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Articles by Tim Dodson
AZIZ, DODSON and NARKE: The Honor reforms we’ve all been waiting for
For decades, students have called for the Honor system to shift from one-size-fits-all sanctioning — which historically mandated expulsion up until a 2022 reform — toward a system that recognizes the potential of students who commit Honor offenses to take accountability for their actions without being ostracized from our community.
SW Va. coal mine owner and foreman sentenced in dust sampling fraud case
ABINGDON, Va. — A Southwest Virginia coal mine owner and a foreman who previously pleaded guilty to a conspiracy to commit dust sampling fraud were sentenced last week in U.S. District Court in Abingdon. Daniel Tucker, 57, of Russell County, owns D&H Mining and was sentenced to three months in federal prison, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia. Tucker previously paid an $80,000 fine as part of his guilty plea.
Bristol man charged in Abingdon stabbing
ABINGDON, Va. — A Bristol, Tennessee, man has been charged in connection to a stabbing authorities responded to last Tuesday in the town of Abingdon. Shane R. Testerman, 22, of Bristol, was arrested Tuesday, Aug. 11, and charged with malicious wounding and possession of paraphernalia, according to an Abingdon Police Department news release.
Officials warn evictions could rise as protections expire
1 of 2 Bristol Redevelopment and Housing Authority Executive Director Lisa Porter is working to develop repayment plans with residents who have fallen behind on their rent during the pandemic. Bristol Redevelopment and Housing Authority Executive Director Lisa Porter is working to develop repayment plans with residents who have fallen behind on their rent during the pandemic.
Sullivan County officials: 97 drug overdoses, including 22 deaths, reported since March
Sullivan County officials: 97 drug overdoses, including 22 deaths, reported since March Sullivan County District Attorney General Barry Staubus (left) speaks at a news briefing in Blountvile Friday morning. Tim Dodson BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn.
Bristol man charged in Abingdon stabbing
Bristol man charged in Abingdon stabbing ABINGDON, Va. – A Bristol, Tennessee man has been charged in connection to a stabbing authorities responded to in the town of Abingdon on Tuesday. Shane R. Testerman, 22, of Bristol, was arrested Tuesday and charged with malicious wounding and possession of paraphernalia, according to an Abingdon Police Department news release.
Southwest Virginia coal mine owner and foreman sentenced in dust sampling fraud case
ABINGDON, Va. – A Southwest Virginia coal mine owner and a foreman who previously pleaded guilty to a conspiracy to commit dust sampling fraud were sentenced Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Abingdon. Daniel Tucker, 57, of Russell County, owns D&H Mining and was sentenced to three months in federal prison, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia. Tucker previously paid an $80,000 fine as part of his guilty plea.
292K downloads so far for new COVID-19 exposure notification phone application Original
292K downloads so far for new COVID-19 exposure notification phone application The Virginia Department of Health recently launched COVIDWISE, a mobile phone app, that can alert users if they come into contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. David Crigger/Bristol Herald Courier A new mobile phone application in Virginia is offering a way for people to learn whether they’ve potentially come in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
Two people taken to hospital for non-life-threatening injuries after train strikes vehicle near Bluff City
Two people taken to hospital for non-life-threatening injuries after train strikes vehicle near Bluff City BLUFF CITY, Tenn. - Two people were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries Tuesday morning after a train struck a vehicle near Bluff City, according to a spokesman for the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities received a call at 8:42 a.m. Tuesday for a report of a train hitting a single vehicle at the railroad crossing on White Top Road near Brown Street, Capt.
Virginia's new COVID-19 phone app sees 292K downloads so far
Virginia's new COVID-19 phone app sees 292K downloads so far The Virginia Department of Health recently launched COVIDWISE, a mobile phone app, that can alert users if they come into contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. David Crigger/Bristol Herald Courier A new mobile phone application in Virginia is offering a way for people to learn whether they’ve potentially come in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
Virginia's new COVID-19 phone app sees 292K downloads so far
Virginia's new COVID-19 phone app sees 292K downloads so far The Virginia Department of Health recently launched COVIDWISE, a mobile phone app, that can alert users if they come into contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. David Crigger/Bristol Herald Courier A new mobile phone application in Virginia is offering a way for people to learn whether they’ve potentially come in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
New Sept. trial date set for Sullivan Baby Doe case
New Sept. trial date set for Sullivan Baby Doe case BRISTOL, Tenn. — A major lawsuit seeking to hold drug manufacturers accountable for the opioid epidemic in Northeast Tennessee is now scheduled for a September trial, according to a recent court order. The “Sullivan Baby Doe” case was originally set to go before a jury in Bristol, Tennessee on Aug. 17, but the start date was pushed to Sept. 21 due to a medical condition affecting a court employee.
