark of 19 held by Lauren Gibson and Annie Aldrete.
South Carolina (33-19, 8-15 SEC) chipped away and tied the game in the third inning courtesy of Jordan Fabian who knocked a two-out single to third that allowed Brooke Blankenship to score.
In the fourth, the Gamecocks used a bit of two-out magic to take a one-run lead. Aaliyah Black drew a walk before being pinch run for by Haley Simpson who advanced around to third on a passed ball followed by a wild pitch.
Giulia Desiderio then hit a grounder to third that was misplayed by Puni, resulting in an error that allowed Desiderio to reach base and Simpson to score.
Lady Vol starter Karlyn Pickens got out of the inning in the next at-bat, inducing an inning-ending fly ball to center.
Puni then came to the plate in the fifth inning with two on and two out and put Tennessee in front for good with her eighth home run of the year – a three-run shot off the scoreboard in left-center.
In the circle, Pickens pitched well for UT as she tossed five innings and recorded six strikeouts. The freshman surrendered just four hits and two runs en route to her ninth victory in 2023.
Gottshall came on in relief in the sixth and did not allow a hit over the final two innings as she earned her second save this season.
Donnie Gobourne got the start for South Carolina and went the distance in the circle. She allowed four runs on three hits, struck out 10 and walked five. She suffered the loss and is 9-6 on the year.
UP NEXT Tennessee and South Carolina return to the diamond on Sunday to close out the regular season. First pitch is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. ET.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The fourth-ranked Tennessee Lady Vols clinched their second SEC regular-season title on Saturday – the program’s first since 2007 – with a 4-2 victory over South Carolina at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium.
Under the direction of head coach Karen Weekly, Tennessee led the conference wire-to-wire in its pursuit of the league crown. The Lady Vols displayed excellence throughout the season, sweeping four SEC series and winning seven.
Tennessee (41-7, 19-4 SEC) clinched the title in comeback fashion, getting a Zaida Puni three-run home run in the fifth inning to jump in front of the Gamecocks.
Down 2-1, sophomore Katie Taylor drew a two-out walk to keep the inning alive for UT. South Carolina then intentionally walked Kiki Milloy to bring Puni to the plate. On a full count, Puni crushed the go-ahead three-run shot over the wall in left to put Tennessee up, 4-2.
Senior Payton Gottshall came out of the bullpen to start the sixth inning – tossing the game’s final two frames – and shut the door to help clinch UT’s conference title.
Milloy opened the scoring in the first with her single-season record-breaking 20th home run – a solo shot to left field. The homer places Milloy all alone atop the single-season home run rankings, breaking the previous single-season mark of 19 held by Lauren Gibson and Annie Aldrete.
South Carolina (33-19, 8-15 SEC) chipped away and tied the game in the third inning courtesy of Jordan Fabian who knocked a two-out single to third that allowed Brooke Blankenship to score.
In the fourth, the Gamecocks used a bit of two-out magic to take a one-run lead. Aaliyah Black drew a walk before being pinch run for by Haley Simpson who advanced around to third on a passed ball followed by a wild pitch.
Giulia Desiderio then hit a grounder to third that was misplayed by Puni, resulting in an error that allowed Desiderio to reach base and Simpson to score.
Lady Vol starter Karlyn Pickens got out of the inning in the next at-bat, inducing an inning-ending fly ball to center.
Puni then came to the plate in the fifth inning with two on and two out and put Tennessee in front for good with her eighth home run of the year – a three-run shot off the scoreboard in left-center.
In the circle, Pickens pitched well for UT as she tossed five innings and recorded six strikeouts. The freshman surrendered just four hits and two runs en route to her ninth victory in 2023.
Gottshall came on in relief in the sixth and did not allow a hit over the final two innings as she earned her second save this season.
Donnie Gobourne got the start for South Carolina and went the distance in the circle. She allowed four runs on three hits, struck out 10 and walked five. She suffered the loss and is 9-6 on the year.
