Latest news with #TravisSmith
Herald Sun
22-05-2025
- Herald Sun
Travis Smith bail application approved: alleged dangerous driver released
Don't miss out on the headlines from South East . Followed categories will be added to My News. A Hampton Park man has been released on bail after an alleged high speed car chase ended with a 90 minute rooftop stand off with cops. Travis Smith, 28, fronted the Dandenong Magistrates' Court on Thursday facing charges including two counts of theft of a motor vehicle, reckless conduct endangering life, two counts of going equipped to steal, nine counts of contravening bail conditions as well as multiple drug charges and alleged driving offences. In court documents seen by the Herald Sun, police say Mr Smith was involved in two overnight car thefts from Doveton on May 12, alongside a 27-year-old man, also from Hampton Park. On May 14, the court heard AirWing police were allegedly led through Doveton, Narre Warren, Cranbourne and Hampton Park, where police say he then drove through red lights at an 'excessive speed'. Mr Smith allegedly avoided deployed stop sticks on Power Rd, Princes Hwy and Kidds Rd in Doveton, before the vehicle was abandoned in a Hampton Park street. Police say he jumped into another car — also believed stolen — driven by his co-accused, after which the AirWing continued to track the pair as they fled to a Berwick address. The court heard cops arrested his co-accused inside the southeastern property before Mr Smith allegedly jumped numerous fences and climbed onto the roof of a Lyndall Crt home. Police allege Mr Smith remained on the roof for 90 minutes before surrendering into custody. In the second session of a part heard bail application on Thursday, Mr Smith's lawyer argued for him to be released into the supervision of a family friend in Geelong. The court heard Mr Smith would have immediate access to Indigenous community support and that community members were 'keen to meet' him. Magistrate Francis Medina said the allegations against Mr Smith were 'concerning' but felt the 'risk would be ameliorated to an acceptable level' with strict bail conditions. Mr Smith was released on supervised bail, with conditions including a 10pm to 6am curfew and not to drive a motor vehicle. 'This isn't to say I'm not concerned about the allegations of particularly your driving behaviour,' Ms Medina said. 'These are significantly concerning risks — I'm hoping you comply.' Mr Smith will return to court on a later date.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Eastman named a ‘4 Star Employer' at VETS Indexes Employer Awards
KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) – Eastman has been named a '4 Star Employer' at the 2025 VETS Indexes Employer Awards, highlighting the company's dedication to providing quality employment to area veterans. A release from Eastman said the annual awards recognize companies' commitment to recruiting, hiring, retaining, developing and supporting U.S. military veterans as well as the military-connected community. 'We are honored to be recognized once again for our support of U.S. military veterans, guard members and reservists,' said Travis Smith, Executive Vice President and executive sponsor for EVETS, Eastman's veterans resource group. 'The training they receive through their military service is invaluable to Eastman and contributes to our ongoing success.' VETS Indexes is a leading voice for veteran employment issues in the country, according to the release. A total of 349 organizations submitted surveys for a chance to be honored at the VETS Indexes Employer Awards this year. VETS Indexes honored 294 of those organizations with awards for 5 Star Employer, 4 Star Employer, 3 Star Employer and Recognized Employer. 'Eastman has demonstrated exceptional support for veterans and the military-connected community, earning the organization one of the most prestigious awards possible in the VETS Indexes Employer Awards program,' said George Altman, president of VETS Indexes. 'Even as more organizations than ever before are recognizing the uniquely valuable skills that veterans bring as employees, the efforts of Eastman to recruit, retain, develop, and support those who served, as well as their families, stand out from the pack. Eastman is among the very best veteran employers, and its program can serve as a model for others.' Participating organizations included companies that range from small to large, government agencies and departments, non-profit groups, colleges and universities. The in-depth survey analyzes companies' policies, practices and outcomes in the following five categories: Veteran job candidate recruiting and hiring Veteran employee development and retention Veteran-inclusive policies and culture Support for members of the National Guard and Reserves Military spouse/family support VETS acknowledges organizations that 'demonstrate commitment to employees who are veterans, National Guard and reserve members and military spouses,' the release states. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
