Latest news with #EastTennesseans
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
‘VOLunteer' Jahmai Mashack honored for work leading to 197,000 meals for those in need
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — One Tennessee Basketball player was honored Tuesday for his work and advocacy that helped provide more than 197,000 meals for people in need. Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee said 'VOLunteers' in working in the warehouse got a surprise Tuesday morning when former Tennessee Guard Jahmai Mashack joined the assembly line and helped pack boxes of food. The nonprofit said Mashack 'embodies what it means to be a VOLunteer, both on and off the court.' Staffing halved at Knoxville community farm after AmeriCorps cuts Mashack was awarded Second Harvest's 2025 Advocacy Award, in honor of the positive impact he has made on East Tennesseans experiencing food insecurity since their partnership with him began. 'My teammates, family, my coaches, they all know what it means to me to be able to just do something that's bigger than ourselves… we have to use our platform for something bigger, and in my opinion, something just as important as putting the ball in the hoop,' said Mashack, 'No matter where I go, I want to be able to shine a light.' $722K in food shipments to East Tennessee food bank canceled by U.S. Department of Agriculture The award is styled as a food can, with the area of the label that usually lists nutritional information instead showing facts about Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee and hunger in East Tennessee. Some of those facts include that more than 202,000 East Tennesseans experience hunger and that Second Harvest serves more than 15,000 children per week. Second Harvest Chief Operating Officer Rachael Ellis said Mashack has shown a unique ability to inspire and unite others, whether that is by mentoring, advocating for hunger relief, or engaging with the community in the fight against hunger. 'His impact extends far beyond the accolades he has earned; it is felt in the hearts of teammates, peers, and community members alike.' One dead after 'serious' crash on Norris Freeway in Anderson County In March, Mashack launched the 'Mashack March Madness Virtual Food Drive' following his last-second shot helped the Vols beat Alabama. Initially, the fundraiser had a goal of $7,900, in reference to the 79 points Tennessee scored against Alabama, but by the end of the fundraiser, donations to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee surpassed $21,000. Earlier this year, Mashack also served for second straight season as Tennessee's representative on the SEC Community Service Team for men's basketball. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
‘It's amazing' Runners and spectators share experience at Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Sunday morning, runners took to the streets for the Covenant Health Knoxville marathon and half marathon, pushing through months of hard training to finally cross the finish line. 6 news went out and spoke with both spectators and participants to hear about their experience. The energy was electric as runners faced challenging hills, diverse routes, and some rainy weather. Family and friends came out to support their loved ones — braving the rain to cheer them on. Photos: Thousands hit the streets for 2025 Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon 'It's amazing. Everybody's doing such a great job. And it's right here at the top of the hill on Noelton, and you can just see the relief on their faces. It's great,' said Crystal Ivey, a spectator supporting her daughter-in-law. 'I think it's incredible. Just seeing the training, the dedication they put into it and for it all to culminate. It's not perfect with the weather, but it's amazing to see the endurance and the athletes here,' added Grant Ivey. World record holder Truett Hanes, participated in his second marathon of the year. He shared that he plans to tackle nine this year: next up he'll take on the Boston and Eugene marathons. 'You don't know the joy of crossing the finish line until you do it. And then it's just so positive and everyone comes out and supports each other, and everyone has a big smile on their face when you come across the finish line. You can't really justify it by words. You just have to experience it for yourself. So, I just hope everyone gets that opportunity, ' explained Hanes. Runners from out of town felt the warmth of Knoxville's hospitality with locals offering loud cheers and encouragement throughout the race. East Tennesseans join nationwide 'Hands Off!' protests against Trump, Musk 'Without my family here, I wasn't really sure how it was going to go coming here by myself, but the crowd was here just to lift me up. Every single step of the way, people were saying, 'You look great, you look strong, you're smiling, you're having fun. Go after it.' And giving little kids high fives, it was just a blast,' said Ryan Baellquist-Ledger a marathon runner. 'I just feel lucky to be able to do this. And I'm thankful for the health that I have. And then to be able to come to Knoxville and run this with great people and run in the rain is just a blessing. So, thank you guys for having me out,' added Hanes. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Baxter Gardens to close to public after Dogwood Arts Festival