UP NEXT Tennessee and South Carolina return to the diamond on Sunday to close out the regular season. First pitch is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. ET.
Tennessee basketball coach Rick Barnes was among the honorees at the 18th annual Dick Vitale Gala, benefiting the V Foundation, Friday night in Sarasota, Florida.
Barnes was presented with The Dick Vitale Spirit Award at the event, which annually raises several million dollars to support pediatric cancer research.
During his battle with health issues, including lymphoma, in 2022 Vitale—one of the most recognizable figures in basketball broadcasting who has called games for ESPN since the network’s inception in 1979—shared that Barnes was in the habit of sending Vitale a daily prayer via text message.
After missing much of the 2021-22 season to focus on his health and recovery, Vitale returned to his courtside broadcast position last November. And on Jan. 28, 2023, when Tennessee hosted 10th-ranked Texas at Thompson-Boling Arena, Vitale was on the call for ESPN. His colorful analysis served as the TV soundtrack for the Vols’ dominant 82-71 triumph.
The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame on Friday announced the recipients of its 2023 Achievement Awards, with a significant multi-sport honors haul for the Big Orange.
Tennessee Chancellor Donde Plowman, Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Danny White and Football Head Coach Josh Heupel were collectively named Tennesseans of the Year.
Football quarterback Hendon Hooker earned Male Amateur Athlete of the Year, presented by the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA).
And the 2022 Tennessee baseball team was honored as the Male Amateur Team of the Year.
The honors will be formally presented as part of the Hall’s 2023 Banquet, presented by the Tennessee Titans, Saturday, July 22, at the Omni Nashville Downtown. Tickets can be ordered at www.tshf.net. The Class of 2023 includes UT football All-Americans Eric Berry and John Henderson, as well as Lady Vols track & field star and Olympic gold medalist Tianna Madison.
In selecting its Tennesseans of the Year, the Hall identified Plowman’s targeting and hiring of White, and White’s subsequent appointment of Heupel early in 2021 as the catalysts to a rapid gridiron resurgence on Rocky Top.
Inheriting a program that was 3-7 prior to his arrival, the Vols have produced an 18-8 record in two seasons under Heupel, including the program’s first 11-win campaign in over two decades last fall that culminated with a victory over ACC champion Clemson in the Capital One Orange Bowl. The remarkable regular season saw Tennessee top Florida and LSU before an epic triumph over Alabama on the Third Saturday in October with over 11.6 million viewers tuning in. Heupel was named 2022 Associated Press Southeastern Conference Coach of the Year for his efforts.
Under the trio’s watch, Rocky Top became the epicenter of the sport as ESPN’s popular College GameDay originated twice on the UT campus in the fall of 2022. Meanwhile, an undefeated home season and Neyland Stadium’s pageantry were on full display in drawing six consecutive sellouts and a total of 703,727 fans for an average of 100,532—both of which ranked in the top-five nationally.
Tennessee’s recent football success has been complemented by comprehensive excellence across all sports on campus. In its first full academic year under White’s leadership (2021-22), UT finished 13th in the LEARFIELD Directors’ Cup standings and secured its first-ever SEC Overall All-Sports Trophy. Tennessee finished first in the SEC Men’s All-Sports standings while earning a second-place finish in the SEC Women’s All-Sports standings.
Hooker was the leader of the nation’s No. 1 offense and put together arguably the greatest quarterback season in program history, earning SEC Offensive Player of the Year honors and finishing fifth in the voting for the Heisman Trophy. A finalist for the Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Award, Manning Award and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, Hooker generated 3,565 yards of total offense and broke his own school record for single-season completion percentage at a 69.6 clip. He led the SEC in four different categories and ranked second in the nation in quarterback rating at 175.5. Last week, Hooker was selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions, becoming Tennessee’s highest drafted quarterback since No. 1 pick Peyton Manning in 1998.
