January
‘Lifelong impact’
Over the last week, the Farragut community has mourned the loss of one of its own. Blount County Sheriff’s deputy Justin Mowery, 30, was killed in a wreck during a patrol shift on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025. He was a 2013 Farragut graduate, having played football as an offensive lineman under former head coach Eddie Courtney. The news of his death was announced by BCSO Sheriff James Lee Barrong in a Facebook post. “I am heartbroken,” Barrong wrote last Sunday. “This is devastating for his family, his shift-mates, this agency and our community. We appreciate the swift response of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, and together we are working to determine how the accident happened. “We are also thankful for the response from all of the surrounding law enforcement agencies as well as the offers for assistance from agencies across the state.” After graduating from Farragut and The University of Tennessee, Mowery worked as a security officer at The University of Tennessee Medical Center. He then pursued his desire to become a deputy sheriff with Blount County and began his career at the BCSO in May 2020, per Berrong’s post. Mowery attended BCSO Regional Training Academy, graduating from Class 021 in October 2020, and was assigned to evening shift as a Patrol Deputy.
Read MoreA memorable career
Roy Stone still can remember his first impression of Dan Bland. It was the spring 1980 in Stone’s junior year at Farragut High School, and Bland had just been hired to replace former coach Ken Sparks. Sparks, of course, would go on to achieve historic success at the college level with Carson-Newman University. But Coach Bland — in the midst of a memorable career himself — was just getting started in west Knoxville. One film session was all Bland needed to familiarize himself with his new team. “I remember when he first pulled us all together in the auditorium,” recalled Stone, then a running back for the Admirals. “He said, ‘I’ve been looking at some film. And y’all are soft.’” “That got our attention,” Stone added. “He came in and called it right out.” Mr. Bland swiftly changed that approach at Farragut, guiding the Admirals to a 53-24 record with two district titles and the first state semifinal appearance in school history. That seven-year stretch was just one stop in his memorable career, which spanned multiple states through four decades with a final record of 175-112. Bland’s career — and life as a whole — have been remembered with fondness after his death at age 81 on Dec. 21 at his home in Jackson, Tennessee. In the days since Bland’s death, farragutpress has spoken with a few of his relatives, friends and former players. Together, those different accounts have woven a tapestry befitting a former FHS skipper whose legacy extends far beyond the numerous fields on which he coached. Rooted in physicality
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News
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Farragut election petitions available Jan. 9 Read More
‘Lifelong impact’ Read More
Phenomenal year for the Town Read More
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Nichols joins farragutpress Read More
Business
Going global Read More
Shrimp Dock in Farragut closes its doors Read More
business briefs Read More
Community
A memorable career Read More
Newly renovated Nancy J. Land Center to combat homelessness Read More
Sports
Admirals battle top competition at Winter Classic Read More
Admirals looking for new leadership Read More
Young Lady Hawks split Harriman Tournament Read More
Hawks close 2025 with pair of wins Read More
Bearden squads post impressive showings Read More
2025 Sports Year in Review, Part II Read More
Farragut Middle boys roll into new year on 14-game win streak Read More
