DISCOVERHamblen CountyTennessee
Hamblen County Tennessee
Discover Hamblen County is published by Hawkins County Publishers, Inc. P.O. Box 100 | Rogersville, TN 37857 www.therogersvillereview.com 423-272-7422
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4 w Blessings In The Bite A story of faith
w AMP Photography Creating Memories to last a lifetime
8 w Pink Pig Pottery Studio
12 w The Truman Show
15 w Artist Renee Suich A passion for pastels 18 w Whitesburg
Walters State Director of Theater has a feature film in the works
After 250 years Hamblen County’s historic small town still thriving
AMP Photography CREATING MEMORIES TO LAST A LIFETIME
BY RITA DYKES
Review Correspondent
Abby Purkey, the creative force behind AMP Photography, has been capturing the world around her since she was a child.
Her love for photography was such a huge part of Abby that she took pictures with any device she could get her hands on.
Growing up, Abby focused on the stars, intriguing landscapes and candid moments of those near and dear to her. Years later, her passion evolved into a business that showcases her unique perspective one shutter click at a time.
Her journey into professional photography began about three years ago. While she has always enjoyed taking photos, it was the encouragement from other photographers during her own photo sessions that truly ignited her path. They often remarked on her “eye for the job,” praising her ability to help with posing and editing. This encouragement led her to pursue photography more seriously.
Abby Purkey’s love for photography was such a huge part of her that she took pictures with any device she could get her hands on.
While AMP
Photography is her passion, Abby also works a full-time job outside photography. This balance allows her to continue to develop her craft even more remarkably. She is committed to providing quality services to clients, whether for personal portraits or special events. Her photography captures a wide array of subjects, reflecting her love for all forms of photography, including children, weddings and proms. One day, Abby hopes to make photography sustainable as her full-time gig.
Abby is also dedicated to giving back to her community. She regularly organizes giveaways and free
photo shoots for those in need and volunteers at local markets for holidaythemed photo sessions. Her belief in using her skills to support others is behind her community outreach.
Her family is a significant source of support in her photography journey, cheering her on as she builds her business. While no family members are photographers, their encouragement fuels Abby’s ambition. In the future, she wants to expand her business into event planning, merging both passions into one cohesive service.
Abby Purkey’s story is one of passion, community and creativity. With her lens focused on the beauty of
Blessings in the Bite
A STORY OF FAITH
BY RITA DYKES
Review Correspondent
In February 2022, Kayla Bales embarked on a journey that changed her life and the lives of her three beautiful children — Major, Mercy and Myles. Being a single mom, Kayla was looking for a way to make some extra cash when she began making cakes and desserts. What began as a simple effort to make extra money quickly evolved into a small business known as Blessings In The Bite.
With God at the center of her mission, Kayla found the motivation to step out in faith and trust in a higher plan.
“Each order is prayed over and made with love,” she said. “Without Him, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Kayla’s passion for baking blossomed as she began creating desserts. She specializes in birthday cakes and party favors like dipped strawberries and pretzels. Despite having no prior experience, she embraced the learning curves with open arms.
“Some days I still don’t know what I’m doing,” Kayla said, “but that leaves room for improvement and growth!”
Her favorite creations are her cakes, which she views as a small but meaningful part of someone’s special day. The creative freedom her clients give her allows her to design each cake with her unique touch.
“I love doing birthday cakes! It means so much to be part of those celebrations,” said Kayla, who acknowledged the power of community support.
“Word of mouth goes a long way,” she explained.
Friends and family are always recommending her services, helping her build a steady clientele. Local establishments, including Covenant Hospital, Tennes-
see Jack’s and Cheddar’s, have also helped her business flourish by placing orders for events.
Kayla is dedicated to making all events special. She offers tasting boxes for brides, showcasing six flavors, and provides children’s birthday cakes to families who
Kayla and her boys Myles and Major.
Blessings In The Bite owner Kayla Bales and her daughter Mercy.
may be going through a difficult time.
“Every kid deserves a good birthday,” she said, reinforcing her commitment to her community.
Although Kayla works another full-time job as a server, she remains focused on her long-term goals of creating generational wealth for her children — spiritually, mentally, physically and financially.
“Little steps lead to big things,” she said.
The journey has been challenging at times, but each order allows her to provide experiences for her children and reminds her of the importance of perseverance.
