A look back at 2024 newsmakers in Karns, Farragut, Hardin Valley

Nancy Anderson

Shopper News

It’s been a year of wins and losses for Karns, Hardin Valley and Farragut.

A big loss for the Karns community is the death of Charles Lynn Austin (April 23, 1952 – Dec. 1, 2024). The patriarch of the Austin clan was a big believer in community, and he passed that love of all things Karns down to his entire family, but specifically Charlie Austin, Fair Board president. Asked where he got his love of community, Charlie always answered, “my dad.” Charles was a roller-coaster enthusiast, a basketball coach, a founding member of the Beaver Creek Kayak Club, and voted “Mr. Karns” by the Karns Fairest of the Fair Pageant.

Chris and Sarah Wade

Chris Wade (audiovisual guru for Karns High School) hopes that a father/ daughter project he initiated will not only be profitable, but will help him bond with his youngest daughter, Sarah Wade.

The duo (mostly Dad) purchased 10 Mega Mini claw machines from overseas and together they formed “Wade Amusements.” The mini claw machines are being placed all over Knox County, including the Fieldhouse on Campus, Reams Drug Store in Powell, Stefanos Pizza in Hardin Valley, and Hey Bear Café in West Knoxville. The rest should be placed fairly quickly given the fun scale of the machine. Karns Pizza Hoss placed one that’s become the center of entertainment for the little ones.

“We’ve always loved the claw machine and we’re pretty good at it too,” said Sarah.

Avery Hanson

Through the scope of her youth group, Avery Hanson spent a lot of time helping the houseless folks under the bridge through Lost Sheep Ministries. She was a regular visitor at Autumn Care Assisted Living and never missed an opportunity to help Karns High School Band fundraise with car washes and mattress sales. She was always on board with a smile on her face.

For her lifelong dedication to helping those less fortunate, she earned the Service to Humanity Award from the Optimist International club of Knoxville.

These days, Hanson is a student at Tennessee Tech, where she is a member of Delta Gamma and continues her humanitarian work with the Tennessee School for the Blind in Nashville. She was voted Director of Social Awareness for Delta Gamma for 2025.

Farragut traffic

It’s no secret the traffic situation in Farragut needs immediate improvement.

The Town of Farragut’s answer is to replace the outdated closed loop traffic system with the new Automated Traffic Management System (ATMS).

Closed loop systems rely on sensors under the street to change the signal when traffic approaches the intersection.

The goal of ATMS is to improve traffic flow by upgrading the existing signal system to one that will allow the Town to manage its 26 traffic signals from a central location.

But the project hit a snag. The contractors are far behind and are being fined about $1,000 per day.

Town Administrator David Smoak wrote in a statement last month, “The contractor is several months behind the scheduled completion date in the contract. When the ATMS project becomes operational, there will be a 60-day 'burn in' period that will allow video monitoring at major intersections and enable staff to train on the system.”

Farragut commuters are still waiting.

Pizza Hoss

Pizza Hoss is under new ownership again as Josh and Shauna Hunt take over the popular spot at 7664 Oak Ridge Highway in the heart of Karns.

“It’s all about family here,” said Shauna. “Not just for those who work here, but for us, them, the patrons, the community.”

The Hunts have made good on their promise. The Hunts opened Pizza Hoss for pizza parties to help community groups raise money. They’ve supported everything from homecoming queens to teams of all kinds.

Shauna walked the Karns Christmas Parade route handing out certificates for freebies. Smiling, she said owning Pizza Hoss is hard work, but a blessing.

Hardin Valley principals

Hardin Valley Academy, Middle, and Elementary schools started the year under new administrators.

Kirk Renegar, former Hardin Valley Academy social studies teacher and baseball coach, returned as executive principal last July.

Renegar said his No. 1 job at HVA is keeping kids physically and emotionally safe. He is passionate about keeping kids safe and providing the highest level of education possible.

Rachel Harmon took over the reins of Hardin Valley Middle School in July.

Harmon, a personable leader with a bright smile and winning attitude, brings with her experience gained as assistant principal working with such notables as Dr. John Bartlett (executive principal at Farragut High School) and Dr. Ashley Speas (executive principal at West High School).

Harmon holds a newly minted doctorate in Leadership from the University of the Cumberlands.

“I’m goal-oriented and I always knew I’d finish my education with a terminal degree. The topic of leadership is very important. I was an English teacher and I had supervision in leadership. In order to be a good leader, you have to stay fresh on what is good leadership.”

Hardin Valley Elementary was assigned a new principal fresh from Florida, Georgia, and Oregon.

Sarah Fish said that while she loves teaching, over the years she’s had the opportunity to explore leadership roles and found working and supporting adults so they can show up for the kids to be her calling in life.

“I can make a larger impact while being a building leader … a leader who builds a collaborative atmosphere, and while I am the leader of this little Hawk nest it takes a whole team to best support our kids.”