HAGERSTOWN, Md. — Dolly Parton once said, "Sometimes you just have to toot your own horn. Otherwise, nobody will know you're a-comin'."For Paul T. Woodal Jr. of Hagerstown, his horn is attached to a Barbie-pink 2008 Volkswagen Beetle adorned with photos and sayings from one of country music's most beloved artists, Dolly Parton.Woodal, 38, credits his mother, Faye Woodal, for introducing him to the star with the beautiful voice, big hair and bigger, well, assets."(My mother) introduced me to her records, her LPs," he said. "Her voice sounded like this little cartoon kid thing. And it just captured my soul and I've liked it ever since."The 67-year-old Parton has made a name for herself in 40-plus years in the music business. She has a slew of No. 1 hits, armloads of CMAs, Grammys and both Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations for singing and acting. She also has made it a point to help others. An amusement park in Pigeon Forge bears her name and has given jobs to her Tennessee kinfolk while her Destination Imagination program has helped combat illiteracy in her home state.But it would be her 2009 album, "Backwoods Barbie" that would inspire Woodal to turn what was a red beetle into a pink one."If you would hear the song 'I'm Just a Backwoods Barbie,' some of the little lines make you giggle and laugh," said Woodal, who also bears a large tattoo of Parton on his back.He said in the song she's making fun of herself, "her false eyelashes, her wigs, her boobs, whatever, and it's just a cute little song to giggle and laugh at."But transforming his Beetle into a Dollymobile was a little more complicated. First, he had to find pictures from the "Backwoods Barbie" album that were big enough or could be blown up to the size he wanted."So whatever was on the album, I put it on the car," he said. "But there's only one picture on the back of the car that I love of Dolly. It's from her old "Rainbow" album, where she's laying down; I had to have that on there. Everything else basically came from the album."Borrowing another one-liner from the Parton, "it takes a lot of money to look this cheap." Woodal said it cost about $1,500 to make his moving tribute to Parton. He said Mason Autobody in Waynesboro, Pa., and Star Grafx and Customizers & Creative Accents, both in Hagerstown, did the work on his car.But the investment was all worth it when Woodal and his partner, Devin Decker, had the chance to meet Parton during one of their regular pilgrimages to Dollywood in May when she regularly visits the park.In 2010, Woodal said he had spotted Steve Summers, who designs Parton's outfits, walking through Dollywood. Woodal said he approached Summers hoping that he could get Parton connected with the car."I said, 'Is there any way I can give you something from the car to sign? Or for her to sign the car?'" Woodal said. "'I can give you the keys, you can drive it to wherever she's at and sign it and bring back it.'"Well, Summers was able to make it happen, even with Parton's busy schedule. Woodal said Parton told Summers that she wanted to not only see the car, but meet Woodal.Woodal said they were directed on a secret road through Dollywood and to wait for her between appearances."Devin and I drove the car back the secret way to Dollywood and we're sitting there. And here comes the black SUV-type van thing coming up," he said. "The window comes down and she says, 'I'll be right back, I got to do something onstage. I'll be right back to look at your car," Woodal recalled. "She came back about 15 minutes later. She opened up the door, she held out her hands and said, 'Paul, come and get me.' I helped her out of the SUV. I came over and posed with it. She was staring at it. Looked at the front, looked at the back and stared all over it. Then she sat in the passenger side and leaned back and signed the inner roof of the car. It was so cool."The car's roof still bears Parton's signature, the Sharpie she used to sign it encased in a box, along with a collection of CDs and photos of Parton.Woodal planned to be at Dollywood last weekend for his annual visit."I've been going there 1992, every week she's been there. She's always there the first or second weekend of May. I'll be going back there taking her car," he said prior to his trip.As for his pink little Dolly Parton Bug, another Dolly-ism would work: "I always just thought if you see somebody without a smile, give 'em yours." It's that basic idea that Woodal has about his car."I hope they see the positive side of it, get a little giggle or laugh out of it," Woodal said. "Or encourage them to go to Dollywood."Information from: The Herald-Mail of Hagerstown, Md.
Ode to Dolly: Maryland man has special tribute to country music star Parton
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Police: JC man tattoos, has sex with Kingsport juvenile
A Johnson City man has been arrested after allegedly having sex with a Kingsport girl, 15, and giving her three tattoos. He also faces charges for inking a second juvenile, 16, on the upper chest. Andrew "A.J." Adkins, 30, of 406 Orleans Road, was arrested Thursday on warrants at a business on Shadowtown Road. He is charged with three counts of statutory rape and four counts of tattooing a minor. According to court records and Kingsport police incident reports, authorities were alerted to the alleged crimes in April by the manger of Cloud Apartments. Officers interviewed a female resident where the alleged sexual encounters between Adkins and the juvenile occurred, with her denying any knowledge of the incidents. She did admit to seeing the victim — who reportedly stays at her apartment several nights a week — and another girl being tattooed by Adkins. The woman, Tarrilee M. Puckett, was arrested and charged with contribution to the delinquency of minors. According to court records, the statutory rape victim admitted to detectives that she had consensual sex with Adkins on three separate occasions. Police report he gave the girl three tattoos, two on her stomach and one on her hip. An affidavit says a second girl Adkins had tattooed was interviewed and displayed his work — a cartoon character on her "upper chest." Other witnesses corroborated her account that Adkins had done the work. As of Friday Adkins remained held in the Kingsport city jail.
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Dream wedding 2013: Bridegroom chooses his tux, couple selects four-layer cake
Editor’s note: Laura Begley and Matthew Bledsoe are the winners of the
Dream Wedding package — valued at $25,000 — and will be married on Sept. 14,
2013 at the Carnegie Hotel in Johnson City. The Times-News will follow their
wedding story throughout the year.
For previous stories in this series, click below.Dream Wedding 2013: Couple goes from rustic nuptials to extravagant eventDream Wedding 2013: Bride starts looking at gowns, couple tours venueDream Wedding 2013: Couple decides on 'first look' and lavender and laceLaura Begley says out of all of the decisions she and her fiancé, Matthew
Bledsoe, have made for their upcoming wedding, choosing what Matthew and his
groomsmen will wear was by far the easiest.
Laura and Matthew are the winners of the Dream Wedding presented by the
Kingsport Times-News and sponsored by Sophisticated Smiles by Angela Cameron,
D.D.S., P.C. Since learning they were the lucky couple in October, the two have
been meeting with some of the vendors who will help make their special day a
reality. Laura and Matthew have already met with Tricia’s By Design, the
Carnegie Hotel, Anna Hedges Photography and Rainbow’s End Floral.
Recently, Laura and Matthew met with Gaby Tipton and Rhonda Watlington at
Dress to Impress Bridal and Formal Wear in Kingsport to discuss what Matthew and
his groomsmen will wear.
“Back in October, when Matthew and I were waiting to hear the announcement
for who won the Dream Wedding at the Women’s Expo, we were goofing off and
watching the fashion show they were having prior to announcing the winners. We
were laughing and having fun picking out what we thought would look the best for
our wedding. So, when Dress to Impress had their models walk the stage in their
suits, Matthew and I both knew right away which one we would want if we won the
Dream Wedding,” said Laura.
Laura says already having an idea about what suit she and Matthew liked was
beneficial to this meeting.
“Gaby and Rhonda were so helpful when we were trying to make decisions and
they knew exactly what suit Matthew was talking about when he said, ‘The one at
the fashion show!’ And, surprise, surprise, that’s the one we ended up picking
out for the guys to wear. Out of all of our meetings so far, this meeting was
probably the easiest. It could be because it was all about Matthew and his guys
and I had very little involvement. Plus knowing what we wanted way back in
October definitely helped, too.”
Initially, Matthew tried on a dark gray suit with a lavender vest and
tie.
“I loved this suit on him, but he refused to choose anything but the light
gray, which was his choice at the Women’s Expo. So, of course we went with the
light gray. And I have to admit, after seeing him in both the dark gray and
light gray, I love the light gray the best,” Laura said.
Laura said Gaby and Rhonda also helped them pick out the perfect shade of
lavender for the vests and ties.
“The suits are exactly what Laura and I have been looking for since the
beginning. Not to mention, gray is one of my favorite colors, and I think the
purple that Laura likes, goes really well with it,” Matthew said. “I have always
liked to dress up and I’m looking forward to putting on my suit on our wedding
day. Hopefully, Laura will cry like a baby when she sees me!”
Laura and Matthew also recently spent an evening “taste testing” cakes with
Hannah Meade from The Cake Gallery. For Laura, who says she loves all cake
(except for lemon), this meeting was like being in cake heaven.
“I could eat cake for breakfast, lunch and dinner and still want more cake.
Thankfully, I do not do that, but I could! So, needless to say, I was
desperately excited about our cake meeting,” Laura said.
When they arrived at Hannah’s house, which doubles as her bakery, Laura
said there was a glorious spread of 14 different types of cake and six different
types of icing.
