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KPD e-News Release: Local Business Collecting Supplies to Deliver to Sevier County Fire Victims and Emergency Workers

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Kingsport Police Department

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

ThomasMPatton • 423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-224-2786 (FAX)

http://Police.KingsportTN.gov • www.KingsportPDBlog.com

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: Local Business Collecting Supplies to Deliver to Sevier County Fire Victims and Emergency Workers
DATE: November 29, 2016
GENERAL NARRATIVE
The following information is being forwarded for an extremely worthy cause at the request of our friends at Pro Tint, located at 3790 Fort Henry Drive in Kingsport.

Pro Tint is currently collecting supplies to be delivered to Sevier County, Tennessee to aid fire victims and emergency workers. They will be accepting donations all night long with plans to depart for Sevier County tomorrow morning (Wednesday, November 30, 2016) or whenever their rental moving truck is full.

Supplies that are being accepted include, but are not necessarily limited to the following:

1) Bottled Water

2) Bottled Sports Drinks (Gatorade, Powerade, etc.)

3) Pet Food

4) Baby Diapers and Wipes

5) Toiletries

6) Batteries

7) Cleaning Supplies

8) Work Gloves

9) Anything that might be useful for this type of disaster

For more information or to arrange for drop off of supplies, please contact Ken Jackson at 423-863-1699.
RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

A Kingsport Story For Every Day in 2017

Stories like the following can be found within Brianne Wright’s new book, On This Day in Kingsport History:

  • Charley Grubb evaded his prison sentence when he slyly escaped from the courtroom during the jury deliberations on May 25, 1929.
  • On June 5, 1936, the Rotherwood Bridge collapse nearly claimed five lives.
  • After four decades, the State Theater officially aired its last film on March 26, 1978.

The Friends of the Archives of the City of Kingsport will host a book signing and reception for the new book, On This Day in Kingsport History on December 1 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Reclaimed Roots, 108 E. Market Street, in Downtown Kingsport. Books will be available at the signing for $21.99 and at the library thereafter. All proceeds from the sale will benefit the Friends of the Archives.

With a story for each day of the year, Kingsport City archivist and author Wright illuminates the significant people, places and events of the Model City. From its early days as Boatyard to the modern-day Kingsport, colorful characters and quirky events shaped the city’s unique history one day at a time.

Wright has been the archivist for the City of Kingsport since 2007. She is the author of Downtown Kingsport: Images of America. She graduated from the University of Tennessee and received her master’s in archival studies from East Tennessee State University. She was a recipient of the East Tennessee Historical Society’s Award of Excellence in 2014. She lives in Church Hill, Tennessee, with her husband, Mitch, and daughter, Lily.

KPD e-News Release: Shoplifter and Knife-Wielding Accomplice Assault Employees at Kingsport Target Store

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Kingsport Police Department

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

ThomasMPatton • 423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-224-2786 (FAX)

http://Police.KingsportTN.gov • www.KingsportPDBlog.com

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: Shoplifter and Knife-Wielding Accomplice Assault Employees at Kingsport Target Store
DATE: November 24, 2016
CASE #: 16-025514
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On November 23, 2016 at approximately 6:30 PM, Kingsport Police Patrol Officers were called to Target, located at 2626 East Stone Drive in Kingsport, to investigate a shoplifting incident that rapidly escalated to a felonious assault. The ensuing investigation revealed the following:

Target loss prevention officers observed a female suspect, later identified as Kansas Salyer Evans, tampering with theft deterrent security devices attached to merchandise in the electronics isle. They later observed her concealing merchandise in her purse, placing additional merchandise in a shopping cart, and attempting to leave the store without paying for any of it.

When the loss prevention officers attempted to detain Ms. Evans at the exit, a struggle ensued, at which time she physically assaulted two Target employees. During this altercation, a second suspect approached the exit. This accomplice, later identified as Andrew C. Gragg, produced a knife and ordered the employees at knife-point to release Evans.

