The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will halt all lane closure activity on interstates and state routes for the Labor Day holiday travel period. Construction crews will stop all lane-closure activities at noon on Friday, September 4, and resume at 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8. This will provide maximum roadway capacity for motorists traveling during the Labor Day holiday.

“The Labor Day holiday is always a busy travel time,” said TDOT Commissioner Will Reid, P.E. “We want to ensure that the thousands of travelers using Tennessee’s roadways during this period arrive at their destinations quickly and safely without being impeded by road construction delays. We also want to ensure the safety of our HELP Truck drivers who will be working in urban and rural areas. Please pay attention, move over, and slow down for all first responders. It’s the law!”

While lane closure activity will be stopped, workers will still be on-site in many construction zones, and drivers are urged to obey posted speed limits. Drivers convicted of speeding in work zones where workers are present face a fine of $250 to $500, plus court fees and possibly increased insurance premiums.

Get the latest construction activity and live streaming SmartWay traffic cameras from your desktop or mobile device at www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic. Travelers can also dial 511 for statewide travel information. As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and to Know Before You Go by checking travel conditions before leaving for their destination.  Drivers should never tweet, text, or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.

~ from Visit Knoxville

Visitors to Knox County generated $2,208,345,965 in spending in 2025, representing a 3.9% increase over 2024 and outpacing the statewide growth rate of 2.7%, according to newly released data from Tourism Economics and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.

Statewide, Tennessee’s tourism industry generated a record $32.5 billion in direct visitor spending in 2025 and $3.3 billion in state and local tax revenue. The state’s tourism economy has grown 40% since 2018, nearly double the national growth rate of 22%.

Visitor spending in Knox County grew 35.7% during that time, also ahead of the national average, led by increases in lodging.

“We’re proud to work alongside an incredible network of hospitality partners who help make the City of Knoxville and Knox County a welcoming and memorable destination,” said Kim Bumpas, President of Visit Knoxville. “As these numbers show, tourism is a strong economic driver for our community and beyond, and we’re grateful to play a role that positively impacts visitors and locals alike.”

BY THE NUMBERS*:

• Direct visitor spending in Knox County generated $139,671,017 in state tax revenue and $81,648,077 in local tax revenue.
• Every day, visitors spend $6,050,263 on lodging, retail, transportation, recreation and dining throughout Knox County.
• If it were not for state and local taxes generated by tourism, each household in Knox County would pay $1,100 more in state and local taxes.
• Visitor-paid taxes support public education and other critical services across Tennessee.
• Knox County ranked 4 among the 95 counties in Tennessee based on visitor spending.

*Research conducted by Tourism Economics, commissioned by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. The data above highlights the impact of visitors within the incorporated and unincorporated areas of Knox County.

2025 Statewide Highlights:

• Visitors spent $89 million per day across the state in 2025.
• Tennessee’s 2.7% year-over-year growth in visitor spending outpaced the national growth rate of 1.9%.
• Fifty-seven of Tennessee’s 95 counties saw year-over-year growth.
• Visitor spending generated $2 billion in state tax revenue and $1.3 billion in local tax revenue.

Knox County is part of Tennessee’s Middle East tourism region, where visitor spending reached $7.9 billion in 2025, up 4% over 2024 and up 47.6% since 2018.

The 2025 Economic Impact on Travel Report analyzes statewide spending and visitation from domestic and international travelers to Tennessee. The report includes methodology used to determine visitor spending, tax generation, job creation and more. The TN Travel Impact Interactive County Dashboard provides instant access to key metrics, statewide and by county, about the economic impact of travel to Tennessee. All data is sourced from the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and Tourism Economics, with national benchmarks provided by U.S. Travel Association.

According to a 2018 study, it is estimated that forty percent of births in the United States occur outside of marriage. That is an increase from twenty-eight percent in 1990.

It seems that there is much less of a stigma surrounding having children while not being married. To the extent that there exists any discrimination to those children who are born to an unmarried couple, the Tennessee legislators have passed a law in an attempt to prevent such and made it a criminal act to discriminate against individuals based upon them being born to unmarried individuals.

Tennessee Code Annotated section 36-2-316 states,

(a) No child born out of a wedlock shall be deprived of any civil benefit afforded to other citizens by law.

(b) Any person, including any employee or official of any governmental agency, who deprives any person of any civil benefit afforded to other citizens by law, by reason of the child being born out of wedlock, commits a Class C misdemeanor.

This law was passed in 1997. I am not sure how much discrimination is occurring on this basis, but if it is occurring, it carries with it a criminal penalty.

Jedidiah McKeehan is an attorney practicing in Knox County and surrounding counties.  He works in many areas, including family law, criminal, and personal injury. Visit attorney-knoxville.com for more information about this legal issue and other legal issues.

Moments of transition are always interesting, sometimes sad, many times poignant, often intriguing. There is a wide range of emotions as you watch one career pass in review and watch another one begin. The day in question was June 4, 2003, in the Neyland-Thompson Center.

You might call it the changing of the guard.

It was sometime after 9 a.m. that Doug Dickey, AD since 1985 and head football coach from 1964-69, told the staff, “I deeply appreciate everything you’ve done for the Athletics Department.”

Calling it a “team effort,” Dickey discussed the Department’s past, present, and future. There were no surprises as he discussed facilities, revenue streams, and cash flow. He also discussed his thoughts about the people he had come to know and respect, even admire, over the years.

He talked about great athletes and great moments, the excitement his two Tennessee careers engendered, and the dynamics that made the University of Tennessee such a great place.

The bottom line,” he said, “is that it’s all about the teams and the student-athletes and how we manage the scene.”

His last words were vintage Doug Dickey: “I have a comfort zone about what you’ve helped accomplish.”

With that, he introduced Mike Hamilton as his successor and quietly left the room.

No one applauded, but they didn’t have to. Dickey wouldn’t have liked that. His final meeting with his coaches a day or two earlier had been marked by a brief show of emotion that was reminiscent of his remarks about Jim McDonald in 1994 when McDonald was named the East Tennessee Chapter’s Distinguished American Award winner.

It could have been in 2001 when Dickey paid tribute to his mentor Bob Woodruff when Bob received the Robert R. Neyland Award.

A flashy show of emotion was not his style, and there are those who wish more people could see the real person.

I’ll remember more than one amazing side to Doug Dickey. There was the ramrod straight young coach who brought the Vol football program back to national prominence in the mid-1960s. Vol fans believed their favorite team would win every time out.

On the night of Nov. 18, 1967, near the site of Tom Black Track, Vol fans came from far and wide to pay tribute after a 20-7 triumph over Ole Miss in Memphis. There was a bonfire and a profound sense of excitement.

The Vols were close to claiming an SEC title and earned it two weeks later with wins over Kentucky and Vanderbilt. On his arrival in Knoxville in December 1963, Dickey had predicted big things happening in the Vol football program in his fourth year. This was the fourth year.

There were Sunday afternoons at 1 p.m. in Knoxville and at various other times statewide, with Dickey and John Ward narrating highlights of the previous day’s game. It was a “can’t miss” event and anxiously awaited each week.

Then there was Doug Dickey, the AD with the big shoulders, who led the Vol program in the mid-1980s and beyond. The adjectives come freely: decisive, tough, and persistent, but always accessible.

There were two major crises in Dickey’s tenure as head coach that happened between October 1965 and March 1966. Three coaches were killed in a car-train wreck in West Knox County the Monday morning after the Alabama game. In March, two players were killed in Benton (Polk County) after a truck sideswiped their car.

Dickey stepped to the forefront in both instances and guided the football program through the Valley of the Shadow, earning respect from thoughtful observers who watched it all transpire.

In 2005, Dickey found out that one of his employees was on the street in the rain outside his home after what appeared to be a domestic dispute. It was not a good scene.

His voice echoed his disappointment with the whole situation. Fortunately, several of us had heard what had happened and were in the process of taking action. It was clear that he appreciated that.

Doug Dickey might have walked out of the room quietly that June morning, but his accomplishments are written in large letters across the landscape of the University of Tennessee and the state of Tennessee as a whole.

The changing of the guard has a sense of finality to it, but it’s a part of the natural ebb and flow of life as we know it.

ITEM:  The University of Tennessee Press has announced that Doug Dickey’s memoir, “Just Keep Jumping,” is in the final proof stage and is slated for publication this November.

The book chronicles Dickey’s life and times as a legendary football coach, athletic director, and College Football Hall of Fame member. It is a tribute to perseverance and leadership, as well as to the enduring spirit of a true trailblazer.

“When Doug Dickey spoke, people listened,” said Peyton Manning. “I know I did.”

By Mark Nagi

As you well know, the 2026 college football season is almost here. Technically, it has already arrived with “Week Zero” contests played last weekend, but the real deal starts on Saturday.

For the Tennessee Volunteers, only 12 games are guaranteed. Nine SEC contests and three out-of-conference games. I know how busy everyone is, so I’ve taken the liberty of predicting each game, for entertainment purposes only.

Note: Some of these are tongue-in-cheek. For the love of all that is right in this world, do not wager Braxton’s 529 plans on these prognostications.

The season starts with an easy 52-7 win over Furman. A sold-out crowd at Neyland Stadium watched QB Faizon Brandon look good while contributing five total TDs. Vols fans begin a “Brandon for Heisman” campaign.

A week later, Tennessee edges Georgia Tech 24-21 in Atlanta. Tennessee LB Arion Carter makes a game-saving tackle. After the game, he wears an NCAA headband during interviews.

