FLORENCE COUNTY, S.C. (WMBF / WVLT) – Two people from Tennessee were behind bars in the Pee Dee after leading deputies on a chase over the weekend.
The Florence County Sheriff’s Office said Mara Ivey, of Caryville, and Charles Owens, of Lafollette, were arrested Saturday. Both were charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, while Ivey was additionally charged with failure to stop for a blue light.
Mara Ivey, Charles Owens(Florence County Detention Center)
The sheriff’s office said a deputy was on patrol near Johnsonville on Saturday when they received a report about a stolen vehicle from Marion County entering the area. A FLOCK camera alert was issued for the vehicle, with the deputy later locating it on Highway 378 near Kingsburg.
Authorities said the deputy tried stopping the vehicle, but the driver instead led them on a chase near New Hope Road and Possum Fork Road. The pursuit reportedly ended when the deputy performed a PIT maneuver, which resulted in the stolen vehicle being taken off the road and turned on its side.
Ivey was identified as the driver of the vehicle.
Records show Ivey and Owens were each released from the Florence County Detention Center on Sunday on an $8,000 and $4,000 bond, respectively.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – University of Tennessee head men’s basketball coach Rick Barnes announced Monday the signing of Nate Ament.
A five-star small forward out of Manassas, Va., Ament is ranked in the top four of the 2025 class by all major outlets. He is the third top-five prep recruit ever to sign with Tennessee, joining Tobias Harris (2010) and Allan Houston (1989).
“We are ecstatic to welcome Nate Ament and his fantastic family to Rocky Top,” Barnes said. “While everyone is aware of just how special a player Nate is, what really drew us to him throughout the recruiting process was the type of person he is. Nate is a high-character, family-oriented young man with a tremendous, caring support system around him who will mesh with our program from day one. He brings a dynamic skill set to the hardwood, embodying the attributes of a modern basketball player.
“Standing out with next-level positional size, he possesses the rare combination of the ability to dribble, pass and shoot with confidence and precision,” Barnes continued. “Nate has a strong basketball IQ to go along with an excellent pairing of skill and toughness. He’s the kind of versatile talent who can impact the game in a variety of ways and, in our eyes, he was the No. 1 player in the class. We are thrilled to have him in orange.”
On3 tabs Ament as the third-best player in the country, with a 99 grade. Meanwhile, 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals all slot the 6-foot-9, 185-pounder fourth nationally with 247Sports also giving him a 99 grade. One of just nine players with a five-star nod from all four outlets, Ament is unanimously considered the top player in Virginia in his class.
The 13th McDonald’s All-American in program history, including the fifth in the last seven classes signed by Barnes, Ament totaled 12 points, three rebounds, one steal, one assist and a 2-of-2 3-point clip in the game. He will be the 21st McDonald’s All-American to play for Barnes in his head coaching career, including the 20th high school signee.
The 2024-25 Gatorade Virginia Player of the Year, Ament became the first individual from a school other than Oak Hill Academy or Paul VI to win the elite distinction since Thon Maker in 2013-14. He averaged 19.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game during his final prep campaign.
Ament is coming off a senior season in which he led Highland School to a 42-8 record and a Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) Division I state title. The VISAA Division I Player of the Year led all competitors with 24 points and 18 rebounds in the 56-51 overtime triumph over Bishop O’Connell to win the crown and had the game-winning basket. He also garnered Metro Private School Conference (MPSC) Player of the Year plaudits for the second season in a row.
In Highland’s second straight MPSC title game victory, Ament had game highs with 32 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks in a 62-50 win over top-seeded Clinton Grace Christian. In a January triumph over then-top-ranked Prolific Prep (Ca.) at the prestigious Hoophall Classic, he had 22 points, 11 rebounds and four assists for Highland in Springfield, Mass. He also guided Highland to an Elite Prep League (EPL) regular season crown.
A Preseason MaxPreps Second Team All-American entering his final prep campaign, Ament exceeded those lofty expectations by finishing as a MaxPreps First Team All-American and a Naismith First Team All-American. He was also the MaxPreps Virginia Player of the Year and led Highland to a No. 14 finish in the MaxPreps national rankings.
As a junior, Ament helped Highland reach the VISAA Division II state final and he earned VISAA Division II Co-Player of the Year distinction. He averaged 19.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 4.0 blocks and 3.7 assists per game. Ament tallied 17 points in a 62-51 win versus top-seeded Clinton Grace Christian in the MPSC final.