Member of Sullivan East High School volleyball community tests positive for COVID-19
Member of Sullivan East High School volleyball community tests positive for COVID-19 BLUFF CITY, Tenn. – Volleyball practices at Sullivan East High School have been suspended through Aug. 12 after a member of the school’s volleyball community tested positive for COVID-19, according to a news release from David Cox, the director of Sullivan County Schools.
Marion man pleads not guilty in cross burning
Marion man pleads not guilty in cross burning James Brown appeared in U.S. District Court in Abingdon last Wednesday morning. He faces a number of charges in connection to a reported cross burning outside his neighbor's home in the town of Marion. Tim Dodson | Washington County News ABINGDON, Va. — A Marion man pleaded not guilty last week to a number of charges filed in connection to a cross burning in the yard of a neighbor who led a Black Lives Matter rally in their town.
Sullivan County Sheriff's Office: Bristol man faces charges after trying meet a minor for sex
Sullivan County Sheriff's Office: Bristol man faces charges after trying meet a minor for sex BRISTOL, Tenn. – A Bristol man faces a number of charges after the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office said he tried to meet a 16-year-old for sex and sent the minor lewd photos. Koeby Edward Dixon, 23, of Bristol, Tennessee, is charged with statutory rape, soliciting sexual exploitation of a minor and two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, according to a Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office news release.
Fatal wreck in Dante under investigation
Fatal wreck in Dante under investigation DANTE, Va. – A fatal wreck in Dante is under investigation after a truck was found Saturday that appears to have crashed several days before being discovered, according to a Virginia State Police news release. A 2002 Ford truck was located Saturday night about 180 feet from State Route 63, the release states.
Health officials say no local COVID-19 clusters linked to the July NASCAR race in Bristol
Health officials say no local COVID-19 clusters linked to the July NASCAR race in Bristol 1 of 2 Local health officials say they haven't identified any COVID-19 clusters with the July 15 NASCAR All-Star Race at BMS. Local health officials say they haven't identified any COVID-19 clusters with the July 15 NASCAR All-Star Race at BMS. BRISTOL, Tenn.
Sullivan County prosecutors to bring ‘another matter’ involving Boswell before grand jury
Sullivan County prosecutors to bring ‘another matter’ involving Boswell before grand jury 1 of 4 Sullivan County District Attorney General Barry Staubus, right, speaks during a video hearing in the case of Megan Boswell Friday morning in Blountville, Tennessee. Boswell's 15-month-old daughter, Evelyn, was reported missing in February and her body was later found on family property in Blountville. Megan Boswell listens during a Friday morning video court appearance in Sullivan County Tennessee.
Duffield woman dies in fatal two-vehicle crash in Scott County
Duffield woman dies in fatal two-vehicle crash in Scott County DUFFIELD, Va. - A Duffield woman died in a fatal two-vehicle crash in Scott County Thursday, according to a Virginia State Police news release. State police responded to a two vehicle crash at 1:50 p.m. Thursday on U.S. 23, less than a mile north of State Route 871. A southbound tractor-trailer ran off the right side of the highway and hit a mountainside, where it partially jackknifed, the release states.
Marion man pleads not guilty in cross-burning case
Marion man pleads not guilty in cross-burning case James Brown appeared in U.S. District Court in Abingdon on Wednesday morning. He faces a number of charges in connection to a reported cross burning outside his neighbor's home in the town of Marion. Tim Dodson | Bristol Herald Courier ABINGDON, Va. — A Marion man pleaded not guilty Wednesday to a number of charges filed in connection to a cross burning in the yard of a neighbor who led a Black Lives Matter rally in their town.
Complaints filed with local health officials after Virginia's mask mandate
Dozens of violations were reported to Southwest Virginia’s Mount Rogers Health District in the weeks after Gov. Ralph Northam mandated face coverings in public indoor settings, but local officials say they took firm enforcement action only once, when they revoked a restaurant’s operating permit and reinstated it after the owner agreed to require that employees wear masks.