In fear of getting stabbed, the loss prevention officers complied and released Ms. Evans. Both suspects walked to the far end of the parking lot and fled the scene in a gold sedan with a compact spare tire on the front driver’s side of the vehicle. A review of surveillance video footage and statements from multiple independent witnesses confirmed the employees’ account of the incident.

Kingsport Police Patrol Officers soon located and conducted a traffic stop on the described vehicle on East Stone Drive near Pinebrook Drive. Both suspects were positively identified and taken into custody. At the time of her arrest, Ms. Evans was also in possession of several small white prescription pills.

Mr. Gragg was charged with two counts of Aggravated Assault. Ms. Evans was charged with Theft over $500 (Felony Shoplifting), two counts of Simple Assault, and Simple Possession of a Legend Drug without a Prescription. Both suspects were transported to the Kingsport City Jail.

Mr. Gragg remains incarcerated in the Kingsport City Jail in lieu of a $4,000 bond as set by the presiding magistrate. Ms. Evans’ bond was set at $3,500, but she has since been transferred to the Sullivan County Jail in Blountville, TN.
SUSPECT #1 INFORMATION
Name Andrew C. Gragg
Age Date of Birth 9/1/1988

28 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/White
Residency 1530 Independence Avenue

Mount Carmel, TN
Charge(s) 1) Aggravated Assault (2 counts)

SUSPECT #2 INFORMATION
Name Kansas Salyer Evans
Age Date of Birth 9/27/1982

34 Years of Age
Gender/Race Female/White
Residency 416 Rose Street

Kingsport, TN
Charge(s) 1) Theft over $500 (Felony Shoplifting)

2) Simple Assault (2 counts)

3) Simple Possession of a Legend Drug without a Prescription

RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

KPD e-News Release: Unrestrained Motorist Dies in Early Morning Crash at Major Kingsport Intersection

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Kingsport Police Department

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

ThomasMPatton • 423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-224-2786 (FAX)

http://Police.KingsportTN.gov • www.KingsportPDBlog.com

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: Unrestrained Motorist Dies in Early Morning Crash at Major Kingsport Intersection
DATE: November 23, 2016
CASE #: 16-025458
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On November 23, 2016 at approximately 6:45 AM, Officers from the Kingsport Police Department Patrol Division and Traffic Unit responded to a multi-vehicle crash at the intersection of John B. Dennis Highway and Wilcox Drive in Kingsport. The investigation that followed, which included a thorough crash reconstruction, a review of multiple witness statements, and an analysis of traffic video camera footage, revealed the following:

A 2004 Nissan 350Z, driven by Carl E. Smith, was northbound on South John B. Dennis Highway approaching traffic stopped at a red light at the upcoming intersection with South Wilcox Drive.

A 2015 Jeep Compass, driven by Jordan C. Britton, was southbound on South John B. Dennis Highway attempting a legal left turn on a green left turn arrow to the entrance ramp leading to eastbound Interstate 26.

The Nissan swerved to the right around stopped traffic onto the shoulder, ran the red light, entered the intersection, and struck the Jeep in a near head-on impact. The Nissan then careened off the Jeep, crossed a median, and struck a 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer, driven by Travis L. Estepp, that was stopped at a red light on the exit ramp from Interstate 26.

Mr. Estepp was not injured. Ms. Britton was possibly injured and was transported by Sullivan County E.M.S. to Holston Valley Medical Center for a precautionary evaluation. Mr. Smith was critically injured and was transported by Sullivan County E.M.S. to Holston Valley Medical Center for emergency treatment. Unfortunately he succumbed to his injuries after arrival and died at the hospital.

Both Mr. Estepp and Ms. Britton were properly restrained as required by law; however, Mr. Smith was not wearing his seatbelt. Wearing a seatbelt can easily make the difference in a motorist being seriously injured or killed in a crash versus literally walking away from the crash with minor injuries or completely unscathed. The Kingsport Police Department encourages ALL occupants of ALL motor vehicles to wear their seatbelt ALL of the time. It is the law, but more importantly, it might just save a life.

