In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Knoxville Weather - Clear with a High of 71

📰 Knoxville Police Chief Seeks $2.9 Million for Officer Raises Amid Staffing Challenges

🗓️ Skate into Excitement: The Honky Tonk Stomp Rolls into Knoxville

🗓️ Monday Night Game Nights at Fountain City Social

📰 Knoxville's 311 Call Service: Your Gateway to City Services and Support

🗓️ Foothills Craft Guild Spring Artisan Fine Craft Show

🗓️ St. Patrick’s Day Parade Marches Downtown This Saturday

📣 Business Spotlight: Sanders Plumbing Company

🗓️ Upcoming Events

🗓️ Know of Some Local Events not Listed? Send us the Details!

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

Knoxville Police Chief Seeks $2.9 Million for Officer Raises Amid Staffing Challenges

Chief Paul Noel of the Knoxville Police Department is reaching out to the City of Knoxville with a funding request of $2.9 million aimed at increasing salaries for employees and officers.

Chief Noel presented the department's challenges in staffing and recruitment. Currently, the Knoxville Police Department faces the possibility of 90 retirements, a number that could escalate to over 130 by 2027. This is on top of the 80 positions that are already vacant and need to be filled. Despite new hires in 2023, the department experienced a net decrease in staff, with several officers leaving for better-paid positions at other agencies.

Knoxville's 311 Call Service: Your Gateway to City Services and Support

The City of Knoxville's 311 call service, managed by Russ Jensen, offers a direct line for residents to access city services and departments efficiently. Recognized as a pioneering customer support initiative since its launch in 2005, the service stands as a model for over 300 similar centers globally.

The 311 center operates as a comprehensive hub where trained representatives, like Ryan Noles, handle an array of inquiries, from service requests to providing information. In 2023, the center processed over 40,000 service requests and engaged in 180,000 customer interactions.

Available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on holidays, residents can contact the center via phone or email for assistance with city-related matters.

Skate into Excitement: The Honky Tonk Stomp Rolls into Knoxville

Knoxville's roller derby scene is skating into the spotlight with an event that promises to be as thrilling as it is unique. The Hard Knox Roller Derby team is gearing up to present "The Honky Tonk Stomp," a two-day roller derby on Saturday and Sunday, March 23rd-24th - a tournament that will bring the energy, competition, and community spirit of this beloved sport to the forefront. Scheduled to take place at the World's Fair Exhibition Hall by World's Fair Park, this event is not just a tournament; it's a celebration of athleticism, strategy, and the vibrant roller derby culture that thrives in Tennessee.

The Honky Tonk Stomp is set to feature teams from across Tennessee, each battling it out for the coveted title of the best in the state. Whether you're a die-hard fan of roller derby or new to the sport, the event promises an exhilarating experience that showcases the skill, speed, and spirit of its participants.

Don't miss your chance to be part of the excitement. Mark your calendars, gather your friends and family for a roller derby experience that promises to be unforgettable. More Info, It's going to be a weekend full of excitement, camaraderie, and, most importantly, roller derby. Don't miss out! Get Tickets

Monday Night Game Nights at Fountain City Social

Fountain City Social, at 4842 Harvest Mill Way, brings an unforgettable Monday night experience with their Game Nights. Offering an elegant setting to relax and enjoy after a long day, guests can explore a variety of board and card games while indulging in premium cocktails. Bourbon flights, served with expert guidance, and a selection of premium cigars perfectly complement the Old Fashioned specialty drinks, creating an inviting atmosphere for both old friends and new acquaintances to enjoy a night of fun and relaxation.

Some of their favorite games are: Cards Against Humanity, Shit Happens, Scattergories, You Bet Your Ass, Catch Phrase, Smart Ass, Blank Slate, New Phone Who Dis, Pit, etc., and more along these lines (that doesn't require too much thinking). They get new games all the time and welcome you to bring your games and teach participants how to play.

For more details, visit their website.

Foothills Craft Guild Spring Artisan Fine Craft Show

Join us at The Venue at Lenoir City for the Spring Artisan Fine Craft Show, a vibrant showcase of over two dozen fine craftspeople. This fundraiser for the Foothills Craft Guild features unique pieces across various mediums including clay, fiber, glass, and more.

Your support through attendance and donations is invaluable. Tickets are available at the door for $5. Don't miss this opportunity to explore extraordinary crafts on March 15th and 16th. More Info

Sanders Plumbing Company: A Knoxville Area Tradition of Excellence in Plumbing

Sanders Plumbing Company has been a cornerstone of the local plumbing industry for 35 years. Founded by Pete Sanders, a visionary who became one of the youngest plumbers to ever receive a Master's license in Knoxville, the company has built a reputation on the foundations of expertise, integrity, and community service.

Sanders Plumbing is more than just a business; it's a family legacy. Pete, alongside his high school sweetheart and wife of over 37 years, Vickie, has grown the company into a local institution. With their two adult children also contributing to the business, Sanders Plumbing embodies a commitment to family values and professional excellence.

