VA budget deal due by evening; Sunday vote set -
Negotiations toward a bare-bones state budget wrapped up Saturday with a final vote on the two-year
spending plan set for Sunday evening.
Va gov seeks storm disaster aid -
Gov. Bob McDonnell has requested federal disaster assistance for the state and several localities hit hard
by two winter storms last month.
BREAKING NEWS: Carter county crash kills 1, roads blocked -
The Carter County Sheriff’s Department is on the scene of a fatal crash Saturday evening. Officers on the scene tell us the crash happened around 5 this evening on Highway 91.
Kingsport woman dies after crash in Hamblen County Tenn. -
Corrina Steinmann, 42, was the passenger in a 1999 Ford.
Bristol Herald Courier reporter wins national Scripps Howard Foundation award -
Bristol Herald Courier reporter Daniel Gilbert is among the winners of the 2009 National Journalism Awards presented annually by the Scripps Howard Foundation.
Bristol Virginia reigns supreme in 9th Annual Hero’s Ball charity basketball game -
The fire and police departments on either side of town squared off Friday night – firefighters first, police officers second – during the ninth annual Hero’s Ball, a charity ball game to benefit the Haven of Rest rescue mission
Bristol Virginia City Council candidate intent on improving city’s financial standing -
John “Jay” Dorton believes lessons learned in a business career would serve him well as a member of the Bristol Virginia City Council.
The Bristol Blotter for March 13, 2010 -
The Bristol Blotter for March 13, 2010
People Inc. needs volunteers at Bristol, Va., Head Start Center to boost those who begin with less -
The People Incorporated Head Start Center in Bristol, Va., is in need of volunteers to give a boost to those who begin with less.
Governor signs bill creating independent authority for Bristol Virginia Utilities -
Friday’s signature by Gov. Bob McDonnell makes the Bristol Virginia Utilities authority a part of state law.
Police still declining to provide details in Bristol, Va., homicide case -
Ten days after a 22-year-old woman’s body was found in the woods off East Valley Drive in Bristol, Va., police are still declining to provide details, including cause of death.
State takes “emergency action,” suspends three nurses at Appalachian Medical Center -
In 2008, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation raided the AMC office. They called it a “pill mill,“ that contributed to 47 patient deaths in two years. No formal charges were filed.
UPDATE: Facebook shuts down Nikolaus Johnson’s account -
According to Tennessee Department of Correction Communications Officer Dorinda Carter, Nikolaus Johnson no longer has a Facebook page.
“Facebook contacted us today to let us know they have removed N. Johnson’s page,“ Carter said.
Convicted JC murderer denied new trial -
A man convicted of second-degree murder will not get a new trial, at least not if Judge Jerry Beck has anything to do with it.
Hawkins County teacher fired for stabbing student seven times with pen -
A Hawkins County teacher is out of a job, three months after repeatedly stabbing a student in the arm with a pen.
Surgoinsville bridge to be replaced -
The state of Tennessee will soon replace the Longs Bend Bridge.
Elizabethton man reportedly exchanged drugs for sex with minors -
An Elizabethton man is charged with aggravated child abuse and statutory rape after he allegedly offered several young women drugs and alcohol in exchange for sex.
Filling out Census forms will mean big bucks for Tri-Cities region -
Tri-Cities leaders say filling out census forms now will ensure big bucks for the next 10 years.
Howard Hawk Willis to appear before new judge Tuesday -
Come Tuesday, a new judge will preside over Howard Hawk Willis’ first-degree murder case. Judge Jon Blackwood, a Hamilton County Special Criminal Court Judge, will preside over the case.
Court motion hearing date set for alleged murderer -
Former top-ten most-wanted fugitive, Juwaunne “Shorty” Massey appeared in court Friday morning. He is accused of shooting a Kingsport shop owner and his customer in the back of Sole candle shop nearly 4 years ago.
Undercover operation in Boone, NC leads to six arrests -
A joint undercover narcotics investigation between the Boone Police Department Narcotics Unit and the Ashe County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit led to the arrest of six suspects.
ETSU’s voluntary buyout plan contributed to errors in 2009 financial statement -
On the surface, a state audit of East Tennessee State University’s finances looks scary—three ‘classification’ errors to the tune of about $6.5 million.
5-year-old honored for saving family from fire -
Five-year-old Ed Baker woke his family up and got them to safety during a fire in Johnson City last week.
About the 2010 Census -
The U.S. Census counts every resident in the United States, and is required by the Constitution to take place every 10 years.
Va. car title lending reform passes -
The General Assembly has passed sweeping reforms to the car title lending industry meant to protect borrowers from an endless cycle of debt while not going so far as to run the lenders out of the state.
