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Searchers looking in Heatherly’s Point area for Daugherty

Missing since December 2

By Charlotte Underwood

On Monday, investigators set up a Mobile Command Center at Heatherly’s Point as the search for Rhonda Kitts Daugherty continues. It’s been 50 days since the Coolidge woman disappeared from her home.

Heatherly's Point is about a 20 minute boat ride from Sugar Hollow Boat Dock, where the search has previously been centered. Investigators say they are still searching Sugar Hollow, but are also looking at all the surrounding areas as well.

According to the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department, investigators have been searching the Heatherly’s Point area for the past couple days.  It is about a 20-minute boat ride from Sugar Hollow Boat Dock, where the search had previously been centered.  Investigators say they are still searching all areas of the lake.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, members of the Campbell County Sheriff's Department, the Rescue Squad and investigators from other agencies were busy searching in the Heatherly's Point area of Norris Lake.

Divers, sonar, cameras and all resources continue to be used in the hunt for Daugherty’s body.

Lonnie Vann, who has been indicted for her kidnapping and murder, has a court date set for April 13.

More stories can be found further down the page.  (01/20/2015 - 6:00 AM)

Good weather days for Daughtery search-but still no Rhonda.

     It was a rare mild and dry January weekend.  And investigators made the most of it in the hunt for missing Coolidge woman Rhonda Daugherty.  Searchers scoured land and lake from daylight until dusk Saturday and Sunday.  Officials tell WLAF News that the weekend search on Norris Lake was centered on an area of the lake that's about a 20-minute boat ride from the Sugar Hollow Marina, where the search has been focused for weeks.  Sonar, camera, and robot were used.  The R-O-V, an under water robot, from the Carter County, Tennessee, Rescue Squad was used.  The search is in a part of the lake where the depths range from eighty to 150-feet with tree tops around 120-feet.  At these depths, specialized dive teams are required.  More than 70 search team members from around the county and the region took part in Sunday's search effort.  Today begins Day 49 in the hunt for Rhonda Kitts Daugherty.  Related stories and pictures are found further down this page.(01/19/2015 - 6:00 AM)

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Vann arraigned on murder and kidnapping charges; next court date in April

By Charlotte Underwood

Accused kidnapper and murderer Lonnie Lee Vann, 44, appeared in Campbell County Criminal Court this morning to be arraigned on those charges. He is accused in the death of Rhonda Kitts Daugherty, who has been missing since Dec. 2. Investigators still have not found her body.

Vann’s court appointed public defender pleaded not guilty on his behalf and his next court appearance will be on April 13 for a preliminary hearing.

Lonnie Lee Vann appeared in Criminal Court this morning to be arraigned for the murder and kidnapping of Rhonda Kitts Daugherty, who has been missing since Dec. 2. Vann pleaded not guilty via a public defender and had his court date reset for spring.

Vann appeared slightly disheveled as he stood in front of Criminal Court Judge Shayne Sexton and seemed uncertain about having a public defender appointed or hiring his own lawyer. After he ascertained that he could still hire private council after a public defender was appointed, Vann filled out paperwork and asked for appointed council.

Members of Daugherty’s family filled several pews in the courtroom as they silently watched the man who allegedly kidnapped and killed their loved one.

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation agent Brandon Elkins, left, takes a moment to confer with District Attorney Jared Effler during Lonnie Lee Vann’s arraignment this morning in criminal court.

Vann was indicted by a Campbell County Grand Jury for the kidnapping and murder of Daugherty on Jan. 7. He is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, as well as kidnapping. He is currently being held on a $1 million dollar bond at the Knox County Detention Facility.

Lonnie Lee Vann was recently extradited from Myrtle Beach South Carolina on charges of murder and kidnapping. He is currently being held at the Knoxville Detention Center on a $1 million dollar bond.

Vann, who is a former La Follette Middle school teacher, has been an un-named suspect in the case since he robbed a couple at gunpoint in Deerfield three days after Daugherty’s disappearance in early December.  Shortly after the Deerfield robbery occurred, investigators began concentrating search efforts for Daugherty in the Sugar Hollow area, where Vann has a family member with a house boat and where he reportedly grew up.  After about a week on the run, Vann was apprehended in South Carolina by Myrtle Beach authorities on armed robbery charges.

During his arraignment for the murder of Rhonda Kitts Daugherty, Lonnie Lee Vann hustled in and out of the courtroom, taking a brief moment to fill out paperwork for an appointed attorney before being swept out of the courtroom to be transported back to Knoxville where he is being held.

Vann also has a Feb. 2 court date set for inappropriate conduct with a minor, stemming from a 2013 incident in which he took a 13-year-old student off campus to Coolidge Church and attempted to hug and kiss her. He was indicted on those charges in July of 2014.  (01/12/2015 - 12:30 PM)

Nakita Morton appeared in Criminal Court this morning and had her court date re-set for March 23 in the child abuse case of Zander Brown. Nakita Morton is accused of interfering with the child receiving medical care in a timely manner.

Day 42 in the search for Rhonda

     Today marks day 42 in the search for Rhonda Kitts Daugherty.  The 49-year old woman from Coolidge been missing since December 2.  Searchers continue concentrating efforts in the Sugar Hollow area of Norris Lake.  (01/12/2015 - 6:00 AM)

Lonnie Vann extradited back to Campbell County; being held in Knoxville

By Charlotte Underwood

A short two days after he was indicted for the murder and kidnapping of Rhonda Kitts Daugherty, former La Follette Middle School teacher Lonnie Lee Vann was extradited to Campbell County and booked on those charges. According to the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department, Vann was extradited from Myrtle Beach, S.C., late Friday evening. Once at the Campbell County Jail, he was booked and processed for two counts of murder and one count of kidnapping. Vann was also charged with armed robbery from a Dec. 5 crime he committed in Deerfield when he held a couple at gunpoint and stole firearms and cash.

Lonnie Lee Vann (PIX COURTESY CAMPBELL COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT)

Campbell County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Aaron Evans said the extradition was sped along by South Carolina Authorities who “worked with us all so graciously.”

On Wednesday, a Campbell County Grand Jury indicted Vann for these crimes regarding the Dec. 2 disappearance of Daugherty. A massive search effort has been underway for the past six weeks to locate her body, with investigators concentrating in the Sugar Hollow area of Norris Lake.

Rhonda’s mother Nancy Kitts said it is some small relief that he has been charged with the crime, but no closure will come until Rhonda is found.

“We need to know where she is at – and we need to understand why she was taken.” Nancy Kitts said.

For safety reasons and conflict, Vann will be held at the Knox County Detention Facility.

According to the sheriff’s department, a court date for Vann’s arraignment is not known at this time.

For related stories see further down the page. (01/09/2015 - 10:00 PM)

 Grand Jury indicts Lonnie Vann for murder of Rhonda Daugherty

By Charlotte Underwood

After more than a month of no breaks in the missing person case of Rhonda Kitts Daugherty, a Campbell County Grand Jury has handed down an indictment on Lonnie Lee Vann for the kidnapping and murder of the Coolidge woman who has been missing from her home since Dec. 2. Vann, 44, is charged with one count of first-degree murder, as well as kidnapping. His bond has been set at $1 million dollars.

The Campbell County Sheriff's Office, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the 8th Judicial District Attorney General's Office held a press conference at 3 p.m. today at the sheriff’s department to announce the grand jury’s findings on the case.

Vann, who is a former La Follette Middle school teacher, has been an un-named suspect in the case since he robbed a couple at gunpoint in Deerfield three days after Daugherty’s disappearance. Shortly after the Deerfield robbery occurred, investigators began concentrating search efforts for Daugherty in the Sugar Hollow area, where Vann has a family member with a house boat. Much of the investigation seemed to center on that houseboat and in the general vicinity of the boat dock. After about a week on the run, Vann was apprehended in South Carolina by Myrtle Beach authorities on armed robbery charges there. He is currently jailed in the Horry County Detention Center.

After the grand jury handed down the indictment, Criminal Court Judge Shayne Sexton ordered a capias for the arrest of Vann. The warrant has been served on Vann.

TBI Director Mark Gwyn (L), District Attorney General Jared Effler (C), & Sheriff Robbie Goins (R)

According to investigators, Vann will be extradited back to Campbell County on these charges as soon as possible, though no definite time of his return has been announced. Once returned to Tennessee, Vann will be housed at a detention center in a different county, according to officials.