During his first two prep years, Ament attended Charles J. Colgan High School. As a sophomore, he recorded 18.2 points per game and helped his school set a record with 18 victories en route to a regional quarterfinal berth. Ament earned First Team All-District and First Team All-Class 6 Region B accolades that season, just a year after notching 53 total varsity points as a freshman.
Ament also possesses experience representing the United States in international competition, including most recently competing in the elite Nike Hoop Summit on April 12 in Portland, Ore.
A member of the 2024 U18 USA National Team, Ament took part in the 2024 FIBA U18 AmeriCup in June and helped his country post a 6-0 record en route to winning the gold medal in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was one of 12 players who made the cut from the initial 28-man, five-day tryout group in May in Colorado Springs, Colo. The prior month, he took part in the 2024 Men’s Junior National Team April minicamp in Phoenix.
Before deciding on Tennessee, Ament fielded interest from many of the nation’s premier programs. He picked the Volunteers over fellow finalists Arkansas, Duke, Kentucky and Louisville, plus held offers from schools such as Alabama, BYU, Georgetown, Kansas State, Notre Dame and Texas, among others.
As a forementioned, Ament is Tennessee’s third top-five recruit ever. In 2010, Tobias Harris placed fifth—one spot behind Ament’s current position—on the Recruiting Services Consensus Index (RSCI) composite list. While no formal rankings for 1989 are available, Allan Houston was among five players on both the USA TODAY First Team All-USA and the HOOP SCOOP First Team All-America.
Ament is Tennessee’s second 2025 signee from the state of Virginia, joining his AAU teammate on Team Loaded VA, Troy Henderson. They are preceded by nine prior letter winners from the state, with James Daniel III (2017-18), Justin Jackson (2008-09) and Duke Crews (2006-08) the three over the last three-plus decades.
Along with Ament and Henderson, Tennessee has also signed two other high school players in DeWayne Brown II and Amari Evans. Brown, a fellow Gatorade State Player of the Year (Alabama), and Henderson joined Ament as 2024-25 state champions who led their teams to top-15 national MaxPreps finishes, while Evans repeated as the Overtime Elite Defensive Player of the Year.
To keep up with the University of Tennessee men’s basketball team on social media, follow @Vol_Hoops on Instagram and X/Twitter, as well as /tennesseebasketball on Facebook.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT AMENT Jonathan Givony, ESPN NBA Draft Analyst: “It’s been incredibly impressive to see how Nate Ament has grown over the past year and change. Not just physically in terms of his frame and statute, but also with his assertiveness, ball-handling, passing, physicality and defensive intensity. He’s becoming a complete player, but is only operating at 25 percent of his potential currently. It’s going to be really exciting to see how Coach Rick Barnes and his staff utilize him. I think he’ll be one of the best players in the SEC next season with the platform they will give him. Some NBA scouts think he could end up being the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA draft. He has that kind of talent.”
Jamie Shaw, On3 Senior National Recruiting Analyst: “Positional versatility is the intriguing piece of Nate Ament’s game. In the 6-9 range, he is someone who can initiate offense with his ability to process or score the ball with consistency from each level. He plays with toughness, despite being thin, and he has natural instincts defending off ball. In the fluid nature of today’s game, Ament can perform across multiple positions and in multiple roles.”
Knox County District Attorney Charme Allen says a Knoxville man is sentenced after he passed out and crashed into a garage.
Knoxville Police went to a home on Orangewood Road on May 8th last year after 33-year-old Jeremiah Mills drove off the road and crashed into a garage.
Officers found Mills unresponsive in the driver’s seat of the car. After giving him several doses of naloxone, he regained consciousness and told officers he didn’t take any drugs.
However, Allen says officers saw a bag laying at his feet containing 33 grams of methamphetamine and another bag containing fentanyl.
Mills was convicted of possession with intent to sell methamphetamine, driving under the influence and reckless endangerment in January, and on Monday, he was ordered to serve 15 years in prison.
Allen added that Mills, who was identified as a member of the Crips, also has three prior felony convictions for drug dealing, weapons and tampering with evidence offenses. Additionally, the sentence in this case will run consecutively to another case because he was on parole at the time of this incident.
