Rec Sports
NEO and Sparks Orthopedics announce merger
Sparks Orthopedics and Northeast Orthopedics recently announced their official merger, effective August 18, 2025, forming one of the region’s most comprehensive and community-connected orthopedic practices. The new unified organization, operating under the name Northeast Orthopedics, will combine decades of orthopedic excellence, increase access to patient resources, deepen partnerships with local schools and sports teams, […]

Sparks Orthopedics and Northeast Orthopedics recently announced their official merger, effective August 18, 2025, forming one of the region’s most comprehensive and community-connected orthopedic practices.
The new unified organization, operating under the name Northeast Orthopedics, will combine decades of orthopedic excellence, increase access to patient resources, deepen partnerships with local schools and sports teams, and deliver a more seamless experience for patients across the region.
The merger comes after more than two years of strategic planning, clinical collaboration and feedback from patients, staff and the community.
The decision reflects the shared values and vision of both practices, which have long prioritized expert care, innovation, and community engagement.
A Shared Mission for Advanced Care
By joining forces, Sparks Orthopedics and Northeast Orthopedics will now offer expanded services across a wider geographic footprint. Patients will benefit from:
• Enhanced access to specialists and services in sports medicine, joint replacement, spine care, and more.
• Consolidated scheduling and records systems, allowing for smoother transitions between providers and more coordinated care.
• Shared physical therapy and rehabilitation programs, bringing evidence-based recovery strategies closer to home.
• Increased resources and staffing, improving wait times and appointment availability across all locations.
“This merger isn’t just about growing in size—it’s about growing in service,” said Dr. Butch Douthit, Senior Physician of the newly formed Northeast Orthopedics. “We are unifying our strengths to elevate the standard of orthopedic care in the region. Patients can expect more personalized options, better follow-through, and the same commitment to compassionate, expert care they’ve always known.”
Stronger Ties to Local Schools and Student Athletes
One of the key advantages of the merger is an expanded ability to work directly with local school districts, athletic programs, and community sports leagues. Both Sparks and Northeast Orthopedics have a long history of supporting youth sports through injury prevention, in school physicals, and sideline medical support. The merger will allow this work to scale.
“With more physicians, athletic trainers, and clinical staff available, we can strengthen our presence in local schools and better support student-athletes year-round,” said Cory Fuller, PT, DPT, Director of Physical Therapy Services. “From pre-season evaluations to on-site injury response and post-injury rehabilitation, we’ll now be able to serve more athletes in more schools, faster and more efficiently.”
Already, the combined group has signed partnership agreements with several local school districts, covering over 10,000 students and student-athletes.
One Brand, One Experience
Patients of both legacy organizations will soon begin to see a unified brand presence, including a new website, updated signage, and a centralized patient portal that simplifies scheduling, billing, and communication. The Northeast Orthopedics brand will be rolled out gradually over the next several months, with the full transition expected by December 2025.
“Our goal is to eliminate confusion and give patients one consistent experience—whether they’re seeing a doctor in our Gadsden office, getting physical therapy in Rainbow City, or checking their medical record from their phone,” said Rick Janss, Administrator. “This merger allows us to streamline systems, improve service, and ensure that every interaction reflects the quality and trust we’re known for.”
What Patients Need to Know
• No immediate changes are required from current patients. All appointments, insurance plans, and provider relationships will continue uninterrupted during the transition.
• Phone numbers, patient portals, and locations will remain the same for now, with updates communicated well in advance.
• A new, centralized website will launch in August at www.northeastorthopedics.com , with full integration of patient tools by fall.
Patients will receive communications about the transition, and our phone desk will be available to answer any questions.
Looking Ahead
The merger is not only a reflection of the organizations’ shared history but also their commitment to future innovation. Northeast Orthopedics plans to invest in expanded healthcare options, additional outpatient surgery capabilities, and new methods to advance orthopedic care in the region.
“This is just the beginning,” said Dr. Daniel Sparks, Orthopedic Surgeon at the new Northeast Orthopedics. “Together, we’re building something stronger—something that will serve our communities for generations to come. We’re proud of where we’ve been, and we’re even more excited about where we’re going.”
