John Dabbs

Johnson City

Consultant | Journalist | Photographer | Investigator ... with a love of the outdoors, travel, and adventure. https://t.co/u2QltBJyLP

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Articles

Battle of the Badges: First Responders Compete to Save Lives

2 weeks ago | newsbreak.com | John Dabbs

KINGSPORT, Tenn. - Marsh Regional Blood Center is rallying first responders and community members across Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia for its annual “Battle of the Badges” blood donor competition, a friendly rivalry aimed at boosting blood donations and honoring local heroes.The initiative invites police officers, firefighters, emergency medical responders, and civilians to donate blood in support of their favorite first responder teams.
Saving Bees: Native Plants & Community Action

2 weeks ago | newsbreak.com | John Dabbs

BRISTOL, Tenn. — Johnny Morris crouches beside a buzzing hive at Whitetop Creek Farm, surrounded by vibrant patches of clover and bee balm. After losing two of his three honey bee hives last year, he’s rebuilding with one ordered colony and two local swarms—and leaning on native plants to give his bees a fighting chance. “Losing those hives broke my heart,” Morris said. “But these flowers?
ETSU Bucs Ride Power Surge -Baseball Returns Home for Senior Day Against UNC Asheville

2 weeks ago | newsbreak.com | John Dabbs

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — After a successful road trip, the East Tennessee State University (ETSU) baseball team heads back to Thomas Stadium on Tuesday for a non-conference matchup against UNC Asheville. First pitch is set for 5 p.m. EDT, with senior day ceremonies planned to honor the Buccaneers' eight graduating players. The game will stream live on ESPN+.
Sullivan County’s Golf Courses Thrive on Affordability and Tourism, But Face Growth Challenges

2 weeks ago | newsbreak.com | John Dabbs

SULLIVAN COUNTY, Tenn. — In the rolling Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians of northeast Tennessee, Sullivan County is building a reputation as an affordable, scenic golf destination. With a blend of public courses, resort-style amenities, and growing ties to tourism, the county's golf scene is flourishing, even as slow population growth and economic pressures loom on the horizon.
Exclusive Culinary Showcase: Yes, Chef! Contestants at Hard Rock Bristol

3 weeks ago | newsbreak.com | John Dabbs

BRISTOL, Va. — Food enthusiasts and fans of NBC’s newest culinary competition series, Yes, Chef! We will soon have a rare opportunity to meet and taste the creations of the show’s standout chefs. On Saturday, May 3, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol will host an exclusive, seven-course dining experience featuring five contestants from the highly anticipated series.
Tennessee Lawmakers Split Over Trump's Plan to Dismantle U.S. Department of Education

3 weeks ago | newsbreak.com | John Dabbs

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — President Donald Trump’s executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education has ignited a fierce debate across Tennessee, exposing deep divisions among lawmakers, educators, and policy advocates over the future of public education. Trump signed the order in March, directing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to begin phasing out the department and shifting control of education policy back to the states and local governments (Chalkbeat).
Volunteers Rally for Boone Lake Cleanup and Community Picnic Saturday

3 weeks ago | newsbreak.com | John Dabbs

Annual event mobilizes Northeast Tennessee residents for environmental stewardship and lakeside celebration. JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — The Boone Lake Association (BLA) is set to host its 26th Annual Cleanup Day on Saturday, April 26, 2025, inviting community members across Northeast Tennessee to participate in a large-scale effort to preserve and beautify Boone Lake.
Roastmaster Jeff Ross to Premiere New Solo Comedy Show at Hard Rock Bristol Before Broadway Run

3 weeks ago | newsbreak.com | John Dabbs

BRISTOL, Va. — Comedian Jeff Ross, the Emmy-nominated “Roastmaster General,” is bringing his new solo show, Take A Banana For The Ride, to Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol on June 27 at 8 p.m., marking an early stop in a limited nine-city tour before heading to Broadway. Known for his no-holds-barred roasts and, most recently, the Netflix special GROAT (Greatest Roast of All Time): Tom Brady, Ross is taking a more personal turn with this production.
Ballad Health Launches Free Phlebotomy Training Program to Boost Workforce in Appalachian Highlands

3 weeks ago | newsbreak.com | John Dabbs

BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn. — To expand healthcare career opportunities and address regional workforce needs, Ballad Health has announced the launch of a no-cost phlebotomy training program. The program offers classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience to aspiring healthcare workers. The Ballad Health Phlebotomy Program, hosted at the Ballad Health Training Center in Blountville, includes 52 hours of classroom instruction and 100 hours of clinical training.
Pope Francis Dies at 88: Johnson City, TN, Catholics Reflect on His Legacy

3 weeks ago | newsbreak.com | John Dabbs

Vatican Announces Pope's PassingJohnson City, TN — Pope Francis, the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church and its first Latin American pontiff, died Monday, April 21, 2025, at age 88, the Vatican announced. The pontiff passed away at 7:35 a.m. local time in his residence at Casa Santa Marta, Vatican City, due to a stroke and irreversible heart failure, following a coma.