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Monday, July 30, 2012

DB Football Media Day


DB Football Media Day, hosted by the Quarterback Club.

It will be held Friday, August 3 in J. Fred Stadium (in case of inclement weather we will move to the Dome).

The Freshmen team will be on the field at 8 am - 9am.

The Cheerleaders and Spirit Shakers will be there 9 am - 10:30 am.

The Varsity team will be on the field from 9:30 am - 11:15 am or so.

Game Day Premier Parking Passes, player button photos and DB car magnets will be for sale.

DB's scrimmage this year will be away at Anderson County. The public is invited to Media Day and the scrimmage.

Roll Tribe!

Friday, July 27, 2012

Bethel Musical Concert

CLICK ON THE POSTER TO MAKE IT BIGGER


Saturday, July 21, 2012

Update on Rev. Anthony Daniels


"He is resting comfortably, and is doing well."

That word from U-T Medical Center, as our own Rev. Anthony Daniels is recuperating from a serious auto accident near Pineville on Thursday, July 19th. He was transferred to UT Medical Center in Knoxville from the Pineville Community hospital on Friday.

According to his daughter Gloria (Beth), Rev. Daniels sustained a slight head injury. According to the Mayo Clinc, any traumatic head injury is onsidered by doctors to be "serious" until the patient shows cognitive skill ability, and no loss of memory or motor functions.


Rev. Daniels is in the Trauma-Neuro Critical Care area of the Intensive Care Unit for monitoring and treatment in a room like the one at left, but could be transferred to a room very soon. He's said to be very sore, and because of the head trauma, has a neck brace to keep him from moving his head for now.

Bert Webb, who visited him in the ICU, reports he recognized her immediately, which is a good sign, considering the head trauma. At UT Hospital, intensive care patients can have visitors, but only 2 at a time in the ICU. That should expand, once he is moved to a room.

As soon as that happens, we'll let you know, to send get-well cards, letters and flowers.

Please continue to pray for Rev. Daniels and his family, and for his speedy recovery.

Update on Rev. Daniels


We have been told that Rev. Anthony Daniels has been flown to the U-T Medical Center in Knoxville. The transfer happened yesterday (Friday, July 20th).

A spokesperson at Pineville (KY) Community Hospital has confirmed that to the Douglass Website.

According to UT Medical Center, Rev. Daniels is in the hospital's Trauma-Neuro Cricital Intensive Care Unit in serious condition.

Rev. Daniels was injured in an automobile accident near Pineville, Kentucky, and was initially taken to the Pineville Community Hospital. Due to the serious nature of his injuries, he was flown to UT Medical Center for more advanced care.

We're told, the "trauma-neuro critical care unit" in most hospitals, is the intensive care unit in the facility, that deals with severe head injuries usually from car wrecks, that result from the head impacting with a stationary object, such as a windshield or car part.

As we learn more about Rev. Daniels' condition, we will pass that along to you.

Please keep him and his family in your prayers.

Rev. Anthony Daniels Injured in Kentucky Car Wreck

FROM THE MIDDLESBORO DAILY NEWS


Photo by Anthony Cloud|Daily News

One man was transported to Pineville Community Hospital (PCH) following a single car wreck along KY 190. Anthony Daniels, of Kingsport, Tenn., was traveling from Clear Creek toward U.S. 25E, according to a witness at the scene. The witness said Daniels appeared to swerve and lose control of the vehicle after a speeding truck passed them. No official report was made by the Bell County Sheriff’s Department. Daniels was transported to PCH following the wreck.


Thursday, July 19, 2012

2012 Rhythm In Riverview: A "Free Flow" to Great Entertainment!


"Shake yo' groove thing" with a local musical group, whose mission "is to get everybody up on the dance floor."

Visitors to the annual Rhythm In Riverview concert did not disappoint, as soul music lifted into the air from the show band Free Flow.

"I thought the event went very smoothly overall," says Jeannie Hodges with the South Central Community Development Corporation, one of the sponsors. Other sponsors were Eastman Chemical Company, Nathan Vaughn-State Farm Insurance, the Kingsport Housing and Redevelopment Authority, WKPT-TV and Kingsport Parks and Recreation.


Click here to see pictures from the 2012 Rhythm In Riverview Fun Fest Concert.

"I walked around a couple of times, and it seemed like everybody was enjoying themselves, especially there towards the end," Mrs. Hodges says. I saw some dances I'd never seen before from the crowd."