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the newly combined practice stands ready to lead with compassion, expertise, and community-first thinking. Patients, families, and partners can expect the same trusted care—only better, broader, and more connected than ever.
About Sparks Orthopedics
Founded in 2001, Sparks Orthopedics has served thousands of patients with expert care in joint replacement, sports medicine, and trauma recovery. Known for its commitment to clinical excellence and personalized treatment, Sparks has grown into one of the area’s most trusted orthopedic providers.
About Northeast Orthopedics
Since 1986, Northeast Orthopedics has provided comprehensive orthopedic care to patients across northeastern Alabama. A regional company with six locations, Northeast Orthopedics has a focus on innovation and community involvement, the group has earned a reputation for quality care and responsive service.
Submitted by NEO.
Rec Sports
Back-to-school clinics to offer sports physicals, vaccines and free heart screenings for local youth
By Chenni Hammon/Archuleta County As summer winds down and families prepare for the upcoming school year, Archuleta County Public Health is making it easier for parents to check off important health requirements with two special back-to-school clinics this August. These clinics will offer everything from routine childhood vaccines to affordable sports physicals and free heart […]

By Chenni Hammon/Archuleta County
As summer winds down and families prepare for the upcoming school year, Archuleta County Public Health is making it easier for parents to check off important health requirements with two special back-to-school clinics this August.
These clinics will offer everything from routine childhood vaccines to affordable sports physicals and free heart screenings for young athletes.
The clinics will be held on Thursday, Aug. 7, from 1 to 5 p.m., and again on Saturday, Aug. 16, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Archuleta County Public Health office is at 502 S. 8th St.
Appointments are highly encouraged and can be made by calling (970) 264-2409, though walk-ins will be accepted as space allows.
Dr. Julie Buchner will be providing sports physicals for just $40, offered on a self-pay basis. Insurance will not be accepted for these visits, but the low cost aims to make them accessible to as many families as possible.
In addition, Archuleta County Public Health is partnering with Who We Play For, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing sudden cardiac arrest in youth athletes.
As part of the sports physical, every child aged 10 and older will receive a free heart screening — a service that could potentially detect hidden heart conditions before they become life-threatening. The cost of these screenings is being fully covered by Archuleta County Public Health.
Routine childhood vaccinations will also be available at the clinics, as well as during regular hours every Wednesday and Thursday throughout the year. These vaccines are free for children who are uninsured or enrolled in Medicaid.
Families with private insurance are encouraged to visit their regular medical providers for routine immunizations. However, public health staff are happy to help families check their child’s vaccine records and answer any questions.
To support continued access to lifesaving heart screenings, donations will be accepted at the clinic events to help fund additional screenings for youth in the community.
Archuleta County Public Health encourages all families to take advantage of this opportunity to ensure their children are ready — physically and safely — for the school year ahead.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Archuleta County Public Health at (970) 264-2409.
Rec Sports
Prevent Heat Illness in Fall Sports and Marching Band
It’s one of the most highly anticipated times of the year – the start of the school year and coming of fall high school sports. The excitement, however, is somewhat tempered at the moment as the heat continues to persist and fall is more than a month away. The advent of year-round school schedules […]


It’s one of the most highly anticipated times of the year – the start of the school year and coming of fall high school sports. The excitement, however, is somewhat tempered at the moment as the heat continues to persist and fall is more than a month away.
The advent of year-round school schedules has pushed the start of practices for fall sports – and activities like band – into the heart of summer with heat indices exceeding 100 degrees in many parts of the country.
As a result, schools must be prepared to help the millions of students deal with the oppressive heat and humidity during the coming weeks for football, soccer, cross country, field hockey and other sport practices. Including those students in marching band, more than five million individuals will be on the fields and courts prepping for fall activities.
Unfortunately, several high school athletes have already been involved in heat-related emergencies as practices have started in some parts of the country, including two fatalities, according to Dr. Kristen Kucera, director of the National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research (NCCSIR). We also are aware of several band members needing heat-related medical assistance after practicing in the heat.