As a thank you to our military, first responders, teachers and more who work tirelessly every day to serve our country and communities, Dollywood’s Public Employees Appreciation Days returns this spring and provides qualifying guests the opportunity to buy a one-day Dollywood admission ticket online for just $49 plus tax.
The exclusive offer can be purchased online at Dollywood.com/PublicEmployee for a limited time and is valid for use now through June 13. Members of the military, first responders, school system employees, government employees and medical employees who have verified their employment status through ID.me are eligible for the offer. Verified public employees may purchase up to six $49 one-day admission tickets to Dollywood theme park as part of the program.
Public Employees also can take advantage of special rates at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa and Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort during this time as well. Rates for eligible guests start at $159 per night for travel dates now through June 13.
Additionally, any of the admission tickets that are part of the Public Employees Appreciation Days may be upgraded to season passes, allowing guests to continue the fun of Dollywood’s 40th anniversary season. Guests currently can enjoy Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival (now-June 8) with iconic Mosaiculture displays throughout the park. Vivid larger-than-life flower sculptures create an immersive atmosphere for park guests with more than half-a-million blooms during this award-winning festival. Dollywood’s culinary team showcases their world-class abilities during the event with a menu full of delicacies to highlight the tastes of spring in the Smokies. “Play On,” a special 40th anniversary retrospective show featuring songs and scenes from many of the park’s iconic shows from years past, debuts on May 3, the date of the park’s first operational day in 1986.
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration presented by Food City (June 14-August 3) is everyone’s favorite summer tradition and once again includes Dollywood’s Sweet Summer Nights drone and fireworks show each night. Even more drones take to the skies this year to present a mesmerizing show that honors Dollywood’s 40th season. “Gazillion Bubble Show: Evolution” and “Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience” provide popping bubbles and playful pooches to help every guest feel like a kid this summer.
A family tradition for many, Dollywood’s Harvest Festival presented by Humana (Sept. 12- Oct. 27) celebrates the beauty of fall with thousands of carved pumpkins, spirited performances from talented singers and the fun of Great Pumpkin LumiNights. Great Pumpkin LumiNights, which previously has been named the best theme park harvest event in the world, features elaborate displays that are fun for every member of the family. Creative culinary items, accomplished artisans and fall fun in the Smokies make this a picture-perfect time to enjoy Dollywood.
The industry’s Best Theme Park Christmas event—Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana (Nov. 1- Jan. 4, 2025)—concludes the park’s 2025 season with six million lights, festive holiday shows and the warm Christmas atmosphere guests have come to expect during this joyous time of year.
For more information about Dollywood’s 2025 season or season passes, please visit Dollywood.com or download the Dollywood app.
Dolly Parton with the 40th Anniversary art package as part of Dollywood’s 40th Anniversary in 2025. Photo taken in Nashville, TN, at CTK Enterprises, on 9/20/24.
(Courtesy: Curtis Hilbun / Dollywood)
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) A 20-year-old man is arrested and multiple firearms are seized following a traffic stop Sunday on Clinton Highway.
Knoxville Police Department officials say Community Engagement Response Team officers stopped 20-year-old Timir Thomas around 7:30 p.m. after spotting his Lexus sedan on Clinton Highway. KPD says Thomas had an outstanding warrant for felony evading arrest.CERT off
After detecting a strong smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle, officers detained Thomas as well as his 19-year-old male passenger.
A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of three loaded firearms, including an assault-style pistol, and a large amount of marijuana.
Thomas was subsequently charged with possession of a weapon with the intent to go armed.
KPD says CERT officers recovered three loaded firearms, including an assault-style pistol, following a traffic stop. (Courtesy: KPD)
Maryville, TN (WOKI) Blount County Schools officials Monday announcing a new director of schools.
Justin Ridge has been named the district’s new director, replacing Dr. Alisa Teffeteller, who has been serving in an interim role since late February.
According to BCS, Ridge is an experienced educator and administrator, overseeing homebound, homeschool and alternative programs for the district. He is also the founder and principal of Samuel Everett School of Innovation.
Additionally, Ridge served previously as assistant principal and athletic director at William Blount High School and began his teaching career at Greenback.
“As a product of the school system, a parent of two BCS students, and the spouse of a school psychologist in the district, this role is incredible meaningful to me,” Ridge said. “Blount County Schools is part of who I am, and I am committed to leading with transparency, purpose and a relentless focus on student success.”
