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[] | 2016-08-26T13:13:25 | null | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | Mustang Clubs are located in every imaginable corner of the USA and throughout the world. Clubs vary in size and age groups. Some are extremely active sponsoring a multitude of shows and | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FCommunity%2F2016%2F08%2F23%2FUnique-approach-helps-local-car-club-defy-the-odds-and-grow-membership.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/23/x720_q60/082316musi-MustangClub2.jpg | en | null | Unique approach helps local car club defy the odds and grow membership | null | null | www.timesnews.net | The Northeast Tennessee Mustang Club is an exception to the rule.
The club was formed in the summer of 2013 by friends Tim Duncan and Allen Houser, both Mustang enthusiasts who wished to sponsor a car show in order to raise money for a veteran’s charity, The American Patriots and Pastimes Inc. (APPI). Since that date, the club has grown by leaps and bounds and now boasts 475-plus members. The club is perhaps the fastest growing and largest independent Mustang Club in the country.
The wide use of social media, word of mouth recruiting and business cards left on Mustang windshields throughout the area spurred the growth, and is helped along by the fact that the club charges no membership dues and donates all the money it raises to charity.
All six generations of Mustangs are welcome and included in membership. A predominant number own fox bodies through S550 models with many being daily drivers. Membership age ranges from teens just obtaining their drivers' license to senior citizens who have had a romance with Mustangs since the 1960s.
Camaraderie within the club is intergenerational and ever apparent as members help each other with technical issues, purchase inspection and show car detailing.
Northeast Tennessee Mustang Club members are family.
Cruise-ins, shows, picnics and parades are routinely attended by a wide percentage of the membership. When the Ford Mustang was honored at a 50th anniversary celebration car show, 74 Mustangs participated. The club fielded 51 Mustangs in this year’s Blountville, Tenn., Fourth of July parade. Over 30 members recently attended Mustang Week in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Car show club participation awards within the Tri-Cities area frequently go home with the Northeast Tennessee Mustang Club.
Members are kept up-to-date on a significant number of club events via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. A posting on Saturday afternoon soliciting interest in a possible Sunday afternoon cruise often leads to several members heading out to the nearby “Snake” (Hwy. 421) or the Blue Ridge Parkway. Subgroups of the club who have diverse interests pursue various activities, such as trips to the Thunder Valley dragstrip in Bristol.
The club’s success is realized through a variety of activities that meet individual member needs and availability.
While a significant aspect of the club is fun and fellowship, members provide significant financial support to APPI through routinely purchasing, packaging and mailing personal kits for troops stationed overseas. Proceeds from club shows, club merchandise and activities fund the charitable component.
The Fourth Annual APPI Open Car Show, held recently, attracted 179 entries with 100 percent of all funds ($3,700) raised by the club going toward this 501(c)(3) organization. Personal toiletry supplies and snacks are also purchased for veterans residing at the Mountain Home VA Medical Center residence in nearby Johnson City. Club members take pride in actively demonstrating their patriotism and offering thanks to our nation’s veterans.
The Northeast Tennessee Mustang Club is a successful case study in how to form and maintain a car club. It reflects the power of social media and has shaped what a dynamic car club looks like in the 21st century. To learn more about the Northeast Tennessee Mustang Club, like the club's page on Facebook or visit the club website at www.netnmc.org.
Our monthly Join the Club series is designed to introduce local readers to various clubs and organizations in the region. To suggest an organization for the Join the Club series or to submit an article and photos about your organization for consideration, email Sunday Stories editor Carmen Musick at cmusick@timesnews.net. | http://www.timesnews.net/Community/2016/08/23/Unique-approach-helps-local-car-club-defy-the-odds-and-grow-membership.html | en | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/f456b5faa1bc3469861f13cb9d27d79ba76c295f2f9499f4e1b98e7d52f56d66.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T18:50:32 | null | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | KINGSPORT - Ernest Edward Fears, 83, went to be with his eternal Father on Friday (August 26, 2016). Interment will be on Sunday (August 28, 2016) in the Christus Garden at East Lawn | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FObituary%2F2016%2F08%2F27%2FErnest-Edward-Fears.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net | en | null | Ernest Edward Fears | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Ernest Edward Fears
KINGSPORT - Ernest Edward Fears, 83, went to be with his eternal Father on Friday (August 26, 2016). Interment will be on Sunday (August 28, 2016) in the Christus Garden at East Lawn Memorial Park. Online condolences may be made to the Fears family at www.eastlawnkingsport.com. East Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park has the honor of serving the Fears family. | http://www.timesnews.net/Obituary/2016/08/27/Ernest-Edward-Fears.html | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/daaad264d3664469fe45d4538409a47b390566a8a0ba66eb02f1150bed184fb3.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T18:51:27 | null | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | KINGSPORT - Wayne G. Byron, 68, of Kingsport, passed away on August 27, 2016, at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center, after a brief illness with cancer. Arrangements are | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FObituary%2F2016%2F08%2F28%2FWayne-G-Byron.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net | en | null | Wayne G. Byron | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Wayne G. Byron
KINGSPORT - Wayne G. Byron, 68, of Kingsport, passed away on August 27, 2016, at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center, after a brief illness with cancer. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes. Please go to www.hamlettdobson.com to leave an online condolence for the family. | http://www.timesnews.net/Obituary/2016/08/28/Wayne-G-Byron.html | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/b9d5ed536155de46993a5cb7c72df4cb0ed9c15922346be9c83de0647423f964.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T16:52:23 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | MOUNT CARMEL — Several representatives from Mount Carmel Elementary School attended dinner on Aug. 16 celebrating SCORE Prize winners and finalists.
Kelli | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2Ffrontpage%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2FMount-Carmel-Elementary-represented-at-event-honoring-state-s-best-SCORE-schools.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/30/x720_q60/Mc-Score-1-jpg.jpg | en | null | Mount Carmel Elementary represented at event honoring state's best SCORE schools | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Kelli Campbell (principal), Linzy Hutson (2nd grade), Kim McCann (3rd grade), Naomi Mowell (4th grade), Abby White (1st grade), and Mr. Hutson (Elementary Supervisor) attended an evening in Nashville with many other top Educators.
It was a wonderful evening being recognized for such a great accomplishment.
Everyone was welcomed by Jamie Woodson, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Senator Bill Frist offered a great challenge to all.
Commissioner of Education, Dr. McQueen, spoke about going for the GOLD with the new school year.
"G Give more or yourself, O Order sunshine, L Lean in and work smarter...not harder, D Deepen learning for all." Abby White said, "It just felt good to be there and be acknowledged for all of the hard work we accomplished. Not only by the teachers, but all of the students. We were treated like royalty and I wish all teachers could have that experience. All teachers deserve an experience like we had."
The entertainment and food was wonderful.
MCES was one of the top three elementary schools in Tennessee for the year of 2012-2013!
McPheeter's Bend was also one of the top three!
Two elementary schools in one year is a huge accomplishment for Hawkins County Schools. | http://www.timesnews.net/frontpage/2016/08/30/Mount-Carmel-Elementary-represented-at-event-honoring-state-s-best-SCORE-schools.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/b7bedf9e1b59deca6a77f4c951505d17fb8c050d3e5a02d3efa8fad0c9fff6b7.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:13:34 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | GATE CITY, VA - Dana Geneva (Kindle) Roberts, 61, Gate City, VA passed away, Monday, August 22, 2016 at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center of an apparent heart attack. The family will | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FObituary%2F2016%2F08%2F24%2FDana-Geneva-Roberts-1.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net | en | null | Dana Geneva Roberts | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Dana Geneva Roberts
GATE CITY, VA - Dana Geneva (Kindle) Roberts, 61, Gate City, VA passed away, Monday, August 22, 2016 at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center of an apparent heart attack. The family will receive friends from 5:00 - & 7:00 p.m., Thursday, August 25, 2016 at the Gate City Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. in the Gene Falin Memorial Chapel of the funeral home with Rev. Jeff DeBoard officiating. David and Debbie Easterling will provide the music. Graveside services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 26, 2016 at Holston View Cemetery, Weber City, VA. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Family and friends are asked to meet at the funeral home at 10:15 a.m., Thursday to go in procession to the graveside service. An online guest register is available for the Roberts family at www.gatecityfunerals.com. Gate City Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Dana Geneva Roberts. | http://www.timesnews.net/Obituary/2016/08/24/Dana-Geneva-Roberts-1.html | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/916ce5212d2c71020b71e9164dac6315d8c667a2abafb94234c855f139910297.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T20:51:55 | null | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | BLOUNTVILLE The Sullivan County Retired Teachers Association (SCRTA) will have it 50th Anniversary meeting and luncheon Saturday, Sept, 17 at Sullivan Central High School. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2Ffrontpage%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2FRetired-teachers-set-50th-anniversary-meeting.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/29/x720_q60/education-1-jpg-10.jpg | en | null | Retired teachers set 50th anniversary meeting | null | null | www.timesnews.net | There will be a social time which will start at 10:30 a.m. Many past SCRTA Presidents, past superintendants and directors of schools, past and present school board members or a member their families will be in attendance. Scrap books from past years will also be on display for viewing. State Legislators is to be in attendance and Sullivan County Mayor Richard Venable will be making a presentation to the organization. Tennessee Retired Teachers Association Executive Director Donna Cotner will is to be in attendance.
The Sullivan County Retired Teachers Association was organized Sept. 1, 1966. when 45 teachers attended the organizational meeting. W.I. Spahr was elected SCRTA’s first president. The original purpose of SCRTA was to keep retirees interested in educational affairs of the county and state and in legislative matters dealing with retired teachers. That purpose remains today.
The current membership of SCRTA is 302 members and all members are invited to make their required reservation for themselves and their guest to attend the Sept. 17 meeting and complimentary luncheon by calling Al Doty at (423) 323-3197 or emailing him at alddoty@yahoo.com by Wednesday, Sept. 7. Membership in the Sullivan County Retired Teachers Association is open to any teacher, administrator or support staff who has retired from the Sullivan County school system. More information about SCRTA is available through the same contact. | http://www.timesnews.net/frontpage/2016/08/29/Retired-teachers-set-50th-anniversary-meeting.html | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/065f995cc411ee4bd34c8824621efa1e41f3f43a8d0569cd0f472ba80282ccbe.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T14:50:10 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | KINGSPORT - George B. Smith 84, of Kingsport went to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 25, 2016 at Holston Valley Medical Center. The family will receive friends from 5PM to 7PM on | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FObituary%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2FGeorge-B-Smith-1.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net | en | null | George B. Smith | null | null | www.timesnews.net | George B. Smith
KINGSPORT - George B. Smith 84, of Kingsport went to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 25, 2016 at Holston Valley Medical Center. The family will receive friends from 5PM to 7PM on Saturday, August 28, 2016 at Scott-County Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Bryan Moore and Pastor Justin Smith officiating. A graveside service will be conducted at 2PM on Sunday, August 29, 2016 at Holston View Cemetery. Rusty Smith, Jimmy Dale Hite, Keegan Norris, Randy Jennings, Brandon Smith, and Donnie Littleton will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be the members of the Fordtown Men's Bible Class. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the funeral home by 1:30PM to go in procession to the cemetery. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the people that helped take care of their dad Edith Maden, Margaret Gilreath, Bea Maness, and Jimmy Dale Hite. They would also like to thank Meals on Wheels, and the staff at Wellmont 5th floor nursing staff and hospice care. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Fordtown Baptist Church Cemetery Fund at, 444 Old Fordtown Rd. Kingsport, TN 37663. To send a condolence to the family please visit our website at www.scottcountyfuneralhome.com. Carter-Trent/Scott County Funeral Home is serving the Smith family. | http://www.timesnews.net/Obituary/2016/08/26/George-B-Smith-1.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/4d0c0800ade3569b6d56d0a7a2c2e19879f4d2b11153e155ed92222adae4b27b.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T22:52:23 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | ROGERSVILLE — Sneedville Mayor Wayland Dean Rhea pleaded guilty Monday in Hawkins County Criminal Court to felony voter bribery in exchange for a sentence of three years of | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FLocal%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2FSneedville-mayor-accomplice-plead-guilty-to-felony-voter-bribery.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/30/x720_q60/Rhea-and-King-jpg.jpg | en | null | Sneedville mayor, accomplice plead guilty to felony voter bribery | null | null | www.timesnews.net | As a first-time offender, Rhea was granted judicial diversion, which means that if he completes the conditions of his probation, his convictions can be expunged.
The conditions set out in the plea agreement state that Rhea must also resign his mayoral and Hancock County Commission seats immediately; he must serve as a poll monitor at the next election and report any voter fraud to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation; and he cannot actively campaign or publicly support any candidate for public office until the term of his probation is complete.
Rhea, 68, and co-defendant Lowell Ray King, 66, both of Sneedville, were indicted this past February by a Hancock County grand jury on two counts each of Class C felony voter bribery.
They faced a possible sentence of 3-6 years.
On Monday, both appeared in Hawkins County Criminal Court before special appointed prosecutors Barry Staubus and Teresa Nelson and special appointed Judge Thomas Wright.
Rhea was represented by former Judge Kindall Lawson, while King was represented by Rogersville attorney Mark Stapleton.
King was not eligible for judicial diversion and was sentenced to three years of probation.
Investigators reportedly discovered that between July 30, 2014 and August 7, 2014, Rhea and King paid or offered to pay money to two voters if the voters would support Hancock County Sheriff Doug Seal. | http://www.timesnews.net/Local/2016/08/30/Sneedville-mayor-accomplice-plead-guilty-to-felony-voter-bribery.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/687410edd9574b04b45935766a467c33f05e904d8f55b4da9fd6154d23f980e6.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T02:50:49 | null | 2016-06-16T00:00:00 | When I was a youngster growing up in Hawkins County, I asked my mother how Captain Kangaroo got into the television in our living room. Every weekday morning in the late 1960s and | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FBlog%2F2016%2F08%2F27%2FBehind-the-Bloackboard-Cursive-teaching-on-TV-and-in-person.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/06/16/x720_q60/Rick-Behind-The-Blackboard-web-jpg.jpg | en | null | Behind the Blackboard: Teaching writing on TV, in person | null | null | www.timesnews.net | This “who’s in the TV” phenomenon even followed me to Surgoinsville Elementary School. Teacher Patty Pierce taught our class on a black-and-white TV and in person how to write in manuscript, while a teacher named Lina Bradley did the same for cursive on TV and Pierce did that in person.
The two had shows on WSJK Channel 2, the PBS station in Sneedville, in the days before “Downton Abbey” and “Antiques Roadshow” back when PBS was all educational programming. Actually, the transmitter was there, but the recordings were done in Knoxville at the University of Tennessee or in Johnson City at East Tennessee State University. Pierce and Bradley taught generations of Tennessee students how to print and write cursive, and Bradley’s work taught would-be teachers how to teach cursive, but more on that later.
Some of my classmates wondered how Miss Pierce could be on TV in Sneedville (we didn’t know about the Knoxville or Johnson City studios) and in our Surgoinsville classroom at the same time. From time to time I still see Miss Pierce, who became Mrs. Luster, was widowed, remarried to become Mrs. Alvis and eventually retired from teaching. She was my first grade teacher. She was promoted with my class and taught second grade quite a few years, but spent most of her career in third grade.
I recently called her to get the details of her time as a TV writing teacher and ask her thoughts on the teaching of cursive, which went out of favor in some states and is not mentioned in Common Core Standards, but in 2014 became a formal part of the Tennessee standards in second, third and fourth grades. California, Idaho, Kansas, Massachusetts, North Carolina and South Carolina are among states that have made cursive mandatory, according to PBS.
“They (education officials) cut it out for awhile,” Alvis said. “Children couldn’t even read it. I know it’s not going to be as important because of computers. But I am glad it’s back.” She also said that she actually recorded three different times for the manuscript series that ran about 40 years — until 2010. Her first show was recorded at East Tennessee State, and another was recorded in Knoxville.
Alvis tried out for the TV contract in the spring of 1970 and had a classroom visit from the folks at WSJK. After being chosen, she recorded her first TV classes that summer while staying with an aunt in Johnson City during the week. She said an artist spent much of that summer drawing a worm that followed the manuscript letters on the show, resulting in a 30-second animated introduction to the programs.
I also contacted Bradley, who retired as Title 1 coordinator for Kingsport City Schools, but who worked at Lincoln Elementary before that. She also worked in Chattanooga, at Johnson City’s Town Acres Elementary, and first in Hawkins Elementary, and she taught first and third grades. She said the county schools tended to use the televised writing instruction, Johnson City did some, but Kingsport did not. The important thing, Bradley said, is that it was and is taught.
“It does something for development of the brain.” Bradley said of the curves and loops of cursive she long ago recorded on film. Writing, she said, is like playing musical instruments, sports or simply on a playground. It gets the left and right halves of the brain working together. “Children weren’t meant to sit in a classroom all day long,” Bradley said.
Like Alvis, Bradley said she had no idea the shows would last 30 years or more. Both teachers were just out of college when they started their TV careers, which lasted as long as their education careers.
After the initial cursive shows, while in Chattanooga with the PBS station there, Bradley did additional programs including a transitional show for second-graders entering third grade. Her shows were called Wise Write’s Workshop, with an owl motif, and she’d end each show with: “Well, boys and girls, we’ll see you next time.” She also ended her classes at Lincoln that way, which a new teacher named Jennifer Wyatt once heard and remembered from her TV time with Bradley, not as an elementary student but as a college student studying at Lincoln Memorial University to become an elementary teacher. Bradley said Vanderbilt University and LMU used the shows to teach future elementary teachers how to teach writing, Bradley said.
“When I started at Lincoln, she was the computer teacher,” said Wyatt, long a fifth-grade teacher at Lincoln and now an interventionist.
My younger son entered third grade Aug. 8 at Surgoinsville Elementary, and his teacher is Carrie Smith, the daughter of Mrs. Alvis. As Yogi Berra once said, it’s de ja vu all over again. “She has my room,” Alvis said of her daughter, although the actual room is one I frequented in the fifth and sixth grades.
Today’s lesson? Since the early 1970s, the black-and-white set and TV writing instruction shows once in classrooms are long gone, but the cursive once taught on them is back. I think that is a good thing for my son and his classmates, as well as their counterparts across Tennessee. And remember two local retired educators have a long history when it comes to teaching handwriting on television in Tennessee.
Writers note: I checked for videos of the two writing shows with Alvis and Bradley, Public Television of East Tennessee, Lincoln Memorial and the Tennessee Archive of Moving Image and Sound in the Knox County Public Library system, all to no avail, although Carrie Smith and Avlis’ husband are still trying to lend me a copy she has of the manuscript show. If anybody out there has any video of the writing instruction these two teachers did on television, please contact me because I’d like to post samples of one or more of them with the online version of this column.
Rick Wagner is an education writer for the Kingsport Times-News and can be reached at (423) 392-1381 or rwagner@timesnews.net. | http://www.timesnews.net/Blog/2016/08/27/Behind-the-Bloackboard-Cursive-teaching-on-TV-and-in-person.html | en | 2016-06-16T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/a207de70f0023316214c102c140b87affceb9fd8e00cc6c7828d9dc3d1ef34c7.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T16:50:26 | null | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | Marbeth G. Carroll entered into God’s wonderful, glorious presence on Wednesday, August 17, 2016 and took her place in His celestrial home. A private memorial for the family was | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FObituary%2F2016%2F08%2F27%2FMarbeth-G-Carroll.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net | en | null | Marbeth G. Carroll | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Marbeth G. Carroll
Marbeth G. Carroll entered into God’s wonderful, glorious presence on Wednesday, August 17, 2016 and took her place in His celestrial home. A private memorial for the family was conducted on Friday, August 19, 2016. Please visit www.hamlettdobson.com to leave an on-line condolence for the family. Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Kingsport is serving the family of Marbeth G. Carroll. | http://www.timesnews.net/Obituary/2016/08/27/Marbeth-G-Carroll.html | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/08f31450d65a168fa173f3952cca2acfed401c28f5c208de28f21558a29c9987.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T18:50:29 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | BEN HUR — Like LeBron James, Logan Rasnic made a decision. And he made it twice.
Prior to his freshman year in high school, Rasnic decided to move from | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FSports%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2FThere-and-back-again-Generals-Rasnic-comes-full-circle.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/24/x720_q60/Logan-Rasnic-3-Lee-High.jpg | en | null | There and back again: Generals' Rasnic comes full circle | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Prior to his freshman year in high school, Rasnic decided to move from Lee County and play football at Gate City.
“I guess I just wanted a change in my life,” Rasnic said. “And I loved playing for Gate City, but after my sophomore year I wanted to come back to Lee and finish my high school career with the guys I’d grown up with.”
So for the second time in two years, Rasnic had to make a decision and this time his choice carried him back to Lee.
“The guys here at Lee were great about it,” he said. “They welcomed me back and I moved in and had a great time.
“I loved my time at Gate City and still root for them every Friday night, except one.”
Now entering his senior season, Rasnic has seen big changes during the course of his time back, including the arrival of coach Jeremy Pendergraft.
“I really liked Coach (Terry) Martin last year,” Rasnic noted. “But there is so much more energy this season. We’ve had 30, 40 guys working out every day since February.
“The intensity level is so much different than anything I’ve ever seen. There’s something good going on here.
“If we can continue doing what we’re doing, keep the energy up and not get beat down by a loss,” Rasnic added, “then I think we can go a long way.”
Besides his linebacking duties, Rasnic also will spend some time at running back for the Generals.
“I don’t take a lot of snaps there during practice, but I’m hoping opponents underestimate me a little and I can get a bunch of yards,” he said.
Rasnic, a student of the game, spends a great deal of time studying game film.
“When I was a freshman at Gate City the coaches stressed watching film,” he noted. “So that just became my thing. If you know teams’ tendencies, it makes your job a whole lot easier.
“That’s something I’m trying to pass along to the younger players. Game preparation is so important.”
As a junior linebacker for the Generals, Rasnic earned VHSL Group 2A all-state second-team honors. But he’s not planning to target further personal accolades during his senior campaign.
“I’ve had my three years,” he said. “My goals this year are all about this team. As a senior I want to help lead them as far as we can go.”
Rasnic seemingly is an open book and his life’s all about football. But what do folks not know about him?
“Well, I am a good student,” Rasnc said with a smile. “And yeah, when I was 12, I won three national championships riding horses. That’s something people don’t know about me.”
Now they do. | http://www.timesnews.net/Sports/2016/08/26/There-and-back-again-Generals-Rasnic-comes-full-circle.html | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/c26c8b046b35f7407aee21b0c4dca126b6a802a050a9b0d6991e8b05fad70ca4.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T06:52:05 | null | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | GATE CITY — Despite some prematch confusion, Gate City got its volleyball season off to a strong start Monday evening with a sweep of Science Hill, 25-19, 25-15, 25-19 on the Lady | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FSports%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2FLady-Blue-Devils.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/29/x720_q60/High-school-volleyball-logo.jpg | en | null | After 'chaotic afternoon,' Lady Blue Devils top 'Toppers | null | null | www.timesnews.net | The playing court was actually the source of the confusion, with both teams thinking it was a home game for the other side. Gate City was about halfway to Johnson City when tipped off that Science Hill was on its way to Gate City. Lady Blue Devils coach Amy Reed called Science Hill counterpart Christina Maiden, and the two agreed to play the match at Gate City and made it work.
“After school let out today, it was a crazy chaotic afternoon with all the confusion about where the game was scheduled to be played,” Reed said. “It took a while for us to regain our rhythm.
“We’ve got some strengths on this team that we can build on. We just need to keep getting better as a team.”
The first game was a battle early before Gate City used a 6-0 run to forge a 22-13 lead. Science Hill rebounded with six straight points to get within three at 22-19 before the Lady Devils scored three in a row down the stretch, punctuated by a Hope Spivey kill, and secured the first set.
Gate City raced to leads of 14-1 and 16-5 in the second game, but a 6-0 Lady Hilltoppers run trimmed the Lady Devils’ lead to 16-11. The push was short-lived and Gate City took a two-set lead in the match.
In the third set, Science Hill (3-12) battled from the outset, playing its best volleyball of the night, but after trading runs, Gate City closed out the game and the match with a 7-1 run.
Cori Baker led Gate City with 12 kills and two blocks.
“We don’t want to be satisfied with tonight’s match, we can play better,” Baker said. “We need to play a lot stronger than we did.”
Abby Sallee dished out 33 assists and came up with 15 service points.
“We’re young but starting to come together as a team,” Sallee said. “You can see improvement and closeness with each practice.”
Senior libero Lexi Helms had 10 digs for the Lady Devils and Spivey contributed nine kills.
Maddie Ratner had six kills and Caitlin Crockett four for Science Hill, which played without two starters because of injuries. Makenzie Clark came up with nine digs, Alexis Whiteside added seven and Meredith Fullbright dished out 19 assists.
“All of our girls played really well in the match,” Maiden said. “We just need to speed up our offense, start anticipating instead of reacting.” | http://www.timesnews.net/Sports/2016/08/30/Lady-Blue-Devils.html | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/184db4d0dd6beb7bb139383e48559d85677df82dc413e50266cb122cfc7b2d1f.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:14:15 | null | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | Cooking Along The Crooked Road is whipping up another batch of culinary classes at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, Va.
Taught by local chefs | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FCooking%2F2016%2F08%2F24%2FSVHEC-cooking-up-batch-of-fall-culinary-classes.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/19/x720_q60/big-green-egg-1-JPG.jpg | en | null | Cooking Along the Crooked Road - Fall culinary classes begin Sept.19 in Abingdon | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Taught by local chefs and accomplished cooks, these non-credit, hands-on enrichment classes are open to the public and are held Monday nights from 6 to 9 p.m. in SVHEC’s culinary kitchen. Each class is $35, and students get to sample what they prepare.
• The Art of Tailgating — Sept. 19. Join Susie Buckner as she shares some of her favorite portable recipes as well as tips for planning a tailgating event that will wow your friends and family.
• Big Green Egg Cookery: Healthy and Versatile — Sept. 26. Becky Nelms and Mick Foran of Alfresco Lifestyles will lead an evening of cooking on their Big Green Egg — from baking, grilling and barbecuing to roasting and smoking. Take home some new recipes and experience first-hand the amazing tastes and rewarding health benefits of this year-round cooking system.
• Vietnamese Street Food — Oct. 3. Vietnamese culinary traditions revolve around using the freshest ingredients available, pulling flavor to the foreground. Sheridan Nice of Mona Lisa’s will introduce students to some of the country’s most popular street foods, including the Banh Mi, soups and noodles bowls. You will understand why Saigon is currently becoming a foodie destination!
• Classic Indian Cuisine — Oct. 10. Chef Vik of Sahib Restaurant will be back in the kitchen for a third Indian cooking class. With plenty of new dishes to share, Vik will teach about the flavors of India, focusing on the aromatic spices used. Enjoy a culinary tour of Indian cuisine as you prepare and enjoy sampling some of his favorite dishes, from appetizer to dessert.