Marion man arraigned in cross burning case, trial date set for February
Marion man arraigned in cross burning case, trial date set for February James Brown appeared in U.S. District Court in Abingdon Wednesday morning. He faces a number of charges in connection to a reported cross burning outside his neighbor's home in the town of Marion. Tim Dodson ABINGDON, Va. – A Marion man accused of burning a cross in the yard of a neighbor who led a Black Lives Matter rally in their town was arraigned Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Abingdon.
'Vote Yes For Bristol' group to advocate for proposed casino project in upcoming referendum
BRISTOL, Va. – Leaders of the proposed Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol have announced the formation of a group that will advocate for Bristol, Virginia voters to approve the project in a referendum this fall. Registered city voters will be asked on the ballot whether a casino gaming establishment should be allowed at the site on Gate City Highway that was once home to the Bristol Mall. A new state law allows casinos by referendum in five financially-challenged Virginia cities, including Bristol.
Bristol Virginia Public Schools employee tests positive for COVID-19
BRISTOL, Va. - A Bristol Virginia Public Schools employee has tested positive for COVID-19, according to an email the division’s superintendent sent to faculty and staff over the weekend. The employee, who works in the division’s central office, has not had contact with other staff since July 6 and has not been at their work location for 21 days as a precaution while test results were pending, Superintendent Keith Perrigan wrote in the email distributed Saturday night.
Complaints filed with local health officials after Virginia’s mask mandate took effect
Dozens of violations were reported to Southwest Virginia’s Mount Rogers Health District in the weeks after Gov. Ralph Northam mandated face coverings in public indoor settings, but local officials say they took firm enforcement action only once, when they revoked a restaurant’s operating permit and reinstated it after the owner agreed to require that employees wear masks.
Area shoppers change habits in stores with mask requirements
With several major U.S. retailers shifting from recommending to requiring customers to wear face masks, Bristol shoppers also appeared to be changing their habits at area stores this week. Still, when the Bristol Herald Courier visited a dozen stores across Bristol, Tennessee and Bristol, Virginia, a number of workers questioned how these policies will be fully enforced and described pushback they’ve received from some customers.
Take a trip through the mountains to visit Damascus
DAMASCUS, Va. – A 17-mile bike ride through the mountains of Southwest Virginia might seem daunting, but it’s a breeze when it’s all downhill. Located along a former railroad, the Virginia Creeper Trail offers a chance to cruise down from one of the state’s tallest mountains to the small town of Damascus in Washington County. Gliding along the forested trail, bikers cross bridges, explore streams and take in the views of lush green fields and mountains.
No local COVID-19 case clusters linked to Bristol race
BRISTOL, Tenn. — More than a week after Bristol Motor Speedway hosted one of the country’s largest in-person sports gatherings since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, local health officials say they have not linked any case clusters to the NASCAR All-Star Race, as of Thursday. The speedway implemented procedures at the race that included physical distancing between spectators in the stadium and requiring fans to wear masks in most parts of the arena, except when they were at their seats.
Federal grand jury indicts Marion man accused of cross burning
ABINGDON, Va. - A federal grand jury has indicted a Marion man on charges related to last month’s cross burning in the yard of a neighbor who organized a Black Lives Matter rally in their town in Southwest Virginia.
Starbucks at The Pinnacle reopens after temporarily closing due to employee testing positive for COVID-19
BRISTOL, Tenn. – The Starbucks at The Pinnacle retail development in Bristol, Tennessee reopened with reduced hours Tuesday after temporarily closing Monday due to an employee testing positive for COVID-19. The coffee chain will have adjusted hours of 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. through Friday, according to Jory Mendes, a Starbucks spokesman. The store closed and initiated a deep clean on Monday when it received news of the employee’s diagnosis, Mendes said.
VSP: Marion man dies in Smyth County crash
CHILHOWIE, Va. – A Marion man died Monday night in a single-vehicle crash on Whitetop Road in Smyth County, according to a Virginia State Police news release. A state police trooper responded shortly after 9 p.m. Monday to a crash on Whitetop Road just north of Dry Branch Road, the release states. Authorities said a 1995 Ford F-250 was traveling north and lost control after rounding a curve, hit a guardrail and overturned. The driver, identified as Dennis J.