“We have started working on the extradition process, but there is no definite time yet when he will be brought back,” said District Attorney Jared Effler. Effler also said he wanted to thank all of the agencies involved in this case for their “tireless and professional efforts.”

TBI Director Mark Gwyn said investigator’s work was not over and that the TBI was "fully committed to this investigation for the sake of pursuing justice for friends and family of Rhonda Daugherty."

Campbell County Sheriff Robbie Goins said he wanted to thank the many volunteers who have helped in the search for Daugherty.

Goins also asked the public to respect the Daugherty family's privacy now that Vann has been charged in her killing.

Vann has a February 2 court appearance scheduled in Campbell County on sexual misconduct charges with a minor, stemming from a 2013 incident in which he allegedly took a 13-year-old off campus and to Coolidge Baptist Church where he touched her inappropriately. Vann was indicted on those charges in July of 2014. It is unknown at this time if that court date still stands.

According to the District Attorney and investigators, the case is ongoing as searchers continue to look for Daugherty. A $10,000 reward remains in effect.

Anyone with information is asked to call 911, 423-562-7446 or 1-800-TBI FIND.   (01/07/2015)

Father of missing woman dies from battle with cancer; family prays for search to continue

By Charlotte Underwood

After spending the last five weeks of his life without his daughter, Boyd Wayne Kitts, 71, passed away yesterday, Jan. 6, from a long-term battle with cancer.

Family and friends grieve his loss, and continue to hope for their loved one Rhonda Kitts Daugherty to be found. She has been missing since Dec. 2.

Rhonda’s mother Nancy Kitts said the past month had been hard on her husband and the disappearance of their only child had taken its toll.

“He missed her so much; he would cry for her and ask for her,” Nancy said, adding that Rhonda had been close with both her and her father.

“She was just such a blessing to have around and she helped me so much; I was leaning on her through his sickness I guess and not knowing where she is at is killing us.”

Nancy described Rhonda and her three children as her and her husband’s pride and joy.

She said the family is leaning on prayers and the hope that Rhonda will be found.

“We want her to stay on everyone’s mind until something gives and she is found. Someone out there knows something or has seen something and we just ask that person to please help us find Rhonda.”

There is still a $10,000 reward offered in this case and anyone with information is asked to call 911 or to call the sheriff’s department at 423-562-7446.

Cross-Smith Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be given online at http://www.cross-smithfuneralhome.com. (01/07/2015)

Divers continue to search Sugar Hollow; debris & cold weather making it difficult

By Charlotte Underwood

Divers continue to search the Sugar Hollow area and Cedar Creek area of Norris Lake for missing woman Rhonda Kitts Daugherty who has been gone for over a month now. Houseboat cables and other debris such as televisions and grills mar the clarity of the water. The cold water requires the majority of the divers to wear what is called “dry suits”, which are more suitable to the winter temperatures.

According to the sheriff’s department, divers and dogs have searched the lake as far away as Anderson County and plan to continue to search.  For the past couple of weeks, the search has continued to focus on Sugar Hollow, with multiple agencies converging on the boat dock and taking to the waters each day.

Divers even reported that an entire houseboat was sunk in Sugar Hollow, along with various parts of cars and trucks. Otherwise, the water is clear, partially thanks to the cold temperatures and also due to a certain type of mussel that has been introduced to the lake by northern tourists visiting the area.

According to the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency, the Zebra Mussel is an invasive species that is becoming more of a nuisance in Tennessee waterways. The tiny organism is reproducing and attaching themselves to anything underwater. The mussels are not native to Tennessee, or the United States, but continue to spread to lakes and rivers.

The mussels will attach themselves to boats, pipes, docks and one mussel can produce up to a million offspring in a year.  Divers have reported the mussels are attached to the underwater houseboat cables.

Investigators report that logs and other underwater debris in the area are covered with the tiny mussels.

Zebra mussels also destroy the ecosystem by eating microscopic particles in the water, which is why the water becomes clearer once zebra mussels begin to grow in number.

According to a local fishing guide, the mussel can live out of water for days and is brought to the area by tourist’s boats from the Great Lakes.  The Zebra Mussel can be found in the Sugar Hollow, Deerfield, Springs Dock and Shanghai areas of the lake, but is not as wide-spread when you head towards the Norris Dam or towards Flat Hollow. They have become more prevalent over the past four years.  (01/06/2015 - 6:00 AM)

Sorting through facts, fiction, and rumors is a challenge

The search for Rhonda Daugherty resumes at daybreak

     "They've found something at Sugar Hollow."  That's what the caller reported to us late Friday afternoon.  WLAF's Charlotte Underwood immediately hustled over to the Sugar Hollow area of Norris Lake only to meet searchers calling it a day, as darkness was settling-in, and confirm that it was just a rumor. 

Divers from Blount County and Campbell County continued to search the waters of Sugar Hollow on Friday.  They are pictured here on a platform by an unidentified houseboat at Sugar Hollow on Norris Lake.

WLAF has done its best to bring you the latest in the hunt for Rhonda Daugherty who went missing more than a month ago, and that includes gathering facts, which have been few and far between for all concerned, and sorting through the fiction and rumors. 

This sign was erected recently in front of Rhonda's Coolidge home at the bottom of the driveway at Long Hollow Road.

As Week Six begins, this will be the most challenging week for investigators, searchers, and especially divers where the weather is concerned.  A four, possibly five, day stretch of subfreezing temperatures is ahead including single-digit readings Wednesday night into Thursday.  (01/05/2015 - 6:00 AM - CHARLOTTE UNDERWOOD PIX)

Search continues by boat, land and air for missing woman

By Charlotte Underwood

New Year’s Day came and went without any new information in the case of missing Coolidge woman Rhonda Kitts Daugherty. The 49-year-old vanished from her home on Long Hollow Road on Dec. 2. Investigators and searchers continued to look in the Sugar Hollow area of Norris Lake yesterday and plan to continue the search today on water and land. The search seems to be concentrated from the Cedar Creek area back into Sugar Hollow.  Divers from Blount County and the La Follette Rescue Squad will be busy using underwater cameras and sonar in an attempt to locate Daugherty or a clue.

Yesterday, searchers moved house boats around in order to make searching under the water easier due to the amount of anchoring cables.  Divers report a vast amount of debris under the water that also makes the search more difficult.  Law enforcement has already searched the majority of the houseboats in the Sugar Hollow area.

Investigators have yet to name a suspect in the missing person’s case, but public opinion remains that armed robbery suspect Lonnie Vann could be a person of interest. Vann robbed a couple at gunpoint in Deerfield three days after Daugherty disappeared.  After the Dec. 5 robbery, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation quickly added Vann their top ten most wanted list.

He also has a family member who owns a house boat in the area that the search is concentrated. Vann was later apprehended in South Carolina, after he robbed a couple down there as well and was arrested at a traffic check point. Vann, a former La Follette Middle School teacher, has an early February court date in Campbell County regarding a sexual misconduct charge with a minor. He also has a February 20 court date in South Carolina for the robbery he committed in the Myrtle Beach area.

According to an article in the Christian Journal Leader, Vann had allegedly purchased duct tape, rope, and boots at the Wal-Mart in Clinton around the time of Daugherty’s disappearance. The Campbell County Sheriff’s Department said they could not comment on whether or not this is true.

Citizens on social media sites say they wish the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and other law enforcement agencies involved in the case would say concretely if there is a suspect. People report locking their doors more and checking dark parking lots due to the uneasiness of not knowing whether there is a suspect and whether or not that suspect is currently locked up.

According to Campbell County Sheriff Robbie Goins, searchers will continue to use every resource available to them and will not give up on finding Daugherty.

“The searchers are tired but they are not giving up. They had some rest over the holidays and are motivated by the family’s hope and by finding Rhonda,” Goins said.

A $10,000 reward remains active in this case. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department at 423-562-7446.(01/02/2015 - 6:00 AM)

New month.  New year.  Daugherty search continues.

     As the calendar turns to 2015, Day 31 in the search for a missing Campbell County woman continues.  There are no new developments to report this morning in the hunt for Rhonda Kitts Daugherty.  The 49-year old mother and grandmother was last seen at her home on December 2 and as investigators describe, she just “vanished.”  Pictures and more stories are found further down this page.(01/01/2015 - 6:00 AM)

Family frustrated by lack of answers; prays for searchers to not give up

By Charlotte Underwood

A month without answers is taking its toll on family members and searchers alike in the case of missing Coolidge woman Rhonda Kitts Daugherty. The family continues to pray for the return of their loved one and answers in what has become a baffling mystery in our county.