“Being the cake expert that she is, Hannah told us which icing to pair with
which cake. The only cake I didn’t try was lemon because I know I hate it! But
other than that, we didn’t taste one bite of cake or icing that wasn’t amazingly
delicious. We also knew immediately after tasting each row which flavors we
wanted for our cake. But we waited until the end of our meeting to make the
final flavor decisions,” Laura said.
After tasting for awhile, Laura says they began to talk about the design of
the cake.
“Like all of my other wedding ideas, I have been pinning cakes for months
on Pinterest. I showed Hannah some of my Pinterest cakes and she began sketching
one of her own creations,” Laura said. “Her sketch was exactly what I wanted!
And I didn’t even know that’s what I wanted until we met with Hannah. She is
amazing. The actual cake will be a very pale blush color, with hand-painted
ivory lace designs covering all of it. Tiny pearls will also line the bottom of
each layer. Wildflowers similar to my bridesmaid bouquets and centerpieces will
be placed on top with stemmed brooches carefully placed throughout. Our cake
will be vintage.”
Laura said the wedding cake will consist of four layers.
“Of course, the top layer we are keeping. The top and second layer are
going to be Hannah’s vanilla cake with vanilla icing,” Laura said.
The third layer from the top will be a white chocolate strawberry cake with
white chocolate icing. The bottom layer will be what Laura and Matthew say is
their absolute favorite — caramel cake with vanilla icing with a layer of
filling that will be flavored with apple pieces and cinnamon.
“I am so excited about our cake. I love the flavors we have chosen,
especially the caramel cake with the apples and cinnamon. It is so fall and
anyone who knows me, knows I absolutely love fall,” said Laura.
Laura said this cake also takes her back to her and Matthew’s original plan
of having a rustic wedding in autumn on her family farm in Gate City, Va.
And because he thought chocolate cake should be available somewhere at
their wedding, Matthew will also have his own special cake — dark chocolate
caramel with vanilla icing.
“Hannah couldn’t have made our cake experience with her any more perfect.
She is also providing us with a to-go box that she is packing full of cake for
me and Matthew the night of our wedding. So, thankfully, if we don’t get to eat
any real food that night, we will be sure to at least have cake,” Laura
said.
“Our cake is going to be awesome,” Matthew said. “The flavors we have
chosen were pretty much a combination of what Laura and I both love. And I love
the fact that I get my own cake, too!”
Dream Wedding package — valued at $25,000 — and will be married on Sept. 14,
2013 at the Carnegie Hotel in Johnson City. The Times-News will follow their
wedding story throughout the year.
For previous stories in this series, click below.Dream Wedding 2013: Couple goes from rustic nuptials to extravagant eventDream Wedding 2013: Bride starts looking at gowns, couple tours venueDream Wedding 2013: Couple decides on 'first look' and lavender and laceLaura Begley says out of all of the decisions she and her fiancé, Matthew
Bledsoe, have made for their upcoming wedding, choosing what Matthew and his
groomsmen will wear was by far the easiest.
Laura and Matthew are the winners of the Dream Wedding presented by the
Kingsport Times-News and sponsored by Sophisticated Smiles by Angela Cameron,
D.D.S., P.C. Since learning they were the lucky couple in October, the two have
been meeting with some of the vendors who will help make their special day a
reality. Laura and Matthew have already met with Tricia’s By Design, the
Carnegie Hotel, Anna Hedges Photography and Rainbow’s End Floral.
Recently, Laura and Matthew met with Gaby Tipton and Rhonda Watlington at
Dress to Impress Bridal and Formal Wear in Kingsport to discuss what Matthew and
his groomsmen will wear.
“Back in October, when Matthew and I were waiting to hear the announcement
for who won the Dream Wedding at the Women’s Expo, we were goofing off and
watching the fashion show they were having prior to announcing the winners. We
were laughing and having fun picking out what we thought would look the best for
our wedding. So, when Dress to Impress had their models walk the stage in their
suits, Matthew and I both knew right away which one we would want if we won the
Dream Wedding,” said Laura.
Laura says already having an idea about what suit she and Matthew liked was
beneficial to this meeting.
“Gaby and Rhonda were so helpful when we were trying to make decisions and
they knew exactly what suit Matthew was talking about when he said, ‘The one at
the fashion show!’ And, surprise, surprise, that’s the one we ended up picking
out for the guys to wear. Out of all of our meetings so far, this meeting was
probably the easiest. It could be because it was all about Matthew and his guys
and I had very little involvement. Plus knowing what we wanted way back in
October definitely helped, too.”
Initially, Matthew tried on a dark gray suit with a lavender vest and
tie.
“I loved this suit on him, but he refused to choose anything but the light
gray, which was his choice at the Women’s Expo. So, of course we went with the
light gray. And I have to admit, after seeing him in both the dark gray and
light gray, I love the light gray the best,” Laura said.
Laura said Gaby and Rhonda also helped them pick out the perfect shade of
lavender for the vests and ties.
“The suits are exactly what Laura and I have been looking for since the
beginning. Not to mention, gray is one of my favorite colors, and I think the
purple that Laura likes, goes really well with it,” Matthew said. “I have always
liked to dress up and I’m looking forward to putting on my suit on our wedding
day. Hopefully, Laura will cry like a baby when she sees me!”
Laura and Matthew also recently spent an evening “taste testing” cakes with
Hannah Meade from The Cake Gallery. For Laura, who says she loves all cake
(except for lemon), this meeting was like being in cake heaven.
“I could eat cake for breakfast, lunch and dinner and still want more cake.
Thankfully, I do not do that, but I could! So, needless to say, I was
desperately excited about our cake meeting,” Laura said.
When they arrived at Hannah’s house, which doubles as her bakery, Laura
said there was a glorious spread of 14 different types of cake and six different
types of icing.
“Being the cake expert that she is, Hannah told us which icing to pair with
which cake. The only cake I didn’t try was lemon because I know I hate it! But
other than that, we didn’t taste one bite of cake or icing that wasn’t amazingly
delicious. We also knew immediately after tasting each row which flavors we
wanted for our cake. But we waited until the end of our meeting to make the
final flavor decisions,” Laura said.
After tasting for awhile, Laura says they began to talk about the design of
the cake.
“Like all of my other wedding ideas, I have been pinning cakes for months
on Pinterest. I showed Hannah some of my Pinterest cakes and she began sketching
one of her own creations,” Laura said. “Her sketch was exactly what I wanted!
And I didn’t even know that’s what I wanted until we met with Hannah. She is
amazing. The actual cake will be a very pale blush color, with hand-painted
ivory lace designs covering all of it. Tiny pearls will also line the bottom of
each layer. Wildflowers similar to my bridesmaid bouquets and centerpieces will
be placed on top with stemmed brooches carefully placed throughout. Our cake
will be vintage.”
Laura said the wedding cake will consist of four layers.
“Of course, the top layer we are keeping. The top and second layer are
going to be Hannah’s vanilla cake with vanilla icing,” Laura said.
The third layer from the top will be a white chocolate strawberry cake with
white chocolate icing. The bottom layer will be what Laura and Matthew say is
their absolute favorite — caramel cake with vanilla icing with a layer of
filling that will be flavored with apple pieces and cinnamon.
“I am so excited about our cake. I love the flavors we have chosen,
especially the caramel cake with the apples and cinnamon. It is so fall and
anyone who knows me, knows I absolutely love fall,” said Laura.
Laura said this cake also takes her back to her and Matthew’s original plan
of having a rustic wedding in autumn on her family farm in Gate City, Va.
And because he thought chocolate cake should be available somewhere at
their wedding, Matthew will also have his own special cake — dark chocolate
caramel with vanilla icing.
“Hannah couldn’t have made our cake experience with her any more perfect.
She is also providing us with a to-go box that she is packing full of cake for
me and Matthew the night of our wedding. So, thankfully, if we don’t get to eat
any real food that night, we will be sure to at least have cake,” Laura
said.
“Our cake is going to be awesome,” Matthew said. “The flavors we have
chosen were pretty much a combination of what Laura and I both love. And I love
the fact that I get my own cake, too!”
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Teresa Masters a top 10 finalist in Powerful Voices contest
Teresa Masters of Unicoi was named a Top 10 finalist in the Most Powerful Voices Gospel Music Competition.The contest, presented by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, gmc, Roland Corp., and Light Records, helps to raise awareness of stroke and is part of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Power To End Stroke campaign.Entries were solicited from musicians in traditional and contemporary gospel, hip hop and praise and worship genres. Fans voted on their 40 favorites, then judges selected the Top 10. The winner will be named in May.Masters submitted a traditional gospel song she wrote, “I Got Mercy.”“My passion is gospel music, and I have written over 20 gospel songs,” Masters said. “I love singing, for it always takes me to a happy place. I pray without ceasing that someday God will open the doors allowing me to share my songs with the world. My father died from a stroke in April 2001. Losing him has been very hard on our family.”To see a profile on Masters and hear her song visit http://power.watchgmctv.com/artists/teresa-masters .
