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Shown here is the Western Approaches Tactical Unit, where the problems of anti-Uboat warfare were fought out. At a one week tactical course, commands and other officers of British and allied escort vessels ‘played games’ which enabled them to combat the U-boat menace.
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WATU and the young ladies who sank Hitler’s U-boats

The anniversary of D-Day is approaching. But there would have been no invasion of France if the Battle of the Atlantic had not been going in our favor. That was thanks to England’s Capt. Gilbert Roberts and a group of very smart young ladies who made up the Western Approaches Tactical Unit, or WATU.

Yesterday at 3:30 PM
eboard

Editorial: What should our region be called?

We recently asked for letters to the editor with suggestions for a new name for this region, but now you can easily post your idea and reasons for it at a website, nameourregion.com, established through a regional rebranding effort.

May 21, 2019 at 12:02 PM
josborne
J. H. OSBORNE

Please don't forget the reasons for Decoration Day and Memorial Day

Decoration Day, around our region, has for generations referred to the day we place flowers on the graves of family and friends — usually at a specific cemetery and perhaps in conjunction with a church’s annual service to honor members who’ve passed. Memorial Day is a national holiday meant to honor veteran’s who died in service to our country.

May 19, 2019 at 6:00 PM
Book Notes
hviers
Blog

Book review: 'Everything, Everything' puts life in perspective

It’s funny how one short, simplistic book can change your perspective on life. I’m referring to “Everything, Everything,” the 2015 debut novel by young adult author Nicola Yoon. The book is what I like to refer to as a fast-paced beach read, but unlike many others of its kind, this one speaks a powerful message.

May 18, 2019 at 9:00 PM
In the early morning hours of Feb. 7 Mark Harrell and John Gardner swam through the ice cold heavy current of flooded Big Creek to a truck that had floated away and was sinking with a woman inside. They broke out the back window, pulled her out, and got her to shore a little wet and cold but otherwise unharmed.
jbobo
Hawkins County

In response to Facebook deluge of rage, I'm creating Hawkins County Medal of Merit

After 10 years of expressing no opinions and making no waves on Facebook, I made the mistake of questioning President Trump's decision give Tiger Woods the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Within 10 minutes my Facebook feed was exploding with a deluge of rage and hatred. 

May 18, 2019 at 2:30 PM
mlane
All things geek

All things geek – A Monopoly has come to Kingsport

“Kingsport-opoly” is one of the newest Monopoly-style games to exclusively hit the shelves of Wal-mart. I spent some time looking over the game, checking out the properties and seeing if it’s worth a play. I’m thinking the answer is “yes.”

May 17, 2019 at 5:30 PM
The Battle of Fort Donelson and the capture of Gen. Simon B. Buckner and his army on Feb. 16th 1862 are shown here depicted in an 1887 print by Kurz & Allison, Art Publishers, Chicago.
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The story of Bluff City’s William D. Harkleroad, Company K, 26th Tennessee Infantry

William D. Harkleroad of Bluff City was the son of Jacob Harkleroad. William’s family came to America from Holland and first settled in Pennsylvania. William’s grandfather, Henry Harkleroad, moved to Sullivan County at the age of 25.

May 15, 2019 at 3:34 PM
Colton and Catherine Marcum are renovating and restoring Kingsport's first apartment building, originally known as Wex-Jo-Leon Manor. It was built in 1927 and featured nine roomy apartments. When the Marcum's finish their work on it, the first floor will be the new home of Marcum's Pharmacy. The upper floors will continue to hold six apartments.
josborne
J. H. OSBORNE

Kingsport's first apartment building was the Wex-Jo-Leon

Colton and Catherine Marcum are renovating and restoring Kingsport’s first apartment building, originally known as Wex-Jo-Leon Manor. It was built in 1927 and featured nine spacious apartments. I’m glad to see someone is saving this piece of local history, rather than tearing it asunder.

May 12, 2019 at 7:30 PM
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Opinion

Editorial - Commissioners still trying to undermine school

It’s a shame that the school board has to put up with these childish antics. And it’s a further shame that instead of helping build confidence and support for the newest and largest high school the county has built, commissioners are continuing to undermine it.

May 10, 2019 at 6:00 PM
Shown here is an 1888 artist’s rendition of the Battle of Shiloh created by Thure De Thulstrup and published by L. Prang & Co. in Boston.
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Interesting notes on the Battle of Shiloh from you, the readers

It’s spring cleaning time in the old history column. Time to follow up on past postings and answer some e-mails. Starting off with some good news about some recent bad news.

May 8, 2019 at 3:17 PM
The big fry that ended our "spoilers" discussion over lunch at L.E. Clark's Grocery (which will close its doors Wednesday, May 8, 2019).
josborne
J. H. OSBORNE

Spoiler Alert! (There are only old spoilers in this column)

“I will kill somebody at this table,” she said at the mention of spoilers. “I’m not kidding.” — coworker who hadn’t yet seen “Avengers: Endgame,” at lunch Friday.

May 6, 2019 at 5:30 PM
eboard

It’s time for Kingsport to develop its assets

With the Netherland Inn, Exchange Place and other historical assets, Kingsport could be the hub where visitors stay as they explore the rich history to be found in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. It would be a boon to the city and the region, potentially drawing in thousands of tourists.

May 2, 2019 at 1:37 PM
The Gen. Ulysses S. Grant statue is shown here being unveiled during a dedication ceremony on the West Point Plain on April 25. The 7 1/2-foot bronze statue on a 4 1/2-foot granite base is the first since the Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower statue in 1983 to be positioned in the vicinity of the Plain.
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Grant showed it is possible for an ordinary person to achieve greatness

Some people might not like to hear this, but I actually like Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, 18th president of the United States. I like him because, one, he’s middle class, and I think we can all identify with him. And two, he would never give up. He always kept trying.

May 1, 2019 at 10:00 PM
hhayes
Inside Politics

What is a 'non-campaign campaign' event?

These events are organized by the office holder and paid for by the taxpayer, but almost look like a campaign road show. U.S. Rep. Phil Roe, during his latest district work period, crisscrossed the First Congressional District and flooded the calendar with events from Erwin to Jefferson City.

Apr 30, 2019 at 8:45 PM
josborne
Clark's Grocery Closing

L.E. Clark's Grocery & Deli set to close

KINGSPORT — You’ve got just a few days to enjoy “Big Hack” burgers and all the other items on the menu at L.E. Clark’s Grocery & Deli in Sullivan Gardens. The eatery, with roots dating back to several locations over the past eight or nine decades (at least), will close its doors May 8.

Apr 29, 2019 at 1:55 PM
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