• Cuccina Rustica: Italy Revisited — Oct. 17. “Women on Air” host Susan Lachmann will give an encore of her popular country Italian cooking class, entertaining students with good-for-you foods and stories. She will bring a palate full of fantastic fall colors and flavors to the table in this lively, interactive and taste-tester approved experience. Mangia!
• Classic German Cuisine — Oct. 24. Join Max Hermann and his chefs from the Tavern restaurant in Abingdon, Va., for a fascinating look at the German culinary world. Learn the history, stories and recipes of Germany as you prepare some of these classic dishes together with the award-winning Tavern crew.
• Indoor Grilling: Winter Health and Flavor — Nov. 7. Grilling isn’t just for summer anymore. Grill master Matt Shy of Mellow Mushroom will demonstrate how to use your indoor grill to whip up healthy, flavorful food all year long. Learn what cuts of meats and poultry to use, and how to trim and prepare them with special rubs and fresh herbs. Students will also take home recipes for cooking seasonal veggies and fruits on the grill.
• Colors and Flavors of the Feast — Nov. 14. With the holidays fast approaching, Matt Henry from 128 Pecan will be gathering up favorite side dish and dessert recipes perfect for Thanksgiving and beyond. Using the colors and flavors of fall and winter, Henry will get students to think local, healthy, beautiful and outside the box with his amazing “feastables.”
• Healthy and Hearty Main Dish Soups — Nov. 28. Soup’s on in the teaching kitchen as chef and artist Shaun Crookshank gets students ready for winter by teaching them how to cook up artistic and beautiful main dish soups full of goodness. Soups are good for the spirit, mind and body — especially when the ingredients are combined into a perfect one-dish meal.
• Festive Sculpted Holiday Breads — Dec. 5. Bread sculpting has been a tradition in many cultures for special celebrations and holidays. Kelli Mehl of Mehl’s Bakery will teach participants how to braid, shape, cut, twist and create beautiful artisan breads perfect for entertaining or gift giving.
• Holiday Sweet Spots — Dec. 12. Join master baker Francine Ivery for an evening of cookie making just in time for the holidays. Prepare beautiful, mouth-watering cookie and bar recipes from Francine’s collection as you learn new baking tips and techniques. Bring a copy of your own favorite recipe to share. Best of all, take home a plate of what you make.
• Teens Cook in the Kitchen — Dec. 10. Matt Shy of Mellow Mushroom will lead a mini-camp just for teens, who will learn some fun holiday foods to prepare for parties, plus some cool gifts from the kitchen sure to impress. Take home a gift or two to use for presents. This class will be held on a Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
For more information or to register online, visit www.swcenter.edu/cooking or call (276 ) 619-4300. Spaces are limited. | http://www.timesnews.net/Cooking/2016/08/24/SVHEC-cooking-up-batch-of-fall-culinary-classes.html | en | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/f5440910a3febdfcbc2f93e1cb9f9a29ccd92ffded06d7d650e7435c950298f8.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:11:37 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | The blotter is derived from recent incident reports and central dispatch records of local police agencies.
Sullivan County Sheriff’s | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FLocal%2F2016%2F08%2F24%2FMan-complains-to-cops-about-drug-dealer-s-collection-tactics.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/24/x720_q60/blotter-jpg-89.jpg | en | null | Man complains to cops about drug dealer's collection tactics | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office
Aug. 20
A man entered a Bluff City convenience store, grabbed a hamburger, soda and pack of cigarettes, then walked out. When police responded to the theft, they found the suspect sitting on the curb. He had finished eating and had also smoked several cigarettes. He told a deputy that he “wanted to go to jail.” He was arrested.
Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office
Aug. 19
A Rogersville man claimed that after he had a female visitor at his residence, he awoke to find his cell phone, cash and CDs missing. He suspected that to steal his property, the woman “purposely drugged” him.
Kingsport Police Department
Aug. 19
An officer responded to a possible domestic disturbance where a man had “apparently consumed an alcoholic beverage.” As police were at the location on standby — to discourage the man from driving — he emerged from the house and began yelling profanities at a neighbor. After “trying to incite” the other male to fight, the suspect was arrested for intimidation and disorderly conduct. En route to jail, he intentionally and repeatedly banged his head against the patrol car’s window.
Aug. 20
In an altercation at Walmart on Fort Henry Drive, a man punched his adult son outside the tire center and grabbed his daughter-in-law by the hair. The victims claimed he also pulled a knife and tried to stab them, which was verified by a review of surveillance footage. Prior to the arrival of police, store employees had broken up the fight. The suspect, 64, was arrested for aggravated domestic assault. No motive is cited in a police report.
Aug. 21
Shortly before 9 a.m., a Buick stolen in Sullivan County was spotted at a Memorial Boulevard gas station. When an officer approached, a male driver quickly accelerated away and fled on Center Street, hitting 70 mph and “passing other vehicles on the wrong side of the road.” The officer lost visual contact, but a bystander on North Eastman Road motioned toward Berry Street. Police then found a woman inside the vehicle. She stated that the male suspect bailed and ran down an alley. Officers set up a perimeter and located him hiding inside a van. He was arrested on multiple charges, including possession of stolen property and reckless driving. He also netted his third offense of driving on a revoked license.
Aug. 23
— A woman told police that a male neighbor had been exposing himself “for the past four months,” along with offering her money for sex. The incidents reportedly occurred while she was coming and going from her apartment and as he stood on his front porch. She declined to pursue charges at this time.
— A man called police about another individual who had “fronted him” Oxycontin more than six months ago, with the understanding that he would pay for the drugs at a later date. He had failed to do so, by his own admission, so now the dealer is is harassing him and “needs to be stopped.” In one incident, the man owed money had maneuvered his vehicle in front of the complainant’s on Gibson Mill Road, then waved a gun in a “threatening manner.” The amount of money owed was listed in a report as $750. No charges were immediately filed. | http://www.timesnews.net/Local/2016/08/24/Man-complains-to-cops-about-drug-dealer-s-collection-tactics.html | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/f63130b3a9d205e7919b0c30dbdbb0457c9c462637d51005613dfd1b4b914949.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T00:50:06 | null | 2015-09-18T00:00:00 | Halftime has arrived in several games across Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. Follow of the action live in the | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FFootball%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2FSports-Live-Friday-Night-Scoring-Updates-2.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2015/09/18/x720_q60/Sports-Live-Red-Zone-Logo.jpg | en | null | Sports Live Friday Night Scoring Updates | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Sports Live Friday Night Scoring Updates
Halftime has arrived in several games across Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. Follow of the action live in the Sports Live Red Zone. Here are the latest scores from around the region: | http://www.timesnews.net/Football/2016/08/26/Sports-Live-Friday-Night-Scoring-Updates-2.html | en | 2015-09-18T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/6ff20bab8dd745544e99f9d768dd57d83aabaaf07f98a0d1afc4fb7488c89758.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T14:49:55 | null | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | BLUFF CITY — It’s time to go Greek.
For the fifth year in a row, people from all over the Tri-Cities will descend on a Bluff City church in | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FLocal%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2FFifth-annual-Tri-Cities-Greek-Fest-dances-into-town-Saturday.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/25/x720_q60/2016-GreekfestTN-01-jpg.jpg | en | null | Fifth annual Tri-Cities Greek Fest dances into Bluff City Saturday | null | null | www.timesnews.net | For the fifth year in a row, people from all over the Tri-Cities will descend on a Bluff City church in search of gyros, sponge cakes and an all around good time. The best part? Admission to the festival is free to the public.
The annual Tri-Cities Greek Fest will be held Saturday starting at 11 a.m. and wrapping up at 9 p.m. The all-day event will take place at Christ the Savior Greek Orthodox Church, 150 Elizabeth Ann Circle.
Greek Fest will take place rain or shine.
“The Greek Fest was born out of a desire for our community to do something that could satisfy our passion for outreach,” said Father Stephen Matthews. “Something for us to give us the opportunity to get to know the people in the area and for people to get to know us as well.”
He also said the festival helps to demystify the Greek Orthodox Church, which is the second largest church in the world but has a very small presence in this area. Members also wanted to pass on Greek hospitality and the love of God.
After hosting the festival for the last four years, Matthews said the planning and execution of the event have become easier. He said the church starts to plan seriously in February or March.
Events scheduled for the day include live Greek music by George Karras and his band, authentic Greek dancing performed by the church’s dance troupe, including dances from the islands as well as the mainland, tours of the church and hourly door prizes. But the two biggest attractions are the food and the rummage sale, known to local Greeks as Poseidon’s Treasure Cove.
“We’ll have plenty, plenty of food,” Matthews said. “That’s always the big draw. People want to come eat. They come for lunch or dinner and that’s terrific.”
Some of this year’s offerings will include traditional gyros, souvlaki sandwiches, loukanikos (a mildly smoked Greek sausage), Greek chicken, moussaka, pastitsio, spanakopita and tiropita, among others.
There will be plenty of sweet treats as well, with the Fest offering more than twice as many pastries as last year. Some of those include baklava, kok (two round vanilla sponge cakes filled with Bavarian cream and topped with chocolate ganache), ergolavos (an almond cookie with apricot filling), tsourekia (braided loaves of sweet bread), and new this year is loukoumades (little yeast-risen dough puffs deep-fried to a golden brown then drizzled with honey syrup and sprinkled with cinnamon).
The rummage sale should be the largest one yet and will be underneath a large tent outside to provide more room for items such as furniture. The tent opens at 11 a.m.
There will also be a children’s area from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m, and it will be located behind the church.
A number of items, from cookbooks to T-shirts and everything in between, will be on sale during the fest. Only cash and checks will be accepted during the festival.
A portion of the money raised will go back into the community in the form of local charities. Some of those charities include the Kingsport Times-News Rescue Fund, Bristol Motor Speedway Children’s Charities and Good Samaritan, among many others.
Matthews hopes people from all walks of life come to be a part of the Greek Fest this weekend.
“Enjoy some food, some fellowship, some wonderful music and dancing and just have a wonderful time together,” Matthews said. | http://www.timesnews.net/Local/2016/08/26/Fifth-annual-Tri-Cities-Greek-Fest-dances-into-town-Saturday.html | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/1157a5ff19ac3568569ed91dbc1a336d4173d13da0b2ee103e8d17e597c696b6.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T18:51:52 | null | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | HILTONS, VA - Beulah Kate Lane, 82, of East Carter’s Valley Community, went home to be with the Jesus on Sunday morning (August 28, 2016) at Nova Healthcare and Rehab Center | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FObituary%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2FBeulah-Lane-1.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net | en | null | Kingsport Times-News: Beulah Lane | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Beulah Lane
HILTONS, VA - Beulah Kate Lane, 82, of East Carter’s Valley Community, went home to be with the Jesus on Sunday morning (August 28, 2016) at Nova Healthcare and Rehab Center following a lengthy illness. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday (August 31, 2016) from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Scott County Funeral Home. A funeral service will be conducted on Wednesday (August 31, 2016) at 7 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Ronnie Horne and Rev. David Gillenwater, officiating. Music will be provided by Glenwood Singers and Mountain Gospel Singers. A graveside service will take place on Thursday (September 1, 2016) at 11:00 a.m. at Holston View Cemetery with family and friends serving as pallbearers. Her grandsons will serve as honorary pallbearers. Family and friends attending the graveside are asked to meet at the funeral home at 10:15 a.m. to go in procession. You can send an online condolence to the family by visiting www.scottcountyfuneralhome.com. Carter-Trent/Scott County Funeral Home is serving the Lane family. | http://www.timesnews.net/Obituary/2016/08/29/Beulah-Lane-1.html | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/ea71c0f8cc826473b6cbbc694b10b8647f775291df430027c4f25021b7cdb941.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T14:51:46 | null | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump says he'll deliver a detailed speech Wednesday on his proposal to crack down on illegal immigration — but it's anyone's guess | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FNews%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2FTrump-plans-detailed-immigration-talk-as-questions-remain.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/29/x720_q60/Campaign-2016-Trump-14.jpg | en | null | Trump plans detailed immigration talk as questions remain | null | null | www.timesnews.net | The announcement came late Sunday in a tweet by the Republican presidential nominee after days of wavering — and at least one canceled speech — on a question central to his campaign: Whether he would, as he said in November, use a "deportation force" to eject the estimated 11 million people in the U.S. illegally.
Trailing Democrat Hillary Clinton in many key states 10 weeks before the election, Trump is trying to win over moderate Republicans, some of whom have been turned off by his rhetoric on immigration and other issues. But any significant shift could disappoint his core supporters.
Trump's immigration speech in Arizona will come after he and Clinton spent last week trading accusations on racial issues. Trump called Clinton "a bigot;" Clinton accused Trump of allowing hate groups to take over the Republican Party.
Clinton is starting this week by announcing her proposals for dealing with mental health issues. She is stressing the need to fully integrate mental health services into the U.S. health care system. Her plan stresses early diagnosis and intervention and calls for a national initiative for suicide prevention.
Immigration issues dominated the Sunday talk shows as Trump's surrogates, led by running mate Mike Pence, discussed his approach. But none could address whether Trump still favored a deportation force.
They said Trump's immigration policy will be humane, and insisted he has not been wavering on the issue. Any discussion of inconsistencies, they suggested, reflected media focus on the wrong issue.
Trump's tweet Sunday suggested he was poised to clear up questions about his immigration stance.
Trump's campaign also announced on Sunday a $10 million-plus buy for ads to air in nine competitive states starting Monday. And late Sunday, America's only African-American owned and operated national Christian television network announced that its president and CEO, Bishop Wayne T. Jackson, would interview the Republican nominee Saturday in Detroit.
It's been a long and sometimes puzzling journey to this point for Trump, who defeated 16 Republican opponents while promising to be the toughest on illegal immigration. Trump even questioned whether those born in the United States to people here illegally are citizens — even though they have automatically been considered citizens since the adoption of the constitution's 14th Amendment in 1868.
But lately, Trump has been exploring the issue's complexities. Trump had suggested he might be "softening" on the deportation force and that he might be open to allowing at least some immigrants in the country illegally to stay, as long as they pay taxes.
But by Thursday, he was ruling out any kind of legal status — "unless they leave the country and come back," he told CNN.
Trump has focused lately on deporting people who are in the U.S. illegally and who have committed crimes. But whom Trump considers a criminal remains unclear.
The speech has been rescheduled at least once. Trump's campaign had scheduled it for last Thursday, then canceled it. The campaign also blamed staff error for reports that it had been scheduled for August 31 in Phoenix.
But it's not clear what he'll say, apparently even to his top supporters.
Asked whether the "deportation force" proposal Trump laid out in November is still in place, Pence replied: "Well, what you heard him describe there, in his usual plainspoken, American way, was a mechanism, not a policy."
Added Trump's campaign manager, Kellyanne Conway: "The softening is more approach than policy," adding that on immigration, Trump "wants to find a fair and humane way."
Pence appeared on CNN's "State of the Union," Priebus was on NBC's "Meet the Press," and Conway was on "Fox News Sunday" and CBS' "Face the Nation."
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks at Joni's Roast and Ride at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, in Des Moines, Iowa, Saturday, Aug. 27, 2016. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) | http://www.timesnews.net/News/2016/08/29/Trump-plans-detailed-immigration-talk-as-questions-remain.html | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/1824b5eeed623d313f566d920e0e0ab61423e1cc3bab8ce42667321f550e7697.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:05:46 | null | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine, both D-Va., have announced $3 million from the Appalachian Regional Commission awarded to two Southwest Virginia | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FBusiness%2F2016%2F08%2F25%2F3-million-to-retrain-jobless-miners-1.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/25/x720_q60/coal-miner-jpg.jpg | en | null | SW Va. organizations get $3 million to retrain jobless miners | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Warner and Kaine said the funding is part of the Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) initiative, a multi-agency effort targeting federal economic and workforce development resources to communities and workers affected by job lossses in coal mining, coal power plant operations, and coal-related supply chain industries.
“These funds will provide much needed resources to retrain displaced coal workers and provide them with the skills they need for new jobs in high-demand industries like advanced manufacturing and health technology,” Warner said.
“Investment in these communities will help diversify the region’s economy and create good-paying, 21st century jobs right here in Southwest Virginia.”
Southwest Virginia Community College in Cedar Bluff will receive more than $1.4 million for the Retraining Energy Displaced Individuals (REDI) Center for Dislocated Coal Miners program. The program is touted to provide fast track re-employment services directly to displaced coal miners. The program seeks to certify 165 new trainees over the life the award.
REDI includes an intensive, accelerated program of coursework to enable workers to obtain credentialed work skills in as little as four months rather than more traditional training periods of a year or more.
In addition, a $1.5 million grant will go to Appalachian Sustainable Development in Abingdon for the Central Appalachian Food Enterprise Corridor. The five-state, 43-county project will develop a coordinated local foods distribution network across Central Appalachia and connect established and emerging producers in Ohio, West Virginia, Tennessee, Southwest Virginia and Eastern Kentucky to wholesale distribution markets.
The “food corridor” seeks to act as a regional economic driver, creating 120 jobs, retaining 250 jobs, and ultimately creating 95 new businesses. The ARC award will support planning, partner convening, and capacity building, as well as production and processing equipment, supplies and labor costs, and will be supported by funding from the Just Transition Fund, according to Warner and Kaine.
Moreover, $400,000 was awarded to Pennington Gap and Jonesville as part of a partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to expand the Cool & Connected Initiative to help 10 Appalachian coal-impacted communities use broadband service to revitalize small town main streets and promote economic development. | http://www.timesnews.net/Business/2016/08/25/3-million-to-retrain-jobless-miners-1.html | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/678acb739631339297f1598548e6e3da8dbd040e157ef6f713c06fa9c86eb55b.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:11:13 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | John Adam Catlett Jr. went to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 20, 2016 at Holston Valley Medical Center. You may view arrangements and leave online condolences for the family | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FObituary%2F2016%2F08%2F24%2FJohn-A-Catlett-Jr-3.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net | en | null | John A. Catlett, Jr. | null | null | www.timesnews.net | John A. Catlett, Jr.
John Adam Catlett Jr. went to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 20, 2016 at Holston Valley Medical Center. You may view arrangements and leave online condolences for the family by visiting www.cartertrent.com Carter-Trent Funeral Home in Church Hill is serving the Catlett family. | http://www.timesnews.net/Obituary/2016/08/24/John-A-Catlett-Jr-3.html | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/f4ba8dc71951e4bb31faf4a9f10a4b6fc259039930b14053b8364f31fdfe21d9.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T18:50:33 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | MOUNT CARMEL — Alderman candidate George Bridwell presented the Mount Carmel Board of Mayor and Aldermen with five ethics complaints during Tuesday’s meeting — | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FLocal%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2FMount-Carmel-alderman-candidate-files-ethics-complaints-over-senior-center.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/26/x720_q60/local-news-3-jpg-6.jpg | en | null | Mount Carmel alderman candidate files ethics complaints over senior center | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Bridwell is the husband of Molly Bridwell, who was hired by Mayor Larry Frost to manage the new municipal senior center when it opened shortly after the previous fiscal year began July 1, 2015.
Mrs. Bridwell lost her job when the board voted to dissolve that new senior center this past January.
George Bridwell is also one of 10 candidates seeking one of the three available Mount Carmel alderman seats contested in the Nov. 8 election.
The BMA voted in February of 2015 to oust the original independent senior center from City Hall and create a new municipal senior center.
This past January two board members who previously supported creating the municipal senior center — Eugene and Margaret Christian — changed their minds.
As a result the BMA voted 5-2 in January to dissolve the municipal senior center and allow the original independent senior center to return to City Hall.
The other board members who voted in favor of that action were Wanda Davidson, Carl Wolfe and Chris Jones. Davidson and Wolfe are seeking re-election to their alderman seats while Jones is running for mayor.
Mount Carmel municipal code requires non-profit agencies that receive city contributions to provide the city with an audit.
For years, however, the original Mount Carmel Senior Center has been unable to afford an audit. A few years back when the issue arose, the cost of an audit for the senior center was quoted at approximately $6,000.
Mount Carmel hasn’t provided the original senior center with a monetary contribution this year due to its lack of an audit.
But, the city is providing the senior center with space on the second story of City Hall for a token lease payment, as well as utilities and upkeep.
On Tuesday Bridwell presented the board with five scathing ethics complaints against Jones, Davidson, Wolfe, and Mr. and Mrs. Christian.
“These members willfully shut down the town of Mount Carmel’s new Senior Center that operated under Board of Aldermen control in a lawful, legal, ethical and fiscally responsible way,” Bridwell said. “The same board members then voted to return the independent Mount Carmel/Hawkins County Senior Citiznes Center Inc. This 501c3 corporation has acted unlawfully and illegally for many years. They ignored state law requirements.”
Bridwell’s ethics complaint alleges that the independent senior center has operated illegally for many years by not submitting an audit, and is in violation of its lease.
“They must make decisions against corporations that continue to operate unlawfully,” Bridwell said. “The five board of (mayor and) aldermen do not respect state laws or the legal entity of Mount Carmel by their unlawful and unethical actions.”
The five new ethics complaints were accepted by city recorder Marian Sandidge, but there was no discussion on how they will be addressed.
There is currently an ethics complaint pending against Mayor Larry Frost related to the original senior center’s ouster. On Tuesday the BMA voted 3-0 with two abstentions that the complaint against Frost merits further investigation. | http://www.timesnews.net/Local/2016/08/26/Mount-Carmel-alderman-candidate-files-ethics-complaints-over-senior-center.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/a591ae6bf2ded3251ed0bcf6069f7c214b491c15d7bcbb26d8763cba55ad5bb2.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T20:52:03 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | KINGSPORT — The men and women of Milligan College are hosting two basketball clinics for the young players of Kingsport next month, giving kids an | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FBasketball%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2FMilligan-players-hosting-youth-basketball-clinics.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/24/x720_q60/082516lane-milligancamps1.jpg | en | null | Milligan players hosting youth basketball clinics at V.O. Dobbins | null | null | www.timesnews.net | The Milligan College Buffaloes will be at the V.O. Dobbins Community Center on Sept. 17 and 24 hosting two basketball clinics. The girls clinic will take place on Sept. 17 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. while the boys clinic will be held on Sept. 24 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The clinics are for kids ages 6 to 16 and the cost is $10 per player. According to Renee Ensor with the Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department, last year’s clinic brought 40 girls and 30 boys to the courts.
Participants can register up until the day of the event. For more information, contact Ensor by phone at (423) 224-2489 or by email at reneeensor@kingsporttn.gov. | http://www.timesnews.net/Basketball/2016/08/29/Milligan-players-hosting-youth-basketball-clinics.html | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/3be01ef3789fda917b9c5609f2414dabfe7fd929a1a3e62db96cf8afa362a727.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T20:52:28 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | GRAY - Darrell Kennedy, 78, of Gray, passed away Monday, August 29, 2016. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 5-7:00 pm at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. The funeral | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FObituary%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2FDarrell-Kennedy.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net | en | null | Kingsport Times-News: Darrell Kennedy | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Darrell Kennedy
GRAY - Darrell Kennedy, 78, of Gray, passed away Monday, August 29, 2016. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 5-7:00 pm at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. The funeral service will be held on Sunday at 1:00 pm at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home with burial to follow in East Lawn Memorial Park. Please visit www.hamlettdobson.com to leave an on-line condolence for the family. Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Kingsport is serving the family of Darrell Kennedy. | http://www.timesnews.net/Obituary/2016/08/30/Darrell-Kennedy.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/027ac4af5b06ebf3fb31ad159cdaa7c081d0ea4da9396b85739c4817a76a7829.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T04:52:01 | null | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | CHURCH HILL — The Battle of Hawkins County was renewed on the volleyball court inside the Falcon Nest on Monday night, and Volunteer made it a season sweep against Cherokee with a | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FSports%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2FLady-Falcons-soar-to-Battle-of-Hawkins-sweep.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/29/x720_q60/High-school-volleyball-logo.jpg | en | null | Lady Falcons soar to Battle of Hawkins sweep | null | null | www.timesnews.net | The Lady Falcons (2-5) also won in straight sets earlier this season at Cherokee, and on Monday the Lady Chiefs (1-5) were simply no match for Lady Falcons’ play — especially that of Volunteer’s two juniors at the net, Alyssa Hatley (14 kills) and Abby Hensley (10 kills).
Volunteer coach April Skeen was impressed by what she saw from her Lady Falcons (2-5) on Monday.
“I think we came out of the gate ready to play,” Skeen said. “We really worked well all the way around, especially defensively.”
Hensley, Hope Bachman, Hatley and sophomore Aubrey Cobb served the Lady Falcons to a 20-6 lead in Game 1. Freshman Jersey Wines’ ace sealed the win.
Cherokee coach Ashley Hooven Wilson, a Volunteer alum, gave her team a sound scolding after the first game, but — after suffering through last week’s heartbreaking, five-set loss to Dobyns-Bennett — the Lady Falcons were determined to finish off the Lady Chiefs in three.
“It’s so much fun (beating Cherokee),” Hatley said. “We just lost all the momentum in the third game last week against D-B, but nobody was beating us tonight.”
Hatley also contributed a pair of blocks and a trio of digs to the victory. Hensley had five aces and three blocks, and Avery Wills chipped in with 18 assists and three digs. Wines had three kills in the match, and sophomore Grace Bice added three kills, two blocks and two digs.
“Abby played amazing tonight,” Skeen noted. She was really on. “I think Grace is still a little timid from her injury, but she is big in the middle and that is what we need.”
Wilson’s Lady Chiefs have a number of seniors, but they just came out slow and never recovered from the opening loss, the coach said.
“We are not young, but we are very inexperienced,” she said. “We’re still in the process of trying to figure out a rotation that works.
“I think we are slowly getting there day by day. I wasn’t very pleased with how we started tonight, but I was pleased with how they finished.”