Daugherty’s mother Nancy Kitts continues to make pleas for the return of her daughter and information as to what happened on Dec. 2 when Rhonda disappeared.

Rhonda Kitts Daugherty has been missing since December 2

“She was the type of person that would make you smile. She would help anyone and was just a joy to be around. She is missed so much and we need her back home,” Nancy Kitts said, adding that she could see no reason why someone would take her daughter.

“She was a homebody –very family dedicated and church oriented; I just can’t understand why this has happened.”

Frustrated and wearing thin by a lack of answers in the case, Nancy said she will not give up hope that searchers will find Rhonda and bring her home.

“Even if it’s not good news; we need to know, we need to have her back and we need to know what happened to her and why,” Nancy said, adding that she knew in her heart that Rhonda did not leave of her own free will on Tuesday, Dec. 2.

Nancy Kitts said the last time she spoke to her daughter was the day before she disappeared when Rhonda was visiting her at their Pleasant Ridge home.

“She was always good to come help me and check on her father who has been sick and she came and spent several hours with us that Monday,” Kitts said. She also said that her daughter seemed to be her normal self.

“Rhonda wasn’t depressed, she wasn’t on the verge of a nervous breakdown – there was nothing out of the ordinary.”

Daugherty usually called to check in with her mom by noon each day and when Nancy had not heard from her by 2:30, she began calling her.

Rhonda Daugherty and her husband Charles

“I kept calling her. Around dusky-dark, her husband came home and he called me right away to see if she was here. He said he had looked everywhere and that the back door to the house had been partially open when he came home,” Nancy Kitts said, adding that was not like her daughter at all.

There was no sign of forced entry or a struggle inside the home. All of Daugherty’s belongings were left at the home and so was her car. When Rhonda’s husband told Nancy that the door was open and that Rhonda’s car and belongings were still at home, she said her heart dropped.

“I knew something had happened to her. She was the type of woman who always kept her door locked. Whoever came to that back door had to have been someone she knew or she would not have opened that door,” Nancy said.

“I wake up every day and think that we will have an answer and that she will be found today.”

On behalf of the family, Nancy said she wanted to thank everyone for all they have done and asked that the search continue and that Rhonda stay at the forefront of people’s thoughts.

Investigators have been very reluctant to provide information about the case and whether or not there is a connection between Daugherty’s disappearance and the arrest of Lonnie Lee Vann, who after robbing a couple at gunpoint in Deerfield on Dec. 5, was added to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Top Ten Most Wanted list and eventually apprehended in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  He has a February 20 court date scheduled in Horry County for armed robbery crimes he committed down there.

According to the incident report, when Vann robbed the Deerfield couple, he told them he would not harm them, but that he needed money because he was “in big trouble.”

TBI agents, sheriff’s department deputies, rescue squad members and divers continue to focus the search in the Sugar Hollow area of Norris Lake, which is where Vann has family and was previously known to frequent. Sugar Hollow is about three to four miles away from Daugherty’s home on Long Hollow Road. Investigators began looking in the Sugar Hollow area several weeks ago and were spotted searching houseboats with dogs.

The question on everyone’s mind is why is the search concentrated there?  Law enforcement is certainly not saying anything.

A $10,000 reward is still active in this case and anyone with information is asked to please call the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office at (423) 562-7446. (12/21/2014 - 6:00 AM)

The search for Daugherty began four-weeks ago today

     There are no new developments to report in the search for missing Campbell Countian Rhonda Kitts Daugherty this morning.  Today marks the 29^th day of searching which began four-weeks ago this evening.  The 49-year old woman was last seen on Tuesday morning, December 2, at her home on Long Hollow Road in Coolidge. 

Rhonda Kitts Daugherty (L)

Teams have been searching for her ever since her husband returned from work that evening and discovered she was missing.  A $10,000 reward is being offered, and Sheriff Robbie Goins asks that if you have any information to please call him at 423.562.7446.  More stories and pictures of the Rhonda Daugherty case are found further down this page.(12/30/14 - 6:00 AM)

Today begins Day 28 in the hunt for missing Coolidge woman

     About a square mile of Norris Lake.  In water 30 to 50-feet deep.  Through rain and cold.  After investigators searched Saturday and Sunday at Sugar Hollow Marina and surrounding area, still no Rhonda.  Authorities continue moving forward in the search for Rhonda Kitts Daugherty this morning on Day 28.  Divers, camera, and sonar are all being used to cover what is described by officials as a “large area.”  Sheriff Robbie Goins tells WLAF that he and every member of his department, and other agencies as well, believe in their hearts everyday that they will find her.  More stories and pictures are found further down this page.(12/29/2014 - 6:00 AM)

Family says no money needed; just searchers

The family of Rhonda Kitts Daugherty wants to say a big thank you to everyone who has been praying and searching for their loved one. They also wanted to let everyone know that they don’t want or need money, but rather people to continue searching and praying for Rhonda.

“Everyone has been so wonderful through all this and we appreciate it so much; but we don’t need money raised, we just need people to search and keep praying until she is found,” said Rhonda’s mother Nancy Kitts. The family also wanted to clarify that there are currently several outdoor “tournaments” taking place to raise funds and that the family is not associated with these events. A fishing tournament and a coon hunting tournament have both been organized.

“We would like the tournaments to be stopped because we have not asked anyone to do anything to raise any money – we just want people to search for Rhonda. It’s not that we don’t deeply appreciate what everyone is doing and trying to do; but we really don’t need money; just Rhonda.”  (12/26/2014 - 2:00 PM)

Day 25.  Investigators continue trying to solve Daugherty's disappearance.

     Christmas has come and gone.  Still no Rhonda.  The emotional, physical, and mental grind continues to weigh heavily on her family, community, and investigative team as the search goes on for Rhonda Kitts Daugherty.  It's Day 25.  Investigators, working tirelessly, going on a month, are back looking for the 49-year old Daugherty this morning still concentrating efforts on Norris Lake at Sugar Hollow Marina.  On the morning of December 2, investigators say she just vanished from her hilltop home at Coolidge.  Daugherty's mother, Nancy Kitts, made this plea to WLAF viewers, listeners, and followers last Tuesday - CLICK HERE.  More stories and pictures surrounding Rhonda Daugherty are found further down this page.  (12/26/2014 - 6:00 AM)

Daugherty's mother makes plea

     Today, during the noon hour, Nancy Kitts, the mother of missing Rhonda Kitts Daugherty, made a plea outside her Pleasant Ridge home for the return of her daughter or information that could lead to her whereabouts. CLICK HERE to view Kitts' comments.  The Coolidge woman disappeared from her home on Long Hollow Road on Dec. 2. Searchers and investigators continue to look for the missing woman. There is a $10,000 reward in this case. Anyone with information is asked to please call 911 or the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office at (423) 562-7446. (12/23/2014 - 5:00 PM)

Family seeks answers in Daugherty case

Today marks Week Three – Search Day 22

By Charlotte Underwood

All one Campbell County family wants for Christmas is the return of their loved one and maybe some answers as to what happened.

With the search for Rhonda Kitts Daugherty in week number three, this holiday season is filled with emptiness and questions for her family members. Her mother, Nancy Kitts, said she has not given up hope of searchers finding her daughter and that she is still praying for a Christmas miracle.

Nancy Kitts, mother of Rhonda Kitts Daugherty, takes time to visit with WLAF’s Charlotte Underwood.

“I am hoping and praying that whoever did this will break down and tell the truth. I want this person to know how empty our lives and our hearts have become.  We need to know where she is at; we need closure. Please find it in your heart to help us get her back and if it’s not good, then tell us where we can find her so we can have closure.”

It’s the waiting and not knowing that is so hard. It’s all they can think about.

“Every time the phone rings I hope it’s about her; I believe it will be the call I have been waiting on.  It’s hard on all of us,” Nancy said, adding that her son-in-law, Rhonda’s husband was devastated.

“He won’t eat, he won’t sleep; it has simply destroyed him.”  Rhonda’s father, who is terminally ill, is devastated as well and often gets distraught over his missing daughter. Through the devastation, the family continues to pray and search for answers.

“The Lord is working on this and all the prayers help; we just want Rhonda back,” Nancy said.  She also said she wants to keep it fresh on people’s minds to keep the hope, prayers and search alive.

Daugherty, 49, went missing on Dec. 2 from her home on Long Hollow Road. Her parents live about a mile and a half away. Nancy described her daughter as friendly, outgoing and always with a smile for others. She also described her as family oriented very active in their lives.