Kayla credits her support system for her success, including her mom, Lisa Davis, and friends Mercedes Cotner and Terria Whigham, as well as her colleagues at Cheddar’s.
“Without these people, I would have thrown in the towel already,” she said.
As she strives to make Blessings In The Bite successful, Kayla is thankful for every moment spent with her children and for every dessert she has had the privilege
Kayla Bales, founder of Blessings In The Bite, attends Career Day at school with her son Myles.
of creating.
“My kids are proud of me, and that means more than anything,” she said.
The journey has shown her the power of faith, resilience and community, proving that when you trust in God, even the most daunting challenges can lead to blessings. Kayla shares her blessings with others — one bite at a time.
For inquiries or to place an order, contact Kayla at blessingsinthebite@gmail.com or follow her on Facebook at “Blessings In The Bite.
Kayla’s late grandfather, Donald Bales, who supported her and cheered her on from the beginning.
Pink Pig Pottery Studio JOY THROUGH CREATIVITY
BY RITA DYKES
Review Correspondent
Melanie McKinney has always had a passion for art. From her early years in South Bend, Indiana, to her childhood in Morristown, she excelled in art classes throughout school.
One of Melanie’s inspirations who played a pivotal role in her career was Mrs. Wells, her middle school art teacher.
“All she really did was tell me when I did a good job and made me feel like I had potential in art,” Melanie said. “She spent time showing me things to challenge me and make me better.”
At the age of 19, Melanie married her husband, John, and when it was time for him to attend pharmacy school the couple moved to West Tennessee. While John was consumed with school, Melanie kept her focus on
CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
Melanie McKinney and her husband, John, the week before they opened at the new studio.
the art world. That is when she discovered her love for graphic design and worked as a designer for several years.
After a few years, Melanie and John decided to move back home to Hamblen County to raise their children.
“It just felt like a good place to start a family,” Melanie recalled.
Melanie dreamt of owning her own art studio, so with the astounding support of her husband and family, she turned that dream into a reality when she opened Pink Pig Pottery Studio.
Melanie’s family has always been involved in her artistic journey. Her mother and younger sister are both talented painters and crafters in addition to being steadfast supporters of her dreams. Thanks to that influence, Melanie’s passion was to create a place where families could make lasting memories together.
While balancing motherhood and her responsibilities as a small business owner isn’t easy, Melanie is making that happen.
The studio’s name came from a cherished memory from Melanie’s childhood. For her fifth birthday, her Aunt Dawn painted her a ceramic piggy bank, a keepsake that is displayed in a special spot in the studio. Aunt Dawn’s influence extended beyond the piggy bank; she made Melanie and her sisters feel special, fostering a sense of belonging that Melanie wanted to recreate in her own business.
Located in downtown Morristown, Pink Pig Pottery Studio offers a variety of creative classes, including pottery painting, wheel throwing, clay hand building, and canvas painting. The studio can also serve as a unique birthday party venue where children of all ages can celebrate through art.
The studio is a beloved destination in Hamblen County. Melanie credits much of the studio’s growth to the supportive community that surrounds it.
Pink Pig Pottery Studio also gives back to the community in many ways. For years, Melanie has collaborated with local high schools, providing work experience opportunities for students. Every Christmas, she and her team paint with thousands of children in Morristown and surrounding areas, spreading joy through creativity. The team already has 6,000 students booked this holiday season. The studio also donates to local organizations and sports teams.
Although the day-to-day operations of the studio
keep her busy, Melanie finds time for her own creative outlets. She has an Etsy shop where she sells her own artwork, and she occasionally participates in festivals. However, she is more focused more on building relationships within her studio rather than attending events.
Outside the studio, Melanie, John and their four children — Jaxson (15), Olivia (13), Aminee (8) and Harbor (4) — have embraced farm life by starting a sheep farm. Melanie finds sheep farming peaceful and fulfilling. The joy of caring for the animals, especially during lambing season, has brought a new love to her family’s life.
As Pink Pig Pottery Studio continues to bring happiness to those who visit, Melanie remains focused on her primary goals: nurturing her children and keeping the doors open for her community. With a dedicated team of staff members, she is committed to providing a welcoming environment where families can create memories that last a lifetime. The studio stands as a testament to her passion for art and her desire to spread joy through creativity in East Tennessee.
Pink Pig Pottery owner Melanie McKinney with husband John, left, and children Jaxson, Olivia, Aminee and Harbor.
