In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Knoxville Weather - Clear with a High of 40

📰 Greyhound in Negotiations for New Knoxville Location

📰 Submit Your Entry for the 2023 Neighborhood Achievement Awards

📰 Orlando To Knoxville TikTok Story Controversy

🐕‍🦺 Pets: Training Tip of the Day

📅 Upcoming December Events

💡 We Want to Spotlight Your Business!
 

Greyhound in Negotiations for New Knoxville Location

Greyhound has been functioning from a sidewalk on Kirkwood Street in East Knoxville for over a year and is currently in talks to establish a new stop with a ticketing center in 2024. The company started operating at the Knoxville Area Transit's Burlington Superstop on Kirkwood in November 2022, which led to dissatisfaction among area residents.

This situation highlighted that Greyhound has been working without formal approval from the city, prompting conversations about the necessity of a permanent and officially approved facility. While Greyhound has not yet announced a specific timeline for the relocation, representatives from the company are optimistic about a potential move in the upcoming year.

Submit Your Entry for the 2023 Neighborhood Achievement Awards

The City of Knoxville Neighborhood Achievement Awards are inviting nominations for neighborhood organizations to showcase their 2023 projects and initiatives. Nominations are due by 4:30 p.m. on January 26. These awards are open to all neighborhood groups, with winners receiving $100 for future projects.

Projects can range from beautification efforts and community events to communication improvements and the strengthening of neighborhood groups. Applications can be submitted through this online form. For more information, contact Shannett Riley at (865) 215-3232 or [email protected].

Award recipients will be celebrated at a special dinner in the spring. The awards aim to recognize and honor the creative and impactful efforts of neighborhood groups throughout the year.

TikTok Users Accuse Hallmark Channel of Using Their Real-Life Story in New Christmas Movie Without Credit

A TikTok user named Alanah ('alanahstory21') has accused the Hallmark Channel of using her personal experience for their Christmas movie, 'Holiday Road', without giving her credit. Alanah's viral TikTok video, which gained over 4.3 million views, described a journey where she and strangers rented a van for a road trip from Orlando to Knoxville after a canceled flight, a story similar to the movie's plot.

Despite Hallmark's claim that the film is inspired by various incidents and entirely original, Alanah and another TikToker, Michelle ('thefarmbabe'), allege that Hallmark replicated their unique experience without consent. This has sparked a debate on intellectual property rights and the ethical considerations in content development. The public has shown support for Alanah and Michelle, leading to widespread interest in the dispute.

Pet Training Tip of the Day

Tip: Fade out the treats! You do not want to have to rely on food/treats all of the time.

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] 

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:

• 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

• 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!