In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Knoxville Weather - Mostly Sunny with a High of 60

📰 Roxie's Journey: From Rescue to Forever Home

🎨 Amazing Pet Portraits by a Local Artist

👮🏾‍♂️ Targeted Shooting on Old Maynardville Pike: Man Critically Injured

📰 Knoxville Widow Receives New Roof Free of Charge After Original Contractor Fails to Deliver

📅 Events & Entertainment - Remaining November Events (It’s the last day!)

📅 Upcoming Events in December, including Christmas Parades

💡 We Want to Spotlight Your Business!
 

Today’s weather is playing hide and seek with the clouds, mostly winning with a sunny 60-degree smile!

Roxie's Journey: From Rescue to Forever Home

A remarkable story unfolds at Knox Vintage Pet Project, a rescue organization dedicated to helping older and disabled dogs find their forever homes. They rescued Roxie, an 11-year-old pocket pit bull with a turbulent past and a hopeful future.

Roxie's story begins in less-than-ideal circumstances. She was picked up by Animal Control after her owner was incarcerated for meth-related charges. This led her to Knox Vintage Pet, where her life took a turn for the better.

Despite being overwhelmed in the presence of other dogs, necessitating a single-dog home, Roxie's endearing personality shone through. Her resilience caught the attention of a dog lover in Oregon, known for a passion for adopting older, hard-to-place pit bulls. This marked the beginning of Roxie's journey to her forever home.

Getting Roxie to Oregon posed a unique challenge. Due to her snub-nosed breed, she could not be transported by plane, as such breeds are banned from flying due to health risks. This is where Anna, a dedicated dog trainer from Zoom Room Knoxville-Hardin Valley, stepped in.

Embracing the adventure, Anna volunteered to drive Roxie to Texas, coordinating with another rescue organization in Fort Worth. This Texas-based group would then take over, ensuring Roxie's safe passage to her new home in Oregon.

This collaborative effort highlights the dedication and compassion of individuals and organizations in the rescue community. Knox Vintage Pet, alongside these allied groups, exemplifies a commitment to providing second chances to dogs like Roxie, who, despite their age or disabilities, deserve loving homes.

Roxie's story is a testament to the power of community and the enduring spirit of dogs who, against all odds, find love and security in their twilight years. As Roxie embarks on this new chapter in Oregon, her journey serves as an inspiration and a reminder of the impact of kindness and collaboration in the world of animal rescue.

Amazing Pet Portraits by a Local Artist

Have you seen these?? These pet portraits showcase such personality! We learned about these via A Ruff Joint, a local dog groomer. They would make a very unique gift this season. If interested in ordering one, contact Rachelly Zandany at (865) 910-2252 or [email protected].

Knoxville Widow Receives New Roof Free of Charge After Original Contractor Fails to Deliver

A widow in Knoxville who initially hired Lucky Star Roofing to replace her roof encountered problems when the contractor, Roger Blakenship, failed to start the work despite receiving two-thirds of the $9,500 contract payment. Barnett Roofing, led by David Barnett, stepped in to help. They installed a new roof at no cost to the widow, with a 10-member crew working from dawn to dusk.

The widow, Lois, expressed deep gratitude, saying the roof looked as it did when she first moved in over 40 years ago. Barnett Roofing's involvement is part of their community support initiative, which includes a fund for free roofing for widows and children. Meanwhile, Lois has filed a theft charge against Blankenship, but he remains unlocated by the authorities.

Targeted Shooting on Old Maynardville Pike: Man Critically Injured

On Wednesday afternoon, the Knox County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of gunfire on Old Maynardville Pike. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a male victim suffering from critical gunshot injuries. He was promptly transported to a nearby hospital for medical attention.

Authorities have indicated that this shooting seems to be a specific, targeted event and is currently under investigation by the Major Crimes Unit of the Knox County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators are actively gathering information to formulate a description of the suspect involved in the incident.

Remaining November Events

Have an event to add? Let us know! [email protected] 

Multi-Date Events:

• Dinovember: Norwood Branch Library Merchant Drive, Now through 11/30

• Safety City’s ‘Christmas in the City: November 28th, 29th, 30th; 4 pm - 8 pm, More Info

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!