Blount County has been on the search for a new director of schools since Jan. 6 when David Murrell resigned after 18 years in the position.
Since Murrell’s resignation, Jake Jones and Dr. Teffeteller have served in interim roles.
Ridge is the founder and principal of Samuel Everett School of Innovation. (Courtesy: BCS)
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) At the tail-end of cookie season, groups of Girl Scouts across the country are hoping to sell the last of their stock, including here in Knoxville.
The Girl Scouts of the Southern Appalachians are hosting a cookie pop-up shop as part of the Dogwood Arts Festival.
May will mark the end of sales for a while.
Boxes run six dollars and support the Girl Scouts. Click here if you’d like to find a pop-up location near you!
Amanda Paletz, mentor with the Girl Scouts of the Southern Appalachians said even if folks think they’ve stocked up on cookies, May will mark the end of sales for a while. (Courtesy: WVLT)
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) A woman has been indicted on several charges following the death of a Knoxville councilman’s daughter in a head-on collision.
A Knox County grand jury indicted 25-year-old Savannah Stanley earlier this month on five counts, including vehicular homicide and vehicular assault, in connection to the death of 21-year-old Kylie Roberto – the daughter of Knoxville councilman Andrew Roberto – in April 2024.
Three other people were injured in the crash. Court documents say the death and injuries were the proximate result of Stanley’s “intoxication” when her vehicle crossed the center line on Schaeffer Road on April 14, 2024 colliding with another head-on.
Kylie Roberto, the daughter of Knoxville councilmember Andrew Roberto, was killed in a crash on Schaeffer Road in April 2024. (Credit: Frankly Media)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is joining states nationwide to ask motorists to Work with Us – move over and slow down for highway workers. TDOT will spread that message statewide during National Work Zone Awareness Week (April 21-25) to improve safety in Tennessee’s interstate and highway construction and maintenance work zones. This year’s theme is “Respect the Zone, So We All Get Home.”
“Work zone safety is a shared responsibility, whether behind the wheel or working on the side of the road,” said Deputy Governor and TDOT Commissioner Butch Eley. “We engineer our roads to be as safe as possible, but no amount of engineering can change driver behavior. 113 TDOT workers have been killed in work zones. Let’s work together to ensure everyone makes it home safely.”
The spring and summer months provide perfect weather for highway work. Work zones include major interstate widening projects, repaving, and litter pickup. Motorists will encounter work zones across the state. Last year in Tennessee, 16 people died in work zone crashes. So far this year, there have been 35 incidents in which drivers crashed into TDOT equipment and vehicles, including HELP Trucks. These are secondary work zones where our HELP patrols and other first responders assist motorists.
TDOT launched the Work with Us—Move Over, Slow Down safety campaign in 2017 to raise awareness of the importance of safety in work zones throughout the year. To learn more about the campaign, see answers to frequently asked questions about work zones, and take the Work with Us pledge, click on the Work with Us link below.
TDOT’s overhead Dynamic Message Signs will display work zone safety messages on the interstates in Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga, and Knoxville. Prominent buildings and bridges will be lit in orange, and “Work with Us—Move Over, Slow Down” signs are posted at work zones across the state.
This Wednesday, April 23, is “Wear Orange Day.” Please show your support for National Work Zone Awareness by wearing orange and tagging @myTDOT. This week, follow @myTDOT on Facebook, X, and Instagram as we post photos, infographics, and videos to broaden awareness of the importance of driving safely and undistracted, primarily through work zones.
In 2024, there were 2,318 total crashes, 563 with injuries in work zones on Tennessee roads. Do your part to keep yourself and TDOT road workers safe – check TDOT SmartWay in advance and Know BEFORE You Go, secure your phone in a hands-free device, and Work With Us by moving over and slowing down when you see vehicles with flashing lights.
Knoxville Police have arrested the third person involved in an attempted murder and carjacking at BucketHead Tavern.
36-year-old Michael Thompson’s arrest comes after two others, 25 year-old Tre’Veon Bradley and 24 year-old Jaden Moore were arrested in November and December of last year.
KPD says Thompson was wanted on a grand jury indictment that charged him with attempted second-degree murder and carjacking centering on a 61-year-old victim back in October.
Thompson’s arrest follows another investigation at BucketHead Tavern from the beginning of this month for a shooting in the parking lot.