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‘Counting Cars’ crew member visits Greeneville
GREENEVILLE — Scott Jones, former employee with Kykers Extreme Automotive and now a crew member of the History Channel’s “Counting Cars” will visit his former workplace from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, May 24.A former resident of East Tennessee, Jones began his career in the automotive industry working for Dale Kyker, owner of Kykers Extreme Automotive. Now, many years later, Kyker is proud to invite him back for a special meet and greet with customers. “We will be launching official Count’s Kustoms merchandise for sale in our store as well as Scott’s new T-shirt line,” said Kyker. “We are really proud of all that he has accomplished over the years and are his biggest fans. Our whole team tunes in every week and so do our customers.” Known by fans for his gruff ways and loud disputes on the show with shop owner and lead crew member Danny “Count” Koker, Jones excels as the shop manager of Count’s Kustoms.His no-nonsense focus on the bottom line helps keep things running smoothly and accounts for the shop’s financial gains. His main responsibilities are managing the budget and keeping track of inventory. Following his appearance in Greeneville, Jones will head to Charlotte, N.C., to join the rest of the “Counting Cars” team at the HISTORY 300 being held at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. “It’s surreal to be able to come back to Greene County and be the person everyone wants to meet,” said Jones. “The success of the show and support from fans has blown us all away. Way back when I was working for Mr. Kyker never once did I imagine that someday I’d be coming back to do a special appearance and meet with fans. It’s really exciting that the Kyker family is so supportive of the show and that their shop will be one of the first places to launch my new T-shirt line.” Kyker Extreme Automotive is located at 4765 E. Andrew Johnson Highway, Greeneville, TN. For more information on this event, visit www.countskustoms.com or call Kyker Extreme Automotive at (423) 525-5147. Count's Kustoms, as seen on History’s hit series “Counting Cars,” is a licensed dealer of custom choppers and hot rods. They are a one-stop shop for in-house paint, upholstery, frame-up builds and service. The shop’s custom hot rods and choppers exceed expectation with creativity and die-hard quality, not to mention incredible handling and riding ability.
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Upcoming Events as of May 20
The Upcoming Events list, a public service of the Times-News, runs on a space available basis and does not always run in its entirety. To list an event, e-mail to sports@timesnews.net, fax it to (423) 392-1385, or contact the sports department after 5 p.m. at (423) 392-1323 or 1-800-251-0328 ext. 323. The list normally is published on Tuesdays. Submissions must be received at least one week prior to the event and include sport, dates, deadlines, location and contact information.BaseballCAMPS/CLINICS• CARSON-NEWMAN ELITE CATCHING CAMP, June 23-25 run by head baseball coach Tom Griffin. Cost is $150. For more information or to sign up, call (865) 471-3465 or email tgriffin@cn.edu.SIGNUPS• NEW 16U TRAVEL TEAM looking for players. Age cutoff is May 1. Pitching experience is a must. Team will play four tournaments between Memorial Day and July 4. For information, call (423) 923-1011.TOURNAMENTS• BPA MEMORIAL DAY BASH, May 24-26 at Ridgeview School. Division are ages 8-14. For more information, go to www.netyouthsports.com or contact Greg Creech at (423) 378-4697 or gcreech@centurylink.net.• BASH AT THE BEND, May 25-26 at McPheeter’s Bend Elementary School in Church Hill. Hosted by Volunteer Falcons 12-under. Cost is $125. For more information, contact Jeff Gray yat (423) 863-5518 or jsgray@eastman.com.• MOUNTAIN TOP CLASSIC, May 25-26 in Wise. Divisions are boys 9-10 (kid pitch) and 8U (coach pitch). Entry fee is $100 for 9-10 and $75 for 8-under. For information, contact Kelly Foster at (276) 219-2063 or Chris Wilson at (276) 219-3659.• ETABL SPORTS 10U MEMORIAL DAY, May 26-27 at Fordtown Ruritan. Cost is $200. For more information, contact Jim Hosmer at (423) 895-5748.BasketballCAMPS/CLINICS• MILLIGAN COLLEGE Camps, June 3-7, July 8-12, July 15-19 and July 22-26. Full instructional camp for boys and girls ages 7-17. Cost is $165. For more information, contact Bill Robinson at wdrobinson@milligan.edu or (423) 461-8332.• CARSON-NEWMAN DRILL FACTORY CAMPS, June 3-7 and July 8-12, for boys and girls grades 3-12. Cost is $135 or $250 for both. For more information, contact assistant coach Shane Williams at swilliams@cn.edu or (423) 973-3073.• DOBYNS-BENNETT INDIVIDUAL CAMP, June 10-13 at the school. Camp is for ages 8-17; cost is $70 (discounts for two or more in family). For more information, call (423) 378-8475.• SULLIVAN SOUTH CAMP, June 10-12, 9 a.m.-noon, for boys and girls ages 7-14. Cost is $40. Open registration June 10 8-9 a.m. at the school. For more information, call (423) 354-1300.• KING UNIVERSITY BOYS CAMP, June 10-13 (Shooting and Fundamentals) and July 15-18 (Position), conducted by George Pitts and his staff. Cost is $95 for each camp. For more information, contact Associate Head Coach Nick Pasqua at nlpasqua@king.edu or (423) 652-6031. Register online at www.kingtornado.com.• CARSON-NEWMAN LADY EAGLE CAMP, June 10-13. Camp is designed for grades 3-8, cost is $70. For more information, email atipton@cn.edu or call (865) 471-3511.• VOLUNTEER S.H.O.T. CLINIC conducted by Tennessee basketball coach Cuonzo Martin and staff, June 14 from 6-8 p.m. at Sullivan North. Current and former UT players and local coaches will also participate. Open to boys, grades K-6. Cost is $20. For more information, go to TennesseeSportCamps.com or call (865) 974-0703.• ALICIA MANNING AMP’D TRAINING CAMP, July 8-11 at Robinson Middle School. Grades 4-6 8 a.m.-noon; grades 7-9 1-5 p.m. Cost is $160 (discounts for more than one in family). For more information, contact Tory Lorimer at (423) 579-4253.• KING UNIVERSITY GIRLS CAMP, July 8-12 on campus. Camp is open to ages 7-17. For more information, go to kingtornado.com, call (423) 341-8985 or email tornadogirlscamp@gmail.com.• WEST COLONIAL HILLS CAMP run by Dickie Warren, July 15-18 from 9 a.m.-noon for boys and girls ages 7-14. For more information, call (423) 239-9911.TOURNAMENTS• SHOOTING STARS 3 ON 3, May 24-26 at Erwin YMCA. Boys and girls, grades 3-12. Entry fee $25 per player. For more information, call (423) 341-0133 or email ebarbaau@aol.com.• UNICOI YMCA YOUTH INVITATIONAL, May 31-June 2 at Erwin YMCA. Boys and girls, grades 3-12. Entry fee $90. For more information, call (423) 341-0133 or email ebarbaau@aol.com.• SHOOTING STARS SUMMER CLASSIC, June 7-9 at Erwin YMCA. Boys and girls, ages 9-17. Entry fee $90. For more information, call (423) 341-0133 or email ebarbaau@aol.com.• SHOOTING STARS TRI CITIES HOOPS, June 14-16 at Erwin YMCA. Boys and girls, grades 3-12. Entry fee $90. For more information, call (423) 341-0133 or email ebarbaau@aol.com.FootballCAMPS/CLINICS• FRANKIE DEBUSK YOUTH CAMP, May 22-24 at the Tusculum College Indoor Practice Facility. The camp is open for grades K-8, cost is $85. For more information, contact assistant coach Justin Zimmerman at (919) 369-5350 or jzimmerman@tusculum.edu.• CARSON-NEWMAN OFFENSIVE LINE CAMP, June 9-13 by Eagles offensive coordinator Mike Turner. Cost is $250 for overnight and $150 for day campers. For more information, email mturner@cn.edu or call (865) 471-3364.• SENSABAUGH CAMP CLASSIC, June 15 at J. Fred Johnson Stadium in Kingsport. The free non-contact camp will feature Tennessee Titans cornerback Coty Sensabaugh along with other NFL players, college players and trained coaches. The camp is open to boys and girls between the ages of 6-17. For more information, go to SensabaughCampClassic.com.• JASON WITTEN SCORE FOUNDATION CAMP, June 22 in Elizabethton. The free football camp will feature personal instruction from Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten and numerous other NFL and college players and coaches. The morning session is for ages 7-12, and the afternoon session is for ages 13-18. For more information, go to jasonwitten82.com/ssp/camp.SIGNUPS• INDIAN SPRINGS OPTIMISTS flag football and cheerleading signups for grades K-3, May 21 from 6-7 p.m. at McDonalds near Sullivan Central. For more information, contact Dee Gonce at (423) 323-5050.