Understanding and Coexisting with Spiders: Essential Advice for East Tennessee Residents
Arachnophobia, or the fear of spiders, is a common phobia causing fear and anxiety in many individuals. Despite this, spiders are useful for pest control and are even seen as a symbol of good luck by some. Park ranger Bob Culler from Bays Mountain Park shares advice on living with spiders and tips to prevent spider bites. East Tennessee, the region he focuses on, hosts a variety of spider species.
Read full storyNashville's Arts Funding Falls Behind, Affecting Local BIPOC-led Organizations
Two studies conducted by the Metro Arts Commission indicate that Nashville's arts funding falls behind that of other cities. The studies, carried out by RISE Research & Evaluation, suggest that Nashville's arts funding has declined over time, considering inflation and city growth. The studies also highlight that Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)-led arts organizations are disproportionately affected due to resource scarcity.
Read full storyJoin Knox County's Walk & Roll to School Day on Oct. 4 at Local Elementary Schools
Bike Walk Knoxville and the Knox County Safe Routes to School Partnership will host walking events at two local elementary schools on October 4, 2023, for Walk & Roll to School Day. This global event encourages Knox County students to walk to school, promoting physical activity, reducing car traffic, and improving air quality around schools.
Read full storyUpcoming Lane Closures in Middle Tennessee for Maintenance and Construction, Sept. 28-Oct. 4, 2023
The Tennessee Department of Transportation plans lane closures in Middle Tennessee from September 28 to October 4, 2023. These closures are for maintenance and construction tasks, such as overhead sign installation, concrete repair, guardrail installation, and paving. They will also expand the SmartWay Intelligent Transportation System.
Read full storyLocal Traffic Alert: Lane Closure on SR 386 West Bridge in Hendersonville for Repair Work
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has announced a single-lane closure on the State Route 386 West bridge over U.S. 31 E in Hendersonville, Sumner County. The closure is for necessary bridge repairs after inspection crews found damaged bridge bearings that need resetting. The bridge is still safe to use but this measure is a preventive step for public safety.
Read full storyLocal Hero Tim Swann Retires after Three Decades with Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department
Tim Swann, previously the Assistant Chief of Operations at the Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department (MFRD), retired on September 29, 2023. His career spanned 33 years in the firefighting sector. His father, Bobby Swann, was also a firefighter and served as the MFRD Fire Chief for 15 years.
Read full storyMurfreesboro Lifts Ban on Recreational Fires; Permit Required Fires & County Burn Ban Remain
The Fire Marshal’s Office in Murfreesboro, Rutherford County, Tennessee, has lifted the ban on recreational fires. This decision was made after two days of heavy rainfall. However, fires needing a city permit, construction, bonfires, and open burning in Rutherford County are still not allowed. These restrictions will be reviewed on Monday, October 2, 2023.
Read full storyLocal Traffic Alert: Eastbound Lane Closure on West State of Franklin Road Next Week
Atmos Energy is closing the right eastbound lane of West State of Franklin Road near West Watauga Avenue on Oct. 2. The daily lane closure will occur from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Work is expected to be completed by Oct. 6. Drivers who cannot avoid the area should expect delays, use caution in the construction zone, and observe posted speed limits for their safety and the safety of workers. ###Visit here for more details.
Read full storyK-Town Connect Program Expansion to Benefit Knoxville Residents and University of Tennessee Community
Visit Knoxville revealed on September 28, 2023, that the K-Town Connect hospitality ambassador program would extend its services. The expansion will cover Cumberland Avenue and the University of Tennessee from October 2, 2023. Block by Block manages K-Town Connect, a provider of safety, cleaning, and hospitality services. Since it started on April 15, 2022, the program has improved the environment in downtown Knoxville.
Read full storyExtended Water Outage and Road Closures on Commerce Street: Repairs to Continue Until 7 p.m.