“I have a wonderful daughter; until I hear otherwise, I will continue to believe she is okay.”

Rhonda is her only daughter. When she went missing, her own daughter was expecting her first child.

“She was so looking forward to the birth of that grandchild.  She did not leave voluntarily, someone is responsible,” Nancy said, adding that she knew investigators had been looking in the Sugar Hollow vicinity of Norris Lake for her daughter or clues that could lead to her.

Divers and various search and rescue teams from Campbell and surrounding counties have been searching alongside deputies and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation agents for the past week and a half.

“I want them to search everywhere. I have to keep believing and trusting in the Lord that something will give and we will find her.”

She also wants to say a big thank you to the High Knob Church for all that they have done for the family, as well as a thank you to all the churches and everyone in the community praying and searching.

She gave one final plea to anyone who may have knowledge of her daughter’s whereabouts or what happened to her.

“If anyone has any information that could help us, please come forward – we miss her so much and we need help finding her- and to whoever is responsible, I pray they cannot eat or sleep until they tell what they know- our house is so empty without her; please help us bring her home.”

Anyone with information is asked to please call 911 or the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office at (423) 562-7446.  More stories and pictures surrounding Rhonda Kitts Daugherty are found further down this page.  (12/23/2014 - 6:00 AM)                      

Searchers continue to look for Daugherty over the weekend

By Charlotte Underwood

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation agents, Campbell County Sheriff’s Detectives and members of Knox County and La Follette Rescue Squads continued to search for Rhonda Kitts Daugherty over the weekend. The search still appears to be concentrated in the Sugar Hollow vicinity of Norris Lake, with around a dozen officials manning three boats on Saturday.  Sunday saw the Anderson and Campbell County Sheriff’s Departments searching, along with the TBI.

The search for Rhonda Daugherty continued over the weekend.

According to witnesses, the search seemed to begin in the area over a week ago, when law enforcement officials were spotted searching house boats with dogs.

A Knoxville Search and Rescue boat equipped with sonar went back and forth on the lake on Saturday, attempting to get what law enforcement call at “hit” on an object under the water.

Investigators continued searching around Sugar Hollow Marina Saturday & Sunday.

According to Campbell County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Aaron Evans, several types of sonar have been used in the search for Daugherty. The lake around the Sugar Hollow area is quite “polluted” with house boat cables, and lots of other debris such as grills and other garbage.

Divers will possibly continue with the search this week.

Investigators have also been searching along the bank and from the air in efforts to locate her.

Sunday saw the Anderson and Campbell County Sheriff’s Departments searching, along with the TBI, for Rhonda Kitts Daugherty.

Searchers say they will continue to look for Daugherty.  Local churches and community members also vow to keep praying for the missing woman and her family.  Daugherty has been missing since Dec. 2, when she disappeared from her home on Long Hollow Road at Coolidge.

A $10,000 reward is being offered and anyone with information is asked to call 911 or the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office at 423.562.7446.  (12/22/2014 - 6:00 AM)

Vann's bond set in some S.C. charges, denied bond on other; waives extradition

By Charlotte Underwood

Accused armed robber Lonnie Lee Vann, 44, has waived extradition and had his bond set at $110,000 in South Carolina, where he is currently being held in the Horry County Jail. However, he was denied bond on one particular charge in South Carolina, which will essentially keep him there until his February 20 court date scheduled at the Horry County Judicial Center.

Lonnie Vann (PIX COURTESY OF THE TBI)

Vann, who had been wanted in connection to an armed robbery which occurred in the Deerfield community on Dec. 5, also committed armed robbery in Myrtle Beach at a Marriott Hotel. In South Carolina, Vann is charged with armed robbery, burglary in the first, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, weapons law violation and being a fugitive from justice for his crimes in Tennessee. He was denied bond for the burglary in the first charge due to the severity of the crime, according to Horry County Sheriff’s Public Information Officer Jeff Benton.

“He was given the $110,000 cash bond on the other charges, but because they denied him bond on the burglary in the first, it is technically like his bond was denied,” Benton said, going on to further explain that Vann would not be extradited to Tennessee until he either made bond or his charges in South Carolina are disposed of via a trial or hearing.

Vann had initially signed an extradition waiver at the Myrtle Beach Police Department, but due to it not being notarized, Vann had to sign an official waiver in front of a notary of the public. According to Benton, that did not occur until around 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 18.

Vann, a former middle school teacher has a February 2 hearing in Campbell County Criminal Court regarding sexual misconduct charges stemming from a 2013 incident in which he is accused of touching a 13-year-old girl inappropriately.

According to the Horry County Sheriff’s Department, it is up to the Campbell County District Attorney and sheriff’s department to contact South Carolina authorities and make arrangements to come pick Vann up and transport him to Campbell County for that court date, just as it is Horry County officials responsibility to make transportation arrangements to get him back for his Feb. 20 court date.

Vann is charged with two-counts of armed robbery for the Dec. 5 Deerfield incident.  If penalized to the max, he could face up to 30 years in prison for his armed robbery crimes in Campbell County, and he could face up to life in prison for the South Carolina charge.

Investigators have yet to publically acknowledge a connection between Vann and missing Campbell County woman Rhonda Kitts Daugherty, who has been missing since Dec. 2. (12/19/2014 - 6:00 AM)

Day 18 of search for missing woman; still nothing new to report

Day 18 of the search for Rhonda Kitts Daugherty and still nothing new to report in what has become one of Campbell County’s biggest mysteries.

The search was concentrated once again in the Sugar Hollow vicinity yesterday.  Divers from Campbell County and the Anderson County Sheriff’s Department spent the day in the waters of Norris Lake once more, but had nothing new to report by day’s end. According to officials, water visibility remains clear, but house boat cables still hinder the divers.

The search continues this morning in the same area, with searchers vowing not to give up.

A $10,000 reward is being offered and anyone with information is asked to call 911 or the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office at (423) 562-7446.(12/19/2014 - 6:00 AM)

Search for missing woman continues on Norris Lake; sheriff vows to not give up

By Charlotte Underwood

There is still nothing new in the case of missing Coolidge woman Rhonda Kitts Daugherty. Around 15 to 20 law enforcement officials searched all day in the Sugar Hollow vicinity of Norris Lake yesterday and plan to continue the search today.  A two-member dive team from the Knox County Sheriff Special Operations Unit participated in the search.  According to officials close to the scene, the water temperature is 48-degrees and visibility under the water is good, but there is still no sign or clues in Daugherty’s disappearance.  Massive amounts of underwater cables anchoring the houseboats in the area are making it difficult on divers.  A brief bit of excitement was when a gun was sighted underwater, but it turned out to be an air rifle and was not relevant.

Yellow ribbons, like the one pictured above, adorn businesses and homes in honor and memory of Daugherty as local churches continue to pray and community members and officials continue to search.

No connection between former La Follette Middle School teacher Lonnie Vann and Daugherty has been announced by law enforcement.  Vann has a February court date for inappropriate conduct with a student and is currently being held in South Carolina on criminal charges before he will be extradited back to Campbell County for allegedly committing a Dec. 6 armed robbery in Deerfield.

The spirit among investigators, though not verbally validated, is that there is a connection in the two cases.  A WLAF source close to the investigation said the search for Daugherty had been concentrated in the Sugar Hollow area because that is near where Vann grew up and that he also had a family member in the area with a house boat that he had frequented.

Members of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department and the Knox County Sheriff’s Department searched all day yesterday on the lake for the missing Coolidge woman.

Campbell County Sheriff Robbie Goins said they will not give up the search and will do whatever it takes to find her.  According to Goins, there has never been a body put into the lake or a drowning that did not result in the recovery of the person.

An un-named diver from the Knox County Sheriff’s Department climbs out of Norris Lake late Wednesday evening after spending the day in the water searching for Rhonda Daugherty. A two-member dive team came from Knoxville to help with the search.

“We will continue to search and do whatever it takes,” Goins said.

The Knox County Special Operations Unit was in Campbell County yesterday searching in the Sugar Hollow vicinity for Rhonda Daugherty.

A $10,000 reward is being offered and anyone with information is asked to call 911 or the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office at (423) 562-7446.(12/18/2014 - 6:00 AM)

Search for Daugherty continues by land, air and boat

Missing for two-weeks now, the search for Rhonda Daugherty continues on the lake today in the Sugar Hollow vicinity. Law enforcement was searching in that area yesterday as well. A Knox County Special Operations unit, believed to be a dive team, was seen driving through town and later parked in the Sugar Hollow parking lot. According to officials the search will continue by boat, land and air.

