Knoxville, TN (WOKI) The investigation into a reported school threat results in a 13-year-old boy being charged for threat of mass violence.
Wednesday night, the Knoxville Police Department was notified that this 13 year-old had allegedly threatened to bring a gun to Ridgedale School and shoot someone.
KPD officers and detectives took him into custody at his home late in the evening Wednesday.
KPD Chief Paul Noel says they will have zero tolerance for those who make threats of violence towards our schools.
“We will have zero tolerance for those who make threats of violence towards our schools,” Chief Paul Noel said. “I am grateful for the quick intervention of our officers and law enforcement partners after being notified of this threat.”
The student was taken into custody, police said. He’s been charged with making a threat of mass violence. (Courtesy: KPD)
Gatlinburg, TN (WOKI) UPDATE: 8/29: Efforts continue Thursday to suppress a fire that broke out earlier this week in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Park officials say the Flint Gap Fire has now grown to about 23 acres and is burning primarily in undergrowth in steep terrain.
The National Guard is helping fight the blaze and firefighters Thursday called-in additional suppression modules as well.
Some campsites, trails and a road remain closed; officials say no structures are threatened.
See below for the current list of area closures.
UPDATE 8/28: Several campsites, trails, and a road in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park remain closed as a small fire which broke out Tuesday has now grown in size.
Park officials say the fire which was about two acres large, has since grown to about 10 acres. Crews have been ordered to fight the blaze from both the air and the ground. Officials add that the Tennessee National Guard is helping fight the fire.
Officials say no structures are threatened at this time, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
See below for the current list of area closures.
ORIGINAL STORY: A small fire in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has prompted the closure of some campsites, trails and a road.
Park officials say the fire is about two acres large and crews have been ordered to fight it from both the air and the ground.
So far, the following areas have closed:
Backcountry campsites 14, 15 and 16
Parson Branch Road
Rabbit Creek Trail from Abrams Creek to Cades Cove
Hannah Mountain Trail from Parson Branch Road to Little Bottom Trail
Officials say no structures are threatened at this time.
Fire in Great Smoky Mountains prompts closures (Courtesy: GSMNP)
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Chancellor Donde Plowman announced today that she has extended Danny White’s contract as vice chancellor and director of athletics until 2030 as he continues to lead transformational success in Tennessee Athletics.
“When Danny says he and his team of exceptional athletics administrators and coaches are working to build the best athletics department in the country, those are not just empty words,” said Plowman. “Danny is visionary — a leader in our conference and across the country — and is focused every day on creating the very best experiences for our student-athletes, our fans and our athletics department. That focus and commitment are yielding extraordinary results across all sports.”
Under White’s leadership, Tennessee Athletics has seen unprecedented success, culminating in the best overall year in its history in 2023-24.
“We have phenomenal leadership at the University of Tennessee — from our chancellor, my boss Donde Plowman, to our UT System president, Randy Boyd, and our board chair, John Compton,” said White. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve such an upwardly mobile institution with talented, supportive people all around me. Our student-athletes, coaches and staff are inspired to be a part of something bigger than themselves — powered by the best fan base in sport. Together we have an opportunity to build something extraordinary on Rocky Top. I believe that the momentum we’ve built in our first few years is only the beginning of a much more profound story.”
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – With the 128th season of Tennessee football set to kick off this Saturday against Chattanooga, Tennessee Athletics has unveiled several new fan experience enhancements inside Neyland Stadium. For complete gameday information, visit UTsports.com/gameday.
Earlier this month, Tennessee Athletics and Pilot announced a transformative multi-year partnership that preserves the iconic venue’s name and enhances the stadium experience for future generations. Under the terms of the agreement, which is slated for up to 20 years and could extend further, the names of Neyland Stadium and Shields-Watkins Field will remain unchanged. Pilot is designated as the presenting partner of the Neyland Stadium renovation project and the official travel stop of Tennessee Athletics.
“Our commitment to providing Vol Nation with the best gameday experience in the country is stronger than ever,” said Alicia Longworth, Executive Associate Athletic Director for External Operations. “We continue to value the feedback of our fans as we implement new initiatives each year.”
The new enhancements include:
Rocky Top WiFi RockyTopWiFi, Neyland Stadium’s Wi-Fi system, debuted during the 2023 season and is fully functional throughout Neyland Stadium for the 2024 campaign. Fans are encouraged to utilize the network and stay connected on their mobile devices during the game.
Upgraded Speakers Fans seated below the overhang in the lower bowl of Neyland Stadium will experience new, enhanced speakers.
New Televisions Fans will notice several new televisions throughout the stadium, including along the north and east concourse on Level 1 and the east and south concourse on Level 3 in Neyland Stadium. New TVs were also installed within the main VolShop inside Gate 21 and the NIL Vol Shop inside Gate 24.
Vintage Volunteer Shop at Truly’s Tailgate VolShop is introducing the Vintage Volunteer Shop inside Truly’s Tailgate located outside Gate 9. Fans can purchase classic gameday merchandise with all their favorite marks and logos. For the Chattanooga game, Truly’s Tailgate opens at 9:30 a.m. and will close at the end of the third quarter. Truly’s Tailgate gives fans in the south concourse a variety of food, drinks and additional restroom options.
