Jacinta Render
- Public Information Officer, City of Atlanta
MMJ for @wbir in Knoxville, Tennessee.
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Articles by Jacinta Render
Knoxville restaurants and bars prepare for Orange Bowl watch parties
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — On Dec. 30, the Vols will take on Clemson at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida. For people who will not be watching the game locally, bars across Knoxville are throwing watch parties. Knox Brew Hub is throwing a watch party for the first time. "We're gonna play Rocky Top on the speakers. We're gonna have some extra decorations, some food specials, and some beer specials.
KFD firefighter released from hospital four days after back surgery due to injury in line of duty
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Captain Chris Patterson with the Knoxville Fire Department is recovering after breaking his back while in the line of duty, responding to a house fire in East Knoxville on Dec. 23. He said he had suffered a burst fracture, which usually causes moderate to severe back pain, or numbness. "The ladder gave away and we both ended up on the ground, and I believe she suffered a broken ankle and I suffered a broken back," he said.
'Remember Kingston' billboards bring attention to the Kingston Coal Ash Spill 14 years later
KINGSTON, Tenn. — Thursday marks 14 years since a billion gallons of coal ash erupted from a Tennessee Valley Authority holding cell at the Kingston Fossil Plant, dumping toxic sludge into the Clinch and Emory Rivers. The health of workers who cleaned up the spill later declined, and some died. The TVA worked with Jacobs Engineering to clean up the spill, and advocates said that the long-term effects of coal ash soon started to reveal themselves.
Here's how to prepare your car for single-digit temperatures
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Freezing temperatures are on their way to East Tennessee, and people should not wait until the cold arrives to make sure their cars are ready. An auto mechanic said they should prepare ahead of time to make sure their vehicles are able to withstand the cold. Matt Townsend is a mechanic in Fountain City, and he said people should check their tires first to make sure they're ready for the weather.
Knoxville prepares for winter weather and 'bone-chilling' temperatures
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Knoxville leaders said they are expecting "bone-chilling" temperatures this week, as arctic air approaches East Tennessee. It's bringing temperatures in the single digits and snow and is expected to impact the city Thursday night into Friday morning. The city's Public Service Department also said they are prepared for anything the weather brings, after learning about what to expect around two years ago when it snowed on Christmas Eve.
Winter wave of illnesses continues to flow as concerns rise about strep throat
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Doctors at the East Tennessee Children's Hospital said the number of cases they see of RSV and the flu is continuing to ebb and flow. They said that the number of flu cases is still high. "I still would encourage people to get their flu vaccine. It is still effective because it can be a long season,” said Shannon Cohen, who works with ETCH. Hospital shows that over the past few weeks, flu cases dropped from 175 to 122, but the number of RSV cases rose from 30 to 45.
Knox County reports two-thirds of people in area can't afford to be a homeowner
KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. — Knox County leaders said that according to research, rises in the cost of living in Knox County have caused homelessness to spike across the area. The KnoxHMIS system, which collects data about homelessness in Knoxville and Knox County, said more than 76% of people seeking help were from the area. More than half of them said that the main reason they were homeless was that they simply couldn't afford a home.
SCORE hosts meeting with education leaders to discuss 2023 priorities and release State of Education Report
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The State Collaborative on Reforming Education, a group of education leaders otherwise known as SCORE, met at the Baker Center for a yearly meeting where they discuss the state's education priorities for 2023 and data reported during the 2022 school year. Over the past three years, they've gathered data on Tennessee's education system. They said the data shows that the COVID-19 pandemic is continuing to hurt students academically.
Two high school athletes in Anderson Co. sign NIL deals just a day after TSSAA allows them
ANDERSON COUNTY, Tenn. — On Thursday, the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association's Legislative Council cleared the way for high school athletes to get paid for endorsement deals. Just a day later, two Anderson County students signed Name, Image and Likeness deals with local businesses. NIL deals are a growing trend across the U.S. and this year, college athletes started signing them.
