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Press Planner

May

Friday, May 15th Sporting Clays Tournament Mission of Hope announces its 3rd Annual Sporting Clays Tournament, scheduled for Friday, May 15, at Iron Mountain Sporting Clays in Kodak, Tennessee. This event welcomes shooters of all skill levels for a day of friendly competition while supporting Mission of Hope’s work to bring help, hope and joy to families in need across rural Appalachia. Proceeds from the tournament will support Mission of Hope’s core outreach programs, which make a lasting impact in the lives of children and families each year. Individuals, teams, and sponsors are invited to register by visiting missionofhope.org/clay-tournament or by calling 865-584-7571. Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and individuals eager to make a meaningful impact in the community.
Saturday, May 16th Drinking Water Week As part of Drinking Water Week, Knoxville Utilities Board shared its 2025 Water Quality Report. The report details KUB’s water quality record, stringent monitoring and testing and ongoing investments in its water system. The report also informs the community and instills confidence in the quality of KUB’s drinking water. KUB encourages its customers to learn more about KUB water by viewing the report online at www.kub.org/2025kubwaterquality or requesting it by phone at 865-524-2911.
Sunday, May 17th National Salvation Army Week May 11–17 is National Salvation Army Week. In Knoxville, National Salvation Army Week is centered on appreciation — taking time to thank the people who keep this important work going. That means meals for first responders, time spent with volunteers and visits with partners and donors across the community. National Salvation Army Week is also a chance for people to step in—whether that’s volunteering, giving or just learning more about what’s happening in the community. Contact the Salvation Army at 865-971-4920 to arrange a private tour of campus and learn more.
Monday, May 18th The Visit Knoxville Open will take place Monday though Sunday, May 18–24, at Holston Hills Country Club. Tickets to this event are free to the community. Learn more at www.vkopen.com
Thursday, May 21st Pilot raising funds for American Stroke Month In recognition of American Stroke Month, Pilot is rallying support to raise critical funds for the American Heart Association’s stroke prevention and education programs. From now through May 21, guests can help make positive change and join the fight against stroke by rounding up their purchases during checkout at participating Pilot, Flying J and One9 Travel Center locations nationwide.
Friday, May 22nd The window for applying to serve on a Town of Farragut volunteer committee is now open. Adults are welcome to apply and civic-minded high school juniors and seniors can apply to serve as a youth representative. To learn more about both opportunities and submit an online application, visit townoffarragut.org/committees. The application deadline for youth and adults is 4 p.m. Friday, May 22. For more information, contact Allison Scott at ascott@townoffarragut.org or 865-966-7057.
Friday, May 22nd Community blood drive Pinnacle at Turkey Creek will host a community blood drive with Medic Regional Blood Drive on Friday, May 22, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., inviting community members to come together and help save lives through blood donation. The blood drive will take place at Pinnacle Turkey Creek in front of Condado Tacos located at 11383 Parkside Drive and is open to all eligible donors. Appointments are encouraged, though walk-ins may be accepted as space allows. Donors are encouraged to eat a healthy meal, stay hydrated, and bring a valid photo ID.
Saturday, May 30th Marble City Opera season Marble City Opera will present two mainstage productions and a free concert during its thirteenth season. Season tickets and single tickets are now on sale at MarbleCityOpera.com. The Summer Festival begins on May 30 with a one-woman opera called Josephine by Tom Cipullo inside Historic Grove Theater about the life of Josephine Baker told from her perspective, featuring soprano Manna K. Jones as Josephine. On June 6, Marble City Opera will host its annual Opera in the Park free concert at Lakeshore Park in Knoxville. The event features food trucks and a beautiful concert as a gift to the community. The season closes with two performances of The Tragedy of Carmen. The 90-minute adaptation of Bizet’s Carmen will be presented on June 18 and 20 at the Historic Grove Theatre in Oak Ridge. Featuring Kathryn Frady, Edward Brennan, Jacquie Reynolds, and Geoffrey Peterson. 
Sunday, May 31st RACHMANINOFF & FRIENDS Amadeus Concert Ensemble will present RACHMANINOFF & FRIENDS, its final free concert of the 2025-2026 Season, on Sunday, May 31, at 5:30 p.m. The performance, under the baton of ACE Artistic Director BRIAN SALESKY, is part of the Cathedral Concert Series at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, 711 S. Northshore Drive. Free reservations may be made three weeks prior to the concert at www.shcathedral.org