In Week three, Tennessee hosts Kennesaw State. In an odd decision by the University, only fans who knew that Kennesaw State is a school located in Georgia are allowed to attend. An estimated 45,000 fans (including 622 students) watch the Vols beat the (looks up team nickname) Owls 63-10. Brandon throws five TD passes.

One of the games of the year in college football takes place in Week 4, as Texas faces Tennessee. This is the first time the Vols have played the Longhorns since the 1969 Cotton Bowl. Texas QB Arch Manning, nephew of Tennessee legend Peyton Manning, throws three TD passes and runs for another in a 42-31 victory. Peyton is seen after the game giving the “hook ‘em” sign in celebration. Tennessee fans burn his jersey in the open section of the soon-to-be-demolished G-10 parking garage.

Tennessee bounces back with a 24-17 win over Auburn the following week. Tigers head coach Alex Golesh can’t beat his old employer in his first attempt. Golesh served as the Vols’ offensive coordinator under Josh Heupel in 2021-2022. Auburn boosters immediately fire him and offer Bill Belichick $300 million to coach the Tigers, but Belichick can’t get out of a cheerleading competition commitment he gave his girlfriend.

Tennessee’s second road game of the season is on deck with a trip to Fayetteville to face Arkansas. This is a scheduling quirk, as the Vols played at Arkansas only two years prior, and faced the Razorbacks in 2025. The Vols win an ugly game 14-7, and Brandon runs for both TDs.

The Vols are 5-1 heading into the “Third Saturday in October.” The last two times Alabama came to Neyland Stadium, goalposts were torn down. This time there would be no Vols fans rushing the field, as the Tide win 31-17. Even with the win, Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer is told by Alabama fans that they wish he was Nick Saban, prompting DeBoer to resign and take an offshore drilling job in the South China Sea, where he hopes that there will be no Alabama fans.

Tennessee then heads to South Carolina, and once again that matchup in Columbia is a memorable one. Freshman WR TK Keys makes a key block on one TD and throws for another on a trick play as the Vols win 35-20. South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer is fired after the game and also takes a job with an offshore drilling company based in the South China Sea.

After a bye week, the Vols head to the coldest place on the planet, a night game in Lexington in November. Tennessee wins an ugly game over Kentucky 31-27, a game in which UK led three times. There’s really nothing new here. This result is always what happens.

The 6-2 Vols head to College Station, playoff hopes still intact. They leave with those hopes squashed at Kyle Field as Texas A&M wins 12-9.

Now 6-3, Lane Kiffin and the LSU Tigers come to Neyland Stadium. Security is tight as Lane Kiffin walks onto the field to a chorus of boos and vitriol not seen since William Wallace is tried in England on charges of treason. The Tigers, supported by a roster filled with former NFL players, Olympic track stars and monsters from “Space Jam,” beat Tennessee 35-28. After the game, Kiffin defends his roster makeup. “If the NCAA doesn’t have any disciplinary power, why would we follow any rules?” ESPN College GameDay hosts carry Kiffin off the field after the game, as 56,000 yellow golf balls are thrown at him.

Tennessee finishes the season with a 23-14 win over Vanderbilt. For the second straight year, the Vols are 8-4 and accept a Music City Bowl invite.

You have seen it a thousand times. So, have I. A headline appears on your screen: “You Won’t Believe What Happened Next!” or “This Changes Everything!” Curiosity gets the best of you, so you click, only to discover that the content rarely lives up to the headline. We call it clickbait.

The term grew out of the internet age, combining “click” with “bait.” Much like bait on a fishing hook, the headline is designed to lure you in. The objective is not necessarily to inform you, help you, or even tell you the whole truth. The objective is to get your attention long enough to get your click. Because in today’s internet market, those clicks and hits pay. It’s called monetizing. Unfortunately, I fear we are witnessing the rise of Click-Bait Christianity. Social media has provided Christians with an incredible platform to communicate truth. But it has also created a culture where controversy gets clicks, outrage generates engagement, and arguments attract audiences. Before long, it becomes tempting to measure spiritual influence by views, shares, comments, and followers.

Remember in high school, everyone rushing to that one part of the hallway to see what was happening? Nothing builds an audience quite like a good fight. Let me be clear: Christians should know what they believe. Peter instructed believers to “be ready always to give an answer” for the hope within them (1 Peter 3:15). We should be able to articulate our faith, defend sound doctrine, identify erroneous teaching, and stand courageously for biblical truth. Still, Peter finishes that instruction: “with meekness and fear.”

The Bible was never given to us merely to provide ammunition for arguments. There are Christians who seem perpetually angry and endlessly contentious. Every issue becomes a hill to die on, every disagreement becomes evidence of compromise, and every secondary doctrine becomes a test of fellowship. Was Noah’s flood universal or regional? Who exactly were the Nephilim in Genesis 6? Were they fallen angels, descendants of Seth, powerful rulers or something else? Then there is the gap theory. Sincere Bible-believing Christians have debated questions like these for generations. Study them, develop convictions about them, and have thoughtful conversations about them, but don’t confuse winning those arguments with fulfilling the Great Commission.

We can become experts on the identity of the Nephilim while never telling our neighbor about Jesus. We can spend hours arguing about the symbolic dimensions of Noah’s ark while never warning a single person about coming judgment. We can win a theological debate online while losing our Christian testimony in the process. Paul warned Timothy about those who became consumed with “questions and strifes of words” (1 Timothy 6:4). He later instructed him to avoid “foolish and unlearned questions, knowing that they do gender strifes” (2 Timothy 2:23). Some things are worth contending for. Jude tells us to “earnestly contend for the faith.” But there is a difference between contending for the faith and being contentious over the faith.

The evidence that I know my Bible is not merely that I can explain difficult passages. It is that the Bible is changing the way I live. It should make me more loving, more gracious, more patient, more humble, more courageous, more holy, and more burdened for people who need Jesus. Knowledge that produces arrogance has missed the point. Truth that never produces transformation has been mishandled. Our world does not need another generation of self-appointed scholars shouting at one another through screens; it needs Christians who know the truth, live the truth, speak the truth in love, and share the Gospel with people who desperately need it.

So study deeply. Think carefully. Defend faithfully. Stand firmly. But never become so interested in winning an argument that you forget we were commissioned to win people.

Christianity was never supposed to be clickbait; it is supposed to be Christlike.

By Joe Rector

joerector@comcast.net

We all woke up this morning hoping that the news wasn’t true, that we’d just had a bad dream. However, with the sunlight came the realization that Dolly Parton is gone. Just like it was hard to believe that she was 80, the fact that the world has lost a shining star became a reality.

For those of us here in East Tennessee, the news that our favorite person is gone stings almost too much to bear. We who are old enough remember her singing on the Cas Walker television program. Little did we know that the little girl would go on to become one of the greatest musicians in the world. Yes, her passing has stunned us as much as the death of Elvis. Our grief over her death equals the loss of such icons as John F. Kennedy or Martin Luther King.

Some might object to equating Dolly’s loss to those listed above. In response, I cite the impact this East Tennessean has had on the world. Her music brought joy to millions in the U.S. and in all corners of the globe. She knew the importance of reading and made possible the distribution of more than 200,000,000 books to children. She donated one million dollars to Vanderbilt Hospital to develop a vaccine to save lives from Covid. Her legacy will carry the worldwide generosity that she shared. More importantly, individual stories will continue to be shared about how Dolly eased the pain of folks who lost homes or suffered from diseases.

A world without Dolly doesn’t seem possible. How do those of us left behind go on? The world’s grief is palpable, but the answer is quite simple. Each of us must pick up the work that Dolly Parton began. The key component is compassion. If nothing else, Dolly showed us that caring for others who are hurting is a basic act of humanity. She took to heart the charge that Jesus gave us. Along with that, she displayed a kindness that is in short supply in today’s world.

Some will say that the outpouring of grief and praise for Dolly Parton is too much. They’ll say the woman was a hillbilly and huckster. They will dismiss her as a shrewd businesswoman who played up the hillbilly act to make her theme park more successful. Yes, all of us who come from this area will play on the stereotypes that folks from other parts of the country place on us. “Ya’ll come back” is often heard at many southern entertainment sites as smart business owners slide credit cards or ring up cash sales. Dolly Parton always wanted to offer people places that were fun and where individuals and families could create memories.

The great state of Tennessee has made tremendous contributions to the U.S. Three former presidents and two vice presidents. Davy Crockett is one of the most well-known pioneers in the country’s history. Sam Houston was a governor of Tennessee before moving to Texas. He raised an army of Volunteers from Tennessee to fight against Mexico. Yes, that’s how Tennessee became known as the “Volunteer State.” Alvin York left his home in Tennessee and became a hero during World War I.

Not one of those great people overshadows the life and works of Dolly Parton. A proponent of education for all children, a world-famous entertainer whose songs have touched the lives of billions, and an anonymous donor to many programs and individuals, Dolly Parton became more than a famous Tennessean; she became an ambassador for goodness, kindness, and justice for all of us. The world will be a little dimmer without her shining star, but she leaves it to us to continue what she started. I’m not sure how willing our leaders are to take up this challenge.

Dolly Parton, thank you. Our hearts are broken right now, but they will forever be filled with love for you and your life.

The Knox County Commission meets today, and it’s the final meeting for four of its members.

District 3 Commissioner Gina Oster, defeated in her bid for re-election, will be chairing her final meeting. At-large Commissioners Larsen Jay and Kim Frazier, defeated in the Republican primary for Knox County Mayor, are leaving, as is District 7 Commissioner Rhonda Lee, who was defeated in her bid for Knox County Sessions Judge.

The commission has more than 58 items on the agenda, most of which are assigned to the consent agenda and will be approved with one vote. Several other notable items will be up for discussion and a vote, and some of those were discussed in last week’s agenda review meeting.