"I remember thinking, 'well, what is that?'" she laughed. "I've never seen that before. But that meant that everybody was having a good time."


People started setting up their lawn chairs in front of the stage around 5 PM, and Rhythm In Riverview started around 6:30. Earlier in the day around 1 PM, the clouds darkened, the temperature dropped, and a thunderstorm system moved into Kingsport around 1:30 with torrential rains that soaked the ballfield and backed up the storm drains on nearby MLK Drive. The rain was short-lived, though.. once it ended around 3, things started warming back up and drying out fast.


"The rain didn't change any of our plans," says Mrs. Hodges. "The only difference was a minor one for one vendor, the motorized train that carries the kids around. The operator decided to run it on the blocked portion of MLK in the street, because he was worried that the ground may have been too soft from the rain. It was amazing that, as much rain, as we got, the field was not soggy or muddy. People were still able to set up their chairs and sit in the field just fine. Some people may not have come down because they thought the field was muddy, but they missed out on a good show, the music and the food, because everything was just fine."


"This year, we had 10 to 12 vendors," Mrs. Hodges says. "In fact, there were three new ones, that took the place of some from last year that didn't come back."

Competition is the last thing you think of during a gathering like Rhythm In Riverview, but it turns out that there was some sparring among a couple of the vendors.


"It was where one vendor was selling one of the same popular food items as another vendor," she says. "The second vendor was undercutting the first vendor by selling the exact same food item 2 dollars cheaper. Well, that stuff happens everywhere all the time. The first vendor got mad, came over to me, and asked me to ask the second vendor to leave. I said, 'well, I can't do that.. he's paid his fee, he passed the city food vendor inspection just like everybody else, and I couldn't very well asked him to leave. I don't even know if it would have been legal to ask the other man to leave, and I decided to just not get involved. Then, he asked me if I wanted HIM to leave, and I said 'no, I don't WANT you to leave, but it's your decision.' Funny thing is, they were both here last year."

"He didn't leave," she said. "He didn't go anywhere.. he stayed right there. Opened up his place and everything. I hear they both go to the same events, and I think it is just a feud they got going. Not everything they had was the same, but it was just that one food item that was the same, causing the problem between them. The first man calmed down eventually, and I didn't hear one more word from him during or after the show."


The crowd probably wouldn't have cared less about a "food feud." They were too busy getting into the spirit that makes up Rhythm In Riverview. First on the agenda was a musical performance by the New Vision Youth, who wowed the crowd with several dance routines. Kingsport Idol finalist Juliana Soto led the way in firing up the crowd with her vocals, and the New Vision Kids just fell right into step.

The crowd loved it. They also loved the music of Free Flow.


Free Flow was founded by original members Roger "Lil Rog" Ware, Kevin "Kazual" Collins, and Darrell "De Note" Griffin, who was unable to attend Rhythm In Riverview. In his place was Pete "Texas Pete" Small, joined by Terry "Dob" Whitaker and Derek "D-Rock" Sandlin. The ban specializes in old-school soul music.


James "Trippy" Deal was instrumental in getting the band to play Rhythm In Riverview. He and his father Jimmy Deal routinely travel around to various clubs in nearby cities, to scout out local, upcoming bands to see which ones have promise.

"I think Free Flow did an excellent job in the way they interacted with the crowd," Trippy said, "and the crowd responded right back positively, and that's important. The key to their success is that they are just nice, down-home people. They treated the people of Kingsport like they grew up here, like they live here. Asheville is not that far away, and they know this area well. The good thing was, they played music that people have heard before, but they put their little spin on it, and that got the crowd involved."


"That's how they work," he says. "They put that funk on everything they play, Calvin. They've got a driving bass line on everything they play, and they did just great. Everybody welcomed them.. didn't treat them like 'well you're from Asheville and we don't care.' Everybody was friendly and loved their music and because of that, they love Kingsport."


It helps that Free Flow loves to play Kingsport.

"They love it here," says Trippy. "There were five songs they didn't get around to at Rhythm In Riverview. They didn't get to do 'Jamaican Funk,' they didn't do 'Poison,' they didn't get to do 777-9311' and 2 other songs. Thing is, they played for 2 hours straight on the ballfield without a break. That's pretty much unheard of, but the crowd just didn't want them to leave. These guys are not pre-madonnas, they're just down-to-earth, everyday people who play to the audience."