The Male Amateur Team of the Year, Tennessee baseball, climbed to new heights in 2022, setting a program record with 57 victories en route to winning SEC Regular Season and SEC Tournament titles. The Volunteers achieved the program’s first No. 1 national ranking in any poll in week six of the season before settling in as the unanimous top-ranked team in week seven. UT was ranked No. 1 in at least one poll during 12 weeks of the season and spent 10 weeks as the nation’s unanimous top-ranked team.
Tennessee became the first NCAA Division I team since at least 1972 to lead the country in both home runs and ERA. The Vols’ 158 long balls shattered the previous program record of 107 while ranking fourth in NCAA Division I history, including the most by any team in the BBCOR bat era (since 2011).
Head coach Tony Vitello was named the Perfect Game National Coach of the Year for the second season in a row and was also tabbed as the Southeast Region Coach of the Year by the ABCA. The Vols set a program record with nine players earning postseason All-America honors, including four first-team selections, which was also a school record. Tennessee had four players earn Freshman All-America honors, as well.
Sophomore pitcher Chase Dollander racked up the postseason honors following a dominant year on the mound, becoming the first UT player to be named SEC Pitcher of the Year and earn consensus first-team All-America honors since Luke Hochevar in 2005. Freshman right-hander Chase Burns also brought home national acclaim after being named the NCBWA Freshman National Pitcher of the Year and the Collegiate Baseball Co-Freshman National Player of the Year, while Sunday-starter Drew Beam was the SEC Freshman of the Year.
The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame also annually presents a Pat Summitt Lifetime Achievement Award in honor of the iconic Lady Vols basketball coach who led Tennessee to eight national championships. This year’s recipient is professional wrestling legend and Memphis native Jerry “The King” Lawler.
About the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Established in 1966, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, sponsored by the Tennessee Lottery, enshrines and honors athletes, teams, coaches, sportswriters and sports administrators who have impacted the history of Tennessee sports. The Hall serves as a platform to connect athletes, coaches, sports fans, and supporters by acknowledging life achievements implemented through sports. The Hall celebrates athletes of all forms from all across the state. Additionally, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame aspires to educate youth about the importance of healthy habits and the positive impact they have on lifestyle choices. The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame is located at 501 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203. For more information, visit www.tshf.net.
Summer days are back and there is no better way to spend the hotter, longer days than at Dollywood’s Splash Country. East Tennessee’s friendliest water park will open for its 23rd season on Saturday, May 13, with more shade, more food and more opportunities to make a splash all summer long.
During the offseason, Dollywood’s Splash Country was able to increase the amount of available shaded seating and food offerings. Guests also can enjoy additional food trucks in the park, and a brand-new food location, Splash and Dash, serves up freshly-fried mini donuts which can be enjoyed underneath one of the multiple new shade structures surrounding the Mountain Waves wave pool.
“At Dollywood’s Splash Country we know the park experience is more than just our world-class slides and attractions,” explained Jordan Leach, Splash Country’s Director of Operations. “Families come here to experience both thrills and chills. To ensure we provided ample comfort and relaxation opportunities for our guests, we added multiple shade structures to our main lounge area, brought in additional food trucks for the 2023 season, and an additional venue.”
Known as “the Smokies’ Most-Trusted Water Park,” Dollywood’s Splash Country always maintains safety as its top priority. In 2022, Splash Country was honored with Ellis and Associates’ Platinum International Safety Award for “achieving the highest quality of lifeguard professionalism and operational standards.” An example of Splash Country’s dedication to water safety is the 13th annual Water Safety Day, set for June 22. Families can learn how to make a splash with confidence with a full day of learning that kicks off with the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson. Children of all ages are invited to participate in gaining life-saving knowledge.
“Water safety is something we obviously take very seriously,” said Lauren Lowery, Operations Manager. “ To be recognized by Ellis and Associates’ at the Platinum level is something that we take immense pride in. All of our lifeguards go through extensive training and licensures to ensure that our guests will be well taken care of at all times.”
