Salvation Army Providing Meals, Spiritual Care in East TN Thursday

Salvation Army Providing Meals, Spiritual Care in East TN Thursday

October 3, 2024

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) The Emergency Disaster Services teams with Salvation Army of Kentucky & East Tennessee are providing meals and spiritual care Thursday to residents impacted by Hurricane Helene.

The Salvation Army’s mobile feeding units will provide hot meals, snacks, and beverages to those affected by flooding, as well as to first responders.

“In addition to nourishment, our teams will offer emotional and spiritual care to those in need,” a news release stated. The meals will take place at the following locations:

  • Greene County: Trinity United Methodist Church, 524 Tusculum Blvd, Greeneville, TN
    • Lunch: 12 – 2 p.m.
    • Dinner: 4 – 6 p.m.
  • Johnson County: 1923 South Shady St, Mountain City, TN
    • Lunch: 12 – 2 p.m.
    • Dinner: 4 – 6 p.m.
  • Cocke County: Memorial Baptist Church, 221 W Broadway, Newport, TN
    • Meal Service: 12 – 5 p.m.
  • Carter County: Little Milligan Baptist Church, 4223 US-321, Butler, TN
    • Meal Service: 12 p.m.
  • Unicoi County:
    • Liberty Baptist Church, 91 Guy Brown Rd, Chuckey, TN
      • Lunch: 12 – 2 p.m.
      • Dinner: 4 – 6 p.m.
    • Flag Pond Elementary School, 917 Old Asheville Rd, Flag Pond, TN
      • Lunch: 12 – 2 p.m.
    • Temple Hill Elementary, 797 Old Highway Rd, Erwin, TN
(Courtesy: Website)
Monroe County Man Indicted for Sexual Battery at EMS Center, TBI Says

Monroe County Man Indicted for Sexual Battery at EMS Center, TBI Says

October 3, 2024

Madisonville, TN (WOKI) A man in Monroe County is in prison accused of sexual assault.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation says they started investigating complaints about a possible assault back in August at the Monroe County EMS station in Madisonville.

The TBI later determined Brian Keith Hodge assaulted the victim.

Agents arrested Hodge Wednesday, October 2; he is being housed at the Monroe County Jail on a $10,000 bond and was indicted on one count of sexual battery.

Hodge was taken into custody and is being housed at the Monroe County Jail on a $10,000 bond. (Courtesy: TBI)
Eleven ‘Weather-Related’ Deaths Confirmed in East Tennessee, Officials Say

Eleven ‘Weather-Related’ Deaths Confirmed in East Tennessee, Officials Say

October 3, 2024

(Story courtesy of WVLT News)

Unicoi County, TN (WOKI) On Wednesday, the Tennessee Department of Health confirmed there have been more “weather-related” fatalities in East Tennessee, according to an announcement from TEMA.

There has been one death in Knox County in addition to one in Johnson County, four in Unicoi County, two in Cocke, one in Greene and two in Washington County.

TEMA also said there are 23 people missing in areas impacted by flooding, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. This is down from a peak exceeding 100.

As of Wednesday, there is one person missing in Carter County, two people in Johnson County, one each in Cocke and Hawkins counties, four in Greene, three people in Knox County, two in Sullivan, six people in Unicoi County and three people in Washington County.

Officials said there are more than 20 people missing in upper East Tennessee. (Courtesy: WVLT)
‘Avoid All Contact with Waterbodies’ | State Issues Water Contact Advisory after Flooding

‘Avoid All Contact with Waterbodies’ | State Issues Water Contact Advisory after Flooding

October 3, 2024

Nashville, TN (WOKI) The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation issued a temporary water contact advisory after the flooding caused by Hurricane Helene.

“In the aftermath of unprecedented flooding caused by Hurricane Helene, several wastewater treatment plants have been compromised and are temporarily unable to completely treat effluent before it enters receiving waters. In addition, sewer line crossings may have been severed or damaged allowing raw sewage to enter streams, and individual septic systems may be compromised across the region.” – Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation

Officials said the warning was out of an abundance of caution and not based upon specific water quality data.

This advisory includes surface waters in the Nolichucky, French Broad, Pigeon, Doe, and Watauga River as well as any other flooded areas.

They assumed the floodwater is carrying bacteria and should be avoided. If you come into contact with it, wash the area with clean water and soap as soon as possible.

“The health of our citizens is top priority at TDEC, and we urge everyone in these areas to follow this advisory,” TDEC Commissioner David Salyers said.

Officials said they were staying in contact with local facilities to resolve the issues as quickly as possible.

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation said the warning was issued out of an abundance of caution and not based on specific water quality data. (Courtesy: WVLT)

Knoxville Police Department Says Overnight Shooting was ‘Targeted’

October 2, 2024

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) UPATE: The Knoxville Police Department is asking for information following what they say was a “targeted” shooting overnight resulting in a fatality.

KPD says officers responded around 10:15 p.m. to the report of a shooting in the 1900 block of Minnesota Avenue finding 41-year-old Carlos Cozart Yarbrough who had been shot at least one time; he was taken to UT Medical Center, where he died as a result of his injuries.

Police say it’s believed that the suspect came out from behind some nearby dumpsters, firing into a group that was in a parking lot.

“The shooting appears to be targeted, but there is no evidence to suggest that the victim was the intended target,” KPD Communications Manager Scott Erland said.

At this time, Erland said, detectives are looking at surveillance video and recanvassing the area.