An emergency ordinance regarding the sheriff’s use of Flock cameras is on the agenda and may pass, as the commission agrees with Mayor Glenn Jacobs on cancelling the agreement.
The mayor and finance department are asking for approval of a ground lease agreement with Strong Stock Farm LLC for use of farmland at 8217 Rutledge Pike. Knox County Chief Financial Officer Chris Caldwell told the agenda review session last week that the letter of intent has become a signed lease in order to submit a funding request to the state. He said the county wants to create an Agricultural Expo Center there for events and possibly as a new location for the Tennessee Valley Fair. The 20-year lease with three 10-year extensions, if approved, would disappear if state funding is not granted.

The redevelopment of the Andrew Johnson Building on Gay Street is on the agenda with its existing tax break in question. The owner of the former county-owned building has been told to begin demolition and construction within 60 days or default on the purchase.

The North Waterfront Redevelopment Plan in downtown Knoxville is also up for discussion, as is the future of the Fairview Technology Center, where some former classrooms may be converted to housing or the site sold.

A tax break for DWF John Sevier LLC is on the agenda that would permit half of the units to be rented at a reduced rate. South Knoxville residents are opposing those Payments in Lieu of Taxes.

The establishment of a Pedestrian Beverage Zone in the Belltown Commons residential area is also on the agenda for approval.

Commissioner Damon Rawls’ proposal to prohibit large outside investors from purchasing single-family homes for rental is on the agenda for its second reading. Another proposal on final reading, put forth by Commissioners Shane Jackson and Adam Thompson, would require a second reading by the commission of any future county budget proposed by the mayor.

TO: ESTATE OF CATHERINE SAMPLE, along with ALL UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, AND ASSIGNS
THEREOF, and SECRETARY OF HOUSING & URBAN DEVELOPMENT

IN RE: CLEAR RECON, LLC, Petitioner
vs.
ESTATE OF CATHERINE SAMPLE, along with ALL UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, AND ASSIGNS
THEREOF, and SECRETARY OF HOUSING & URBAN DEVELOPMENT, Respondents

DOCKET NO. 213265 Part III

IN THE CHANCERY COURT FOR KNOX COUNTY, TENNESSEE
In this Cause, it appearing from the Complaint filed, which is sworn to, that the defendant(s), ESTATE OF CATHERINE SAMPLE, along with ALL UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, AND ASSIGNS THEREOF, and SECRETARY OF HOUSING & URBAN DEVELOPMENT, a non-resident of the State of Tennessee, or whose whereabouts cannot be ascertained upon diligent search and inquiry, so that the ordinary process of law cannot be served upon ESTATE OF CATHERINE SAMPLE, along with ALL UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, AND ASSIGNS THEREOF, and SECRETARY OF HOUSING & URBAN DEVELOPMENT, it is ordered that said defendant(s), ESTATE OF CATHERINE SAMPLE, along with ALL UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, AND ASSIGNS THEREOF, and SECRETARY OF HOUSING & URBAN DEVELOPMENT file an answer with the Clerk and Master of the Chancery Court at Knoxville, Tennessee, on or before thirty (30) days of the last date of publication or a judgement by default will be taken against you and the cause will be set for hearing Ex-Parte as to you before Chancellor Christopher Heagerty at the Knox County Chancery Court, Division III, 400 Main Street, Knoxville, Tennessee 37902.
This notice will be published in The Knoxville Focus for four (4) consecutive weeks.
This the 7th day of AUGUST, 2026.

Jessica Haun
Interim Clerk and Master

NOTICE TO RESPONDENTS OF SERVICE BY PUBLICATION

TO: THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF NELLIE SUE RAMSEY, DECEASED, THEIR UNKNOWN SPOUSES, HEIRS,
DEVISEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, SUCCESSORS, ASSIGNS, CREDITORS, AND ALL OTHER
PERSONS CLAIMING ANY RIGHT; TITLE, ESTATE, LIEN OR INTEREST BY, THROUGH OR UNDER
NELLIE SUE RAMSEY, DECEASED, Respondent(s)

IN RE: TERESA KAY RAMSEY, Petitioner
v.
THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF NELLIE SUE RAMSEY, DECEASED, THEIR UNKNOWN SPOUSES, HEIRS,
DEVISEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, SUCCESSORS, ASSIGNS, CREDITORS, AND ALL OTHER
PERSONS CLAIMING ANY RIGHT; TITLE, ESTATE, LIEN OR INTEREST BY, THROUGH OR UNDER
NELLIE SUE RAMSEY, DECEASED, Respondent(s)

DOCKET NO. 213635-2

IN THE CHANCERY COURT FOR KNOX COUNTY, TENNESSEE

It appearing from the pleadings and affidavits filed in this cause that the identities and residences of the Respondents cannot be ascertained after diligent inquiry, and that service by publication has been authorized by the Chancery Court for Knox County, Tennessee;
You, the Respondents, are hereby notified that Teresa Kay Ramsey has filed a Verified Petition to Quiet Title, Remove Cloud Upon Title, for Declaratory Judgment, Divestiture of Interest, and Other Equitable Relief concerning the following real property located in Knox County, Tennessee:

6121 McGinnis Road
Knoxville, Tennessee 37938
Knox County Tax Parcel No. 022 026

The Petition seeks a declaration that Petitioner is the sole owner of the Property, that all claims of the Respondents be forever divested, and that title be quieted in Petitioner.
You, the Respondents, are required to file an Answer or other responsive pleading with the Clerk and Master of the Chancery Court for Knox County, Tennessee, and to serve a copy upon Petitioner’s attorney, Dustin R. Landry, Landry & Azevedo, 859 Ebenezer Road Knoxville, Tennessee 37923, within thirty (30) days after the last publication of this Notice. If you fail to do so, judgment may be entered against you by default and the relief requested in the Petition may be granted.
This notice will be published in The Knoxville Focus for four (4) consecutive weeks.

This the 20th day of AUGUST, 2026.

Jessica Haun
Interim Clerk and Master

NON-RESIDENT NOTICE

TO: JORDAN SETH HANKAL

IN RE: ADELA AZUCENA GONZALEZ-GARCIA, Plaintiff
-Vs-
JORDAN SETH HANKAL, Defendant

Docket # 164956
IN THE FOURTH CIRCUIT COURT OF KNOX COUNTY, TENNESSEE
In this cause, it appearing from the Complaint filed, which is sworn to, that the defendant, JORDAN SETH HANKAL, is a non-resident of the State of Tennessee, or whose whereabouts cannot be ascertained upon diligent search and inquiry, so that the ordinary process of law cannot be served upon JORDAN SETH HANKAL.
IT IS ORDERED that said defendant file an answer to an action of COMPLAINT FOR DIVORCE filed by ADELA AZUCENA GONZALEZ-GARCIA, Plaintiff herein, with the Fourth Circuit Court in Knoxville, Tennessee, and with DANIEL KIDD, Plaintiff’s Attorney whose address is 1308 WILSON RD., SUITE 102, KNOXVILLE, TN 37912, within thirty (30) days of the last date of publication, and if you do not answer or otherwise respond, a Default Judgment may be entered against you on the thirtieth (30th) day after the fourth (4th) publication.
This notice will be published in The Knoxville Focus for four (4) consecutive weeks.

This the 18th day of AUGUST, 2026.

Mike Hammond
Clerk

Robert A. Clark
Deputy Clerk

NOTICE OF SERVICE BY PUBLICATION

TO: REGINA RUTH BURCHELL

IN RE: JOHNATHAN EUGENE BURCHELL, Petitioner
VS.
REGINA RUTH BURCHELL and JOHNATHAN BURCHELL, Respondents

CASE NO. 3917

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR UNION COUNTY, TENNESSEE
In this cause, it appearing from the Complaint filed, which is sworn to, that the Respondent, REGINA RUTH BURCHELL, whose whereabouts cannot be ascertained upon diligent search and inquiry so that the ordinary process of law cannot be served upon REGINA RUTH BURCHELL, regarding the conservatorship action pending in this Court:
IT IS HEREBY COMMANDED that said Respondent, REGINA RUTH BURCHELL, is to file an ANSWER to the Petition with Petitioner’s Attorney, Darrick Edmondson, whose address is P. O. BOX 789, Maynardville, TN 37807, within thirty (30) days of the last date of publication of this Notice as required by law; and if you do not answer or otherwise respond, this case shall be set for hearing without Respondent’s presence.
This notice will be published in The Knoxville Focus for four (4) consecutive weeks.

This 20th day of AUGUST, 2026.

Barbara Williams
Union County Circuit Court Clerk

NOTICE OF SERVICE BY PUBLICATION

TO: WILLIAM A. HANEY

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM GENE HANEY, Deceased

BY: THERESA STARR OLDHAM, Petitioner
VS.
WILLIAM A. HANEY, Respondent

CASE NO. 2299

IN THE CHANCERY COURT FOR UNION COUNTY, TENNESSEE AT MAYNARDVILLE
In this cause, it appearing from the Order of Publication, that the residence of Respondent WILLIAM A. HANEY is unknown and cannot be ascertained upon diligent search and inquiry, it was ordered that publication be made to notify Respondent, WILLIAM A. HANEY to appear and file an ANSWER with this Court and to send a copy to Petitioner’s Attorney, Darrick Edmondson, whose address is P. O. BOX 789, Maynardville, TN 37807, within thirty (30) days of the last date of publication of this Notice, exclusive of the last day of publication, and if you do not answer or otherwise respond, a judgment by default may be entered against the said Respondent, WILLIAM A. HANEY.
This notice will be published in The Knoxville Focus for four (4) consecutive weeks.