Health leaders say XBB COVID-19 subvariant is not causing severe illness, though it resists vaccines
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The World Health Organization announced a new subvariant that has been found in 35 countries, including in the U.S. The XBB subvariant had a global prevalence of 1.3% as of October 27, according to the WHO. A Knoxville woman and certified nurse's assistant, Jeannie Shipe, said she was concerned after learning about a new variant. She was previously diagnosed with COVID-19, and she said that she lost her senses of smell and taste.
Second Harvest prepares for their annual Double your Donation Day
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee will host Double Your Donation Day (DYD) on Thursday, Dec. 8. This annual event is a telethon and day of giving to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank. All donations made to Second Harvest on Dec. 8 will be matched by generous sponsors up to $750,000. Executive Director of Second Harvest Elaine Streno said it is their largest fundraiser of the year. “This funding goes into 2023. It's a big deal for us,” said Streno.
KCS considers hiring outside company to clean schools due to lack of custodians
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Leaders at Knox County Schools said they are having trouble finding custodians to clean schools, and are thinking about hiring an outside company to clean up after-hours as a result. They said 16 schools were at less than 60% of the staffing they need to operate well. Jerry Anderson, a former custodian at Knox County Schools, said he remembered how challenging it was for workers when there weren't enough custodians.
Roane State sees more people using on-campus student food bank
ROANE COUNTY, Tenn. — Roane State Community College said more people than usual are using one of its on-campus student food pantries, the "Brain Food" pantry. The "Brain Food" pantry is located on the Oak Ridge campus. Roane State also has food pantries in its Harriman location, Knox County location, Scott County location, Campbell County location and Cumberland County location. The Oak Ridge location recently got a new freezer donated by the First Presbyterian Church of Oak Ridge.
Clinton gets $70,000 from state grant to improve historic buildings downtown
CLINTON, Tenn. — Clinton received $70,000 from a state grant program meant to help communities revitalize their downtown areas while also preserving their history. It's called the Downtown Improvement Grant Program and Historic Downtown Clinton said they were told they would get the money on Nov. 22. They said it will go to five different property owners so they can make improvements and restorations on the buildings.
Knoxville College faces building citations while raising money for new one
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Two buildings on Knoxville College's campus were city by the city for being "unfit" and "dangerous." Leaders said the Robert H. Harvey College Center and Elnathan Hall were not suitable for students. The president of Knoxville College, Leonard Adams, said he will present a plan of action for the buildings at a public hearing on Friday. He also said he plans to use some money raised during Giving Tuesday to help the campus move forward with a new building.
Knox Pride gives young unsheltered people joy during the holidays with Giving Tree program
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — As the holidays approach, hundreds of young people in Knoxville may be wondering where they will sleep at night. Many of those people may not be looking forward to the holidays in the same way others are. Knox Pride wanted to bring them some joy, so they started a Giving Tree program. The program functions similarly to an angel tree. Members of the community can browse some of the Christmas wishes from young people experiencing homelessness and make them come true.
Rising rent prices in Knoxville are forcing people to move to other cities
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The cost of keeping a roof over your head in Knoxville is rising. Monthly rent averages about $1,500 per month. But what does that mean for people that have lived in the area their entire lives? It could mean they would have to move elsewhere in East Tennessee. Anita Hines calls Knoxville Home but not for long, with the rising prices of apartments and houses in the area. "I was born here; I don't want to leave. This is my home, but I can't afford to stay," Hines said.
Despite lower RSV case count, East TN Children's Hospital says it is reaching capacity
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Cases of the respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, are rising nationally. In East Tennessee, health leaders said the number of new cases has started to drop. However, East Tennessee Children's Hospital said they are still at capacity as they try to treat patients. "Luckily, we have been busy but able to handle it," said Shannon Cohen, the pediatric hospitalist at ETCH. RSV mainly affects kids and it commonly brings flu-like symptoms.
Shelter in Blount County opens earlier than usual, helping people escape the cold
MARYVILLE, Tenn. — Winter temperatures arrived earlier than usual this year in East Tennessee, and many warming shelters opened earlier than they usually do. Volunteers in Blount County usually run a warming shelter during December and January, but this year they opened a little earlier to help unsheltered people stay warm. "People ask themselves, what can I do to help? So, this is just a rudimentary stage. It's just a band-aid.