Beyond a safe environment full of immersive theming, guests can experience live entertainment during their visits to the water park. This season sees the return of Too Hot Tuesdays (every Tuesday from 5/30 – 6/27 and 7/11 – 8/1), Too Cool Thursdays (every Thursday from 6/1 – 8/3), and Splash Bash LIVE (every Saturday from 6/17 – 8/5). All of these fan favorite events will return for the 2023 season.
Now is the best time for guests to secure a summer of fun in the sun thanks to a limited-time offer on a Dollywood’s Splash Country Summer Splash Pass. Now through June 4, guests can purchase a Summer Splash Pass for just $33+tax per month! The pass provides admission to Dollywood’s Splash Country all season plus a free ticket to share with a friend! For more details including validity details, please visit www.dollywood.com/splashpass.
Dollywood’s Splash Country opens the weekend of May 13-14. Daily operation begins Saturday, May 20, and continues through Aug. 6. The park shifts to a primarily weekend-only schedule through Sep. 10. For more information about Dollywood’s Splash Country or any of The Dollywood Company properties, please visit www.dollywood.com or call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD.
Summer days are back and there is no better way to spend the hotter, longer days than at Dollywood’s Splash Country. East Tennessee’s friendliest water park will open for its 23rd season on Saturday, May 13, with more shade, more food and more opportunities to make a splash all summer long.
During the offseason, Dollywood’s Splash Country was able to increase the amount of available shaded seating and food offerings. Guests also can enjoy additional food trucks in the park, and a brand-new food location, Splash and Dash, serves up freshly-fried mini donuts which can be enjoyed underneath one of the multiple new shade structures surrounding the Mountain Waves wave pool.
“At Dollywood’s Splash Country we know the park experience is more than just our world-class slides and attractions,” explained Jordan Leach, Splash Country’s Director of Operations. “Families come here to experience both thrills and chills. To ensure we provided ample comfort and relaxation opportunities for our guests, we added multiple shade structures to our main lounge area, brought in additional food trucks for the 2023 season, and an additional venue.”
Known as “the Smokies’ Most-Trusted Water Park,” Dollywood’s Splash Country always maintains safety as its top priority. In 2022, Splash Country was honored with Ellis and Associates’ Platinum International Safety Award for “achieving the highest quality of lifeguard professionalism and operational standards.” An example of Splash Country’s dedication to water safety is the 13th annual Water Safety Day, set for June 22. Families can learn how to make a splash with confidence with a full day of learning that kicks off with the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson. Children of all ages are invited to participate in gaining life-saving knowledge.
“Water safety is something we obviously take very seriously,” said Lauren Lowery, Operations Manager. “ To be recognized by Ellis and Associates’ at the Platinum level is something that we take immense pride in. All of our lifeguards go through extensive training and licensures to ensure that our guests will be well taken care of at all times.”
Beyond a safe environment full of immersive theming, guests can experience live entertainment during their visits to the water park. This season sees the return of Too Hot Tuesdays (every Tuesday from 5/30 – 6/27 and 7/11 – 8/1), Too Cool Thursdays (every Thursday from 6/1 – 8/3), and Splash Bash LIVE (every Saturday from 6/17 – 8/5). All of these fan favorite events will return for the 2023 season.
Now is the best time for guests to secure a summer of fun in the sun thanks to a limited-time offer on a Dollywood’s Splash Country Summer Splash Pass. Now through June 4, guests can purchase a Summer Splash Pass for just $33+tax per month! The pass provides admission to Dollywood’s Splash Country all season plus a free ticket to share with a friend! For more details including validity details, please visit www.dollywood.com/splashpass.
Dollywood’s Splash Country opens the weekend of May 13-14. Daily operation begins Saturday, May 20, and continues through Aug. 6. The park shifts to a primarily weekend-only schedule through Sep. 10. For more information about Dollywood’s Splash Country or any of The Dollywood Company properties, please visit www.dollywood.com or call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD.