This 25 day of AUGUST, 2026.

Sandra Edmondson
Union County Clerk and Master

NOTICE OF SERVICE BY PUBLICATION

TO: SUMMER RING

IN RE: CHILD UNDER THE AGE OF 18, L. R., DOB 04/03/2024

BY: JOSHUA PERRY, Petitioner/Father
VS.
SUMMER RING, Respondent/Mother

CASE NO. 47JC7-2026-PPP-18

IN THE JUVENILE COURT OF KNOX COUNTY, TENNESSEE
In this cause, it appearing from the Complaint filed, which is sworn to, that the Respondent, SUMMER RING, whose whereabouts cannot be ascertained upon diligent search and inquiry, so that the ordinary process of law cannot be served upon SUMMER RING, regarding the custody case pending in this Court;
IT IS HEREBY COMMANDED that said Respondent, SUMMER RING is to file an ANSWER to this Petition with Petitioner’s Attorney, Darrick Edmondson, whose address is P. O. BOX 789, Maynardville, TN 37807, within thirty (30) days of the last date of publication of this Notice as required by law; and if you do not answer or otherwise respond, a Default Judgment may be entered against you on the thirtieth (30th) day after the fourth (4th) publication.
This notice will be published in The Knoxville Focus for four (4) consecutive weeks.

This 31 day of JULY, 2026.

Charles D. Susano, III
Knox County Juvenile Court Clerk

NOTICE OF SERVICE BY PUBLICATION

TO: SUMMER RING

IN RE: CHILD UNDER THE AGE OF 18, L. R., DOB 04/03/2024

BY: JOSHUA PERRY, Petitioner/Father
VS.
SUMMER RING, Respondent/Mother

CASE NO. K-0768

IN THE JUVENILE COURT OF KNOX COUNTY, TENNESSEE
CHILD SUPPORT DIVISION
In this cause, it appearing from the Complaint filed, which is sworn to, that the Respondent, SUMMER RING, whose whereabouts cannot be ascertained upon diligent search and inquiry, so that the ordinary process of law cannot be served upon SUMMER RING, regarding the child support case pending in this Court;
IT IS HEREBY COMMANDED that said Respondent, SUMMER RING is to file an ANSWER to this Petition with Petitioner’s Attorney, Darrick Edmondson, whose address is P. O. BOX 789, Maynardville, TN 37807, within thirty (30) days of the last date of publication of this Notice as required by law; and if you do not answer or otherwise respond, a Default Judgment may be entered against you on the thirtieth (30th) day after the fourth (4th) publication.
This notice will be published in The Knoxville Focus for four (4) consecutive weeks.

This 31 day of JULY, 2026.

Charles D. Susano, III
Knox County Juvenile Court Clerk

NOTICE OF SERVICE BY PUBLICATION

TO: SKYLAR DANIELLE WHEELER, Respondent/Mother, and JOSEPH ELDRIDGE, Respondent, Father

IN RE: CHILD UNDER THE AGE OF 18, J. N. E.., DOB 01/03/2026

BY: JENNIFER LEE SCOTT, and husband ROBIN BROAD, Petitioners/Grandparents
VS.
SKYLAR DANIELLE WHEELER, Respondent/Mother, and JOSEPH ELDRIDGE, Respondent, Father

CASE NO. 87JC1-2026-DN-11

IN THE JUVENILE COURT OF UNION COUNTY, TENNESSEE
In this cause, it appearing from the Complaint filed, which is sworn to, that the Respondents SKYLAR DANIELLE WHEELER, Respondent/Mother, and JOSEPH ELDRIDGE, Respondent, Father, whose whereabouts cannot be ascertained upon diligent search and inquiry, so that the ordinary process of law cannot be served upon SKYLAR DANIELLE WHEELER, Respondent/Mother, and JOSEPH ELDRIDGE, Respondent, Father, regarding the Petition for Emergency Custody filed in this matter;
IT IS HEREBY COMMANDED that said Respondents, SKYLAR DANIELLE WHEELER, Respondent/Mother, and JOSEPH ELDRIDGE, Respondent, Father are to file an ANSWER to the Petition for Emergency Custody with Petitioners’ Attorney, Darrick Edmondson, whose address is P. O. BOX 789, Maynardville, TN 37807, within thirty (30) days of the last date of publication of this Notice as required by law; and if you do not answer or otherwise respond, the Petition will be taken as admitted by the Respondents and the case set for hearing without the Respondents’ presence.
This notice will be published in The Knoxville Focus for four (4) consecutive weeks.

This 14th day of AUGUST, 2026.

Barbara Williams
Union County Juvenile Court Clerk

NOTICE OF SERVICE BY PUBLICATION

TO: TAMMY MARIE ZIRKLE

IN RE: CHARLES R. ZIRKLE, Plaintiff
VS.
TAMMY MARIE ZIRKLE, Defendant

CASE NO. 4040

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR UNION COUNTY, TENNESSEE AT MAYNARDVILLE
In this cause, it appearing from the Complaint filed, which is sworn to, that the Defendant, TAMMY MARIE ZIRKLE, whose whereabouts cannot be ascertained upon diligent search and inquiry so that the ordinary process of law cannot be served upon TAMMY MARIE ZIRKLE, regarding the Complaint for Divorce filed in this matter;
IT IS HEREBY COMMANDED that said Defendant, TAMMY MARIE ZIRKLE, is to file an ANSWER to the Complaint for Divorce with Plaintiff’s Attorney, Darrick Edmondson, whose address is P. O. BOX 789, Maynardville, TN 37807, within thirty (30) days of the last date of publication of this Notice as required by law; and if you do not answer or otherwise respond, the Complaint will be taken as admitted by the Defendant and the case set for hearing without the Defendant’s presence.
This notice will be published in The Knoxville Focus for four (4) consecutive weeks.

This 24 day of AUGUST, 2026.

Barbara Williams
Union County Circuit Court Clerk

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF JOAN M. ANDERSON
DOCKET NUMBER 92930-2
Notice is hereby given that on the 10th day of August, 2026, letters testamentary in respect of the Estate of JOAN M. ANDERSON, who died March 23, 2026, were issued to the undersigned by the Clerk and Master of the Chancery Court of Knox County, Tennessee. All persons, resident and non-resident, having claims, matured or unmatured, against the estate are required to file the same with the Clerk and Master of the above named court on or before the earlier of the dates prescribed in (1) or (2), otherwise their claims will be forever barred:
(1)(A) Four (4) months from the date of the first publication of this notice if the creditor received an actual copy of this notice to creditors at least sixty (60) days before the date that is four (4) months from the date of the first publication; or
(B) Sixty (60) days from the date the creditor received an actual copy of the notice to creditors if the creditor received the copy of the notice less than sixty (60) days prior to the date that is four (4) months from the date of first publication as described in (1)(A); or
(2) Twelve (12) months from the decedent’s date of death.
This the 10th day of AUGUST, 2026.

ESTATE OF JOAN M. ANDERSON

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE(S)
LISA J. ROSS
1206 AMBER GLADES LN.
KNOXVILLE, TN 37922

DUSTIN LANDRY, ATTORNEY
859 EBENEZER RD.
KNOXVILLE, TN 37922

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF KENNETH BOLTON
DOCKET NUMBER 92937-1
Notice is hereby given that on the 14 day of August, 2026, letters testamentary in respect of the Estate of KENNETH BOLTON, who died May 22, 2026, were issued to the undersigned by the Chancery Court, Probate Division, of Knox County, Tennessee. All persons, resident and non-resident, having claims, matured or unmatured, against the estate are required to file the same with the clerk of the above named court on or before the earlier of the dates prescribed in (1) or (2), otherwise their claims will be forever barred:
(1)(A) Four (4) months from the date of the first publication of this notice if the creditor received an actual copy of this notice to creditors at least sixty (60) days before the date that is four (4) months from the date of the first publication; or
(B) Sixty (60) days from the date the creditor received an actual copy of the notice to creditors if the creditor received the copy of the notice less than sixty (60) days prior to the date that is four (4) months from the date of first publication as described in (1)(A); or
(2) Twelve (12) months from the decedent’s date of death.
This the 14 day of AUGUST, 2026.

ESTATE OF KENNETH BOLTON

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE(S)
JILL BOLTON
P. O. BOX 1664
CORRALES, NM 87048

ADAM B. MCDONALD, ATTORNEY
MICHAEL R. CROWDER, ATTORNEY
4th FLOOR, BANK OF AMERICA BLDG.
P. O. BOX 442
KNOXVILLE, TN 37901-0442

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF CHARLOTTE ANN BRANCH
DOCKET NUMBER 92670-1
Notice is hereby given that on the 14 day of August, 2026, letters administration in respect of the Estate of CHARLOTTE ANN BRANCH, who died March 27, 2026, were issued to the undersigned by the Clerk and Master of the Chancery Court of Knox County, Tennessee. All persons, resident and non-resident, having claims, matured or unmatured, against his or her estate are required to file the same with the Clerk and Master of the above named court on or before the earlier of the dates prescribed in (1) or (2), otherwise their claims will be forever barred:
(1)(A) Four (4) months from the date of the first publication of this notice if the creditor received an actual copy of this notice to creditors at least sixty (60) days before the date that is four (4) months from the date of the first publication; or
(B) Sixty (60) days from the date the creditor received an actual copy of the notice to creditors if the creditor received the copy of the notice less than sixty (60) days prior to the date that is four (4) months from the date of first publication as described in (1)(A); or
(2) Twelve (12) months from the decedent’s date of death.
This the 14 day of AUGUST, 2026.