As previously released:

On November 23, 2016 at approximately 6:45 AM, the Kingsport Police Department responded to a multi-vehicle crash at the intersection of John B. Dennis Highway and Wilcox Drive in Kingsport. This motor vehicle collision resulted in severe traffic congestion at and around this intersection.

Traffic flow continued to be impaired for roughly four hours to allow for a thorough investigation of the crash and the safe removal of vehicles and debris; however, all lanes are now back open and normal traffic patterns have resumed. The crash itself is still under investigation by the K.P.D. Traffic Unit.

As previously released:

On November 23, 2016 at approximately 6:45 AM, the Kingsport Police Department responded to a multi-vehicle crash at the intersection of John B. Dennis Highway and Wilcox Drive in Kingsport. This motor vehicle collision has resulted in severe traffic congestion at and around this intersection. Motorists in the immediate area are strongly urged to exercise caution and patience. All other motorists are asked to seek an alternate route and avoid the area all together if at all possible.
COLLISION VEHICLE #1 INFORMATION
Make Nissan
Model 350Z
Year 2004
Type 2-Door Sport Coupe
Color White
Damage Disabling Damage
Driver Name Carl E. Smith
Age 73 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/White
Residency Kingsport, TN
Injuries Fatal
COLLISION VEHICLE #2 INFORMATION
Make Jeep
Model Compass
Year 2015
Type Compact Sport Utility Vehicle
Color Orange
Damage Disabling Damage
Driver Name Jordan C. Britton
Age 26 Years of Age
Gender/Race Female/White
Residency Johnson City, TN
Injuries Possible Injury
COLLISION VEHICLE #3 INFORMATION
Make Mitsubishi
Model Lancer
Year 2008
Type 4-Door Sedan
Color Red
Damage Disabling Damage
Driver Name Travis L. Estepp
Age 35 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/White
Residency Johnson City, TN
Injuries No Injury
RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

KPD e-News Release: John B. Dennis Highway at Wilcox Drive Resumes Normal Traffic Operation Following Crash

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Kingsport Police Department

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

ThomasMPatton • 423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-224-2786 (FAX)

http://Police.KingsportTN.gov • www.KingsportPDBlog.com

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: John B. Dennis Highway at Wilcox Drive Resumes Normal Traffic Operation Following Crash
DATE: November 23, 2016
CASE #: 16-025458
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On November 23, 2016 at approximately 6:45 AM, the Kingsport Police Department responded to a multi-vehicle crash at the intersection of John B. Dennis Highway and Wilcox Drive in Kingsport. This motor vehicle collision resulted in severe traffic congestion at and around this intersection.

Traffic flow continued to be impaired for roughly four hours to allow for a thorough investigation of the crash and the safe removal of vehicles and debris; however, all lanes are now back open and normal traffic patterns have resumed. The crash itself is still under investigation by the K.P.D. Traffic Unit.

As previously released:

On November 23, 2016 at approximately 6:45 AM, the Kingsport Police Department responded to a multi-vehicle crash at the intersection of John B. Dennis Highway and Wilcox Drive in Kingsport. This motor vehicle collision has resulted in severe traffic congestion at and around this intersection. Motorists in the immediate area are strongly urged to exercise caution and patience. All other motorists are asked to seek an alternate route and avoid the area all together if at all possible.
RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

KPD e-News Release: Multi-Vehicle Crash Congesting Traffic at Intersection of John B. Dennis Highway and Wilcox Drive

,

Kingsport Police Department

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

ThomasMPatton • 423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-224-2786 (FAX)

http://Police.KingsportTN.gov • www.KingsportPDBlog.com

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: Multi-Vehicle Crash Congesting Traffic at Intersection of John B. Dennis Highway and Wilcox Drive
DATE: November 23, 2016
CASE #: 16-025458
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On November 23, 2016 at approximately 6:45 AM, the Kingsport Police Department responded to a multi-vehicle crash at the intersection of John B. Dennis Highway and Wilcox Drive in Kingsport. This motor vehicle collision has resulted in severe traffic congestion at and around this intersection. Motorists in the immediate area are strongly urged to exercise caution and patience. All other motorists are asked to seek an alternate route and avoid the area all together if at all possible.
RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

cattails golf course logo

Be Loyal Buy Local: 2017 Cattails Discount Card

2017 Cattails Discount Card

$12 off every 18 hole round
$6 off every 9 hole round
1 Free 18 hole round GF/CF included
15% off merchandise in the Pro Shop
20% off breakfast, lunch, and dinner entrees at “The Meadows”
Marriott Reciprocal Golf Program Member
$4.00 Reg. Range Ball & $8.00 Large Range Ball

On sale now for only $135!