Trading Cards Fans can purchase a full set of Tennessee football trading cards at the vending machine inside Gate 24 just outside of the NIL VolShop.
Concession Enhancements A variety of delicious concessions upgrades will be available throughout Neyland Stadium.
Pilot Fast Favorites – will offer drinks, snacks and all your fan favorites in a quick service market style setup inside Gate 21
Checkerboard Cheese – a new concept inside Neyland Stadium, fans can stop by for various grilled cheese sandwiches, snacks and fountain Coke products
Vol Classics – some of your Vol Classics stands have been upgraded to now include pulled buffalo chicken sandwiches, Korean BBQ pork sandwiches, chips, peanuts, candy and Coke products
Vol Classics Portable – enjoy a pulled buffalo chicken sandwich, hot dogs, bottled Coke products, chips and more in a quick service market style setup
K-Town Dog Pound – everyone’s favorite Smokey Dog will still be available, and new options will feature a pimento cheese dog and a buffalo chicken dog
The General’s Grill – grab a braised Philly beef, snacks and bottled Coke products
Cookies & Coffee – Kids need a cookie? Parents need a coffee? Stop by the stands throughout the concourses to purchase a treat
Return of “Home of the Vols” Signage As a part of the Neyland Stadium preserved by Pilot partnership, fans will notice to return of the classic “Home of the Vols” signage on the East Skybox.
Yee-Haw Ole Smoky Social Deck Vol Network announced an exciting, new multiyear partnership with Yee-Haw Brewing Company and Ole Smoky. Yee-Haw is now the exclusive craft beer of the Tennessee Volunteers. Ole Smoky’s moonshine has been named the exclusive moonshine of the Vols. The Social Deck in the north endzone is now the Yee-Haw Ole Smoky Social Deck. It will include many Yee-Haw brews, as well as various Ole Smoky drinks on tap. Fans throughout the stadium will be able to purchase the new Yee-Haw Vol Lager, the first-ever officially licensed, co-branded craft beer with the University of Tennessee.
Transcard Premier Club The Lower West Club has been transformed into the Transcard Premier Club. The luxurious premium access area features extra-wide, padded 22-inch chairback seats with expanded leg room, an adjoining climate-controlled club amenity level, private restrooms, enhanced food and beverage offerings, social spaces and televisions.
Commemorative Tickets Fans will be able to purchase commemorative game tickets following each home game this season. The tickets will be custom to each fan’s seating location. Additional details will be forthcoming.
Vol Village presented by Toyota Vol Village presented by Toyota opens at 9:15 a.m. Saturday is free to all fans with or without a game ticket. Located across from Circle Park, Vol Village features live music, food trucks and beverage stations, interactive displays and fun activities for all ages.
UT Medical First Aid Stations Vol fans can access UT Medical Center resources throughout Neyland Stadium, including onsite clinics and four first-aid stations—each equipped with innovative technology such as portable diagnostic services and advanced life support equipment. In addition to the four first aid stations, roaming medical teams will be present on all stadium levels, offering rapid medical care and enhancing the fan experience.
General Neyland Statue As construction continues around Neyland Stadium, fans can find the General Neyland statue in his new, temporary home outside the Neyland-Thompson Sports Center.
Campus 3D Interactive Parking Map An interactive parking map will be available to assist patrons in accessing their on-campus lots.
Six of the seven homes in Neyland Stadium this season are already sold out with limited tickets still on sale for the Nov. 23 UTEP contest at AllVols.com.
Tennessee has sold out of its season ticket inventory with 70,500 purchased for the second straight year. Fans interested in purchasing future new season tickets can fill out the 2025 season ticket interest form.
PHILADELPHIA — The Maxwell Football Club announced Wednesday that two Tennessee freshmen appeared on the watch list for the seventh annual Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year award, presented each year to the most outstanding freshman player in college football. Freshman defensive back Boo Carter and redshirt freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava represent the Vols on the list of 37 preseason candidates.
The Shaun Alexander Freshman Player of the Year Award is an honor given each year to the most outstanding freshman player in college football. Named after Shaun Alexander since 2018, this award recognizes the exceptional performance and impact made by these players on their respective teams throughout the season. The Alexander Award is all about championing future legends and evaluates players based on Talent, Character, Ambassador and Legend.
Tennessee is one of eight schools with multiple players recognized on the watch list, joining Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, LSU, Miami (Fla.), South Carolina and Texas.
Selected as a True Freshman Preseason All-American by On3, Carter enters his first season with the Vols after a strong spring practice and impactful fall camp. The dynamic athlete from Chattanooga has earned reps while vying for a starting spot in the defensive backfield and has also shown flashes in the return game for the Big Orange this offseason.
Iamaleava takes the reins of the Tennessee offense after serving as the backup quarterback and earning a redshirt in 2023. He arrived at Tennessee as the No. 1 prep player in the country according to On3 for the Class of 2023 and capped his debut season in Knoxville by leading the Volunteers to a convincing victory over No. 17 Iowa in the 2024 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.