ESTATE OF CHARLOTTE ANN BRANCH

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE(S)
RICHARD GREGORY BRANCH, SR., ADMINISTRATOR
450 PRESTWICK RIDGE WAY
KNOXVILLE, TN 37914

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF ELSIE T. DODSON
DOCKET NUMBER 92945-1
Notice is hereby given that on the 14 day of August, 2026, Letters Testamentary in respect of the Estate of ELSIE T. DODSON, who died June 26, 2026, were issued to the undersigned by the Chancery Court, Probate Division, of Knox County, Tennessee. All persons, resident and non-resident, having claims, matured or unmatured, against the Estate are required to file the same with the Clerk of the above named Court on or before the earlier of the dates prescribed in (1) or (2), otherwise their claims will be forever barred:
(1)(A) Four (4) months from the date of the first publication of this Notice if the creditor received an actual copy of this Notice to Creditors at least sixty (60) days before the date that is four (4) months from the date of the first publication; or
(B) Sixty (60) days from the date the creditor received an actual copy of the Notice to Creditors if the creditor received the copy of the Notice less than sixty (60) days prior to the date that is four (4) months from the date of first publication as described in (1)(A); or
(2) Twelve (12) months from the decedent’s date of death.
This the 14 day of AUGUST, 2026.

ESTATE OF ELSIE T. DODSON

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE(S)
RICHARD T. DODSON
7717 LUXMORE DRIVE
KNOXVIJLLE, TN 37919

BETHANY WESTCOTT WILSON, ATTORNEY
P. O. BOX 629
KNOXVILLE, TN 37901-0629

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF MICHAEL EUGENE GILBREATH, SR.
DOCKET NUMBER 92679-1
Notice is hereby given that on the 18 day of August, 2026, letters testamentary (or letters of administration as the case may be) in respect of the Estate of MICHAEL EUGENE GILBREATH, SR., who died January 24, 2026, were issued to the undersigned by the Chancery Court, Probate Division, of Knox County, Tennessee. All persons, resident and non-resident, having claims, matured or unmatured, against the estate are required to file the same with the clerk of the above named court on or before the earlier of the dates prescribed in (1) or (2), otherwise their claims will be forever barred:
(1)(A) Four (4) months from the date of the first publication of this notice if the creditor received an actual copy of this notice to creditors at least sixty (60) days before the date that is four (4) months from the date of the first publication; or
(B) Sixty (60) days from the date the creditor received an actual copy of the notice to creditors if the creditor received the copy of the notice less than sixty (60) days prior to the date that is four (4) months from the date of first publication as described in (1)(A); or
(2) Twelve (12) months from the decedent’s date of death.
This the 18 day of AUGUST, 2026.

ESTATE OF MICHAEL EUGENE GILBREATH, SR.

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE(S)
ARETHA NOVELLA GILBREATH
3104 VERA DRIVE
KNOXVILLE, TN 37917

KELSEY R. REILLY, ATTORNEY
800 S. GAY STREET, #1400
KNOXVILLE, TN 37929

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF ANNA ISABEL KEEHNE
DOCKET NUMBER 92799-1
Notice is hereby given that on the 9 day of July, 2026, letters testamentary (or letters of administration as the case may be) in respect of the Estate of ANNA ISABEL KEEHNE, who died May 23, 2026, were issued to the undersigned by the Chancery Court, Probate Division, of Knox County, Tennessee. All persons, resident and non-resident, having claims, matured or unmatured, against the estate are required to file the same with the clerk of the above named court on or before the earlier of the dates prescribed in (1) or (2), otherwise their claims will be forever barred:
(1)(A) Four (4) months from the date of the first publication of this notice if the creditor received an actual copy of this notice to creditors at least sixty (60) days before the date that is four (4) months from the date of the first publication; or
(B) Sixty (60) days from the date the creditor received an actual copy of the notice to creditors if the creditor received the copy of the notice less than sixty (60) days prior to the date that is four (4) months from the date of first publication as described in (1)(A); or
(2) Twelve (12) months from the decedent’s date of death.
This the 9 day of JULY, 2026.

ESTATE OF ANNA ISABEL KEEHNE

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE(S)
SUSAN K. CARR
636 HICKORY WOODS ROAD
KNOXVILLE, TN 37934

BRADLEY S. LEWIS, ATTORNEY
10413 KINGSTON PIKE, SUITE 200
KNOXVILLE, TN 37922

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF LORENE B. KING
DOCKET NUMBER 92929-2
Notice is hereby given that on the 10th day of August, 2026, letters testamentary in respect of the Estate of LORENE B. KING, who died May 25, 2026, were issued to the undersigned by the Chancery Court, Probate Division, of Knox County, Tennessee. All persons, resident and non-resident, having claims, matured or unmatured, against the estate are required to file the same with the Clerk of the above named court on or before the earlier of the dates prescribed in (1) or (2), otherwise their claims will be forever barred:
(1)(A) Four (4) months from the date of the first publication of this Notice if the creditor received an actual copy of this Notice To Creditors at least sixty (60) days before the date that is four (4) months from the date of the first publication; or
(B) Sixty (60) days from the date the creditor received an actual copy of the Notice To Creditors if the creditor received the copy of the Notice less than sixty (60) days prior to the date that is four (4) months from the date of first publication as described in (1)(A); or
(2) Twelve (12) months from the decedent’s date of death.
This the 10th day of AUGUST, 2026.

ESTATE OF LORENE B. KING

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE(S)
STEPHEN J. KING, EXECUTOR
6016 APACHE TRAIL
KNOXVILLE, TN 37920

VICTORIA B. TILLMAN, ATTORNEY
1019 ORCHID DRIVE
KNOXVILLE, TN 37912

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF MICHAEL LUCIAN MELETIOU
DOCKET NUMBER 92922-2
Notice is hereby given that on the 7th day of August, 2026, letters testamentary (or letters of administration as the case may be) in respect of the Estate of MICHAEL LUCIAN MELETIOU, who died July 4, 2026, were issued to the undersigned by the Chancery Court, Probate Division, of Knox County, Tennessee. All persons, resident and non-resident, having claims, matured or unmatured, against the estate are required to file the same with the clerk of the above named court on or before the earlier of the dates prescribed in (1) or (2), otherwise their claims will be forever barred:
(1)(A) Four (4) months from the date of the first publication of this notice if the creditor received an actual copy of this notice to creditors at least sixty (60) days before the date that is four (4) months from the date of the first publication; or
(B) Sixty (60) days from the date the creditor received an actual copy of the notice to creditors if the creditor received the copy of the notice less than sixty (60) days prior to the date that is four (4) months from the date of first publication as described in (1)(A); or
(2) Twelve (12) months from the decedent’s date of death.
This the 7th day of AUGUST, 2026.

ESTATE OF MICHAEL LUCIAN MELETIOU

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE(S)
MARY ANN RANEY
2601 MOCCASIN LANE
KNOXVILLE, TN 37921

JULIE D. EISENHOWER, ATTORNEY
217 S. PETERS ROAD
KNOXVILLE, TN 37923

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF CHRISTINE WELCH PARTON
DOCKET NUMBER 92932-1
Notice is hereby given that on the 14 day of August, 2026, Letters Testamentary in respect to the Estate of CHRISTINE WELCH PARTON, who died June 9, 2026, were issued to the undersigned by the Probate Court for Knox County, Tennessee. All persons, resident and non-resident, having claims, matured or unmatured, against the Estate are required to file the same with the Clerk of the above named Court on or before the earlier of the dates prescribed in (1) or (2), otherwise their claims will be forever barred:
(1)(A) Four (4) months from the date of the first publication of this Notice if the creditor received an actual copy of this Notice to Creditors at least sixty (60) days before the date that is four (4) months from the date of the first publication; or
(B) Sixty (60) days from the date the creditor received an actual copy of the Notice to Creditors if the creditor received the copy of the Notice less than sixty (60) days prior to the date that is four (4) months from the date of first publication as described in (1)(A); or
(2) Twelve (12) months from the decedent’s date of death.
This the 14 day of AUGUST, 2026.

ESTATE OF CHRISTINE WELCH PARTON

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE(S)
SHEILA RENEE PARTON DAVIS
1013 BREAM DRIVE
KNOXVILLE, TN 37922

O. E. SCHOW, IV
900 SOUTH GAY STREET, 9th FLOOR
P. O. BOX 900
KNOXVILLE, TN 37901-0900

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF CHARLES E. ROBINSON, SR.
DOCKET NUMBER 92896-1
Notice is hereby given that on the 14 day of August, 2026, Letters of Administration in respect of the Estate of CHARLES E. ROBINSON, SR., who died June 4, 2026, were issued to the undersigned by the Chancery Court, Probate Division, of Knox County, Tennessee. All persons, resident and non-resident, having claims, matured or unmatured, against the estate are required to file the same with the clerk of the above named court on or before the earlier of the dates prescribed in (1) or (2), otherwise their claims will be forever barred:
(1)(A) Four (4) months from the date of the first publication of this notice if the creditor received an actual copy of this notice to creditors at least sixty (60) days before the date that is four (4) months from the date of the first publication; or
(B) Sixty (60) days from the date the creditor received an actual copy of the notice to creditors if the creditor received the copy of the notice less than sixty (60) days prior to the date that is four (4) months from the date of first publication as described in (1)(A); or
(2) Twelve (12) months from the decedent’s date of death.
This the 14 day of AUGUST, 2026.

ESTATE OF CHARLES E. ROBINSON, SR.

