In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Knoxville Weather - Today Mostly Cloudy with a high of 69

🦆 Lonesome Duck’s Tale: Seeking New Quacks on the Block

📰 Transforming Lives: Yassin Terou's Journey from Falafel Shop Owner to Community Changemaker

🔥 East Knoxville Blaze Engulfs Sheds, Spreads to 3 Acres Before Containment

👮🏾‍♂️ Active Search for Armed Suspects After Deputies Fired Upon in West Knox County

💡 Let’s Spotlight Your Business!
 

Lonesome Duck’s Tale: Seeking New Quacks on the Block

Gibbs/Corryton Area: Oh, quack! The lady duck of a pair has disappeared - on a mysterious adventure, leaving our gentleman duck flying solo. Their owner is heading over to Rural King on Wednesday to pick up some adorable ducklings. In the meantime, or in addition to - if anyone has some ducks or cute little ducklings looking for a new pond to splash in, let us know via email ([email protected]) and we will get you in touch with their owner! This lonesome duck is eager for some buddies to ruffle feathers with! 🦆💦

Transforming Lives: Yassin Terou's Journey from Falafel Shop Owner to Community Changemaker

Yassin Terou, owner of Yassin’s Falafel House in Knoxville, is known for his community service, especially towards the homeless. His restaurant was recognized as the “Nicest Place in America” by Reader’s Digest in 2018 and received the Rotary Peace Prize. Terou, an immigrant, attributes his success to community support, having grown his business from one to three locations.

He recently initiated a project where he paid the homeless to collect trash, leading to an offer of employment to a participating individual. Inspired by this, Terou founded Seeds & Bridges, a nonprofit to assist those in need with finding jobs by providing resources like transportation and clean clothes.

This initiative is part of his broader effort to transform small acts into opportunities for personal and community growth, evident in his history of hiring from the homeless community.

East Knoxville Blaze Engulfs Sheds, Spreads to 3 Acres Before Containment

On Monday, a wildfire in East Knoxville engulfed two sheds at 1103 Andes Road, leading to a significant smoke cloud over parts of the city. The Knoxville Fire Department's spokesperson, Mark Wilbanks, confirmed the incident. Health and safety officer Tim Woods noted that the fire initially spread from the sheds to the nearby grass. The cause of the blaze is currently under investigation by the authorities. The fire expanded to approximately 3 acres before firefighters were able to contain it. Firefighting teams were dispatched to the scene at 3 p.m. and by 4 p.m., they had largely extinguished the fire, focusing on eliminating remaining hot spots.

Active Search for Armed Suspects After Deputies Fired Upon in West Knox County

The Knox County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a search in West Knox County after deputies were shot at in the Karns community. This incident occurred early Monday following a response to a reported car burglary.

Two suspects, described as armed and dangerous, fired at deputies and fled on foot. They are young males in their early 20s, wearing dark hoodies, with one in jeans and the other in khaki pants or shorts.

The Sheriff's Office, including various specialized units, is intensively investigating the area. Additionally, two juveniles were arrested on unrelated charges during the investigation. No injuries to deputies were reported, and the public is urged to report any suspicious activities.

Let’s Spotlight Your Business!

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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!