The Truman Show
WALTERS STATE DIRECTOR OF THEATER HAS A FEATURE FILM IN THE WORKS
BY RANDY BALL
Review Correspondent
Jack Truman is in only his second year at Walters State Community College, but he has already had a major impact on the school and the community. Jack holds the title of director of theater in the Department of Music and Theater at the Morristown school.
The road to Walters State
“I’m originally from southwest Missouri, a small Ozark town,” said Jack, who studied theater/business at Minnesota State University in Mankato.
He spent 35 to 40 years in film, television and theater.
“I have a big background in film and I was a stage actor for 15 years,” he added.
“I’ve acted in a lot of Neil Simon plays: ‘Come Blow
Your Horn,’ ‘Jake’s Women’ and ‘Barefoot in the Park.’ In Chicago, I acted in ‘The Diviners,’ and won the Chicago Critics Award for best actor in 1994.”
He said his favorite musical appearance came in “Sugar,” which was based on the film “Some Like it Hot.”
Jack played the Jack Lemmon role.
“The first play I acted in was ‘The Odd Couple’ (another Neil Simon play) in high school,” he added.
While in Los Angeles, Jack began writing and making films. He previously taught in Minnesota.
He found Walters State while looking for a small town similar to where he grew up. He interviewed for the job with the school and “it seemed like a good fit.” He had no known connections to East Tennessee at the time, but has since learned he had ancestors on his mother’s side in Sevierville.
JACK TRUMAN
Director of THeater
“At Walters State, I’m in charge of the theater department, the classes and the plays,” Jack explained. “COVID had shut down the theater department. They brought me in to build up the theater department.”
A publicity photo from early in Jack Truman’s career.
A still shot from Jack Truman’s play ‘Connie and Loretta.’
The Walters State student cast of the Jack Truman-directed play ‘I Ought to Be in Pictures.’
A feature film
Jack has a feature film in the works. He wrote the script for “The Walkers” several years ago. Featuring a female lead, the film is a thriller about a killer in a furniture store.
Jack said he’s sent casting notices out nationwide for the film. It is his hope that the film will involve students and the community.
“This will be a low-budget feature film. I want to show anyone can make a film,” he said. “We have a film department on campus. Film and theater are connected more than people know.
“Shooting will be next year; it will take about a year to edit,” he added. “I plan to put it out on the film festival circuit. I have a following on the film festival circuit.”
Jack said his main reason for doing the film is to get the community involved.
Goals
Jack has a busy schedule, with classes, plays and the film. He is passionate about what he does and hopes to impact the community.
“With this being a community college, you can feel the sense of community,” he said. “It’s a way to bring the community together.
“I want to build something here. Every two years we have new students; we went from one theater major last year to seven this year. I can see the foundation we’re building. I want the community to know that we have something here.”
Rehearsal of the Walters State play ‘I Ought to Be in Pictures.’
‘I Ought to Be in Pictures’ rehearsal.
Jack Truman with actor Jon Voight in the 1990s.
Artist Renee Suich
A PASSION FOR PASTELS
BY RANDY BALL
Review Correspondent
Renee Suich is a well-known local artist whose work has been displayed throughout the area. Her paintings draw the viewer into a world of vibrant color and intriguing subjects.
Born in Pittsburgh, her journey to the region took a while.
“I was always in some kind of artistic situation,” Renee said. “I started in art as a kid, way back. Life happens!”
It was in Cleveland, Ohio, that her interest in art grew. She took night classes at 18 at the Cleveland Institute of Art. Those classes included life drawing and portraits.
“The instructor was so good,” she said.
Fate found Renee more involved with art while living in that city.
Renee Suich in her studio.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
Renee Suich works on another piece of art.
“I was a purchasing agent for a floral company in Cleveland,” said Renee, who has two sons. “I raised my family there. I then worked as the warehouse coordinator/ supervisor at the Cleveland Museum of Art.”
Renee continued to hone her craft while “taking little classes here and there.” She has taught classes in lamp work (glass bead making) and jewelry making.
Renee moved to Northeast Tennessee in 2008, and her art grew as a priority.
“I had more time and more inspiration,” she noted. “East Tennessee really helped me to blossom!”
Renee met several other artists after the move —
Renee Suich paints portraits of birds.
“You learn from each other,” she said — and one of those artists was Wendy Leedy. She taught Renee that you “have to put in the work” to be an artist. Another artist who was a big influence was Ruth Fredricks, who had taken lessons from Wendy.