Allison Evans had four kills and 13 digs for the visitors. Grace Jones hustled her way to 15 digs, and Elizabeth Hogan chipped in a trio of kills. | http://www.timesnews.net/Sports/2016/08/29/Lady-Falcons-soar-to-Battle-of-Hawkins-sweep.html | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/efcd6ed9cfe16a93dce6acaa05db0fcb02258adfdcffac11f17b0e740675dcc9.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:15:35 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | KINGSPORT - Eric Wayne Page, 47, of Kingsport, went home to be with the Lord, surrounded by family, friends and pastor, on Saturday, August 20, 2016, at his residence following injuries | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FObituary%2F2016%2F08%2F24%2FEric-Wayne-Page-3.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net | en | null | Eric Wayne Page | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Eric Wayne Page
KINGSPORT - Eric Wayne Page, 47, of Kingsport, went home to be with the Lord, surrounded by family, friends and pastor, on Saturday, August 20, 2016, at his residence following injuries sustained in an automobile accident 6 years ago. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 5-7:00 pm at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. The funeral service will follow at 7:00 pm with Pastor Wayne Baker officiating. A graveside service will be held on Thursday at 1:00 pm at Emory United Methodist Church Cemetery. Those attending committal services are asked to assemble at Hamlett-Dobson at 12:00 pm Thursday and then proceed to the cemetery. Pallbearers will be Dave Kilgore, Alvin Hunt, Alan Ward, Billy Dingus, J.R. Piercy and Jonathan Page. Those wishing may make memorial contributions to the United Spinal Association, http://www.spinalcord.org. Please visit www.hamlettdobson.com to leave an on-line condolence for the family. Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Kingsport is serving the family of Eric Wayne Page. | http://www.timesnews.net/Obituary/2016/08/24/Eric-Wayne-Page-3.html | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/2a0cc26bdb56e57ddce699b6f9d1fcf32104d127a00656a42a1a1d7b4478c27e.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T06:51:41 | null | 2016-01-03T00:00:00 | A look at the high school schedules for teams in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia the week beginning Aug. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2Ffrontpage%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2FPrep-schedule-Week-of-Aug-29.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/01/03/x720_q60/Sports-Logo-multisport-logo-multiple-sports.jpg | en | null | Prep schedule: Week of Aug. 29 | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Prep schedule: Week of Aug. 29
A look at the high school schedules for teams in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia the week beginning Aug. 29: | http://www.timesnews.net/frontpage/2016/08/29/Prep-schedule-Week-of-Aug-29.html | en | 2016-01-03T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/9ca4d4502490d389274c7fbe89f7eeac28163c8ad26202637697251b1b8c2ea0.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T20:50:02 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | KINGSPORT - Frances L. “Dodson” Jaynes, 97, of Kingsport, a faithful servant of God, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 25th at Governor’s Bend | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FObituary%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2FFrances-L-Dodson-Jaynes.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net | en | null | Frances L. “Dodson” Jaynes | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Frances L. “Dodson” Jaynes
KINGSPORT - Frances L. “Dodson” Jaynes, 97, of Kingsport, a faithful servant of God, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 25th at Governor’s Bend Assisted Living in Erwin, TN. The family wants to thank the nurses and staff at Governor’s Bend Assisted Living for all the love and care they gave to Frances, and also our thanks to Avalon Hospice for all they did to give her comfort and help. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 5-7:00 pm at Oakwood Forest Christian Church in Kingsport. The funeral service will follow at 7:00 pm with Dr. Marlin S. Jaynes, Jr. officiating. A graveside service will be held on Monday at 10:00 am at Mountain Home National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Oakwood Forest Christian Church, 1713 E. Sevier Ave., Kingsport, TN 37664. Please visit www.hamlettdobson.com to leave an on-line condolence for the family. Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Kingsport is serving the family of Frances L. “Dodson” Jaynes. | http://www.timesnews.net/Obituary/2016/08/26/Frances-L-Dodson-Jaynes.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/7f31b709dc3e503c90226feebe53d71d1451017d8abf42539f003da77da35d08.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T14:50:00 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | CHURCH HILL — The 4th annual Flamingo 5K” Race to benefit the Church Hill Medical Mission will take place Saturday morning at Derrick Park in Church Hill. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2Ffrontpage%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2FFlamingo-5K-run-walk-to-benefit-Church-Hill-Medical-Mission.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/26/x720_q60/run-2-jpg.jpg | en | null | 'Flamingo 5K' run/walk Saturday to benefit Church Hill Medical Mission | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Registration for the 5K run/walk begins at the park a 7 a.m., with the race to begin ayt 9 a.m.
The first 100 participants to register receive a T-shirt.
The registration fee is $25 for a child and $30 for an adult, with 100 percent of all proceed to benefit patients of the Medical mission who have no insurance and no jobs.
Doctors and Nurses are on duty during Clinic hours to serve at the Church Hill Medical Mission. 423-921-8044 for more information
The Church Hill Medical Mission serves more than 600 patients every year, but it also operates perennially at a large budget deficit.
Formerly known as Church Hill’s Free Clinic, the CHMM now requests a $5 donation per visit to help offset expenses.
In exchange for that $5, however, patients can see a physician or nurse and receive their medication for free.
The demand for medical treatment from the clinic is on the rise in Hawkins County.
The CHMM is operated 100 percent on donations, and its annual deficit is covered by the Of One Accord ministry.
Funds are used to pay for medication and supplies, to send patients to see specialists if needed, and for monthly utility bills.
The clinic usually averages 10-15 new requests per month, and patients are accepted based on income and lack of insurance.
In 2015, the clinic provided 1,010 office visits valued at $88,955, filled 7,517 prescriptions valued at $289,120, and provided 1,164 free labs and other services valued at $104,963.
Of One Accord Director Sheldon Livesay told the Times-News earlier this year the clinic is expensive, even with volunteer doctors. But the service is badly needed in the community.
“We know for sure that our diabetes program and general clinic are saving lives,” Livesay said. “It is critical to the population it serves. “We still operate the diabetes clinic during days, and insulin products are very expensive so all this is vitally important.” | http://www.timesnews.net/frontpage/2016/08/26/Flamingo-5K-run-walk-to-benefit-Church-Hill-Medical-Mission.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/abae4ea48038124b782260b6c354b825c8fb40203a8473e237b330fc0670513a.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:15:38 | null | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | Lynn Murphree, age 72, entered the Gates of Heaven from Holston Valley Medical Center on Sunday, August 21, 2016 after a valiant battle through the years with a multitude of illnesses. The | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FObituary%2F2016%2F08%2F23%2FLynn-Murphree-1.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net | en | null | Kingsport Times-News: Lynn Murphree | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Lynn Murphree
Lynn Murphree, age 72, entered the Gates of Heaven from Holston Valley Medical Center on Sunday, August 21, 2016 after a valiant battle through the years with a multitude of illnesses. The family will receive friends from 12:00 pm until 2:00 pm on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 in the J. Wayne Hamilton Memorial Chapel at Oak Hill Funeral and Cremation Services. A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted at 2:00 pm with Pastor David Salley officiating. Music will be under the direction of Terry Bennett. Attendees to the Celebration of Life Service are asked to share a favorite story about Lynn. His instructions to Pat and Britt were to have a joyful time during the service with no crying. Entombment Committal Service will follow in the Chapel Mausoleum at Oak Hill Memorial Park. Pallbearers are nephews, Robert Graham, Kelly Perrin, Benny Bowman, Jarrid Graham and friends Charlie Muse and Craig Johnson. Honorary pallbearers are his host of friends, former students, college and athletic recruits. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Gravelly Baptist Church Flag Garden, 647 Gravely Road, Kingsport, TN 37660. The care of Lynn Murphree and his family has been entrusted to the staff of Oak Hill Funeral and Cremation Services. | http://www.timesnews.net/Obituary/2016/08/23/Lynn-Murphree-1.html | en | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/fa2ab20030bbca07b371fb555632b9b26381a7146dc80d4ab50a087f1ad9da1a.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T04:50:07 | null | 2016-06-11T00:00:00 | KINGSPORT — Hits were few and far between for the Kingsport Mets on Friday night at Hunter Wright Stadium. Three Princeton Rays pitchers allowed a total of just three hits in a 5-1 | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2Ffrontpage%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2FRays-bottle-up-K-Mets-in-5-1-win.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/06/11/x720_q60/2016-Appalachian-League-logo.jpg | en | null | Rays bottle up K-Mets in 5-1 win | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Two singles — by Jeremy Wolf in the second inning and Scott Manea in the fifth — and an eighth-inning double by Reed Gamache were all Kingsport (22-40) could muster against Princeton’s Hector Lopez, Sandy Brito (2-0) and Reimin Ramos, though the trio did combine to walk five. Lopez struck out eight and Brito fanned four.
The Rays (33-27) scored all of their runs over the first two innings against Adonis Ucela (3-6), who pitched 3 2-3 innings. After a pair of K-Mets errors led to an unearned run in the first, Princeton let loose with a four-run second — the big blow a three-run homer by Isaac Bernard.
Adrian Almeida, Placido Torres and Joe Napolitano held the Rays to just a pair of hits the rest of the way, but Kingsport couldn’t take advantage. Jose Miguel Medina’s sacrifice fly in the eighth that scored Gamache from second accounted for the K-Mets’ lone run.
The Rays managed only seven hits and struck out 14 times.
Kingsport welcomes Danville on Saturday night for Game 1 of a three-game series. | http://www.timesnews.net/frontpage/2016/08/26/Rays-bottle-up-K-Mets-in-5-1-win.html | en | 2016-06-11T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/bacd32400a0f1987210a21cad3a66d1d6cf1486457012cfe948bfa75bb4f0340.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:14:19 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | KINGSPORT — Dobyns-Bennett volleyball coach Megan Devine said she is very happy to be back with the Maroon and Gray, and the Lady Indians rewarded her Tuesday night with her third | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FSports%2F2016%2F08%2F23%2FD-B-volleyball-stays-perfect-inside-Big-7.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/24/x720_q60/D-B-volleyball.jpg | en | null | D-B volleyball stays perfect inside Big 7 | null | null | www.timesnews.net | The Lady Hilltoppers (3-10, 0-3) lost five starters to graduation last year and are down a couple of players this season, and Tuesday night belonged to the Lady Indians (7-3, 3-0) inside the Buck Van Huss Dome.
“I really thought my team overall did a great job coming in here tonight and were ready from point one,” Devine said. “I think this is a great start for us. I think Daniel Boone and Sullivan Central are two teams that are going to push us to our limit.”
View the photo gallery from the match
D-B was nursing a 5-4 lead in the opening game when senior Morgan Rogers went to the service line following one of the many unforced errors by the Lady Hilltoppers to give the Lady Indians side-out. Rogers reeled off 11 consecutive points to put the game out of the visitors’ reach.
Olivia McMakin, who had a trio of aces in the contest, Sydney Carrier and Rogers combined to serve D-B to a 23-4 advantage in Game 2, and the Lady ’Toppers had no answer.
Science Hill coach Christina Maiden’s squad has gotten off to a rough start, down one setter as well as an outside hitter because of injury and illness. Maiden noted that it would be nice to play a match with her whole lineup.
“I still think our conference is pretty even this year without that one top dog,” she said. “We’ll just have to see what happens.
“It is how you finish and not how you start that counts.”
Rogers’ serve was again a huge factor in the third game. Chelsie Crussell (six kills) and McCoy Hensley (six kills) came up huge at the net along with freshman Staley Humphries (nine kills) to end the match in a sweep.
D-B setters Sydney Carrier (11) and Jessi McReynolds (7) combined for 18 assists in the match.
“We always want to come out and play our games the D-B way,” Devine said. “When we play our way, I believe in my girls and they believe in each other and they’ll pull us through.”
Caitlin Crockett, Alison Gouveia and Mattie Ratner had two kills each for the Lady Hilltoppers. Libero Makenzie Clark notched four digs, and Meredith Fullbright registered a half-dozen assists. | http://www.timesnews.net/Sports/2016/08/23/D-B-volleyball-stays-perfect-inside-Big-7.html | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/65731886f4c9d1caddf042ad5783004967fc424e654f3168db615604816e13f7.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:14:41 | null | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | BLOUNTVILLE — A Blountville man has been arrested for an alleged attack on his elderly neighbor. He is accused of entering the victim’s home and | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FLocal%2F2016%2F08%2F23%2FBlountville-man-allegedly-assaults-elderly-neighbor.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/23/x720_q60/JOSEPH-KENNEDY-jpg.jpg | en | null | SCSO: Blountville man assaults elderly neighbor in home hospital bed | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Records at the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office state the incident occurred Saturday night. Joseph Kennedy, 54, of 341 Johnson Cemetery Road, was later arrested and charged with aggravated assault.
Officers initially responded to the scene at 6:50 p.m. They found the victim, 85, suffering from “heavy blood loss,” according to police records. His statements to officers relayed how Kennedy reportedly entered his mobile home while intoxicated. Kennedy is alleged to have then “grabbed (the victim) by both arms and climbed on top of him in his hospital bed.”
Police believe that while grasping the victim, Kennedy “twisted the skin” off the elderly man’s arms. Authorities also believe that as the two wrestled on the bed, Kennedy scraped additional skin off the man’s legs with his shoes.
SCSO records state that the complainant relies on an oxygen tank to assist with his breathing. During the altercation, Kennedy allegedly stated that he was “in control now” and threatened to pinch the man’s nose, cutting off his air supply through tubes.
Kennedy fled after the incident, and officers were unable to locate him immediately. Based on evidence at the scene and the victim’s injuries, police obtained a warrant for Kennedy’s arrest for aggravated assault.
On Sunday, Kennedy was taken into custody at the sheriff’s office and booked into the Sullivan County Jail. Police allegedly located marijuana in his possession prior to booking, prompting an additional charge of introduction of drugs into a penal institution.
A report on the attack makes no reference to a possible motive. As of Tuesday, police were continuing to investigate the incident.
A check of SCSO records shows that police have responded to the victim’s home at least twice since April, with both being due to thefts from the residence. One report notes that Kennedy knew where the stolen items had been located. | http://www.timesnews.net/Local/2016/08/23/Blountville-man-allegedly-assaults-elderly-neighbor.html | en | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/ed0972e2b18da302b8794b52179d717b212ec42ab3596ef1284fe61ce80d84d9.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:14:22 | null | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | Doris Marie Carter passed away peacefully at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center on August 20, 2016, after an extended illness. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FObituary%2F2016%2F08%2F23%2FDoris-Marie-Carter-2.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net | en | null | Doris Marie Carter | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Doris Marie Carter
Doris Marie Carter passed away peacefully at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center on August 20, 2016, after an extended illness. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. The funeral service will follow at 7 p.m. with Pastor Steve Pedersen officiating; and Eulogy by Bob Dorsey. Graveside services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at Oak Hill Memorial Park. Those planning on attending the graveside service are asked to meet at Hamlett-Dobson on Wednesday at 10:15 a.m. to go in procession. Pallbearers will be friends and family. In the last years of Doris’s life, she battled dimentia. The family has been blessed with loving caregivers and we wish to thank Dorothy Cox, Hilliary Jackson, Lyssa Cofter, Amanda Bowlin, Tammy Carberry, Jozey Harper, and Amy Dickey. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116. Please visit www.hamlettdobson.com to leave an on-line condolence for the family. Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport is serving the family of Doris Marie Carter. | http://www.timesnews.net/Obituary/2016/08/23/Doris-Marie-Carter-2.html | en | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/cad7496e199de1f4527cec72ed9b105be940b9792f3b801e31c8b7b25258987a.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:15:33 | null | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | GATE CITY — The Appalachian Community Action Agency (AppCAA) in Scott County is seeking volunteers and donations for its food and personal hygiene drive next month. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FLocal%2F2016%2F08%2F24%2FScott-agency-in-need-of-volunteers-and-donations-for-food-and-personal-hygiene-drive.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/23/x720_q60/food-drive-jpg.jpg | en | null | Scott agency in need of volunteers and donations for food and personal hygiene drive | null | null | www.timesnews.net | The drive will be held as a part of the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance.
That event is the culmination of an effort originally launched in 2002 by 9/11 family members and support groups who worked to establish the charitable service day as a forward-looking way to honor the sacrifice of those who were lost and those who united in response to the tragedy.
Volunteers will be set up at Price Less Foods in Weber City from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 10; Monday, Sept. 12; and Tuesday, Sept. 13. Volunteers will not be set up on Sunday, Sept. 11.
Karen Davidson, AppCAA’s community services coordinator, said all food donations will be given to Meals of Love.
“Meals of Love delivers nutritious, hot meals to elderly and disabled shut-ins each week in Scott County,” said Davidson.
The food items most needed are peas, pinto beans, green beans, canned potatoes, carrots, kraut, greens, cooking oil and spray oil.
In addition to the food items, AppCAA will also collect personal hygiene items such as shampoo, laundry detergent, dish detergent, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant and toilet paper.
These items will be used for AppCA’s program that provides hygiene supplies to families in need once a month.
“We want to do our part to, not only help our community, but also so that we don’t forget 9/11. We want to honor and remember those who lost their lives that day while making a positive impact on our community. Each year that we’ve done this, we’ve had great success in helping out Meals of Love,” Davidson said.
In addition to volunteers, canned food and personal hygiene items, AppCAA also welcomes monetary donations.
For more information on ways you can help, or to sign up to volunteer for AppCAA’s 9/11 Food and Hygiene Drive, call (276) 452-2441 or visit the event’s Facebook page.
AppCAA, located at 175 Military Lane in Gate City and formerly known as RADA, has served the needs of low- to moderate-income individuals in Lee, Scott and Wise counties as well as the city of Norton since 1965. | http://www.timesnews.net/Local/2016/08/24/Scott-agency-in-need-of-volunteers-and-donations-for-food-and-personal-hygiene-drive.html | en | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/698152c25ab1119675202c5a3beff2827322b64a66647e42f85353625395630e.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T20:50:03 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | GATE CITY, VA - James "Jimbo" Leon Broadwater Jr., 65, of Gate City, passed away Thursday August 25, 2016 unexpectedly at his home. A memorial gathering will occur Saturday, August | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FObituary%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2FJames-Jimbo-Leon-Broadwater-Jr.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net | en | null | James "Jimbo" Leon Broadwater Jr. | null | null | www.timesnews.net | James "Jimbo" Leon Broadwater Jr.
GATE CITY, VA - James "Jimbo" Leon Broadwater Jr., 65, of Gate City, passed away Thursday August 25, 2016 unexpectedly at his home. A memorial gathering will occur Saturday, August 27, 2016 at Scott County Funeral Home from 12:360 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. You can send an online condolence to the family by visiting www.scottcountyfuneralhome.com. Carter-Trent/Scott County Funeral Home is serving the Broadwater family. | http://www.timesnews.net/Obituary/2016/08/26/James-Jimbo-Leon-Broadwater-Jr.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/a76d638dfbdc9cd842b705cad8df00f3b00a98c75bd01598a3e27e2e3723c00d.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:14:55 | null | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | JOHNSON CITY – On Saturday, Aug. 27, East Tennessee State University's George L. Carter Railroad Museum's monthly Heritage Day will feature "Coal, Coke and | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2Ffrontpage%2F2016%2F08%2F24%2FCoal-Coke-and-Commerce-Carter-Railroad-Museum-theme-on-August-27.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/25/x720_q60/Coal-Coke-and-Commerce-Carter-Railroad-Museum-theme-on-August-27.jpg | en | null | 'Coal, Coke and Commerce' Carter Railroad Museum theme on August 27 | null | null | www.timesnews.net | The coal that fueled the growth of America is abundantly found on the northern side of the Appalachians mountains, but has to be transported to either its final place of use or to the eastern seaports to be sent to other nations; this was where the railroads came in.
"The coal and associated coke industry was one of the most vibrant parts of the industrial revolution that built the nation, said Geoff Stunkard, the coordinator of the Heritage Days program at the museum. "Our goal is to demonstrate what it took to move it by rail in our region using the engines and railroads that once existed primarily for that purpose. These lines include the Louisville & Nashville, the Southern, Norfolk & Western, Interstate and others in both the steam era and early diesel era, ending about 1970 or so."
The George L. Carter Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society and members of the Mountain Empire Model Railroaders (MEMRR) club are developing the program, which will feature displays, images of mining rail lines, and more. Model trains will include coal and mixed freight equipment on the MEMRR club's large 24x44 1:87 HO scale layout, one of four model lines that are housed in the museum. This layout has a large model of a typical Appalachian coal mine on one of its modular sections.
The Carter Railroad Museum is open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are welcomed. The museum can be identified by a flashing railroad crossing signal at the back entrance to the Campus Center Building. Visitors should enter ETSU’s campus from State of Franklin Road onto Jack Vest Drive and continue east to 176 Ross Drive, adjacent to the flashing RR crossing sign.
To learn more about the museum, visit http://johnsonsdepot.com/glcarter/cartermuseum. Visit www.memrr.org to learn more about MEMRR, which helps demonstrate and maintain the model layouts, museum exhibits and other projects.
For disability accommodations, call the ETSU Office of Disability Services at 423-439-8346 | http://www.timesnews.net/frontpage/2016/08/24/Coal-Coke-and-Commerce-Carter-Railroad-Museum-theme-on-August-27.html | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/97437fd0913bff21a1fa15f09622f0e55f8eececcadd7e7bc7c082a8f78bb7d1.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:14:53 | null | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | BRISTOL, VA - Charles D. White, 62, of Bristol, VA passed away Sunday, August 21, 2016 at Bristol Regional Medical Center. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FObituary%2F2016%2F08%2F23%2FCharles-D-White.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net | en | null | Charles D. White | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Charles D. White
BRISTOL, VA - Charles D. White, 62, of Bristol, VA passed away Sunday, August 21, 2016 at Bristol Regional Medical Center. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 25, 2016 at Blevins Funeral & Cremation Services, 417 Lee St., Bristol, VA. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be sent to Susan G. Komen Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas TX 75265-0309. Condolences for the family may be sent and viewed by visiting www.BlevinsCares.com. Mr. White and his family are in the care of Blevins Funeral & Cremation Services. (276) 669-6141. | http://www.timesnews.net/Obituary/2016/08/23/Charles-D-White.html | en | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/6fa9dce86c6919ff11fffafef5489ef2dc1ec872a8cd8c13146870c3a3551313.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T18:50:35 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | BRISTOL, Tenn. — Tennessee High started strong and finished strong, posting a 48-21 victory over Sullivan South on Friday night at the Stone Castle.
The Vikings | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2Ffrontpage%2F2016%2F08%2F27%2FFast-starting-Vikings-overrun-Rebels.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/26/x720_q60/sports-logo-web-1-jpg.jpg | en | null | Prep Roundup: Fast-starting Vikings overrun Rebels | null | null | www.timesnews.net | The Vikings (1-1) led wire to wire, but after the Rebels scratched back within 24-21 early in the fourth period on a Lucas Strickler 7-yard touchdown run, the home team scored three touchdowns in the final 6:40 to wrap up the win.
THS quarterback Courtland Carter ran for three touchdowns and threw for another, finishing with 217 total yards of offense — 144 rushing and 73 passing. Austin Henson was the recipient of Carter’s lone touchdown pass, which came with just 7.7 seconds remaining in the half and staked the Vikings to a 17-7 advantage at the break. Henson also snared off two interceptions and made a pivotal pass breakup on fourth down in the fourth quarter.
South suffered from three interceptions and had the aforementioned turnover on downs. Those mistakes, combined with seven penalties for 50 yards, drew the ire of Rebels coach Sam Haynie.
“I ought to be fired for the way we act out there with penalties and turnovers,” Haynie said. “We can’t get moving. We’re too young to overcome that. Some of the kids we’re asking to play and they’re playing hard. We’ve got to start playing smart.
“We’re a long way off from playing winning football.”
Rebels quarterback Ethan Ward ran for 166 yards and a touchdown, also throwing a TD to Ahmad Lovell on a 37-yard catch-and-run play. South had 338 yards of offense, and 248 of them came after halftime.
Cocke County 50, Sullivan Central 13
BLOUNTVILLE — Tyler Davidson rushed 12 times for 125 yards and two touchdowns at the Fighting Cocks rumbled past the Cougars. Cocke County quarterback Jarren Ensley only completed six passes but they were for 110 yards and two TDs.
The Fighting Cocks (1-1) held the Cougars (0-2) to minus-7 yards rushing.
While Central was unable to get its ground game going, Cougars’ quarterback Drew Robinette had and outstanding night throwing the football. He finished the contest with 232 yards passing, completing 23 of 39 passes for two touchdowns and two interceptions.
Jordan Self had seven receptions for 118 yards and a score for Central with Tyler Cos hauling in 10 passes for 76 yards and at TD.
Wise Central 50, Eastside 0
NORTON — Dalton Mullins and Jarrett Jessee went straight beast mode to help lead the Warriors pick up a win over the Spartans in the first game of the year for each team.
Mullins had 11 carries for 214 yards and four TDs for Wise Central (1-0) and Jessee had 13 carries for 162 yards and two TDs.
Tyler Elam had nine rushes for 82 yards for Eastside (0-1).
Twin Springs 54, Northwood 18
NICKELSVILLE — Justin Grizzle accounted for 358 of the Titans 617 total yards in a non-conference victory over the Panthers.
Twin Springs’ Grizzle went 10-14 in the air for 271 yards and two touchdowns and had five carries for 87 yards and two TDs. Holden McNew had 22 carries for 205 yards and three TDs while teammate Carter Burke had five receptions for 208 yards and one TD for Twin Springs (1-0).
Northwood (0-1) had 33 total plays for 149 yards.
Ridgeview 66, Jenkins, Ky. 0
CLINTWOOD — The Wolfpack scored 60 points in the first half to rout the Cavaliers in non-conference action.
McKenzie Hillman set the tone early with an 85 yard kick off return for a touchdown for Ridgeview (1-0) and teammate Jacob Hensley followed that up with a 25 yard rushing TD. Dawson Kendrick, Dillon Lawson, and R. Flemming scored one TD apiece in the first quarter making it 33-0 after the first quarter and the blowout was on.
Ridgeview ended the game with 263 yards rushing while Jenkins, KY was held to 48 yards rushing.
Trinity Academy 76, Rye Cove 0
CLINCHPORT — The Knights led 48-0 after the first half and continued to pour it on in their non-conference win over the Eagles.
Grayson Vaughn had three rushing touchdowns and two passing TDs for Trinity Academy (1-1) and teammate Jake Kerns had two rushing TDs. David Arthur had two receiving TDs while Raymond Jordan had two rushing TDs while Elijah Taylor and Keenan Livingston had one TD apiece for the Knights.
Trinity Academy’s defense held Rye Cove (0-1) to 35 total yards of offense forcing five fumbles and recovering four of them. Keyshaun Robinson had six tackles, one sack, and a fumble recovery while Terrence Previlon recorded eight tackles for the Knights.
Lee 41, Thomas Walker 0
EWING — Logan Rasnic scored three touchdowns at the General raced past the Pioneers in the season opener for both teams.
Rasnic scored on runs of 3, 11 and 1 yards. Devin Goins notched a 47-yard TD when he took a lateral from Derick Hamilton. Goins finished with 67 yards rushing while Rasnic added 34.
Rasnic also led the Lee defense with six tackles.
Patrick Henry 42, Castlewood 0
GLADE SPRINGS — The Rebels’ Zach Brown returned the opening kickoff 66 yards for a touchdown and Patrick Henry never looked back in this non-district win over the visiting Blue Devils. Brown also added a 10-yard scoring run as the Rebs raced to a 28-0 halftime lead.
Dakota Humphrey had 170 yards rushing on 15 carries for Patrick Henry. Humphrey scored twice on runs of 32 and 8 yards.
Abingdon 35, John Battle 0
BRISTOL, VA — Jake Sturgill threw four touchdown passes to help lead the Falcons over the Trojans in non-conference action.
Jeff Wallace had two receiving TDs for Abingdon (1-0). Ead Bassham and Chris DeSalvo had one TD reception apiece while teammate Matthew Fulton scored one TD on the ground for the Falcons.
Abingdon’s offense put up a total of 321 yards while their defense limited John Battle (0-1) to 155 total yards.