A suspect has yet to be identified. Anyone with information is being asked to call East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers at 865-215-7165 or the KPD directly at 865-215-7317.

ORIGINAL STORY: The Knoxville Police Department is asking for information following a deadly shooting late Tuesday night in northwest Knoxville.

KPD says a suspect has yet to be identified in the shooting which occurred around 10:15 p.m. in a a parking lot near Minnesota Avenue and Pascal Drive.

Officers responding to the scene reportedly found a 41-year-old man who had been shot at least one time; he was taken to UT Medical Center, where he died as a result of his injuries.

Anyone with information is being asked to call East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers at 865-215-7165.

The man was taken to the University of Tennessee Medical Center, where he died, KPD said. (Courtesy: KPD)

Knoxville Police Identify Man Hit by Train

October 2, 2024

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Knoxville Police Department officials have identified the man hit and killed by a train Monday afternoon in North Knoxville.

The incident happened near E. Inskip Drive and Morton Place Way. Knoxville Police say 33-year-old Dustin Pilkington was struck by a Norfolk Southern train and pronounced dead at the scene.

The train was going south when the operators spotted Pilkington walking on the tracks. The operators reportedly blew the horn and put on the brakes, but were unable to stop the train before striking him.

The investigation into Pilkington’s death remains ongoing at this time.

KPD said the incident happened in the area of E. Inskip Drive and Morton Place Way. (Courtesy: KPD)

No Injuries after House Catches Fire in North Knox County, Rural Metro Fire Says

No Injuries after House Catches Fire in North Knox County, Rural Metro Fire Says

October 2, 2024

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) An investigation is underway following a house fire Tuesday afternoon in North Knox County.

Rural Metro Fire officials say crews were dispatched to the fire in the 7200 block of Palermo Road at around 5:45 p.m. on Tuesday.

Rural Metro says when crews arrived they found the home with the garage heavily involved with fire spreading to the attic.

While crews were able to bring the fire under control quickly, the parts of the home not impacted by fire were affected by smoke and heat.

Officials add the residents were safely outside when crews arrived on the scene, and the American Red Cross is assisting the family.

The family was safely outside when crews arrived on the scene, Rural Metro said. (Courtesy: Rural Metro Fire)
TWRA: East Tennessee Man, Dog Found Dead Days after Launching Boat into Nolichucky River

TWRA: East Tennessee Man, Dog Found Dead Days after Launching Boat into Nolichucky River

October 2, 2024

Greeneville, TNJ (WOKI) The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is investigating after a man who launched a boat into the Nolichucky River on Friday has been found dead.

TWRA says the body of 32-year-old Boone McCrary of Greeneville was recovered Tuesday afternoon from a creek feeding into the Nolichucky River near W. Allen’s Bridge Road in Greeneville.

McCrary, accompanied by a woman and a labrador retriever, launched the boat into the river near Bird’s Bridge just after 7:00 p.m. on Friday when it was then swept into the bridge and capsized.

TWRA says the woman was safely rescued, but McCrary, his dog and the boat were swept downstream in the raging river current.

The boat and dog were located Sunday afternoon and retrieved by TWRA wildlife officers, but officials said the dog did not survive.

“TWRA offers prayers and condolences to McCrary’s family and loved ones,” officials said.

The incident remains under investigation.

Officials said a woman was also on the boat when it capsized, but she was safely rescued.(Courtesy: TWRA)
GSMNP to Reopen US 441, Other Roads Wednesday

GSMNP to Reopen US 441, Other Roads Wednesday

October 1, 2024

Gatlinburg, TN (WOKI) Officials with the National Park Service delivering some welcome news Tuesday afternoon as Hurricane Helene recovery continues in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

NPS says it will reopen US 441/Newfound Gap Road by 8:00 a.m. Wednesday to allow for access between TN and NC communities.

Once US 441 reopens, all major roads, trails and facilities on the Tennessee-side of the park will be open to visitors. Kuwohi Road (formerly Clingmans Dome Road) will also open Wednesday.

According to the park service, several local communities including Sevier County, which includes Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, as well as Cherokee in North Carolina, are fully open to those who can access them through safe routes.

The park service is still urging visitors to plan their trips as emergency services are stretched thin and response times may be delayed.

In addition, the following park closures remain in place: Cataloochee Valley, Big Creek, Balsam Mountain and Lakeview Drive. The Oconaluftee and Kuwohi visitor centers are also closed.

The park service also reminds motorists that Commercial vehicles are always prohibited on US 441/Newfound Gap Road and in all of Great Smoky Mountains National Park (with the exception of the Spur). While the NPS recognizes that major routes outside the park are currently closed, park roads are not structurally designed to sustain traffic from heavy vehicles. Commercial vehicles will be turned away.

As always, consult the park website for additional information and updates.

US 441/Newfound Gap Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park to reopen Wednesday. (Courtesy: GSMNP)

TBI Issues Silver Alert for Missing Sevier County Woman

TBI Issues Silver Alert for Missing Sevier County Woman

October 1, 2024

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has issued a Silver Alert out of Sevier County for 55-year-old Autumn Hackney.

TBI officials say Hackney was last seen on Monday in the area of Villa Court in Dandridge.

They say she has a medical condition that may impair her ability to return home safely without assistance and is believed to be traveling in a white 2021 Toyota 4Runner with Tennessee tag 70NPD1.

TBI encourages anyone with information to call the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office at 865-774-3943 or TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND.

TBI issues Silver Alert for Autumn Hackney, 55. (Courtesy: TBI)

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