by design | Sep 20, 2026 | Columnist, Hunley, Stories In This Week's Focus:
By Steve Hunley The news that former Knox County Sheriff Tom Spangler passed away came just as last week’s edition of The Focus was going to press. Tom Spangler enjoyed a lengthy career as a professional law enforcement officer, both in Knox County as well as Blount...
by design | Sep 20, 2026 | Columnist, Hill, Ray Hill's Archives, Stories In This Week's Focus:
By Ray Hill When I was a youngster, there were certain life stories which defined something unique about that individual’s climb from poverty to success, and it was almost invariably described as an “American success story.” That would certainly apply to the life of...
by design | Sep 14, 2026 | Columnist, Pratt
By Justin Pratt, Clear Springs Baptist Church Senior Pastor I have the unique opportunity every fall to stand on the sidelines of college football games, and let me tell you, collegiate football looks different from the front row. From the stands, you see formations,...
by design | Sep 14, 2026 | Columnist, Mattingly
Telling the story of Tennessee’s football history may seem complicated, but the end result is worth the effort. By Tom Mattingly Tennessee football fans come in all shapes and sizes. Each of them likely has a story behind their fan experience. All a historian would...
by design | Sep 14, 2026 | Columnist, Ferguson
Murder is not negated by insanity. JVF By Dr. Jim Ferguson It may be sexist, but a man who sequentially strangles his three children and then claims insanity from depression or hormone imbalance would not garner sympathy or millions in GoFundMe money. But...
by design | Sep 13, 2026 | Columnist, Hunley, Stories In This Week's Focus:
Vetoes Proposed South Knox Development By Steve Hunley Anyone who doubted Betsy Henderson lacked any leadership skills can rest easy. As old-timers used to say, “The proof of the puddin’ is in the tasting.” Mayor Henderson took the oath of office on September 1,...
