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Knox County Addresses Growth Challenges by Balancing Development and Rural Preservation
Issue #028
In this Knoxville Insider Issue…
🌤️ Knoxville Weather - Sunny with a High of 52
📰 Knox County Addresses Growth Challenges by Balancing Development and Rural Preservation
📰 Unbreakable Bond: Farragut Teen and Former Vols Quarterback Share a Friendship Beyond the Field
👮🏽♀️ Woman Arrested for Arson at Local Church, Confesses to Additional Fire Incident
📰 Delays in SNAP Benefits Impacting Tennessee Families Amidst Technology Transition
📅 Events & Entertainment - Upcoming Events in November
📅 Upcoming Events in December, including Christmas Parades
💡 We Want to Spotlight Your Business!
Today’s issue is Sponsored by Zoom Room Dog Training!
Knox County Addresses Growth Challenges by Balancing Development and Rural Preservation
The Knox County Growth Policy Coordinating Committee is addressing the challenges posed by the county's population growth, particularly concerning the potential impact on rural and agricultural areas.
Local farmers are advocating for preserving agricultural lands and the county's rural character. They express concerns about the suitability of proposed development sites in rural areas and their potential impact on the quality of life.
Ken Oakes, a local farmer, emphasizes the need for thoughtful development that maintains the area's unique rural appeal. In response, Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs indicates that the current land use plan aims to reduce housing development land by 20% over the next 20 years, offering property owners more flexibility in land use without mandatory development.
Unbreakable Bond: Farragut Teen and Former Vols Quarterback Share a Friendship Beyond the Field
A young man from Farragut, A.J. Cucksey, formed a lasting friendship with former Vols quarterback Josh Dobbs when Dobbs was still playing in his college colors. This bond has persisted over the years, even after Dobbs moved away from Knoxville over six years ago.
Cucksey, who was diagnosed with inoperable brain tumors at the age of four, has been bravely facing his health challenges. Throughout his journey, Dobbs has been a constant support, being there for him during significant moments such as surgeries and other critical times in his treatment process. Recently, Cucksey completed a round of chemotherapy and is currently awaiting further medical evaluation, with an MRI scheduled around February.
As Dobbs' career in the NFL advances, he remains in touch with Cucksey, taking time to check in on him despite his busy schedule. Cucksey's father, John, acknowledges the importance of Dobbs' career and expresses their family's support for him, understanding that his focus is essential for his professional growth. He emphasized that they value every moment they get to spend with Dobbs but also want him to concentrate on his career.
John expressed his and his son's unwavering support for Dobbs, stating that they will continue to be his fans regardless of where his career takes him. They plan to follow his journey, cheering for him and sharing their pride in his achievements with others.
Delays in SNAP Benefits Impacting Tennessee Families Amidst Technology Transition
A mother of two, faced delays in receiving SNAP benefits due to a new technology switch at the Tennessee Department of Human Services. Her younger child has significant health challenges, requiring extensive medical care.
In the previous year, Knox County recorded its lowest September enrollment in SNAP benefits in seven years. The Knox County Community Action Committee reported an increase in assistance applications, with less than a third being approved. Local churches and Second Harvest offer additional support for those facing food insecurity.
Woman Arrested for Arson at Local Church, Confesses to Additional Fire Incident
A woman from Knoxville has been detained for starting a fire in a church and subsequently informing the church staff about it, according to a police report. This incident follows another where she is accused of igniting a box on the porch of a residence.
The individual, 46-year-old Tracy Clevenger, is accused of igniting clothing and cardboard boxes in a storage area at All Souls Church of God located on Cecil Avenue on November 11. She then informed the staff, who were outside the church, about the fire. Clevenger later confessed to the police that she was responsible for starting the fire.
According to the police, Clevenger revealed the fire to the church staff who were outdoors. She confessed to the investigators on November 16, 2023, that she used a lighter to set the fire.
Clevenger also acknowledged to the police officers that she had set fire to a box on the front porch of a house on Barton Street.
Moreover, the police report mentions that Clevenger communicated via text message to the church staff admitting her actions. She faces charges of arson in a place of worship.
