Jillian’s Law Headed to Governor’s Desk

Jillian’s Law Headed to Governor’s Desk

Nashville, TN (WOKI) Both the Tennessee House and Senate passed “Jillian’s Law,” so the bill now heads to the governor’s desk.

Jillian Ludwig was a freshman at Belmont University in Nashville who was shot and killed in November of last year. The bullet was fired by a man who was deemed incompetent to stand trial for a prior crime.

The new law (HB1640/SB1769) will require people committed to remain institutionalized until “competency” is restored or until a court approves an outpatient treatment plan. It would also keep them from owning a firearm.

The Senate passed the bill unanimously. The House vote was almost unanimous as four representatives did not vote.

University of Tennessee Extends Enrollment Deadline Amid FAFSA Delays

University of Tennessee Extends Enrollment Deadline Amid FAFSA Delays

Knoxville, TN (WOKI / WVLT) The University of Tennessee is extending its enrollment confirmation deadline amid delays in processing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The Department of Education’s change in the distribution of FAFSA information to universities across the country has resulted in delays in financial aid information for students and families, meaning they have less time to decide where to go to school.

“We are fully committed to providing unwavering support to our students by extending the confirmation deadline, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding their college choices. Our team remains committed to welcoming and assisting the newest members of our Volunteer family. We will continue our efforts to meet our students’ needs wherever they are,” said Kari Alldredge, vice provost for the Division of Enrollment Management.

New incoming students who have finished the FAFSA are expected to get their financial aid packages from UT in late April. The new deadline is May 15, 2024.

KCS To Host Student Hiring Expo

KCS To Host Student Hiring Expo

On Thursday, April 18, Knox County Schools will host the “865 Ready! Hiring Expo”, which aims to connect local businesses with 11th- and 12th-grade job seekers.

The event will take place at the Jacob Building at Chilhowee Park and Exposition Center. Companies will conduct on-site interviews for temporary / seasonal employment, summer employment, part-time employment, full-time employment, youth apprenticeships, registered apprenticeships, work-based learning, and internship opportunities.

Date: Thursday, April 18

Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Location: Jacob Building at Chilhowee Park, 3301 E. Magnolia

Sponsors of this event include:

Industry Title Sponsor

UT Medical Center

Silver Sponsors

Del-Air Mechanical Contractors

Integration Technology, LLC

Lincoln Memorial University

Messer Construction Company

Shoffner Kalthoff, MES

Bronze Sponsors

DeRoyal

Hillcrest Healthcare

NURSEFirst

Red Stag Fulfillment

Tennessee Army National Guard

Beverage Sponsor

Coca-Cola Consolidated

Two or more board members may be in attendance.

Tennessee Highway Patrol is Investigating a Fatal Crash in Hancock County

Tennessee Highway Patrol is Investigating a Fatal Crash in Hancock County

The Tennessee Highway Patrol is investigating a deadly crash in Hancock County.

THP says 58-year-old Ronnie Kinsler’s pick-up truck had broken down in the southbound lane of Panther Creek Road Sunday night and he was standing behind it while another truck was parked in front it with the driver of the other standing between the two trucks.

Reports show that an SUV hit Kinsler and rear-ended his truck, he was killed, and the drivers of both the SUV and the other truck were injured.

Charges are pending against the driver of the SUV.

Anderson County Schools Investigating Possible Student Record Manipulation

Anderson County Schools Investigating Possible Student Record Manipulation

Anderson County Schools is investigating possible issues related to student grades and coursework at Clinton High School.

ACS believes that at least one student’s records were manipulated to satisfy graduation requirements, and a teacher and Clinton High School principal Dan Jenkins, Tennessee’s Principal of the Year award winner in 2023, were suspended. Jenkins resigned but says he looks forward to clearing his name. “In my 14 years at Clinton High, and the four most recent as its principal, I have been dedicated to my students, teachers, and the entire community. I look forward to the facts coming to light in this matter and clearing my name,” said Jenkins.

On Friday, April 12, Clinton High School Assistant Principal Amanda Powers was appointed by Director of Schools Tim Parrott as the school’s Interim Head Principal.

ACS is working with the Tennessee Department of Education to conduct the investigation.

Anderson County School Facebook page post: Recently, Anderson County Schools began investigating possible issues related to student grades and coursework at Clinton High School. When it became more clear during the course of the investigation that at least one student’s records were likely manipulated to satisfy graduation requirements, the decision was made to place both a Clinton High School administrator and a teacher on suspension status, pending further investigation into this situation. The teacher remains on suspension status, but the administrator at that time indicated his desire to resign. The Director of Schools accepted his resignation.

Anderson County Schools continues to investigate this situation, and remains in communication with the Tennessee Department of Education regarding the same. As the materials and evidence being reviewed as part of this investigation stem from confidential student records, the school system can offer no further comment at this time. Once the full investigation stands as complete though, and Anderson County Schools has a better idea as to the scope of any related issues, a full report will be delivered to officials, parents, and community members during a future meeting of the Anderson County Board of Education.