Knoxville marketing company reports positive changes months after switching to four-day workweek
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — During the COVID-19 pandemic, companies across the U.S. and of all sizes had to adapt to new schedules for their workforce. Some moved to remote work, and others started implementing four-day work weeks. A Knoxville marketing company said they noticed a positive change in employees' productivity and quality of life after making the change. So, they decided to make it permanent.
Here's how to save money on energy bills as the temperature gets lower
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Regardless of how your home is heated, expect higher bills this winter. The price of propane, electricity and natural gas is expected to rise as the temperature dips lower. Natural gas costs are specifically expected to rise around 28% compared to 2021, according to Veronica Andrews. She is a customer counselor at the Knoxville Utilities Board and said customers should expect higher bills this year. Help is also available.
CDC: Substance abuse increases during the holiday season
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — For many people, the holidays are a time to be together with family and to be merry. But for people struggling with addiction, the holidays can be the hardest time of the season. They can face more triggers, leading to them using alcohol or drugs more, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Local advocates can also attest the holidays are hard for some people. It is a time of the year they work even harder to prevent overdoses and relapses.
Community honors those who served at Knoxville's Veterans Day Parade
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — On Friday, Knoxville celebrated veterans with its annual parade. The \parade is almost a century-long tradition. People from all over East Tennessee gathered on Gay Street for this year's event. The rain did not stop people from coming out and some had umbrellas in one hand and the U.S. flag in the other. "It gives me it gives me goosebumps, just seeing everyone out here", said Phillip Hanner, a U.S Navy veteran.
High schoolers show off their trade skills in Construction Trades Competition
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — More than 100 high school students from across East Tennessee competed in the Builders Exchange of Tennessee (BXTN) second annual Construction Trades Competition at the Jacob Building on Thursday. It consisted of teams from high schools that competed in tasks related to carpentry, plumbing and electrical trades.
Knoxville Area Urban League and UT Medical Center partner for first community health fair
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Knoxville Area Urban League is joining forces with the University of Tennessee Medical Center on the partnership's first community health fair. The event is meant to give people a chance to be screened for health issues and find resources. "When we're talking about those who are underserved those who might not have insurance, then this is an opportunity for people to come out and feel comfortable, don't have to worry about payment," said Felix Harris, with KAUL.
Tight butter supply impacting East Tennessee businesses and bakeries ahead of peak butter season
KNOXVILLE, Tennessee — You may have noticed another staple in your kitchen costing more than normal. The price of butter is up, increasing more than 20% over the past 365 days. Chandra Taylor has been the owner of Mer Mer's Bakery for 25 years. She spent most of Wednesday working on a cookie order for a customer. "It took about 10 pounds of butter. We made over 100 cookies." Her most recent job with the cookie order cost her about $70 worth of butter.
Maryville warns people of utility bill scammers
MARYVILLE, Tenn. — Leaders in the city of Maryville are warning people of utility scams. The city reported just this week two people got calls from scammers claiming they could give them a discount on their utility bill. Experts said this kind of phone call is indeed a scam because utility companies never reach out to customers making offers. Maryville officials just want to be sure people know this is not legitimate and to always call us directly if there are questions.
'I am a performer at heart': Here's the story behind the 'security guard' who broke out in dance with the Tennessee Dance Team Original
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — On top of a big win for the Vols against Kentucky, the Tennessee Dance Team was able to score a big win with the crowd at Neyland Stadium this Saturday by putting on a dynamic and memorable performance featuring an unlikely guest. The crowd lost it when a "security guard" standing in front of the dancers suddenly joined in on the fun and showed off his smooth moves.
Some people in East Tennessee take decorating for Halloween very seriously
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Halloween is right around the corner, and some people in East Tennessee are taking the holiday seriously with festive decorations. While through some neighborhoods, you may notice witches hanging from trees or skeletons sitting on a front porch. A national poll of homeowners shows more than 80% of households plan to decorate their homes this year, including one family here in Knoxville. They say Halloween is their favorite time of year.