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE(S)
CHARLES E. ROBINSON, JR.
4413 OAKBANK LANE
KNOXVILLE, TN 37921

DALEAI ROBINSON
3810 IVORY GABLES WAY, APT. 1104
KNOXVILLE, TN 37912

DEMICA ROBINSON
8910 GREYLOCK DR.
BRENTWOOD, TN 37027

BARBARA W. CLARK, ATTORNEY
2415 E. MAGNOLIA AVE.
KNOXVILLE, TN 37917

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF WILLIAM ARTER VESTER
DOCKET NUMBER 92931-2
Notice is hereby given that on the 10th day of August, 2026, Letters of Administration in respect of the Estate of WILLIAM ARTER VESTER, who died May 30, 2026, were issued to the undersigned by the Chancery Court, Probate Division, of Knox County, Tennessee. All persons, resident and non-resident, having claims, matured or unmatured, against the estate are required to file the same with the clerk of the above named court on or before the earlier of the dates prescribed in (1) or (2), otherwise their claims will be forever barred:
(1)(A) Four (4) months from the date of the first publication of this notice if the creditor received an actual copy of this notice to creditors at least sixty (60) days before the date that is four (4) months from the date of the first publication; or
(B) Sixty (60) days from the date the creditor received an actual copy of the notice to creditors if the creditor received the copy of the notice less than sixty (60) days prior to the date that is four (4) months from the date of first publication as described in (1)(A); or
(2) Twelve (12) months from the decedent’s date of death.
This the 10th day of AUGUST, 2026.

ESTATE OF WILLIAM ARTER VESTER

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE(S)
THOMAS M. VESTER, III
1366 ORLEANS DRIVE
KNOXVILLE, TN 37919

LEE A. POPKIN, ATTORNEY
1111 N. NORTHSHORE DRIVE, SUITE S-700
KNOXVILLE, TN 37919

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF PAULINE EBNER BLAKE
DOCKET NUMBER 92748-3
Notice is hereby given that on the 21st day of August, 2026, letters administration (or letters of testamentary as the case may be) in respect of the Estate of PAULINE EBNER BLAKE, who died December 25, 2025, were issued to the undersigned by the Chancery Court, Probate Division, of Knox County, Tennessee. All persons, resident and non-resident, having claims, matured or unmatured, against the estate are required to file the same with the clerk of the above named court on or before the earlier of the dates prescribed in (1) or (2), otherwise their claims will be forever barred:
(1)(A) Four (4) months from the date of the first publication of this notice if the creditor received an actual copy of this notice to creditors at least sixty (60) days before the date that is four (4) months from the date of the first publication; or
(B) Sixty (60) days from the date the creditor received an actual copy of the notice to creditors if the creditor received the copy of the notice less than sixty (60) days prior to the date that is four (4) months from the date of first publication as described in (1)(A); or
(2) Twelve (12) months from the decedent’s date of death.
This the 21st day of AUGUST, 2026.

ESTATE OF PAULINE EBNER BLAKE

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE(S)
TIMOTHY M. DUNDERDALE
432 CHARLOTTE AVE.
CRYSTAL LAKE, IL 60014

R. SETH OAKES, ATTORNEY
10413 KINGSTON PIKE, SUITE 201
KNOXVILLE, TN 37922

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF ROBERT ERNEST BOWMAN, SR.
DOCKET NUMBER 92863-2
Notice is hereby given that on the 21st day of August, 2026, Letters Testamentary were issued to the undersigned by the Chancery Court (Probate Division) of Knox County, Tennessee for administration of the Estate of ROBERT ERNEST BOWMAN, SR., who died June 24, 2026. All persons, resident and non-resident, having claims, matured or unmatured, against this estate are required to file them with the clerk of the above named court on or before the earlier of the dates prescribed in (1) or (2) below, otherwise their claims will be forever barred:
(1)(A) Four (4) months from the date of the first publication of this notice if the creditor received an actual copy of this notice to creditors at least sixty (60) days before the date that is four (4) months from the date of the first publication; or
(B) Sixty (60) days from the date the creditor received an actual copy of the notice to creditors if the creditor received the copy of the notice less than sixty (60) days prior to the date that is four (4) months from the date of first publication as described in (1)(A); or
(2) Twelve (12) months from the decedent’s date of death.
Claim forms may be obtained by calling the Probate Division of Knox County Chancery Court at (865) 215-2555.
This the 21st day of AUGUST, 2026.

ESTATE OF ROBERT ERNEST BOWMAN, SR.

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE(S)
ROBERT E. BOWMAN, JR.

CELESTE H. HERBERT, ATTORNEY
1368 PAPERMILL POINTE WAY
KNOXVILLE, TN 37909

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF KAY NIPPER BRADLEY
DOCKET NUMBER 92787-2
Notice is hereby given that on the 14th day of August, 2026, letters testamentary in respect of the Estate of KAY NIPPER BRADLEY, who died June 12, 2026, were issued to the undersigned by the Clerk and Master of the Chancery Court of Knox County, Tennessee. All persons, resident and non-resident, having claims, matured or unmatured, against his or her estate are required to file the same with the Clerk and Master of the above named Court on or before the earlier of the dates prescribed in (1) or (2), otherwise their claims will be forever barred:
(1)(A) Four (4) months from the date of the first publication of this notice if the creditor received an actual copy of this notice to creditors at least sixty (60) days before the date that is four (4) months from the date of the first publication; or
(B) Sixty (60) days from the date the creditor received an actual copy of the notice to creditors if the creditor received the copy of the notice less than sixty (60) days prior to the date that is four (4) months from the date of first publication as described in (1)(A); or
(2) Twelve (12) months from the decedent’s date of death.
This the 14th day of AUGUST, 2026.

ESTATE OF KAY NIPPER BRADLEY

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE(S)
JAMES RICHARD BRADLEY
8209 W. DAY CIR.
KNOXVILLE, TN 37919

STEPHEN GARRETT, ATTORNEY
7838 BARKER RD.
CORRYTON, TN 37721

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF KIMBALL ALBERT COSTIGAN
DOCKET NUMBER 92972-2
Notice is hereby given that on the 21st day of August, 2026, letters testamentary in respect of the Estate of KIMBALL ALBERT COSTIGAN, who died June 30, 2026, were issued to the undersigned by the Clerk and Master of the Chancery Court of Knox County, Tennessee. All persons, resident and non-resident, having claims, matured or unmatured, against his or her estate are required to file the same with the Clerk and Master of the above named Court on or before the earlier of the dates prescribed in (1) or (2), otherwise their claims will be forever barred:
(1)(A) Four (4) months from the date of the first publication of this notice if the creditor received an actual copy of this notice to creditors at least sixty (60) days before the date that is four (4) months from the date of the first publication; or
(B) Sixty (60) days from the date the creditor received an actual copy of the notice to creditors if the creditor received the copy of the notice less than sixty (60) days prior to the date that is four (4) months from the date of first publication as described in (1)(A); or
(2) Twelve (12) months from the decedent’s date of death.
This the 21st day of AUGUST, 2026.

ESTATE OF KIMBALL ALBERT COSTIGAN

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE(S)
BONNIE JEAN CARROLL
9935 COWARD MILL RD.
KNOXVILLE, TN 37931

REBECCA BELL JENKINS, ATTORNEY
9724 KINGSTON PK., STE. 202
KNOXVILLE, TN 37922

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF MARION FREEMAN CULLER
DOCKET NUMBER 92895-2
Notice is hereby given that on the 21st day of August, 2026, letters testamentary in respect of the Estate of MARION FREEMAN CULLER, who died July 11, 2026, were issued to the undersigned by the Clerk and Master of the Chancery Court of Knox County, Tennessee. All persons, resident and non-resident, having claims, matured or unmatured, against his or her estate are required to file the same with the Clerk and Master of the above named Court on or before the earlier of the dates prescribed in (1) or (2), otherwise their claims will be forever barred:
(1)(A) Four (4) months from the date of the first publication of this notice if the creditor received an actual copy of this notice to creditors at least sixty (60) days before the date that is four (4) months from the date of the first publication; or
(B) Sixty (60) days from the date the creditor received an actual copy of the notice to creditors if the creditor received the copy of the notice less than sixty (60) days prior to the date that is four (4) months from the date of first publication as described in (1)(A); or
(2) Twelve (12) months from the decedent’s date of death.
This the 21st day of AUGUST, 2026.

ESTATE OF MARION FREEMAN CULLER

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE(S)
RYAN COLLINS CULLER
7115 DOLPHIN LANE
POWELL, TN 37849

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF WILMA JO DAVIS
DOCKET NUMBER 92881-2
Notice is hereby given that on the 14th day of August, 2026, letters testamentary in respect of the Estate of WILMA JO DAVIS, who died June 30, 2026, were issued to the undersigned by the Clerk and Master of the Chancery Court of Knox County, Tennessee. All persons, resident and non-resident, having claims, matured or unmatured, against his or her estate are required to file the same with the Clerk and Master of the above named Court on or before the earlier of the dates prescribed in (1) or (2), otherwise their claims will be forever barred:
(1)(A) Four (4) months from the date of the first publication of this notice if the creditor received an actual copy of this notice to creditors at least sixty (60) days before the date that is four (4) months from the date of the first publication; or
(B) Sixty (60) days from the date the creditor received an actual copy of the notice to creditors if the creditor received the copy of the notice less than sixty (60) days prior to the date that is four (4) months from the date of first publication as described in (1)(A); or
(2) Twelve (12) months from the decedent’s date of death.
This the 14th day of AUGUST, 2026.