Volleyball
KACHEA def. Happy Valley
ELIZABETHTON — The Lady Wildcats swept the Lady Warriors 25-11, 25-11, 25-11. Emily O’Neal led KACHEA with four aces, two kills and two assists.
Abby Carrick added an ace, two digs and four kills for the Lady ’Cats with Allison Weber chipping in two kills and five assists. | http://www.timesnews.net/frontpage/2016/08/27/Fast-starting-Vikings-overrun-Rebels.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/c48de4331a9e2b5b5d24866128d0b4643bf3dc7bbea727f91c5758a60ee2273e.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T20:51:25 | null | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | 61 years ago Carl Reached down and took the hand of the love of his life, Nancy, and on August 27th Nancy reached down from heaven to take his hand and to reunite their love and to guide him | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FObituary%2F2016%2F08%2F28%2FCarl-Lee-Jones-Sr.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net | en | null | Carl Lee Jones Sr. | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Carl Lee Jones Sr.
61 years ago Carl Reached down and took the hand of the love of his life, Nancy, and on August 27th Nancy reached down from heaven to take his hand and to reunite their love and to guide him home where his valiant battle with cancer was won. The family will receive friends Monday from 6-8 p.m. at East Tennessee Funeral Home or anytime at hte home of the daughter Janice Harvey - 3100 Lucy Place in Kingsport. A masonic service will be held at 8 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with MM Martin lodge #547 officiating Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at East Tennessee Cemetery with Pastor Phil Whittemore officiating. To post an online condolence please visit easttnfuneral.com or follow us on Facebook. East Tennessee Funeral Home and Cemetery are honored to serve the Jones Family. | http://www.timesnews.net/Obituary/2016/08/28/Carl-Lee-Jones-Sr.html | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/173d546898ba27dbac6eb2040bb3d671caad83cfeab898d40fe8921744e82601.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:00:32 | null | 2016-08-14T00:00:00 | CHURCH HILL — Volunteer had Dobyns-Bennett on the ropes Thursday night but could not deliver the knockout punch, and the Lady Indians came storming back to topple the Lady | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FSports%2F2016%2F08%2F25%2FLady-Falcons-can-t-put-away-stubborn-Lady-Indians.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/14/x720_q60/Volleyball-High-School-Volleyball-Logo.jpg | en | null | Lady Falcons can’t put away stubborn Lady Indians | null | null | www.timesnews.net | With the victory, D-B (8-3, 4-0) kept its Big 7 record unblemished for first-year head coach Megan Devine, who pointed out to her team that all opponents have the potential to beat you on any given night.
“They (Volunteer) came out from point one and we were back on our heels,” said Devine. “I don’t think we were ready to come out and expect them to hang with us. I think after the first two sets the panic mode turned on a little bit for us, and then we started playing like we practice.”
The Lady Falcons’ Abby Hensley got things started in the first game for her teammates when she served five consecutive points to give Volunteer (1-5, 0-3) a lead it would not relinquish.
Volunteer shot out to a 22-13 advantage in game two, but strong play at the net by freshman Staley Humphries and junior Abby Byington, who ended the night with 11 kills each, trimmed the Lady Falcons’ lead to 23-21. However, two unforced errors down the stretch allowed the home team to go up 2-0.
“Volleyball is a game of momentum, and it can be one-sided or back and forth,” said Devine. “Toward the end of that second set, I think we grew a little bit, and then in that third set we were ready to go and had the mindset we were not going to lose.”
Humphries and Byington continued their strong play at the net in game three with Morgan Rogers and Chelsie Crussell at the service line before Olivia McMakin notched the Lady Indians’ victory with an ace.
The visitors would not trail in game four that saw Rogers score the final two points with a pair of aces and momentum carried over to game five to seal the victory.
“I think that both teams picked up some awesome balls defensively, and luckily tonight we were executing in those long rallies and taking the points,” noted Devine.
In addition to Humphries and Byington’s kills, Sydney Carrier had 40 assists while Humphries also led her team with 20 digs. McMakin and Rogers added 18 and 17 digs respectively.
Volunteer’s Alyssa Hatley (13) and Hensley (10) combined for 23 kills in the match while Avery Wills had 18 assists. Hatley also had 11 digs while sophomore libero Aubrey Cobb registered nine digs. Sophomore Grace Bice, who had been sidelined with an injury, collected three blocks in the match.
Volunteer’s first-year head coach April Skeen said she was sad her team did not pull it out but noted they may have gotten tired down the stretch.
“Momentum was on our side, and I felt like (freshman) Jersey (Wines) getting injured was a huge turning point,” said Skeen. “She plays all the way around and is really awesome on the back row.
“I moved her to outside hitter now that I have Grace (Bice) back. She is smart and knows where the holes are and where to put it. That hurt us a lot. I had to throw a freshman (Raenah Barton) out there, and she isn’t used to playing in that position. She usually just plays back row, but she played awesome.” | http://www.timesnews.net/Sports/2016/08/25/Lady-Falcons-can-t-put-away-stubborn-Lady-Indians.html | en | 2016-08-14T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/2e2fee234d62469e78c93f2741c89212483b6933c297ea3df6098101104f7bf4.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T00:52:24 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | ABINGDON — Backpacks Unite, a partnership between Food City and United Way of Southwest Virginia, has become one of the largest food-filled backpack distribution efforts in the | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FLocal%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2FUnited-Way-of-Southwest-Virginia-seeking-sponsors-for-students-in-Lee-and-Scott-counties.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/30/x720_q60/083016gore-unitedway-jpg.jpg | en | null | United Way of Southwest Virginia seeking sponsors for students in Lee and Scott counties | null | null | www.timesnews.net | United Way of Southwest Virginia is seeking sponsor organizations willing to adopt additional schools in the region — specifically in the counties of Lee, Scott, Smyth and Giles for the 2016-2017 school year.
“Since the program’s inception in 2009, the number of schools served has almost doubled,” said Travis Staton, CEO of United Way of Southwest Virginia. “That means there are schools counting on the contents of those backpacks to feed many of their students each weekend and over the holidays.”
Out of the 18 regional organizations and businesses that currently sponsor schools, one of the largest is UPS Richlands.
“This year we are sponsoring nine schools providing over 200 children with food throughout the school year. We are very excited to be participating again,” Mike Sharpe, on-call supervisor at UPS Richlands said.
“Backpacks Unite has great community partners like UPS Richlands that take pride in knowing they’re making a huge difference in our region’s children,” said Steve Smith, CEO of Food City. “Now that United Way has the means to expand into more schools, they will need more organizations like UPS to assist with the program by adopting a school.”
Adopting a school for the year first involves contributing a match of $2,400 for weekend meals during the school year (feeding around 24 children per school). Then, every six weeks, the adopting organizations will pick up the food, pack the backpacks and take the backpacks to the school. Foods are rotated with each distribution so students are introduced to a variety of healthy foods over the course of the school year, including options like oatmeal, cereal bars, wheat crackers, peanut butter, mandarin oranges, soup and raisins.
Companies and organizations wishing to adopt a school, or those that would like to learn more about Backpacks Unite, are encouraged to contact United Way of Southwest Virginia at (276) 628.2160 or info@unitedwayswva.org.
United Way of Southwest Virginia’s Backpacks Unite program partners with organizations that “adopt” schools in the area. School personnel identify children and obtain parental permission to enroll them in the Backpacks Unite program, and then United Way works with Food City on logistical matters and securing healthy foods. Organizations adopting a school pick up the food, pack the backpacks, and distribute groups of backpacks to the schools so students can discreetly receive food before school dismisses for the weekend.
For more information about Backpacks Unite and how to get involved, visit www.unitedwayswva.org/backpacks-unite.
United Way of Southwest Virginia is a volunteer organization providing support and visibility through tools, partners, advocacy, and other resources to advance the common good. United Way mobilizes thousands of people to give, advocate and volunteer to improve education, help people achieve financial stability and promote healthy lives across Southwest Virginia. United Way of Southwest Virginia covers more than 5,860 square miles, approximately 15 percent of the state of Virginia, and more than 350,000 residents in the counties of Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Dickenson, Giles, Grayson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise and the cities of Galax and Norton.
For more information on United Way of Southwest Virginia, visit www.unitedwayswva.org. | http://www.timesnews.net/Local/2016/08/30/United-Way-of-Southwest-Virginia-seeking-sponsors-for-students-in-Lee-and-Scott-counties.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/dcc3e1a50e861fc6840c0eb40eec4709f72b907cf7fcb7ce55727f94f0514898.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T20:51:18 | null | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | Larry Lynn Lester, 49, passed away at Wellmont Hospital on Friday, August 26, 2016. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FObituary%2F2016%2F08%2F27%2FLarry-Lynn-Lester.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net | en | null | Larry Lynn Lester | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Larry Lynn Lester
Larry Lynn Lester, 49, passed away at Wellmont Hospital on Friday, August 26, 2016. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to one’s favorite charity. Snyder Memorial is assisting the family and online condolences may be sent to the family at www.snydersmemorialgardens.com | http://www.timesnews.net/Obituary/2016/08/27/Larry-Lynn-Lester.html | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/b0a04311c121e9e6cbebea583dc070e9dd9de11457f4ae5d86fb02d32c9efbb7.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T20:51:58 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | CHURCH HILL — A Kingsport teen didn’t help her case last week when she allegedly told police the meth seized from her boyfriend during a traffic stop was being sold to | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FLocal%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2FCoupe-charged-with-meth-trafficking-after-traffic-stop-for-seatbelts.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/24/x720_q60/Dishner-Walden-jpg.jpg | en | null | Seatbelt violation leads to meth trafficking charges against couple | null | null | www.timesnews.net | David Keith Dishner and Stacy Gabrielle Walden were scheduled for arraignment Wednesday in Hawkins County Sessions Court on charges including possession of meth with intent to deliver.
Their arrest stemmed from an Aug. 17 Church Hill Police Department traffic stop for not wearing a seatbelt.
CHPD Detective Ethan Mays reportedly observed a Honda Accord traveling westbound on Richmond Avenue driven by Walden, 18, 605 Palmyra Drive, Kingsport, with Dishner, 20, 1098 Old Union Road, Church Hill, in the passenger seat.
Neither was wearing a seatbelt.
Mays said he attempted to make a traffic stop at Highway 11-W and S. Central Avenue, but the vehicle didn’t stop until reaching the intersection of 11-W and Goshen Valley Road
“I asked both of them if anything illegal was in the vehicle, to which Ms. Walden stated, ‘No’,” Mays wrote in his report. “I then asked Ms. Walden if she would consent to a search of the vehicle, to which she replied, ‘No, but I don’t have anything to hide.’ I advised Ms. Walden and Mr. Dishner to step out of the vehicle and informed them that a K-9 unit would be arriving shortly.”
Mays patted Dishner down and allegedly located a plastic wrapper containing approximately 3-4 grams of marijuana in his pants pocket.
Mays also allegedly located a sunglasses case in Dishner’s pants pocket containing two bags of a clear rock like substance believed to crystal meth, as well as a meth pipe and a straw.
HCSO K-9 unit Bak and handler Deputy Wesley Seals performed an “open air sniff” around the vehicle.
Bak reportedly alerted to the driver’s side area, where a marijuana pipe and grinder were found.
Mays stated in his report, “While standing on the side of the road, Ms. Walden asked Officer (Kevin) Grigsby of the CHPD, ‘Will he probably get his money back?’ Officer Grigsby advised her, ‘The money is subject to seizure due to the felony amount of narcotics.’ Ms. Walden then stated, ‘He just got that meth the other day, and was going to use to pay bills.’ When Officer Grigsby advised her that did not make sense, Ms. Walden stated, ‘Well he was going to sell it to make money for our bills.’ ”
Mays added, “Based on her own admission and knowledge that Mr. Dishner was selling meth, and providing him transportation, I believe there is probable cause to charge Stacey Walden with the same charges.”
Aside from possession of meth with intent to deliver, both were charged with simple possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and a seatbelt violation.
Each was released from the Hawkins County Jail on $5,000 bond.
Both are scheduled to appear in Sessions Court on Dec. 14. | http://www.timesnews.net/Local/2016/08/29/Coupe-charged-with-meth-trafficking-after-traffic-stop-for-seatbelts.html | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/f2aac05a7400116c58a22f4cac39cca942dbfd6da96c97a897324404b069bfd9.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T16:52:21 | null | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) announced Monday it will hold three public hearings in Northeast Tennessee as part of the Certificate of Public Advantage | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FBusiness%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2FPublic-hearings-on-Wellmont-MSHA-COPA-to-be-held.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/29/x720_q60/biz-news-jpg-32.jpg | en | null | Public hearings on Wellmont-MSHA COPA to be held | null | null | www.timesnews.net | “These hearings are an opportunity for Tennesseans to weigh in on the future of health care in our state,” TDH Commisioner John Dreyzehner said in a news release. “A proposed merger of systems in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia is precedent setting and is a big decision for our state. It’s the department’s responsibility by law to ensure the proposal would meet a clear and convincing standard to provide a public benefit to the citizens of this region and ultimately all of Tennessee.”
The public hearing schedule includes meetings in Kingsport, Nashville, Bristol and Johnson City:
• Thursday, Sept. 1
5:30–7:30 p.m.
Kingsport Renaissance Center, Room 310
1200 E. Center St.
• Thursday, Sept. 29
2–4 p.m. CDT
William R. Snodgrass Tennessee Tower, Tennessee Room
312 Rosa L. Parks Ave.
Nashville
• Thursday, Oct. 6
5:30–7:30 p.m.
Slater Center Auditorium
325 McDowell St.
Bristol
The public hearing in Johnson City, TDH said, will be held after the COPA application is deemed complete to fulfill state law. That date is to be determined.
For citizens who are not able to attend any of the hearings but want to give input on the proposed merger, they can do so online by visiting http://tn.gov/health/article/certificate-of-public-advantage-how-to-comment.
TDH said it is currently working with Mountain States and Wellmont along with the attorney general’s office to acquire all of the necessary information as required by law to complete the COPA application for review and evaluation.
“This COPA process is important for the citizens of Tennessee, and the department is working diligently to fulfill its responsibilities in a timely manner and to be responsive and transparent throughout this complex process,” Dreyzehner noted.
In the spring of 2015, the Tennessee General Assembly passed legislation that amended Tennessee’s COPA law to allow hospital mergers, which included establishing the department’s role of evaluating and acting on the COPA application as well as establishing the benchmarks the new entity would have to meet to establish clear and convincing evidence of public benefit to the citizens of the region.
Last week, the Southwest Virginia Health Authority voted to deem the Wellmont-Mountain States application in Virginia complete. | http://www.timesnews.net/Business/2016/08/30/Public-hearings-on-Wellmont-MSHA-COPA-to-be-held.html | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/216a8299cb8e98b873ed5c581caca05e00b47b512672ca3c4d6c7d6094cd153e.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T20:52:22 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | BIG STONE GAP, VA - On August 27, 2016, Adrian Eugene Legge peacefully went to be with the Lord. The family will be receive on Saturday Sept 3, from 12 noon to 1 p.m. at Holding | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FObituary%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2FAdrian-Eugene-Legge.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net | en | null | Adrian Eugene Legge | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Adrian Eugene Legge
BIG STONE GAP, VA - On August 27, 2016, Adrian Eugene Legge peacefully went to be with the Lord. The family will be receive on Saturday Sept 3, from 12 noon to 1 p.m. at Holding Funeral Home in Big Stone Gap for the visitation. The funeral service will be conducted following the visitation in the funeral homes chapel with the Apostle Yanthophalees Jackson officiating. The commital service will be held at a later date. You may go online to view the obituary, sign the guest registry , or leave the family a condolence at www.holdingfuneralhome.com Holding Funeral Home is honored to serve the Legge Family. | http://www.timesnews.net/Obituary/2016/08/30/Adrian-Eugene-Legge.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/d28bb5a084fa8589cb4a2c1056e7271f9405e3a5700586deaeea48360868af5d.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:04:23 | null | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | A program using broadband service to spur economic development is coming to Lee County in the hopes of attracting more businesses and opportunities to the area.
The U.S. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FLocal%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2FNew-pilot-program-comes-to-Lee-County.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/25/x720_q60/localnews-jpg-36.jpg | en | null | New pilot program comes to Lee County | null | null | www.timesnews.net | The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Sustainable Communities, the Appalachian Regional Commission and the Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service announced the pilot program Wednesday. Sunset Digital Communications led the way in bringing the "Cool & Connected" pilot program to Jonesville and Pennington Gap.
“This investment from the federal government is only available where there is existing broadband,” said Tim Long, head of Sunset's Economic Development and Government Affairs division, in a press release. “We have actively sought government programs that can be economic drivers because of existing broadband. Lee County will be one of the first in the country to be a part of this program—Cool & Connected. And it’s only possible because Sunset Digital had previously invested in this community.”
According to the release, a team of experts will help leaders in Jonesville and Pennington Gap develop strategies and an action plan using broadband service to create connected and economically viable main streets.
Pennington Gap and Jonesville were two of 10 communities across six states chosen to participate in the pilot program. The program will begin in September.
Town leaders believe the program will be successful for their communities.
"The technology this will bring to our downtown will not only help in sustaining the businesses we have, but will be a tool in promoting new businesses in our town," said Pennington Gap Mayor Larry Holbrook, in the release. | http://www.timesnews.net/Local/2016/08/26/New-pilot-program-comes-to-Lee-County.html | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/a32c372907f2c85c74fefe15648499d074183779694f55fb61e318b86e138343.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:14:34 | null | 2016-02-11T00:00:00 | KINGSPORT — Dobyns-Bennett High School’s Class of 2016 was part of a trend of students taking more Advanced Placement tests, and the Board of Education at a work | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FEducation%2F2016%2F08%2F23%2FD-B-students-taking-AP-tests-for-college-credit.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/02/11/x720_q60/Chris-Hampton.jpg | en | null | D-B students taking more AP tests for college credit | null | null | www.timesnews.net | BOE members likened that to the state paying this year for a second ACT test for students who took the ACT as juniors, on top of the junior test, for which the state also pays. The normal AP testing fee is $90, but some students get that cut to $15 and some to nothing. D-B Principal Chris Hampton said that the funding for the testing for students who can’t afford to pay comes from the state and/or ACT-generated funds, not local tax dollars.
Of the Class of 2016, 424 students took AP classes, took 808 exams and passed 576 of them. The number of exams has steadily increased in recent years. And 71 percent got a 3 or better on the exam, which means college credit at most colleges and universities. BOE member Susan Local said the system helps those who can’t afford the test, although Hampton said about 95 percent of students who take an AP course take the exam. He said some don’t because they know where they will go to college won’t accept the credit or they believe they are not truly prepared for the exam.
Hampton gave the board a report on the Class of 2016, which he said was 519 students, although 489 were scheduled to graduate in 2016 and the rest were supposed to be in the class of 2017 but graduated early.
Hampton said it is his understanding the ACT test is mandatory for students of the Class of 2018, although those with an individualized education plan or IEP can be exempted. He said 410 2016 graduates took the ACT, 47 more than the 2015 class. He said D-B consistently has almost 90 percent of students take the ACT. In addition, he said 33 percent are deemed college- and career-ready by the 2016 test results at D-B, compared to about 20 percent statewide. Science Hill jumped from 33 percent to 37 percent for 2016, according to Johnson City Director of Instruction and Communications Debra Bentley Tuesday. D-B bested Science Hill, which got an ACT composite of 22.2.
ACT data released publicly Wednesday indicated the Class of 2016 at D-B got a composite score of 22.4, which Hampton said compared with a 22.5 in 2015, although the state Department of Education listed D-B at 22.2 in 2015. He said that is the highest ACT score at D-B since 1994, when about a fourth as many students took the ACT.
The past D-B composite scores, Hampton told the board, were 22.1 in 2014, 22.2 in 2013, 21.9 in 2012 and 2011 in 21.8. The 22.4 puts D-B higher than Science Hill and Sullivan South, but results for University School in Johnson City, technically part of the Washington County school system, were not available Tuesday for comparison. Hampton said 45 students in the class scored 30 or higher on the ACT, 17 more than the class before it.
Hampton said the class received offers of $12 million in scholarships and grants and included eight National Merit Scholar semifinalists and six commended NMS students, as well as three semifinalists for the Presidential Scholars program and 70 who exceeded a 4.0 grade point average because of weighted grades given for rigorous classes. In addition, 114 graduated with distinction, 71 were AP scholars and one was the first-ever AP International Scholar. Also, 12 were AP National Scholars, two got a perfect ACT and 40 had ACT scores of 30 or more.
All told, the class earned 3,881 college hours: 2,102 from getting a 3 or more on a scale of 1 to 5 on AP exams, 954 from dual enrollment, 462 from articulated credit through career and technical courses and 363 in state dual enrollment.
He said the senior exit survey indicated nearly 100 percent of students intend to attend college but usually about 70 percent actually do. For the Class of 2015, he said about 68 percent started college, 39 percent in four-year schools and 29 percent in two-year, while 95 percent of four-year and 72 percent of two-year students make the transition to the second year. He also said the survey indicated dissatisfaction with counseling, which he said is a legitimate issue because each D-B counselor serves about 440 students. | http://www.timesnews.net/Education/2016/08/23/D-B-students-taking-AP-tests-for-college-credit.html | en | 2016-02-11T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/ff25f64fb3d84f7a907b14c4cff74e627164caec6ef578e10f1bda3a17f6e30d.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T16:50:22 | null | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | KINGSPORT - Frances L. “Dodson” Jaynes, 97, of Kingsport, a faithful servant of God, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 25th at Governor’s Bend | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FObituary%2F2016%2F08%2F27%2FFrances-L-Dodson-Jaynes-1.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net | en | null | Frances L. "Dodson" Jaynes | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Frances L. "Dodson" Jaynes
KINGSPORT - Frances L. “Dodson” Jaynes, 97, of Kingsport, a faithful servant of God, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 25th at Governor’s Bend Assisted Living in Erwin, TN. The family wants to thank the nurses and staff at Governor’s Bend Assisted Living for all the love and care they gave to Frances, and also our thanks to Avalon Hospice for all they did to give her comfort and help. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 5-7:00 pm at Oakwood Forest Christian Church in Kingsport. The funeral service will follow at 7:00 pm with Dr. Marlin S. Jaynes, Jr. officiating. A graveside service will be held on Monday at 10:00 am at Mountain Home National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Oakwood Forest Christian Church, 1713 E. Sevier Ave., Kingsport, TN 37664. Please visit www.hamlettdobson.com to leave an on-line condolence for the family. Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Kingsport is serving the family of Frances L. “Dodson” Jaynes. | http://www.timesnews.net/Obituary/2016/08/27/Frances-L-Dodson-Jaynes-1.html | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/bb5a0b58379a0c07bfb03dad6b6f15bb9418548fcaca46ce7bff09b3acd414de.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:06:06 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | The 2016 version of the Union Bears started the season in familiar fashion taking an explosive 54-13 win over visiting J.I. Burton. Unlike last | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2Ffrontpage%2F2016%2F08%2F25%2FThe-U-Second-half-offensive-explosion-leads-Union-past-Burton.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/26/x720_q60/082516musi-theUweek1.jpg | en | null | The U: Second-half explosion leads Union past Burton | null | null | www.timesnews.net | A first-half, ball-control strategy by Burton seemed to have the Bears off balance. Union was able to get on the board first when sophomore quarterback Bailey Turner hit receiver James Mitchell for a quick strike putting the Bears ahead early. On Burton’s next possession, Mitchell stopped a solid drive by hauling in a one-handed interception deep in Union territory.
After Burton picked off a pass of its own, the Raiders mounted a drive capped by a quarterback keeper and tied the score at 7 with under two minutes to go in the half. The Union offense went to quick work and marched the length of the field and scored on a 1-yard run by fullback Luke Stidham to make the score 14-7 going in to the half.
The start of the second half followed suit with Burton controlling the clock and scoring on its opening possession. A missed two-point conversion left the score at 14-13 with 6:03 in the third quarter.
From there, it was all Union.
Turner used his feet and his arms to dismantle the Burton defense. Turner connected on scoring strikes to wide receivers Mitchell and Zach Qualls, and the Bears picked up touchdown runs from Dakota Owens, Avery Jenkins and Cameron Fannon on the night.
Defensively, the Bears made solid second-half adjustments to keep the pesky Burton offense from gaining much ground. Union was led up front by defensive lineman Jeb Stidham and linebacker Tanner Kennedy. Sophomore placekicker Sean Simon turned in a good opening performance for the Bears, connecting on 6-of-7 extra point attempts.
The Bears will return to action next Friday when they travel to Richlands to face the Blue Tornado. This matchup has become one of the best in Southwest Virginia in recent years and this year is sure to be another great contest. Catch live updates all season long by following our Twitter page (@unionbearslive).
SportsLive contributor Brian Falin brings you a recap from The U every Friday at TimesNews.Net. | http://www.timesnews.net/frontpage/2016/08/25/The-U-Second-half-offensive-explosion-leads-Union-past-Burton.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/0f83b7caae2f13fc87540916d98c9606f52ef43ab5525a130c23ab9aa38665b4.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T18:51:35 | null | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | In third grade, I wrote a story about a bear being attacked by bees while harvesting honey from a tree. My teacher liked it enough to parade me around the upper grades, where I was obliged | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FLocal%2F2016%2F08%2F28%2FSwan-song.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/27/x720_q60/como-jpg.jpg | en | null | Swan song: Times-News managing editor says goodbye | null | null | www.timesnews.net | That’s when I knew I wanted to write for a living.
To that end, I took typing in high school, the only boy in the class, and later began an underground newspaper. After military service, I talked the Irish editor of my hometown newspaper into giving me a shot and 10 years later, left that paper as chief photographer and senior staff reporter.
After editing papers elsewhere in the state for a few years, we tired of long, cold winters in parts north and moved into a little Cape Cod in the sunny South. It was going to be another four- or five-year stint at the Times-News and then on to better things.
But we quickly found it doesn’t get much better than Kingsport, Tennessee.
After nearly 34 years as managing editor at the Times-News and, I believe, dean of Tennessee daily newspaper editors, I’ll have my last quart of coffee this Friday and step into retirement. And if there are any letters to the editor waiting, I’ll add them to the many thousands I’ve edited since 1983.
It was the job that brought me here but not which planted me here. Nor was it the challenges and excitement of riding the technology train as the Times-News and every other newspaper went through paradigm shifts in production and printing. It wasn’t even the incredibly beautiful region that is Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.
It was the people.
I have had the privilege of working with, for and managing some of the best in the business. Dozens of reporters have passed through our newsroom to greater rewards, and I take pride in whatever part I may have played in their success. The Times-News has always been at the forefront of technology and innovation because of experienced, capable managers who motivate and inspire, and it’s been my great pleasure to work with such folks for more than three decades.
New Yorkers are a bit less wired than when I called that state home, but generally they’re still too busy to talk to you. Not so in these parts, and it’s the people that we have lived with, interacted with, and gotten to know that have made our life here so satisfying. By and large, just good folks who inspired us and kept us here. And we thank them for that.
