By: Perry Beeman - July 26, 2021 1:10 pm President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris applaud before giving remarks July 26, 2021, in the White House Rose Garden on the 31st anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. (Screen shot from White House livestream)
President Joe Biden on Monday recalled a hallmark moment in the career of former U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa.
At a White House ceremony marking the 31st anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which Harkin authored and sponsored, Biden described the moment just before the Senate passed the bipartisan bill. Tom Harkin is a former Democratic U.S. senator from Iowa. (Photo courtesy of the University of Iowa)
Art educator Eddie Tipton is a true inspiration
Karen Endel
River Valley Arts Coalition
Van Buren High School principal Eddie Tipton is a true gift to the community. The wrapping that most people see and appreciate is the dedicated, student-centered administrator, who for over 30 years has inspired students from all walks of life to improve themselves as they transition into becoming productive citizens in our society. What many don’t realize is that his inner gift – his core – is being an accomplished artist.
“When I was a kid,” Tipton recalls, “we couldn’t afford sketch pads or charcoal pencils, none of that stuff.” He remembers finding pencils and, without paper, opening up old paper bags or Kleenex boxes to draw, using whatever he could find. He didn’t use paints until he was in art class in high school because he couldn’t afford the paint.
Vic Grider Bidding Farewell To Highly Successful Coaching Career At South Pittsburg Monday, March 1, 2021
Vic Grider
Vic Grider, who had a highly successful career as head football coach at South Pittsburg High School, announced Monday that he will be retiring at the end of the school year.
He is in his 30th year as a teacher, assistant principal, coach and athletic director at his alma mater. His father, Don Grider, won 192 games from 1969-1992. Vic Grider was the head coach of the Pirates for 16 seasons with a record of 162-43. He had three Class 1A state championships and five trips to the state championship game. He has served as the softball coach since stepping down in 2012 as football coach.
UNICOI - Ellis Edward Murphy, age 83, of Unicoi, passed away on Thursday, January 21, 2021, at the Johnson City Medical Center. A native of Huntdale, NC, Ellis is a son of the late Edward Wesley and Dorothy (Tipton) Murphy. Mr. Murphy was a member of the Church of the Brethren, where he faithfully served as Deacon. He was a Teacher, Coach and Principal. His career included Norview High School and Booker T. Washington Academy, both in Norfolk, VA, as well as his many years at Unicoi County High School. But the titles he was most proud of were Loving Husband of 57 years, Loving Brother, and Mentor to so many young people. He was also an avid golfer. In addition to his parents, Ellis is preceded in death by his sister, Shirley Wright; brother-in-law, Gary Wright; and special friend, Wayne Whitson; father-in-law and mother âin law, JK and Pansy Shelley.