New traffic study in Morristown looks to improve roads and highways
MORRISTOWN, Tenn. — Traffic experts are running a study on the roads in Morristown. The population is growing, and traffic delays and safety are growing concerns. Studies over many years show that most heavy traffic and crashes occur on Highway 160 at the intersection of Sulphur Springs Road and South Cumberland. One man who works nearby says some days it takes him about 10 minutes to pull out of the parking lot of his job. "Yes, it's definitely blown up.
The avian flu virus outbreak is killing turkeys, causing prices to go up by 73%
Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports this year's outbreak has already affected more than 40 million birds, including turkeys. "So a lot of times we'll see, much like seasonal flu, we'll see higher incidents in the colder months,” said Dr. Marcy Souza from the University of Tennessee's College of Veterinarian Medicine. Souza said this avian flu does not harm people, thankfully.
The avian flu virus outbreak is killing turkeys, causing prices to go up by 73%
Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports this year's outbreak has already affected more than 40 million birds, including turkeys. "So a lot of times we'll see, much like seasonal flu, we'll see higher incidents in the colder months,” said Dr. Marcy Souza from the University of Tennessee's College of Veterinarian Medicine. Souza said this avian flu does not harm people, thankfully.
Study shows domestic violence impacts Black women at higher rates than any other race or ethnicity
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Domestic violence is an issue that impacts all communities. However, studies show Black women are affected more than any other race or ethnicity. The Institute of Women's Policy Research shows that around 31% of all women will experience domestic violence. For Black women, that statistic is more than 40%. "I'm here today to say I survived it,” said Tiffanie. WBIR chose not to reveal her last name, out of concern for her safety.
The Western Heights community welcomes new Head Start facility
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Knoxville officials said that a project to give children the tools they need to academically succeed was discussed for a while before they broke ground on a new Head Start facility last year. They said kids who go through this program will enter Beaumont Elementary School with the tools they need for overall academic success.
KPD: Local gun homicides are down 20% compared to last year
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Recently, the Knoxville Police Department identified the person shot and killed Thursday in East Knoxville. They said 20-year-old Stephen Lundy was pronounced dead at the hospital. Twenty-year-old Kamya Meyers and 88-year-old Ralph Moore were also both wounded. Police say an unidentified suspect shot Lundy and Meyers while they were on a porch on Parkview Avenue. They also said Moore was hit by a stray round.
Rise in social security benefits could help some East Tennesseans make ends meet
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The cost of living has been rising, and it has been hard on many people — especially on people with fixed incomes. But, help is on the way. This week, around 70 million Americans who receive social security benefits will find out how much more money they'll get in a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase for next year. James Davis and Alice Andrews are just two of around 10,000 people in Knox County who get social security benefits. "The benefits are nice.
East TN Children's Hospital reports early rise in flu and RSV cases among young children
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Health leaders at East Tennessee Children's Hospital are seeing a rise in RSV and flu cases. They said they are worried about the timing — it's early to see a spike in cases. "It used to be that RSV, in this part of the world, was a late fall through the winter into the early spring kind of disease," said Doctor Lori Patterson, a pediatric specialist at East Tennessee Children's Hospital.
AARP helps Knoxville fight the affordable housing crisis
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The city of Knoxville and AARP are working together to fix the affordable housing crisis, especially for our senior adult communities. On Thursday, the AARP hosted a round table discussion with the city about how senior adults face homelessness because of the lack of affordable housing and rising costs. City leaders are working to fix the issue.
Local Florida native to gather supplies for hurricane survivors
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Although Elizabeth Dressel has been living in Knoxville for nearly twenty years, she still calls Florida home. She's been in contact with friends and relatives in her hometown and said she had to do something because of all the damage. "I was just at Fort Myers Beach a few weeks ago and can't believe it. And when my brother told me that the images on the news don't do any justice, my heart sank," said Dressel. Dressel said what's happening in her home state is devastating.
Highlander Research and Education celebrates 90 Years of fighting for social justice
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Highlander Research and Education Center is 90 years old. To celebrate, the center marked a key site in East Tennessee that trained several leaders of the Civil Rights Era. A celebration is set for the new location in New Market. The Highlander Center Began its early days in Knoxville. It was torn down by urban renewal policies that decimated several Black communities in the city, and then they moved to Grundy County.
