News
Villages of Farragut resident was on duty at Dallas hospital when President Kennedy was rushed there after shots Nov. 22, 1963
January 8, 2025 by Tammy Cheek
Many people are asked, “Where were you?” when an impactful, defining moment happened in history.
Two Villages of Farragut residents, Thomas and Marilyn Grant, both 94, certainly know where they were when the late President John F. Kennedy was assassinated Nov. 22, 1963.
Thomas, a radiologist in residency at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, was their when the president was wheeled into the trauma unit. Meanwhile, Marilyn was watching the tragedy unfold on television.
The 46-year-old president was riding in a Lincoln convertible in a motorcade through Dallas, next to his wife, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, when one bullet pierced Kennedy’s back and exited his neck before a second shot to his head.
“I was actually across the street in a little sandwich shop, at noon, with another radiologist,” he recalled. “And, on the TV, they were showing Kennedy in the parade, going through Dallas. All of a sudden they said ‘he’s been shot.’
“On the TV, you could see the car pull off (the road),” Thomas added. “Both of us, the other radiologist and I, we decided if (Kennedy) wasn’t shot really bad, they’d take him to (St. Paul) Catholic hospital because he was Catholic.” Grant also was in residency at St. Paul.
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January 8, 2025 by Alan Sloan
With “4 to 5 inches of snow” expected in the Farragut/Knox County area beginning Friday night, Jan. 10, according to information shared at the Shop Farragut/Farragut Business Alliance monthly meeting Wednesday morning, Jan. 8, the SF/FBA 5th Annual Farragut Health and Wellness Expo has been postponed.
The new time and day is from 1 to 5 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 2, in Farragut Community Center, 239 Jamestowne Blvd in Farragut. It was originally scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 11, in the Community Center.
Presented by Turkey Creek Medical Center/Tennova, the Expo will feature unique presentations by TCMC staff and more than three dozen additional local businesses “specializing in the care of the human body, mind and spirit,” Shop Farragut executive director Steve Krempasky said.
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Many restaurants on Williams’ wish list; priorities told
January 8, 2025 by Tammy Cheek
With the coming of a new year, Farragut Mayor Ron Williams reflected on the Town, what had transpired and what could be in store for 2025.
“Over the next several months we will be planning and preparing our budgets for (Fiscal Year 2025) and beyond,” he said. “It is important that we continue with the progress that we have made on enhancing our infrastructure by investing in projects that move our traffic more efficiently and safely through town and plan for future growth.
Concerning Town Center, Williams said he would like to see 100 percent filled in retail and apartments before the end of 2025.
Regarding the Publix on the west end of Town near Dixie Lee Junction along Kingston Pike, the mayor said, “Grocery stores typically go up quick.
“We hope they are close to opening by the end of the year, as the base property is ready to get started on now,” he added. “Once it is under roof, the interior build-out can be under way while the outside is being finished.”
About other commercial prospects, Williams said, “The Town of Farragut relies heavily on sales tax revenues to fund our operations and capital projects.
“It is important that we follow the vision in our Land Use Plan for the few remaining parcels of land remaining that can potentially be built on so that Farragut will have the greatest opportunity of continued success for many years to come,” he said.
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Pickleball courts done, Dog Park started are key
January 8, 2025 by Tammy Cheek
Completion of pickleball courts, parking lot expansion and handicap pathway improvements are on the horizon for 2025.
Farragut Parks and Recreation director Ron Oestreich listed several projects he expects will be completed before the end of 2025:
• “The parking lot expansion at McFee Park should be completed by summer of 2025.
• “The pickleball complex at Mayor Bob Leonard Park should be completed by the fall of 2025.
• “The ADA pathway improvements at Mayor Bob Leonard Park should also be completed by the fall of 2025.
• “The Dog Park and ADA pathway and restroom project will be under way within the calendar year 2025.”
Additionally, “We are planning to renovate the open space behind the sand volleyball courts at Mayor Bob Leonard Park into a grass rectangle sports field for football, soccer and Lacrosse,” Oestreich said. “There are no other ball field improvements or spectator stands in our current plans.”
The Town has Founders Park at Campbell Station, 405 N. Campbell Station Road, with greenways, bronze sculptures and two picnic pavilions; McFee Park, 917 McFee Road, with trailheads, tennis courts, splash pad, playground and future dog park; Anchor Park along Turkey Creek Road, located adjacent to the lakefront; and Mayor Bob Leonard Park, 301 Watt Road, a sports complex with 10 athletic playing fields; as well as Mayor Ralph McGill Plaza and activities in Farragut Community Center, 239 Jamestowne Blvd.
It is expected to have another park under way, as the Town recently was awarded a $2.75 million Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant to be used to develop the park property on the west side of McFee Road. The director said the Town will be seeking community input for the recreational components for the property.
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January 8, 2025 by
A Choto Mobility Study meeting will be held at Farragut High School, 11237 Kingston Pike, from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 16,
“The Choto Mobility Study is focused on transportation safety and reducing congestion through and within the Choto community in Knox County,” a Knox County Government press release stated. “The study will identify and prioritize recommended improvements throughout the community to improve transportation conditions.”
January 8, 2025 by
Though requested, no KCSO Reports were received as of deadline at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 7.
Look for these reports in our Wednesday, Jan. 15, issue.
January 8, 2025 by
• Community Center Open House is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 8, in Farragut Community Center, 239 Jamestowne Blvd. Are you curious about the programs offered at Farragut Community Center? If so, drop in during this open house to meet some program instructors, learn about recreation programs and sign up for a free membership.
• Indoor Drive-In Movie runs from 5:30 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 22, in Farragut Community Center, 239 Jamestowne Blvd. Cost is $5 per child ages 3-10. Create your own cardboard car and enjoy a family-friendly movie. All supplies will be provided and pizza and popcorn will be served. Only register children who will be attending; adults are free. For more information, visit townoffarragut.org
• Mario Kart Tournament is from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 6, in Farragut Community Center, 239 Jamestowne Blvd. Cost is $5 per child, ages 9-12. Come and test your skills at an evening of tournament play on Nintendo Switches. Everyone will get the chance to play multiple rounds. Register by visiting townoffarragut.org
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