According to reports, Daugherty was last seen by her husband Charles on Dec. 2. When he returned home from work, she was gone and the door to their home was open.

Law enforcement, community members and other volunteers have searched daily for the 49-year-old Coolidge woman.

If you have any information on where Rhonda Daugherty may be you’re asked to call 911 or the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office at (423) 562-7446. There is a $10,000 reward in this case. (12/17/2014 - 12:30 PM)

Search continues for missing Coolidge woman

By Charlotte Underwood

No new details have emerged in the case of the missing Coolidge woman Rhonda Kitts Daugherty, who has been missing since Dec. 2.  Those in the Sugar Hollow area may have noticed law enforcement and search teams checking the lake yesterday as the search continues for the missing 49-year old woman who seems to have vanished without a trace.  According to the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department, they will continue to search any and all areas in reference to Rhonda and no areas are off limit.

For two weeks and a day now, officers and members of the community have been searching tirelessly.  Local churches are offering up prayer and missing posters can be seen all over the county, but still no word on her whereabouts and no new leads to follow.

Lonnie Vann (PIX COURTESY OF THE TBI)

The community has been abuzz with suspicion of a connection between Daugherty’s case and that of Lonnie Vann, who was arrested on Friday in Myrtle Beach in connection with an armed robbery that occurred in the Deerfield community on Dec. 6.  Vann is currently being held in South Carolina on charges for crimes he committed there as well as a fugitive from justice warrant regarding the robbery he allegedly committed here in Campbell County.

No connection between the two cases has been officially acknowledged by law enforcement. According to officials, both cases are still under open and active investigation.  Related stories and pictures are found further down this page.  (12/17/2014 - 6:00 AM)

Vann remains in a S.C. jail.  Daugherty’s still missing after two weeks.

     There’s nothing new to report this morning in the two stories that may or may not be connected surrounding  Campbell Countians Lonnie Vann and Rhonda Kitts Daugherty.  The 44-year old Vann is yet to be brought back to Campbell County from a South Carolina jail.  He is wanted on multiple charges in South Carolina and Tennessee and was caught by Myrtle Beach Police last Friday night after being on the run for a week after fleeing an armed robbery scene at Deerfield.  Daugherty, age 49, has been missing for two weeks as of today when she was last seen at her home in the Coolidge community.  Authorities say she just “vanished.”  No one involved in the investigation is willing to say  the two disturbing events are connected even though Vann and Daugherty knew each other and attended the same church, Coolidge First Baptist Church.  More related stories and pictures are further down this page.(12/16/2014 - 6:00 AM)

King’s memory lives on through his championship team

     The late Coach Vic King’s Christian Academy Warriors claimed the county crown.  Again.  For a second-straight season, King’s Warriors take the title.  This time, they won it without their coach, who passed away last month after a brief battle with cancer. 

CACC defeated the Wynn Bulldogs to claim the small division championship.(12/16/2014 - 6:00 AM)

Vann held on fugitive from justice warrant; new charges filed by S.C. authorities

By Charlotte Underwood

New charges were filed against former teacher Lonnie Lee Vann, 44, who is currently being held on a fugitive from justice warrant in South Carolina until he can be extradited back to Tennessee, according to Myrtle Beach Police. Vann is being held in South Carolina by law enforcement on charges of armed robbery, burglary, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, weapons law violation and being a fugitive from justice. Vann garnered these additional charges after Myrtle Beach authorities connected him to an armed robbery at a Marriott Hotel that occurred on Dec. 10. According to the incident report, Vann followed two people onto an elevator at the hotel. He then followed them off the elevator and to their room, appearing to be on the cell phone. When they opened their room, Vann pushed them in and then demanded their wallets, brandishing a black firearm. The victim managed to remove most of his belongings from his wallet without Vann seeing before handing it over to him. Vann then fled the scene. He was later picked up by Myrtle Beach Police who had the description of his Chevy Captiva as being driven by a fugitive from justice wanted by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

Vann is being held in the Myrtle Beach Jail without bond until he has a hearing before a judge, according to Joey Crosby, Myrtle Beach Police Department’s Public Information Officer.

Crosby said after the hearing regarding the crimes Vann committed in South Carolina, Vann could be brought back to Tennessee fairly quickly if he waived extradition. If he however, does not waive extradition, there will be a separate hearing regarding that.

After becoming a suspect in an armed robbery which occurred in Deerfield on Dec. 6, Vann spent a little over a week on the run and on the TBI’s top ten most wanted list. He was apprehended in South Carolina by Myrtle Beach Police on Highway 501 after they recognized him and the cream-colored Chevy Captiva he was last reported driving. Vann was taken into custody around 7 p.m. Friday night.

In July, Vann was indicted by a grand jury for inappropriate conduct with a student after he was charged with solicitation of a minor, sexual battery by an authority figure, tampering with evidence and assault. 

Vann taught at La Follette Middle School and was placed on suspension without pay in October 2013 after allegations of the inappropriate conduct came to light.

According to the TBI, on Oct. 22, Vann took a 13-year-old student off school property to Coolidge First Baptist Church. While in the building, Vann allegedly hugged the female student and tried to kiss her, both without consent.

Vann also allegedly tampered with evidence by altering images on a recording device at the church. Vann turned himself into the Campbell County Sheriff. He was later released on $10,000 bond. He has a February court date in Campbell County Criminal Court regarding the inappropriate misconduct charges. (12/15/2014 - 2:30 PM)

Family, fellow church members, and friends scoured Coolidge Saturday looking for Rhonda Kitts Daugherty

Area churches lift up special prayers for Rhonda

     Lonnie Vann’s been captured (story is further down this page).  Authorities tell WLAF News that it may be a while before he is brought back to the county jail at Jacksboro.  Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Police spotted the 44-year old man from Jacksboro on Friday night and took him into custody.  Vann is wanted in connection to an armed robbery on December 5 at Deerfield.  But what about Rhonda Kitts Daugherty? 

A prayer was lifted up for Rhonda Duagherty Sunday morning at area churches.  Among them was First Baptist Church of La Follette.

Area churches lifted up prayers for Rhonda and her family on Sunday morning.  Today marks Day 13 in the search for the woman who police say “vanished” on Tuesday, December 2, from her hilltop home at Coolidge. 

Coolidge First Baptist Church serves as the command post in the hunt for Rhonda

The sheriff’s department and the rescue squad led the search for Daugherty on Saturday morning.

Daugherty’s family, fellow church members from Coolidge First Baptist Church, and neighbors, with support from the sheriff's department and the rescue squad, searched for her on Saturday.  Still no Rhonda.  The search continues this morning. (12/15/2014 - 6:00 AM)

Lonnie Vann arrested in South Carolina

By Charlotte Underwood

After a little over a week on the run and on the TBI’s top ten most wanted list, armed robbery suspect Lonnie Lee Vann, 44, was apprehended in South Carolina by Myrtle Beach Police. Vann was picked up by Myrtle Beach authorities after they recognized him and the cream-colored Chevy Captiva he had last been seen driving in Campbell County. Vann was taken into custody around 7 p.m. last night (Friday). It is unknown at this time how long Vann will be held in South Carolina. According to the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department, “there are a lot of logistics that have to be worked out, before he is extradited back to Campbell County.”

Lonnie Vann (PIX COURTESY OF THE TBI)

According to Campbell County Sheriff Robbie Goins, it was a multi-agency and state law enforcement cooperation that led to Vann’s arrest.

“Today we can announce, along with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, that Campbell County armed robbery suspect Lonnie Lee Vann was taken into custody without incident and is being held at this time in connection with an armed robbery that occurred at a residence in the Deerfield Community,” Goins said in a press release.

Despite Vann’s arrest, there is no new evidence in the missing person case of Rhonda Kitts Daugherty, who has been missing since Dec. 2. For more than a week now, 10-20 officers have been searching hourly for the missing 49-year old Coolidge woman.  No connection between the two cases has been officially acknowledged by law enforcement, though rumors and suspicions have been running rampant in the community. According to law enforcement, both cases are still under open and active investigation.