Tenn. House passes bill to prevent phone scams -
The House has unanimously approved legislation that seeks to prevent phone scams targeting Tennessee senior citizens.
Tone of talks makes Saturday adjournment possible -
Two days of legislative negotiations have produced modest advances toward a new state budget, but both sides say a shift in attitudes may be the most promising development.
Re-enactment of Civil War battle dropped -
Sponsors have dropped plans for a traditional re-enactment of the Civil War Battle of Blue Springs.
11 Connects top morning headlines, March 12 -
Check out this morning’s top headlines from 11 Connects at 5 a.m. and 6 a.m.
Wiggles the Clown teaches children safety -
Before she took them for a ride in an imaginary car made of four chairs and a zebra-print-covered steering wheel, Wiggles the Clown reminded a group of kindergarten students to buckle up and use a child booster seat.
Bristol’s Heath Calhoun to carry U.S. flag during 2010 Paralympic Winter Games opening ceremony -
After serving and greatly sacrificing for his country as a soldier, Bristol, Tenn., native Heath Calhoun will serve and proudly celebrate it in another special role during tonight’s start of the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Sullivan deputies bust man with 16 pounds of pot during search for gun -
Accusations of a stolen pot pipe and subsequent failed shooting attempt led police to a Bluff City trailer Wednesday night, where they happened upon 16 pounds of pot worth $16,000.
Only two aldermen show for Bluff City board meeting -
Since only two of the four aldermen showed up and there was no majority, no official business could be conducted. The meeting quickly turned into an informal forum during which a crowd of city residents vented their concerns.
BCMA unveils ‘banjometer’ for fundraising campaign -
Borrowing an idea from the United Way, a local country music organization Thursday unfurled its own visual reminder of a fundraising campaign.
Defender for Willie Clyde Puckett appeals to high court -
A public defender is seeking relief from the state’s highest court to quash the prosecution against a mentally retarded man charged with first-degree murder in the death of his cellmate in 1985 – a move that follows an appellate court’s refusal to stop the prosecution in February.
Candidates for president’s job at VHCC narrowed to three -
The list of candidates for the president’s job at Virginia Highlands Community College has been narrowed to three, and all are scheduled to visit the campus in the next two weeks.
Bristol Blotter 03-12-10 -
Someone saw three kids in an old black Camaro driving along Crockett Street “smoking something, possibly pot” at 4:40 p.m.
The Birthplace of Country Music Association erects “Banjometer” -
The Birthplace of Country Music Alliance has erected a giant banjo - the “Banjometer” to gauge progress towards a cultural heritage center.
Golf will bring the Greeneville economy a tourism boost -
The Greene County Partnership announced that the Link Hills Country Club will host the 2011 and 2012 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Women’s Golf Championships. Officials expect visitors to bring in a quarter million dollars each week.
New murder trial date set for Wendi Garrison -
A woman convicted of second-degree murder more than two years ago will get a new trial this summer.
Bill seeks to curb illegal drug activity from out-of-state “pill mills” -
The Senate and House Judiciary Committees approved legislation this week to attack a major source of illegal drug activity in Tennessee.
Father to serve maximum sentence for son’s death in Scott Co. -
Michael Douglas Barton, age 25, was sentenced for manslaughter and child abuse in the Scott County Circuit Court on Tuesday, March 9.
Seven indicted Monday on drug distribution charges in Bristol -
According to a police department news statement on the indictments, the group’s drug of choice was dihydrocodeinone, a schedule II opiod generally prescribed for pain relief. Thomas said the indictments came after an investigation that lasted several months. They anticipate additional indictments shortly.
Va. unemployment rate rises to 6.9 percent -
The Virginia Employment Commission says the state’s unemployment rate climbed higher during January but was still well below the national average.
Kingsport man’s DUI bust is his 10th -
Kingsport Police have filed a 10th DUI charge against a driver who was going about 20 miles per hour on Interstate 26 and weaving.
Rock slide on 19E in Carter County -
If you plan to travel on Highway 19E in Carter County, you’ll want to be extra careful around the Tennessee / North Carolina border. County crews are cleaning up a rock slide.
Bill seeks to clarify guns in bars law -
Legislation is advancing in the House that seeks to clarify a Tennessee law allowing people with handgun permits to be armed in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol.
Va OKs first bill banning mandated health coverage -
Virginia’s General Assembly is the first in the nation to approve legislation that bucks federal health care reforms by banning mandatory health insurance coverage.
Va. gov. counters state atty. gen.‘s advice on gay community -
Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell has directed state agencies not to discriminate against gay people, essentially overriding the state attorney general’s advice to colleges.
11 Connects top morning headlines, March 11 -
Check out this morning’s top headlines from 11 Connects at 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. by clicking on the video link.
