Tennessee, Sullivan County | featured news

BLOUNTVILLE — A female inmate has died at the Sullivan County jail in Blountville.
Jenna Marie Sims, 32, was incarcerated for violation of probation. According to a statement from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, she died Saturday night.
As is protocol for inmate deaths, Sullivan County District Attorney General Barry Staubus has requested that the TBI investigate the incident. Autopsy results are pending.

KNOXVILLE — Tennessee cornerback Bryce Thompson was arrested on a misdemeanor domestic assault charge stemming from an argument with his girlfriend.
A woman told police the argument began Saturday night after she found another woman’s fake eyelashes in Thompson’s room. She said the argument began in Thompson’s dorm room, moved to a stairwell and continued for 10 to 20 minutes.
Thompson and the woman said they had been dating for four years.
Witnesses told police they heard Thompson threatening to slap a woman.

KINGSPORT — Can science and religion coexist?
That question will be the subject of “Religion, Science, & Beer” to be held at The Social next month.
Organized by First Broad Street United Methodist Church, the event will be led by Michael Peterson, an author and professor of philosophy at Asbury Theological Seminary.
“He believes that the best of religion and the best of science are compatible,” said Nathan Flora, executive director at First Broad Street.

KINGSPORT — The Kingsport Farmers Market pavilion was overflowing Saturday evening with prayer and Christian songs as thousands of people representing dozens of local churches showed they are “Unashamed” to share their faith.
An exact head count wasn’t available, but some in attendance estimated there were at least a couple of thousand people at the first ever Unashamed Prayer Rally.

JOHNSON CITY — Scouting Appalachian State is a little more difficult this year because of the uncertainties involved with facing a new coaching staff’s first game.
The Mountaineers have a new head coach in Eliah Drinkwitz and a new defensive coordinator in Ted Roof. Both came from North Carolina State after Scott Satterfield was lured away to Louisville after six seasons at Appalachian State in which he built a 51-24 record.
The Bucs have mostly been practicing against their own schemes while installing their offense and defense.

JOHNSON CITY — Most people retire to play golf and travel. Fred Warren has retired from golf and travel.
The legendary East Tennessee State golf coach is in the middle of his first summer of retirement, and so far the time off has suited Warren well.
“I think I was prepared for it because I was thinking about it for a while,” Warren said. “I appreciate having more free time. To coach full time requires a lot of time and energy.

Bridge, anyone? For several years now, a dedicated group of Kingsport women have hosted a unique fundraiser. The Kingsport Chapter V of the international P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) holds an annual Bridge Luncheon fundraiser to help raise funds for scholarships, grants and low-interest loans for women seeking to further their education. Not just any bridge game, this event helps to change women’s lives. Bridge players across the area can have a hand in helping to support this worthy cause at the upcoming fundraiser on Sept. 24.
This year, the two Kingsport P.E.O.

KINGSPORT - Patsy Charlene Gilley, 73, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday (August 23, 2019) following a brief illness surrounded by her loving family.
Charlene was born on October 15, 1945 in Big Stone Gap, VA to the late Charles Monroe & Clara Madeline (Hartsock) Kiser.
Charlene was the co-owner and operator of Tri-State Complete. She was a member of First Christian Church where she loved her Sunday School Class. She enjoyed being in her cabin in the mountains and was very devoted to her family, always putting them first.

KINGSPORT - William (Bill) Clevenger, 82, of Kingsport, went to be with the Lord on August 23, 2019 after a brief illness.
Born in Nashville, TN he resided in Kingsport most of his life. He was a graduate of Vanderbilt University and retired from Eastman Chemical Company in 1996 as a Chemical Engineer. He was a longtime member of First Baptist Church, Church Circle, Kingsport.
He is preceded in death by his parents, August Clevenger and Cory Wicks Clevenger.

MOUNT CARMEL — Following a lengthy debate Thursday and two votes, the Board of Mayor and Aldermen agreed to accept $771 less in insurance money to keep the wrecked fire truck that rolled down an embankment in June.
The Mount Carmel Fire Department’s 2009 KME Spartan fire truck was deemed a total loss following an accident that occurred June 11 on Big Elm Road.
While responding to a vehicular accident, the driver pulled over to let an oncoming vehicle pass.