Ruth recommended that Renee learn to use pastels, then Wendy taught Renee how to use them.
Renee’s current passion is soft pastels. She has also worked in acrylic, watercolor, collage and enameling. As to subject matter, she said she’s “inspired by the beautiful rolling hills and ever-changing skies, as well as the history beneath the landscape.” It has been said that her work is a tribute not only to the beauty of the land but to the stories beneath the layers.
Renee is active in the artistic community. She is currently the arts events coordinator for the Longstreet Museum in Russellville and the arts curator for Tennessee Jacks restaurant in Morristown. In these roles, she helps other artists get exposure and sales.
Since moving to East Tennessee, Renee has had solo
juried shows. She has given back to the community by selling her art in several fundraising events throughout the region. She is a member of the Knoxville Arts & Culture Alliance and recently joined the Kingsport Art Guild.
In recent years, Renee’s art has been displayed and sold at Knoxville Emporium, McGee Tyson Airport,
Rose Center, Morristown Country Club, Arts Depot in Abingdon, Virginia, the Kingsport Renaissance Center and Tennessee Jacks.
Renee’s philosophy about art is “if you have an open mind, you can learn, learn, learn.” Her current subjects include birds and landscapes.
“When I get fixated on something, I’ll do a series,” she noted.
Since arriving Tennessee, Renee’s involvement with local artists has allowed her to find community.
“I’ve gotten to know people, and then to know them better,” she said.
Her approach to her art is deceptively simple:
“I try to live in the present. Each piece is a new challenge.”
Whitesburg AFTER 250 YEARS HAMBLEN COUNTY’S
HISTORIC SMALL TOWN
STILL THRIVING
BY RANDY BALL
Review Correspondent
Between Bulls Gap and Russellville lies the quiet little town of Whitesburg, which according to the most recent census has a population of about 4,700.
Whitesburg is an unincorporated community. Its main thoroughfare is Highway 11E. Whitesburg has a post office, two schools, several churches, a Dollar General Store, two convenience stores and a hair salon.
The citizens clearly enjoy living the small-town life.
A little history
Whitesburg has an interesting history. Sometime around 1775, the Tidence Lane family moved northwest of what would become Whitesburg. Lane was notable for being the pastor of Buffalo Ridge Church in Washington County, the first church organized in Tennessee.
He and Elder William Murphy organized Bent Creek Church in 1785 in Whitesburg. It later became Whites-
burg Baptist, Hamblen County’s first church. Lane and his family members are buried near the church.
Isaac White was an early settler who opened a store in the community. When a post office was added to the store, the town became known as Whitesburg. Some other early families included Coxes, Hales and Horners.
The railroad came through Whitesburg in 1856. The town was booming through the 1870s, with taverns, a livery stable, a bank, canneries, a train depot and a hotel. The Epson Springs Hotel hosted tourists who came for the area’s mineral waters, and a high school was built in 1917.
The opening of Highway 11E took activity away from the railroad area of the town and the Great Depression caused several businesses to close.
Whitesburg today
Whitesburg is a quiet, close-knit community and many of the residents like it that way.
PHOTOS BY RANDY BALL
At the end of Whitesburg Pike is the house where Tidence Lane lived.
Millard Elkins is in his 80s.
“I’ve lived here all my life. I like being here,” he said. “It’s not as crowded as in bigger towns; we have more space.”
Elkins knows the community’s history and can attest to some of the changes the town has seen.
“Where the Dollar Store is now was the site of a livery stable, then Cemco, a machine shop, was there,” he said.
He also talked about the canneries that were once in Whitesburg.
Lois Miller works at the Whitesburg Market and she also knows much of the local history.
“It’s a quiet, close-knit community. The people help each other. We don’t have a lot of trouble,” she said.
Jama Russell in the owner of the Hair Shack, and she too feels that way about the community.
“It’s close-knit, everybody helps everybody. The people are great. It’s like going back in time,” she said.
“This little community just gives you a good feeling!”
The Books & Info Shop
Morristown Roofing
Millard Elkins has lived in Whitesburg his entire life.
Historic marker about Bent Creek Church
Kyle Lodge No. 422
A marker about Tidence Lane.
The Whitesburg Post Office
There are beautiful homes in the Whitesburg area.
Whitesburg Elementary School
The Hair Shack
The grave of Tidence Lane.
There are two convenience stores in Whitesburg.
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