• LYNN VIEW PEE WEE FOOTBALL signups through June 15 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. For more information, call (423) 247-6937.GolfTOURNAMENTS• TRI-CITIES SUSAN G. KOMEN tournament, June 8 at Cattails at Meadowview. 1 p.m. shotgun start, $100 entry fee. For more information, go to www.triewga.com.CLINICS• JUNIOR GOLF ACADEMY, June 3-6 at The Crossings from 8:45-11 a.m. Open to girls and boys ages 8-14. Cost is $80 for members, $100 non-members. Instruction by PGA pro Euggie Jones. For more information, contact the Crossings at (423) 348-8855.Running• THE RIVER MILE, June 2 at Laurel Run Park in Church Hill. For more information, go to RunTriCities.org or contact Mark Skelton at (423) 272-4812 or markskelton@markskelton.com.• BEECH MOUNTAIN 10K CLIMBMAX, June 8. Entry fee is $30 for adults through May 6, $35 after that date. Race day registration is $40. Children under 13 enter for $20 anytime. For info call (828) 387-3003 or visit www.BeechMtn.com.• CASA 8K & MILE, June 22 at Crockett Spring Park in Rogersville. For more information, go to RunTriCities.org or contact Mark Skelton at (423) 272-4812 or markskelton@markskelton.com.• USA 10K TRAIL CHAMPIONSHIPS, June 29 at Beech Mountain’s Emerald Outback trail system. Entry fee is $35 by May 31/$40 through June 15. For race details and online registration visit www.MountainGoatRacing.com.• FIRECRACKER 4 MILER, July 4 at Rogersville City Park. For more information, go to RunTriCities.org or contact Mark Skelton at (423) 272-4812 or markskelton@markskelton.com.• WOLF RUN, July 16 at Bays Mountain Park in Kingsport. 7 mile trail race. For more information, go to RunTriCities.org or contact Mark Skelton at (423) 272-4812 or markskelton@markskelton.com.• PHIPPS BEND 5K, Aug. 24 at Phipps Bend Industrial District in Surgoinsville. For more information, go to RunTriCities.org or contact Mark Skelton at (423) 272-4812 or markskelton@markskelton.com.• BAYS MOUNTAIN TRAIL RACE, Sept. 14 at Bays Mountain Park in Kingsport. 15 mile trail race. For more information, go to RunTriCities.org or contact Mark Skelton at (423) 272-4812 or markskelton@markskelton.com.SoccerCAMPS• 2K13 DOBYNS-BENNETT CAMP, June 17-20, 5:30-8 p.m. at Indian Highland Park. For boys and girls ages 6-18. Cost is $80 (family discounts available). Camp will be conducted by D-B coaches, collegiate coaches and players, and current Tribe players. For more information, go to pitchero.com/clubs/kingsportdobynsbennetths.• CARSON-NEWMAN CAMPS: High school boys June 28-July; high school girls June 7-10. Cost is $350. Clinic for ages 4-12 will be June 3-6 and cost $99. For more information and to sign up, call (865) 471-3520 or email soccer@cn.edu.SoftballCAMPS/CLINICS• DOBYNS-BENNETT GIRLS SOFTBALL CAMP, June 19-21 for ages 7-12 at Indian Highland Park. Cost is $50.Swimming• LIFEGUARD TRAINING CLASSES, offered by the American Red Cross of NET at Dobyns-Bennett. Students must be 15 years old by the date of the first class. There is a pre-test of swimming skills that must be passed in order to be eligible. Cost is $200. Sessions will be held May 16-19 and 23-26 and June 6-10. For more information, call Jorge Blasini at (423) 967-4264 or e-mail jblasini@charter.net.• SWIM LESSONS being offered by the Aqua-Tick Swim School at Dobyns-Bennett High School. Swimmers must be 4 years old. Cost is $65 for eight 30 min. lessons. Sessions will be held May 13-16, June 3-6, 10-13, 17-20 and 24-27. For more information, contact Coach Lora Fowler at (423) 378-8551 or lfowler@k12k.com. Registration forms may also be picked up in the D-B Activities office.• THE SEA WOLVES AQUATIC PACK, a competitive, year round team, is holding open registration and try-outs. The team currently practices at Sullivan Central High School with plans to move to the Aquatic Center at the end of May. Open to swimmers from elementary school through college For more information, go to www.SWAPswimming.com or call (423) 714-7062.• SWIM AMERICA SWIM LESSONS at the Dobyns-Bennett pool for ages 4 and up and all abilities. Session 1: May 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30, June 4; Session 2: June 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 26; Session 3: July 8, 11, 15, 17, 23, 25, 30. Cost is $87.50 ($70 for returning students). For more information go to www.KingsportPiranhas.com or contact Jorge Blasini jeblasini2@gmail.com or (423) 967-4264.Tennis• KINGSPORT PARKS AND REC SUMMER TENNIS LESSONS. Two four-week sessions and one eight-week session, starting June 3. Two divisions: ages 6-10 and 11-14. Cost is $25 per session ($30 non-resident). Signips begin May 20 and there will be an onsite registration on May 30 from 5-7 p.m. at the V.O. Dobbins Senior Complex Tennis Courts. For more information, call (423) 224-2489.• RIDGEFIELDS SUMMER TENNIS CAMPS, open to the public: beginner, May 28-31, $65; intermediate, June 4-7, $65; beginner/intermediate, June 25-28, $65; beginner/intermediate, July 16-19, $65. There will also be sports camps for all ages 5-13 June 11-14 and July 9-12. Cost is $195. Top tier tennis academy, July 29-Aug 1 for tournament and state ranked players only. For more information, call Mike Norris at (423) 723-9991 or Brad Pippin at (423) 383-0170.• AL WILKES TENNIS PROGRAM, for girls and boys, 5-17, Thursday nights at 6 p.m. at the D-B courts. Cost for new players is $45 and $35 for return players. For more information, go to alwilkes.com or call (423) 930-7478.VolleyballCAMPS/CLINICS•DOBYNS-BENNETT VOLLEYBALL CAMP, June 4-6. Girls entering grades 3-6 will 9:30-11 and cost of $35 .Girls entering grades 7-9 will be noon-2:30 and cost of $40. Registration held one hour before start of session on first day.• EXCEL CAMPS AT KING UNIVERSITY. High school hitters and setters June 24-25, defense June 26-27. Middle school skills camp July 1-3. For more information, go to kingtornado.com/sports/wvball.• CARSON-NEWMAN CAMPS AND CLINICS throughout July. Seven in total for all ages and skillsets. For more information, go to www.carsonnewmanvolleyballcamp.com, call (865) 471-4216 or email volleyball@cn.edu.TOURNAMENTS•KANGAROO KLASSIC Outdoor Volleyball Tournament, hosted by Kingsport Parks and Recreation. Deadline to register is June 27. For more information, call (423) 229-9459 or (423) 229-9460.WrestlingCAMPS/CLINICS• TORNADO WRESTLING CAMP, June 16-20 at King University. Cost is $175 ($275 for campers) and open to ages 11 and up. Discounts for teams. Deadline to register is June 1. For more information, go to kingtornado.com/sports/wrest.
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TCRA officials vote to pay off $1.1 million worth of debt, refinance another $3.3 million in debt
BLOUNTVILLE — Tri-Cities Regional Airport Authority commissioners voted Monday to pay off $1.1 million worth of debt and refinance another $3.3 million in debt to save money and take advantage of interest rates under three percent.“As everyone knows, the (interest) rates are extremely low now,” acting TCRA Executive Director David Jones told commissioners. “Somewhere along the way they will start going back up, so the timing is favorable at this point in time.” Much of the debt was created a decade ago when bonds were issued by Sullivan County for TCRA improvements under its old Airport Commission governing structure and through an intergovernmental agreement with airport owners.Authority commissioners decided to “call,” or repay $1.1 million in bonds with revenue from passenger facility charges — $4.50 fees paid by air travelers — stashed into accounts with the Sullivan County Trustee.Authority commissioners were advised that covering this piece of airport debt would save about $75,000 worth of two-year interest payments.Annual revenue from customer facility charges — fees tacked on to rental car contracts and deposited with Sullivan County — will cover the refinanced debt. The refinancing, authority commissioners were told, should save another half-million dollars.“This is going to create more cash flow for the (TCRA) Authority,” TCRA legal counsel Bill Bovender said of the move.Financing duties were transferred from the old Airport Commission to the new Authority governing structure last year, but the Authority doesn’t yet have a credit history. Sullivan County, commissioners were advised, has a high quality Aa2 bond rating.The Nashville office of Stephens, Inc. acts as Sullivan County’s financial advisor and expects to present the refinancing issue to county commissioners next month.For more about TCRA, go to www.triflight.com.
