If the week got away from you, we’ve got you covered.
Welcome to the first Saturday Catch-Up: Stories Worth Another Look, our new weekend feature that gives you another chance to discover some of the stories you may have missed during a busy week.
Pour another cup of coffee, settle in and take a look at six stories from KnoxTNToday this week that we think deserve another read.
Trooper Brad Robbins: A teacher, on patrol and a role model
Trooper Brad Robbins has spent 18 years in law enforcement, including 13 years with the Tennessee Highway Patrol, but some of his most important work may be teaching the next generation of troopers. Our Town Hero writer Tom King introduces us to a veteran officer whose experience, integrity, and willingness to mentor others have made him an important part of THP’s Troop C.
Read Trooper Brad Robbins: A teacher, on patrol and a role model
Pasta, bluegrass and a promise to Knoxville families
There was plenty of pasta and bluegrass music, but the real story behind Family Promise of Knoxville’s 20th Annual Pasta & Bluegrass Festival was the families it serves. Churches, volunteers and supporters came together for the nonprofit’s signature fundraiser, while Cassandra and her daughter put a personal face on the difference Family Promise can make for a family facing a housing crisis.
Read Pasta, bluegrass and a promise to Knoxville families
Mama Said: “Pretty is as pretty does.”
Mama wasn’t really talking about looks when she said, “Pretty is as pretty does.” She was talking about character. Susan Espiritu looks back at one of those sayings that made more sense with age — and the children she encountered during her years as an educator who demonstrated exactly what Mama meant.
Read Mama Said: “Pretty is as pretty does”
Safety tops KCS agenda + Hero’s Hill + In memoriam ++
With students back in classrooms, school safety is at the forefront for Knox County Schools. Sandra Clark takes a look at the district’s security operation, including more than 120 armed uniformed officers and the three strategies Superintendent Jon Rysewyk says guide the district’s approach to keeping schools safe. The column also remembers three longtime educators and offers several community notes.
Read Safety tops KCS agenda + Hero’s Hill + In memoriam ++
Happy Birthday to Big South Fork
The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is one of East Tennessee’s natural treasures, but there is quite a story behind how its roughly 125,000 acres came to be preserved. Beth Kinnane takes us back through its history, including the role of Tennessee Sen. Howard Baker and the eventual return of black bears to the Cumberland Plateau.
Read Happy Birthday to Big South Fork
Dining Duo: Gondolier, like an old friend
Sometimes a restaurant becomes more than a place to grab a meal. It becomes part of the community — familiar, comfortable and a little like an old friend. This week’s Dining Duo takes readers to Gondolier for one of those dining experiences that makes a good fit for a leisurely Saturday read.
Dining Duo: Gondolier, like an old friend.
Until next Saturday
Those are six stories worth another look, but they’re only a small part of what we published this week.
If you missed something, take a few minutes this weekend to look around. You may find a story that informs you, introduces you to a neighbor or simply makes you smile.
We’ll be back next Saturday with six more Stories Worth Another Look.
Looking for more? Browse all KnoxTNToday stories from August here: KnoxTNToday August.
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