Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How a new KPD role could reshape officer training in Knoxville

And check out Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings on the Knoxville Patch calendar

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Thursday December 18th Patch AM
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Greetings Knoxville! We’re your go-to source for what’s happening in town. Read on to get plugged in! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a new KPD role could reshape officer training in Knoxville
  • How Gay Street Bridge’s reopening could change business in South Knoxville
  • Explore who first owned the land under today’s downtown Knoxville

Also on today's calendar: Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings and 6 more events.

Find out what's happening in Knoxvillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Knoxvillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: Cloudy with afternoon rain, with a high of 56 and low of 38 degrees.
  • Friday: Cooler; windy in the morning, temps: high: 45, low: 27.
  • Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 54 and low of 43 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. KPD Names First-Ever Curriculum Administrator (wivk.com) — Knoxville’s police department is adding its first-ever Curriculum Administrator to strengthen officer training, a position funded in Mayor Indya Kincannon’s 2025–26 budget. Pellissippi State professor Donna Trogdon will overhaul KPD lesson plans and in‑service courses, aiming to align them with best practices and support Knoxville’s goal of becoming a regional training hub.
   

2. South Knoxville businesses anticipate a traffic boost after Gay Street Bridge's 18-month closure (wbir.com) — With the Gay Street Bridge in Knoxville now reopened to walkers and cyclists, South Knoxville businesses are already seeing hope for more customers after an 18‑month closure and nearby Sevier Avenue construction. Restaurant and shop owners describe how the shutdown hurt, how loyal patrons kept them going, and why the new car‑free bridge feels like a safer, growth‑friendly connection to downtown.
   

3. East Tennessee History Center introduces Knoxville Origins StoryMap (knoxtntoday.com) — Knox County’s East Tennessee History Center has launched a new “Knoxville Origins StoryMap” that lets you explore how White’s Fort evolved into today’s city. The interactive map traces the 1791 Knoxville Land Lottery, highlights familiar local family names, and visualizes the original town plat so residents can see who helped shape early Knoxville streets and neighborhoods.
   

4. Tennessee launches nuclear training programs as workforce demand grows (wate.com) — New nuclear training programs anchored by the University of Tennessee in Knoxville aim to prepare local students and workers for thousands of projected jobs in the growing nuclear industry. Partnering with Roane State and Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology, the initiative offers short courses, hands-on lab work, and plans to expand into more campuses and high schools across the region.
   

5. Vol Rugby captain reflects on national championship (wbir.com) — Tennessee’s club rugby team just capped an undefeated season with a national championship, and the players say Knoxville’s support has never felt stronger. Captain Brendan O’Neill describes viral attention, new Vol Shop interest in T‑shirts, and hopes the momentum boosts other club teams on campus.
   

📸 Around Knoxville

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Knoxville

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • A little humor!
    Greetings to everyone, and I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May God grant you all your wishes this year. (Nextdoor Shenandoah Hills)
  • Please share & repost to help reunite this stray dog!
    FOUND on December 15, 2025 in Knoxville, TN 37922 near Branton blvd off Northshore Dr Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to… (Nextdoor Ebenezer Westland)
  • Central High students are bringing hands-on learning to life through a student-led Monarch Butterfly Project. See how it all took flight on Hall Pass... (X: KnoxSchools)
  • Pellissippi State Community College Criminal Justice professor Donna Trogdon has been tabbed as the Knoxville Police Department’s first-ever... (X: Knoxville_PD)
  • G2 Secure Staff posted a job opening for Ramp Agent in Knoxville. Apply here.
  • Aimbridge Hospitality posted a job opening for Hilton Knoxville - Night Auditor in Knoxville. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Knoxville here.

Ok Knoxville! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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