A former Campbell County teacher, Vann was wanted in connection to an armed robbery which occurred around 3:45 p.m. on Dec. 6 in the Deerfield Resort Community. On the day of the robbery, sources told WLAF that Vann was a very strong person of interest in connection with the robbery, which occurred at the residence of Jim Fields.  By the end of the day, Vann had been added to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations top ten most wanted list. According to the police report, Vann was at the residence to speak to Fields about working on a website for his business.  Fields told deputies he had bent over to pick something up off the floor and when he looked up, Vann had a gun in his hand. Vann then demanded they open their safe. He stole three handguns as well as $900 in cash before leaving in a cream-colored 2013 Chevrolet Captiva, which Vann had rented on Dec. 3 from La Follette Enterprise. Vann zip-tied Fields and his wife to the stair railing and told them to wait at least 30 minutes before calling the police.  Jim Fields was able to free himself in about five minutes and called the police. The vehicle Vann left in has a Maryland tag with the numbers 2BC-6411. The case was then turned over to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

In July, Vann was indicted by a grand jury for inappropriate conduct with a student after he was charged with solicitation of a minor, sexual battery by an authority figure, tampering with evidence and assault. 

Vann taught at La Follette Middle School and was placed on suspension without pay in October 2013 after allegations of the inappropriate conduct came to light.

In November of 2013, the case was handed over to the District Attorney General and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. According to the TBI, on Oct. 22, Vann took a 13-year-old student off school property to Coolidge First Baptist Church. While in the building, Vann allegedly hugged the female student and tried to kiss her, both without consent.

Vann also allegedly tampered with evidence by altering images on a recording device at the church. Vann turned himself into the Campbell County Sheriff. He was later released on $10,000 bond. He has a February court date in Campbell County Criminal Court regarding the inappropriate misconduct charges. (12/13/2014 - 1:00 PM)

Vann’s been on the run a week.  Daugherty’s search is now on day 10.

No matter where you go.  No matter the company.  Talk soon turns to the bizarre stories that developed here in Campbell County last week.  On Tuesday, December 2, 49-year old Rhonda Kitts Daugherty went missing from her hill top home at Coolidge.  Police say she just vanished.  Though reward money for her safe return doubled to $10,000 on Thursday afternoon, she is still missing, and clues are few and far between. 

As the WLAF crew was setting up to broadcast the Campbell basketball games at Corryton last Friday is when word came in that 44-year old Lonnie Vann had just robbed a couple at gunpoint at their Deerfield home.  Within hours, the like-able Vann, who was already free on bond from a charge involving his improper association with a student when he was a teacher at La Follette Middle School, was placed on the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Top Ten Most Wanted List.  One-week later, Vann remains on the run and on the wanted list.  More stories and pictures related to this story are found further down this page.  (12/12/2014 - 6:00 AM)

Dollars doubled for Daugherty’s safe return

     The reward for any information regarding the disappearance of missing La Follette woman Rhonda Daugherty has been doubled.  It’s been increased to $10,000.00.(12/11/2104 - 3:00 PM)

No changes in the missing person search and the manhunt

     You want to know.  And so do we.  But there is nothing new to report to you this morning in the case of Rhonda Kitts Daugherty.  She went missing on Tuesday, December 2.  Investigators say she just vanished from her Coolidge home.  Word on the other case, that many say is connected, remains the same, and that is the case of Lonnie Vann, who is wanted in connection with a December 5 armed robbery of a Deerfield community family.  Vann has not been seen since the robbery.  Pictures and more stories surrounding these two disturbing events are found further down this page.  (12/11/2014 - 6:00 AM)

A request from the sheriff

     The sheriff’s office, TBI, and others are continually and feverishly working around the clock and have dedicated all resources available to the search and safe return of Rhonda Daugherty. No boundaries exist, no resource is turned away, and no tip is dismissed into the search and safe return of Rhonda.  We ask every Campbell County citizen, every person in our area, and every person able to read this message.  Rhonda, her family, and everyone involved need all of our prayers and continued support.  We ask all of you, regardless of your faith, beliefs, and denomination to please pray, pray, and pray specifically for Rhonda, her safe return, and pray that the hands of the investigators involved are blessed and favored –Sheriff Robbie K. Goins.  (12/10/2014 - 3:00 PM)

Exhausting search for Daugherty continues

     So far, everyday’s hope for finding Rhonda Kitts Daugherty safe and alive has been dashed by day’s end.  For more than a week now, 10-20 officers have been searching hourly for the missing 49-year old Coolidge woman.  Authorities say she just “vanished” last Tuesday, and so far, there are no solid tips or leads in the case.  More stories on Daugherty are found further down this page. (12/10/2014 - 6:00 AM)

Vann wanted by TBI in connection with robbery; police report details released

Vann remains on the loose this morning

By Charlotte Underwood

Former Campbell County teacher Lonnie Vann, 44, of Jacksboro, is still wanted in connection to an armed robbery which occurred around 3:45 p.m. on Dec. 6 in the Deerfield Resort Community. On the day of the robbery, sources told WLAF that Vann was a very strong person of interest in connection with the robbery, which occurred at the residence of Jim Fields.  By the end of the day, Vann had been added to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations top ten most wanted list. According to the police report, Vann was at the residence to speak to Fields about working on a website for his business.  Fields told deputies he had bent over to pick something up off the floor and when he looked up, Vann had a gun in his hand. Vann then demanded they open their safe. He stole three handguns as well as $900 in cash before leaving in a cream-colored 2013 Chevrolet Captiva, which Vann had rented on Dec. 3 from La Follette Enterprise. Vann zip-tied Fields and his wife to the stair railing and told them to wait at least 30 minutes before calling the police.  Jim Fields was able to free himself in about five minutes and called the police. The vehicle Vann left in has a Maryland tag with the numbers 2BC-6411. The case has been turned over to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. According to law enforcement, Vann is considered armed and dangerous and is actively being sought for questioning regarding the armed robbery. Anyone who has seen him or has any information to his whereabouts is asked to contact the TBI at 1-800-824-3463, the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department at 423-562-7446 or 911. Vann’s home was also searched in connection with the robbery. Vann has brown hair and a goatee and is somewhat stocky of build. He was last seen driving the cream colored Chevy Captiva.

Lonnie Vann (PIX COURTESY OF THE TBI)

In July, Vann was indicted by a grand jury for inappropriate conduct with a student after he was charged with solicitation of a minor, sexual battery by an authority figure, tampering with evidence and assault. 

Vann taught at La Follette Middle School and was placed on suspension without pay in October 2013 after allegations of the inappropriate conduct came to light.

In November of 2013, the case was handed over to the District Attorney General and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. According to the TBI, on Oct. 22, Vann took a 13-year-old student off school property to Coolidge First Baptist Church. While in the building, Vann allegedly hugged the female student and tried to kiss her, both without consent.

Vann also allegedly tampered with evidence by altering images on a recording device at the church. Vann turned himself into the Campbell County Sheriff. He was later released on $10,000 bond. He has a February court date in Campbell County Criminal Court regarding the inappropriate misconduct charges.  (12/10/2014 - 6:00 AM)

Day Seven.  Still no Rhonda.

     Investigators are just looking for a break.  Big.  Little. No matter the size.  Just one break.  And that one break may be all they need to unravel the mystery that surrounds the disappearance of 49-year old Rhonda Kitts Daugherty.  Today marks a week, a very long week, since the Coolidge woman was last seen.  From Sheriff Robbie Goins to Chief Deputy Aaron Evans to deputies, detectives, and TBI agents, there are anywhere from 10 to 20 officers looking for Daugherty everyday. 

Rhonda Kitts Daugherty (L)

The two words that highlight the theme of this strange and disturbing event are “vanished” and “standstill.”  It’s been said countless times that Daugherty just vanished, and that even though the search has gone 24/7 since, no clues leave the investigation at a standstill. (12/09/2014 - 6:00 AM)

Manhunt for Vann reaches Day Four

     Former La Follette Middle School teacher Lonnie Vann remains on the run this morning.  Vann is wanted by the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for a Friday afternoon armed robbery on Deerfield Way in La Follette.  Vann, 44, is described as a white male with brown hair and brown eyes. He stands approximately 5 foot 9 inches tall and weighs 275 pounds. He was last seen driving a white Chevy Captiva with Maryland registration 2 B C 6 4 1 1.

Lonnie Vann

He is believed to be in possession of several firearms and should be considered extremely dangerous.  Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Vann is urged to call the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation at 1-800-TBI-FIND (1-800-824-3463). There is a $1,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.  Over the weekend, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation added Vann to the state’s Top 10 Most Wanted list. (12/09/2014 - 6:00 AM)

Reward in Daugherty case increased.  Again.