The water outage on Commerce Street, extending from Sullivan Street to S. 1st Street, will now last until 7 p.m. due to continued water main leak repairs. The entire stretch is closed to traffic, with rerouting in effect via S. 1st Street and S. Riverside Drive. The road and water services are expected to be back to normal by evening.
Read full storyKnoxville Honors Local Diverse Businesses at Annual Awards Ceremony
The City of Knoxville held its Diversity Business Enterprise Awards Ceremony on September 28, 2023. Seven diverse business enterprises (DBEs), or small businesses owned by women and minorities, were honored. The event took place at Lakeshore Park’s Marble Hall and was attended by Mayor Indya Kincannon and other city officials.
Read full storyOral Rabies Vaccination Initiative to Protect Tennessee Residents, Pets, and Livestock Starting October 3
The Tennessee and U.S. Department of Agriculture have revealed plans to distribute oral rabies vaccine packets across Tennessee's bordering states. The operation, set to begin on October 3, 2023, aims to safeguard people, pets, and livestock from rabies. It's a collaborative effort with USDA Wildlife Services to reduce rabies in wildlife and protect communities.
Read full storyTennessee Law Restricting Gender-Related Procedures for Minors Upheld by Appeals Court
The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals has reversed the district court’s preliminary injunction in the L.W. v. Skrmetti case. As a result, a Tennessee law that restricts gender-related medical procedures for minors remains in effect. Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti considers this ruling an affirmation of democratic processes.
Read full storyKingsport Honors Longtime Local Volunteer and Retired Navy Officer for Service to Police Department
The Kingsport Police Department (KPD) and State Representative Charles (Bud) Hulsey recently honored Valerie Ford, a longtime KPD volunteer. Ford, a retired Lieutenant Commander from the US Navy, has been serving the KPD since 2000. Besides volunteering, she also served as a reserve police officer.
Read full storyFree Inclusive Kickball Event at Miracle Field Park Hosted by Kingsport Parks and Recreation
The Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a free kickball event. It will be held at Miracle Field Park on October 6, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. No registration is required for this event, which is part of the A.S.P.I.R.E. program. This program aims to promote inclusive competition for people with disabilities.
Read full storyLocal Resident Dies in Tragic Pickup Accident on Mountain Laurel Drive
A 31-year-old man, Nantus Van Vuuren, died on Thursday night. He was hit by his own Chevrolet Silverado pickup. The vehicle had rolled off a tow truck near his home on Mountain Laurel Drive. Initial investigations suggest that the tow truck's cable broke while the vehicle was being unloaded.
Read full storyLocal Residents Invited to Review and Comment on Air Pollution Source Construction Application
An application for the construction or modification of an air pollution source has been submitted to the Air Pollution Control Division of the Metro Public Health Department. As per the Metropolitan Code of Laws, the application is open for public review and comment for 30 days.
Read full storySecond Arrest Made in Cumberland View September 11 Shooting; Local Children's Safety Concerns Heightened
A 17-year-old boy has been arrested for his involvement in a shooting on September 11. The incident occurred in the Cumberland View neighborhood on 26th Avenue North. Two children were caught in the crossfire as they were getting off their school bus. The teenager is believed to have shot a 6-year-old child. He was arrested at his home in Cumberland View and is facing charges in juvenile court.
Read full storyGrammy Winners Wynonna Judd & Trisha Yearwood Release New Version of 'Cry Myself To Sleep' for Upcoming Judds Tribute Album
Wynonna Judd and Trisha Yearwood, both Grammy-award-winning artists, have released a new version of The Judds’ song “Cry Myself To Sleep.” The song, written by Paul Kennerley, is the second single from the upcoming album, A Tribute To The Judds. The album, set to be released on October 27 on BMG, marks the duo's 40th anniversary.
Read full storyLocal Stars Shine at 34th Annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards
Billy Strings won the 'Entertainer of the Year' award for the third year in a row at the 34th Annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards. The event was held on September 28 at the Martin Marietta Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. Ketch Secor and Molly Tuttle hosted the event.
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