Historically, most heat-related fatalities and catastrophic events have occurred during pre-season practices. And with several weeks remaining before first games of the 2025 fall season, steps must be taken to reduce the risk of additional catastrophic events. In fact, as often noted in NFHS materials, heat-related fatalities are 100 percent preventable.
The NFHS had an opportunity earlier this week, with an appearance on AccuWeather.com, to discuss available resources and steps being taken to minimize risk of heat illness. We appreciated the opportunity to share ways that schools can reduce the risk of heat illness with viewers across the country.
The NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC) continues to distribute information to member state associations. As we noted during the AccuWeather session, heat concerns are not related just to football. Any student participating in an outdoor sport or activity in the heat is vulnerable to heat illness, including marching band, cheer and players practicing in hot gyms without air conditioning.
Even with one million participants in high school football, death from heat stroke is preventable with proper precautions and timely intervention. Coaches, athletic directors and athletic trainers must have effective prevention plans in place so that student participants are fully protected from heat-related illnesses and injuries.
The NFHS SMAC and the NFHS Learning Center continue to offer many educational tools to assist schools in developing a proper heat acclimatization and heat illness prevention program. In addition, many state associations have developed state-specific guidelines for dealing with heat issues and safety challenges.
The SMAC has developed a “Heat Acclimatization and Heat Illness Prevention Position Statement” which is available on the NFHS website. This document contains seven fundamentals of a Heat Acclimatization Program. In addition, the SMAC’s “Position Statement and Recommendations for Maintaining Hydration to Optimize Performance and Minimize the Risk for Exertional Heat Illness” is also available on the sports medicine page of the NFHS website.
Venue and sport/activity specific emergency action plans (EAP) for interscholastic activities play a pivotal role in preemptively addressing and responding to potential risks and emergencies. The SMAC’s “Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for Interscholastic Activities Position Statement” is also available on the sports medicine page of the NFHS Website.
Through the NFHS Learning Center, the NFHS offers a free online course entitled Heat Illness Prevention. This course, which is available at www.nfhslearn.com, also reviews the seven fundamentals of a Heat Acclimatization Program. More than 3.4 million Heat Illness Prevention courses have been accessed. In addition, to address the necessary precautions for participants in marching band, the NFHS has a free course entitled Band Safety.
Among the fundamentals of a Heat Acclimatization Program are 1) a slow progression in activity level – duration and intensity; 2) adjusting workouts as heat and humidity increase, including close monitoring and a prompt response to developing problems; and 3) proper hydration.
Four other Learning Center courses should be a part of the preseason planning for all key members of the school’s team: The Collapsed Student, Sudden Cardiac Arrest, Concussion in Sports and Emergency Action Planning for Afterschool Programs.
As an additional resource, the NFHS Foundation previously distributed more than 5,000 Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) devices to high schools across the country. The WBGT measures the heat stress in direct sunlight, accounting for temperature, humidity, wind speed, sun angle and cloud cover. High schools can use the thermometer’s reading to help determine if the weather is appropriate to hold outdoor activities. The NFHS Foundation provides a video on proper use of WBGT. If the available devices indicate that the weather is a risk to the health of students, practices must be cancelled.
School leaders must also make sure that AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) are available in key locations in the school, and that an Emergency Action Plan has been established and rehearsed. There have been several cases on high school sports fields and courts the past two years where quick action on the part of individuals saved lives, and we hope that trend continues. As a part of preseason planning, coaches and administrators should consider another Learning Center course – CPR & AED Training.
We encourage all school leaders – coaches, band directors, athletic directors and others – to take the free online courses – Heat Illness Prevention and Band Safety – at www.nfhslearn.com. It could be the best investment of time this year.
Read all NFHS Voice columns here.