Upcoming Events in November
Have an event to add? Let us know! [email protected]
Thursday, 11/30:
Cigar Social: Elst Brewing Company, 2419 North Central Street; Starts at 6 pm; This month's pairing includes the American Stout from Elst with the Kristoff Ligero Maduro, a mediuam-full smoke with notes of espresso and dark cocoa. Please reserve your spot now to ensure we have enough sticks for everyone! More Info
Multi-Date Events:
Upcoming Events in December
Saturday, 12/2:
Yoga for a Cause benefitting Toys for Tots: 9:30 am - 10:30 am at Warrior Heart USA, 297 Oak Ridge Turnpike Suite 400 in Oak Ridge. Cost: Please bring an unwrapped toy. More Info
Saturday, 12/9:
Tour de Lights: 3:30 pm - 8 pm, a Family-Friendly Bike Ride that starts at Mary Costa Plaza. More Info
Saturday, 12/16:
Yoga for Martial Arts: 9 am - 10 am at Warrior Heart USA, 297 Oak Ridge Turnpike Suite 400 in Oak Ridge. Cost: $20 drop-in or included in membership. More Info
Christmas Parades:
Friday, 12/1 @ 7 pm - WIVK Christmas Parade, Downtown Knoxville 17 Market Square
Saturday, 12/2 @ 5 pm - Powell Christmas Parade, Starts at Powell Middle School
Saturday, 12/2 @9 am - Karns Christmas Parade, Ingles Market, Karns
Saturday, 12/2 @3:30 pm - 9th Annual Rocky Hill Christmas Parade and Festival, Rocky Hill Center, 7428 S Northshore Dr.
Sunday, 12/3 @2:30 pm - Gibbs Christmas Parade, Begins at Gibbs High School and ends at the Clear Springs Baptist Church property.
Saturday, 12/9 @3 pm- 30th Annual Seymour Community Christmas Parade, Valley Grove Baptist Church, 9000 Sevierville Pike
Saturday, 12/9 @6 pm - Halls Christmas Parade, Starts at Halls High School
Multi-Date Events:
Safety City’s ‘Christmas in the City: December 5th, 6th, 7th, 12th, 13th, 14th; 4 pm - 8 pm, More Info
Downtown Peppermint Trail: Now through 1/7/2024. More Info
Holiday Serenity: Yin Yoga: 7:45 pm - 8:45 pm on 12/6, 12 at Warrior Heart USA, 297 Oak Ridge Turnpike Suite 400 in Oak Ridge. Cost: $20 drop-in or included in membership. More Info
Ice Skating in Market Square: An open-air ice rink, Now through 1/2/2024. More Info
Expanding Small Business Saturday into Small Business December
As the holiday season approaches, we have a unique opportunity to transform the success of Small Business Saturday into a broader, more impactful initiative: Small Business December. This initiative is more than just a campaign; it’s a community-driven movement to support our local economy and the small businesses that are its backbone. Small businesses give our community its unique character, create jobs, and invigorate our local economy. By choosing to shop locally throughout December, we not only find unique gifts for our loved ones but also contribute to the prosperity and resilience of our neighborhood.
Our collective efforts can make a significant difference. We encourage each of you to be ambassadors for this cause. Share your local shopping experiences on social media, recommend your favorite small businesses to friends and family, and consider buying your holiday gifts from local artisans and shopkeepers. Local businesses often offer beautifully crafted, unique items that make thoughtful and memorable gifts. Remember, every purchase you make at a small business is an investment in our community’s future.
Let’s come together to make Small Business December a new tradition that supports and celebrates the heart of our community - our local businesses. It’s more than just shopping; it’s about building a stronger, more connected community. Your support can help turn a challenging year into a brighter season for our small business owners. Let’s show them how much they mean to us and make this December a month of local love and community spirit.
We Want To Spotlight Your Business!
Would you like us to spotlight your local business in front of thousands of Knoxville area residents in an upcoming issue of Knoxville Insider?
We ❤️ Local Businesses!
We know our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts. If you're a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you! "Knoxville Insider" is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our town. Let's collaborate and let the community know what makes your business special. Send us a message to [email protected] and let's celebrate the spirit of Knoxville together! Not a business owner, but love a local business? Tell us all about it at the email address above!
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