We now know the number of Knox County students who will be impacted by Tennessee’s new third grade retention law.
Knox County school officials say 32 students will have to repeat third grade this year under the new state law.
Third graders who didn’t score proficient on the English section of the TCAP test were given the option of a retake or summer school.
Knox County students head back to class on August 8th .
An investigation is underway following an early morning fatal multi-vehicle crash on Clinton Highway in Anderson County which closed the road for hours.
Tennessee Highway Patrol confirming a motorcyclist died in the crash which happened at Old Clinton Highway.
The road has partially re-opened as of noon (7/27)
Knox County, TN (WOKI) Drivers who use Maryville Pike will need to find an alternate route for a few days as a portion of the road will be closed for overpass repairs.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation sharing that information Wednesday, July 26 saying the highway will be closed to thru traffic between Alberta Drive and Berry Road.
The closure will be in effect daily on Thursday, July 27 and Monday, July 31 through Thursday, August 3 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
TDOT advises drivers to remain alert for changed conditions, seek alternate routes and use extreme caution through the area.
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Six men from Flint, Michigan are arrested in Knoxville after making off with over $11,000 worth of electronic equipment from a Johnson City Walmart.
Knoxville Police Department officials say the six were apprehended after attempting to return the stolen goods, for cash, at a Knoxville location.
Police say among the stolen items were laptops, Apple Watches and various security system products. Walmart loss prevention flagged the missing items and blocked the suspects into their parking spot at the Knoxville store until police arrived.
Joeterio Turner, Jayden Spicer, Jessie Evans, Danny Gibson, Antwan Love and Jalane McDaniel-Johnson were charged with theft.
Hot weather is forecast for East Tennessee for the remainder of this week, and KUB wants customers to know how to manage their utility usage and stay cool. The following tips can help save money and reduce excessive use of utilities in preparation for rising temperatures.
KUB works to promote sustainability in all facets of its operation, while supporting and providing programs for its customers to do the same. Over many years, KUB has been recognized for leadership in environmental stewardship, with investments in green energy, alternative fuels, and more efficient operations, and for participating in and giving back to the communities we serve.
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) An investigation continues into Saturday’s shooting death in Oak Ridge.
Oak Ridge Police Department officials say officers responded to S. Benedict Avenue around 10:30 p.m. to find 32 year-old Javon Ellis suffering from gunshot wounds. Ellis was taken to a local hospital for treatment but died shortly after arriving.
ORPD detectives are working with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to investigate the homicide. Those with information are being asked to call (865) 425-4399 or submit tips here.
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Recent lab reports confirm that West Nile Virus has been detected in Culex mosquitoes found in the Inskip area of Knoxville.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Knox County Health Department (KCHD) plan to spray for mosquitoes in the area on Thursday, July 27 from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. to reduce the Culex mosquito population. A map of the roads in the area that will be treated can be viewed below:
To reduce the risk of contracting WNV, the KCHD recommends:
Knoxville Police have identified the victim from a fatal motorcycle crash on James White Parkway.
Police say 44 year-old Michael Thomas of Knoxville died as a result of Monday morning’s accident near the exit to East Hill Avenue. Investigators say it appears Thomas’ motorcycle struck the inside wall he was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing.
Hamblen County, TN (WOKI) Community members in Hamblen County launch an online petition to keep a Morristown man behind bars for the grisly murder of a teen over four decades ago.
Randy Lee May was found guilty in the July 1980 murder of 16-year-old Mary Jones. Investigators said May pretended to be a law enforcement officer and coaxed two teenage girls into his car and drove them into the woods, where he committed violent acts including murder.
May is up for parole on August 24 but friends and family, including survivor Mitzi Sizemore, are pushing back through a change.org petition calling on the state to deny May parole.
Sullivan County, TN (WOKI) The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation issued a Silver Alert Tuesday for a man missing out of Sullivan County.
TBI officials say 82 year-old John Hammond could be driving a maroon 2015 Honda CRV with license plate 261BHDK, similar to the one pictured below.
Officials add that Hammond also has a medical condition that could make it hard for him to get home safely.
Those with information are being asked to call the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office at 423-279-7330 or the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND.
