In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Knoxville Weather - Rain with a High of 60

📰 KAT Dedicates Bus Seats to Rosa Parks

👮🏾‍♂️ Knoxville Police Arrest Two Convicted Felons Following Forestdale Avenue Shooting Incident

📰 USPS Discusses Future of Knoxville Center Amid Modernization Plans

👮🏾‍♂️ Knoxville Police Seek Assistance in Identifying Suspect in Armed Robbery at Inskip Market

🐕‍🦺 Pet Training Tip of the Day

📅 Upcoming Events in December, including Christmas Parades

💡 We Want to Spotlight Your Business!
 

Honoring Rosa Parks: KAT Dedicates Bus Seats to Civil Rights Icon

On December 1, KAT honored Rosa Parks by reserving one seat on each bus. This seat displayed a placard acknowledging Parks' pivotal role in advancing racial equality in the United States, highlighting how her decision to remain seated on a city bus significantly influenced American history.

Rosa Parks' arrest on December 1, 1955, followed her refusal to relinquish her bus seat to a white passenger in Montgomery, Alabama. This defiance sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, where African Americans boycotted the city’s transit system for 381 days. This movement eventually led to the Supreme Court's decision that segregation on public transportation was unconstitutional.

USPS Discusses Future of Knoxville Center Amid Modernization Plans

USPS leaders met with employees in Knoxville to discuss potential changes at the local Processing and Distribution Center as part of a nationwide Mail Processing Facility Review aimed at modernizing services.

There's a possibility of shifting operations from Knoxville to Louisville, Kentucky, causing concerns among employees about job security and the quality of customer service. While no layoffs are expected, around 72 positions might be reassigned to another facility.

A Union leader, criticized the plan, advocating for keeping mail operations local in the growing city of Knoxville. USPS has opened a 15-day online survey for feedback, promising to review public comments and keep employees informed about future steps.

Knoxville Police Arrest Two Convicted Felons Following Forestdale Avenue Shooting Incident

The Knoxville Police Department arrested two convicted felons, Alexander Faye and Buddy Blair, after responding to a shots fired call on Forestdale Avenue.

Officers found multiple shots had been fired into the air from a gray car. A car matching the description was stopped, and the driver, under threat from a passenger, informed the police.

Faye and Blair were identified and found to have prior felonies. Five firearms were recovered from the car, and no injuries were reported. The KPD praised its officers for their effective response to the situation.

Knoxville Police Seek Assistance in Identifying Suspect in Armed Robbery at Inskip Market

The Knoxville Police Department is seeking assistance in identifying an individual involved in a robbery at Inskip Market. According to authorities, the suspect carried out an armed robbery at the store on Tuesday evening. Following the incident, the suspect fled towards Central Avenue Pike. The police urge anyone with relevant information to contact them at (865) 215-7165.

Pet Training Tip of the Day

Tip: Train when you and your dog are in a good headspace - short burst training sessions for success.

Today’s Pet Training Tip of the Day is brought to you by Rachel Neubauer of Zoom Room Knoxville-Hardin Valley.

Upcoming Events in December

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

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

Sunday, 12/3:

• Christmas Concert & Food Drive: Knoxville Community Band at the Bijou Theater, 803 Gay Street, 3 pm to benefit FISH Hospitality Pantries Cost: Please bring non-perishable food items. More Info

Sunday, 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:

• 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:

• Book Sale: Bearden Branch Library, December 1st and 2nd, from 10 am until 5 pm. Most books one or two dollars. Great selection.

• 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!