We could retire anywhere and last year sold our house to get ready for that move. We didn’t have far to go — about two miles. We can’t imagine living anywhere else. And though I’m nearing my 70th birthday, I’m the youngest kid on our new block. I like that; it seems to take away some of those years.
I started in the business in a hot-type shop where ever letter of every word was cast in molten metal and the plates that finally ended up on the letterpress were about all one man could lift. Stories were set in type using one of the most complicated machines ever invented, the Linotype — so loud newspapers hired the deaf to run them. Photos were etched on metal plates, and the backshop where pages were built on heavy metal tables smelled of ink and tobacco.
The ink, as they say, was in my blood, and I watched and learned as newspapers moved to mainframe computers producing strips of text that were waxed and pasted onto paper forms, to be engraved as razor thin plates for offset printing. And when computers arrived, the process changed again to full digital production, where multimedia reporters now generate content on computers, tablets or cell phones and publish instantly to web, only later to print.
Much has changed in the nearly half-century I’ve been practicing the art. And that evolution continues. I regret I will no longer be part of it.
But I’ll never regret moving to God’s country and the honor afforded me to be at the editorial helm of the Times-News these many years.
Ted Como is soon to be former managing editor of the Times-News. He may be reached at tcomo@timesnews.net. | http://www.timesnews.net/Local/2016/08/28/Swan-song.html | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/90088d25abbe064f9e5b7e8adda63c5a1fc544757a97a819f7c7451f577cb8b1.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:15:46 | null | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | ABINGDON — Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe defended on Tuesday his action this week to restore the voting rights of 13,000 former felons in compliance with an order by the Virginia | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FPolitics%2F2016%2F08%2F23%2FMcAuliffe-Restoring-felons-voting-rights-morally-the-right-thing-to-do.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/23/x720_q60/O-Quinn-McAuliffe-jpg.jpg | en | null | McAuliffe: Restoring ex-felons' voting rights 'morally the right thing to do' | null | null | www.timesnews.net | During a stop at a truck driver training site, McAuliffe insisted 40 other states have taken the same action.
“There’s no reason Virginia should be at the bottom of the pile on any issue,” McAuliffe, a Democrat, said. “These folks have served their time. ... They’re back in society. ... I totally believe Virginia ought to lead the way and not follow all the way. We’re going to continue the process to keep in compliance with the Supreme Court, but this is morally the right thing to do.”
Individual restoration orders were printed with the governor’s signature under the Seal of the Commonwealth and mailed last Friday to those newly restored individuals, according to McAuliffe’s office.
Last month, a Virginia Supreme Court decision invalidated McAuliffe’s executive order restoring voting rights to more than 200,000 with past convictions.
Also attending McAuliffe’s stop at the truck driver training site was Delegate Israel O’Quinn, who noted governors have the authority to restore voting rights to people who proactively ask.
“They don’t have the authority to issue a blanket restoration,” O’Quinn, R-Bristol, noted. “I think we want to see proof those 13,000 people have reached out to the governor’s office and have indeed petitioned for their rights. Then, you never know. If push comes to shove, we may end up back at the Supreme Court again. They were very clear in their majority opinion he did not have the authority to do what he thought he did. ... Essentially we want to make sure he hasn’t overstepped his authority, if he is operating within the bounds of the constitutional parameters of his job. ... We want to make sure he is playing by the rules.”
The average citizen in the voting rights restoration effort, said McAuliffe, is a 48-year-old white male who has been out of incarceration for 11 years.
“They have to make the decision to register to vote,” McAuliffe pointed out.
McAuliffe, a former Democratic National Committee chairman, also did not think his move will be a difference maker in the presidential race between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton.
“Thirteen thousand is not going to have a difference,” McAuliffe observed. “Hillary Clinton is up 13 points in the state. It’s very hard to change that number. ... At the end of the day, this is about helping people do the right thing. These people are paying taxes. They are living in our communities. ... They are done with the sentence prescribed to them by a judge and jury. ... I want them back as a productive member of society.”
Still, the competition on the ground continues to be fierce, as Trump campaigned in Abingdon two weeks ago and Clinton’s campaign launched this week a campus voter registration drive with events on college and university campuses across the commonwealth.
McAuliffe stressed one reason the November elections are important is because federal government sequestration a few years ago took billions out of Virginia’s economy.
“I have no idea what Washington is going to do, but we can’t sit back and say, ‘Well, I hope Congress gets their act together.’ We can’t. We’ve got to build these jobs,” he concluded. “We’ve got to diversify. ... We’re down to 3.7 percent unemployment rate, the lowest we’ve had in about eight, nine years ... (but) the one thing that gets me a little wild is jobs open and not filling them.” | http://www.timesnews.net/Politics/2016/08/23/McAuliffe-Restoring-felons-voting-rights-morally-the-right-thing-to-do.html | en | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/b7cb2f3e9bd8f397204fa7af0720e6dd06d0404ed7ebba3758c42f9ecdf01383.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T20:51:57 | null | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | ABINGDON, VA - Gary Allen Hilton, age 73, passed on Saturday, August 27, 2016, at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX. Visitation with the family will be held 5-7 p.m. Thursday, | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FObituary%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2FGary-Allen-Hilton.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net | en | null | Gary Allen Hilton | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Gary Allen Hilton
ABINGDON, VA - Gary Allen Hilton, age 73, passed on Saturday, August 27, 2016, at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX. Visitation with the family will be held 5-7 p.m. Thursday, September 1, 2016, in the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA 24210. A memorial service will follow at 7:00 p.m. with Pastor Daniel Thomas officiating. Military Rites will be conducted by Highlands Veterans Honor Guard and the Virginia Army National Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society in Mr. Hilton’s name. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guest register. The Hilton family is being cared for by Farris Cremation & Funeral Center, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA 24210, (276) 623-2700. | http://www.timesnews.net/Obituary/2016/08/29/Gary-Allen-Hilton.html | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/644c67b2ba6f34c45ebb83a4453597a770208098adcbc26b90b5da8583248f17.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T20:50:00 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | ABINGDON -- Appalachian Sustainable Development (ASD) is the recipient of a huge boost toward achieving a food distribution and jobs initiative, thanks to a $1.5 million grant from the | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FNews%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2FARC-grant-to-boost-ASD-food-jobs-initiative.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/26/x720_q60/ASD-Color-Logo-high-res-jpg.jpg | en | null | ARC grant to boost ASD food/jobs initiative | null | null | www.timesnews.net | ASD is one of 29 recipients in an announcement of a total of $38.8 million in coal impacted communities grants announced Thursday in Huntington, W.Va. by the ARC, the U.S. Economic Development Administration, and the feeral Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration.
For its part, ASD will act as the lead agency in conjunction with Athens, O. based Appalachian Center for Economic Networks (ACEnet) to pass through much of the funding to local and regional partners.
The $1.5 million will support a Central Appalachian Food Enterprise Corridor, a five-state, 43-county collaboration to develop a coordinated foods distribution network throughout Central Appalachia that will connect established and emerging producers of whole produce, value added products and forest botanicals to wholesale markets in Ohio, West Virginia, Tennessee, Southwest Virginia and Eastern Kentucky.
The ARC award will support planning, partner coordination and capacity building as well as production and processing equipment, supplies, and distribution and labor costs, and will be supported by matching funding from the Just Transition Fund and CoBank.
The initiative is for the corridor to act as a regional economic driver with the goal of creating 120 jobs, retaining 250 jobs, and creating 95 new businesses. The ARC award is part of the Obama administration's Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) initiative that seeks to stimulate economic growth and opportunity in communities that have historically relied on the coal industry for economic stability.
ASD Executive Directory Kathlyn Terry, who participated in Thursday's event in Huntington, said her organiztsion is "so honored to receive this support. Our work began with a very local focus. But over the years we have seen that to truly help rural communities with such limited resources, we have to connect with regional partners."
Regional connections, she said, "help us expand access to markets and identify more ways for families to earn a living. I look forward to working with our project partners to help create livelihoods for Central Appalachians tht capitalize on the growing interest in local food and agriculture as an economic development driver."
ARC Co-Chair Earl F. Gohl said Appalachian communities "are actively engaged in creating diverse local economies that are resilient, sustainable and strong. Local leaders and entrepreneurs will use these investments to develop, direct and implement economic diversification initiatives that will have long lasting impact."
Since 1995 ASD has engaged its efforts of exploring new economic opportunties in more than 15 counties in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. ASD (www.asdevelop.org) operates programs in sustainable agriculture/food systems development, sustainable forestry and food access. | http://www.timesnews.net/News/2016/08/26/ARC-grant-to-boost-ASD-food-jobs-initiative.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/da38dbf16d6e90f31f4cf02538e3334a72eb47647e0d59dd6b3ca60cb05ba24e.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:10:54 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FLocal%2F2016%2F08%2F23%2FCode-Blue-Church-Hill-EMS-notifies-employees-they-re-out-of-business.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/24/x720_q60/DSC-0110-JPG-2.jpg | en | null | Church Hill EMS notifies employees they're out of business | null | null | www.timesnews.net | MOUNT CARMEL — In a closed meeting Tuesday evening at their Mount Carmel station, Church Hill EMS employees received news that their doors were shutting and the company is out of business.
It was devastating news on two levels.
Approximately 47 employees, many of whom have worked at Church Hill EMS for more than a decade, are out of work.
And the ambulance company that served eastern Hawkins County for more than two decades is no longer in operation.
Hawkins County Emergency Management Agency Director Gary Murrell said that as of Tuesday night the Rogersville-based Hawkins County EMS was covering the CHEMS territory, with Sullivan County EMS on standby to assist if needed.
Church Hill EMS President Fred Arnold said he doesn’t know what the next step for the company is.
However, he said he and the board of directors will be meeting with their attorneys, but he suspected bankruptcy is a likely option.
Tuesday’s closed meeting became heated at times. Finger-pointing was visible through the front window until the blinds were closed, and at times screaming and yelling could be heard coming from inside the building.
Afterward Arnold told the Times-News he had to inform employees that Church Hill EMS didn’t receive the loan needed to continue operating and that the company was closing.
“I really don’t know the legal of it,” Arnold said. “It’s a nonprofit organization. Nobody owns it. That’s something I’ll have to get with the attorney — the different routes, whether it be Chapter 11, or maybe merging with another nonprofit.”
Arnold said Church Hill EMS has assets exceeding $3 million, but he also reportedly told employees there is debt exceeding $800,000.
Arnold accepted part of the blame for the company’s failure, but he said there were several reasons.
“The economy, and maybe I reacted too slow,” Arnold said. “Maybe I should have reacted quicker, but our revenue started dropping off, and Medicare tightens up and affects your revenue, and our revenue has been going down.”
Employees had the option of finishing their shifts after the meeting Tuesday.
But apparently no one has been getting paid since Sunday morning. According to Hawkins County Central Dispatch, none of the CHEMS units went back into service after Tuesday’s meeting.
News of the company’s financial crisis wasn’t made public until Friday, when CHEMS employees were informed by then director Brenda Joyner that the company had only enough funds to make payroll when they get their checks Friday.
They were told that when the new payroll cycle began at 7 a.m. Sunday, there is no money to pay CHEMS employees for that payroll cycle.
Employees were also reportedly told by Joyner that as of Sept. 1, the company would stop making employee health insurance payments, the company was months behind on paying some of its bills and there was no money available to restock supplies on their ambulances.
Following that meeting with her staff, Joyner was apparently fired.
Arnold told the county commission’s Public Safety Committee during an emergency meeting Saturday that he had been denied a $150,000 loan by two banks.
Although he told commissioners Monday he’d had a “positive” meeting with lenders that morning, Arnold told the Times-News Tuesday night there was no coming back at this point.
Employees were very emotional as they left Tuesday’s meeting.
Tricia Kelly, whose husband has worked at CHEMS for 19 years, blamed Arnold and his board of directors for the company’s failure.
“His (Arnold’s) lack of transparency caused this,” Kelly said. “He told us in there that because it got leaked to the media, that didn’t help with the banks turning him down. But because of his actions, and the actions of the board of directors, they have put the lives of everyone who lives in Hawkins County at risk.”
Kelly added, “He and the board of directors had nothing to lose. They’ve all got jobs. He’s retired from the Eastman. He had nothing to lose by not telling every employee here. So now the market’s going to be flooded with people trying to find jobs.”
Kelly said her husband and many of his coworkers now have no choice but to file for unemployment.
“(Arnold) is talking about filing Chapter 11 or possibly merging with another entity,” she said. “Who’s going to take on $800,000 worth of debt? Not to mention the bills that are out that haven’t been paid. The vendors that haven’t been paid. He just bought brand new ambulances. Why did he do that if he knew for the past two years that it was in jeopardy like this?”
Hawkins County Commissioner John Metz, who serves on the Public Safety Committee, said Lifeguard EMS has expressed an interest in assisting with Hawkins County ambulance coverage if needed.
In a close vote last year, the Hawkins County Commission voted against giving Lifeguard a franchise to operate as a third ambulance service in the county. | http://www.timesnews.net/Local/2016/08/23/Code-Blue-Church-Hill-EMS-notifies-employees-they-re-out-of-business.html | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/0cb42e477e712de557b65fbb0f8ef980c11ffebe67bc02f5118c65cf8346a896.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T14:51:49 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | The Obama Administration last Wednesday was celebrating its federal approach to replacing lost coal mining jobs across Appalachia.
The Appalachian Regional Commission | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FBusiness%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2FObama-Administration-touts-its-post-coal-jobs-strategy.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/26/x720_q60/Coaljobs-jpg.jpg | en | null | Obama Administration touts its post-coal jobs strategy | null | null | www.timesnews.net | The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration announced 29 awards totaling $38.8 million would go to organizations in coal-impacted communities.
The investments were made as a part of the Obama Administration’s Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative to stimulate economic growth in communities that have historically relied on the coal economy for economic stability.
All total, the Obama Administration said the investments would create or retain 3,400 jobs in agriculture, technology, entrepreneurship, manufacturing, and other diverse sectors in Appalachia’s coal-impacted communities.
Contrast that with a Bureau of Labor Statistics report last spring that said the United States has lost approximately 191,000 jobs in the mining industry since September 2014. The coal mining industry alone has lost approximately 10,900 jobs since April 2015, according to the bureau.
Jason Walsh, senior policy advisor of the White House Domestic Policy Council, acknowledged there’s a robust public debate about why the energy landscape in this country is changing.
“That’s fine, that’s democracy, but it’s our strong belief the people and communities most impacted by these changes are less interested in that debate and more interested in finding solutions,” Walsh said in a conference call with reporters.
The awards included a $1.4 million ARC grant to Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC) in Cedar Bluff, Va. to retrain and provide reemployment services for coal miners; a $1.5 million ARC grant to Appalachian Sustainable Development in Abington, Va., for the Central Appalachian Food Enterprise Corridor, a coordinated local foods distribution network; and a $400,000 grant to help Pennington Gap and Jonesville develop broadband service.
The Obama Administration, for instance, insisted the food corridor will act as a “regional economic driver” creating 120 jobs, retaining 250 jobs, and ultimately creating 95 new businesses.
U.S. Rep. Phil Roe, a Northeast Tennessee Republican critical of the administration’s tightening rules on carbon emissions from coal-fired power plants, had this reaction to the announcement: “While this is much-needed attention because these communities desperately need assistance, small towns throughout Appalachia wouldn’t be in this position if it weren’t for President Obama’s war on coal. A true solution would be to pursue an all-of-the-above energy policy that protects our interests at home and abroad.”
Roe’s Southwest Virginia GOP counterpart, U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith, applauded the announcement.
“These awards are a small step which I am optimistic will help to reinvigorate economic prospects in Southwest Virginia,” he said in a release. “I extend my congratulations to all those who worked to secure this funding and to those who also continue pushing to advance economic development strategies in our region. As we know all too well, the need in Appalachian coal communities remains great. I am proud to be a part of the group in Congress that continues to defend the reasonable and rational use of coal as a major energy source. But as the fight to counter regulatory onslaught and defend the use of coal continues, so must we continue our efforts together to advance economic development strategies to help keep and grow jobs in Appalachia.”
These awards have also attracted an additional $66.9 million in leveraged investments from other public and private partners, according to the Obama Administration.
“Appalachian communities are actively engaged in creating diverse local economies that are resilient, sustainable and strong,” said ARC Federal Co-Chair Earl Gohl. “Local leaders and entrepreneurs will use these investments to develop, direct, and implement economic diversification initiatives which will have long-lasting impact.”
Additional information about the POWER Initiative is available at www.arc.gov/power or www.eda.gov/power. | http://www.timesnews.net/Business/2016/08/29/Obama-Administration-touts-its-post-coal-jobs-strategy.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/f879935698aa7f30b2dbe775ca32caf7cff0a9b786822d50b8917b6b070f2f4e.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T20:52:05 | null | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | KINGSPORT - Eddie D. “Ed” Robinson, 45, Kingsport, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 27, 2016, at his residence, following a courageous battle with cancer. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FObituary%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2FEddie-D-Ed-Robinson-1.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net | en | null | Eddie D. “Ed” Robinson | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Eddie D. “Ed” Robinson
KINGSPORT - Eddie D. “Ed” Robinson, 45, Kingsport, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 27, 2016, at his residence, following a courageous battle with cancer. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 12-2:00 pm at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport and at other hours at the residence. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 pm in the chapel. Burial will follow in New Canton Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jeff Dotson, Joey Doston, T.J. Crawford, Jamie East, Chris Boehn and Scotty Jeffers. Please visit www.hamlettdobson.com to leave an on-line condolence for the family. Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Kingsport is serving the family of Eddie D. “Ed” Robinson. | http://www.timesnews.net/Obituary/2016/08/29/Eddie-D-Ed-Robinson-1.html | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/6ff7978f6b22813f992c79c30f4230df5ecdf156fb3b5c48c148d44059435cc5.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T20:51:24 | null | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | Taylor and Bielinski Sarah Catherine Taylor of Kingsport, TN and Connar John Bielinski of Green Bay, Wisconsin plan to be married September 17, 2016 in St. Augustine, Florida. The bride- | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FEngagement%2F2016%2F08%2F28%2FTaylor-and-Bielinski.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/23/x720_q60/taylor-jpg.jpg | en | null | Taylor and Bielinski | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Taylor and Bielinski
Taylor and Bielinski Sarah Catherine Taylor of Kingsport, TN and Connar John Bielinski of Green Bay, Wisconsin plan to be married September 17, 2016 in St. Augustine, Florida. The bride-elect is the daughter of Donald E. and Jewel Taylor of Kingsport. She is the granddaughter of the late Henry Clay, the late Hattie Mae Taylor, R. Sidney and Ruth Salyer. She graduated from Kingsport Area Christian Home Education Association through Gateway Christian Schools of Memphis in 2007, and from ETSU with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2011. She is the Administrative Assistant of the Clarksville Regional Airport, Clarksville, TN. The bridegroom-to-be is the son of Thomas and Tracy Bielinski of Green Bay, WI. He is the grandson of Robert and the late Viola Bielinski, the late Charles and Ora Lee Lehman and Dory Gerard. He graduated from Denmark High School in 2007, and has been serving in the United States Army since 2007 where he is a Staff Sergeant at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Best Wishes may be sent to Sarah and Connar at sarahc0711@gmail.com | http://www.timesnews.net/Engagement/2016/08/28/Taylor-and-Bielinski.html | en | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/be15aa40029c7e8ee3d81e512af587a98cdbb203d4ef06687a16e50e629a2357.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:14:51 | null | 2016-01-05T00:00:00 | HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Communities in nine U.S. states that have been hard-hit by coal layoffs are being promised more than 3,000 jobs in several industries through a multimillion- | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FBusiness%2F2016%2F08%2F24%2FCoal-towns-hit-by-layoffs-to-get-job-grants-from-US-gov-t.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/01/05/x720_q60/Business-News-jpg.jpg | en | null | Coal towns hit by layoffs to get job grants from U.S. government | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Officials for the Appalachian Regional Commission and other agencies announced the 29 projects totaling nearly $39 million Wednesday at a news conference in Huntington, West Virginia. The investments are expected to create or retain more than 3,400 jobs in agriculture, health care, manufacturing, technology and other industries. The projects are intended to help communities in Texas and in eight Appalachian states: Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.
“Appalachia is the next great investment opportunity in America,” said Appalachian Regional Commission federal co-chair Earl Gohl.
Some of the grants will enable laid-off coal miners to participate in job retraining. The commission says about 23,000 Appalachian coal jobs were lost between 2011 and 2015.
Laid-off coal miner Bo Copley of Delbarton has three children, and his wife’s job as a professional photographer is the family’s main source of income.
Although he was unaware of the grant package announced Wednesday, Copley said help is needed in West Virginia, whose seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 5.7 percent in July was tied for the ninth highest in the country.
“Anything that can help bolster the economy in our area is a good thing, especially if it’s outside of coal,” Copley said Wednesday. “Right now we need to have some sort of diversity so we don’t fall into the same situations. If coal were to make a comeback sometime down the road, we don’t want to fall into the same (predicament) we’re in right now.”
Other grants would fund programs to tackle prescription-drug abuse and bring broadband internet service to rural communities — both prevailing issues in Appalachia.
The largest grant award, $7.5 million, goes to the University of Pikeville in Kentucky to help launch only the second optometry college in central Appalachia. The college would be expected to graduate 60 optometrists within the first three years and provide care to 12,000 patients.
A $1.5 million grant to Appalachian Sustainable Development, a nonprofit organization based in Abingdon, Virginia, is aimed at developing a distribution network for local foods in five states.
Officials said matching grants from other public and private partners are expected to bring an additional $67 million in investments.
“We believe that these investments will serve as a catalytic moment to transform these communities,” said Jay Williams, U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development.
The projects represent a portion of the $65.8 million that President Barack Obama’s administration made available through the multiagency Partnership for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization initiative, or POWER. The Appalachian Regional Commission alone received $45 million of that to distribute to communities to help them diversify their economies, create new jobs and retrain workers. | http://www.timesnews.net/Business/2016/08/24/Coal-towns-hit-by-layoffs-to-get-job-grants-from-US-gov-t.html | en | 2016-01-05T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/64b6745d3eaa3630eb59ef08b642162b9ff0067dc0e98e8a407109e9cb114847.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:13:20 | null | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | ETSU's Reece Museum hosting statewide craft exhibition
JOHNSON CITY – An exhibit of some of the finest contemporary and traditional craft Tennessee has to | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2Ffrontpage%2F2016%2F08%2F23%2FETSU-s-Reece-Museum-hosting-statewide-craft-exhibition.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/23/x720_q60/ETSU-s-Reece-Museum-hosting-statewide-craft-exhibition.jpg | en | null | ETSU's Reece Museum hosting statewide craft exhibition | null | null | www.timesnews.net | JOHNSON CITY – An exhibit of some of the finest contemporary and traditional craft Tennessee has to offer is on display at the Reece Museum at East Tennessee State University through Dec. 2.
The 2016 "Best of Tennessee Craft" exhibit provides public visibility and recognition for the quality and diversity of craft found throughout the state.
An awards presentation and reception will be held Saturday, Aug. 27, from 4-6 p.m. Cash awards include a $1,000 Best of Show.
Works included in this exhibit were selected by guest juror Jerry Jackson, deputy director of the Penland School of Crafts in Penland, North Carolina. Prior to Penland, he served as chief curator and director of the Rocky Mount Arts Center at the Imperial Centre for Arts and Sciences in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. He earned his master of fine arts and bachelor of fine arts degrees in studio art at East Carolina University.
Artists whose works are included in the exhibit are Anderson Bailey, Marc Barr, Joan Schaller Bauer, Jeanne Brady, Sally Brogden, Graham Campbell, Martha Christian, Jinni Copp, Chery Cratty, Don DuMont, Richard Dwyer, Sharron Eckert, Emily Eversgerd, J. Michael Floyd, Judi Gaston, John Glass, Katie Gonzalez and Allison Volek Shelton, Mindy Herrin, David Heustess, Tim Hintz, Buffy Holton, John Jordan, Shana Kohnstamm, Claudia Lee, Ken Lewis, Jeffrey Neil, Nancy Oxford, Abraham Pardee, Claire Reishman, Anne Rob, Tim Roberts, Pat Rollie, Wes Shugart, Thomas Spake, George Summers, Vickie Vipperman, Sadie Wang, Bruce Willey and Kimberly Winkle.
The "Best of Tennessee Craft" exhibit coincides with Tennessee Craft Week (Oct. 7-16), a celebration of over 100 artists who will showcase their work and share their art through demonstrations and lectures. The week will feature over 50 state and regional craft events.
According to Tennessee Craft, "The art of handmade crafts is a Tennessee legacy that continues to grow each year. Born from the hills of the Smoky Mountains, and evolving as artists create new works across the state, handmade crafts are bringing local communities together and creating a beautiful reason to tour the state."
Tennessee Craft, formerly known as the Tennessee Association of Craft Artists, has worked since 1965 to continue and create Tennessee's fine craft tradition. With more than 500 members throughout the state, Tennessee Craft serves as the premier connecting point for local, independent makers and their audiences through craft fairs, exhibitions, professional development and educational programs.
Additional information is available at www.tennesseecraft.org.
Regular hours at the Reece Museum are Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Special Saturday hours for the "Best of Tennessee Craft" exhibit are scheduled for Sept. 10 and 24, Oct. 8 and 22 and Nov. 12 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Admission is free. Parking passes are available for weekday visitors. Group tours are also available.
For more information or to arrange a group tour, call the Reece Museum at 423-439-4392. For disability accommodations, call the ETSU Office of Disability Services at 423-439-8346 | http://www.timesnews.net/frontpage/2016/08/23/ETSU-s-Reece-Museum-hosting-statewide-craft-exhibition.html | en | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/259a13e2ba21e808a4043aa33c835429e4ad263da3ec5c91bfb41a7ff1140ab9.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T16:51:57 | null | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | 61 years ago Carl Reached down and took the hand of the love of his life, Nancy, and on August 27th Nancy reached down from heaven to take his hand and to reunite their love and to guide him | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FObituary%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2FCarl-Lee-Jones-Sr-1.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net | en | null | Carl Lee Jones, Sr. | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Carl Lee Jones, Sr.
