The week moved quickly, but some stories deserve more than one day in the spotlight. Saturday Catch-Up brings together six KnoxTNToday stories you may have missed or may want to read again. Pour another cup of coffee and choose the stories that interest you.
Ten reasons KnoxTNToday belongs in your day
KnoxTNToday covers the news that happens close to home—and the people who make East Tennessee worth knowing. This good-humored list explains why local communities, experienced writers, Tennessee sports, neighbors who serve and stories hiding in plain sight all have a place here. It also includes one possible drawback: Reading KnoxTNToday may leave you knowing more about your community than the person sitting next to you.
Read 10 reasons to read KnoxTNToday (and one reason you might regret it)
Preston Holmes turns lessons from soccer into solar success
At 21, Knoxville native Preston Holmes has moved from Webb School’s undefeated soccer team and Division I competition at ETSU into a growing energy business. Holmes co-founded Ascend, which has helped more than 3,000 households enroll in community solar programs. He credits family, faith, athletics and early jobs with teaching him the discipline, teamwork and resilience that now guide him as a young entrepreneur.
Read Preston Holmes: From Knoxville soccer standout to solar energy entrepreneur
Jan Dickens follows history through the sands of time
During the Confederate siege of Knoxville, residents of the Fork quietly floated food and forage down the French Broad River to Union troops. Jan Loveday Dickens connects that Civil War operation with the later sand-and-lime businesses that worked the same waterways. Nearly a century afterward, a dredging company recovered the hand-forged chain and railroad-rail anchor once used to protect the Union pontoon bridge across the Tennessee River.
Twenty-nine local kitchens earn a Perfect 100
Twenty-nine Knox County restaurants and food-service establishments received perfect health-inspection scores in reports published during October. The list ranges from neighborhood favorites and locally owned businesses to familiar chains, coffee shops and a taproom. Before deciding where to eat this weekend, see which kitchens earned top marks for food safety and sanitation in KnoxTNToday’s monthly Perfect 100 roundup.
Read Perfect 100: 29 Knox County restaurants earn top health inspection scores in October
Cades Cove remains Tennessee’s place for peace and reflection
East Tennesseans have long visited Cades Cove for wildlife, mountain views, historic buildings and family memories. A national survey now names the Great Smoky Mountains destination Tennessee’s top natural place for peace and reflection. Respondents described the emotional value of natural sanctuaries and the comfort they provide during stressful times. Close to Home considers why the valley’s quiet beauty continues to hold such a powerful place in Tennessee hearts.
Read Close to Home: Cades Cove named Tennessee’s No. 1 place for peace and reflection
Help KnoxTNToday find the next Hero Kid
Some heroes carry backpacks, ride school buses and still have homework waiting. KnoxTNToday is seeking nominations for young people who have shown courage, compassion, service or integrity through a lasting act of community service or a lifesaving action before age 18. Parents, grandparents, teachers, coaches, neighbors and community leaders may submit nominations through Nov. 30. The next Hero Kid may be a remarkable young person who does not yet see anything remarkable in what they did.
Read Know a young hero? Hero Kid nominations close November 30
Come back Sunday for Faith Along the Way, a quieter, faith-centered read for the weekend.
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