Some East Tennessee festivals still planning to host crowds despite heavy rain from hurricane
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — As Hurricane Ian pummels Florida, it will also push some wet weather into East Tennessee. Many of the festivals scheduled for the same weekend are still expecting to host big crowds — rain or shine. Knox Pride had to take a break from its Pridefest celebration because of the pandemic. This weekend will be their first time back in over two years, and organizers said they still expect to host crowds.
Emergency crews from East Tennessee are heading to Florida to prepare for Hurricane Ian
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Dozens of emergency medical responders from across Tennessee are in Florida waiting for Hurricane Ian's arrival. This is a storm that weather experts say could strengthen to a category 4. Hurricane Ian is not expected to make landfall in Florida until Thursday. Emergency crews from across Tennessee are gathering supplies and getting ready for what's coming. One responder from Anderson County said this is not her first mission.
How to avoid ticket scams for the Vols game against Florida
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The University of Tennessee vs. Florida game is sold out on trusted websites like TicketMaster. However, some people are desperate to get tickets to see the Vols take on the Gators. While people are reselling tickets, there are chances that fake ones are floating around. "If you're going to buy a ticket, you need to buy it from somebody you know and trust,” said Tony Binkley, the President of the Better Business Bureau in Knoxville.
UT students are grateful for student section due to high game day ticket prices
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Some students, like Kendyll Jackson and Lila Shipp, were lucky enough to score tickets through an on-campus lottery system. "My ticket was the student's ticket, which was $10," said Jackson. Shipp is forever grateful to be a student at the University of Tennessee because she does not have to pay an arm and a leg for tickets. "I don't know what I would do without the like student discount and being able to get in groups and everything because it's really a lifesaver," said Shipp.
Vols fans gear up for sixth 'Checker Neyland game' against Florida
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The University of Tennessee is known for having die-hard fans. Whether the Vols are winning or losing, they can always depend on the support of their fans. This upcoming Saturday is one of the season's biggest games, and fans like Kelly Barber have high hopes. "I cannot wait to see the vols kick those Gator's butts on Saturday," she said. The Vols will take on the Florida Gators, and their last win in the rivalry was in 2016.
KCS Coupon Book Fundraiser raises some concerns for some parents who can't make sales goals
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Knox County School's coupon book fundraiser campaign has been around since 1989 and it is the district's largest fundraiser. Parents like Justin Howe say the format of the fundraiser is too much to handle because it adds a new kind of stress for students who hope to earn new privileges like extra time outside during recess.
While four East Tennessee school districts ranked low in state report, two others achieved success
TENNESSEE, USA — Newly released state performance data showed multiple East Tennessee school systems found themselves among the lowest-performing districts in the state in the last academic year. However, two school districts were considered "exemplary" in the report. They were Newport City Schools and the Tennessee Schools for the Deaf. Sandra Burchette, the director of Newport City Schools, said they used their time during the COVID-19 pandemic to improve.
District leaders speak after KCS ranks in bottom 5% of Tennessee school districts
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — On Wednesday, Knox County Schools Superintendent Dr. Jon Rysewyck discussed where the district ranks across Tennessee, after the Tennessee Department of Education released its 2021-2022 School and District Accountability report. Knox County Schools ranks in the bottom five percent of scores statewide. That is based on data from the Tennessee Department of Education.
The Vols are off to a strong start, and local businesses are just as hyped as fans to see them win
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — During football season, Vol fans get out and represent their home team, and many fans travel to Knoxville from across the country. Whether people are watching a game at Neyland Stadium or cheering from a bar across town, city leaders said football season keeps both fans and business owners excited. "We love UT football. It's a great season for us even on away games.
Knoxville asking for public input on how to spend $4 million in federal funds addressing homelessness
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Knoxville's Housing and Neighborhood Development department will hold a public hearing in September to discuss how to spend around $4 million in federal funds to help Knoxville's unsheltered community. "Because it is a community effort,” said Bennett Meeks, a housing and neighborhood development department project specialist. Meeks and other city leaders have consulted with housing stability programs operating in Knoxville to find out what they need. "It's a disaster.
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