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Tennessee coaches feel the energy during Big Orange Caravan stop in Kingsport
KINGSPORT — The Big Orange Caravan made its yearly stop in the Tri-Cities on Monday evening with coaches Butch Jones, Cuonzo Martin and Holly Warlick meeting and greeting local alumni and other Vol faithful.Upon taking over as UT’s football coach, Jones realized the task ahead of him. Losing seasons, shrinking attendance and a drop in recruiting were not part of the normal Volunteer vocabulary. Five months into the job, he is rebuilding “brick by brick” and instilling a renewed energy in the program.“It’s nights like this that you are reminded of the magnitude of Tennessee football,” Jones said. “We talk about a high level of consistency in our program and we have been getting the same level from these stops we’ve made.“It energizes me to feel the passion and energy that this great fan base has.”Jones’ “brick-by-brick” concept has fans bringing orange colored bricks to be autographed.His recruiting resurgence includes the signing of Dobyns-Bennett teammates Malik Foreman and Devaun Swafford.They join Mack Crowder and Brendan Downs, who are entering their third year at UT after graduating from Tennessee High.“Players like these mean so much and the many things that go into our program. We want individuals who understand our tradition as well as what they are representing,” Jones said. “We want them to understand this on the field as well as off. I thought this was indicative of the fact we had 46 individuals with grade points over 3.0 this past semester.” Warlick had the task of following a legend, Pat Summitt. After losing to Chattanooga in her very first game last season, Warlick felt the weight of the job increase immensely.Summitt reportedly pulled her aside and let her know that the Hall of Famer — who soon will have a statue in her honor erected on campus — lost her first game as a head coach, too.“What a great honor for Pat. I think she is an icon for the University of Tennessee, not just with women’s sports, but the entire university,” Warlick said.After leading the Lady Vols to the NCAA Elite Eight, she gets the opportunity to be with Summitt one more year. Summitt recently signed a one-year extension in her role as head coach emeritus and will continue serving the program in a variety of supportive roles.“She was in one of our meetings today and I just love her energy,” Warlick said. “Her being around has been nothing but a positive for myself, the staff, and the players.”Martin is still putting the finishing touches on the 2013-14 men’s basketball schedule, though the athletic department recently agreed in principle to a four-year renewal of the series with Memphis. The Tigers won in Knoxville in January in what looked to be their last meeting.While Memphis coach Josh Paustner is on record as being against continuing the series, Martin feels the opposite.“I look forward to it. I think it will be great for all the fans and the state of Tennessee. Hopefully we can get it settled,” Martin said.The Big Orange Caravan is in the middle of its five-city tour. Following stops in Memphis and Chattanooga earlier in the month, it moves on to Atlanta on Tuesday and into Nashville on Thursday.
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Sullivan County Commission pulls ‘day worker’ program from sheriff
BLOUNTVILLE — With relatively little discussion and no prior public discussion at all, the Sullivan County Commission voted Monday to yank the county’s “day worker” program from oversight by the county sheriff — and place it instead under Claude Smith, whose title seems to change a lot, at least as described on county commission resolutions.Nothing was said of how much money is involved.Nothing was said, in any detail, about exactly what is expected of the program — regardless of just who is in charge.Commissioner Dwight King sponsored the resolution to make the change. It made its public debut at the meeting that began at 9 a.m. Monday. It carried a list of 12 commissioners who already had signed off as co-sponsors.One of them, Commissioner Robert White, later told the Times-News he had a hand in drafting King’s resolution, over the weekend, and that support for the measure was drummed up Sunday with telephone calls between commissioners.Another, Commissioner Baxter Hood, said he’d allowed his name to be among the co-sponsors “without too much thought.” Commissioner Linda Brittenham also was a co-sponsor. At one point before the vote, Brittenham called for a three-month delay on any action. But when the roll was called, Brittenham voted “yes” for the change.Commissioners seeking the change said they want the grass mowed and weeds pulled more frequently at the county properties serviced by the program.They said some restrooms haven’t been cleaned often enough — and that “some ladies” have complained that toilet paper sometimes isn’t replaced as needed.They said they’ve complained for months — and thought a resolution from more than two years ago was supposed to have helped things, but had in fact done nothing much.Sheriff Wayne Anderson said he’s tried to address commissioners’ concerns — when they’ve been brought to him.Anderson appeared blind-sided by King’s resolution and the commission’s hasty push to make the switch.Anderson said King and other commissioners continue to be confused about what can and cannot be done with inmate labor — and the difference between jail trusties (which King’s resolution calls “trustees”), inmate labor and the use of convicted offenders sentenced by a judge to work off sentences through community work (rather than reporting to jail at night, they go to their own homes).King said he is not confused.Anderson said commissioners were taking the program from his charge as “retaliation” for his recently settled lawsuit seeking more funding.Commissioners vowed and declared that thought had never entered their heads.Anderson said commissioners were just trying to find work for Smith.Commissioners said Smith used to oversee the program and it worked better when he did.King’s resolution calls Smith “the director of maintenance.” In the past Smith has been called “construction oversight manager” and “administrator of county buildings.” Smith, at times, has drawn salary paid from multiple departmental budgets within the county.Citing public records laws, the Times-News asked the county’s payroll office for Smith’s pay rate on Monday afternoon.Payroll Manager Gayvern Moore said when the current fiscal year began, last July 1, Smith’s salary was budgeted at $51,600 — but as of Monday, Smith’s pay was at $45,658, total, per year.Moore, interim budget director from April 2012 until last month, said she had no explanation for the discrepancy.Moore confirmed that in the past Smith’s salary was drawn from multiple departmental budgets, but said it is now consolidated under one section of the budget: construction oversight.Moore said that if Smith’s pay is to change due to the switch of the day worker program, she hadn’t been told yet.
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Sullivan County employees to receive pay increase
BLOUNTVILLE — A 2 percent pay raise, retroactive to April 1, is officially coming for all of Sullivan County government’s non-school, non-sheriff’s employees.The Sullivan County Commission voted overwhelmingly in favor of the move on Monday. County Commissioner Ed Marsh cast the only “no” vote.Last month, County Mayor Steve Godsey and Sheriff Wayne Anderson announced they’d reached an 11th-hour agreement to avert a trial — which was to have begun that morning — in Anderson’s lawsuit seeking more funding for his department’s budget.The major concession of the settlement was a 2 percent pay raise for all sheriff’s employees, retroactive to April 1.That’ll cost around $38,000 for the last three months of this fiscal year, which ends June 30.It’ll continue into years ahead, costing about four times as much for a full year.After that settlement was approved by the judge and entered into court record, Godsey and Anderson each spoke to reporters, and each said the Sullivan County Commission would consider extending the 2 percent raise to all non-school employees beginning July 1.But almost immediately a number of county commissioners said that just was not fair — everyone should get the raise at the same time.County Commissioner Robert White was primary sponsor of the resolution calling to extend the 2 percent raise retroactively to non-sheriff’s employees “in an effort to be fair and equitable to those employees who have faithfully served this county ... and are deserving.”White originally said the resolution was submitted for “first reading” this month. If left with that status, it would not have come for a vote until next month — meaning it would need a simple majority, or at least 13 voting “yes,” to gain approval.Calling for a vote this month required a “waiver of the rules,” which requires a two-thirds majority — or at least 16 votes in the affirmative.After putting the resolution on first reading when it first came up Monday, White asked to revisit the issue — and called for a vote — at the end of the meeting.The county’s next budget year begins July 1. Committees are just beginning the process of developing a proposed financial plan for that budget cycle. That’s one reason supporters of White’s resolution said the issue needed to be voted on now — so a realistic discussion can occur as the budget is being developed.The 2 percent pay raise for non-sheriff’s, non-school employees will cost about $40,000 for employees under the county’s general fund, White said, and funding to cover the raise for employees of the Highway Department, Sullivan County Emergency Medical Service, Solid Waste, and Observation Knob Park will come from existing funds in those accounts.For the 12-month budget cycle that begins July 1, the 2 percent raise for sheriff’s and all other non-school employees will cost the county about $640,000 per year, according to the county’s payroll office.
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Teheran pitches Braves past Twins
ATLANTA — Julio Teheran pitched 8 1-3 strong innings, Dan Uggla hit a three-run homer and the Atlanta Braves won their fourth straight game with a 5-1 victory over the struggling Minnesota Twins on Monday.Teheran (3-1) gave up five hits, one run — Josh Willingham’s homer in the ninth — and one walk. He struck out four, throwing 80 of his 123 pitches for strikes.Cory Gearrin earned his first career save by retiring pinch-hitter Oswaldo Arcia on a flyout.Minnesota has lost six straight.The previous longest career outing for Teheran was seven innings, a mark he reached in a no-decision April 29 against Washington and a May 9 victory at San Francisco.After rallying in late innings to win three straight from the Los Angeles Dodgers over the weekend, Atlanta jumped on Twins starter Kevin Correia (4-4) early.In the first, Jason Heyward singled, advanced to third on Justin Upton’s single and scored on Freddie Freeman’s RBI single. One out later, Uggla hit his eighth homer, a three-run shot that made it 4-0.Juan Francisco led off the fourth with a double, moved to third on Teheran’s sacrifice bunt and scored on Andrelton Simmons’ sacrifice fly RBI for a 5-0 lead.Correia had his shortest outing in nine starts this season. In four innings, he allowed eight hits, five runs and one walk.Correia had no strikeouts for the first time this year and the first time as a starter since April 29, 2012, when he and the Pittsburgh Pirates lost at Turner Field.Ryan Pressly pitched the fifth and sixth for Minnesota, allowing one walk and striking out one. Caleb Thielbar, recalled from Triple-A Rochester earlier in the day, worked the seventh and eighth, giving up a single and striking out three.Teheran allowed a single to Justin Morneau in the first, faced the minimum in the second and gave up a leadoff single to Aaron Hicks in the third.Morneau singled to begin the fourth and moved to second on Trevor Plouffe’s walk, but Teheran ended the threat on Chris Parmelee’s flyout and Pedro Florimon’s flyout.Teheran, a 22-year-old in his first full season, held Minnesota to just one base runner — Willingham, who was hit by a pitch in the sixth — over the next four innings.In his past five starts, the 22-year-old right-hander is 3-1 with a 2.41 ERA with two homers allowed. He gave up a combined four homers over his first three starts.Teheran retired Morneau on a flyout to begin the ninth, but Willingham hit his sixth homer and Plouffe singled to end the pitcher’s night.Luis Avilan faced the next two batters. Parmelee singled and pinch-hitter Ryan Doumit flew out before Gearrin retired Arcia.