Three soccer goals missing from Sugar Hollow Park -
For an enterprising thief, it might take five minutes and two tools to chop a 24-by-8-foot aluminum soccer goal into portable bits; then, under the cover of darkness, haul it out of the back-end of a city park on foot and sell it as scrap metal for a few hundred bucks.
Bluff City’s speed cameras will have eyes on race traffic -
While Bristol Motor Speedway officials are fretting that Bluff City’s new speed cameras on U.S. Highway 11E might upset and alienate unsuspecting race visitors, city officials said Wednesday that the controversial detectors will be operating during the March 19-21 race weekend.
Washington County authorities test Project Lifesaver -
Detective Billy Nichols’ antenna gun had picked up the radio-wave ping transmission from the ankle bracelet worn by 18-year-old Down syndrome patient Billy Stiltner, of Abingdon. The search for Stiltner was a training drill for Project Lifesaver, a tracking technology the sheriff’s office offers for free to elderly and mentally challenged residents likely to wander away from home or school.
Sullivan ethics panel to examine ditch issue -
Sullivan County’s Ethics Committee will look into allegations that Highway Commissioner Allan Pope acted inappropriately when he dug a 36-inch-deep ditch to the site of a proposed subdivision at the end of Graybeal Road near Bluff City.
Bristol Virginia Police Department to receive anti-terrorism grant -
City police learned Wednesday that their department will receive the largest slice of a $4.9 million state anti-terrorism grant.
Law enforcement celebrates success of case cooperation -
Initially, federal prosecutor Zach Lee thought his investigation of a crack-cocaine ring would extend little further than the five men targeted.
Marker to pay tribute to June Carter Cash -
Rita Forrester called this week to remind me that a big gospel show was coming to the Carter Fold on March 14.
Still, that’s not all that’s slated to show up in or around the famous music barn in Scott County, Va.
Washington County learning exercise helping students prepare for future -
Daniel Heath thought a job in information technology would enable him to live the good life. But halfway through paying the bills, he had to get a second job flipping burgers.
New exhibit focuses on ‘Treasure!‘ -
The latest exhibit at ‘Hands On!‘ Regional Museum in Johnson City deals with treasure-hunting.
Bristol Blotter 03-11-10 -
Two kids on bikes “with a bottle of Mad Dog in their hands” tried to pick a fight with a strange man around 8:40 p.m. on Newton Street.
Proposed Virginia legislation looks to further protect student athletes from head injury -
A new bill sits on Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell’s desk that would force student athletes suspected of having a head injury to the sidelines until cleared to play by a medical professional.
Greeneville’s Lady Greene Devils Headed To State Basketball Tourney -
North Greene, South Greene, and Greeneville are all headed to the State Tournament.
Surgoinsville man arrested for sending porn to 10-year-old boy -
Rickey Dewayne Hickman is charged with transferring pornographic material to a minor, a misdemeanor.
A town with no mayor and no vice mayor -
Two resignations in a week leaves Bluff City, Tenn. without a mayor. The town’s attorney will request an official opinion on whether Alderman J.C. Gentry declined his mayoral appointment, or resigned from the board altogether.
Dead puppies found dumped in Hawkins County creek -
The Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a possible case of animal cruelty after two men found a half dozen dead puppies in a creek.
H1N1 vaccinations being offered in Bristol, Washington Co. -
The Mount Rogers Health District will offer free H1N1 vaccines to the public on Monday, March 15, at the Bristol Virginia Public Library.
UPDATE: Domestic violence suspect arrested in Knoxville -
Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office is looking for Jonathan Jessee Ryans in connection with a domestic violence assault.
Two charged with stealing medication from Kingsport nursing home -
Police say Timothy Wayne Henry and Elisa Minton Henry stole medication from elderly residents at a local nursing home.
Salvation Army appeals for help filling pantry shelves -
Faced with the ever present demand for emergency food assistance, The Salvation Army is asking the community for help and is partnering with the Feinstein Foundation to match donations to fight hunger in East Tennessee.
Parks and Recreation adds youth kickball to spring offerings -
Kickball is back in a big way – across the country, and here in Johnson City.
Jason Witten named honorary starter for Food City 500 -
Dallas Cowboy standout Jason Witten has been named the Honorary Starter for the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway Sunday, March 21.
Retail sales down in the 4th quarter, rebound expected by summer -
A new report shows retail sales in the Tri-Cities region fell during the fourth quarter of 2009, which is also the holiday season. However, a East Tennessee State University Bureau of Business and Economic Research report predicts an economic recovery this summer.
Tenn. general fund collections fall $44M short -
General fund tax collections missed projections by about $44 million in January.