     Through anonymous funds and sheriff's funds, Campbell County Sheriff Robbie K. Goins announces a reward increase to a $5,000 reward for any information regarding missing Campbell Countian Rhonda Daugherty.  That’s up from Saturday’s increase to $4,500.  More stories and her picture are found further down this page.   (12/07/2014 - 7:00 PM)

Public says what police won’t in hunt for missing woman

     Was Friday’s home robbery at Deerfield a clue or coincidence in the mysterious disappearance of Rhonda Kitts Daugherty?  Police won’t say.  But the popular belief circulating on the street is that there is a connection between the home burglary authorities say Lonnie Vann committed and the woman from Coolidge who went missing last Tuesday (12/02/2014).  If these two disturbing stories are connected, Vann’s late afternoon hold-up on Friday (12/05/2014) is a gigantic clue and the first big break toward solving Daughtery’s disappearance. 

WLAF has confirmed that the two know each other and that each attended the same church, Coolidge First Baptist.  Daugherty vanished almost a week ago from her hilltop home at Coolidge while Vann remains on the run this morning.  Vann is free on a $10,000 bond and has a February court date in Campbell County Criminal Court regarding inappropriate misconduct charges that involve a student from La Follette Middle School. 

The 44-year old Vann was a teacher at the school and is currently suspended without pay.  More stories on Vann, who is now on the TBI’s Top Ten Most Wanted List, and Daugherty are found further down this page.  (12/08/2014 6:00 AM)

Reward in Daugherty case increased

     The reward for a missing Campbell County woman, Rhonda Daugherty, has been increased to $4,500 for information regarding her whereabouts.  More stories and her picture are found further down this page.   (12/06/2014 - 9:00 PM)

Vann makes TBI's Top Ten Most Wanted List

TBI NAMES JACKSBORO MAN TO TOP 10 MOST WANTED

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has a new addition to the state’s Top 10 Most Wanted list, Lonnie Lee Vann of Jacksboro, TN.

Vann is wanted by the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for a Friday afternoon armed robbery on Deerfield Way in La Follette.

Vann, 44, is described as a white male with brown hair and brown eyes. He stands approximately 5 foot 9 inches tall and weighs 275 pounds. He was last seen driving a white Chevy Captiva with Maryland registration 2 B C 6 4 1 1. He is believed to be in possession of several firearms and should be considered extremely dangerous.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Vann is urged to call the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation at 1-800-TBI-FIND (1-800-824-3463). There is a $1,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.  (12/06/2014 - 9:30 AM)

Breaking news

Former teacher indicted for misconduct is wanted in connection with armed robbery

Investigation turned over to the TBI

By Charlotte Underwood

Former Campbell County teacher Lonnie Vann, 43, of Jacksboro, is wanted in connection to an armed robbery which occurred around 3:45 this afternoon in the Deerfield Resort Community. Sources tell WLAF that Vann is a very strong person of interest in connection with the robbery, which occurred at the residence of Jim Fields. According to sources, Vann tied up residence members, robbed them and then left in a cream-colored 2013 Chevrolet Captiva, which Vann had rented on Dec. 3 from LaFollette Enterprise. The vehicle has a Maryland tag with the numbers 2BC-6411. The case has been turned over to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. According to law enforcement, Vann is considered armed and dangerous and is actively being sought for questioning regarding the armed robbery. Anyone who has seen him or has any information to his whereabouts is asked to contact the TBI at 1-800-824-3463, the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department at 423-562-7446 or 911. WLAF is also hearing from sources that Vann’s home is being searched in connection with the robbery. Vann has brown hair and a goatee and is somewhat stocky of build. He was last seen driving the cream colored Chevy Captiva.

In July, Vann was indicted by a grand jury for inappropriate conduct with a student after he was charged with solicitation of a minor, sexual battery by an authority figure, tampering with evidence and assault.

Vann taught at LaFollette Middle School and was placed on suspension without pay in October 2013 after allegations of the inappropriate conduct came to light.

In November of 2013, the case was handed over to the District Attorney General and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. According to the TBI, on Oct. 22, Vann took a 13-year-old student off school property to Coolidge First Baptist Church. While in the building, Vann allegedly hugged the female student and tried to kiss her, both without consent.

Vann also allegedly tampered with evidence by altering images on a recording device at the church. Vann turned himself into the Campbell County Sheriff. He was later released on $10,000 bond. He has a February court date in Campbell County Criminal Court regarding the inappropriate misconduct charges. (12/5/14 - 6:10 PM)

Reward offered in Daugherty disappearance

     Through anonymous funds and sheriff's funds, Campbell County Sheriff Robbie K. Goins has announced a $3,500 reward for any information regarding missing Campbell County female Rhonda Daugherty, as previously reported.  To contact the sheriff, please call 423.562.7446.  (12/05/2014 - 1:00 PM)

See Channel 10’s feature “Remembering Coach King” right here

     WBIR’s Courtney Lyle and her production crew were in La Follette earlier this week for a story on the late coach, Vic King. 

"Coach" or "Vic" depending on how you knew Coach Vic King (CHARLIE HUTSON PIX)

Click here to see her tribute to the legendary coach who passed away last week after a brief battle with cancer.  (12/05/2014 - 7:00 AM)

Coolidge woman still missing; search shifts

     On foot.  By ground.  On ATV and in the air.  Search crews have combed the Coolidge community and feel those means of finding 49-year old Rhonda Kitts Daugherty have pretty much been exhausted.  Chief Deputy Aaron Evans says that the search efforts today have shifted into a more investigative direction.  He explains that teams are going door-to-door, listening, and talking to as many folks in the community as possible this afternoon.  Evans adds that they’ve not received any tips or leads that you could grasp and describes the process as frustrating at times. 

He notes that everyone involved is not closed minded, and that they are exploring all options.  The woman, Evans says who just vanished, is a cancer survivor and has a grandbaby on the way.  A community-wide search led by the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department and the La Follette Rescue Squad with efforts from members of the Coolidge First Baptist Church and the community is set for Saturday.  It begins at the church at 10:00 a.m.  Authorities encourage anyone with any information on the whereabouts of Rhonda Kitts Daugherty to please call Sheriff Robbie Goins at 423.562.7446.  (12/04/2014 - 12:30 PM)

Crews searching for Coolidge woman

     Rhonda Kitts Daugherty has been missing for almost 24-hours.  Authorities tell WLAF that her husband, Charles, left for work at 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday with her still at their Coolidge home.  Rhonda’s mother, Nancy Kitts, explains that she did not get an answer at home or on her cell phone when she tried calling her around 2:30 p.m. yesterday but didn’t think anything of it.  It was dark, misty, and foggy Tuesday night when Sheriff Robbie Goins and members of his department began searching around 8:00 p.m. 

The Daugherty home sits high on a hill looking down on Long Hollow Road where it intersects with Davis Chapel Road.  A Rescue Squad ATV searches for Rhonda Daugherty on the Daugherty property.

The search briefly broke off around 5:00 a.m. this morning when many investigators and deputies left for a couple of hours of sleep.  But they were right back at it at daybreak.  WLAF has learned that on Tuesday night, a search dog out of Roane County picked up Rhonda’s scent from the house to the road in front of the home, Long Hollow Road, and then the dog stopped at the edge of the road. 

Members of the La Follette Rescue Squad rode out on four ATVs late this morning for a ground search while awaiting air support to arrive from Knox County in the form of a helicopter.  The chopper has an estimated time of arrival of 12:30 p.m. today.  Rhonda Kitts Daugherty is 49-years old and is described as being five-feet, three-inches tall, weighing 140 pounds with hazel eyes and auburn hair. 

Officials outline that Daugherty left behind her purse, cell phone, reading glasses, and car, and that the back door to the home was left open.  Searchers have gone through the Coolidge First Baptist Church, where the command post is set up in the church parking lot, and all the vehicles around the church.  They’ve scoured the local pond, cemetery, Daugherty’s home and all the vehicles on the property.  A door-to-door search was also conducted at all the homes in Coolidge while authorities and hospitals in the region have been contacted last night and this morning.  Chief Deputy Aaron Evans says that nothing’s being ruled out, and he encourages anyone with any information to please call the sheriff at 423.562.7446. (12/03/2014 - 11:45 AM)

Campbell County woman missing.  Search continues.

