In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Knoxville Weather - Light Rain with a High of 52

📰 Former Knox County Resident Receives Pardon, Champions Forgiveness

📰 Urban Fishing - Fountain City Lake Hosts Winter Trout Stocking Event

📰 New Andy's Frozen Custard Drive-Thru Set to Open in Knoxville's Cedar Bluff Area

🐕‍🦺 Pets: Training Tip of the Day

📅 Upcoming December Events, including Christmas Parades

💡 We Want to Spotlight Your Business!
 

Former Knox County Resident Receives Pardon, Champions Forgiveness

A former resident of Knox County, Tylor Trotter, received a pardon from Tennessee Governor Bill Lee for a 2010 robbery conviction. Trotter has overcome addiction and built a successful career as a barber.

He's notable for his forgiving attitude, having forgiven the person responsible for his mother's death in a triple homicide in 2020 and influencing prosecutors against seeking the death penalty.

Now based in Jacksonville, Florida, Trotter remains connected to Knox County and aims to inspire others with his story of transformation and the power of forgiveness. His experience highlights the possibility of significant personal change and moving beyond past struggles.

Urban Fishing - Fountain City Lake Hosts Winter Trout Stocking Event

Fishing enthusiasts, both beginners and seasoned, convened at Fountain City Lake last Friday for trout fishing. This event was part of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency's (TWRA) winter fish stocking program.

The agency stocked about 350 rainbow trout from the Buffalo Spring Fish Hatchery into the lake. The initiative aims to establish an urban fishery accessible to those who may not have the means to travel to natural fishing spots in East Tennessee. The TWRA believes that local spots like Fountain City Lake offer a great opportunity for urban residents to enjoy trout fishing, especially during the colder months.

New Andy's Frozen Custard Drive-Thru Set to Open in Knoxville's Cedar Bluff Area

Andy's Frozen Custard is set to open a new location in Knoxville at Cedar Bluff. The new site, located at 513 N. Cedar Bluff Road, will feature a 1,820-square-foot drive-thru facility. This outlet will offer a range of desserts like concretes, sundaes, malts, and shakes. There are plans to add six more over the next six years.

Pet Training Tip of the Day

Tip: Do not expect immediate results - give your dog a chance..

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

Upcoming December Events

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

Monday, 12/18:

• Christmas Party at the Strike & Spare Fountain Lanes: December 18th, 5pm - 8:30pm. This party is for anyone that needs assitance during the holiday for their children (ages 0-12 will receive a gift & ages 13-16 are also invited). They will provide bowling, food & snacks. Santa Claus will be there for photo opportunities and visits. NO gifts will be given before 8pm. MUST be present to receive gift. Limited Lanes are available, call to sign up (Ricky Spiva - (865) 283-2394 or Fountain Lanes - (865) 687-4611.

• The Grand Victoria Christmas Open House: December 18th, 3pm - 8pm, 6325 Tazewell Pike. Come check out the newest venue in Knoxville, enjoying a Christmas open house and local vendors with gifts and crafts. More Info

Thursday, 12/21:

• Vienna Light Orchestra Christmas Tour: December 21st, Second Presbyterian Church, 2829 Kingston Pike, 4pm and 7pm. Cost: Varies. More Info

Multi-Date Events:

• 37th Annual Clayton Holiday Concert: December 15th, 7:30pm; December 16th, 3pm & 7:30pm; December 17th, 3pm at the Civic Auditorium. More Info

• The Best Thing About Christmas at the Bijou Theatre: December 19th & 20th, See the Christmas Spirit…Nashville Style, Doors open at 6pm, Show begins at 7pm, More Info/Get Tickets 

• Downtown Peppermint Trail: Now through 1/7/2024. More Info

• Holiday Open House at Sanctuary Day Spa & Boutique: December 16th and 17th from 9am - 5pm, 9700 Kingston Pike. Holiday food, drink, retail sales and more! Get your holiday shopping wrapped up with our free gift wrapping 🎁 & enjoy some Spa treats and door prizes at the same time! More Info

• Ice Skating in Market Square: An open-air ice rink, Now through 1/2/2024. More Info

• Santa & the Grinch: Have your photo made with Santa & the Grinch every Sunday until Christmas, 2pm - 5pm at Painting with Friends Studio, 4301 East Emory Road 1st come 1st serve. Cost: $3.00/person. 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!