When Uncle ‘UJ’ died, KFD’s Billy Espiritu became a firefighter
On a Wednesday morning in 2011, just more than 15 years ago, Billy Espiritu lost his beloved Uncle John Dillard, or “UJ” as he was affectionately called by his nephew, nieces, and friends. UJ died inside his apartment in his wheelchair at the Eastowne Village Apartments, high on the hill behind what was then...
Alexander McMillan: His home is a sheltered secret
As we continue to move toward our nation’s semiquincentennial, I’m still focusing on elements of the Revolutionary War effort of attaining independence and the related contributions and connections of families of the Fork, the Knox County lands between the French Broad and Holston Rivers. Most people drive along...
KCSO: One person dead after fire in Seymour area
SEYMOUR, Tenn. — The Knox County Sheriff's Office said a person is dead after a fire in Seymour. Officials said the fire happened around 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday on Bays Mountain Road, and officials from both the Seymour Fire Department and KCSO responded. They said they found someone dead...
Tennessee bills could cost schools millions. Speak out now | Opinion
Fiscal responsibility is a bipartisan priority. Two bills being heard in the General Assembly this week will directly impact funding available to public schools by imposing unfunded mandates to track immigration status of students, costing Knox County Schools an estimated $3 million. HB 1711 and HB 1710 will be heard...
Home stretch for Alcoa Costco following IDB approval
It’s the home stretch for Alcoa officials working to secure a Costco on the outskirts of the Springbrook Farm downtown center. On Thursday, members of the Alcoa Board of Industrial Development unanimously voted in favor of joining a four-part, four-party agreement already approved by the City of Alcoa, Costco...
New Tennessee Vols strength coach Derek Owings makes a promise that he’s already delivering...
New Tennessee Vols strength coach Derek Owings hit the ground running after arriving in Knoxville in January. Owings, who previously served as the strength coach at Indiana, joined the Vols the morning after the Hoosiers beat Miami in the national championship game. And he quickly got to work. The ...
Knox County Sheriff’s Office warns of scam calls from people claiming to be officers
KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) — The Knox County Sheriff’s Office warned of scam calls from people demanding money while impersonating law enforcement officers or federal agents. KCSO described one scam where victims are called by a number that appears local. The caller then claims to be a KCSO employee, telling victims...
Rising diesel prices strain East Tennessee school transportation budgets
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - Diesel prices in the Knoxville area have climbed to an average of $4.47 per gallon, according to AAA data — up more than $1.10 from just one month ago and up from $3.34 a year ago. The increase is putting pressure on school transportation budgets in Anderson and Knox counties.
Tennessee Weather Alert: Knoxville, Nashville Residents Urged to Prepare for Tornado Risk During Active...
Country Herald is Local News, Independent Pulse. Covering breaking local news, sports, lifestyle and events. Nashville, Tennessee – As spring storm systems intensify across the United States, emergency officials are urging Tennessee residents to review tornado safety plans now as severe weather threats increase...
‘Dumpster Treasures’ turns campus waste into art at University of Tennessee
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — When students moved out of residence halls at the University of Tennessee in May 2025, discarded belongings filled 191 dumpsters in just one week. Furniture, unopened food, clothing, electronics and other goods and household items were thrown away by the thousands, highlighting the scale of campus...