61 years ago Carl Reached down and took the hand of the love of his life, Nancy, and on August 27th Nancy reached down from heaven to take his hand and to reunite their love and to guide him home where his valiant battle with cancer was won. The family will receive friends Monday from 6-8 p.m. at East Tennessee Funeral Home or anytime at hte home of the daughter Janice Harvey - 3100 Lucy Place in Kingsport. A masonic service will be held at 8 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with MM Martin lodge #547 officiating Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at East Tennessee Cemetery with Pastor Phil Whittemore officiating. To post an online condolence please visit easttnfuneral.com or follow us on Facebook. East Tennessee Funeral Home and Cemetery are honored to serve the Jones Family. | http://www.timesnews.net/Obituary/2016/08/29/Carl-Lee-Jones-Sr-1.html | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/b37805e173748eab02e415d0defe6d38c1d59f4068574b2eaab91b6d782048f4.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:01:30 | null | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | KINGSPORT — Detectives are investigating a series of recent burglaries in and around Aurawood Heights, saying multiple homes and vehicles have been hit by the suspect. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FLocal%2F2016%2F08%2F25%2FPolice-seek-tips-in-Kingsport-burglary-spree.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/25/x720_q60/aurawood6-png.jpg | en | null | Police seek tips about Kingsport burglary spree | null | null | www.timesnews.net | An incident which occurred on Aug. 16 was recorded by a home surveillance system on Rolling Drive. Police say the suspect unlawfully entered that home and an unlocked vehicle. He also attempted to enter a second vehicle, but it was locked.
Kingsport police say the same individual is believed to be involved in additional burglaries in the Aurawood Heights neighborhood, including locations on Packing House Road, Aurawood Drive and Joann Drive. Anyone with information about a potential suspect is asked to contact Kingsport Police Department detectives at (423) 229-9429 or Central Dispatch at (423) 246-9111.
Tips can also be submitted online and anonymously via the KPD’s “Citizen Feedback” forms: http://police.KingsportTN.gov/Citizen_Feedback
Kingsport police remind people to keep the doors to their residences, garages, utility sheds and vehicles locked at all times and to keep items of value out of plain view. Authorities also say that all suspicious or criminal activity should be reported to law enforcement immediately, even if nothing is actually stolen. | http://www.timesnews.net/Local/2016/08/25/Police-seek-tips-in-Kingsport-burglary-spree.html | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/5fe5afffe9fdcdb83dab6b5e25c7c8d25ca3904ccad07fce17dc38ef53a516cd.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T20:52:24 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | ROGERSVILLE — The Hawkins County boy accused of the | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FLocal%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2FBoy-accused-in-brutal-murder-of-elderly-Hawkins-woman-will-be-tried-as-an-adult.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/30/x720_q60/Margaret-Sliger-jpg-2.jpg | en | null | Boy accused in brutal murder of elderly Hawkins woman will be tried as an adult | null | null | www.timesnews.net | On Monday a transfer hearing was held for the boy, now 15, in Hawkins County Juvenile Court.
Juvenile Judge Daniel Boyd ordered the boy transferred to adult court Tuesday.
On May 18, 2015 shortly before 11 p.m. 79-year-old Margaret Jack Sliger was found murdered in the yard outside her home on Isenberg Lane in the Mooresburg community at the far west end of Hawkins County.
Boyd issued a gag order following the boy’s arrest on Nov. 3, 2015.
As a result no information has been released by law enforcement pertaining to the juvenile’s age, gender, or what specific charges have been filed.
Prior to the gag order being issued, however, the Times-News acquired information from the preliminary autopsy indicating Sliger had been shot, and her throat slit.
At the time of the Sliger’s murder the boy was slightly more than 14 years old.
Hawkins County Criminal Court Judge John Dugger told the Times-News Tuesday he can’t take action on any active orders, such as a gag order, until the case is in his court.
“Nothing will happen until it goes to the Grand Jury,” Dugger said. “Once it’s transferred over, the state has to take it to the Grand Jury. Once they do an indictment or presentment — however they proceed with it — then it’s in court. Right now it’s kind of in-between courts.”
Dugger added, “All the orders remain in effect until it’s charged into court. Everything the (Juvenile) Judge does is in effect until it’s in my jurisdiction. I can change the bond, but all the orders will stay in effect.”
Sliger’s murder was devastating to the small, close knit community of Mooresburg.
As one Mooresburg resident told the Times-News shortly after her death, “Everybody knew Margaret Jack.”
She was a retired teacher at Mooresburg Elementary School, and played organ at the Mooresburg United Methodist Church.
She raised chickens, cows and other animals on the small family farm where she’d lived her entire life.
The fresh eggs, milk and butter her farm produced was donated to the local food pantry, or she delivered it for free to anyone else who needed it.
A fellow church member told the Times-News she was devoted to her farm, her neighbors, and especially her church.
Sheriff Ronnie Lawson said, “She was a good person who loved everybody. She didn’t deserve to die like this.”
Sliger’s aunt, Bessie Mae Livesay told the times-News shortly after the boy’s arrest that only a person who is “pure evil” could have committed such a brutal murder.
Livesay and her husband Dale discovered Sliger’s body the night of May 18 — shot twice, throat slit, and dragged into a bush near her home.
The only known connection between Sliger and the boy accused of killing her was that he would ride his four-wheeler through her pasture.
Sliger had reportedly threatened to call the police on him more than once if he didn’t stop riding through her field.
“She had Black Angus cattle, and she lived on a big farm, and he was wanting to ride that four-wheeler on her land,” Livesay told the Times-News last November. “That was disturbing her animals. She couldn’t allow that. Can you imagine a person that age doing something like that? He may have thought he was going to get away with it because it had been about six months (between the murder and arrest).”
Sliger was in the late stages of breast cancer at the time she was murdered and had lost much of her mobility.
A neighbor took her mail to her and helped her carry in groceries from time to time.
On the day she was killed, that neighbor had been to her house twice, but he hadn’t been able to locate her. Later he called another neighbor, and they went together to look for Sliger inside her house.
Around 10:30 p.m., Dale and Bessie Mae were notified that Sliger was missing. They live in Bean Station, so they grabbed a flashlight and a lantern and went to Sliger’s farm to look for her.
They looked inside, and she wasn’t there, so they went back outside.
“There was a bush right beside of the house, and my husband decided he was going to shine the light in that bush, and that’s when he saw her foot,” Livesay said. “It was terrible. I’ll never get over that as long as I live. I really don’t think anyone could image what it’s like to find a person in that condition unless they’ve experienced it. Not only was she shot twice, but her throat was cut.”
Livesay added, “His arrest has given me closure, but I will never get over it as long as I live, and I’m sure my husband won’t either. Her sister and nieces live in Ohio, and this will always be with them. She was a wonderful person, and if she’d lived she would have been 80 this Christmas Day. It’s a shame that she didn’t get to live out the rest of her life. You just can’t imagine anything like that happening.” | http://www.timesnews.net/Local/2016/08/30/Boy-accused-in-brutal-murder-of-elderly-Hawkins-woman-will-be-tried-as-an-adult.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/3f958dc66814353b13c3b5e525967fb2614212be3d1a43d7e2e8af86b5b1a5cc.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:15:37 | null | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FBusiness%2F2016%2F08%2F23%2FHawkins-faces-county-shutdown-if-budget-isn-t-approved-by-Aug-31.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/23/x720_q60/DSC-0002-JPG-2.jpg | en | null | Hawkins faces county shutdown if budget isn't approved by Aug. 31 | null | null | www.timesnews.net | ROGERSVILLE — Hawkins County commissioners bickered over pennies on the proposed 2016-17 property tax rate, but the elephant in the room is still a $2.1 million revenue deficit that will more than deplete general fund reserves by 2017-18.
On Monday, the county commission’s Budget Committee hosted its second full commission budget workshop.
The full commission meets again on Aug. 29 to consider approval of the budget and property tax rate.
If the commission fails to approve a budget by Aug. 31, all county offices with exception of the school system and sheriff’s office will shut down until a budget is approved.
Based on some of the negative comments made by commissioners about the current budget proposal during Monday’s workshop, a county shutdown is a very real possibility.
The 2015-16 property tax rate was $2.465 per $100 of assessed property value.
Due to a reduction in property values reflected in this year reassessment, the state presented Hawkins County a certified tax rate of $2.5323 per $100 of assessed property value.
That’s a break-even property tax revenue figure, not including growth from new construction.
There has been a movement among some commissioners to ignore the certified property tax rate and keep the rate at $2.465.
Property Assessor Jeff Thacker told the commission it could set its property tax rate at $2.492 and generate almost exactly the same amount of revenue it generated last year, but that would eliminate all of the growth from new construction.
Following a lengthy discussion Monday, the Budget Committee forwarded the proposed budget and $2.5323 property tax rate to the full commission for approval. Committee member Stacy Vaughan said the full commission can change it on Aug. 29 if it so chooses.
That original proposal would leave the county general fund with $823,000 in reserves as of the end of 2016-17.
But it doesn’t address the fact that the county is spending about $2.1 million more than it’s bringing in, a situation that will still exist when the Budget Committee begins working on the 2017-18 budget next year.
Despite the impending deficit, some commissioners still discussed keeping the old property tax rate, which would cost the county more than $600,000 in revenue.
Most vocally opposed to the state certified tax rate is Commissioner Rick Brewer.
“I understand it’s going to cost the county like $600 and something thousand dollars if this tax rate is not approved,” Brewer said. “I can’t with good conscience vote for it because even though we’re bringing in the same amount of money, and I’ve been told we’re not raising taxes, I can’t look some individuals in the eye if their appraisals stayed the same and they’re going to have to pay more taxes.”
Brewer added, “If you’ve got a single mother out there that’s got three kids she’s trying to feed and working two jobs, can she afford to pay $16 more a year? Maybe she can, but the week she has to pay that, what’s she going to have to sacrifice?”
County Mayor Melville Bailey admitted that it’s not a good budget. But he said the commission will have to deal with the revenue deficit eventually, either this year or next year.
“Is it a good budget?” Bailey asked. “No, it’s not. But it’s time to take action, and we’ve got different scenarios we can go at. We can have a lower tax rate this year, and then next year we’re not going to have any option if we continue with the services that we’re providing today.”
Bailey added, “The matter of fact is, unless revenues increase and expenditures stay the same, we’re going to be in dire situations next year. Commissioner Brewer asked how we’re going to come up with $16 this year. My question is, if you don’t do anything, how are you going to come up with $32 next year?”
Commissioners agreed that they don’t want to increase the tax burden on property owners. But no action was taken on spending cut ideas that were given during Monday’s meeting.
For example, Commissioner Mark Linkous suggested cutting the proposed 2 percent pay increase for county employees. Eliminating the pay increases would save nearly $140,000 in recurring expenses.
“If you’re in the real world out here working in a plant, if that plant’s doing bad, do you think those employees get a raise,” Linkous asked. “No, they do not. How many people out here are retired? They’re losing benefits instead of getting benefits.”
Linkous added, “Our people have had enough of it. I get phone call after phone call from people in every district — we didn’t get a raise, so why should they (county employees) get a raise?”
Commissioner Charlie Newton suggested doing away with the sheriff’s offices SRO program.
“So much money is being spent, we can’t sustain it,” Newton said. “We spend a lot of money in nooks and crannies, and it’s just adding up. We can’t meet it. We keep doing the land taxes ... and it’s straining people on a fixed income who have 10 acres of land trying to keep it, and we just keep hitting them while we continue to spend the money. An 8 percent (spending) increase every year.”
Commissioner Michael Herrell had questioned the county employee pay increases at the commission’s budget workshop earlier this month.
“We’re going to have to start running this county like a business instead of just letting everybody have whatever they want,” Herrell said. “Basically, that’s what we’re doing.” | http://www.timesnews.net/Business/2016/08/23/Hawkins-faces-county-shutdown-if-budget-isn-t-approved-by-Aug-31.html | en | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/03bbd488ed1584084f6ac2a760ce78e096a235931d13de3551ee7b9664ac3d49.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:15:40 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | MOUNT CARMEL — A reduced version of the Mount Carmel Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted 3-0 Tuesday that an ethics complaint filed against Mayor Larry Frost merits further | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FLaw-Enforcement%2F2016%2F08%2F24%2FMount-Carmel-mayor-s-ethics-complaint-to-enter-investigation-phase.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/24/x720_q60/FROST-LARRY-1-JPG-1.jpg | en | null | Ethics complaint against Mount Carmel mayor enters investigation phase | null | null | www.timesnews.net | However, the board of three also agreed that if there is an overlapping inquiry by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the town doesn’t want to incur the unnecessary expense of hiring an impartial attorney to conduct its own investigation.
Although there were multiple persons at Tuesday’s BMA meeting who have firsthand knowledge that a TBI investigation exists, none felt at liberty to speak up and confirm on the record that the TBI is involved.
On Wednesday, however, Third Judicial District Attorney General Dan Armstrong confirmed for the Times-News that there is a TBI investigation underway into an alleged “false entry” made on a police report completed by former MCPD Detective Phillip Robinette.
Armstrong added, however, that there is no investigation related to the specific actions of Mayor Frost.
On Aug. 1, an ethics complaint was filed against Frost by Mount Carmel Senior Center board of directors member Janice Dean.
Dean had previously filed a complaint against Robinette in April accusing him of filing a false police report against her the previous year. Robinette was subsequently fired on June 10 by MCPD Chief Jeff Jackson.
Last year, the BMA voted to oust the original independent senior center and install a new municipal senior center on the second floor of City Hall.
The original senior center was to be out of City Hall by June 30, 2015, but following the move, a piece of kitchen equipment, a griddle, was left behind.
After the deadline had passed, Dean went to retrieve the equipment and reportedly received permission to do so from city employees who were working in the senior center at the time.
Frost allegedly directed Jackson to file a police report against Dean for trespassing and theft, but Jackson refused.
Robinette later filed a report accusing Janice Dean of criminal trespassing related to retrieving the kitchen equipment.
Robinette’s report allegedly contained witness statements against Janice Dean that the witnesses later reportedly claimed they hadn’t made.
Robinette’s police report is the subject of the TBI investigation, Armstrong said Wednesday.
Dean alleges that on Aug. 13, 2015, Frost distributed Robinette’s report about her to the Hawkins County Commission.
Her ethics complaint states, “In my opinion, the report was made and delivered to the commissioners with malicious intent. The mayor wanted to embarrass me, but his main purpose was to influence the commissioners to give him the $20,000 donation for his senior center, not the chartered senior center where I was a member of the board of directors.”
Dean notes that the police report contained personal information about her, including her Social Security number, telephone number, height, weight, full name, address, hair color, eye color and date of birth.
“An elected official should not be making this information public about a private citizen,” Dean stated in her complaint. “The report stated that Alderman Eugene Christian requested the investigation to be made. Alderman Christian denies talking to Detective Robinette about an investigation, except to say there should not be one.”
On Tuesday, the BMA was given three options by City Attorney John Pevy. It could either determine that Dean’s complaint has merit, doesn’t have merit, or requires further investigation.
Before any deliberations could take place, however, Alderman Paul Hale and Mayor Frost excused themselves from the proceedings.
Frost made a statement prior to bowing out of the ethics complaint discussion, however.
“I know firsthand information about this stuff, naturally, and also I know firsthand information about other members that’s also been involved in this,” Frost said. “I’m going to excuse myself, and I’ll leave it up to them if they want to take it any further than that.”
Frost also asked Pevy to withdraw as well, but Pevy said there was nothing that would require him to.
Frost added, “There’s several board members here that knows firsthand information concerning this, and the truth has not been told in some of this.”
Pevy noted that city code only calls for a public censure when ethics complaints are found to have merit.
Alderman Carl Wolfe expressed concerns about the potential of incurring thousands of dollars worth of expenses investigating Dean’s complaint.
“This person made a good complaint,” Wolfe said. “Might be a lot of truth in it. Then the other side might say none of it’s true. All we’re going by is what’s in this (complaint document). If the TBI is investigating it, I don’t see us paying a guy to investigate it too.”
Vice Mayor Chris Jones suggested tabling the ethics complaint deliberations until the board gets an answer about whether the TBI is investigating.
Alderman Wanda Davidson then made a motion declaring that the ethics complaint merits further investigation, but to hold off on taking any action until the town gets confirmation about the TBI inquiry.
That motion was approved 3-0 with Wolfe, Davidson and Jones in favor. Eugene Christian and Margaret Christian abstained. | http://www.timesnews.net/Law-Enforcement/2016/08/24/Mount-Carmel-mayor-s-ethics-complaint-to-enter-investigation-phase.html | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/9ce935253918fb909e15508c911fd3b41a4744c6be42d405aa3627b034726320.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T16:52:13 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | KINGSPORT - Larry Jennings, Kingsport, TN passed away Monday, August 29, 2016. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by Gate City Funeral Home, | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FObituary%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2FLarry-Jennings.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net | en | null | Kingsport Times-News: Larry Jennings | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Larry Jennings
KINGSPORT - Larry Jennings, Kingsport, TN passed away Monday, August 29, 2016. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by Gate City Funeral Home, www.gatecityfunerals.com. | http://www.timesnews.net/Obituary/2016/08/30/Larry-Jennings.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/2adb1babd399ab3291837038fd0476fff51ba6d56ef942bf59484ff3250e457b.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:07:28 | null | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | GREENEVILLE — Tusculum College is one of six colleges and universities to receive a 2016 Veteran Reconnect grant from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. The six campuses | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2Ffrontpage%2F2016%2F08%2F25%2FTusculum-receives-2016-Veteran-Reconnect-grant.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/25/x720_q60/tusculumlogo-jpg-24.jpg | en | null | Tusculum receives 2016 Veteran Reconnect grant | null | null | www.timesnews.net | The most recent round of the Veteran Reconnect program, which was awarded through a competitive proposal process, aims to build on proven practices to support veterans on campuses and will provide funding for a 22-month grant period.
“This grant will allow us to move forward with plans for expanding our reputation for being a veteran-friendly institution,” Tusculum President Nancy B. Moody said. “We want to provide a wide range of services to a growing number of veterans and their dependents that will insure college and career success on a much larger scale than currently possible. In recent years, the enrollment of military veterans at Tusculum College has significantly increased and we see that trend continuing.”
Tusculum College will use Veteran Reconnect funds to develop, create and hire the position of Director of Veterans Affairs. In addition, the college will enhance the services of its Veteran Education Program by providing veterans with streamlined enrollment, promotion of student veteran resources, financial advisement, implementation of faculty and staff training to increase awareness of veterans' needs and workforce partnerships.
"Every student enrolled in college has a unique set of needs and that is especially true for veteran students," said THEC Executive Director Mike Krause. "Veteran Reconnect is assisting veterans on Tennessee campuses to both connect with their campus and with their fellow servicemen."
The programs funded through Veteran Reconnect will increase campus services for student veterans and provide veteran-specific resources, such as the expansion of campus veteran centers or professional development for faculty and staff on the specific needs of students with military experience.
Tusculum College, the first college in Tennessee and the 28th oldest in the nation, is a liberal arts institution committed to utilizing the civic arts in developing educated citizens distinguished by academic excellence, public service and qualities of Judeo-Christian character. Approximately eighteen hundred students are enrolled on the main campus in Greeneville and two off-site locations in East Tennessee. The academic programs for both traditional-aged students and working adults served through the Graduate and Professional Studies program are delivered using focused calendars. | http://www.timesnews.net/frontpage/2016/08/25/Tusculum-receives-2016-Veteran-Reconnect-grant.html | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/c06b75c39ac285f21118027f1d8e4c6f8c745575719898593ee7bf6c2b612230.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T16:52:00 | null | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | BLOUNTVILLE - Edith “Edie” King, 72, of Blountville, was born July 16, 1944 and passed away on Friday, August 26, 2016 at Bristol Regional Medical Center. She has now won | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FObituary%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2FEdith-Edie-King-2.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net | en | null | Edith "Edie" King | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Edith "Edie" King
BLOUNTVILLE - Edith “Edie” King, 72, of Blountville, was born July 16, 1944 and passed away on Friday, August 26, 2016 at Bristol Regional Medical Center. She has now won her battle with cancer. The family will receive friends from 5 pm to 7 pm on Monday, August 29, 2016 at Carter-Trent Funeral Home, 520 Watauga Street, Kingsport or anytime at the home of Mr. King. A funeral service will follow at 7 pm in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Jimmy Gross, officiating. An entombment will be held 11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 30, 2016 at Oak Hill Mausoleum, Kingsport. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family for medical expenses. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.cartertrent.com. Carter-Trent Funeral Home, downtown Kingsport, is serving the King family. | http://www.timesnews.net/Obituary/2016/08/29/Edith-Edie-King-2.html | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/a43b149755bec29a05a26e208ea0714f3f5b1f17a201116983be0f14873a078e.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:59:41 | null | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | Gray resident Danny Sells said Wednesday a state agency’s approval won’t end the battle over a proposed addiction treatment clinic in his community. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FNews%2F2016%2F08%2F25%2FState-approves-certificate-of-need-for-Gray-methadone-clinic.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/25/x720_q60/GrayMethadone1-jpg-2.jpg | en | null | State approves certificate of need for Gray methadone clinic | null | null | www.timesnews.net | “I’ve specifically said that if this clinic is forced upon us, that we will not accept it in our community,” Sells said, noting the Citizens to Maintain Gray opposition group will continue to fight the plan.
The Tennessee Health Services and Development Agency voted 8-0 Wednesday to grant a certificate of need for Mountain States Health Alliance and East Tennessee State University’s jointly operated addiction treatment clinic on Wednesday.
Sells said he was surprised only two questions were raised by board members before voting on the measure.
Read more at the Johnson City Press. | http://www.timesnews.net/News/2016/08/25/State-approves-certificate-of-need-for-Gray-methadone-clinic.html | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/4f15c582dacfd5a8fa587e96184bc8e8dcc8bb9bf5e85669add32fa2f7edb0d7.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T02:52:26 | null | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | KINGSPORT — The District 1-AAA girls soccer tournament is still more than a month away but, barring some September shenanigans, a No. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FSports%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2FLady-Hilltoppers-blank-rival-Tribe-on-soccer-pitch.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/31/x720_q60/D-B-Science-Hill-soccer-8-30.jpg | en | null | Lady Hilltoppers blank rival Tribe on soccer pitch | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Such is the case for the Lady Indians, who dropped a 3-0 decision to Science Hill on Tuesday evening at Indian Highland Park.
D-B (1-6, 1-2) already has lost to Tennessee High and now the Lady Hilltoppers and, to be fair, the Tribe have some work to do to ensure a No. 3 seed.
View the photo gallery from the match
Specifically, the Lady Indians must find their way into opposing nets.
Aside from a five-goal outburst in last Tuesday’s win over Sullivan Central, the opposition has hung a clean sheet in every other Tribe fixture.
Blake Rutherford is a soccer coach and a teacher. Not a writer. The way Rutherford sees it, even Quentin Tarantino or John Grisham couldn’t concoct a plot to match all the mishaps his team has endured thus far this season. Injuries have pressed several underclassmen into the starting lineup; two of the team’s three captains were inactive against Science Hill, for example.
“It seems like Murphy’s law. Anything that can go wrong will go wrong,” Rutherford said. “I couldn’t write a Hollywood movie like this. I could not write a script about the perils of a team. Hopefully maybe it’s like a Disney movie and in the end we get better by the district tournament.”
Science Hill (5-2, 4-0) was the better team on Tuesday. After a fairly even first half, the Lady Hilltoppers broke through against a stingy Tribe defense in the 38th minute, when Devin Fry fed Emily Fabel for a breakthrough goal. Cydney Kinkead, the D-B keeper, already had repelled 11 shots prior to that.
’Toppers coach David Strickland noted that the Lady Indians “were defending pretty well. They had a lot of pressure on them that first half. Breaking that right before halftime just makes a massive mental difference, too. Our energy level was so much higher the second half.”
And it resulted in a pair of insurance goals by Riley Cox, in the 51st and 54th minutes. The Tribe had a major malfunction at the back end prior to Cox’s initial tally.
“She literally could have sent out for Chinese food, had it delivered, and then finished the ball,” Rutherford said.
More than enough to send the Lady Hilltoppers to a crucial conference road win.
“It doesn’t matter what the sport is. If it’s D-B and Science Hill, everyone is always excited,” Strickland said.
Barring a major upset somewhere on the Big 7 Conference docket, the meeting between Science Hill and Tennessee High should determine the league champion and top seed for the district tourney.
Meanwhile, the Lady Indians will try to right the ship. Their next opportunity comes next Wednesday at Sullivan South.
“The psyche is what I’m worried about at the moment,” Rutherford said. “We’ve just got to keep working. That’s it.” | http://www.timesnews.net/Sports/2016/08/30/Lady-Hilltoppers-blank-rival-Tribe-on-soccer-pitch.html | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/539e005d9382ae1057f0bca8ee4eb1b9c98e1b80ce9305630cf255bb6534d038.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:08:10 | null | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | KINGSPORT – Audrey Darnell McNew, 87 of Kingsport, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at Elmcroft of Kingsport following a long illness. The family | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FObituary%2F2016%2F08%2F25%2FAudrey-Darnell-McNew.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net | en | null | Audrey Darnell McNew | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Audrey Darnell McNew
KINGSPORT – Audrey Darnell McNew, 87 of Kingsport, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at Elmcroft of Kingsport following a long illness. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Friday, August 26, 2016 at Carter-Trent Funeral Home, Kingsport. Friends may also call anytime at the residence. A funeral service will follow at 7 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Jonnie Darnell and Rev. Daniel Clark officiating. Music will be provided by Pastor Derek McElhenny, Jody Matney, Valerie Hammonds, Christy Hicks, Reverends Greg and Kim Peterson. An entombment will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday at Oak Hill Memorial Park (Mausoleum #4). Those wishing to attend the committal service are asked to meet at the mausoleum at 10:55 a.m. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Amedisys Hospice and the staff at Elmcroft at Kingsport for the care given to Audrey during her illness. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.cartertrent.com. Carter-Trent Funeral Home, downtown Kingsport is serving the McNew family. | http://www.timesnews.net/Obituary/2016/08/25/Audrey-Darnell-McNew.html | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/2164341dddae2ff42416f056e79a8d393b35260c40f9966d23f520d858130418.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:10:17 | null | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | GATE CITY, VA - James “Jimbo” Broadwater, Jr., 65, of Gate City, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday morning (August 25, 2016) at his home. He was a lifelong resident of | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FObituary%2F2016%2F08%2F25%2FJames-Jimbo-Broadwater-Jr.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net | en | null | James “Jimbo” Broadwater, Jr. | null | null | www.timesnews.net | James “Jimbo” Broadwater, Jr.
GATE CITY, VA - James “Jimbo” Broadwater, Jr., 65, of Gate City, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday morning (August 25, 2016) at his home. He was a lifelong resident of Scott County. You can send an online condolence to the family by visiting www.scottcountyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by Carter-Trent/Scott County Funeral Home is serving the Broadwater family. | http://www.timesnews.net/Obituary/2016/08/25/James-Jimbo-Broadwater-Jr.html | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/8e4ff2fbfcda5580f3be0b6ae2e8b600c9354890ea511927fb32f0fb2232cb1d.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T04:52:26 | null | 2016-06-11T00:00:00 | KINGSPORT — Jeremy Wolf’s dramatic eighth-inning homer lifted Kingsport to a 3-2 win over visiting Bristol in an Appalachian League matchup on Tuesday night at Hunter | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2Ffrontpage%2F2016%2F08%2F31%2FWolf-homer-powers-K-Mets-over-Pirates.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/06/11/x720_q60/2016-Appalachian-League-logo.jpg | en | null | Wolf homer powers K-Mets over Pirates | null | null | www.timesnews.net | The win was the K-Mets’ third in a row and pulled them even with the Pirates (25-41) for fourth place in the West Division.