Pete's leadership extends beyond his company's operations. His involvement in local business networking organizations, along with his role on the Executive Advisory Board of Success Group International, highlights his dedication to nurturing the growth of the plumbing industry and local businesses alike.

What distinguishes Sanders Plumbing Company is its unwavering commitment to quality and professionalism. As a part women-owned and operated business, Sanders Plumbing emphasizes the importance of continued education and the pursuit of the highest licensure within the plumbing profession. Pete Sanders holds a State CMC-A license, allowing the company to undertake larger scale projects with the assurance of top-tier expertise.

Each team member at Sanders Plumbing passes rigorous background checks, drug screenings, and receives thorough training, ensuring that clients receive the safest and most reliable service possible. Additionally, the company offers the unique convenience of a parts counter where customers can purchase plumbing supplies directly from their office location.

Sanders Plumbing's impact extends far beyond fixing leaks and installing fixtures. The company actively supports schools, agencies, and events benefiting local children and adults with special needs. This commitment to community involvement underscores Sanders Plumbing's philosophy of giving back to the community that has supported its growth and success.

Sanders Plumbing Company remains focused on delivering exceptional service and expanding its offerings to meet the evolving needs of Knoxville residents. The company's dedication to excellence, community service, and family values continues to set it apart in the plumbing industry.

For those in need of reliable plumbing services or interested in learning more about Sanders Plumbing Company's commitment to quality and community, Michelle Sanders is your primary contact. Reach out via email at [email protected] or call at (865) 922-9175. Discover more about their services on their website.

Sanders Plumbing Company, Inc. represents the best of Knoxville's plumbing services, combining decades of expertise with a deep commitment to the community and the highest standards of professionalism.

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

Community:

Free Parking at Ijams Nature Center: Wednesday, March 13th, Saturday, April 6th, Saturday, June 1st, Wednesday, October 9th, Monday, November 11th, and Friday, November 29th, More Info

Farm Animal Baby Cuddling: from 3pm - 5pm every Saturday in March (March 16th, 23rd, 30th), at the Friendly Farm, 1104 Rebel Hollow Rd in Tazewell, Get your tickets

St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Downtown on Saturday, March 16th at 1pm, starts at Gay Street and ends at Gay Street / West Magnolia after passing key downtown landmarks

Pancake Breakfast to Benefit Tennessee Children’s Home: Pancakes, eggs, bacon, and a drink for $5 at Aubrey’s Cedar Bluff, 9208 Middlebrook Pike on Saturday, March 16th from 8am - 10am. Tickets

Used Book Sale at Powell Branch Library: on Saturday, March 16th from 10am - 5pm, 330 W Emory Rd

Game Nights at Fountain City Social: on Mondays, March 18th and 25th from 6pm-8pm, 4842 Harvest Mills Way, Everyone welcome, More Info

Pancake Fest 2024: on Friday, March 22nd from 7am - noon at the O’Connor Senior Center, 611 Winona St. More Info

Used Book Sale at Farragut Branch Library: on Friday-Saturday, March 22nd-23rd from 10am - 5pm, 417 N Campbell Station Rd

Successful Seed Starting in Six Easy Steps: hosted by Knox County Master Gardners, on Saturday, March 23rd from 10am - 11:30am at the Bloom Center, Attendance is free, but registration is required Register Here, space is limited to 20 registrants, at The Bloom Center, 6228 Anderson Drive

Crafts:

Drawstring Easter Treat Bag - Sewing class (machine): at Creative Spark Studio, 2009 East Broadway Ave in Maryville, Thursday, March 14th at 5:30pm, More Info

Embellished Cold Process Soap Making with Elizabeth: at Creative Spark Studio, 2009 East Broadway Ave in Maryville, Sunday, March 17th at 2pm, More Info

Food & Drink:

Tea Tasting Workshops: at the Spice & Tea Exchange - Green & White Teas on Tuesday, March 19th at 6:30pm, 522 S Gay St. Cost: $30 per person per workshop. Call (865) 985-0913 to reserve your spot!

Easter Afternoon Tea: with teas, finger sandwiches, scones, sweets and guitar music, at the Spice & Tea Exchange on Sunday, March 31st at 3pm or 5pm, 522 S Gay St. Cost: $55 per person. Call (865) 985-0913 to reserve your spot!

Kids:

Kids and Youth Afternoon out, Spring Break Style: at Creative Spark Studio, 2009 East Broadway Ave in Maryville, Wednesday - Friday, March 13th - 15th, various times, More Info

Music:

Gospel Plowboys: Union County Opry at Union County High School, 150 Main St in Maynardville on Saturday, March 16th at 7pm, More Info

Theatre:

Mary Poppins: at the Lighthouse Youth Theatre, Historic Grove Theatre at 123 Randolph Road in Oak Ridge, Thursday-Friday, March 14th-15th at 7pm and Saturday, March 16th at 1pm and 6pm. Cost: $15 and up. Get Tickets/More Info

Theatre 23 Presents ‘As it is in Heaven’ by Arlene Hutton: set in the 1830’s Shaker society, at the Old City Performing Arts Center, 111 State Street, showing Friday - Sunday, March 15th - 17th, About, Tickets

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