Knoxville Police Sergeants Sue City, Claiming to be Misplaced on Tiered Salary Scale
WVLT

Knoxville Police Sergeants Sue City, Claiming to be Misplaced on Tiered Salary Scale

KNOXVILLE, TN (Story courtesy of WVLT) – Three Knoxville Police Department sergeants are suing the city, claiming they’ve been underpaid ever since the city revamped it’s emergency responder payment plan.

The three sergeants — Barry Scott Coffey, Matthew W. Gentry and James N. Lockmiller — claim in the lawsuit that they were placed on the wrong “step” in the city’s pay scale. As such, they claim they’ve been underpaid for years and are demanding compensation.

The plan was approved by city council and enacted in the city’s 2022 and 2023 budget. It enacted the step-based plan, which places employees of the police department in specific categories that decide how much they take home each year. In some ways, an employee’s “step” corresponds with how long they’ve held their current position; that’s what Coffey, Gentry and Lockmiller have issues with.

“Nevertheless, [the] City of Knoxville, through Mayor Kincannon’s office, has failed to follow the Pay Step Plan as enacted,” the lawsuit reads. “Without notice or an opportunity to be heard, at implementation in July 2022, and each year since, [the city] has placed [Coffey, Gentry and Lockmiller] and other Police Sergeants and Police Lieutenants at arbitrary lower steps.”

Specifically, the suit said Coffey, who has served as a sergeant for 12 years, was placed at Step Two in 2022. Similarly, the suit said Gentry (a sergeants of two years) was placed at Step One and Lockmiller (an 11-year sergeant) had been placed at Step One.

The lawsuit points to a press release from Mayor Indya Kincannon’s office, which said the step plan allowed “uniformed employees to advance each year throughout their careers.”

In previous transitions to step plans, city and county employees have been placed on “steps” that don’t correspond to how long they had served in that position. Instead, employees were placed on an initial “step” that closest fit to their existing salary, pre-transition to the step plan.

That being said, there has been no word from the city explaining how it decided which “step” to originally place employees at. That lack of transparency was one of the problems listed in the suit.

“[Coffey, Gentry and Lockmiller] nevertheless filed grievances essentially requesting (1) that they be properly reclassified under the Pay Step Plan enacted by the City Council, and (2) that they be furnished with the formula, if any, used to determine their current classification,” the lawsuit reads.

It adds that the city refused both requests, saying compensation disputes aren’t the responsibility of the Civil Services Merit Board, the body that oversees the city’s personnel policies.

It’s a similar problem a gang of veteran Knoxville firefighters ran into in January when they filed a similar suit. In that lawsuit, the firefighters claimed the city was underpaying more experienced firefighters.

In all, the three KPD sergeants are asking the city be ordered to pay each of them for the money they claim to have lost since 2022 and place them higher on the scale.

WVLT News reached out to KPD and the City of Knoxville for a statement. A representative for the police department declined to comment; the city has not responded.

Tennessee Football Ticket Giveaway!

Tennessee Football Ticket Giveaway!

107.7 WIVK and Twin City Hyundai are giving you the chance to win a pair of premium tickets to the Vols opener at the AFLAC Kickoff Game on August 30th in Atlanta Georgia, plus $100 spending cash! Just stop in to Twin City Hyundai at 3024 Alcoa Highway now through August 21t and register to win. Three total winners will be chosen as one winner will be selected each week. The registration process will reset weekly. Good Luck from Twin City Hyundai and WIVK!

East Tennessee Paramedic Killed in Hancock County Crash, Jefferson County Sheriff Says

East Tennessee Paramedic Killed in Hancock County Crash, Jefferson County Sheriff Says

Hancock County, TN (WOKI) An East Tennessee paramedic has died in a crash in Hancock County.

Officials with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office say Paramedic Cody Satterfield had worked for several years in Jefferson County before moving to Hancock County; he died in a crash on Kyles Ford Highway on Tuesday.

According to a report from the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Satterfield was driving north on Kyles Ford Highway when he ran off the side of the road and down an embankment. The report also states he was not wearing a seatbelt.

