In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Knoxville Weather - Isolated Thunderstorms with a High of 63

🎁 Creative and Budget-Friendly Experience Gifts for Memorable Holidays

📰 Extended Completion Date for I-640 Corridor Project Due to Bridge Repairs

👮🏾‍♂️ Police Investigate Early Morning Officer-Involved Shooting

👮🏾‍♂️ Repeat Burglar Caught in the Act by a Quick-Thinking Citizen

🐕‍🦺 Pet Training Tip of the Day

📅 Upcoming Events in December, including Christmas Parades

💡 We Want to Spotlight Your Business!
 

Creative and Budget-Friendly Experience Gifts for Memorable Holidays

This holiday season, consider giving the gift of experiences as a thoughtful and budget-friendly alternative to traditional presents. Christopher Sneed from the University of Tennessee Extension suggests using creativity and time to create memorable experiences.

Ideas include a movie night at home with a personalized coupon, a trip to a state park, organizing a family cooking school to share cherished recipes, crafting personalized gifts like coasters with family photos, and offering help with tasks like cleaning or organizing. These experience-based gifts focus on creating lasting memories and cherishing time spent with loved ones. Try one this year!

Extended Completion Date for I-640 Corridor Project Due to Bridge Repairs

The I-640 corridor project, covering the area from the North Broadway Interchange to the I-40 Interchange, initially planned to finish by November 2023, has been extended to August 2024.

This delay is due to the discovery of significant potholing in several bridges in the area, leading to added bridge repair work. The Tennessee Department of Transportation decided to conduct these repairs simultaneously with the road resurfacing to avoid future road closures.

Knoxville Police Investigate Early Morning Officer-Involved Shooting

The Knoxville Police Department is currently investigating a shooting incident involving an officer, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning near the West Hills community.

The situation began when an officer was dispatched to a residence on the 6800 block of Pemmbrooke Shire Lane at approximately 1:20 a.m. This followed a text message to 911 Dispatch requesting emergency assistance at a location in that vicinity, as stated by the police department.

Upon the officer's arrival at the residence, they encountered a man armed with a firearm. During this confrontation, the Knoxville Police indicated that the officer, while taking cover, discharged their weapon once. It was reported that there were no injuries as a result of this incident.

Repeat Burglar Caught in the Act by a Quick-Thinking Citizen

On Friday, an Oak Ridge man, identified as a gang member, was found guilty of aggravated burglary and vandalism. This information was confirmed by the Knox County District Attorney's office. The man's apprehension was attributed to the prompt actions of an alert citizen.

In a statement issued by the District Attorney's office, it was announced that 38-year-old Kevin Ray Newman had been convicted on the charges of aggravated burglary and vandalism. His sentencing has been set for January 11. Newman is potentially facing a prison term of 15 to 21 years in the Tennessee Department of Corrections.

Pet Training Tip of the Day

Tip: Focus on one skill at a time and break things down into bite-size pieces.

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] 

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:

• 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!