Kingsport (25-41) took an early lead in the bottom of the third inning. With the bases loaded, the K-Mets’ Yeffry De Aza scored as the Pirates turned a double play. Victor Fernandez advanced to third on the play then scored when Jose Miguel Medina singled to left, giving the K-Mets a 2-0 lead.
Bristol finally got on the board with two runs of its own in the top of the eighth.
Then with one out in the eighth, Wolf stepped to the plate and drilled the ball over the fence in right to put the K-Mets back in the lead, 3-2.
Adrian Almeida came on in relief in the top of the ninth and earned the save for Kingsport. Jose Carlos Medina (3-2) got the win in relief. K-Mets starter Jake Simon went five innings, allowed just two hits and struck out seven.
Ricardo Cespedes had two hits for Kingsport.
The teams play the second game of the series Wednesday night at 7 o’clock at Hunter Wright. | http://www.timesnews.net/frontpage/2016/08/31/Wolf-homer-powers-K-Mets-over-Pirates.html | en | 2016-06-11T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/99c464bf21844fd20ddba4cc81499fc1404c0e9e83bc6ef3f44fdac3df4981c5.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:12:03 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | BLOUNTVILLE - Marcus King, age 79, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning August 18, 2016. A memorial service will be held at Green Springs Presbyterian Church, 22007 Green Springs | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FObituary%2F2016%2F08%2F24%2FMarcus-King.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net | en | null | Kingsport Times-News: Marcus King | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Marcus King
BLOUNTVILLE - Marcus King, age 79, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning August 18, 2016. A memorial service will be held at Green Springs Presbyterian Church, 22007 Green Springs Church Rd., Abingdon, VA 24211 on Friday, August 26th at 4:00 p.m. Receiving of friends will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his name to G. S. Presbyterian Church or to William King Museum of Arts c/o Deb Kerr, P. O. Box 2256, Abingdon, VA, 24212. Farris Funeral Service and Crematory are serving the family of Marcus King. | http://www.timesnews.net/Obituary/2016/08/24/Marcus-King.html | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/a47ade821f35ec9a7b622fb9785e2379a1ed3b9a4ded10e8aa39f962369aab7b.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:07:42 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | ROGERSVILLE — A Hawkins County grand jury issued a finding Monday that the May 3 shooting death of Darrell Bruce Roberts at a mobile home park near Surgoinsville was self | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FLaw-Enforcement%2F2016%2F08%2F25%2FHawkins-Indictment-story-incomplete.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/24/x720_q60/justified-shooting-5-3-16-surgoinsville-jpg.jpg | en | null | Hawkins grand jury finds fatal shooting was self-defense | null | null | www.timesnews.net | On May 3 around 10:15 p.m., Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to Beechwood Hills Trailer Park just off Williams Road south of Surgoinsville on a report of a man in the roadway suffering from gunshot wounds.
Officers identified the man as Darrell Bruce Roberts, 39, a resident of the trailer park. Upon their arrival, EMS personnel determined that he was deceased.
Sheriff Ronnie Lawson said in May that an investigation by the HCSO Detective Division revealed that Roberts was shot several times while attempting to get on the porch of James David Ives, 28, also of Beechwood Hills Trailer Park, while threatening to do Ives bodily harm.
“Preliminary investigation reveals this shooting to be apparently self-defense,” Lawson said in May.
Lawson noted, however, that Roberts didn’t have a weapon, and there was no known motive for Roberts to make threats against Ives.
A neighbor told the Times-News that Roberts threatened to kill Ives and his family.
Ives was on the telephone afterward when he was overheard telling police, “He told me he was going to kill me.”
The neighbor added, “After (Dave) shot him, he (Roberts) went out the door and fell out in the road. I think there was three bullets in the front and four in the back.”
Also on Monday, the grand jury returned several indictments including:
• Christopher Avery Bunche, 29, 308 Kincaid St., Kingsport, for felony evading arrest, driving on a revoked license and failure to exercise due care.
• Samuel Keith Mallory, 47, 413 Bay St., Mount Carmel, for felony evading arrest, reckless driving, failure to obey a traffic device, resisting arrest, failure to move over, driving left of center, DUI, simple possession of marijuana and violation of the Implied Consent Law.
• Dustin Dale Arnold, 30, 235 Buttry Road, Rogersville, for possession of Schedule II narcotics with intent to deliver, simple possession of marijuana, reckless driving, evading arrest by foot, felony evading arrest, driving on a suspended license, light law, no insurance and registration violation.
• Susan Diane Archer, 52, 4000 Skyline Drive, Kingsport, for possession of heroin with intent to deliver, possession of oxycodone with intent to deliver, tampering with evidence and possession of drug paraphernalia.
• Eric Dean Conaster, 46, 102 Bowlin Lane, Lot 5, Rogersville, for possession of meth with intent to deliver, simple possession of marijuana, maintaining a dwelling where drugs are used or sold and possession of drug paraphernalia.
• Michelle Leann Gibson, 28, 102 Bowlin Lane, Lot 5, Rogersville, for possession of meth with intent to deliver, simple possession of marijuana, maintaining a dwelling where drugs are used or sold and possession of drug paraphernalia.
• Donald Ray Jones, 54, 259 Byrd Creek Road, Sneedville, for possession of meth with intent to deliver, maintaining a dwelling where drugs are used or sold, possession of drug paraphernalia and theft of services under $500.
• Nellie Elane Martin, 27, 259 Byrd Creek Road, Sneedville, for possession of meth with intent to deliver, maintaining a dwelling where drugs are used or sold, possession of drug paraphernalia and theft of services under $500.
• Billy McCarty Amyx, 41, 286 Woodland Lane, Church Hill, for possession of marijuana with intent to deliver and maintaining a dwelling where drugs are used or sold.
• James Ralph Hagood, 36, 322 Lyons Ave., Church Hill, for unlawful possession of a firearm. | http://www.timesnews.net/Law-Enforcement/2016/08/25/Hawkins-Indictment-story-incomplete.html | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/a2390298cb197beb8800d7f67e003b4459feb84cfe79342ddbebe697cfaeee47.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T18:52:20 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | KINGSPORT - James Howard Everhart, 93, of Kingsport, passed away Tuesday, August 30, 2016, at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FObituary%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2FJames-Howard-Everhart.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net | en | null | James Howard Everhart | null | null | www.timesnews.net | James Howard Everhart
KINGSPORT - James Howard Everhart, 93, of Kingsport, passed away Tuesday, August 30, 2016, at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Kingsport. Please go to www.hamlettdobson.com to leave an online condolence for the family. | http://www.timesnews.net/Obituary/2016/08/30/James-Howard-Everhart.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/6cc8733c5a5110c15948dcfa496b1dc84199bf4afbd9dc574b029e4e4cf9b473.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:14:49 | null | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | Rogersville - Delbert Bruner, age 84 of Rogersville, passed away Monday, August 22, 2016 at Signature HealthCARE of Rogersville. Visitation hours will be 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FObituary%2F2016%2F08%2F23%2FDelbert-Bruner-1.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net | en | null | Kingsport Times-News: Delbert Bruner | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Delbert Bruner
Rogersville - Delbert Bruner, age 84 of Rogersville, passed away Monday, August 22, 2016 at Signature HealthCARE of Rogersville. Visitation hours will be 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at Broome Funeral Home, Rogersville. Funeral service will be conducted 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, August 24, 2016 in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Ulias Brown, Jr. officiating. Interment will be in Hawkins County Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be made at www.broomefuneralhome.com Broome Funeral Home, Rogersville is serving the Bruner family. | http://www.timesnews.net/Obituary/2016/08/23/Delbert-Bruner-1.html | en | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/4d2b9b21ed5a150988c1f487a0bc20038342363ea98d5abdb66609ca9ad8b830.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T20:52:21 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | CHURCH HILL - Ethel Lee (McLain) Cradic of Church Hill, took Jesus's hand and he led her to the Land of No-more on Monday, August 29, 2016. The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 pm | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FObituary%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2FEthel-Lee-McLain-Cradic.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net | en | null | Ethel Lee (McLain) Cradic | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Ethel Lee (McLain) Cradic
CHURCH HILL - Ethel Lee (McLain) Cradic of Church Hill, took Jesus's hand and he led her to the Land of No-more on Monday, August 29, 2016. The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 pm Thursday at the Johnson - Arrowood Funeral Home and anytime at the home of her daughter, Genell Cradic. Funeral services will follow at 3 pm with Rev. Gary Gerhardt and Rev. Edward H. McLain officiating. Graveside services will follow at the Church Hill Memory Gardens with family and friends serving as pallbearers. The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to Wing D staff and nurses at the Church Hill Life Care and Rehab and Madison House Adult Day Care, especially to Sheila, Diane and Shirley, for their kindness and loving and tender care. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made in her name to Higher Ground Baptist Church, First Baptist Church of Church Hill or First Broad Street United Methodist Church in Kingsport. To leave an online message for the Cradic family, please contact us @www.jfhonline.com Johnson - Arrowood Funeral Home of Church Hill is honored to serve the Cradic family. | http://www.timesnews.net/Obituary/2016/08/30/Ethel-Lee-McLain-Cradic.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/6968983fea410492e5f1ece16b860b0633c451d3d7ee6e96fd979f9da3ade15a.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T02:52:04 | null | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | BRISTOL, Tenn. — Seven down, 12 to go.
As in days since work began to transform the infield of | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FFootball%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2FBMS-transforming-temporarily-to-largest-football-stadium.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/29/x720_q60/The-BMS-infield-being-transformed-into-a-football-field.jpg | en | null | BMS transforming, temporarily, to largest football stadium | null | null | www.timesnews.net | As in days since work began to transform the infield of Bristol Motor Speedway into a temporary football field — and the days until that field will host the much anticipated, long-dreamed-about, finally happening game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Virginia Tech Hokies: The Pilot Flying J Battle at Bristol.
And it will be one for the record books no matter which side wins the game and the 80-plus-pound trophy. With sold-out grandstand seating and nearly nothing left in temporary seating being added around the infield, it’s being billed as the largest crowd ever to witness a college football game, estimated only at “155,000 plus.”
“The checkered flag dropped for the Bass Pro Shops Center Night Race,” Executive Vice President and General Manager of Bristol Motor Speedway Jerry Caldwell said Monday. “And then the other race began right after that with dump trucks. We had 27 dump trucks lined up ready to go. We brought in 450 dump truck loads of material to raise the infield a little over 3 feet and that has gone really well. We installed that field base and the finish layer, installed the pad, along with the AstroTurf, the field goals and posts have gone in. All the hash marks have gone in and actually curing over the next 24 hours. This week you will see beginning to work out there on the in-fill of the field. We’ll be having 360,000 pounds of material going down on the field — 180,000 in sand and 180,000 in other materials. And they will be grooming that and getting it worked in. We are about 90 percent complete on all the seating and scaffolding that was installed for the frontstretch and the backstretch and in the end zones for the premium seats that are located down here on the infield.”
There’s still work to be done, but much of it is cosmetic. Locker rooms, for example, have been installed and the new carpet is down, but some finishing touches remain to be done.
This Sunday construction will begin for the stage for the Friday, Sept. 9 Honda Ridgeline “tailgate” concert at BMS featuring Kenny Chesney, The Band Perry and Old Dominion. Caldwell said there are still tickets left for that event, which he estimated will likely be the largest concert ever in the Tri-Cities region.
“This has been a tremendous effort,” Caldwell said. “I will just say we’re doing really well with our timing. I don’t want to jinx anything.”
Talk of a football game at BMS, especially one between the Vols and the Hokies, has been around for decades.
“Twenty years ago this was a pipe dream,” Speedway Motorsports Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer Marcus Smith said. “We were in the office — Jerry and Jeff Byrd and my dad, Bruton Smith — and this idea of a football game in the infield came up.”
Smith was asked what he thought when he saw the transformation of BMS when he first saw it Monday, a week after leaving the night race.
“My first impression was just ‘wow,’ ” Smith said.
What does his dad, who first considered the idea 20 years ago, think?
“My dad is a visionary, he’s always teaching me something,” Smith said. “And I love that about him. But literally this year he has not stopped talking about this game. We are huge NASCAR fans and he’s been to every one of our NASCAR races this year and a couple of drag races. But the Battle at Bristol is what he’s been talking about all year, he’s so excited about it.”
People who have never been to BMS might have some trouble envisioning how a football game can be played and, more importantly, viewed at a facility built for racing, Caldwell said — noting they’re probably thinking of other longer tracks, not taking into consideration the half-mile oval layout at BMS.
“There’s not a bad seat here,” Caldwell said.
Caldwell said he remembers one UT official’s reaction when a group from the university came up to view the track when negotiations for the game were underway.
“They came over and kind of wanted to see the facility before they agreed to anything,” Caldwell said. “And I remember bringing him across the track right down here and he said ,‘Whoa, wait a minute, this place is just a football stadium, a big football stadium.’ We jokingly say we’re a football stadium on steroids. There’s not a bad seat in the house, without any TVs, and then you add Colossus to the mix and you’re not going to miss anything.”
Colossus is the world’s largest center-hung television, high over the BMS infield, with four 30-foot-by-63-foot television screens that will allow fans to see every play and replay.
“It’s really going to be a fantastic experience for fans when they come here for the game, I think every fan is going to be amazed,” Smith said.
The Battle at Bristol will be broadcast on ABC at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10.
On Saturday, Sept. 17, another college football game will take place at BMS, between East Tennessee State University and Western Carolina University. | http://www.timesnews.net/Football/2016/08/29/BMS-transforming-temporarily-to-largest-football-stadium.html | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/dcf51b0cbf666076331318aa96df01cac4e9fb181cc6151b0d4e248d55391ef9.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T20:52:25 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | As a veteran, community member and family patriarch, Orvel Bond’s influence has been immense.
Bond, | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FCommunity%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2FFolks-You-Should-Know-Orvel-Bond-receives-Quilt-of-Valor.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/30/x720_q60/083016musi-folksyoushouldknow1.jpg | en | null | Folks You Should Know: Orvel Bond has a heart for service | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Bond, who recently celebrated his 90th birthday, has devoted much of his life to helping others. From 21 years in the military to various community service efforts in his retirement, Bond has a heart for his service.
He also has a deep-rooted love for the Tri-Cities area; aside from the time abroad while serving in the Army, Bond has lived in the Kingsport area all his life.
Bond was employed at Holston Defense for 27 years. Now, Bond stays busy with gardening, cooking, a newspaper route, church activities and manning the family duties that arise from having six children, 12 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
On Aug. 14, Bond’s service to his country was commemorated with a Quilt of Valor dedication ceremony.
The ceremony took place at the Bond family’s private cemetery in Kingsport. It’s a quiet, 100-year-old spot that Orvel Bond himself upkeeps in his spare time. Janice Bowditch, Bond’s niece, remarked that her uncle does an excellent job of maintaining the cemetery and that the grounds often serve as a location for family events.
Family and friends were in attendance at the Quilt of Valor ceremony. Love for the Bond family patriarch was evident as more and more people began to arrive at the cemetery. Cries of “Uncle Orvel!” rang out as friends and relatives hugged and congratulated Bond.
“It’s an honor,” Bond said of his recognition. “It’s a great honor.”
Bond was quiet as he surveyed the scene with a placid eye, but his happiness was evident as he humbly accepted the quilt from Susan Lane, Northeast Tennessee Coordinator for Quilts of Valor.
“We understand that freedom isn’t free; it comes with the sacrifice of people like Mr. Bond,” Lane said in her dedication speech.
Also in attendance was the Rev. Kenneth Calvert, pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church, of which Bond has been a longtime member. Calvert commented on the dedication of Bond and his family to the church.
“The Bond family is a cornerstone of Shiloh Baptist Church,” said Calvert. “Mr. Bond has been a very faithful member and we’re proud of him.”
“I am a better person just standing next to PawPaw,” said Darius Davis of his grandfather.
When asked what advice he would offer to young people based on his 90 years of experience, Bond had one thing to say:
“Hard work, hard work, hard work,” Bond said with a smile.
Bond’s daughter, Cindy Spears, said that she was very happy her father was receiving the recognition he deserved for his service.
“This is just amazing,” Spears said. “He’s a great man and he deserves everything that comes his way. We’re proud that he’s head of our family.” | http://www.timesnews.net/Community/2016/08/30/Folks-You-Should-Know-Orvel-Bond-receives-Quilt-of-Valor.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/f983303227882f7628babe6fd89e4b08c31bad4b224ca1cc920a5c3b5462d30f.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T20:51:53 | null | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | KINGSPORT - Angelena Lane Fraysier, 67, passed away Tuesday, August 29, 2016 at her residence. Arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced at a later date. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FObituary%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2FAngelena-Lane-Fraysier.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net | en | null | Angelena Lane Fraysier | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Angelena Lane Fraysier
KINGSPORT - Angelena Lane Fraysier, 67, passed away Tuesday, August 29, 2016 at her residence. Arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced at a later date. www.gatecityfunerals.com | http://www.timesnews.net/Obituary/2016/08/29/Angelena-Lane-Fraysier.html | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/f9632d87223aeca06985e2121ca873c72e941f55d209dc26662a8ec349b217ee.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T20:52:00 | null | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | ROGERSVILLE - Elmer J. Johnson, 68, of Rogersville, passed away Monday, August 29, 2016. The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Wednesday, August 31, 2016, at Christian- | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FObituary%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2FElmer-J-Johnson.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net | en | null | Elmer J. Johnson | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Elmer J. Johnson
ROGERSVILLE - Elmer J. Johnson, 68, of Rogersville, passed away Monday, August 29, 2016. The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Wednesday, August 31, 2016, at Christian-Sells Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 7:00 pm with Rev. Bryan Thurman and Rev. Rickey Parker officiating. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 pm Thursday, September 1, 2016 at Johnson Family Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.christiansells.com. | http://www.timesnews.net/Obituary/2016/08/29/Elmer-J-Johnson.html | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/c7e15eb921eedccc834a1322a6cfd82d4faa36e04ecb76f5430ebaa37f5f6c54.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:13:46 | null | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | GATE CITY, VA - Dana Geneva (Kindle) Roberts, 61, Gate City, VA passed away, Monday, August 22, 2016 at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center of an apparent heart attack. The family will | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FObituary%2F2016%2F08%2F23%2FDana-Geneva-Roberts.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net | en | null | Dana Geneva Roberts | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Dana Geneva Roberts
GATE CITY, VA - Dana Geneva (Kindle) Roberts, 61, Gate City, VA passed away, Monday, August 22, 2016 at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center of an apparent heart attack. The family will receive friends from 5:00 - & 7:00 p.m., Thursday, August 25, 2016 at the Gate City Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. in the Gene Falin Memorial Chapel of the funeral home with Rev. Jeff DeBoard officiating. David and Debbie Easterling will provide the music. Graveside services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 26, 2016 at Holston View Cemetery, Weber City, VA. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Family and friends are asked to meet at the funeral home at 10:15 a.m., Thursday to go in procession to the graveside service. An online guest register is available for the Roberts family at www.gatecityfunerals.com. Gate City Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Dana Geneva Roberts. | http://www.timesnews.net/Obituary/2016/08/23/Dana-Geneva-Roberts.html | en | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/a086af958d30cf10905c0519f4c06b2be8ed340e7c0e14a4fb1d636754354695.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T16:52:16 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | KINGSPORT - Florence Warrick Smith, age 90 of Kingsport, passed away during the early hours of Tuesday, August 30, 2016. Funeral arrangements are pending. The family requests that no flowers | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FObituary%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2FFlorence-Warrick-Smith.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net | en | null | Florence Warrick Smith | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Florence Warrick Smith
KINGSPORT - Florence Warrick Smith, age 90 of Kingsport, passed away during the early hours of Tuesday, August 30, 2016. Funeral arrangements are pending. The family requests that no flowers be sent. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.eastlawnkingsport.com. East Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park has the honor of serving the family. | http://www.timesnews.net/Obituary/2016/08/30/Florence-Warrick-Smith.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/b1b9984867d40804bf4d0a9cefd7e63409beba4101690c7c1ddad34bb407e670.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T20:51:15 | null | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | BLOUNTVILLE - Edith “Edie” King, 72, of Blountville, was born July 16, 1944 and passed away on Friday, August 26, 2016 at Bristol Regional Medical Center. She has now won | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FObituary%2F2016%2F08%2F27%2FEdith-Edie-King.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net | en | null | Edith “Edie” King | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Edith “Edie” King
BLOUNTVILLE - Edith “Edie” King, 72, of Blountville, was born July 16, 1944 and passed away on Friday, August 26, 2016 at Bristol Regional Medical Center. She has now won her battle with cancer. The family will receive friends from 5 pm to 7 pm on Monday, August 29, 2016 at Carter-Trent Funeral Home, 520 Watauga Street, Kingsport or anytime at the home of Mr. King. A funeral service will follow at 7 pm in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Jimmy Gross, officiating. An entombment will be held 11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 30, 2016 at Oak Hill Mausoleum, Kingsport. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family for medical expenses. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.cartertrent.com. Carter-Trent Funeral Home, downtown Kingsport, is serving the King family. | http://www.timesnews.net/Obituary/2016/08/27/Edith-Edie-King.html | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/2dc4fa481376567bc1f0deb456ffcf6e5f8acd3fd2ebd3b2ad3d8ee071c1b86b.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:08:22 | null | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | APPALACHIA, VA - Shirley J. Barker, 66, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at her home. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FObituary%2F2016%2F08%2F25%2FShirley-J-Barker.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net | en | null | Shirley J. Barker | null | null | www.timesnews.net | APPALACHIA, VA - Shirley J. Barker, 66, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at her home. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday at Thee Church in Appalachia. Funeral services will follow at 7 p.m. with her son, Pastor Willie Barker, officiating. Memorial donations may be made to Thee Church, P. O. Box 366, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219. To view the obituary online and offer condolences, please visit www.holdingfuneralhome.com. Holding Funeral Home is serving the Barker family. | http://www.timesnews.net/Obituary/2016/08/25/Shirley-J-Barker.html | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/8a69b2d0b0fff9219a300ec03330fc0424cf80fdb98ab0a632c8815692488a36.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:15:18 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | JOHNSON CITY - On a beautiful morning, August 23, 2016, Janet Sue Rogers, 50, of Johnson City, left this earth, joining her Heavenly Father to walk the streets of gold. The family will | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FObituary%2F2016%2F08%2F24%2FJanet-Sue-Rogers-1.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net | en | null | Janet Sue Rogers | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Janet Sue Rogers
JOHNSON CITY - On a beautiful morning, August 23, 2016, Janet Sue Rogers, 50, of Johnson City, left this earth, joining her Heavenly Father to walk the streets of gold. The family will receive friends on Friday from 5-7:00 pm at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. A celebration of life will follow at 7:00 pm with Pastor Tim Nelson officiating. A graveside service will be held on Saturday at 11:00 am at East Tennessee Cemetery. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Please visit www.hamlettdobson.com to leave an on-line condolence for the family. Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Kingsport is serving the family of Janet Sue Rogers. | http://www.timesnews.net/Obituary/2016/08/24/Janet-Sue-Rogers-1.html | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/05265498d961cad5f81d57afd35fd8337e31be2c04776702f1f0a59bd2534ea4.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:11:44 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | MORRISTOWN — Walters State Community College’s Paramedic Class 23 is now prepared for serving emergency service agencies across East Tennessee, including two | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2Ffrontpage%2F2016%2F08%2F24%2FKingsport-Hawkins-paramedic-students-honors-by-WSCC.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/24/x720_q60/wscc-douglasaward-JPG.jpg | en | null | Kingsport, Hawkins paramedic students honored by WSCC. | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Walters State offers a three-semester paramedic program as part of its Division of Public Safety. Class 23 had a 100 percent placement rate.
Class members are Craig Anders, Steven Holt and Sarah Thomas of Newport; Shauna Bolden and Joel Tyler King of Tazewell; Micah Crigger of Rogersville; Kandra Harmon of Bulls Gap; Sean McCune and Mathew Rolen of Sevierville; Aaron Peters of Johnson City and Kenneth Quinn of Jonesborough.
Harmon was recognized as Paramedic Student of the Year. Holt received the Leadership Award. Rolen received the Professional Development Award. Anders received the Clinical Experience Award. McCune received the Academic Award, and Peters received the Douglas Johnson Award of excellence.
Harmon is employed by Grainger County Ambulance Service.
Also during the Walters State Class 23 Paramedic Graduation, the Douglas Johnson Award for Excellence was given to Aaron Peters of Kingsport. This award is given in honor of the late Douglas Johnson, who passed away while enrolled in the program. Peters is employed by Sullivan County EMS. | http://www.timesnews.net/frontpage/2016/08/24/Kingsport-Hawkins-paramedic-students-honors-by-WSCC.html | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/3b57ef984cfd05767a8f19da7fdd3b2a51c151bdda3bd3f6bfe81be9e55d4d37.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:15:09 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | ROGERSVILLE — Hawkins County officials have been in negotiations with Lifeguard EMS to fill the void left in eastern Hawkins County by the departure of Church Hill EMS, which | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FBusiness%2F2016%2F08%2F24%2FHawkins-negotiating-with-Lifeguard-as-possible-replacement-for-Church-Hill-EMS.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/24/x720_q60/Lifeguard-1-JPG.jpg | en | null | Hawkins negotiating with Lifeguard as possible replacement for Church Hill EMS | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Hawkins County EMS has been covering eastern Hawkins County since CHEMS President Fred Arnold announced Tuesday night that they are out of business.
Sullivan County EMS is also on call to assist in Hawkins County with ambulance service if needed.
Lifeguard previously operated in Hawkins County for about a year.
But Lifeguard was ousted by the Hawkins County Commission last year when the commission opted to approve operating franchises for only the county’s two more historically established ambulance services — Hawkins EMS and Church Hill EMS.
Hawkins County Mayor Melville Bailey told the Times-News on Wednesday he has been in communications with Lifeguard, which is interested in returning to Hawkins County.
Bailey said he confirmed through County Attorney Jim Phillips that he has the authority to allow an ambulance service to operate in the county in an emergency situation without a county commission approved franchise.
But Lifeguard isn’t interested in a short-term operating permit, Bailey said Wednesday.
Lifeguard reportedly wants a long-term commitment from Hawkins County, but Phillips indicated that’s beyond the mayor’s authority.
On Thursday morning, Bailey and the commission’s Public Safety Committee will hold an emergency meeting to discuss a replacement for CHEMS, which had covered all territory east of and including Surgoinsville and Phipps Bend.
Lifeguard is expected to participate in that meeting.
Last year, the Public Safety Committee recommended permitting Lifeguard to operate as a third franchised ambulance service in the county.
Subsequently the full county commission rejected that recommendation and sent Lifeguard packing.