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Baxter Gardens in Fountain City is permanently closing to the public following the 2025 Dogwood Arts Festival. The privately owned gardens were cultivated by Knoxville businessman Bill Baxter and span 32 acres with nine defined gardens. Following Baxter's death in August, the decision was made to close the gardens to the public. This comes as the number of visitors became unsustainable for the owners. For the past two years, more than 30,000 people have visited in April. The owners said the gardens are 'over-loved' by enthusiasm and attention. $722K in food shipments to East Tennessee food bank canceled by U.S. Department of Agriculture 'Bill is the originator, curator, and inspiration behind all the beauty that East Tennesseans have been enjoying during the Dogwood Arts Festival at Baxter Gardens for the past 12 years,' the Gardens posted in a message from the family on its website. 'The outpouring of gratitude, thank you notes, drawings, and other forms of appreciation that so many have offered over the years was a source of great pleasure for Bill.' The gardens will be open on April 12 and 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as one of the featured gardens in the Dogwood Arts Festival. The gardens will then close permanently to the public. Dogwood Trails celebrates 70 years of showcasing Knoxville's natural beauty 'Baxter Gardens has so graciously shared their beautiful garden with Dogwood Arts and the Knoxville community for the entire month of April for 12 years, bringing so much joy to so many,' said Vicki Baumgartner, Dogwood Arts Festival's project manager for trails and gardens. 'We are honored that as life circumstances have changed, they will continue to share this special garden with us as a Featured Garden April 12 and 13.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
$722K in food shipments to East Tennessee food bank canceled by U.S. Department of Agriculture
MARYVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Twenty-one tractor-tailer loads of food coming to East Tennessee were canceled by the United States Department of Agriculture, Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee shared. According to the food bank, the loads contained $722,000 worth of USDA commodities food and represented more than 377,000 lbs. of nutritious proteins and dairy. The shipments were scheduled to arrive between April and July before being canceled on March 24. The food was funded by the Commodities Credit Corporation (CCC), which is paused due to federal review. USDA halts more than $1B in funding for local food banks, schools Second Harvest said the impact for East Tennessee is immediate, adding that families who rely on food assistance could face shortages as funding cuts to the USDA have disrupted food bank shipments across the nation. 'The loss of these shipments is significant and impacts a critical element of our hunger-relief programs for communities in need,' said Executive Director Elaine Streno. Remains found in North Knoxville identified as missing woman last seen in 2022 The food was set to be distributed through programs like Mobile Pantry, Harvest to Home (which offers food boxes to those undergoing medical treatment) and Partner Agencies in Second Harvest's service area. The food bank said they were working to replace the products. 'While we're concerned by the diminished capacity to serve our neighbors, we remain committed to strengthening food access for East Tennesseans and provide adequate nutrition for a healthy life,' said Streno. 'This is a crucial time for our community to step up. We ask the public to continue supporting our hunger-relief efforts by hosting food drives and providing financial support. Together, we will provide adequate nutrition for more than 200,000 individuals who experience food insecurity.' End of USDA funding for fresh local produce hits Grainger County Schools Second Harvest serves 18 counties across the East Tennessee region. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Yahoo
Sheriff: 80,000 pounds of beef stolen from Bean Station meat processing facility
BEAN STATION, Tenn. (WATE) — The Grainger County Sheriff's Office is investigating after 80,000 of beef was stolen from a meat processing facility near Bean Station. According to an incident report by the sheriff's office, the investigation into the theft of tens of thousands of pounds of beef from Southeastern Provision, LLC, began on Tuesday, March 25. First vote cast in parole hearing for East Tennessee man convicted of attacking family The report said that an officer spoke with the shipping manager, who said that at least two of the facility's customers had not received their shipments of meat. The two loads, which were intended to go to Kentucky and Michigan, were picked up by a subcontracted company called 'List Trucking Sales.' Investigators wrote that information provided by List Trucking Sales appeared to be false and could not be verified. The company that Southeastern Provisions contracted through for their shipments attempted to contact List Trucking Sales, but they did not get a response. Their dispatcher stopped responding. Identification for the drivers and List Trucking Sales was not verified at the time the beef was loaded. In total, the two shipments contained 80,000 pounds of beef worth $350,000. 'A design anchored in reality' Knoxville company one step closer to creating fusion power plant East Tennesseans may be familiar with the name of Southeastern Provisions from a controversial 2018 Immigration and Customs Enforcement raid that resulted in nearly 100 Latino workers being detained. A lawsuit filed alleged that agents engaged in racial profiling, illegal searches and arrests. In 2023, a federal judge approved a settlement in the lawsuit that gave the victims more than $1 million. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
