logo
eboard
Opinion

Editorial: Should Robinson Middle School change mascot?

We’re pleased a member of the Kingsport Board of Education believes the board should revisit the name of a city school mascot. The issue came up two years ago when a committee and survey supported keeping “Redskins” as the mascot for Robinson Middle School.

Yesterday at 9:00 PM
eboard
Opinion

Editorial: Here’s what you should do to avoid the flu

Flu season is in full swing, and the entire country is seeing elevated levels of the illness, says the Centers for Disease Control. How you conduct yourself with respect to the illness will impact whether the spread will get worse.

Jan 17, 2020 at 6:30 PM
eboard
Opinion

Editorial: Are you aware of these new laws?

Should public employees enjoy a benefit at taxpayer expense that most taxpayers do not? Federal and state governments have enhanced medical benefits for public employees, benefits not largely available to the public itself.

Jan 15, 2020 at 10:30 PM
eboard
Opinion

Editorial: Another stretch of useless sidewalk

Kingsport is applying for a state grant to build 1,500 feet of sidewalk along Fort Henry Drive in the busiest section of Colonial Heights, a waste of $680,000 in state money and the city’s $35,800 in matching funds.

Jan 13, 2020 at 10:00 PM
eboard
Opinion

Editorial: These new gun laws are in effect in Tennessee

Mere seconds after a gunman began shooting in a Texas church, armed parishioners shot him dead. Lives were saved because the state, last September, gave churches authority to allow weapons. And as with other states, Tennessee also has eased restrictions on residents arming themselves.

Jan 9, 2020 at 9:30 PM
eboard
Opinion

Editorial: When private messages become public

Sullivan County Attorney Dan Street recently offered some good advice to county commissioners that anyone in public office and even public employees should follow: If it’s public business, do not use private devices to communicate it.

Jan 6, 2020 at 6:30 PM
eboard
Opinion

Editorial: Some drug dealers are wearing white coats

With such an investment of time and money, it seems beyond comprehension that physicians would choose to throw it all away by becoming a drug dealer. But doctors continue to be sentenced to prison for their part in the nationwide opioid epidemic.

Jan 3, 2020 at 8:00 PM
eboard
Opinion

Editorial: Opioid lawsuit will have national impact

A lawsuit that goes to trial this May in Sullivan County may be historic in damages sought and national impact and has recently revealed shocking information about the depth of this region’s opioid epidemic.

Dec 31, 2019 at 5:30 PM
Inmates in an overcrowded cell at the Sullivan County jail.
eboard
Opinion

Editorial: How does Sullivan jail compare to others?

It’s certainly good news for the county that the state has, once again, certified the Sullivan County Jail despite critical overcrowding and increased inmate-on-inmate violence, and despite that the jail is the most overcrowded in the state.

Dec 28, 2019 at 9:00 PM
eboard
Opinion

Editorial: Opportunity Zones will pay off in Kingsport

Opportunity Zones (OZs) were created as part of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to encourage investment in low-income and rural areas. There are two Opportunity Zones in Kingsport — the downtown area and a tract next to the Holston Army Ammunition Plant.

Dec 22, 2019 at 3:30 PM
eboard
Opinion

Editorial: A water line to Clinch School is a better solution

The Appalachian Regional Commission’s purpose as a federal-state partnership funded annually by Congress is to invest in building community capacity and strengthen economic growth. Fitting that definition perfectly would be an extension of a water line six miles from the Sneedville Water Utility to the Clinch Valley community, including Clinch School. The cost would be about $1 million per mile.

Dec 20, 2019 at 10:00 PM
eboard
Opinion

Editorial: Rescue Fund — a blessing given is a blessing received

As of this week, the Times News Rescue Fund stands at a little more than $30,000, about $10,000 shy of last year’s donations. For the benefit of the region’s neediest families, we ask that you take some time today to send a contribution to the Rescue Fund at 701 Lynn Garden Drive, Kingsport TN 37660 or https://rescuefund.timesnews.net/.

Dec 19, 2019 at 3:23 PM
eboard
Opinion

Editorial: Keep personal attacks out of public meetings

Former Kingsport Mayor Dennis Phillips told the Board of Mayor and Aldermen recently that a public meeting of that body is hardly the place to raise a personal issue. He was exactly right. Public comments before that body should address city business, including consideration of proposed ordinances.

Dec 17, 2019 at 10:30 PM
eboard
Opinion

Editorial: West Ridge students deserve a safe road

It should be disappointing to teachers, parents and students that even as construction continues toward an August 2021 opening, safe and proper access to West Ridge High School remains uncertain. This issue should have been resolved when building contracts were approved last year after months of bickering among members of the Sullivan County Commission.

Dec 16, 2019 at 10:00 PM
eboard
Opinion

Editorial: Boone Lake cleanup should be regional endeavor

Not even the federal government is charged with removing trash from public waters despite that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regulates any work in or affecting them. That’s a failure Congress should correct. Meanwhile, the folks who give countless hours to keeping the trash out of Boone Lake need help with what nature puts in it and what ignorant people dump into it.

Dec 13, 2019 at 9:00 PM
Kingsport Times News Videos