The ‘HOT 37’ watch list for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award will be narrowed down to 14 semifinalists on Nov. 6 before five finalists are selected on Dec. 4. The winner will be announced on Thursday, Dec. 26, and the award will be presented on Friday, March 14, 2025, at the Maxwell Football Club Awards ceremony.
Chris Brazzell II, WR, R-So. Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Watch List
John Campbell Jr., OL, R-Sr. Reese’s Senior Bowl Watch List Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List
Boo Carter, DB, Fr. Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Watch List On3 True Freshman Preseason All-American Bryson Eason, DL, R-Sr. Reese’s Senior Bowl Watch List Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List Nico Iamaleava, QB, R-Fr. Maxwell Award Watch List Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Watch List Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watch List ESPN.com College Football Top 100 Player (No. 92) Lance Heard, OL, So. Fourth-Team All-SEC (Athlon) Cooper Mays, C, Sr. Outland Trophy Watch List Rimington Trophy Watch List Reese’s Senior Bowl Watch List First-Team All-American (Walter Camp) Second-Team All-American (AP, ESPN, Phil Steele) First-Team All-SEC (Coaches, Media) Second-Team All-SEC (Athlon, Phil Steele) Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List Bru McCoy, WR, R-Sr. Wuerffel Trophy Watch List AFCA Good Works Team Nominee Reese’s Senior Bowl Watch List Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List
Jaxson Moi, DL, Jr. Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watch List Omarr Norman-Lott, DT, Sr. Reese’s Senior Bowl Watch List Third-Team All-SEC (Phil Steele) James Pearce Jr., DE, Jr. Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List Lombardi Award Watch List Lott Trophy Watch List Walter Camp Player of the Year Watch List Reese’s Senior Bowl Watch List First-Team All-American (AP, The Athletic, Athlon, ESPN, Phil Steele, Walter Camp) First-Team All-SEC (Athlon, Coaches, Media, Phil Steele, Walter Camp) ESPN.com College Football Top 100 Player (No. 1) Keenan Pili, LB, Sr. Reese’s Senior Bowl Watch List Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watch List Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List Fourth-Team All-SEC (Athlon) Jackson Ross, P, So. Fourth-Team All-SEC (Phil Steele) Dylan Sampson, RB, Jr. Doak Walker Award Watch List Third-Team All-SEC (Athlon, Coaches) Fourth-Team All-SEC (Phil Steele) Javontez Spraggins, OL, Sr. Reese’s Senior Bowl Watch List Third-Team All-SEC (Athlon) Fourth-Team All-SEC (Phil Steele) Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List Omari Thomas, DL, Sr. Reese’s Senior Bowl Watch List Fourth-Team All-SEC (Athlon) Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List Squirrel White, WR, Jr. Biletnikoff Award Watch List Third-Team All-SEC (Athlon, Coaches, Phil Steele)
Austin-East High School and Vine Middle School placed on medium lockdown according to representatives with Knox County Schools.
The schools were placed on lockdown because of an operation in the area by the Knox County Sheriff’s Office yesterday (Wednesday). The lockdowns were lifted, but students were dismissed late.
Two children are rescued after being kidnapped by their non-custodial father.
Officials with the Dandridge Police Department say they were notified about a stolen vehicle out of Knoxville yesterday (Wednesday) morning. The suspect, identified as Justin Odum, kidnapped his two children, ages 9 and 6, who he did not have custody of and a sergeant reportedly saw the car on Highway 92 and tried to stop it and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office joined the chase and stopped the vehicle, Odum into custody. He was booked and now faces multiple charges out of Jefferson and Knox counties.
Knoxville Police are investigating the drowning death of a 71-year-old woman at Inskip Pool.
An officer was in the area August 22nd when he heard voices coming from inside the pool area and found lifeguards giving a woman CPR. The officer reportedly helped until crews with the Knoxville Fire Department and AMR arrived.
The woman, who has not been identified, was taken to the hospital where she died that night.
Officials says the pool was being rented by the Sertoma Center at the time.
The City of Knoxville also provided a statement on what happened:
The City and its Parks and Recreation aquatics team are incredibly saddened by the death of a community member last week following an Aug. 22 private event at Inskip Pool. The City and staff have offered condolences to the woman’s family and to the organization that had rented the pool.
Out of respect for the family’s privacy, the City is not releasing the name of the woman who died or the name of the group that had rented the pool for its private event.
According to witnesses, City lifeguards recognized the woman was in the water and in distress and immediately entered the pool to perform a rescue. They pulled the woman from the water and performed life-saving measures, and the woman was breathing as the ambulance arrived at the scene. Tragically, the woman died later at the hospital. City of Knoxville
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) A Lenoir City man has been indicted for first-degree murder in the death of a woman in January in Knoxville.
Knoxville Police Department officials say the indictment comes after KPD officers took 26-year-old Reginald Depriest into custody on January 5; they say Depriest had turned himself in.
According to KPD, Depriest killed 39-year-old Andrea Moore at a Western Heights apartment in the 1400 block of W. Oldham Avenue.
The investigation was prompted by a call saying there was a body inside the apartment. At the time, police called the death “suspicious in nature.”