"When they first start out, it's a get-aquainted session," he says. "They kinda lull you into the beat, get you going. By the time they go into their second set, that's the set that makes people want to get up and dance. You just don't want to sit still."


"This band was a good fit for Rhythm In Riverview," says Mrs. Hodges. "Price is always a big thing to the sponsors, and some folks cost more than we can afford. Free Flow was very reasonable, and Roger Ware was a really nice person to work with. You want folks to enjoy themselves, and the band delivered their money's worth."

Meanwhile, Trippy Deal and his dad Jimmy, are always on the lookout for local talent, that's available to come to town to play for the home folks.

"My dad says, anybody can just play C-D's at events," Trippy says, "but it takes a really solid band to play live and keep you in the beat for a show. We check out Misty Blues in Johnson City a lot. Misty is the key lady in getting bandes in, at least two bands a month. That's when we get to them and ask 'can you come to Kingsport and do an event for us?"


Mrs. Hodges says, the connection paid off for the audience that came out to see Free Flow.

"You want folks to enjoy themselves, have good food, socialize with each other and the band."

"That's what Rhythm In Riverview has always been about."

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Today is Van Dobbins Jr. Day in Kingsport


If you see Van Dobbins, Jr. today or in the next few days, be sure and tell him congratulations!

Kingsport Mayor Dennis Phillips proclaimed July 17, 2012 as "Van Dobbins Jr. Day" in the Model City.


The proclamation was made Monday night, July 16th, in front of hundreds of people at the annual Rhythm In Riverview concert on the Douglass Ballfield, the first big concert of Fun Fest 2012.

"You know, I've been Mayor of Kingsport for 7 years," Mayor Phillips says, "and Van Dobbins is one of those people that makes an impression every time you see him. I have never asked him to do something for the city or community that he hasn't cheerfully done. He's the kind of person you just appreciate knowing. He's done so much for this city and community."


The method to make sure Van attended the Rhythm In Riverview event to receive the award was one that involved stealth, secrecy and in-depth planning. It involved the mayor's office, Van's wife Dorothy, Jeannie Hodges with the South Central Kingsport Community Development Corporation (a Rhythm In Riverview co-sponsor), Terry Cunningham at the Kingsport Housing and Redevelopment Authority, Johnnie Mae Swagerty with New Vision Youth (one of the performers), and Calvin Sneed with the Sons and Daughters of Douglass Alumni website.

"We told him that we were giving YOU, Calvin, an award and we wanted him to saw a few words," says Mayor Phillips. "Dorothy said he worried to death about what to say, and had actually written down some things he wanted to say. He had his notes with him about what he was gonna say about Calvin, and was standing there reading them."


"When I started reading the proclamation and said 'Van Dobbins, Jr.,' I'm not sure he knew what to do. His face flushed and he knew he was caught," Mayor Phillips said. "I just felt that people like Van just give, give, give and they deserve to be recognized. TDhis is one of the happiest things I've ever done."




"It's what makes being a mayor worthwhile."

Friday, July 13, 2012

2012 Mack Riddle 4th of July Parade in Kingsport

Region celebrated Fourth with a bang

THIS STORY COURTESY THE KINGSPORT TIMES-NEWS

PICTURES BY CALVIN SNEED


By KEVIN CASTLE
kcastle@timesnews.net



Deemed one the largest parades in the state of Tennessee, the 59th annual Mack Riddle American Legion Fourth of July Parade in Kingsport got under way at 10 a.m. on the Fourth.

Click here to see pictures from Kingsport's 2012 4th of July Parade.

More than 100 entries marched for this year’s Model City tradition, according to the Kingsport Area Chamber of Commerce’s Karen Jobe.

A new ceremony made its debut at the parade grandstand — a pledge of allegiance led this year by students from Rock Springs Elementary.

The parade route began at the Kingsport Renaissance Center and ended at the Kingsport Veterans Memorial next to Dobyns-Bennett High School.

FreeFlow brings beat to Rhythm in Riverview

fROM KINGSPORT TIMES-NEWS STAFF REPORTS



The members of the FreeFlow Band say they stay inspired by the musicians who keep the “funk alive.”

Hailing from Asheville, N.C., the trio of FreeFlow will bring its blend of funk, soul, rhythm and blues and Motown to the Rhythm in Riverview concert Monday, July 16.

