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🌱 Patch AM: What led investigators to charge a man in the Chapman Highway fire?

Also, don't miss Dave & Buster's Sevierville NYE - 2 Parties to choose from on the Knoxville Patch calendar

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Hello Knoxville! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What led investigators to charge a man in the Chapman Highway fire?
  • How did a giant python end up in a Knoxville SUV?
  • How Knoxville veterans can get a warm hotel room tonight

Also on today's calendar: Dave & Buster's Sevierville NYE - 2 Parties to choose from .

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

Today's riddle: What did the windowsill say to the glass? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 55 and low of 46 degrees.
  • Tuesday: Cloudy with a shower in spots, temps: high: 59, low: 50.
  • Wednesday: Low clouds may break, with a high of 62 and low of 51 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. One charged after Knox County brush fire (wate.com) — Knoxville Fire Department crews put out a Saturday night brush fire behind a Chapman Highway shopping center and, with Knoxville Police, arrested a man investigators say was responsible. The blaze burned about a half-acre in a steep, overgrown area already littered with vandalism and trash, and the suspect now faces multiple charges including destruction of personal property.
   

2. Strange smell coming from Tennessee man's SUV turns out to be a giant python (notthebee.com) — A Knoxville resident tracking down a strange smell from his SUV discovered a large yellow python curled up on the car battery. Animal control removed the dead snake, which officials believe was an escaped or released pet seeking warmth, leaving neighbors relieved it chose the vehicle instead of a nearby home.
   

3. Operation Vet Rescue activates ‘Operation Frozen Veteran' as extreme cold hits East Tennessee (wate.com) — As bitter cold settles over Knoxville, Operation Vet Rescue is activating “Operation Frozen Veteran” to get homeless and at-risk veterans into hotel rooms on freezing nights. Veterans can come to CareCuts between 5 and 7 p.m. for dinner, check-in, and transportation, with organizers aiming to use this emergency shelter as a bridge to permanent housing.
   

4. Holiday fire safety tips to prevent seasonal house fires (wbir.com) — Knoxville fire officials are urging residents to take extra care with cooking, heaters, candles, and decorations as holiday gatherings significantly increase the risk of house fires. They stress staying in the kitchen while cooking, keeping space heaters clear of anything flammable, using safer flameless candles, and watering live trees. Families are also encouraged to test smoke alarms and practice a home escape plan.
   

5. Tennessee America 250 poster presented to Heritage and William Blount high schools (thedailytimes.com) — Blount County schools are helping mark America’s 250th birthday with new Tennessee America 250 posters, including artwork created by Knoxville artist Justin Helton. Heritage and William Blount high schools received the first prints, tying classroom lessons to local Revolutionary War patriots and Tennessee’s 230th statehood anniversary. The Blount County Historical Museum will also offer grants, programs, and presentations throughout 2026.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I have some coats to give away.
    Anyone cold out there? I can post pictures. Im not sure where to start. (Nextdoor Halls - Clayton Park)
  • If things weren’t already crazy with a fire on my road - get this… two pigs showed up in my yard.
    Who is missing two pigs? Please help me get the word out? Please help me find their home. (Nextdoor Ridgeview Rd-Tazwell Pike)
  • The Tennessee Highway Patrol is investigating a crash involving a Knoxville Police Department officer that occurred at the intersection of Kingston... (X: Knoxville_PD)
  • A Knoxville police officer is involved in a major crash at Kingston Pike and Northshore Drive, closing lanes; authorities are investigating further... (X: wbir)
  • O'Reilly Auto Parts posted a job opening for Merchandiser/Stocker - Hub in Knoxville. Apply here.
  • Burlington Stores posted a job opening for Seasonal Retail Stocking Associate - Part Time 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 feel your pane.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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