Watch Now: Part of West State Street closed as crews respond to gas leak in Bristol, Tennessee
BRISTOL, Tenn. — Part of West State Street between Volunteer Parkway and Bob Morrison Boulevard is closed Tuesday morning as crews respond to a gas leak. Tommy Castle, assistant chief of operations with Bristol, Tennessee fire rescue, said the leak was reported around 10:40 a.m. when workers with Bristol Tennessee Essential Services hit a gas line across the street from Builders FirstSource. No injuries were reported and Atmos Energy has a representative on the scene, Castle said.
Marsh Regional Blood Center to offer COVID-19 antibody testing
The Marsh Regional Blood Center will now administer free COVID-19 antibody testing for its blood donors, the organization announced Monday. Antibody testing does not determine if a patient currently has novel coronavirus, but it can indicate a previous infection, according to a news release from the blood center, which serves Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. The test will be available to donors who complete a pre-screening and are eligible to give blood, the release states.
Part of Virginia Avenue in Bristol, Tenn. briefly closed due to reported gas leak
BRISTOL, Tenn. — A portion of Virginia Avenue in Bristol, Tennessee was briefly closed to traffic Monday morning as crews responded to a reported gas leak. Local officials blocked the road between Oakwood Street and Hazelwood Street starting at around 7:45 a.m., according to a Bristol Fire Rescue official who was at the scene. The road reopened shortly after 8:30 a.m. Atmos Energy responded to the reported leak, officials said.
Protesting ban, several Confederate flags displayed around Bristol race
BRISTOL, Tenn. — More than a month after NASCAR banned Confederate flags from its events, a small airplane flew one over Bristol Motor Speedway on Wednesday afternoon as thousands gathered for the country’s largest in-person sports event in months. The symbol was also visible on the products sold at some vendors outside the track and as a series of trucks displaying the flags paraded past the track just before the NASCAR All-Star Race kicked off Wednesday evening.
VSP: Marion woman killed in single-vehicle crash in Emory, three others injured
EMORY, Va. – A Marion woman died in a single-vehicle crash in Emory in Washington County Thursday night and three other people were seriously injured, according to a Virginia State Police news release. Authorities responded to a wreck at 10:39 p.m. Thursday involving a 2003 Honda Pilot that was traveling south on Itta Bena Road and hit a tree after running off the left side of the road, the release states. A driver and three passengers were in the vehicle. One of the passengers Gracie L.
Fans mask up for NASCAR All-Star Race at BMS Original
BRISTOL, Tenn. — Despite a growing number of COVID-19 cases in Northeast Tennessee and public health concerns surrounding large gatherings, thousands of people filed into Bristol Motor Speedway on Wednesday for the NASCAR All-Star Race. In the hours leading up to the race, spaces outside the speedway took on a festive mood as race fans shopped for souvenirs and enjoyed tailgates, where people grilled hot dogs and burgers, listened to music and played cornhole.
Some Bristol business owners raise concerns about race Original
BRISTOL, Tenn. — Races at Bristol Motor Speedway normally bring a welcome boost to the region’s economy, but a recent survey revealed that several local business owners criticized the decision to welcome up to 30,000 fans at tonight’s NASCAR All-Star Race, with some calling the decision “irresponsible” and “dangerous.” Tonight, BMS could see the country’s largest in-person sports crowd since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down almost all professional athletic events this spring.
Rep. Morgan Griffith tests positive for COVID-19
U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, has tested positive for COVID-19, his office announced Tuesday. The congressman was informed of the test results Tuesday, according to a news release. “Upon developing possible symptoms, he took the test over the weekend and has since been self-isolating. Although he does not currently have significant symptoms, he will continue to self-isolate as he performs his duties on behalf of Virginia’s Ninth Congressional District,” the release states.
As Bristol Motor Speedway prepares to welcome up to 30K fans, public health experts question risks
As Bristol Motor Speedway prepares to welcome up to 30K fans, public health experts question risks 1 of 2 The sunset reflects off the front stretch suites during the 2019 Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race. As Bristol Motor Speedway prepares to host the NASCAR All Star Race on Wednesday, public health experts are raising concerns about the safety of raise attendees. Pit crews watch the late laps of the 2019 Food City 500 at BMS.
Bristol, Tenn. Police: Young child dead after sibling accidentally discharged a firearm
BRISTOL, Tenn. – A young child in Bristol, Tennessee died from a gunshot wound Saturday after authorities say a sibling accidentally discharged a firearm, according to a Bristol Tennessee Police Department news release. The department responded to Bristol Regional Medical Center around 9:30 p.m. Saturday for a report of a child with a gunshot wound. The child, whose name has not been released, was pronounced dead before police arrived, the release states.