The fun runs from 4 to 9 p.m., at the V.O. Dobbins Center, 301 Louis St., with FreeFlow taking the stage at 7:30 p.m., treating Kingsport to lots of familiar cover songs with FreeFlow’s own unique spin on them.

Lead singer and keyboardist, Kevin “Kazual” Collins, founded FreeFlow seven years ago.

Collins, who has performed with bands such as Point of View and Crystal Blue, says his musical influences range from Funkadelic to Earth Wind and Fire, from blues to hip-hop to jazz to soul.

Roger “Lil’ Rog” Ware, also on lead vocals, plays percussion and says he believes in the universal effect that music has on our lives and attributes his inner faith and spirituality to the positive energy he brings to the stage.

Ware cites his musical influences as Marvin Gaye and Sam Cooke.

The third member of the band, Darrell “BNote” Griffin, on bass and vocals, provides the heartbeat of the FreeFlow Band.

Griffin’s deep-pocket bass playing and rich, smooth vocals add a soul-filled color to the FreeFlow sound.

As a seasoned musician, Griffin is deeply rooted in jazz and funk and has played bass for such artists as Expose, Eugene Wilde, Gerald Levert and Betty Wright.

All three members of FreeFlow are active in their church choirs, and, when not singing in church, can be found playing local clubs, private parties, weddings and festivals.

Sponsored by Eastman Chemical Company, Kingsport Housing and Redevelopment Authority, South Central Kingsport Community Development Inc., Nathan Vaughn State Farm Insurance and WKPT-TV, the free event features food, music and activities for children, including train rides, inflatables and the Splash Pad.

For more information about Rhythm in Riverview, visit www.visitkingsport.com/funfest
For more information on the FreeFlow Band, visit w w w. f r e e f l o w b a n d . i n f o .

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

2012 Little Miss Vision Pageant


Attitude, Ability and Appearance.

The 3 A's are working among the young ladies in the Riverview community, and this year's Little Miss Vision pageant, held on Saturday, June 30, 2012, allowd them to show to a proud community, what they have learned during the past year.

"The Little Miss Vision campaign really went well this year, despite having only 5 contestants in the pageant," says director Lillian Leeper. "Our committee did a wonderful job and we were able to help these girls with their self-esteem at a crditical time in their lives. Their parents also helped us, and with the help of the community, we're able to make a difference in their growth and development."



Click bere to see a slideshow of the 2012 Little Miss Vision Pageant.

For Ta-Tionna White, her 5th year in Little Miss Vision, has changed her outlook on how young ladies are supposed to act in today's society.

"I've learned that being a little girl the right way, can help me live longer and have more fun, especially when we all go out to different places," she says. "The 3 A's really helped me.. that using a good attitude can lead you to better things."

"Ta-Tionna has been in the pageant before, and even though she has not won it, the self-esteem that she's getting is much more important," Mrs. Leeper says. "Like the other young ladies, she's learning a lot about how women are supposed to carry themselves. It's not always about winning the pageant.. it's the life lessons that you learn from being in Little Miss Vision."

"Everybody's a winner."



The contestants this year were Ki'Miyah Shaw, Alise Farrell, Ja"Naya Hamler, Ta-Tionna White and Makaila Bell. They competed in the categories of sportswear, dresses and overall presentation.

During the pageant, Suzanne Elliott, Traynesha Robinson and Marlon McGue entertained the audience with vocal solos. An instrumental solo was performed by saxaphonist Casey McClintock.

Several door prizes were handed out at the pageant, including free tickets to movie theaters, personal and household items. The biggest door prize was a big screen high-definition TV.



The influence of a former pageant host was also felt.

"We are really missing Tim (Hall, who passed away from a brain tumor in March, and hosted the pageant two years ago)," Mrs. Leeper says. "Tim was always in the umbrella of events that we formed many years ago, him with his comedy routine, Johnnie Mae Swagerty and the New Vision Youth, the Little Miss Vision campaign, and two others. We want to dedicate this next year's campaign and the next pageant to Tim and his memory of always supporting us and the others under that umbrella."



Second runner-up in the 2012 Little Miss Vision Pageant was Makaila Bell, who was also awarded Miss Congeniality. 1st runner-up was Ki'Miyah Shaw. The winner of the pageant was Ja'Naya Hamler.

Attitude... Ability... Appearance.