On Friday, April 12, 2024, Director of Schools Tim Parrott appointed Clinton High School Assistant Principal Amanda Powers to serve as the school’s Interim Head Principal. As an experienced educator and administrator, Director Parrott has full faith and confidence in Principal Powers as she leads Clinton High School through the remainder of this school year.

Missing 5-Year-Old at Center of Endangered Child Alert Found Safe, TBI Says

Missing 5-Year-Old at Center of Endangered Child Alert Found Safe, TBI Says

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) UPDATE: A missing 5-year-old at the center of a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Endangered Child Alert early Monday afternoon has been found safe.

TBI officials say 5-year-old Nolen Wilmeth and his mother, Emily Livesay, were both believed to be missing but have since been located and are safe.

TBI making that announcement around 2:45 p.m. Monday.

ORIGINAL STORY: The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation issues an Endangered Child Alert Monday afternoon for a missing 5-year-old out of Knox County.

TBI officials say 5-year-old Nolen Wilmeth and his mother, Emily Livesay, are both missing and are believed to be traveling in a silver 2016 Honda CRV with the Tennessee tag BFL0737.

Anyone with information that can aid in the search is asked to call the Knox County Sheriff’s Office at 865-215-2243 or the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND.

TBI Silver Alert has Ended for a Fentress County Man

TBI Silver Alert has Ended for a Fentress County Man

UPDATE: The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has ended for missing 68-year-old Darrel Sanders out of Fentress County.

TBI officials say he was found safe.

Original Story: Fentress County, TN (WOKI) The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has issued a Silver Alert for a missing Fentress County man.

TBI officials say 68-year-old Darrel Sanders has a medical condition that could impair his ability to return safely without assistance. He was last seen on April 12 in the area of Fairgrounds Road in Jamestown.

Officials add Sanders may be traveling in a 1990 tan GMC Sierra 1500 with red Chevrolet emblems and Tennessee license plate PD12163.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Fentress County Sheriff’s Office at 931-879-8142 or the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND.

Knox County Sheriff’s Office Investigating Bomb Threat at Gibbs High School

Knox County Sheriff’s Office Investigating Bomb Threat at Gibbs High School

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) A teen is arrested, and the Knox County Sheriff’s Office is investigating following a bomb threat Monday afternoon at Gibbs High School.

KCSO officials report the Bomb Unit and an Explosive Detection K-9 Unit arrived at the scene around 2:30 p.m.

According to KCSO, nothing was found after officers made an initial sweep of the school; however, they say a 17-year-old has been arrested and charged with making a false report.

Sheriff’s Office Confirms Identity of Pilot Involved in Anderson County Plane Crash
Photo courtesy of WVLT

Sheriff’s Office Confirms Identity of Pilot Involved in Anderson County Plane Crash

Anderson County, TN (WOKI) UPDATE: The Sheriff’s Office has identified the pilot killed in a plane crash Friday in Anderson County.

Officials with the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office say 45-year-old James Evan Scarlett died when his single-engine Piper PA-32 crashed Friday night in the woods along Raccoon Valley Road and the Ashley Lane area.

ACSO also confirming that Scarlett, the CEO of Scarlett Machinery Inc. in Grand Rapids, Michigan, was the only person on board at the time of the crash.

James Evan Scarlett, 45 (Courtesy: Scarlett Machinery on Facebook)

An investigation into the crash is being conducted by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

ORIGINAL STORY: The FAA confirms that one person has died in a plane crash in Anderson county.

The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office says the Single-engine Piper plane crashed Friday night in the woods along Raccoon Valley Road and Ashley Lane area.

Parts were found in the Tillery Road area as well as pieces of the plane, along with luggage, found in that Ashley Lane area.

The FAA says two people were on board. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will assist in leading the investigation.

Sheriff’s Office Identifies Woman in Deadly Crash as Daughter of Knoxville Council Member

Sheriff’s Office Identifies Woman in Deadly Crash as Daughter of Knoxville Council Member

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) UPDATE: The daughter of a Knoxville council member is identified as the victim in a fatal weekend car crash in West Knoxville.

Officials with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office say 21 year-old Kylie Roberto was killed in Sunday night’s accident on Schaeffer Road.

Preliminary investigation suggests that one vehicle crossed the center line, hitting the other head-on.

KCSO says speed and alcohol are contributing factors, and charges are pending.

Kylie is the daughter of Knoxville 2nd District Council member Andrew Roberto who took to Facebook to post about the incident.

The investigation remains active and ongoing.

ORIGINAL STORY: The Knox County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal car crash in West Knoxville.

It happened tonight (Sunday) on Schaeffer Road and preliminary investigation suggests that one vehicle crossed the center line, hitting the other head-on.

Speed and alcohol are contributing factors, and charges are pending. The road is closed and is expected to re-open by 11:30 p.m.