Sara Diamond
WJHL
Blountville, TN, United States
Contact Sara
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Past articles by Sara:
Community Heroes: Don Raines energizes his community to help children
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – Don Raines has invested 30 years of volunteer service in the Tri-Cities. He turned his passion for helping children in need into a fundraiser that raises hundreds of thousands of dollars every year. Don Raines is no stranger to people and non-profit organizations in the Tri-Cities. After a successful radio […] → Read More
Community Hero: Child Life Specialists help kids understand hospital procedures and overcome fears
We often talk about kids who are in the hospital. What we don’t often talk about are the folks who help the kids through what can be a scary experience. These child life specialists help kids “play with a purpose.” Originally a nursing student, Ashlee Simerly felt moved to go a different direction. “I went […] → Read More
Community Heroes: Tri-Cities men to tackle 75-mile ruck to help fellow first responder, honor the past
TRI-CITIES, Tenn. (WJHL) — Two Tri-Cities men will travel to Texas to test their physical and mental fortitude in a 36-hour, 75-mile ruck. Wearing packs that hold essential supplies during the trip, the two are honoring the past and helping a fellow first responder. It’s a challenge Josh Hicks and Adam Copas are ready to […] → Read More
Community Hero: Recovery Resources supports men through treatment and beyond
TRI-CITIES, Tenn. (WJHL) — Addiction is a tough disease to tackle and overcome. A local group made of people who have been through the struggle formed an organization called Recovery Resources in Johnson City, which sees dependents through treatment and beyond, reuniting with family and living what they say is a normal life. “We offer […] → Read More
Community Heroes: Linda Skeens’ talent highlights county fairs, competitions
(WJHL) — Linda Skeens hit the mainstream when she dominated the baking, canning and craft category in the Virginia-Kentucky District Fair in Wise, Virginia. But she has done much more; she has renewed interest in county fairs and their competitions, and kept skills from the past from becoming extinct. Skeens made a name for herself […] → Read More
Community Hero: Gallery owner wants to inspire artists, expose novices to the arts
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – Many healthy communities also boast a strong arts community. There is big push in the Tri-Cities region to grow the arts, reaching those who haven’t had much exposure to it. A Johnson City gallery owner wants everyone to feel at home in her space, regardless of their background or art […] → Read More
Community Heroes: T.R. Dunn uses organization to inspire teens to be their best
You may see him on the sidelines providing amazing photos at sporting events, but Community Hero T.R. Dunn has another passion — he wants to see teenagers become the best version of themselves and he is committed to helping them. “They are not the group of tomorrow. They are the group of today,” Dunn said. […] → Read More
Community Heroes: Gabi Smith helps human trafficking survivors and educates others to identify victims
January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. A Tri-Cities woman provides help and resources for survivors and aims to educate others about a problem that is right here in East Tennessee. As the community care liaison for the Community Coalition Against Human Trafficking, Gabi Smith works directly with all ages to educate and help survivors […] → Read More
Community Heroes: Tia Hughes gives women a safe place to recover while keeping jobs and staying near family
Addiction is not easy to overcome. It’s a tough road for many. Tia Hughes took her own experience and is building a bridge to help others on their journey. Hughes is in long-term recovery and realized women in recovery needed a place to go. So, she started Bridge to Shore Recovery in Elizabethton. “Carter County […] → Read More
Community Heroes: Dr. Tim Perry helps people who have been deeply affected by the pandemic
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Nearly three years after the COVID-19 pandemic began, it’s time for some to heal and look ahead with a healthy mindset. A Tri-Cities doctor is passionate about helping others move forward by improving their mental health. The pandemic changed lives and the mental health of many. Dr. Tim Perry of […] → Read More
Community Heroes: Local organizations make the holidays happen for thousands
(WJHL) — The holidays are usually a whirlwind — buying gifts, planning parties, and traveling take the attention of a lot of people. There are some organizations that make it a priority this time of year to make sure people have not just gifts under the tree, but food on the table. One of the […] → Read More
Community Hero: Thousands of animals saved thanks to Mark Reynolds’ dedication
We didn't have to go far to find this week's Community Hero. For years, Mark Reynolds has spent what free time he has advocating for animal shelters, and their residents. His tireless work has saved countless animals that wouldn't have a chance at a forever home. → Read More
Budweiser Clydesdales make appearance at Johnson City Food City
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Clydesdales are in town and made a stop at the Food City on North State of Franklin in Johnson City on Friday. The ‘World Famous Horses’ have been a symbol of Budweiser since 1933. People from all over come to marvel at these horses. “I think it means a lot, you […] → Read More
Community Hero: Local radio station uses air time to provide Thanksgiving meals
KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) — Each year in November, a local radio station partners with an organization that provides food to those in need. The need may be shocking to some. But equally as great, is the number of people who step up to help the event, Project Thanksgiving. Project Thanksgiving was born out of another […] → Read More
Community Hero: WCSO deputy Rocky Ratliff comes back from retirement, battles cancer
Retirement is a goal for many people in the workforce. This week’s Community Hero retired, went back to work, and battled a serious illness, all for the love of his job, and his community. Rocky Ratliff had a great law enforcement career. “I retired for five years, and the sheriff brought me back,” he says. […] → Read More
Community Heroes: Lauren Bookout, Tiny Miracles saving vulnerable kittens and finding them homes
(WJHL) — The ASPCA says most animal shelters hold a high population of cats. So much so, that many are at risk for euthanasia. This week’s Community Hero has taken it upon herself to help an animal population that is often seen as a lost cause, and find them homes. Tiny neo-natal kittens are getting […] → Read More
Community Hero: Starr Beverly uses love of Halloween to help homeless animals
What do homeless animals, motorcycles and a haunted woods have in common? This week’s Community Hero has combined her love for all of them to better the Tri-Cities community. During October, you will find Starr Beverly scaring people. “I love Halloween,” Beverly said. As the owner and operator of the Dam Haunted Woods on Highway […] → Read More
Community Heroes: Rolling Thunder raising money to provide every gravesite at the VA with a wreath
The Tri-Cities region is known for supporting its veterans. A local chapter of a national group supports veterans of all wars and makes sure no one forgets those who sacrificed their lives and those who still haven’t come home. This season, they are asking for help honoring those who are buried at the VA cemetery. […] → Read More
Community Hero: Rhonda Helton provides decades of service to kids at Kingsport YMCA
KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) — For 35 years, our Community Hero committed her time and energy to the children of the greater Kingsport area. She has implemented programs that help hundreds of children each year. “This is something that I have been very passionate about, and I’ll miss it,” says Rhonda Helton. Helton loves her job […] → Read More
Community Heroes: Jewel Bell dedicates 70 years to King University
BRISTOL, Tenn. (WJHL) — The year was 1952. Harry Truman was President, the Korean War was ongoing, and Elizabeth was just crowned queen of England. In Bristol, Jewel Bell started working at what is now known as King University. At that time, she was the only African American on staff during segregation. Just recently, Jewel, […] → Read More