ESTATE OF WILMA JO DAVIS

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE(S)
GLENDA FAY HARRISON, EXECUTRIX
7312 JOYCE LANE
POWELL, TN 37849

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF MILDRED JEAN GRAHAM,
a/k/a JEAN W. GRAHAM
DOCKET NUMBER 92848-3
Notice is hereby given that on the 24th day of August, 2026, Letters of Testamentary/Administration in respect of the Estate of ESTATE OF MILDRED JEAN GRAHAM, a/k/a JEAN W. GRAHAM, who died on April 5, 2026, were issued to the undersigned by the Chancery Court, Probate Division for Knox County, Tennessee. All persons, resident and non-resident, having claims, matured or unmatured, against his/her Estate are required to file the same in triplicate with the Clerk and Master of the above named Court on or before the earlier of the dates prescribed in (1) or (2), otherwise their claims will be forever barred:
(1)(A) Four (4) months from the date of the first publication of this notice if the creditor received an actual copy of this notice to creditors at least sixty (60) days before the date that is four (4) months from the date of the first publication; or
(B) Sixty (60) days from the date the creditor received an actual copy of the notice to creditors if the creditor received the copy of the notice less than sixty (60) days prior to the date that is four (4) months from the date of first publication as described in (1)(A); or
(2) Twelve (12) months from the decedent’s date of death.
This the 24th day of AUGUST, 2026.

ESTATE OF ESTATE OF MILDRED JEAN GRAHAM,
a/k/a JEAN W. GRAHAM

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE(S)
RUBY GAIL STEVENS
4822 CAMBY LANE
KNOXVILLE, TN 37931

SCOTT B. HAHN, ATTORNEY
5344 N. BROADWAY, SUITE 101
KNOXVILLE, TN 37918

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF VICKI ELAINE HILTON
DOCKET NUMBER 92915-3
Notice is hereby given that on the 21st day of August, 2026, Letters of Testamentary/Administration in respect to the Estate of VICKI ELAINE HILTON, deceased, who died on July 10, 2026, were issued to the undersigned by the Probate for Knox County, Tennessee. All persons, resident and non-resident, having claims, matured or unmatured, against his/her Estate are required to file the same in triplicate with the Clerk of the above named Court on or before the earlier of the dates prescribed in (1) or (2), otherwise their claims will be forever barred:
(1)(A) Four (4) months from the date of the first publication of this notice if the creditor received an actual copy of this notice to creditors at least sixty (60) days before the date that is four (4) months from the date of the first publication; or
(B) Sixty (60) days from the date the creditor received an actual copy of the notice to creditors if the creditor received the copy of the notice less than sixty (60) days prior to the date that is four (4) months from the date of first publication as described in (1)(A); or
(2) Twelve (12) months from the decedent’s date of death.
This the 21st day of AUGUST, 2026.

ESTATE OF VICKI ELAINE HILTON

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE(S)
JAMES DENNY STYLES
916 NORTH MEADOW BLVD.
KNOXVILLE, TN 37938

SCOTT B. HAHN, ATTORNEY
5344 N. BROADWAY, SUITE 101
KNOXVILLE, TN 37918

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF JOHN A. MATHIS
DOCKET NUMBER 92619-3
Notice is hereby given that on the 13th day of August, 2026, letters administration in respect of the Estate of JOHN A. MATHIS, who died January 11, 2026, were issued to the undersigned by the Clerk and Master of the Chancery Court of Knox County, Tennessee. All persons, resident and non-resident, having claims, matured or unmatured, against his or her estate are required to file the same with the Clerk and Master of the above named court on or before the earlier of the dates prescribed in (1) or (2), otherwise their claims will be forever barred:
(1)(A) Four (4) months from the date of the first publication of this notice if the creditor received an actual copy of this notice to creditors at least sixty (60) days before the date that is four (4) months from the date of the first publication; or
(B) Sixty (60) days from the date the creditor received an actual copy of the notice to creditors if the creditor received the copy of the notice less than sixty (60) days prior to the date that is four (4) months from the date of first publication as described in (1)(A); or
(2) Twelve (12) months from the decedent’s date of death.
This the 13th day of AUGUST, 2026.

ESTATE OF JOHN A. MATHIS

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE(S)
JOSEPH A. MATHIS
550 VANOSDALE ROAD
KNOXVILLE, TN 37909

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF GEORGE EDWARD MELLON
DOCKET NUMBER 92685-3
Notice is hereby given that on the 14th day of August, 2026, letters testamentary in respect of the Estate of GEORGE EDWARD MELLON, who died May 2, 2026, were issued to the undersigned by the Clerk and Master of the Chancery Court of Knox County, Tennessee. All persons, resident and non-resident, having claims, matured or unmatured, against the estate are required to file the same with the Clerk and Master of the above named court on or before the earlier of the dates prescribed in (1) or (2), otherwise their claims will be forever barred:
(1)(A) Four (4) months from the date of the first publication of this notice if the creditor received an actual copy of this notice to creditors at least sixty (60) days before the date that is four (4) months from the date of the first publication; or
(B) Sixty (60) days from the date the creditor received an actual copy of the notice to creditors if the creditor received the copy of the notice less than sixty (60) days prior to the date that is four (4) months from the date of first publication as described in (1)(A); or
(2) Twelve (12) months from the decedent’s date of death.
This the 14th day of AUGUST, 2026.

ESTATE OF GEORGE EDWARD MELLON

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE(S)
MICHAEL E. MELLON
207 DOCK ROAD
KNOXVILLE, TN 37705

M. CATHERINE WARMBROD, ATTORNEY
10805 KINGSTON PIKE
KNOXVILLE, TN 37934

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF KATHERINE L. MILLER
DOCKET NUMBER 92846-2
Notice is hereby given that on the 21st day of August, 2026, letters testamentary in respect of the Estate of KATHERINE L. MILLER, who died June 26, 2026, were issued to the undersigned by the Clerk and Master of the Chancery Court of Knox County, Tennessee. All persons, resident and non-resident, having claims, matured or unmatured, against his or her estate are required to file the same with the Clerk and Master of the above named Court on or before the earlier of the dates prescribed in (1) or (2), otherwise their claims will be forever barred:
(1)(A) Four (4) months from the date of the first publication of this notice if the creditor received an actual copy of this notice to creditors at least sixty (60) days before the date that is four (4) months from the date of the first publication; or
(B) Sixty (60) days from the date the creditor received an actual copy of the notice to creditors if the creditor received the copy of the notice less than sixty (60) days prior to the date that is four (4) months from the date of first publication as described in (1)(A); or
(2) Twelve (12) months from the decedent’s date of death.
This the 21st day of AUGUST, 2026.

ESTATE OF KATHERINE L. MILLER

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE(S)
KIRK L. MILLER
7800 OLD ASHEVILLE HWY.
GREENEVILLE, TN 37743

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF LINDA DIANE NORMAN
DOCKET NUMBER 92898-3
Notice is hereby given that on the 13th day of August, 2026, letters administration in respect of the Estate of LINDA DIANE NORMAN, who died May 12, 2026, were issued to the undersigned by the Clerk and Master of the Chancery Court of Knox County, Tennessee. All persons, resident and non-resident, having claims, matured or unmatured, against his or her estate are required to file the same with the Clerk and Master of the above named court on or before the earlier of the dates prescribed in (1) or (2), otherwise their claims will be forever barred:
(1)(A) Four (4) months from the date of the first publication of this notice if the creditor received an actual copy of this notice to creditors at least sixty (60) days before the date that is four (4) months from the date of the first publication; or
(B) Sixty (60) days from the date the creditor received an actual copy of the notice to creditors if the creditor received the copy of the notice less than sixty (60) days prior to the date that is four (4) months from the date of first publication as described in (1)(A); or
(2) Twelve (12) months from the decedent’s date of death.
This the 13th day of AUGUST, 2026.

ESTATE OF LINDA DIANE NORMAN

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE(S)
ALLISON GLINSKI
2562 PALM SHORES DRIVE
SHALIMAR, FL 32579

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF ROBERT A. SATOLOE
DOCKET NUMBER 92880-1
Notice is hereby given that on the 21 day of August, 2026, letters testamentary in respect of the Estate of ROBERT A. SATOLOE, who died April 8, 2026, were issued to the undersigned by the Chancery Court, Probate Division, of Knox County, Tennessee. All persons, resident and non-resident, having claims, matured or unmatured, against the estate are required to file the same with the clerk of the above named court on or before the earlier of the dates prescribed in (1) or (2), otherwise their claims will be forever barred:
(1)(A) Four (4) months from the date of the first publication of this notice if the creditor received an actual copy of this notice to creditors at least sixty (60) days before the date that is four (4) months from the date of the first publication; or
(B) Sixty (60) days from the date the creditor received an actual copy of the notice to creditors if the creditor received the copy of the notice less than sixty (60) days prior to the date that is four (4) months from the date of first publication as described in (1)(A); or
(2) Twelve (12) months from the decedent’s date of death.
This the 21 day of AUGUST, 2026.

ESTATE OF ROBERT A. SATOLOE

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE(S)
DAVID BOONE
336 LOREN CIRCLE
KNOXVILLE, TN 37849

J. WHITESON SMITH, ATTORNEY
10805 KINGSTON PIKE, SUITE 200
KNOXVILLE, TN 37934

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF JOHN A. WAGGONER
DOCKET NUMBER 92884-2
Notice is hereby given that on the 21st day of August, 2026, letters testamentary in respect of the Estate of JOHN A. WAGGONER, who died July 8, 2026, were issued to the undersigned by the Clerk and Master of the Chancery Court of Knox County, Tennessee. All persons, resident and non-resident, having claims, matured or unmatured, against his or her estate are required to file the same with the Clerk and Master of the above named Court on or before the earlier of the dates prescribed in (1) or (2), otherwise their claims will be forever barred:
(1)(A) Four (4) months from the date of the first publication of this notice if the creditor received an actual copy of this notice to creditors at least sixty (60) days before the date that is four (4) months from the date of the first publication; or
(B) Sixty (60) days from the date the creditor received an actual copy of the notice to creditors if the creditor received the copy of the notice less than sixty (60) days prior to the date that is four (4) months from the date of first publication as described in (1)(A); or
(2) Twelve (12) months from the decedent’s date of death.
This the 21st day of AUGUST, 2026.

