News Staff

A roughly $80 million project…to renovate and add new building space to the Sullivan County Jail…seems to be moving closer to reality. The County Commission agrees to hire a construction manager for the jail improvements. On top of that, the county purchasing agent says bidding for the construction could start as soon as August. Overcrowding … Read more

In Abingdon…a Russell County woman pleads guilty in federal court to conspiring to file fraudulent unemployment claims for 37 people. Prosecutors say Leelyn Chytka teamed with others to defraud the government of more than $499,000. They add she also committed mail fraud…identify theft, too. Chytka, and others collected the personal identification information of more than … Read more

In Kingsport…it will soon be illegal to smoke at the city’s playgrounds. The Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted on first reading…to approve the ordinance. A second reading is scheduled to take place on April. If approved, the ordinance would go into effect two weeks later. The $50 citations would be issued by Kingsport Police. … Read more

In Bulls Gap…Richard Dawson is charged by sheriff’s deputies with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon…along with drug charges, involving methamphetamine. Deputies go to the Quality Inn on Speedway Lane on another call. While there, they saw a vehicle…known to be driven by a suspect with active warrants. They confirmed Dawson was driving … Read more

(BRISTOL, VA) – In Bristol, Virginia…Robert Johnson…wanted for burglary and more…is picked up by police. Officers catch up to Johnson, somewhere in the vicinity of Old Airport Road and Linden Drive. Word is, Johnson may have been shot. Washington County Virginia deputies assisted in the search.

(WASHINGTON COUNTY, TN) – A Johnson City man is arrested on sexual exploitation charges after a joint investigation between the TBI, Johnson City Police and Washington County Sheriff’s Office. The arrest comes after officials get a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Officials investigated allegations, involving 42-year-old Sean Venning. They say … Read more

(SULLIVAN COUNTY) – Sullivan County Regional Health announces it will lower the eligibility age for COVID-19 vaccinations…to 55 and older…and open up Phase 2a and 2b, beginning on Monday. Those eligible can begin calling to schedule appointments for the following week. Phase 2a includes commercial agriculture workers…and those in commercial food production. Jail staff not … Read more

(TRI CITIES) – The Northeast Regional Health Office is changing COVID-19 testing hours at its testing sites across Northeast Tennessee. Officials say self-test kits will continue to be available for adults on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Nasal swab testing will be available on Tuesday and Thursday.

The Cherokee National Forest announcing opening dates for their recreation sites.“We know people are looking forward to getting out and enjoying the outdoors, and we have worked hard to prepare for this upcoming season,” said Jessie English, recreation, wilderness, and trails program manager. “Remember to plan ahead, be considerate of other visitors, remove trash, and … Read more

CDC guidelineds will be followed but Washington County, Virginia officials will reopen the county’s Government Center Building for the first time since the spring of 2020.According to a release from the Office of County Administrator Jason Berry, the building will reopen to the public on Monday, March 22.“Between increased vaccinations locally and a decrease in … Read more