March 17, 2002

Interpretive center a boost for park dealing with cutbacks

By Kathy Helms-Hughes
STAR STAFF
khughes@starhq.com

   One of the first things visitors notice when they head into Roan Mountain State Park is a sign stating: "Closed Mondays and Tuesdays until further notice."

Due to budget cuts, several state parks including Roan Mountain were ordered closed on Mondays and Tuesdays until further notice. Photo by Rick Harris.

Local Boys and Girls Club programs continue to expand

By Bob Robinson
Star Staff
brobinson@starhq.com

   The number of activities and youth served at the Elizabethton Boys and Girls Club is growing, thanks to a dedicated staff and community support.

Darrell "Pappy" Crowe and Danny Smith, president, hope to receive more donations for the Memory Tree at the Elizabethton/Carter County Boys and Girls Club. Photo by Rick Harris

State park to offer 'dramatic increase' in programming

By Greg Miller
STAR STAFF
gmiller@starhq.com

   Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area will experience "a dramatic increase in programming" this year, according to Herb Roberts, park superintendent.

Sycamore Shoals Historic Area Superintendent Herb Roberts overlooks Fort Watauga as a light rain falls in early February. Photo by Dave Boyd

2001 a chipper year for Elizabethton's golf course

By Kathy Helms-Hughes
STAR STAFF
khughes@starhq.com

   Either the number of persons learning to golf increased last year or bargain basement prices made it easier for seasoned golfers to burn up the greens. Regardless, the number of rounds played in 2001 at Elizabethton Municipal Golf Course "were way up, compared to before," according to Steve Howard, golf pro.

Innovations add spice to golf scene

By Jeff Birchfield
STAR STAFF
jbirchfield@starhq.com

   The local golf scene continues to boom in Northeast Tennessee thanks in large part to innovations that keep making equipment easier to use.

Buffalo Valley one of top local courses

By Jeff Birchfield
STAR STAFF
jbirchfield@starhq.com

   It's a golf course that's affordable, but gives you the quality play of a mountain retreat. It's challenging, yet enjoyable. Best of all for local residents, it's close to home. Buffalo Valley, located between Johnson City and Unicoi, is one of the top places in Northeast Tennessee to hit the links.

Twins spreading good will to Betsy

By Allen LaMountain
ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR
alamountain@starhq.com

   The Elizabethton Twins minor league baseball club has been bringing more than simply exciting, winning baseball to Betsy the last few seasons.
   Over the last three seasons the Twins have made an enormous impact on the city's youth, with a series of programs designed to help kids meet players, get autographs and attend free events before a ballgame.

Libraries are not made; they grow by books, readers

By Rozella Hardin
STAR STAFF
rhardin@starhq.com

   It is Tuesday at the Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library. A group of small children are in the large reading room where Children's Librarian Vivian Yonkey is dressed sort of odd. She is wearing a long dress and a funny-looking hat.

BMS: The best never rests

By Jeff Birchfield
STAR STAFF
jbirchfield@starhq.com

   Just like the slogan on old Ford truck commercials, it's true that the best racing venue in the country never rests. Bristol Motor Speedway continually meets and exceeds fans' expectations as their favorite NASCAR track.

Walker Stables provides entertainment for local children and adults

By Megan R. Harrell
Star Staff

   Six-year-old Dylan Lowe goes to Walker Stables once a week to see his miniature pony, Wee Little Winky. The pony is one of 20 horses housed and cared for at the stables on Bob Little Road. In addition to housing horses, Walker Stables began offering horse and pony rides to the public in the middle of February.

Awards tell part of Happy Valley legend's story

By Jeff Birchfield
STAR STAFF
jbirchfield@starhq.com

   Numerous awards that decorate the den in the home of Happy Valley head coach Charlie Bayless tell part of the legend's story -- a story based on success, hard work and friendship.

Local tourism on the increase

By Bob Robinson
Star Staff
brobinson@starhq.com

   Tourism is the second largest industry in Tennessee, generating $9.3 billion dollars in revenue annually.

Sports medicine keeps athletes in top condition

By Ivan Sanders
STAR CORRESPONDENT

   There are many who wonder exactly what it is that keeps all the high school, collegiate, professional and elite athletes competing on such a high performance level day in and day out, year in and year out.

Storytellers 'Carol Ann,' 'Treetop Wilson' have entertained audiences for 25 years

By Greg Miller
STAR STAFF
gmiller@starhq.com

   Local residents Carole "Carol Ann" and Jack "Treetop Wilson" Huebner have been entertaining audiences with their gift of storytelling for about 25 years.

Senior Citizens Center in need of new roof, general repairs

By Rozella Hardin
STAR STAFF
rhardin@starhq.com

   The Elizabethton Senior Citizens Center sometimes feels like a displaced person. "We are here, but no one really claims us as such," said Ruth Goodwin, director.

Athletic improvements in the works at schools

By Matt Hill
STAR STAFF

   Johnson County and Unaka High Schools have embarked on some major athletic improvements in recent months.