Rec Sports
Page Not Available – Woodlands Online
Channel Quick Jump Home Page Answers & FAQs Apartments & Rentals Automotive & Cars Back To School Guide Best of The Woodlands Blogs Business Directory Business to Business Car Dealers Guide Church Guide Classifieds Commercial Real Estate Community Podcast Community Services Contests Dental Guide Education & Schools Election Guide 2016 Electronics & Computers Email Lists Employment Guide Entertainment & Arts Events Calendar Family Life Food & Drink Golf Guide Government Health & Medical Home D�cor Home Improvement Homes For Sale Hotels Guide Industry & Research Insurance Internet & WWW Jobs Market Just […]
Rec Sports
Charles E. Anderson – The Suffolk Times
Surrounded by 20 family members and friends, Charles E. “Charlie” Anderson, 73, passed away on Sunday, July 27, at the Grand Strand Medical Center, Myrtle Beach, S.C. The family wishes to thank the medical personnel who cared for Charlie during his two-month battle with acute kidney failure. A Conway resident since 2019, Charlie was an […]


Surrounded by 20 family members and friends, Charles E. “Charlie” Anderson, 73, passed away on Sunday, July 27, at the Grand Strand Medical Center, Myrtle Beach, S.C. The family wishes to thank the medical personnel who cared for Charlie during his two-month battle with acute kidney failure.
A Conway resident since 2019, Charlie was an Eastern Long Island resident for most of his life. The son of the Rev. Harold and Phyllis Anderson, Charlie was born July 2, 1952, in Port Jefferson. The Anderson family moved to Southold while Charlie was still in grade school. He graduated from Southold High School in 1970, where he played varsity baseball, and went on to study for a time at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio.
Charlie worked for several years at Academy Printing in Southold, but most of his working life was spent as facilities manager for Suffolk County National Bank. Charlie was a friend to all and joined his wife, Janet, in hosting many legendary barbecues and holiday parties. He contributed to his Long Island and South Carolina communities by coaching youth sports, especially soccer. He was also a longtime member of the Mattituck Board of Education and served for several years as school board president.
No one loved sports more than Charlie, who played softball in leagues in both Mattituck and Greenport. Charlie also enjoyed playing golf, often at Island’s End in Greenport, but he was best known for his love of the New York Yankees. After moving to Conway, Charlie devoted an entire room in his new home to Yankees memorabilia, and he made sure to set up his television so that he could continue watching every Yankees’ game. Charlie was also a fan of the New York Jets, New York Islanders and St. John’s University college basketball. When it came to music, The Allman Brothers were No. 1 on Charlie’s list.
Charlie is survived by his wife, Janet, whom he married on Sept. 30, 1978; as well as his two sons, Brian (Danielle) and Scott (Jacky); his identical-twin brother Jim (Barbara) and sisters Adele Miller and Irene Devlin (Andrew). All live in and around Myrtle Beach except Irene, of Estero, Fla. Charlie is also survived by grandchildren Jacob, Emma, Scotty, Carter, Nicolas and A.J. as well as many nieces and nephews.
Instead of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be directed in Charlie’s name to the favorite charity of the giver or to the Conway Recreation Center Sports Complex, 1515 Mill Pond Road, Conway, S.C., 29527. Funeral arrangements are private, but the family hopes to hold a memorial service later this year.
Paid post
Rec Sports
Trash Pandas to host “Youth Sports Night” this Saturday
Youth Sports Night is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 2 at Toyota Field as the Trash Pandas host its’ special night where local youth teams can attend a game and have a night to remember. Madison County Record, News, Sports, The Madison Recor, Z – News Main By Bob Labbe Published 6:03 am Wednesday, […]


Youth Sports Night is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 2 at Toyota Field as the Trash Pandas host its’ special night where local youth teams can attend a game and have a night to remember.
Madison County Record, News, Sports, The Madison Recor, Z – News Main
MADISON – The Rocket City Trash Pandas are hosting its tenth home stand of the 2025 season as they face the Birmingham Barons through Sunday, Aug. 3. The week of Minor League Baseball will include numerous promotions with Saturday, Aug. 2 the official Youth Sports Night.
Local youth sports teams of any sport are encouraged to attend for a night of baseball and fun. Group tickets are available for each youth team with $2 of ballpark credit with each ticket. Details on the special night or questions can be found through Tonia Wigginton, manager of Corporate Sales for the Trash Pandas. She can be contacted at 256-325-3871 or by e-mail at twigginton@trashpandasbaseball. com. The special evening is certainly more than baseball with the Trash Pandas facing the Barons, as the 6:35 p.m. start time will feature those youth teams who purchase 20 tickets receiving the team/ league announcement by the stadium announcer and a dream team experience provided by the Trash Pandas. Teams which purchase at least 50 tickets receive in addition the chance to participate in the ceremonial first pitch. Those squads with as many as 250 tickets sold can also have a special Trash Pandas Mascot appearance just for that team.