ESTATE OF JOHN A. WAGGONER

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE(S)
MARIA L. WAGGONER
168 IBIS LOOP
OAK RODGE, TN 37830

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF JOHN S. WINBIGLER, III
DOCKET NUMBER 92946-3
Notice is hereby given that on the 21st day of August, 2026, letters testamentary (or letters of administration as the case may be_ in respect of the Estate of JOHN S. WINBIGLER, III, who died May 31, 2026, were issued to the undersigned by the Chancery Court, Probate Division, of Knox County, Tennessee. All persons, resident and non-resident, having claims, matured or unmatured, against the estate are required to file the same with the clerk of the above named court on or before the earlier of the dates prescribed in (1) or (2), otherwise their claims will be forever barred:
(1)(A) Four (4) months from the date of the first publication of this notice if the creditor received an actual copy of this notice to creditors at least sixty (60) days before the date that is four (4) months from the date of the first publication; or
(B) Sixty (60) days from the date the creditor received an actual copy of the notice to creditors if the creditor received the copy of the notice less than sixty (60) days prior to the date that is four (4) months from the date of first publication as described in (1)(A); or
(2) Twelve (12) months from the decedent’s date of death.
This the 21st day of AUGUST, 2026.

ESTATE OF JOHN S. WINBIGLER, III

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE(S)
DAVID S. WARE, EXECUTOR
1214 W. NANCY CREEK
ATLANTA, GA 30319

KAITLYN A. SELL, ATTORNEY
P. NEWMAN BANKSTON, ATTORNEY
900 S. GAY STREET, 14th FLOOR
P. O. BOX 2047
KNOXVILLE, TN 37901

Misc. Notices

Legal Section 94

Knox County will receive bids for the following items and services:

BID 3760, DOORS AND RELATED SUPPLIES, Due 9/24/26

RFP 3762, ADULT OPIOID OVERDOSE PREVENTION AND RECOVERY SOCIAL MEDIA INITIATIVE, Due 9/25/26

For additional information call 865-215-5777, stop by the Procurement Division, 1000 North Central St., Suite 100, Knoxville, TN 37917, or visit our website: www.knoxcounty.org/procurement. To bid on Knox County surplus items, go to www.govdeals.com.

Public Notice

The Knox County Commission shall receive letters and resumés/credentials from candidates seeking an appointment to five (5) vacancies on the Knox County Board of Zoning Appeals for Commission Districts 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9, to serve a two (2) year term expiring September 30, 2028. Candidates must reside in the district for which they are applying. Resumés should be submitted by mail, fax, e-mail or hand-delivered no later than Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 4:00 pm to:

Office of the Knox County Commission
Suite 603, City County Building
400 Main Street
Knoxville, TN 37902
Phone: 215-2534
FAX: 215-2038
E-mail: commission@knoxcounty.org

The Knox County Commission will interview candidates at the Commission Optional Agenda Review meeting on Monday, September 21, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. in the Main Assembly Room of the City-County Building, 400 West Main Street.
The Commission’s appointment shall be considered during the regularly scheduled meeting of the Knox County Commission on Monday, September 28, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. in the Main Assembly Room of the City-County Building, 400 West Main Street.

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE KNOX COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SHALL CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2026 AT 4:00 P.M. (OR IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE OPTIONAL AGENDA REVIEW MEETING) IN THE MAIN ASSEMBLY ROOM OF THE CITY-COUNTY BUILDING, 400 WEST MAIN STREET, KNOXVILLE.

NOTE: Anyone who wishes to sign up to speak on Ordinance O-26-8-101 can do so via the Commission website at commission.knoxcountytn.gov, or by emailing commission@knoxcounty.org, or by calling the office at 865-215-2534. The deadline for signing up to speak is Sunday, September 20, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.

AGENDA
Call to Order / Roll Call.
Public Forum.
Discussion regarding Ordinance O-26-8-101 amending the Knox County Code, Appendix A – Zoning, Article 6, Sections 6.30, 6.40, and 6.90, pertaining to public notice requirements and vested rights. A complete copy of the proposed amendment is available and may be obtained at the Knox County Commission Office, Suite 603, in the City-County Building.
Adjournment

PUBLIC NOTICE
REVISED

THE KNOX COUNTY BEER BOARD SHALL MEET IN REGULAR SESSION ON MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2026, AT 4:00 P.M. IN THE MAIN ASSEMBLY ROOM OF THE CITY-COUNTY BUILDING, MAIN AVENUE.
ROLL CALL:
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
PUBLIC FORUM: (AGENDA ITEMS ONLY)
NOTE: Those wishing to speak regarding any Beer Board agenda item can sign up via the Commission website at commission.knoxcounty.org, by emailing Kathy.dailey@knoxcounty.org or calling the Clerk’s Office at 865-215-3441. The deadline to sign up to speak is Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.
SWEARING IN OF INDIVIDUALS WHO PLAN TO TESTIFY:
APPLICATIONS:
6a. RR & SS INC.………… Lucky Corner
6400 Maynardville Pike
Knoxville, TN 37918
Off Premises
(District 7)
6b. El Patron Mexican Restaurant & Grill, LLC .…………………………………………
El Patron Mexican Restaurant & Grill, LLC
2509 West Emory Rd,
Powell, TN 37849
On Premises
(District 7)
ADJOURNMENT:

By Mike Steely

Senior Writer

steelym@knoxfocus.com

A special work session about Knox County’s increasing use of Flock cameras last week found members of the county commission united in their opposition to the use of the surveillance system by the sheriff’s department.

The meeting, called to discuss District 8 Commissioner Adam Thompson’s emergency ordinance on the matter, saw two Flock executives speak about the camera’s capabilities with claims that the cameras have solved 10% of the crime in the nation.

Alex Guth, Flock’s national sales director, and Trevor Chandler, Flock’s director of public affairs, said the observation cameras do not violate a person’s 4th Amendment right and do not track a person. They said that a local police department decides how to share the information, which is deleted after 30 days unless it is used to follow up on a crime.

Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, who originally signed off on a Flock contract thanks to a state grant of $1.5 million for public safety, issued a 30-day cancellation of the agreement on August 12th after learning of the capabilities of the cameras. Currently, the Knox County Sheriff’s Office operates 143 Flock cameras, with plans to expand the number of cameras and extend the contract.

Law Director David Buuck told the meeting that KCSO may have violated county purchasing policy and that the Flock company is currently operating in the county without a valid agreement.

Thompson’s emergency ordinance proposes to add a new article to the Knox County Code establishing limitations on surveillance technology and supports Glenn’s cancellation of the Flock agreement.

Several commissioners voiced their support of cancelling the Flock contract as well.

Commissioner Rhonda Lee of District 7 said the contract with Flock and the county was “not transparent” and no mention of the cameras was in the original agreement.

District 4 Commissioner Shane Jackson asked the Flock officials if they had seen the mayor’s cancellation letter, and both replied they have not. He also questioned the county’s cost in maintaining the camera system and who owns the information the cameras provide.

At-large Commissioner Larsen Jay noted the lower-ranking KCSO representative present at the meeting and noted the “massive resignation of members” of the sheriff’s legal department prior to the meeting. He asked who has access to the camera information, and the reply was 435 KCSO officers.

Jay was critical of Hugh Holt, KCSO Director of Purchasing, and said the department “slid it in and didn’t tell us,” in reference to the contract with Flock.

The commissioners also questioned KCSO’s creation of a Real Time Crime Center based on the Flock cameras.

First District Commissioner Damon Rawls, who said his district has the bulk of the cameras, asked about the status of crime solving in his district and was told there is no impact report.

Thompson questioned why most of the $1.5 million state grant money went to the cameras and the proposed crime center. He wondered if the grant money might have to be paid back and said, of the Flock camera system agreement, “We don’t physically own anything.”

Commissioner Terry Hill of District 6 said Flock cameras might be appropriate around schools or high-traffic areas and suggested the emergency ordinance might be delayed until the new sheriff and mayor take office. For the moment, the current sheriff and county mayor have an agreement not to deploy any new cameras.

Commissioners Jay and Shane Jackson of District 4 questioned what other agencies could access Flock camera information and were told the FBI, ICE, Homeland Security and TVA, or other agencies with permissions approved by Flock.

District 9 Commissioner Andy Fox asked what vehicle features the Flock cameras record.

At-large Commissioner Kim Frazier asked the Flock executives again about the termination letter sent by Mayor Glenn. “For the record, you have not seen it?” They replied they have not.

The law director referred to the Flock and county agreement and added, “This is one of the screwiest contracts I’ve ever read.” He added that the Flock company has apparently “chosen to ignore” the termination of the agreement. He said Flock is currently operating in the county with no valid agreement.

District 2 Commissioner Courtney Durrett questioned if footage downloaded from Flock cameras by the KCSO could be held forever.

Buuck and the commissioners also discussed whether or not KCSO could sue the county over the cancellation of the Flock contract.

Commission Chair Gina Oster ended the meeting on a humorous note, “It’s a good thing when Democrats and Republicans can agree on something.” She was referring to the overwhelming disapproval of the Flock camera system.

083126_KNOX FOCUS