Mary and Hugh Newsom show the “Safe at Home” plaque that hangs at Halls Community Park ballfields, in memory of their son, Chris Newsom, who was murdered at age 23, along with his girlfriend, Channon Christian, 21, in January 2007 – 19 years ago.

Five individuals were convicted in the abduction and brutal murders of Chris and Channon and their trials impacted the entire Knoxville area.

Each season, the Halls youth baseball program starts with a ceremony honoring Chris, who played there as a youth and later played for Halls High School. This year’s ceremony was on Monday, March 23, at the ballpark.

Organizers wrote: “Please help keep Chris’s memory alive by just showing up! Can’t wait to see everyone today! Halls will never forget.”

Kerbela Temple Development Proposal Meetings

Change is coming to the Kerbela Temple site. Council member Karyn Adams alerted South Knox residents in her April newsletter.

“The Kerbela site offers one of our city’s most incredible views and sits at the terminus of one of our most important arteries, Gay Street, as a welcome to South Knoxville and Sevier Avenue.

“A private firm, CR Endeavors, is proposing development of the Kerbela site. Two meetings are scheduled to meet with the public about this proposal. These are meetings for you. Your voice and engagement make a difference.”

Adams stressed that this is not a city project, but is the result of council members asking CR Endeavors to delay for a month to talk with stakeholders. The company chose the time, date and location for each meeting.

  • Meeting 1 | Wednesday, April 1, 6-7:30 p.m.
    Kerbela Shriner’s Headquarters, 315 Kerbela
    Refreshments will be provided by CR Endeavors.
  • Meeting 2 | Thursday, April 2, 8:30-10 a.m.
    Kern’s Food Hall, 2201 Kerns Rising Way
    Light breakfast provided by CR Endeavors.

More from Karyn Adams:

1. This is not a city-led project. This is a private developer, CR Endeavors from Birmingham, Alabama, who has been working with the Kerbela owners.

2. CR Endeavors originally had a spot on the Planning Commission agenda for April 9 for their project’s review and potential approval/denial. They agreed to postpone for one month to engage with the public.

3. Access the files for the project draft in advance of the meeting. Thanks to John Cadotte of the South Waterfront Advisory Group (SWAAG) for setting up the shareable file space.

4. The site sits in two different zones of the form-based code – SW-6 and SW-5. The proposal, as it is drafted now, will require several variances from the South Waterfront form-based code.

5. The proposal’s general concept is to develop an apartment property for the 55+ active-senior demographic. This concept is not a retirement community nor is it a continuity of care community.

“Please come to one or both of the meetings this week and engage with the developers, ask questions and give this proposal some serious thought,” Adams said. “And please share with your networks, especially in South Knoxville.”

Juanita Cannon honored by Ethel Beck Society

The Ethel Beck Society chose the late Juanita Cannon as its 2026 Woman of the Year. The brunch was held Saturday, March 28, at the Beck Cultural Exchange Center. The event was sold out with folks turned away. And it’s no wonder when you see the menu.

Chef LaDawn of B.A.D. (Breakfast All Day) curated a feast of comfort food served family style at each table: steak and grits, seafood grits, country ham with red-eye gravy, fried potatoes & onions, sausage & bacon, eggs, honey hot chicken & waffles, banana pudding, strawberry lemonade, hot tea or coffee. No one left hungry.

“As always, the heart of this gathering is to celebrate the rich heritage and enduring legacy of African American women, while creating space for fellowship, joy and connection across generations,” words by or inspired by Beck’s President, Reneé Kesler.

Sadly, Ms. Cannon passed away on March 14, 2026, at the University of Tennessee Medical Center. She was 86. A lifelong educator, Ms. Cannon received degrees from Knoxville College (1963) and the University of Tennessee (1973). Over the years, she taught health and physical education at Austin-East High School and was the first principal of the newly named Vine Middle School. She ended her career as an adjunct professor and field supervisor for student teachers at Lincoln Memorial University.

Juanita Cannon was a political activist as well, working with folks like Leo Cooper, Herman Baker, Charlie Burchett and Wanda Moody in the old city school system. She would have loved the Ethel Beck Brunch – for her honor, the fellowship and the food.

The Cannon family will receive friends on Thursday, April 2, 2026, from 6-8 p.m. at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 1601 Dandridge Ave., Knoxville, and her Homegoing Celebration will be held on April 3 at noon at Overcoming Believers Church, 211 Harriet Tubman Street. The family has set up a scholarship fund to carry on Ms. Cannon’s legacy of supporting future educators.

Notes & Quotes

South Knoxville Neighborhood & Business Coalition (SKNBC) will host Meet the Candidates on Tuesday, April 7, from 6-7:30 p.m. at South High Senior Living, 835 Tipton Ave., Knoxville. Candidates running for mayor, school board, financial offices, and judgeships will be present to meet residents, answer questions. Only South Knox district candidates are invited, but all residents may attend. Free parking. Free admission.

Quote: “She lived a life defined not by what she had, but by what she gave to others. Her values, her love, her care, her presence – these remain.” – Obituary of Dee Kress

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