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Hawkins County removes ‘private’ speed bumps at Amis Mill Eatery
ROGERSVILLE — When he installed speed bumps in front of his Hawkins County restaurant last week, Amis Mill Eatery owner Jake Jacobs was more concerned about keeping his customers safe than obtaining permission from the county.Sometimes its easier to ask for forgiveness than permission, Jacobs told the Times-News Sunday afternoon. On Monday morning, however, the Hawkins County Highway Department required neither permission nor forgiveness to remove the two speed bumps from Bear Hollow Road at both ends of the Amis Mill Eatery property.Jacobs said he hopes that decision isn’t going to cause someone to be seriously injured or even killed.The Thomas Amis House and farm is the oldest settlement in Hawkins County, dating back to the 1770s. The Amis Mill Eatery is on W. Bear Hollow Road near the original Amis House, and there are walking trails throughout the property that are open to the public.It’s a popular tourist attraction, and among the most popular features of the property is the Big Creek Falls and Dam, which was constructed in 1779 directly across the road from the eatery. The creek bank on both sides of the dam is a recreation area, and Bear Hollow Road in front of the restaurant is often heavily congested with pedestrians, especially on weekends and around lunch and suppertime.That’s why the Hawkins County Road Committee agreed two years ago to lower the speed limit on that section of Bear Hollow Road to 15 mph. There are also three striped crosswalks painted — one at each end of the property, and one in front of the eatery at the waterfall.Jacobs said that not all motorists comply with the 15 mph speed limit, however, and at times it becomes a dangerous situation when the road is clogged with tourists.“The whole area is a park,” Jacobs said. “Basically it’s a park that we, the Amis family, have decided to share with the community. To get from one side of the property to the other, they must cross the road, and we put the crosswalks in now, so hopefully that will help some. We just ask people to please be aware and slow down.”There was an incident two weekends ago, however, which convinced Jacobs to install speed bumps at both ends the property. A family visiting from Asheville, N.C., watched as their little girl was almost struck by a vehicle that was speeding in the 15 mph zone.“(The motorist) actually squealed tires, swerved, and then kept going and didn’t even stop,” Jacobs said. “It scared the little girl to death, not to mention her parents. We witnessed the whole thing.”Jacobs added, “We took this measure (of installing speed bumps) on our very own. I didn’t ask anybody. I just did it myself. I bought and installed speed bumps at the beginning and the end of the property in the 15 mph zone. I did that in an attempt to prevent someone from being killed and a very sad situation.” Hawkins County Highway Superintendent Lowell Bean told the Times-News Monday he’d received numerous complaints about Jacobs’ speed bumps. Some complaints were about the speed bumps being there, and some complaints were from people who wanted speed bumps in their community as well. “I talked to Mr. Jacobs about it, and he was very cooperative, and apologized for all the phone calls we received,” Bean said. “We took them up this (Monday) morning because we don’t put speed bumps on county roads. People were complaining about hitting those bumps. They didn’t know they were there, for one thing. Then everybody else wants them in front of their house too.”Bean added, “But, I’ve had to tell people in the past we couldn’t put speed bumps in their community because the county can’t stand the liability. But I’m willing to work with Mr. Jacobs on different ways of making it safer over there. I agree that not everybody obeys the speed limit, but that problem isn’t isolated to Bear Hollow. It’s countywide.”Jacobs said he was told by County Mayor Melville Bailey that he could be held liable for the speed bumps if they caused an accident.“I said, ‘Well, so be it’,” Jacobs said. “I’d rather be liable than see somebody get killed.” Jacobs added, “If this speed bump causes somebody to wreck, they’re speeding. I promise you, if you go over it at 15 mph, which is the speed limit, you’ll have no problem. ... I think that safety is more important than somebody speeding.”
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Kingsport BMA not planning on giving more money to schools
KINGSPORT — As it stands now, Kingsport City Schools will receive no additional operating funds from the city next year.“I think that would be a sad decision,” said Alderwoman Valerie Joh. “I think it’s a terrible thing when we lose ground in our schools.” The Board of Mayor and Aldermen continued to wrangle with the 2014 budget Tuesday night — the third such meeting in the past eight days. Kingsport’s budget requires a public hearing and two votes by the BMA — scheduled for the June regular meetings — and must be approved by June 30.The new fiscal year begins July 1.Last week, City Manager John Campbell presented his proposed budget for 2014, one that is balanced with no property tax increase, but with a three percent hike in the water and sewer rates for all customers. Six new positions were included in the budget along with pay raises and step increases for current employees.The main sticking point, and something that has been discussed for more than a week now, has been how much additional operating funds, if any, to give to the school system. KCS officials have requested an additional $1.8 million of the city, which would push the yearly allocation to the school system from $9.8 million to $11.6 million.A secondary issue among the BMA has been the desire to increase the city’s $600,000 annual paving fund by at least $400,000.And to add insult to injury, KCS officials learned last week they would receive $200,000 less from the state than previously thought.Though Campbell offered no recommendation on the school funding issue last week, he did come up with a list of ideas for how the city could generate additional revenue for its paving fund and KCS, with ideas ranging from cutting positions, eliminating or delaying raises and imposing new fees, such as a natural gas franchise fee and a garbage collection fee.Those ideas were fine-tuned into four options by Monday’s meeting — two options allocated more than $400,000 to schools, $200,000 to paving and a varying amount for equipment, but were made through cuts to the budget and new fees. Two other options — through cuts alone — just allocated a boost to paving.“Option 4 is the one I like,” Mayor Dennis Phillips said. Option 4 increased paving by $400,000 and provided no additional funds for KCS. “I’ve heard complaints we’re pushing the envelope on fees. This is a big change when adding substantial fees and I think we need more planning than just two or three days.” Alderman John Clark called the decision of allocating more funds to the school system a difficult one without having a future view of where the system is heading.“The next (BMA) should focus on (the future view) moving forward. Without that, it’s more of a year to year issue we’re dealing with,” Clark said. “I think we’re over-complicating the process without a plan and metrics in place. If we had a plan with metrics, it could help us determine how we should spend our limited funds.“I’m struggling with, does the school system deserve the $1.8 million? The problem with planning too far in advance is the state — which provides $24.5 million of the school system’s budget — typically waits until January before announcing funding levels, Campbell said.“We have trends and enough experience to make a projection of what it would be?” Clark asked. “Having a plan with a goal in place and accountability would steer us in the right direction.” The BMA has indicated a property tax increase is off the table next year. With that in mind, Phillips said the only choice is to raise fees or forgo salary increases.Delaying pay raises and step increases for city employees for six months would save nearly $570,000; eliminating them entirely would save $1.1 million. On the school system side, its budget has more than $1.1 million for pay raises and step increases.“If we cut everyone’s raises, I don’t think that’s a comfortable option,” Phillips said. “There’s just no money, short of raising fees, taxes.” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Lyle Ailshie gave a passionate plea for the additional funds, saying he did not come before the BMA with an inflated request.“Some think the school system is requesting more than it’s asking for. For this budget, to my knowledge, there is not anything in there we don’t need,” Ailshie said. “We are so behind on technology, we don’t have a chance of catching up. (In the 2014-2015 school year) every child in this system will have to take an online assessment. We don’t have the technology to do it. We’re not even close to staying cutting edge.” Ailshie repeated a similar concern Board of Education members have voiced: If the school system cannot get some funds, it won’t have a chance of meeting current metrics and goals.“I know it’s a lot of money and I wish I didn’t have to ask for it,” Ailshie said.Over the past five years, KCS has requested an additional $1.4 million to $2.2 million from the city each year. Not including this year, the city has increased its maintenance of effort to the school system by just over $1 million, along with $850,000 in one-time money.Near the end of the meeting, Clark asked Ailshie if the school system would come back next year and ask for another $1.8 million or $2 million.“To do the things in our goals, to really be world-class, it will be some number,” Ailshie said.Phillips said as it stands right now, the BMA is going into Tuesday’s meeting with a budget that includes no increase for schools. To comply with state law, the proposed budget has to be advertised in the newspaper with the deadline for submission being Tuesday.However, changes to the budget could be made prior to the BMA voting on it in June.“If someone comes up with a light bulb, please turn it on,” Phillips said.Campbell concluded the discussion by saying he had thought of a couple of revenue ideas over the weekend, but would need to speak with Ailshie first before announcing them.