UPDATE: Police release name of victim in Greeneville shooting -
Greeneville Police responded to a 911 call of a shooting at Hidden Oaks Apartments around 3:30 Tuesday afternoon.
Johnson City man arrested for allegedly beating up woman -
A Johnson City man will appear in court today, after police say he went into an apartment and assaulted a woman.
11 Connects top morning headlines, March 10 -
Check out this morning’s top headlines from 11 Connects at 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. by clicking on the video link.
Belt-tightening proposals could have far-reaching effects in arts programs across Southwest Virginia -
Belt-tightening proposals that include funding cuts of as much as 50 percent to the Virginia Commission for the Arts will lead to job losses and program reductions across Southwest Virginia, the Barter Theatre’s artistic director said Tuesday.
Fourth person to serve and resign as Bluff City’s mayor in two years steps down -
If you’re looking for a job that involves running a community of 1,600 people and pays $900 a year, then the town of Bluff City is looking for you.
Keep your corned beef tender, more -
Q: I like corned beef and cabbage, and I thought I would make some this year for St. Patrick’s Day. But I have had other people’s corned beef and cabbage, and to be honest, it was tough. What do I need to do to make sure that it is tender?
– Fred R.,
Bristol, Va.
Doug Fleenor appointed to BVU board -
With little discussion and no executive session, the City Council filled an imminent vacancy on the Bristol Virginia Utilities board of directors.
Exercise can help with menopause symptoms -
Currently, it is 28 degrees outside and even the warmest room in our house is slightly cold.
I used to put on two to three layers of thermals followed by a sweatshirt and thick sweatpants.
Race weekend motorists could face challenges with changes -
Rock slides, daylight saving time and new traffic signals and speed cameras on U.S. Highway 11E might prove challenging for race weekend motorists later this month, city and race officials said Tuesday.
Mendota residents eager to get higher quality water, supervisor says -
Mendota might have a water line in its future.
Bristol Blotter 03-10-10 -
A woman called from her green convertible to say half a dozen drunken people in a maroon van were “threatening to kill her and saying they are going to kill her” just before 10 p.m. She told police that “she has a knife and she will kill somebody if they try to hurt her.”
Sullivan County to discuss Graybeal Road water project Wednesday -
Sullivan County Executive Committee will meet in a special session Wednesday to discuss possible misuse of county funds by the Highway Department.
ETSU participating in groundbreaking ALS communication study -
People who suffer from ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease often lose their ability to speak. Although the disease paralyzes their body, a new research project at East Tennessee State University could eventually bring a voice to those people.
Burglar gets stuck in field after crime -
A Carter County deputy didn’t have to look far to make an arrest in a weekend burglary.
Guard units from East Tennessee to deploy to Iraq -
A Tri-Cities Military Police unit will soon be deploying to Iraq.
STUDENT OF THE WEEK: Christian Potter -
Christian Potter is this week’s student of the week. She’s a senior at Happy Valley High School in Elizabethton, Tennessee.
An Elizabethton family reminds us that H1N1 hasn’t disappeared -
Numbers of the H1N1 flu have decreased nationwide, but it hasn’t disappeared. Local health departments don’t know what to expect this spring, and they say people shouldn’t drop their guards.
Church Hill man arrested after reportedly firing gun toward his mother 20 times -
Brian Dale Vleminckx reportedly fired about 20 shots at his mother, after arguing with his mother about a number of things, including his dog getting loose.
Bluegrass music’s royal family to headline Rhythm & Roots Reunion -
Members of bluegrass music’s unofficial royal family will headline this year’s Rhythm & Roots Reunion.
For parts of Center Street, Eastman Road, it’s out with the old and in with the new -
Road crews started a large milling and repaving project in Kingsport Monday night.
City releases traffic plans for Bristol race -
The city of Bristol, Tenn. along with other area agencies has developed the overall race traffic management plan for the spring race, coming up March 19-21 at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Police investigating convenience store robbery -
The Greeneville Police Department is looking for a man they say robbed a convenience store Monday night.
Johnson City man arrested for alleged February assault -
A Johnson City man will appear in court today. Police say his arrest stems from an alleged assault last month.
Tenn. moves execution time up to 10 p.m. -
The Tennessee Department of Correction says its executions will now be carried out three hours earlier.
State police swarm Va. interstates -
The Virginia State Police stopped thousands of speeders and reckless drivers during a two-day enforcement effort on Interstates 81 and 95.
Smoky Mountain facilities reopening this weekend -
Some seasonal facilities in the Great Smoky Mountains will reopen this weekend.
11 Connects top morning headlines, March 9 -
Check out this morning’s top headlines from 11 Connects at 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. by clicking on the video link.
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