423-578-6622
www.cattailsgolf.com

jeff fleming city manager

A Message from the City Manager

As we approach Kingsport’s centennial, I am reminded of the impact this city has had on so many lives.

My mom is from Hawkins County, my dad from Southwest Virginia. They came to Kingsport seeking a better life for their children and grandchildren. Citizens of this new town came from nearby and faraway.  It was an early melting pot of diversity from around the world – people with a common goal – to build a better future.

March 2nd isn’t just Kingsport’s birthday, it’s also my son’s.  Just like his mother, sister, and I, he was born at Holston Valley Hospital. He reaped the benefit of one of the many institutions that were envisioned, planned and funded by the Kingsport Spirit. And so goes the circle of life. Our family, like so many others, inherited a city with exceptional schools, incredible parks, strong volunteerism, charitable conviction, civic-minded businesses, an infectious community pride, and a can-do attitude.

Jim Harlan, chair of the Kingsport Community Foundation said, “You’re here today because someone came before you to lay the groundwork…someone helped you…someone prayed for you – and it’s your responsibility to do the same for those to come.”

When you think about the odds this fledgling city faced, the Kingsport Spirit is even more pronounced. In 1910, developers set out to build a city.  Four years later, World War I broke out. Twelve years later, the stock market crashed and the Great Depression began. Ten years later, World War II consumed the globe again.

At every turn, in any situation, Kingsport citizens have risen to the occasion.

Whether it be the groundbreaking founding of Douglass High School in 1928, the Santa Train in 1942, Bays Mountain Park in 1968, Fun Fest in 1980, Kingsport Tomorrow in 1989, MeadowView Convention Center in 1996, the Academic Village in 2002, the Kingsport Carousel in 2010, the PEAK young professionals in 2013, or the recent OneKingsport Summit – Kingsport is willing to dream – it’s willing to work – and it’s willing to leave a legacy.

The original vision was fifty thousand residents. Today, Kingsport’s population stands at 53,028.

We stand at a crossroads. Rest on the successes of the past, or boldly dream and build for the future.  What will Kingsport be in 2117? I won’t be here to find out, but I hope we’ve all left it a little better than we found it – for future generations.

In closing, you’ve made the dream of this little boy from Cherry Street a reality. I consider it one of life’s greatest blessings to be able to give back to the place that made, shaped, and nurtured me. It’s an even greater blessing that my wife and children have shared this journey with me. Wherever I go, people remind me, “There’s something different about this place. Don’t ever take that for granted.”

Whether you’ve been here 100 years or 100 days – I hope you feel THE KINGSPORT SPIRIT. It will leave an indelible mark on your soul that you’ll carry wherever you go.

Jeff Fleming

City Manager

Be Loyal Buy Local Art

Be Loyal Buy Local This Holiday

You can support the cause and help strengthen the local economy by shopping at your friends’ and neighbors’ local stores. Purchase their products. Dine at their restaurants. Use their services. In turn, these locally owned and operated businesses will continually pump your hard-earned dollars back into the local economy by way of taxes, payrolls and purchases.

This means more money for new jobs, schools, roads, services and parks in your community.

Local business owners think money spent in our community should largely stay here.

So get out and shop local. You’ll be happy you did!

buy local_little shop

November 26: Small Business Saturday

Its 3 days away! Small Business Saturday is a national initiative that declares a day to support local businesses around the country. Shop locally for your holiday gifts and support your community!

To view all the Hot Deals for Kingsport, please visit http://www.kingsportchamber.org/hotdeals.

Link to: City of Kingsport
City of Kingsport, Tennessee