Lexi Lepof

Very fun having Meg spend the day with us at WVLT today! She is a freshman at Ohio University (my alma mater), but she is from Knoxville! She wants to pursue a career in journalism. Our dads were roommates when they went to OU. We all reconnected when I made the move to Tennessee. Many OU alums helped me while I was in school, so it is very exciting to do what I can to help. Bobcats are everywhere and the pride runs deep! 💚

After nearly seven decades of business, the family-owned pharmacy and soda fountain is closing its doors. I talked with longtime employee Ruth Pate and loyal customers.

https://www.wvlt.tv/2024/01/03/longtime-employee-customers-reflect-longs-drug-store-closing/?fbclid=IwAR0ms6igTDn9lNsjC6sW1jWrP2HvFzH7C2orijKB-f7YJJx_93TZmY9UjOg

Friends and neighbors,

We are deeply saddened to announce the upcoming closure of Long’s Drug Store.

After 67 years of serving the Knoxville community, we’ve made the incredibly difficult decision to close our store. Our final day of operation will be Tuesday, January 16, 2024.

Since the drugstore opened in 1956, the healthcare landscape has seen a lot of change. Insurance companies have much more control than they did six decades ago, and we don’t just feel that as a provider - all of us feel that personally, too. In addition to these changes over the years, the pandemic was an especially challenging season for us. Despite our best efforts to continue serving our community, unfortunately, our business model can no longer continue financially in this new landscape. Ultimately, this is the hardest decision we’ve ever made.

We are so deeply grateful to everyone who has supported and loved the drugstore over these last six decades. Before we close, please come by and see us for a burger and a milkshake or just to say hello. Thank you for trusting us with your health and the health of your families for more than 60 years. ❤️

All our love,

Hank, Debbie, and the Peck family

RIP Peg McKamey Bean ❤️🙏🏻

I sat down with two of her close friends to talk about how her singing captivated people worldwide.

‘One of the most loved personalities in gospel music history’ | Friends remember life of Peg McKamey Bean “Sunday Tradition” hosts Tommy Spencer and Clarke Beasley formed a special bond with Peg over the years.

Merry Christmas! ❤️

I am working through the holidays so my family came down from Ohio. So blessed we are able to be together! I hope you all have a wonderful and safe holiday with your families 🎄🎁

A non-profit is helping a dog out of Campbell County get cancer treatment. They still need help reaching their goal!

Meet Samson and his owner Sarah:

Non-profit helping East Tennessee dog get cancer treatment Magic Bullet Fund helps raise money for treatment when their owners can’t afford it.

If I make it to 105, I think my birthday will look like this too. Any Bengals fans here? WHO DEY!

Woman plans to celebrate her 105th birthday by watching football and drinking whiskey Florence Hackman plans to celebrate her 105th birthday in style this weekend.

Good morning East Tennessee! ☀️ I had so much fun filling in on the anchor desk this morning with Kyle Grainger WVLT. Thanks to everyone who tuned in!

Have a great Saturday and GO VOLS! 🧡

Check out this duo I met today. As soon as Mark Smiddy and his son Jayden saw flames on Saturday night, there was no hesitation to protect their home.

Hope everyone in the area is staying safe 🙏🏻

Father and son fight to protect home amid growing brush fire in Anderson County The wildfire in Andy’s Ridge has grown to an estimated 160 acres and is 40% contained, according to the Tennessee Division of Forestry.

Look at these views at Bald River Falls in the Cherokee National Forest!

It was a very cool experience talking with the staff there last week. They are working very hard to reopen after major flood damage in August.

https://www.wvlt.tv/video/2023/10/05/cherokee-national-forest-still-trying-recover-august-floods/

HAPPY MONDAY!

We’ve got more people wearing some pink on air today for Breast Cancer Awareness Month including Lexi Lepof!

She’s also got a great story today of a breast cancer survivor beating cancer and helping new patients!

Check it out tonight at 6!

East Tennessee is remembering the life of 24-year-old Ben Kredich by placing orange ribbons on their mailboxes. The organizers said this is just a small way to show the Kredich family support. You can pick up bows or donate materials at Treetop Coffee Shop this week. 🧡

‘He meant a lot to a lot of people’ | Community honors life of man killed in crash by displaying ribbons People are putting orange bows on their mailbox to show love to Ben Kredich’s family.

Happy first day of school to all the kiddos heading back to the classroom this week! 📚✏️🚌 Show me your first day pictures in the comments!

Jared Austin WVLT inspired me to dig up my old back-to-school photo from 2011. The peace signs were peak fashion at the time LOL! ✌🏼

Enjoying the sunshine and hard work at Habitat for Humanity’s annual Women Build event! 🏠🔨☀️

Meet the awesome women volunteering to help a family become homeowners tonight at 6p on WVLT!

It is hot out here today! 🔥 Hope you all are beating the heat and staying safe. 😎☀️

Happy Friday! Have a fun and safe weekend! 🩷

I met with some wonderful folks from Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency today to talk about Operation Dry Water! Let’s have fun and stay safe this weekend! ☀️🚤

“It’s not hard. Take turns being the sober driver. Save a life, save a family and save yourself.”

Learn more ➡️ https://www.wvlt.tv/2023/06/29/save-life-save-family-save-yourself-twra-spreading-awareness-boating-under-influence/

Hi everyone! I am very excited to join the team at WVLT as a reporter/multimedia journalist. I am excited to get to know the wonderful people in East Tennessee! Here is a little bit about me...

I am a proud Ohio University Alumna. Go Bobcats! I graduated from the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism in Spring 2023. During my time as a student, I was heavily involved with WOUB-TV. I interned in New York City with NBC News/TODAY Show and WNBC New York. In my free time, I love to dance, spend time with friends and cheer on my favorite football team, the Cincinnati Bengals! And of course, I am excited to cheer on the VOLS! 🧡