4 takeaways from Tennessee football scrimmage: Freshman Travis Smith impresses Josh Heupel
Freshman wide receivers made a good impression at Tennessee football's first intrasquad scrimmage of spring practice on Monday night. Travis Smith caught a touchdown pass from backup quarterback Jake Merklinger on a fade route, and Radarious Jackson was part of a long streak of completions by a hot Vols passing attack. Advertisement It's a good sign for UT's thin receiving corps, which could rely on freshmen in the 2025 season. 'That's just the landscape of college football. As your roster turns over, your young guys have got to be ready to learn it, earn it and go take a job,' coach Josh Heupel said. "I saw some big plays down the football field tonight. The young wide receivers did a good job in their first opportunity in a scrimmage environment.' Returning receivers Mike Matthews, Braylon Staley and Chris Brazzell also contributed to a strong offensive showing, led by starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava. There are only six scholarship receivers on the roster in spring, but Alabama transfer Amari Jefferson is limited as he recovers from a 2024 hip injury. Heupel said Iamaleava displayed 'command and control and a complete understanding' of the offense, which is undergoing tweaks in spring. Advertisement Granted, the defense was hampered with about a dozen players sidelined by injuries. But the offense performed well from veterans to freshmen. The scrimmage was closed to the public and media. But here are other key takeaways from Heupel's review of the night. Travis Smith could factor into receiver rotation Heupel was impressed by how Smith handled the playbook, defensive coverages and the atmosphere of Neyland Stadium. Smith, a 6-foot-3, 207-pounder, was a four-star recruit who chose UT over Georgia, Alabama and Auburn in a hotly contested recruiting battle. He enrolled early in January to compete for immediate playing time. In this first scrimmage, he took a good first step toward that possibility. Advertisement 'For a young player, he has handled what we've installed already in the early part (of spring practice), which is a lot,' Heupel said. 'He's handled it extremely well. When you understand what you're doing, then you can attack from the snap to the whistle. 'He's got great size, great length. He's competitive to the catch. And you saw that tonight.' Tennessee wide receiver Travis Smith Jr. (80) during Tennessee football practice, at University of Tennessee, Tuesday, March 25, 2025. DeSean Bishop, Peyton Lewis are leading backfield UT must replace running back Dylan Sampson, the 2024 SEC Player of the Year. So far, it looks like a two-man job with Sampson's backups stepping into leading roles. DeSean Bishop and Peyton Lewis are working as a one-two punch. They combined for 794 yards rushing and six TDs last season. But Heupel praised their pass protection in the scrimmage. Advertisement Duke transfer Star Thomas, freshman Daune Morris and freshman Justin Baker also got plenty of reps in the scrimmage. They hope to make the backfield duo into a trio. KALEB BEASLEY He is needed at CB for Tennessee. Why isn't he there? On shorthanded defense, Joshua Josephs stands out Edge rusher James Pearce is preparing for the 2025 NFL Draft as a potential first-round pick. And the Vols hope Joshua Josephs can slide into his role as a disruptive pass rusher. Josephs looks the part. The 6-3, 240-pounder has flashed a lightning-quick first step, leading a defensive line that was shorthanded in the scrimmage. Advertisement 'The guys that have played a lot of football have continued to grow as players,' Heupel said. 'I like the length and athleticism of that (defensive line) group.' Injured defensive players who were recently out or limited in practice include: Defensive backs Jermod McCoy, Jourdan Thomas and Christian Charles; linebackers Arion Carter, Jaedon Harmon and Jadon Perlotte; defensive linemen Caleb Herring, Nathan Robinson, Jamal Wallace, Christian Gass, Jaydin Loftin, Christian Gass and Mariyon Dye. Miles Kitselman's reps were trimmed before injury Starting tight end Miles Kitselman suffered a pectoral injury last week and underwent surgery, advancing inexperienced players on the depth chart. Advertisement Redshirt sophomore Ethan Davis, redshirt freshman Cole Harrison, freshman DaSaahn Brame and freshman Jack Van Dorselaer are sharing reps at tight end. But Heupel said that process started before Kitselman was injured because the young tight ends must emerge. 'The other guys at that position are getting a ton of work,' Heupel said. 'They were doing that before Miles' (injury) because we had him in a limited role, just because of the amount of football that he's played. It's important that all those young guys come along.' Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at Get the latest news and insight on SEC football by subscribing to the SEC Unfiltered newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee football scrimmage: Freshman Travis Smith impresses Josh Heupel