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Prep results - Monday, May 20
BaseballSOUTHWEST VIRGINIAGate City 14, Lee High 4, 6 inningsVirginia High at Lebanon, ppd.SoftballSOUTHWEST VIRGINIAVirginia High at Lebanon, ppd. Tues.Clinch Mountain District Softball TournamentFirst RoundLee High 7, Gate City 6, 10 inningsLonesome Pine District Softball TournamentAt J.I. Burton High SchoolNortonSemifinalsWise Central 9, Clintwood 5J.I. Burton 2, Union 0SoccerSOUTHWEST VIRGINIAGrundy at Gate City (girls & boys), ccd.Virginia High 5, Lee High 0 (girls)Virginia High 5, Lee High 0 (boys)John Battle 9, Lebanon 0 (girls)John Battle 5, Lebanon 0 (boys)TennisSOUTHWEST VIRGINIABOYSGate City 8, John Battle 1
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Ray Manzarek, keyboardist for the Doors, dies at 74
LOS ANGELES — When the Doors were still a fledgling quartet, and the band members were honing their chops playing five sets a night at the London Fog club in Hollywood, it wasn’t rock stardom on keyboardist Ray Manzarek’s mind as he and his three band mates laid down an extended jam for their debut album that ran more than seven minutes.Manzarek was thinking more of one of his jazz heroes when he cribbed some of John Coltrane’s ideas from the saxophonist’s recording of “My Favorite Things” for his own solo in the song that would become the Doors’ signature hit, and one of the defining singles of the 1960s: “Light My Fire.”“We loved that we were getting Coltrane played on AM radio,” Manzarek said years later. “I’m not sure how many people caught that, but I’m sure some did.”Manzarek, who was responsible for the piercing electric organ sound on “Light My Fire” and most of the L.A. group’s cornerstone songs, died Monday at a medical clinic in Rosenheim, Germany, after a lengthy battle with bile duct cancer. He was 74.While studying film at the University of California, Los Angeles, in 1965, Manzarek met fellow student Jim Morrison and they decided to start a band built around Morrison’s poetry. They enlisted drummer John Densmore, whom Manzarek had met in a transcendental meditation class, and Densmore in turn introduced them to his friend Robby Krieger, a guitarist.Beginning in 1967, the Doors charted 15 hit singles on the Billboard Hot 100, including “Hello, I Love You,” “Touch Me,” “Riders on the Storm” and “People Are Strange,” up through Morrison’s death in 1971 at age 27. All six of the group’s studio albums released during Morrison’s lifetime made the Top 10 of the national sales chart, the biggest hit being “Waiting For the Sun,” which spent four weeks at No. 1 in 1968.“I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of my friend and band mate Ray Manzarek today,” Krieger said in a statement. “I’m just glad to have been able to have played Doors songs with him for the last decade. Ray was a huge part of my life, and I will always miss him.”“There was no keyboard player on the planet more appropriate to support Jim Morrison’s words,” Densmore said through a spokeswoman. “Ray, I felt totally in sync with you musically. It was like we were of one mind, holding down the foundation for Robby and Jim to float on top of. I will miss my musical brother.”Creating a band with a neophyte singer, jazz-inclined keyboardist and drummer and a guitarist steeped in flamenco music wasn’t by any stretch a formula for rock ‘n’ roll success. Manzarek wound up pulling double duty, handling the bass parts by way of a keyboard bass, which he played with his left hand while working the organ accompaniment and solos with his right.“We actually intended to have a bass player, and auditioned a couple of them,” he said in a 2011 interview with the Jerusalem Post. “With the first one, we sounded like the Rolling Stones, and with the second, for some reason, we sounded like Eric Burdon and the Animals. We knew there was no reason to have another band sound like either of them, so we kept looking.“Then we auditioned at a club in Los Angeles, and I saw the Fender Rhodes keyboard bass onstage, which belonged to another band. And I thought, ‘Eureka, that’s it. I’ll play that,’” he said. “It worked out fine because it’s basically the way I play the keyboard anyway, with my left hand playing the bass line. And it kept the Doors as a four-side diamond, rather than an evil pentagram.”After graduating to headlining at the Whiskey A Go-Go, then the hottest rock club in Los Angeles, the Doors released their first single, “Break On Through (to the Other Side).” It got as high as No. 126, in early 1967, but “Light My Fire” shot to No. 1 just two months later, and the Doors were suddenly rock stars.Manzarek not only supplied the signature opening riff of “Light My Fire,” he delivered the otherworldly tacked-piano sound that gives “People Are Strange” much of its eeriness, and the haunting, moody electric piano lines that fuel “L.A. Woman.”Morrison’s death shook the three surviving band mates to the core. They recorded two albums without Morrison — “Other Voices” in 1971 and “Full Circle” the following year — but then called it quits.Raymond Daniel Manzarek Jr. was born Feb. 12, 1939, in Chicago, and later simplified the spelling of his last name by dropping the “c.”After the Doors wound down, he recorded in the 1970s with his own band, Nite City, and worked up a rock treatment of Carl Orff’s choral work “Carmina Burana.”In the 1980s, Manzarek had a strong hand in the emergence of another quintessential Los Angeles band when he produced all four of the original studio albums for the punk quartet X.What drew him to throw in with the punk movement, which drew much of its energy and audience by rebelling against the classic rockers like the Doors who had preceded them? “The punks were the next generation after the psychedelic era,” he said. “After the stoners came the punks, and it was great. I thought it would be bigger in the U.S. than it was, but it never really caught on like it did in England. The punk scene in California, though, was as exciting as what happened in the ‘60s.”In 1991, after Oliver Stone’s film biography of the group came out, Manzarek was openly critical of his portrait of the band. “Oliver Stone has assassinated Jim Morrison,” he said at the time. “The film portrays Jim as a violent, drunken fool. That wasn’t Jim.”Manzarek said in interviews that he’d rather that Morrison had lived and that they would still be making music together, even if it meant the singer had to sacrifice the mystique that developed around him because of his death at such a young age.“If you’re going to become a legend — one of the immortals, a god,” Manzarek said in 2011, “then you have to die. That’s the tragedy.”Manzarek and Krieger resumed touring over the last dozen years, playing Doors music with other singers and drummers — including the Cult’s lead singer Ian Asbury, Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder and the Police’s drummer Stewart Copeland — which prompted a lawsuit by Densmore against Manzarek and Krieger to stop them from touring under the Doors’ name. Densmore eventually won.In the course of that proceeding, Manzarek and Krieger countersued Densmore for $40 million, alleging that he had rejected proposals to use the Doors’ songs in commercials. Densmore’s new book, “The Doors Unhinged: Jim Morrison’s Legacy Goes on Trial,” details both suits and his staunch opposition to advertising uses of the band’s music. Manzarek, the book says, supported such uses as a way to keep that music in front of new generations of listeners. The countersuit was dismissed.Manzarek also became an author, writing “Light My Fire: My Life with the Doors” in 1998 and “The Poet In Exile” in 2002.He is survived by his wife, Dorothy; a son, Pablo; three grandchildren; and two brothers, Rick and James Manczarek.Distributed by MCT Information Services
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Boone's Sanders Big 8 softball player of the year
BRISTOL, Tenn. — Daniel Boone’s successful year as a team also led to some individual recognition.The Lady Trailblazers’ Kayla Sanders was named the Big 8 Conference softball player of the year on Monday, and teammate McKenzi Ferguson was voted co-pitcher of the year.Ferguson shared the honor with Science Hill’s Vanessa Elliott.After leading Boone to the TSSAA Class AAA sectionals this year, coaches Rick Wagner, Bill Wagner, Anna Cassell and Mark Conkin were named the Big 8 coaching staff of the year.2013 All-Big 8 Conference Softball AwardsPlayer of the YearKayla Sanders, Daniel BooneCo-Pitchers of the YearVanessa Elliott, Science HillMcKenzi Ferguson, Daniel BooneCoaching Staff of the YearDaniel Boone (Rick Wagner, Bill Wagner, Anna Cassell, Mark Conkin)First TeamP — Haley Grindstaff, David CrockettC — Mackie Carr, Tennessee High1B — Jaclyn Jenkins, Daniel Boone2B — Sam Bradley, Science Hill3B — Haley Wagner, Daniel BooneSS — Megan Devotie, Science HillOF — Katie McCann, VolunteerOF — Hannah Devotie, Science HillOF — Ally Littleton, Daniel BooneDP — Kaylyn Conkin, Daniel BooneDP — Mackenzie Tate, VolunteerUtil — Emma Martindale, Science HillSecond TeamP — Marissa Honeycutt, Dobyns-BennettP — Morgan Marshall, VolunteerC — Jackie Loyd, David Crockett1B — Madi Kilby, Dobyns-Bennett2B — Meredith Good, Science Hill3B — Kenzie Dixon, VolunteerSS — Kadie Bledsoe, Tennessee HighOF — Madison Tarlton, David CrockettOF — Jadin Foster, Tennessee HighOF — Jenna Carmody, Daniel BooneOF — Brittni Chafin, Tennessee HighDP — Madison Grindstaff, David CrockettUtil — Hannah Montoya, Daniel BooneHonorable MentionDaniel Boone: Abby Harrison, Caroline WilsonDavid Crockett: Lily Ayers, Jessica LeachDobyns-Bennett: Makaylah Darnell, Cydnee Morrisette, Abigail StrattonScience Hill: Alyssa Loveday, Allison Poget, Jordan RushSullivan Central: Hunter Baxter, Alyssa RupertSullivan South: Sam Hammonds, Rebekah Larkins, Brooke WallenTennessee High: Makenzie HuttonVolunteer: Kellie Kirk, Danielle Saltz, Alex Williams
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Allmendinger living one day at a time
