Hawkins County, October 12, 2025
News Summary
Hawkins County is marked by significant milestones, from Corey Young receiving the John Stiles Award for his lifesaving heroics to improvements in the local foster care system. Meanwhile, the high school football team faces challenges after a heavy loss, and cultural events thrive at the Rose Center’s exhibit. Additionally, the upcoming BOOFest relocates as the community mourns the loss of a beloved citizen, Barbara Ann Rickard. Economic opportunities arise with the sale of storage units, while public safety incidents prompt vigilance in the area.
Hawkins County is witnessing several significant developments, from recognition in public service to ongoing challenges in health and safety. The Hawkins County Rescue Squad has seen notable achievements, while the local high school football team faces marked adversity.
Corey Young, the Captain of the Hawkins County Rescue Squad, has been honored with the prestigious “John Stiles Award” by the Kingsport Lifesaving Crew and the Tennessee Association of Rescue Squads. This award acknowledges exceptional bravery and commitment to lifesaving efforts, underscoring Young’s contributions to the community.
In another positive initiative, Hawkins County is making strides in reforming the foster care system for children in both Hancock and Hawkins counties. These improvements aim to enhance the welfare and living conditions of children in need, reflective of a broader commitment to child protection and family support in the region.
On the sports front, the Tennessee High School football team suffered a significant defeat against Morristown West, with a final score of 52-14 during a game held at the Stone Castle. This loss marks an ongoing challenging season for the Trojans, indicating areas requiring improvement.
Culture is also thriving in Hawkins County, as the Rose Center is currently hosting the exhibit “Terra Madre: Women in Clay.” This exhibit showcases a group of talented female potters from East Tennessee and will be open to the public until October 21. Such events enhance community engagement and support local artistry.
In a shift of venue, BOOFest will be relocating from Fred Miller Park to Frank Lorino Park on Morris Boulevard. This event, popular among families, promises enjoyable activities and festive themes as Halloween nears.
On a somber note, the community mourns the loss of Barbara Ann Rickard, aged 86, who passed away on October 8, 2025. Her contributions to the community will be remembered by many.
In local business news, a real estate opportunity has emerged with the availability of 71 storage units, covering a total of 13,208 square feet, located on West AJ Highway. The property includes additional land designated for future development, presenting possibilities for economic growth in the area.
In matters of public safety, a robbery was reported in Memphis involving a man who was threatened at gunpoint while selling a car through Facebook Marketplace. Meanwhile, in Hawkins County, two individuals sustained injuries following a crash on Hwy 70 North. One driver reportedly crossed into oncoming traffic, leading to a vehicular collision, and authorities indicate that charges are pending.
In a related safety incident, an evacuation order that had been in place north of Rogersville due to a fire involving unknown chemicals has been lifted. The evacuation affected the area around 1012 Pressmans Home Road, where the Hawkins County Rescue Squad provided temporary shelter for evacuees during the emergency.
Meanwhile, authorities are actively searching for a potentially missing swimmer near Cherokee Lake. A raft was found without any person on or near it, prompting a search effort for a white male in his 50s with gray hair. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Hawkins County Central Dispatch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What award did Corey Young receive?
Corey Young has received the “John Stiles Award” from the Kingsport Lifesaving Crew and the Tennessee Association of Rescue Squads.
What progress is being made in the foster care system in Hawkins County?
Hawkins County is making progress in reforming the foster care system for children in Hancock and Hawkins counties.
What was the outcome of the Tennessee High School football game against Morristown West?
Tennessee High School suffered a significant defeat against Morristown West with a score of 52-14 during a football game at the Stone Castle.
What exhibit is the Rose Center hosting?
The Rose Center is hosting the exhibit “Terra Madre: Women in Clay,” which features a group of female potters from East Tennessee, available to the public until October 21.
Where is BOOFest relocating?
BOOFest is relocating from Fred Miller Park to Frank Lorino Park on Morris Boulevard.
Who passed away on October 8, 2025?
Barbara Ann Rickard, aged 86, passed away on October 8, 2025.
What real estate opportunity is available in Hawkins County?
A real estate opportunity is available for 71 storage units, totaling 13,208 square feet, on West AJ Highway, with additional land for future development.
What incidents have been reported regarding safety in Hawkins County?
A robbery occurred in Memphis when a man sold a car via Facebook Marketplace; the would-be buyer was threatened at gunpoint. Two people were injured in a crash on Hwy 70 North in Hawkins County, and an evacuation order north of Rogersville was lifted after a fire involving unknown chemicals was contained.
What are authorities searching for near Cherokee Lake?
Authorities are searching for a potentially missing swimmer near Cherokee Lake; a raft was found without a person on or near it.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| John Stiles Award | Presented to Corey Young for exceptional bravery in rescue efforts. |
| Foster Care Reform | Improvements in the foster care system for Hancock and Hawkins counties. |
| Tennessee High School Football | Trojans lost to Morristown West 52-14 at the Stone Castle. |
| Rose Center Exhibit | “Terra Madre: Women in Clay” available to public until October 21. |
| BOOFest Location Change | From Fred Miller Park to Frank Lorino Park on Morris Boulevard. |
| Obituary | Barbara Ann Rickard passed away at 86 on October 8, 2025. |
| Real Estate Opportunity | 71 storage units available on West AJ Highway with land for development. |
| Safety Incidents | Robbery in Memphis; accident on Hwy 70; fire evacuation lifted. |
| Missing Swimmer Search | Authorities looking for a potentially missing swimmer near Cherokee Lake. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Major Events in Morristown and Bristol
Tennessee High Dominates Morristown West in High School Football
Tennessee High Dominates David Crockett with 42-0 Victory
High School Football Showdown: Chilhowie vs. Honaker
Hawkins County School Runners Shine at Bristol Cross
Hawkins County Runners Shine at Bristol Cross
Jason Bellamy Appointed as New Chief of Police in Kingsport
Northeast Tennessee Population Growth Hits Record High
Tennessee Fugitive Gary Calhoun Arrested in Virginia
Share Logistics to Open New Facilities in Kingsport
Additional Resources
- WJHL News: Hwy 70 Crash in Greene County
- Wikipedia: Hawkins County
- SuperTalk929: Hwy 70 Crash in Hawkins County
- Google Search: Hawkins County fire
- WBIR News: Evacuation Lifted after Hawkins County Fire
- Google Scholar: Hawkins County Rescue Squad
- WJHL News: Crash on Highway 66 in Hawkins County
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hawkins County rescue squad
- Elizabethton: Carter County Rescue Squad Grant
- Google News: Hawkins County news
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