For Ta-Tionna, that will always mean a lot.

"I can take those 3 A's with me as I grow older, and can use them to make something out of myself."

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Preston, Sensabaugh remember their roots

THIS STORY COURTESY THE KINGSPORT TIMES-NEWS

Former D-B players back for Indians’ football camp
By ANDY OLSSON
aolsson@timesnews.net


KINGSPORT — Dobyns-Bennett High School kicked off their annual football camp at J. Fred Johnson Stadium on Monday.

Indians’ head coach Graham Clark began the day with an overview of the camp and what is expected of the kids. He led the camp attendees through drills and techniques along with his coaching staff and several former players. The three-day camp allows kids the opportunity to participate in activities that will prepare them for future football endeavors.

“Number one, we teach them some fundamentals and they get a chance to experience the football atmosphere we have here,” Clark said. “We’ve been blessed to have some guys come through the program that went on to do some good things.”

While football is the main focus, Clark makes it imperative that the kids come out of the camp with the right mindset.

“We want them to have a good time playing but we also teach character and we want to make sure they understand that the classroom comes first,” Clark said.
Each player and coach makes it their mission to articulate something different to the kids. That way the kids get to hear several different perspectives that they can use in every day life.

“I’m big on work ethic and making sure the kids give all they can,” Daniel Preston said. “You never think you’re going to be in this position until you are. I’m very thankful to have played for this coaching staff and I love being able to give back to this school that’s already gave so much to me.”

Preston graduated from D-B in 2008 and recently finished his senior season playing football for the Emory & Henry Wasps. After his 2011 season with the Wasps, Preston was named to the All-Old Dominion Athletic Conference team.

The most recent success story from Dobyns-Bennett, Coty Sensabaugh, was also instructing at the camp. Sensabaugh was the Tennessee Titans’ fourth round selection in the 2012 NFL Draft out of Clemson University. His cousin, Gerald, also a D-B graduate, currently plays for the Dallas Cowboys.

“I enjoy giving back but hopefully what I can give these kids today, more than anthing else, is the hope and belief that they can be whatever they want to be,” Sensabaugh said.

Sensabaugh spent five years at Clemson after getting redshirted his freshman year. He rose through the ranks and during his senior season he started 14 games, gaining attention from the NFL. His success is credited to the competitiveness of his family.

When Coty was 11, he lost his older brother, Jamaar, to leukemia. Losing a family member is never easy, but Coty’s love for his brother will never diminish. He looks forward to starting his NFL career but will never lose sight of what got him there.

“My goal growing up was always trying to be better than my brothers and cousins and that’s what drove me to get better,” Sensabaugh said. “Just getting drafted is a blessing but going to the Titans was icing on the cake.”

Dobyns Bennett’s camp for seventh through ninth graders wraps up on Wednesday when another camp starts for third through sixth graders.

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Back to School Preps

Dear members of the Kingsport community,


The time of year to get ready to go back to school is rapidly approaching. HOPE plans to try and help children with a back to school event.

HOPE is partnering with Carew Cuts barbershop which is cutting all male youths hair for free.

We are also asking members of the community to donate school supplies which will be placed in backpacks that have been given to HOPE.

These backpacks in turn will be given to the youth of the Kingsport area middle and elementary schools.

Donations will be received at Carew Cuts barbershop which is located at 806 E Center St.

We thank you for your support and cooperation in advance.

For more information please contact Stella Robinette at 423-276-6541 or Richard Jackson at 423-765-9800

Irene Rutledge Passing

Please remember the Rutledge families, as we mourn the passing of Mrs. Irene Rutledge in Kingsport. The funeral announcement is posted at the PASSINGS AND OBITUARIES link.

New Vision, Teen Club plan fund-raiser

• KINGSPORT — New Vision Youth and the Fire Escape Christian Teen Club will hold a joint fund-raiser Wednesday beginning at 9 a.m. at The Fire Escape, 1433 E. Center St.

The groups will sell fish sandwiches and hamburgers for $2 each, and candy, hot dogs and drinks for $1. Funds raised will support New Vision Youth’s upcoming annual “Gents to Gentlemen” Male Pageant and to purchase an audio system for the Fire Escape Christian Teen Club.

For more information contact Johnnie Mae Swagerty, New Vision Youth director, at 429-7553, or Kathy Christian, Fire Escape Christian Teen Club director, at 612-2592.