Knox County Chief Deputy Bernie Lyon is in ICU; details undisclosed. Sheriff Spangler calls for prayers. Lyon, running for sheriff, previously announced Capt. Yarnell as a contingency running mate.

Gatlinburg introduces a new Safe Haven Baby Box for the anonymous surrender of newborns in crisis situations, offering a secure, legal, and judgement-free option for parents.

Monroe County Sheriff's Office announced a partnership with Orijin, endorsed by Tennessee, to launch a pilot job training program for inmates, aiming to reduce recidivism through industry-recognized certifications.

Officer Mattie Newport joined the Alcoa Police Department after a Swearing In Ceremony on December 8, bringing military experience from her Army service. She's set to attend the Blount County Training Academy.

Alcoa City is soliciting RFPs from consulting firms for a Master Plan to assess and improve city facilities, with proposals due by January 29, 2026. The city retains the right to waive formalities and reject any proposal.

Tri-City Police Leadership Academy in its final week trains police personnel in leadership, with attendees from 10 agencies set to graduate this Friday. The program includes diverse presentations aimed at improving policing skills and leadership.

Andrea Kline was chosen by the Knox County Commission as interim Knox County General Sessions Court judge, set to replace retiring Judge Andrew Jackson VI.

The Board of Commission meetings in Johnson City, originally set for early January 2026, are rescheduled for a week later, retaining the 6 p.m. start time.

Tennessee's McGhee Tyson ANGB will receive the new KC-46A Pegasus tanker by 2031, enhancing refueling capabilities for the 134th Air Refueling Wing and improving conditions for airmen.

Nick Geis joins Johnson City as a new assistant city manager with extensive experience in managing municipal services from his prior role in Lexington, N.C.

Eleven inmates in Loudon County, TN, were honored for completing the ANETS program, which aims to reduce recidivism by teaching essential trade skills.

The Elizabethton Regional Planning Commission meeting on December 4, 2025, will include discussions on a rezoning request by Daniel Lewis and setting the 2026 meeting schedule.

Samantha Maney was sworn in as sergeant in Elizabethton, set to oversee school resource and traffic officers, reflecting her 12-year law enforcement career and crisis negotiation skills.