June

Wednesday, Jun 3rd Intro to Farragut reunion On Wednesday, June 3, at 5:30 p.m., Town of Farragut will host a first-time reunion of all Intro to Farragut Program alumni at the Farragut Community Center, 237 Jamestowne Blvd. All classmates from 2013 to 2025 are welcome to join together for a fun evening. RSVP by Wednesday, May 27, to ascott@townoffarragut.org.
Saturday, Jun 6th Tennessee Valley Fair Kickoff to Summer The 4th Annual Tennessee Valley Fair Kickoff to Summer is happening June 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Chilhowee Park & Exposition Center, 3301 E. Magnolia Ave, Knoxville, 37914. Some of the free fun includes: inflatables, Touch-a-Truck experience, Little Ponderosa Zoo, crafts and hands-on activities and giveaways throughout the day. There will also be food and fun vendors on hand.
Sunday, Jun 7th Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians summer camps Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians offers summer camps designed to inspire confidence and connection. From “Pirates and Mermaids,” to “Ultimate Scout,” Girl Scouts’ Summer Camp programs offer a summer packed with themed adventure, empowerment and self-discovery. These camps are open to current members, and non-members with an additional fee. Alternatively, campers can join when registering. Sessions begin June 7 and run through July 25, with both day camp and overnight options available. Camps are available for every level from Daisies and rising first-graders through 10th grade, as well as Counselor-In-Training opportunities for high schoolers. Registration for all camps is now open at girlscoutcsa.org/summercamp. Camps fill up quickly and registration ends two weeks prior to the first day of each camp.
Wednesday, Jun 10th Free Legal Advice Clinic for veterans Knoxville Bar Association and Legal Aid of East Tennessee are offering an in-person Free Legal Advice Clinic at the Knox County Public Defender’s Community Law Office, 1101 Liberty Street, Knoxville, 37919. Any veteran seeking legal help is encouraged to attend the clinic on June 10 from 12 to 2 p.m. This is a general advice clinic with a wide variety of legal issues, including family law, landlord/tenant, bankruptcy, criminal defense, consumer protection, contract disputes, child support and personal injury, among other issues. This is an advice-only clinic. Clients can expect legal advice, but no wills are drafted at this clinic nor legal work performed. Veterans who are not able to attend the clinic in person are encouraged to continue to use the telephone clinic option. Preregistration is required for telephone clinic and veterans are asked to call Legal Aid of East Tennessee at 865-637-0484 to preregister.
Monday, Jun 15th Golf with Us Children ages 6-18 in the Knoxville-area are encouraged to enroll in a free, one-year membership to Youth on Course, courtesy of Bank of America. Enrollment for new members is open until June 15 at BofA.com/GolfwithUs. ‘Golf with Us’ includes access to Williams Creek Golf Course, Knoxville Municipal Golf Course and more for $5 or less per round. The full list is available at YouthOnCourse.org. Bank of America launched ‘Golf with Us’ in partnership with Youth on Course to expand affordable access to golf nationwide.

Volunteer helps seniors stay active, connected

HARDIN VALLEY — During National Volunteer Week, April 19–25, communities across the country pause to recognize the people who give their time and heart to others. At Morning Pointe of Hardin Valley Assisted Living and Memory Care, one of those individuals is Madalyn Whedon, a volunteer whose steady presence is making a meaningful difference in residents’ daily lives, according to Clarissa Alberto, communications specialist with Morning Pointe Senior Living. “Whedon began volunteering earlier this year, inspired by personal experience,” Alberto stated in a press release. “Having had relatives in senior living communities and nursing homes, she saw firsthand how much a simple visit or shared activity can brighten someone’s day.” “I knew how much of a difference volunteers make,” Whedon shared. Since February, Whedon has become a familiar and welcome face in the community, especially during one of residents’ favorite pastimes: bean bag baseball. “She has spent the semester helping with practices, encouraging players and cheering them on,” Alberto stated. “Recently, she had the opportunity to support residents during a tournament, where their hard work and dedication were on full display” “It was awesome to see all of the hard work they put in be shown off,” Whedon said.

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From first-time voter to election leader

The 2026 Knox County primary election results went final at 10:35 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5. That night, Ashton Hicks settled in after a long day as a precinct election officer, having overseen the polling location at Faith Lutheran Church on Jamestowne Boulevard in Farragut. While likely tired, Hicks also felt the same pride that inspired him to become involved in this process more than a decade ago. “I think it’s one of the most important things we can do as Americans,” Hicks said. “I’ve often said that if you don’t like the way things are going, you can’t complain unless you voted because that’s how we make change.“ Hicks said his mother made sure to take him with her when she went to vote. That influence sparked involvement, as an 18-year-old Hicks asked about becoming a poll worker for a 2015 local election. He became a precinct officer the next year and served in that role until 2020 when he moved to Knoxville. “I’ve always been kind of a democracy nerd,” he quipped. “I think everyone in this country should have the right to vote and should exercise that right. It’s always fascinated me, and it’s cool to be a part of it now as an adult.” He previously served at a Knoxville Head Start location south of the river then was moved to Faith Lutheran for the mayoral election this year. “At this precinct, we have everyone from every different background on the ideological and political spectrum,” he added. “We have Republicans and Democrats, as we’re supposed to by law, but we all come together to achieve a free and fair election in our specific precinct. If anyone has any doubt as to the integrity of elections in the state of Tennessee, I would tell them to show up and work an election on Election Day because I assure you it’s one of the most secure procedures that takes place.”

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News

Sewer line break contaminates North Fork Turkey Creek  Read More

From first-time voter to election leader  Read More

Board divided on CLUP contract  Read More

Gibson ready to lead Knox County Sheriff’s Office  Read More

Henderson grateful after primary win  Read More

Rezoning request hits snag  Read More

Davis details precinct move to Korean Church  Read More

KCSO police reports  Read More

Presstalk

PRESSTALK RULES  Read More

Opinion

Letter to the Editor  Read More

Letter to the Editor  Read More

Letter to the Editor  Read More

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR RULES  Read More

School

Admiral arts honored with unique senior signing day  Read More

Business

Turkey Creek area to gain apartments, townhomes  Read More

business briefs  Read More

Community

Volunteer helps seniors stay active, connected  Read More

Donated cars change lives through local ministry  Read More

Local Civil War history comes alive  Read More

Sports

Blue-Grey Game  Read More

Lee brings versatile background to Farragut volleyball  Read More

Lady Admirals work overtime in semifinals  Read More

Ads advance to sectionals this week  Read More

FHS soccer sees ‘stinging’ end in district semis  Read More

Bearden flag football books first state trip  Read More

Ads show ‘fight’ in final match  Read More

Local schools to represent at state track championships  Read More

Irish soccer sees first-time state success  Read More

FHS lax season ends in state semis  Read More