UPDATED: Time for selfie shots and photos at Johnson's 'Castle' playground ends Thursday night, Dec. 20

The old wooden playground at Johnson Elementary School will be torn down during the Christmas break, and folks who have used it are encouraged to take photos before it is replaced.

Dec 13, 2018 at 6:00 PM

Marsh Regional has critical need for O-negative blood

Donors can give blood at any of Marsh Regional’s collection centers: 111 W. Stone Drive, Suite 300, Kingsport, 2428 Knob Creek Road, Johnson City and 1996 W. State St., Bristol.

Dec 5, 2018 at 3:16 PM

My senior year in college, I began experimenting in the kitchen. My mother had sent me my first cookbook, “Kingsport Recipes Old and New,” which was published by the Netherland Inn Association. I pored over the pages looking for a quick bread recipe that I could make for Christmas presents and spied a Cranberry Cheddar Bread that sounded creative and a bit off the wall. To make a long story short, it ended up being my favorite go-to quick bread, and with a few tweaks through the years, I think it is pretty darn delicious and always receives rave reviews. This version makes two loaves, because you will probably eat one entire loaf before it cools.

Tastes

Add a little color to your holidays with cranberries

Cranberries are one of the three truly North American fruits and were first used by Native Americans for feed, dyes and medicinal purposes.

Dec 5, 2018 at 10:30 AM

Usually Larry Williams decorates about 10 trees on the north end of Bradley Creek road near the Carters Valley road intersection. But, earlier this year Williams was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. He's experiencing some of the symptoms such as shaking hands, but that hasn't discouraged him from making this year's roadside Christmas Tree display his best ever.

Hawkins County

Hawkins roadside Christmas tree decorator triples effort after Parkinson's diagnosis

Usually he would do about 10 trees, but earlier this year Williams was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. He's experiencing some of the symptoms such as shaking hands, but that hasn't discouraged him from making this year's roadside Christmas Tree display his best ever.

Dec 1, 2018 at 9:00 AM

Dr. Robert Pack, director of ETSU's Center for Prescription Drug Abuse and Prevention and Treatment, discusses the high levels of opioid addiction in Northeast Tennessee.

ETSU expert cites ‘promising trends’ in local opioid battle

While Tennessee did rank first in the nation for opioid prescriptions, there has been a decrease in prescriptions filled from 2015 to 2017. In Sullivan County, overdoses fell by seven during that time, as opioid prescriptions filled declined from about 214,000 to less than 194,000.

Nov 29, 2018 at 3:45 PM

When selecting a bunch of beets in the produce section, look for beets that are small to medium-sized with firm roots, smooth skin, and a deep consistent color.

Tastes

Beets are great source of antioxidants

Beets are just now coming into season and are a great root vegetable to incorporate in a variety of ways throughout the winter.

Nov 28, 2018 at 4:30 PM

The Kingsport Diabetes Association meets at 7 p.m., every second Tuesday of the month, in Building 2002 (conference room 203) on the campus of Indian Path Community Hospital in Kingsport.

Sunday Stories

Kingsport Diabetes Association works to support those living with diabetes

Meetings provide a support group setting, feature monthly speakers to talk about diabetes issues, and offer a friendly opportunity to ask questions while sharing diabetes-friendly recipe refreshments.

Nov 27, 2018 at 4:30 PM

Zombie Isabella Crawford makes a point about smoking a rainy Wednesday afternoon in downtown Kingpsort, part of a New Vision Youth, Boys and Girls Club and Girls Inc. event.

Great American Smokeout

Message from the undead: Don't smoke

Zombies and teenagers holding signs bring anti-smoking message to downtown Kingsport on eve of Great American Smokeout Thursday.

Nov 15, 2018 at 11:30 AM

New Vision Youth march in this year's Red Ribbon March.

Red Ribbon Walk's message: 'Life is your journey... travel drug-free'

"Taking a stand with community marches like this one builds an important relationship between the kids, the police department and the neighborhood that reassures the older generation." — Kingsport Police Corporal Jim Clark

Oct 27, 2018 at 2:30 PM

Rogersville

Rogersville 8th-grader collecting toiletries for Hawkins' poor and homeless

According to Hawkins County Schools Title 1 director Dr. Michelle Harless the number of Hawkins County's homeless students fluctuates, and has gotten as high as into the 60s, but currently there are 23 known homeless children in the school system.

Oct 26, 2018 at 5:00 PM

Tastes

Celebrate National Oatmeal Day on Oct. 29

You may not think celebrating this humble breakfast dish is warranted, but after discovering all the health benefits, you may change your mind.

Oct 24, 2018 at 10:00 PM

A playground structure at Kennedy Elementary has plywood blocking what was access to a chain ladder removed because it was unsafe. Efforts are underway to raise money to replace/renovate the playground.

Kennedy Elementary School playground

Kennedy Coyotes may have run of new playground this school year

Kennedy Elementary School Principal Janice Irvin said parents have told her much of the playground equipment at the school dates back to its days as a Sullivan County school and that some is likely from the 1950s.

Oct 12, 2018 at 3:48 PM

Castle playground

New 'castle' coming to Johnson in March

Because fundraising efforts have reached the 90 percent thresh hold, the iconic 1990 “castle” playground — which got its name from the obvious castle design and has been used by generations of area children as well as students at Johnson — be replaced in a community build in March 5-10, 2019.

Oct 11, 2018 at 7:30 PM

Last year’s event brought out 1,500 people and 48 vendors. This year, 1,800 people have already pre-registered for the expo, putting them in the running for some nice prizes, like an Apple Watch, a year-long membership at the YMCA and 15 other door prizes.

Healthy Kingsport

Walk for Wellness Expo set for Saturday

The expo will feature 93 vendors – double the number from last year – with many offering give-aways, such as free T-shirts, water bottles and kitchen tools. A number of vendors will be doing screenings, including ones for blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose and stress.

Oct 7, 2018 at 8:00 AM