“They (Lifeguard) were hesitant about committing on the short-term basis,” Bailey said. “County Commission is the only one that can guarantee a long-term relationship with an ambulance service. The law says I can bring them in an emergency, and of course, it is an emergency.”
Bailey added, “I really don’t care who provides the service. If you fall over, I don’t care who comes and gets you. I just want someone to come and get you and take you where you need to go. That’s the bottom line.”
Mount Carmel has reportedly agreed to allow an ambulance operating with county permission to stage at the town’s police/fire station complex.
The Surgoinsville Board of Mayor and Aldermen had approved a municipal franchise contract with CHEMS to place an ambulance in the city 24/7.
On Wednesday evening, the BMA met in emergency session and voted to dissolve that contract and approve a municipal franchise contract with Hawkins EMS.
Mayor Merrell Graham told the Times-News that Hawkins EMS has agreed to meet CHEMS’ terms and post an ambulance in Surgoinsville 24/7 as well.
Church Hill City Recorder Mark Sandidge said his city has taken no action as of yet related to an ambulance service. That city remains covered by Hawkins EMS
“We’re Ok right now as far as ambulance coverage,” Bailey said. “Hopefully we’ll get some answers in the (Thursday) morning about what’s going to happen in the long term.” | http://www.timesnews.net/Business/2016/08/24/Hawkins-negotiating-with-Lifeguard-as-possible-replacement-for-Church-Hill-EMS.html | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/72838673a91c6786058d040fb20c62ada6c32b6946b62d72f7bb197e7d41da25.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:02:51 | null | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | BLOUNTVILLE — Airport Authority commissioners on Thursday approved a new logo and dropped “Regional” from its official name — making it Tri-Cities | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FBusiness%2F2016%2F08%2F25%2FAirport-upgrades-logo-drops-Regional-from-its-name.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/25/x720_q60/TRI-new-logo-2016-PNG.jpg | en | null | Airport Authority upgrades logo, drops 'Regional' from its name | null | null | www.timesnews.net | The new “TRI” logo builds on the airport’s TRI designation assigned by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Airport legal counsel Bill Bovender, however, suggested there may be a problem with the new branding because there is a Tri-Cities Airport in Pasco, Wash.
“How that (trademark) application plays out remains to be seen,” Bovender told commissioners.
Still, upgrading the airport’s branding is important since Executive Director Patrick Wilson is projecting a 3 percent decline in ridership while operating on tight margins in a $6.3 million spending plan in the current fiscal year.
Airport Authority commissioners, in an attempt to bring in new revenue, have been looking to the southside airfield for aviation-related economic development.
Wilson told commissioners the southside airfield, known as Aerospace Park, has 160 available acres — but only 21 state-certified acres ready to be built on now.
Wilson advised he has been meeting with the airport’s former owners — Northeast Tennessee cities and counties — to raise awareness of the need for cash to grade the property and make it job producing.
“That amount is about $15 million,” Wilson said of the money needed to get the job done.
Other options for raising the money include federal grants, adding to the airport’s $2.37 million debt or asking the airport’s former owners to pitch in.
“I think the stage is set for us to have a real regional effort,” Sullivan County Mayor Richard Venable, an Airport Authority commissioner, said of the task.
Wilson previously noted there’s about a 5-10 year window to attract aircraft production/completion projects, in addition to so-called “maintenance, repair and operations” companies.
Other commissioners suggested the timing is good since Northeast State Community College, located next to the airport, is building its aviation curriculum with partners like Bell Helicopter in Piney Flats.
Alex Bertelli, who manages the state’s aerospace, defense and energy technology projects, said Aerospace Park is “the easiest site to sell” in the region’s portfolio, Sullivan NETWORKS Partnership CEO Clay Walker told commissioners.
Commissioners were also briefed on upcoming general aviation air travel related to the “Battle at Bristol” college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Virginia Tech Hokies on Sept. 10.
“We think there’s going to be more air traffic but it’s going to be smaller aircraft,” airport Director of Operations David Jones advised.
UBER drivers are now serving the airport with ground transportation, Wilson added.
After the Airport Authority meeting, airport officials showed off their spanking new $6.24 million terminal frontage improvements — a key front door for the region — complete with widened sidewalks, a bigger drop-off/pickup lane and better access to parking.
A statute of the late U.S. Sen. Kenneth McKellar, leftover from the former terminal frontage, was relocated to a more prominent spot in front of short-term parking. McKellar played a role in the airport’s development in the 1930s, and the airfield was named for him.
For more about Tri-Cities Airport go to www.triflight.com. | http://www.timesnews.net/Business/2016/08/25/Airport-upgrades-logo-drops-Regional-from-its-name.html | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/9bad1480d4742a74011fcc7192ba467d04b79eaad08435bbbc724f132bb40f2d.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:09:21 | null | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | BLOUNTVILLE — Sullivan County Mayor Richard Venable said Wednesday that the county is prepared to handle any increased call volume to its Emergency Medical Service in the | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FNews%2F2016%2F08%2F25%2FSullivan-County-officials-prepared-for-possible-increased-call-volume-for-county.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/25/x720_q60/ems-jpg-1.jpg | en | null | Venable: Sullivan prepared for increased call volume to EMS | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Church Hill EMS is licensed to run calls in Sullivan County and has been for years, but it primarily responded to “Code 80,” or non-emergency transport calls, sometimes called convalescent calls, Venable said.
“First and foremost, the emergency responses, and I think maybe Church Hill had been covering responses in the Kingsport portion of Hawkins County, our EMS will certainly respond there without hesitation, and we are fully capable of doing that,” Venable told the Times-News. “We are prepared for a 911 call today .. anywhere we get one in the county, we can handle it. Church Hill EMS was not involved in 911 calls and that type of emergency in Sullivan County to my knowledge. If they were, we certainly can cover anything they were doing. The other things is convalescent calls ... people who need to get to the doctor and need ambulance services for whatever reason to those appointments ... we’re preparing right now to be able to cover all that. I think we are staffed up now to where we won’t miss a beat. But we’re reviewing where we’re at, and we are prepared to hire additional people and put on additional equipment.”
Although an arm of county government, Sullivan County EMS has long been expected to pay for its operations through non-taxpayer-generated revenue. In other words, it is expected to keep its expenses within whatever revenue is generated through patient charges. But that revenue, as elsewhere across the nation, has dropped in recent years due to changes in Medicare and other guidelines for federal reimbursements.
As a result, the Sullivan County Commission did redirect some funding to the county’s EMS last year to provide cash flow during periods when payments were not keeping up with billing.
Sullivan County EMS billing is handled through a third-party contractor — as is a professional collection service to go after unpaid bills after a certain time.
And last year the Sullivan County Commission approved designating $349,000 of general fund revenue (basically one penny on the county’s property tax rate) to provide capital outlay to Sullivan County EMS. That figure is repeated in the budget just approved for this year.
Sullivan County’s budget for the fiscal year that began July 1 and runs through June 30 of next year estimates Sullivan County EMS (listed as “ambulance service” in county budget documents) will have total revenues of about $5.34 million, with $5.3 million coming from patient charges. On the spending side of the balance sheet, the current budget estimates Sullivan County EMS will have expenditures of just over $5.23 million. Neither the estimated revenue or the estimated expenditures include the $349,000 for capital outlay, which is listed separately under the general fund.
“Our main objective is to answer emergency calls. Somebody had a great idea, maybe, 20 or 30 years ago, that we could subsidize that as much as possible and keep it off the taxpayer by being involved in the business you could actually make a profit on — and that’s the convalescent calls. We are at a lower level than we were in the past (on convalescent calls).”
Venable said there are two reasons Sullivan County will prepare to fill any void in convalescent calls due to the demise of Church Hill EMS.
“Number one: public service,” Venable said. “That’s part of it. But number two is if we can determine that that’s a profitable business that will keep our tax rates lower and subsidize emergency service. Now, we’re going to do the emergency service whether it is profitable or not. That emergency response is our main priority. But the convalescent will subsidize that and keep that (EMS) off the tax rate. Quite honestly, with the way the government and insurance companies are paying for those convalescent type services now, it doesn’t appear that profitable. This is happening from Memphis to Mountain City. Medicare, Medicaid and insurance reimbursements are going down. We are trying to find a niche and find out at what level it will become profitable.” | http://www.timesnews.net/News/2016/08/25/Sullivan-County-officials-prepared-for-possible-increased-call-volume-for-county.html | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/d86c174dfe47f078acb3e01e14d52c23a06cf3759a4a5e55338d8602868159ff.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T18:51:29 | null | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | GATE CITY, VA - Linda Carol Bray Hammond, 72, Gate City, VA passed away, Saturday, August 27, 2016 at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FObituary%2F2016%2F08%2F28%2FLinda-Bray-Hammond-1.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net | en | null | Linda Bray Hammond | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Linda Bray Hammond
GATE CITY, VA - Linda Carol Bray Hammond, 72, Gate City, VA passed away, Saturday, August 27, 2016 at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Monday, August 29, 2016 at the Gate City Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. in the Gene Falin Memorial Chapel of the funeral home with Rev. Bill Tignor officiating. Graveside services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 30, 2016 at the Bray Family Cemetery. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Family and friends are asked to meet at the funeral home at 1:15 p.m. to go in procession to the graveside service. An online guest register is available for the Hammond family at www.gatecityfunerals.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607 or to a charity of one’s choice. Gate City Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Linda Carol Hammond. | http://www.timesnews.net/Obituary/2016/08/28/Linda-Bray-Hammond-1.html | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/615a4baf65c7f2bad61337b718e7aedfaa93db48533a316c27a71adc982274f0.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T18:51:31 | null | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | BLOUNTVILLE - Edith “Edie” King, 72, of Blountville, was born July 16, 1944 and passed away on Friday, August 26, 2016 at Bristol Regional Medical Center. She has now won | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FObituary%2F2016%2F08%2F28%2FEdith-Edie-King-1.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net | en | null | Edith "Edie" King | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Edith "Edie" King
BLOUNTVILLE - Edith “Edie” King, 72, of Blountville, was born July 16, 1944 and passed away on Friday, August 26, 2016 at Bristol Regional Medical Center. She has now won her battle with cancer. The family will receive friends from 5 pm to 7 pm on Monday, August 29, 2016 at Carter-Trent Funeral Home, 520 Watauga Street, Kingsport or anytime at the home of Mr. King. A funeral service will follow at 7 pm in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Jimmy Gross, officiating. An entombment will be held 11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 30, 2016 at Oak Hill Mausoleum, Kingsport. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family for medical expenses. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.cartertrent.com. Carter-Trent Funeral Home, downtown Kingsport, is serving the King family. | http://www.timesnews.net/Obituary/2016/08/28/Edith-Edie-King-1.html | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/474b5d642893ffb6f021835c23569418b582435b62b25bdf8dac9f1b0d486219.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T22:51:58 | null | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | ROGERSVILLE — The Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office is searching for two jail inmates who escaped from the jail around 3 p.m. Monday afternoon. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FLaw-Enforcement%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2FTwo-inmates-being-sought-after-Hawkins-County-Jail-escape.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/29/x720_q60/Short-and-Rose-jpg-1.jpg | en | null | Two inmates being sought after Hawkins County Jail escape | null | null | www.timesnews.net | The Times-News has learned that the escaped inmates are Timothy Millard Rose, and Derek Nathaniel Short.
Sheriff Ronnie Lawson said that Monday around 3 p.m. several inmates were outside of the jail in the recreation yard shortly before the escape occurred.
“At the time the inmates was returning inside the building, three inmates blocked the guard in a corner while two inmates reentered the Recreation Yard and quickly climbed the fence and fled into the woods behind the Justice Center,” Lawson said. “At this time several Officers and K-9 Officer from Sullivan County are searching the area.
Those escapees are:
• Timothy Millard Rose, 33, 1162 Mooreland Drive Kingsport, who was being held for Maintaining a Dwelling where Narcotics Are Sold, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, with a bond set at $10,000.
• Derek Nathaniel Short, 30, 107 Hendricks Street, Rogersville, who was being held for 4 counts of Violation of Probation, Theft of Property under $500.00, Evading Arrest by Foot, Resisting Arrest, Assault, Criminal Impersonation and Failure to Appear with No Bond set.
Both men are wearing orange jail uniforms.
Anyone with information about these to subjects are asked to call Hawkins County Central Dispatch at (423) 272-7121. | http://www.timesnews.net/Law-Enforcement/2016/08/29/Two-inmates-being-sought-after-Hawkins-County-Jail-escape.html | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/7538a484122a613424fd9fbc8cfc545ae90ed38e91354e5c0821ece65fc3c2b8.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T18:51:19 | null | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | SURGOINSVILLE - Velda E. Russell, age 90, of Surgoinsville, formerly of St. Clair, went to be with the Lord peacefully, Saturday, August 27, 2016, at Indian Path Hospital. The family will | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FObituary%2F2016%2F08%2F28%2FVelda-E-Russell.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net | en | null | Velda E. Russell | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Velda E. Russell
SURGOINSVILLE - Velda E. Russell, age 90, of Surgoinsville, formerly of St. Clair, went to be with the Lord peacefully, Saturday, August 27, 2016, at Indian Path Hospital. The family will receive friends anytime at the home of Clifford Russell 198 Dickerson Lane, Surgoinsville, and from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 30, 2016 at Christian-Sells Funeral Home in Rogersville. Funeral services will be at 6:00 p.m. with Rev. Greg Fletcher and Rev. Andy Sensabaugh officiating. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Burial will follow in the Russell-Johnson Cemetery. Condolences may be sent at www.christiansells.com. | http://www.timesnews.net/Obituary/2016/08/28/Velda-E-Russell.html | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/efa71def7421bda4f3193c374a5466b07b11c2bd225d5a911db16f88d4ae9641.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T18:50:29 | null | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | KINGSPORT - The Tri-Cities Friends of NRA plans to hold a banquet on Sept. 23 at the Meadowview Convention and Resort Center. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m.
Tickets may | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FUpcoming-Events%2F2016%2F08%2F27%2FLocal-Friends-of-NRA-group-to-hold-banquet.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/25/x720_q60/Friends-of-NRA-NEW-Logo-American-Flag-jpg.jpg | en | null | Local Friends of NRA group to hold banquet | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Tickets may be purchased at Shooters Edge in Piney Flats, at the Gun Rack in Kingsport or online at www.friendsofnra.org/tn/events. For additional information and tickets contact Josh or Sabra Donihe at (423) 341-7454 or at jsdonihe@charter.net.
Friends of NRA is a key grassroots event that supports thousands of community service related programs from firearm education, hunter safety, wildlife conservation, range improvements and youth marksmanship. Working with NRA field representatives, the members and volunteers organize banquets in their communities, complete with auctions, special drawings, and fellowship.
Much of the merchandise at the banquets is donated or provided at reduced cost by hundreds of participating vendors.
The upcoming banquet will feature a Browning Buckmark.22lr pistol with 1,200 rounds of Browning .22lr ammunition for a door prize (must be present to win) donated by Shooters Edge.
Half of the money raised by each Friends of NRA banquet will be spent in the state in which it was held. The other half supports qualifying national-level programs like the Eddie Eagle GunSafe program, Women on Target, and other educational and safety services.
State Fund Committees made up of volunteers review grant applications from local organizations and make recommendations to The NRA Foundation on how the money might best be used in their areas. For more information about Friends of NRA, visit www.friendsofnra.org.
Established in 1990, The NRA Foundation is a tax-exempt organization that raises tax-deductible contributions in support of a wide range of firearm-related public interest activities of the National Rifle Association of America and other organizations that defend and foster the Second Amendment.
The activities are designed to promote firearm and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those participating in the shootings sports, and to educate the general public about firearms in their historic, technological, and artistic context.
More information about The NRA Foundation can be found online at www.nrafoundation.org, or by calling (800)423-6894. | http://www.timesnews.net/Upcoming-Events/2016/08/27/Local-Friends-of-NRA-group-to-hold-banquet.html | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/244febb376e4c7e5408e17480f8e55c238b5271f44dda7c056b8af0ed1ba8f93.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:01:59 | null | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | TELFORD - Mrs. Bernice Ledford, age 62, Telford, passed away Wednesday August 24, 2016 at Franklin Woods Community Hospital, Johnson City. Bernice and her husband Russell owned and | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FObituary%2F2016%2F08%2F25%2FMrs-Bernice-Ledford.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net | en | null | Mrs. Bernice Ledford | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Mrs. Bernice Ledford
TELFORD - Mrs. Bernice Ledford, age 62, Telford, passed away Wednesday August 24, 2016 at Franklin Woods Community Hospital, Johnson City. Bernice and her husband Russell owned and operated Ledford’s Produce, they have sold produce around the area for many years. The family will receive family and friends Saturday August 27, 2016, 10:00-2:00PM at the Home, 227 Rauhof Rd Telford, TN 37690, and from 6:00- 8:00PM at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home with funeral to follow with Rev. David Tydings officiating. Graveside services will be Sunday August 28, 2016 2:00PM at New Victory Baptist Cemetery. Pallbearers will be family and friends. Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home and Cremation Services 423-753-3821 | http://www.timesnews.net/Obituary/2016/08/25/Mrs-Bernice-Ledford.html | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/b6db578ccd629406b5f5f5dad108b2def0f28b0206eca917fce113ccb50f437c.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T02:52:00 | null | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | KINGSPORT — One Kingsport woman got a shock after returning home from a weekend trip and finding a pantless man inside her home holding a card and a lighter, according to | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FLaw-Enforcement%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2FKingsport-man-not-wearing-pants-arrested-in-bizarre-burglary.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/29/x720_q60/pantless.jpg | en | null | Pantless Kingsport man arrested in bizarre burglary | null | null | www.timesnews.net | The incident began when the woman arrived home Sunday evening and noticed some things were out of order at her home. Mud was on the front porch and the mail was missing from the mailbox. Inside, a broom was in the living room, and things were out of place in the kitchen.
The victim heard a noise and exited the house and called her mother. The victim's mother and stepfather came to the house, and the victim and her stepfather went back into the house to get baby bottles and for the stepfather to check the home.
According to his statements, he grabbed the broom in the living room and began checking the house. When he walked into the master bedroom, an unknown man, later identified as Sean Wampler, 41, 1653 Virginia Ave., Kingsport, walked out of the bathroom. He was carrying a card and a lighter in his hand.
The female victim heard her stepfather say, "Hey friend, can I help you?" An unfamiliar male voice then said something about a towel.
Kingsport police were called and dispatched to the scene. They were advised the stepfather was inside the house with the male suspect. The stepfather told police he tried to keep Wampler there and held him down at one point, but Wampler got away and took the broom from the stepfather and hit him with it.
When officers arrived on scene, Wampler reportedly came to the front door of the home wearing a T-shirt, boxer briefs and socks. He was placed in handcuffs.
Detectives arrived on scene and walked through the home. A pair of muddy wet blue jeans were found on the bottom floor near the doorway into the bedroom. A number of other items had been moved around.
The victim told police a front door wall clock that had been in the hallway was now in the living room, drawers in the master bedroom had been gone through, a thawed Popsicle and empty Propel drink were on the night stand that she did not leave there, pain medications were lined up in the kitchen beside the coffee maker, a basket on a shelf was now on the kitchen counter, a pair of fake teeth her children play with were also on the counter and the kitchen table appeared to have mud on it.
Two necklaces were also lying on the table, and the console that holds the television was moved away from the wall. The victim's mail and emblem from her mailbox were lying on a bed, and the dehumidifier had been emptied and the fill part was left in a downstairs bathroom.
Wampler was arrested for burglary and transported to the Kingsport City Jail. | http://www.timesnews.net/Law-Enforcement/2016/08/29/Kingsport-man-not-wearing-pants-arrested-in-bizarre-burglary.html | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/bbe731c3eab93900250e811801de5680202b38abb0846bbc138c7f04640bdbc8.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T02:51:31 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | KINGSPORT — When Rev. Richie Hayes finally decided to lose weight, he waited until after Mother’s Day because he knew it would be a big day of food and obligations at his | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FFaith%2F2016%2F08%2F28%2FLocal-UMC-pastor-loses-160-pounds.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net/image/2016/08/26/x720_q60/082616gore-richiehayes1-jpg.jpg | en | null | Local UMC pastor loses 160 pounds | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Then he went on a “farewell tour” of his favorite restaurants. “I love you,” he said over his favorite meals at Waffle House, Harbor House, and Burger King. “Thank you, but this is goodbye.”
After finally topping out at 383 pounds in May 2014, Hayes dramatically changed his lifestyle. He strictly followed a weight loss plan to drop 100 pounds in 127 days.
He went on to lose another 60 pounds and added regular exercise to his schedule.
“I was eating all the wrong things and eating on the run,” says the 54-year-old pastor at Glen Alpine United Methodist Church. “But if I kept on going like that, I wouldn’t have gone on much longer.”
More than two years after he started his personal transformation, Hayes finds that he’s often approached by others struggling with obesity or addictions. He also looks at his ministry through a new lens.
“Our church has a partnership with Second Harvest, and we distribute food to people who drive up in their cars,” he says. “The last time we did it, I gave out five bags of potato chips. That’s a conflict of interest for me. Potato chips are really not what people need.”
People were not created to eat junk food, he says.
Too busy to change
Hayes said he was a “sprinter type” in school who didn’t have weight issues until he attended seminary. He was a data-processing employee at a bank and a member at the former Wooten’s Chapel United Methodist Church in New Market, Tenn., when he answered the call to ministry in the 1990s.
“That lifestyle — spending so much time studying and sitting — is when I first started gaining,” he says. Hayes attended Asbury Theological Seminary from 1992 to 1994 and took his first pastoral appointment at Midtown Valley United Methodist Church in Harriman, Tenn.
Later, the stress of relocating from church to church and taking care of his congregations led to additional weight gain. He loved peanut butter sandwiches and Mountain Dew and didn’t always feel like he had time to change his eating habits. “I had things to do,” he remembers.
However, it bothered him when he “sat on the lawnmower and the steering wheel cut into my stomach” or when he felt unsteady at his daughters’ basketball or volleyball games: “You’re standing on the bleachers and feel like you might wobble off.”
Over the years, Hayes tried different diets and lost at least 40 pounds each time. “And then Christmas would come, or Easter or Thanksgiving, and then 50 pounds came back,” he says.
When his doctor told Hayes he was close to being diagnosed with diabetes, something finally clicked.
“I was really desperate for change, to get it right.”
Stick to the plan
Hayes noticed that some Facebook friends had experienced success with a program called “Take Shape for Life.” He stresses that he doesn’t endorse any particular diet. What’s important, he said, is to pick a healthy plan and to stick to it without modifications.
“If you get to the point where you would rather eat cardboard than stay where you are at, you will do well with this program,” he says. “That is my response when someone asks me about the food I eat. It was how I felt at the time of reckoning for me.”
The plan involves eating nutritional bars, lean proteins and green vegetables and drinking lots of water. At first, Hayes thought it was expensive ($400 a month), but then realized how much he was previously spending on restaurants and groceries.
The weight came off quickly, and the pastor shared his journey with his congregation along the way. At the time, he was serving two churches in Abingdon District: First United Methodist Church of Mountain City and Trade United Methodist Church in Trade, Tenn.
“By being transparent with my congregation and family, God opened up doors to conversations about addictions of all kinds, daily disciplines, and deliverance,” he said. At least three people shared their private battles with alcohol, while a few clergy friends called to share their struggles with obesity.
The pastor’s doctor was overwhelmed with his success, hugging him three times in one visit. Hayes was able to stop taking his blood pressure medication. When he had lost a total of 160 pounds, Hayes went to the gym and delighted in doing physical activities he hadn’t done in years.
Stewardship of clothes
“To be desperate is to want a power greater than ourselves,” Hayes said recently at Henderson Settlement, where he was invited to share his journey. “What responsibility do I have in light of what God has done for me?”
God has given him his health and a new story, the pastor says. “The story is mine. Everyone has theirs. But when God rescues you, you can’t keep it all to yourself. God wants to deliver us all and wants to deliver other people.”
In addition to re-evaluating the kinds of foods we should (or shouldn’t) be sharing with neighbors in need, Hayes says he’s also pondering “the stewardship of clothes” and a prejudice he detects toward overweight people.
“I lost 16 inches in waist size,” he says. “I apologized to my wife many times for how many wardrobes of clothes I had spent money on through the years.”
Every time he dropped a size, Hayes donated his clothes to the Unique Boutique, a clothing ministry at First United Methodist of Mountain City.
The journey is ongoing. Hayes is working on losing a few more pounds and maintaining what he’s accomplished.
In the meantime, “I see that overweight people are often isolated. I didn’t really see it before, but it’s amazing how different your approachability is after you lose weight.” | http://www.timesnews.net/Faith/2016/08/28/Local-UMC-pastor-loses-160-pounds.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/bce7fbb0e0f92265320b123251e8b9d03b2fbacf6663f3609c2200f4f0a39735.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T20:52:02 | null | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | BLOUNTVILLE - Wayne G. Byron, 68, Blountville, passed away on Saturday, August 27, 2016, at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center surrounded by family and friends. The family will | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FObituary%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2FWayne-G-Byron-1.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net | en | null | Wayne G. Byron | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Wayne G. Byron
BLOUNTVILLE - Wayne G. Byron, 68, Blountville, passed away on Saturday, August 27, 2016, at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center surrounded by family and friends. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. The memorial service will follow at 7:00 p.m. with Pastor P.J. Johnson officiating. Please visit www.hamlettdobson.com to leave an on-line condolence for the family. Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport is serving the family of Wayne G. Byron. | http://www.timesnews.net/Obituary/2016/08/29/Wayne-G-Byron-1.html | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/f045d808a81b80fcbf9115c87284c7f746f1fab6f78deb32b91821fa28762532.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T18:52:16 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | SALTVILLE, VA - Tina Louise Stephens, age 48, passed away on August 29, 2016. Funeral services for Tina L. Stephens will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, September 1, 2016 in the | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnews.net%2FObituary%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2FTina-Louise-Stephens.html.json | http://www.timesnews.net | en | null | Tina Louise Stephens | null | null | www.timesnews.net | Tina Louise Stephens
SALTVILLE, VA - Tina Louise Stephens, age 48, passed away on August 29, 2016. Funeral services for Tina L. Stephens will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, September 1, 2016 in the D.R. Henderson Funeral Home with Pastor Dale Allison officiating. Burial will follow in the Elizabeth Cemetery. Pallbearers will be: Calvin Grizzle, Wendell Grizzle, Danny Hanshew, Daniel Hanshew, Austyn Harmon and Samuel Collins. Michael Grizzle is an honorary pallbearer. The family will receive friends from 1 until 3:00 p.m. prior to the service. Online condolences may be made at drhendersonfuneralhome.com D.R. Henderson Funeral Home in Saltville, VA is serving the Tina Stephens family. | http://www.timesnews.net/Obituary/2016/08/30/Tina-Louise-Stephens.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.timesnews.net/d14c5c0afae4f8154a0976c1ae28c81d6fd6bf5ce9ee7f37f41d08d777a6b9f5.json |
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