Rhonda Kitts Daugherty (L)

     Rhonda Kitts Daugherty is missing.  Family members tell WLAF News that the Coolidge woman has not been seen or heard from since Tuesday.  The woman, who celebrated her 49^th birthday last month, is approximately five-feet, three-inches tall, weighs about 140 pounds, has hazel eyes and brown hair.  Nancy Kitts, Daughtery’s mother, says Rhonda left behind her purse, cell phone, glasses, and car.  A command post is set up at the Coolidge First Baptist church, which is very near the Daugherty home.  Chief Deputy Aaron Evans adds that the search began in mist and fog around 8:00 p.m. Tuesday night and that search dogs were used.  If you know the where-a-bouts of Rhonda Kitts Daugherty, you are encouraged to call the sheriff at 423.562.7446. (12/03/2014 - 9:30 AM)

Gail Nance (L) with Coach King in the fall of 2013

WLAF’s “coach” has left the gym

     The former coach, who has been an integral part of WLAF for the past couple of years, passed away Wednesday night at the UT Medical Center at Knoxville.  Coach Vic King, the winningest basketball coach in Campbell County history, died Wednesday night after a brief battle with cancer. 

Over a career that spanned the better part of 40-years, King was head basketball coach at La Follette Middle School, Oneida High School, and the Christian Academy of Campbell County.  He served as assistant head coach at Union County and Jellico High Schools.  As a head coach, he won nearly 500 basketball games.  At WLAF, he led the sales team and was director of marketing.  Victor Bradley King “Coach King” was 60-years old. (11/28/2014-6:00 AM)

A special thanks to Coach King

     Ever since my first transistor radio, about age five, I always wanted to be on the radio.  In junior high, Cliff Jennings, C.J. the DJ, let me sit in once in a while on his nightly radio show.  But it wasn’t until 1971 that my first chance to be on the air came around.  And it was because of Vic King.  And Paul Wright. 

Paul was Vic’s neighbor, and he was looking for someone to keep stats for his La Follette Owl football broadcasts over WLAF Radio.  Vic told me that Paul asked him to do it, but he told him no, but that he knew someone who would do it.  Me, the Freeman boy. 

Paul said OK, and that Friday night, the microphone that Paul said came over on the Mayflower was handed to me.  I was finally on the air and have been ever since.  Thanks to Paul Wright and my first agent, Vic King. (11/28/2014 - 6:00 AM)

Campbell County’s most followed medium, WLAF, reaches a milestone

     Thanks to you, our listeners, viewers, readers, and corporate partners, WLAF’s media platforms continue expanding and reaching more Campbell Countians everyday.  Whether it’s AM 1450, FM 100.9, WLAF-TV 12, or 1450wlaf.com, we’re glad you connect with us.  This morning, WLAF’s “dotcom” surpassed the one-million visitor mark!  It took a tad more than one-year, but we did it.  (10/28/2014 - 2:30 PM)

 WLAF Editorial Page Click Here

Precinct-by-precinct.  District-by-district.  WLAF has all the final numbers.

     You asked.  WLAF delivered.  WLAF's Coach Vic King has taken all 184 pages of the election numbers and posted them right here.  Just CLICK.  (08/12/2014 - 8:00 PM)

Election results bring change

By Charlotte Underwood

      Campbell County has a new mayor.  E.L. Morton won in a run-away race for the county mayor’s office, easily outstripping incumbent William Baird and other candidates.  Morton received 4,022 votes, while Jack Lynch came in second with 2,346 and Baird came in third with 2,186.  Fred Cole garnered 748 while Marvin Rutherford finished with 194.

     Morton, members of his family, friends and old school mates gathered at the Holiday Inn Express to celebrate the big win before heading down to WLAF to give a big thanks to all his supporters.

     Morton said he was overwhelmed with the outpouring of support.  “Tonight’s a blessing and an affirmation.  I feared letting people down and not being able to deliver, but the people supporting our campaign came through and didn’t let that happen. I am really proud to represent the people that voted for us and look forward to being the mayor of Campbell County for everyone.  Morton said he had prayed long and hard about running for office.

     “I prayed not to do it, but I got a different answer and win lose or draw, I was responsible for doing that much at least.  I am relieved it’s over, but I look forward to building the community we want in the future.  We deserve only what we earn, but I believe the people of Campbell County are willing to work hard to earn it,” Morton said. 

Morton said he looked forward to going to work for the people of the county.

     Incumbent Sheriff Robbie Goins is going to enjoy another four years in office as he swept the polls against Gary Perkins and Pete Hatfield.  Votes for Goins totaled an amazing 6,986 while Perkins had 1,752 and Hatfield finished with 882.

     Goins said he was honored to receive the vote of confidence from the people of the county.  “I am so thankful to the voters; I think the people liked what we have been doing for the past four years and they showed that in support at the polls,” Goins said, adding that while he had felt good about the turnout, he did not know how overwhelming the support would be.

     “Everyone has been so positive these past four years about what we have been doing; we are all excited to get back to work for another four years,” Goins said, adding that he was “thankful and blessed.”
     Amanda Sammons ousted incumbent Joe Ayers for Sessions Court Judge in a fairly close race with a total of 3,698 votes. Ayers received 3,296. Challenger Kathy Parrott had a showing of 2,495 votes.

      Sammons said she felt excited and was still in shock over winning.  She said she wanted to thank the voters who put her in office.  “Thank you so much for entrusting me with your vote and your support,” Sammons said, adding that she looked forward to taking office and getting started.

     In Campbell County, Jared Effler is receiving more votes for the district attorney general’s office with 4,189 votes over Lori Phillips-Jones who had 3,992. Effler was declared the winner not long before midnight Thursday.

     In Campbell County, Leif Jeffers received 4,552 for the public defender’s office while Mark Eric Blakely garnered 3,612. Jeffers also won the other counties in the district to become the new public defender.

    In the Chancellor race, Elizabeth Asbury won with 6,743 votes to Andy Tillman’s 2,507 here and was victorious overall to earn the right to be the next chanellor.  Dormas Miller won the Register of Deeds office with 5,288, while Beverly Hall had 2,782 and Danny E. Wilson had 297.1

     The new county clerk is Alene Baird with 3,262. Lynn Letner received 703, while Todd Nance had 2,948 and incumbent Debbie Wilson had 2,721.

     First District County commissioners are N. Marie Ayers who received 677, while Whit Goins received 721 and Robert Higginbotham received 675.

     Second District County commissioners are Dewayne “Mailman” Kitts with 1,039, Cliff Kohlymeyer with 641 and Lonnie Weldon with 696.

      Kitts said he wanted to thank the voters for everything.

      “Well it’s an honor to win; I want to thank the voters.  The people in the district really showed me their support,” Kitts said, saying he sensed the people in his district wanted a change.

     “I made a lot of friends in the second district; really honored and thankful for everyone who voted. I am going to be a committed commissioner and do what I can for the people,” Kitts said, adding that he never thought he would be doing this.

     “I want to make a positive influence on the community and I invite the public to come and sit down with me if they need to talk,” Kitts said.

     County commission third district winners are Cliff Jennings with 627, Rusty Orick with 786 and Scott Stanfield with 886. 

     Fourth district county commissioners for the fourth district are Charles Goat Baird with 1,028, Johnny Coach Bruce with 1,098 and Sue Nance with 1,075,

     County commission fifth district representatives are Forster Baird with 709, Ralph Davis with 840 and Carl B. Douglas with 714.

     School board first district member is Wallace Goins with 1,289 against Rector Miller’s 666.

     Second district school board saw Sharon Ridenour win with 815 against Randy Comer’s 764.

     Third district school board member is Faye Heatherly who won a close race with 797 votes against Scott Hill’s 774 and Virgil Kidwell’s 185.

     In the school board district four, Clint Bane won with 748 against Tim Woods with 526 and Eugene Lawson’s 682.

     School Board District five saw Crystal Creekmore winning with 586 while Elsie Bates Crawford garnered 505, Johnny Creekmore had 402 and Ned Smiddy received 346.

     Congress third district sees Weston Wamp beat Chuck Fleischmann in the third district congressman race with 2464 against Wamp’s 2357 in Campbell County.  Fleischmann was eventually able to win and keep his seat in Congress.  (08/08/2014 - 2:30 AM)

FM is now a part of the WLAF media platforms 

     Who would have thought that WLAF would have a television station before it was able to secure an FM signal?  But that’s how it’s played out.  WLAF signed on as an AM radio station in 1953, added WLAF-TV 12 in 1990, and, as of this morning, now has an FM signal.  It is FM 100.9.  The new FM is a simulcast of 1450 WLAF.  The website, www.1450wlaf.com, is also one of the WLAF’s mediums.(08/07/2014-6:00 AM)