Several emergency responder agencies have released statements about Satterfield’s death, including JCSO which asks for prayers for his family during this difficult time.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office says Paramedic Cody Satterfield had worked for several years in Jefferson County before moving to Hancock County. (Pexels)
Two People and One Dog Displaced after Knoxville House Fire

Two People and One Dog Displaced after Knoxville House Fire

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) An investigation is underway following a house fire Wednesday morning in east Knoxville.

Crews were called to the 1600 block of Gillespie Avenue just after 10:00 a.m. and found heavy smoke and fire coming from the home.

Despite the home having a lot of materials in it, crews were able to extinguish the fire in just under 20 minutes. The home suffered significant smoke, water and fire damage.

Two people and one dog were displaced as a result of the fire, but no injuries were reported.

Knoxville Fire Department officials report there were no working smoke detectors in the home.

Firefighters responded to a home on Gillespie Avenue where a fire displaced two people and one dog. (Courtesy: KFD)
Several Knox County Schools Offering Free Breakfast and Lunch

Several Knox County Schools Offering Free Breakfast and Lunch

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Sixty-three Knox County schools will offer free breakfast and lunch for students this school year.

The free meals are part of the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), a program aimed at feeding kids in lower-income areas.

The district serves roughly 60 thousand students and includes a total of around 90 schools, meaning more than half will be included in the program.

The following schools will offer free breakfast and lunch to each student:

  • Adrian Burnett Elementary
  • Amherst Elementary
  • Austin East High School
  • Bearden Middle School
  • Beaumont Magnet
  • Belle Morris Elementary
  • Bonny Kate Elementary
  • Career Magnet Academy At Pellissippi St.
  • Carter Elementary
  • Carter High School
  • Carter Middle School
  • Cedar Bluff Elementary
  • Cedar Bluff Middle School
  • Cedar Bluff Preschool
  • Central High School
  • Chilhowee Intermediate
  • Christenberry Elementary
  • Copper Ridge Elementary
  • Dogwood Elementary
  • East Knox County Elementary
  • Fair Garden Fam/Comm. Ctr.
  • Fort Sanders Ed. Dev. Ctr.
  • Fountain City Elementary
  • Fulton High School
  • Gap Creek Elementary
  • Gibbs Elementary
  • Gibbs High School
  • Gibbs Middle School
  • Green Magnet Academy
  • Gresham Middle School
  • Holston Middle School
  • Inskip Elementary
  • Karns Elementary School
  • Karns Preschool
  • Knox Adaptive Education Center
  • Lonsdale Elementary
  • Maynard Elementary
  • Mooreland Heights Elementary
  • Mount Olive Elementary
  • New Hopewell Elementary
  • Northwest Middle School
  • Norwood Elementary
  • Paul L. Kelley Volunteer Academy
  • Pleasant Ridge Elementary
  • Pond Gap Elementary
  • Powell Elementary
  • Powell High School
  • Powell Middle School
  • Richard Yoakley Alternative
  • Ridgedale Alternative
  • Ritta Elementary
  • Sarah Moore Greene Magnet
  • South Doyle High School
  • South Doyle Middle School
  • South Knoxville Elementary
  • Spring Hill Elementary
  • Sterchi Elementary
  • Sunnyview Primary
  • Vine Middle Magnet
  • West Haven Elementary
  • West Hills Elementary
  • West View Elementary
  • Whittle Springs Middle

Additionally, Oak Ridge Schools is offering the same free meal program at each of its eight schools.

Several Knox County schools offering free breakfast and lunch. (Pexels)
KCHD reports first La Crosse infections of the year

KCHD reports first La Crosse infections of the year

Knox County, TN (KCHD / WOKI) – The Knox County Health Department is reporting two cases of La Crosse virus in children this month, marking the first reported illnesses of the year. Both children required hospitalization but are now recovering at home. 

La Crosse virus is a mosquito-borne infection that does not cause symptoms in most people. If symptoms develop, they can include fever, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Rarely, people develop severe disease, which can lead to potential encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). Severe disease occurs most often in children under 16 years old. Most severe cases require hospitalization but will recover with supportive care. However, up to 15 percent of cases can have major neurologic complications.