As Bristol Motor Speedway prepares to welcome up to 30K fans, public health experts question risks
BRISTOL, Tenn. — As Bristol Motor Speedway prepares for what could be the largest crowd at a U.S. stadium since the coronavirus pandemic shut down spectator sports this spring, some public health experts question the risks of welcoming as many as 30,000 fans at Wednesday’s NASCAR All-Star Race.
As BMS prepares to welcome up to 30K fans, public health experts question risks
BRISTOL, Tenn. — As Bristol Motor Speedway prepares for what could be the largest crowd at a U.S. stadium since the coronavirus pandemic shut down spectator sports this spring, some public health experts question the risks of welcoming as many as 30,000 fans at Wednesday’s NASCAR All-Star Race.
Two former Bristol, Tenn. nursing home residents die after developing COVID-19
...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR CENTRAL SULLIVAN...NORTHWESTERN CARTER AND SOUTH CENTRAL WASHINGTON COUNTIES AND THE CITY OF BRISTOL UNTIL 445 PM EDT... AT 404 PM EDT, DOPPLER RADAR WAS TRACKING A STRONG THUNDERSTORM NEAR WALNUT HILL, OR 7 MILES WEST OF BRISTOL TN, MOVING EAST AT 20 MPH. HALF INCH HAIL AND WIND GUSTS UP TO 50 MPH WILL BE POSSIBLE WITH THIS STORM. LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
VSP: Nine traffic deaths reported on Virginia highways over July 4 holiday weekend
Nine traffic deaths were reported on Virginia highways over the Independence Day holiday weekend. Authorities responded to nine fatal crashes across the state between July 2 and July 5. This figure includes two fatal crashes in Carroll and Russell counties in Southwest Virginia. The nine fatalities were a slight increase from 2019’s July 4 holiday weekend, when state police recorded seven traffic deaths on state highways.
Blackbird Bakery to reopen Friday
BRISTOL, Va. – Blackbird Bakery in downtown Bristol plans to reopen Friday after a COVID-19 case led to a temporary two-week closing. The eatery on Piedmont Avenue closed on June 26 after an employee had tested positive for COVID-19. Owner Randall Perkins said Friday will mark 18 days since the employee who tested positive last worked at the bakery. A fogging disinfectant was also used at the bakery on Wednesday, Perkins said. tdodson@bristolnews.com | 276-645-2567 | Twitter: @Tim_Dodson
Six residents and six employees at Christian Care Center of Bristol test positive for COVID-19
BRISTOL, Tenn. - A dozen people who live or work at the Christian Care Center of Bristol have tested positive for COVID-19, according to a news release the facility issued Wednesday. The 12 cases include six residents and six staff members at the Bristol, Tennessee nursing home. The case numbers shared Wednesday are updated totals that include previously–released figures of four residents and one employee testing positive, said Jennifer Skaggs, the facility’s executive director.
Watch Now: 2020 Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion canceled due to pandemic
BRISTOL, Va. – This year’s Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion has been canceled due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and public health concerns, event organizers announced Monday. “For the Birthplace of Country Music, this is one of the saddest days we have ever had to face as an organization,” BCM Executive Director Leah Ross said Monday morning.
Rhythm & Roots Reunion canceled for 2020
BRISTOL, Va. – This year’s Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion has been canceled amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and public health concerns. “As difficult of a decision as it was, it really was an easy decision because that was the right decision,” Birthplace of Country Music Executive Director Leah Ross said Monday morning. The music festival attracts thousands to downtown Bristol each fall with performances on outdoor and indoor stages. The event was originally scheduled for Sept. 11-13.
Authorities find body of pedestrian struck by train in Bristol, Tenn. early Monday morning
BRISTOL, Tenn. — The body of a pedestrian struck by a train was located early Monday morning near the intersection of Weaver Pike and Vance Tank Road, according to a news release from the city of Bristol, Tennessee. Sullivan County Dispatch received a call about a pedestrian being struck by a train around 3:5 a.m. Monday, the release states. The Bristol Tennessee Police Department then located a body about 200 yards south of Weaver Pike. Norfolk Southern Railroad Police also responded to the scene.
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