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — AJ Allmendinger’s parents attended their first Indianapolis 500 in 1979, when they camped in a grassy lot and watched Rick Mears win his first 500.Their son was born two years later — Greg Allmendinger named him after A.J. Foyt, his favorite driver — and for a time it seemed like the Allmendingers would make it back to Indy with him. Allmendinger had risen through the open-wheel ranks to become one of the top drivers in the Champ Car Series with a five-win 2006 season.But a NASCAR opportunity came along and Allmendinger switched series, and the dream of one day cheering on their son in the “Biggest Spectacle In Racing” began to fade.Until one bad decision cost Allmendinger the best job he ever had — and Roger Penske decided to give him a rare second chance.Allmendinger will make his Indianapolis 500 debut on Sunday, seven years after he left open-wheel racing — in a Penske Racing entry, no less. It doesn’t get much bigger or better than this, and all these years later, Allmendinger has finally brought his parents back to the 500.He’s posed for pictures at his car with his parents, who arrived in Indianapolis in time to see Allmendinger qualify fifth on Saturday.“Then my dad went and found Larry Foyt and said, ‘Where’s your dad at? I want to go meet him, I haven’t met him yet ... By the way, I’m AJ’s dad,’ ” Allmendinger said. “It’ll be cool to really share this with my parents, especially my dad. For them to experience this.”It’s funny how life sometimes works out, and Allmendinger has learned enough in the last 10 months not to question why things happen.Allmendinger is a better person because he stupidly accepted a strange pill from a friend who said it would help with his fatigue. Allmendinger says the pill he popped last June was Adderall — he didn’t ask what it was before swallowing it — and it caused him to fail a random NASCAR drug test. Suspended hours before the July race at Daytona, he was out of a job because Penske had no choice but to fire the driver when the backup “B” sample also came back positive.Allmendinger participated in NASCAR’s “Road to Recovery” program, and learned during that time he had to stop putting so much pressure on himself, that his happiness didn’t solely depend on his results on the racetrack. He had Penske’s support the entire time, even though the team owner had zero responsibility to a driver whose six months of employment had brought embarrassment to the great Penske organization. Allmendinger didn’t ask Penske why he was standing behind him, why he brought him out to the IndyCar season finale at Fontana in September as his guest, or why he continued to think of ways to get Allmendinger back in the race car.When “The Captain” called and asked Allmendinger if he had any interest in running the Indianapolis 500, the only thing the driver said was “Yes, sir. Whatever you want, sir.”“I feel very fortunate, the racing side of it is great, but that he’s cared enough to stay in contact,” Allmendinger said. “That means way more than putting me in a race car. I’m just enjoying the ride right now. I’m never going to turn down a Roger Penske race car.”This Roger Penske car was another opportunity for a disgraced driver, and it didn’t matter that it meant returning to the racing he’d walked away from for the fame and fortune of NASCAR.Only Allmendinger found things to very different when he returned. The competition was much improved all the way down the grid, and driving the year-old IndyCar was harder than his time in Champ Car.“I knew it was going to be hard, but I didn’t know it was going to be this hard,” he said. “It’s shown that seven years of stock car racing has transformed me. It’s everything — the downforce levels, how hard you have to drive the cars to get any kind of lap time. Going to do the test with the series and then going to the races — that field is so strong. “Being back in the series, it’s a little frustrating because I wish people understood how good these drivers are in this series.” Allmendinger has leaned on Penske teammates Helio Castroneves and Will Power in his transition. It was Castroneves who shook down Allmendinger’s car before his rookie orientation at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and Allmendinger was touched that Castroneves hung around on the pit stand talking to him during his laps on the track.“He could have easily shook down the car, told Roger it was fine and gone back to the garage and gotten ready for his car. But he stood there on the timing stand, headset on, talking to me. I’ve been very fortunate, and Will has been the same way,” said Allmendinger, who struggled with the urge to brake during his first laps and learned quickly if he ran the same line he did in the NASCAR races at Indy he’d end up in the grass.He’s gotten more comfortable with each passing day, and his teacher has been none other than Mears, the four-time Indianapolis winner and the driver his parents saw win all those years ago. From there it’s on to Detroit for the IndyCar doubleheader with Penske.But Allmendinger has nothing on his schedule beyond the Detroit races. He’s run four of 11 NASCAR races this year with Phoenix Racing, but owner James Finch is threatening to shut down the team after the July race at Indy. Allmendinger believes he’s got a ride in NASCAR with Finch, he just doesn’t know how long that car will be on the track.He doesn’t worry about it though. Allmendinger’s experience of landing his dream job then promptly losing it because of a dumb mistake has taught him so much that he didn’t hesitate Monday when asked if he’s happier now then he was a year ago when he driving in NASCAR for Penske.“For sure. Definitely,” said Allmendinger, who now just takes things one day at a time.“It’s working out pretty good right now. I thought after 24 Hours of Rolex I wasn’t doing anything, so it’s worked out pretty well so far,” he said. “I’m going to ride the wave right now and figure out what happens after that.”Allmendinger, still uber-confident despite his journey, has a plan.“The way I look at it, if I go win Indy, Roger’s got to give me more races,” he smiled.
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Gov. Haslam signs bill lowering sales tax on food
Tennesseans will pay a little less for groceries under legislation signed into law Monday at a Monroe County grocery store by Gov. Bill Haslam.The bill, which goes into effect in July, reduces the state portion of the sales tax on groceries from 5.25 percent to 5 percent. The legislation helps all Tennesseans, Haslam said.“In six weeks you will be paying less every time you go to the grocery store,” Haslam told the crowd of shoppers and employees at Sloan’s Grocery in Vonore.Passage of the bill marks the second time in as many years that grocery taxes have been cut. Last year the Legislature reduced the grocery tax from 5.5 percent to 5.25 percent.Read more at the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
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Seth MacFarlane won't return as 2014 Oscar host
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Seth MacFarlane is too busy to host the Oscars in 2014.The multitalented comedian says on Twitter that he "tried to make it work schedule-wise, but I need sleep."MacFarlane said in his tweet Monday that Academy Awards producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron are among the best in the business. Zadan and Meron produced this year's Oscar show, which earned higher ratings among coveted younger viewers, and will be returning for the 2014 telecast.MacFarlane earned mixed reviews for his first outing as Oscar host in February, with some finding his material sexist and anti-Semitic.The creator of "Family Guy" suggested Oscar producers tap the eccentric actor Joaquin Phoenix to host the show.
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SBA starting new lending program for veterans
NEW YORK (AP) — The Small Business Administration says it has lined up pledges from more than 120 banks to increase lending to veterans.The agency said Tuesday it's starting a program, the SBA Veteran Pledge Initiative, aimed at increasing lending to veteran-owned businesses by 5 percent a year for the next five years. The 20 major banks known as SBA National Lending Partners are making the pledge along with about 100 regional banks across the country. The program is expected to help an additional 2,000 veterans get loans totaling $475 million over the life of the program, the SBA said.The agency started the program after finding there was a gap in lending to veterans, SBA head Karen Mills told The Associated Press. In the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, the SBA backed more than 3,200 loans to veterans worth more than $1.25 billion."We don't have a specific theory about the cause," Mills said. "When we went to the banks they were eager to be connected to veteran-owned businesses."Nine percent of small businesses, or 2.45 million, are owned by veterans, according to the SBA. Mills said the new program is designed to complement SBA programs aimed at training veterans so they'll be able to start and run businesses and obtain loans. Mills noted that many veterans leave the service with management skills that can carry over to running a business.Many of the veterans who have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan have started companies, and many have decided to open franchises, said Rich Bradshaw, the head of SBA lending at TD Bank, one of the agency's lending partners. He said most of the franchise loans that TD Bank expects to make under the new program will be under $150,000.The ongoing reduction of troops in Afghanistan, which follows the withdrawal of troops in Iraq, is expected to increase demand for business loans from veterans, Bradshaw said.The SBA's website has a section aimed at veterans who are business owners or planning to start businesses. It's www.sba.gov/veterans
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