The best way to avoid a La Crosse infection is to prevent or reduce mosquito bites. La Crosse is spread by the bite of an Aedes mosquito, which bites primarily during dawn and dusk in wooded areas. People also should:

  • Use insect repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
    • Treat clothing with repellents such as permethrin.
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants if in, or near, wooded areas and cover strollers/baby carriers with mosquito netting.
  • Control the mosquito population in your yard by reducing standing water on the property.
    • Once a week, turn over items that hold water, such as swings, buckets, toys, small swimming pools, and flowerpot saucers. 

If you notice any new neurological issues (seizures, mental changes, drowsiness/trouble staying awake) in your child, seek emergency care. For any other concerns, contact your child’s pediatrician.

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.
KPD Investigating Fatal Motorcycle Crash on Chapman Highway

KPD Investigating Fatal Motorcycle Crash on Chapman Highway

A motorcyclist died following a crash that happened late Tuesday night in South Knoxville.

At around 11:20 p.m. on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, Knoxville Police Department officers responded to the intersection of Chapman Highway and Woodlawn Pike to investigate a crash involving a pickup truck and motorcycle. The motorcyclist was transported from the scene to the UT Medical Center and was later pronounced deceased.

Based on the investigation conducted at the scene and witness statements, it is believed that the motorcycle was speeding south on Chapman Highway when it collided with the rear of the pickup truck, which was stopped at the traffic light.

KPD crash reconstruction investigators responded to the scene and are leading the investigation into the crash.

THP says a Woman is Facing Charges in I-81 Crash with Multiple Injuries Near I-40 Split
TDOT Smartway

THP says a Woman is Facing Charges in I-81 Crash with Multiple Injuries Near I-40 Split

A woman is facing charges in connection to a serious crash that shut down I-81 North near the I-40 split and sent several adults and children to the hospital.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol says 33-year-old Sereena Carpenter was driving a mini van southbound on I-81 near mile marker one when she used a crossover to go into the left lane of the northbound side yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon causing a head-on crash with a pick-up truck.

There were five juveniles in the car with Carpenter. Two of them, along with Carpenter, were injured. In total, 12 people were involved in the crash and seven were taken to the hospital.

There’s no word on their conditions.

Carpenter is charged with failure to exercise due care and traffic control device.

Knoxville City Council Approves Nearly $20M for Pleasant Ridge Road Project

Knoxville City Council Approves Nearly $20M for Pleasant Ridge Road Project

KNOXVILLE, TN. (Story courtesy of WVLT) – The Knoxville City Council met Tuesday night to discuss and approve two major agreements totaling nearly $20 million for Phase II of a project on Pleasant Ridge Road.

Councilmembers approved two contracts for improvements to Pleasant Ridge Road from Merchant Drive to the city limits.

According to the city, turn lanes will be added at Walnoaks Road, Sullivan Road and Murray Drive. Additionally, sidewalks and a new 1,25 mile greenway will be constructed and utilities will be upgraded.

Pleasant Ridge Road Phase II Project
Pleasant Ridge Road Phase II Project(City of Knoxville)

Charles Blalock & Sons, the contractor, will receive $17,686,117, and Johnson Mirmiran & Thompson will provide construction engineering and inspection services for $1,223,187.

City officials said this project complements earlier work on Pleasant Ridge Road that added turn lanes, sidewalks and utility upgrades on a 1.3 mile section between Merchant Drive and I-640.

Construction is slated to begin this fall and wrap up by the end of 2027. Before the start of construction, the city will hold a public meeting to answer residents’ questions.

An Investigation is Underway Following a House Fire in South Knoxville
KFD

An Investigation is Underway Following a House Fire in South Knoxville

The Knoxville Fire Department is investigating a house fire in South Knoxville.

Crews were called to the 200 block of Colonial Drive last night (Tuesday) and found light smoke coming from the side of the home. They were able to quickly put the fire out and officials say the home was empty and was under renovation.

No injuries were reported.

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