Sheriff candidates discuss homelessness, immigration By Ken Lay The race to become Knox County’s next sheriff has kicked into high gear, and four candidates are bidding to replace Tom Spangler, who will soon depart the office due to term limits. Spangler is completing...

Strong community support on display at Amburn Meet & Greet A large and enthusiastic crowd gathered at Calhoun’s on Bearden Hill last week to meet Knox County Sheriff candidate David Amburn. Supporters filled the venue to hear directly from Amburn, who currently...

CareCuts homeless day center approved by council By Mike Steely Senior Writer steelym@knoxfocus.com A three-day-a-week center for the homeless in North Knoxville will open along Clinton Highway near Merchant Drive as approved in an 8-1 vote by city council on Tuesday....

Deputy Matt Kirchner awarded Medal of Valor Knox County Sheriff Tom Spangler has awarded Deputy Matt Kirchner the 2025 Deputy of the Year and the Medal of Valor for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in the line of duty while serving as a patrolman with the Knox...

Union County Opry presents Con Hunley in Concert Union County Opry is gearing up for its first show of 2026, featuring country music star Con Hunley. In what has become an annual event, this marks Hunley’s 4th year at the Opry. The show is a homecoming of sorts for...

Charlie Susano hosts campaign appreciation event By Ken Lay Charlie Susano may be running unopposed as he prepares for a third term as Knox County Circuit Court Clerk, but that doesn’t mean that he’s becoming complacent. He could be sitting back idly and waiting...

Amburn kicks off campaign for Knox County Sheriff On Tuesday, February 17, Louis’ Restaurant on Old Broadway provided the perfect backdrop for a lively meet and greet in support of candidate for Knox County Sheriff, David Amburn. Friends, supporters, longtime law...

Seymour Chief John Linsenbigler reflects on career, what comes next By Mike Steely Senior Writer steelym@knoxfocus.com When the Fire and Technical Rescue Committee met last week, it was chaired by Seymour Volunteer Captain John Linsenbigler. The chair position rotates...

School board splits on charter school waiver By Pete Gawda The Thursday, February 5 meeting of the Knox County Board of Education was fairly routine, but the called meeting held before the regular meeting seemed to generate more interest. The purpose of the called...

Knox County changing its zoning terms By Mike Steely Senior Writer steelym@knoxfocus.com The Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) now being developed for Knox County will, among other things, change the zoning code terms and zoning districts. Allison Mouch, a...