Tickets for the Youth Sports Night start at $17.44. It should be a night the attending youth will never forget and be a great way to sort of end the summer before heading back to school.
Saturday’s official promotion for the evening is Dinosaur Weekend featuring a Jurassic-sized adventure. The prehistoric fun includes life-sized animatronic and static dinos, dino-themed activities and interactive photo ops that will transport each person back in time. Special giveaways will also be included. The evening will be topped off by some dinosaur guests and a hatching baby Dino Egg.
Rec Sports
Popular Kalamazoo County sports dome unveils new name
KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI — A 68,000-square-foot sports dome that reopened in late 2024 after a $4 million expansion and renovation has been given a new name. Previously known as the Next Level Sports Center, the facility at 12733 U.S. 131 in Schoolcraft, will now be called The Kalsee Dome at Next Level Sports Center. Discover […]

KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI — A 68,000-square-foot sports dome that reopened in late 2024 after a $4 million expansion and renovation has been given a new name.
Previously known as the Next Level Sports Center, the facility at 12733 U.S. 131 in Schoolcraft, will now be called The Kalsee Dome at Next Level Sports Center.
Discover Kalamazoo announced the new community-focused partnership between Kalsee Credit Union and Next Level Sports Center in a Wednesday, July 30 news release.
The collaboration reflects the shared values of both organizations, which include supporting youth development, promoting wellness and investing in the Southwest Michigan community, the release states.

The dome, which originally opened in 1998, was deflated in July 2024 as it underwent a massive four-month renovation project.
RELATED: Dome deflation: Well-known sports facility deflates dome, shares plans for future
RELATED: Familiar sports dome in Schoolcraft reopens twice the size after $4 million project
After reopening in November with a plethora of new amenities, its name was changed from The Dome Sports Center to the Next Level Sports Center.
Adding “Kalsee Dome” to the beginning of the name represents more than just a name change, said Josh Baird, who has owned the facility since 2015.
“It symbolizes our joint effort to enhance the experience for everyone who visits our facility,” Baird said. “Kalsee helped make our expansion project possible, and we look forward to their continued positive impact on our athletes and families.”

With the support of Kalsee Credit Union, Next Level Sports Center will continue to grow its offerings with a goal of making a lasting difference in the lives of athletes across the region. The facility — which serves thousands of local families a year — has a mission of creating 1 million moments of fun through youth athletics, camps, leagues and inclusive programs.
“This partnership reflects our dedication to supporting local businesses and fostering community engagement,” said Matt Lahman, CEO of Kalsee Credit Union. “We are especially proud to be part of Next Level’s facilities and programming expansion following the recent installation of their much larger dome with new volleyball and pickleball courts.”
As part of this partnership, a Kalsee Interactive Teller Machine will also be installed on campus, offering banking services for visitors.
Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark MLive’s local Kalamazoo news page.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
-
Fashion2 weeks ago
EA Sports College Football 26 review – They got us in the first half, not gonna lie
-
Health2 weeks ago
CAREGD Trademark Hits the Streets for Mental Health Month
-
Sports2 weeks ago
Volleyball Releases 2025 Schedule – Niagara University Athletics
-
Sports2 weeks ago
New NCAA historical database provides wealth of information on championships
-
Sports2 weeks ago
Adapti, Inc. (OTC
-
College Sports3 weeks ago
Buford DB Tyriq Green Commits to Georgia
-
High School Sports6 days ago
100 days to men's college basketball
-
Rec Sports2 weeks ago
Florida woman, 20, accused of pepper-spraying rich men in Miami Beach hotels, stealing their luxury watches
-
Youtube3 weeks ago
The Twins squeeze out a walk-off win 👀
-
Youtube2 weeks ago
Hawaii TOP SPORTS MOMENTS! 🏈⚾ | SportsCenter