Kingsport | featured news

KNOXVILLE — Tennessee football coach Jeremy Pruitt suspended Bryce Thompson indefinitely following the cornerback’s arrest on a misdemeanor domestic assault charge, issued a statement about student safety and now is letting the legal process play out.
“That’s all we’re going to talk about that for right now,” Pruitt said during his first Monday news conference of the season, referring to the statement he had released earlier.

JOHNSON CITY — It’s official. Chance Thrasher is the starting quarterback for the East Tennessee State football team.
Bucs coach Randy Sanders confirmed that Thrasher, a graduate transfer from Coastal Carolina, will be the man behind center when ETSU opens the season at Appalachian State on Saturday.
“He is an athletic guy,” Sanders said Monday during the first of his weekly news conferences. “He has some maturity. He’s been around a little bit and he hits what he throws at more than the other guys did.

American Legion Hammond Post 3 is named for Sgt. Hagan Hammond, the first soldier from Sullivan County killed in World War I. Hammond died a brave death in 1918 and was temporarily laid to rest near where he died in France.
In April 1921, Hammond’s remains, along with those of another local soldier, Cpl. Joseph Tribble, were returned to the United States. Their journey home was monitored each step of the way by members of Hammond Post 3. Word came on April 8 that the bodies had arrived in New York City.

KINGSPORT — The wild Appalachian League West Division race took another turn Monday night at Hunter Wright Stadium where the Kingsport Mets hammered the Johnson City Cardinals 15-6.
The win and Bristol’s loss to Danville moved the K-Mets into sole possession of first place in the division by a half-game — making them the third team atop the West over the past three days of games.
Kingsport (34-32) needs just one win to clinch a playoff berth, but Johnson City (33-33) needs help.

GATE CITY, Va. — On Monday morning, Scott County Sheriff’s Office deputies initiated “Operation Heat Wave”.
According to a press release, the six month drug investigation netted 300 warrants against 66 people. Twenty three of the individuals charged reside outside of Scott County and within surrounding counties. These jurisdictions have been notified of the names and addresses on the outstanding warrants.
Meanwhile, as of Monday afternoon, Scott County police had arrested 30 people on various charges. Additional arrests were pending.

BLOUNTVILLE — Northeast State Community College has selected Dr. Robert “Bob” Plummer as its new assistant vice president and chief advancement officer, effective Sept. 23.
Plummer comes to Northeast State from East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, where he served at associate vice president of university advancement and executive director of the ETSU National Alumni Association. He was at ETSU for 35 years.

KINGSPORT — Kingsport City Manager Chris McCartt has made some adjustments to the responsibilities of three staff members, a restructuring of duties that he says is a step toward helping the Model City’s push toward greater economic development.
In addition, the city plans to fill two more key positions by the end of September: hiring of an economic development director and a leisure services director.
“Kingsport has always had a rich history in being a business-friendly city. In many ways, it’s a hallmark of our history,” McCartt said.

CHURCH HILL — Eight dogs were rescued from a Hawkins County residence near Church Hill on Friday morning where they had reportedly been abandoned for at least 11 days with no food or fresh water.
A ninth dog was discovered dead at the residence located at 352 Payne Ridge Road, and now the Hawkins County Sheriff's Office is looking for the alleged owner.
An arrest warrant for nine counts of aggravated animal cruelty has been issued for Benjamin Reese, 35, 352 Payne Ridge Road, Lot 5, near Church Hill.
HCSO Sgt.

The Upcoming Events list is a public service of the Times-News. To submit an event, email sports@timesnews.net, fax listing information to (423) 392-1385 or contact the Sports Department after 6 p.m. at (423) 392-1323 or 1-800-251-0328, ext. 4323. Submissions must be received at least one week prior to the event and include sport, dates, deadlines, location and contact information.
Baseball
CAMPS
• ETSU BASEBALL COACH Joe Pennucci is conducting a prospect camp for grades 9-12 from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on Sept. 1 at Thomas Stadium. Cost is $150.

KINGSPORT - Donald Ray Reynolds, 85, of Kingsport, went to be with the Lord, Monday, August 26, 2019, at Holston Valley Hospital.
The obituary may be viewed and condolences shared with the family by visiting www.oakhillfh.com
Oak Hill Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the Donald Reynolds family.