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Back by Popular Demand: New Year’s Eve Street Party in Downtown Kingsport

Celebrate downtown with a live DJ, KidsZone and fireworks
Back by popular demand, the New Year’s Eve Street Party in downtown Kingsport is happening again! As the closing event to the city’s centennial, it’s going to be bigger and better than last year. There’s even going to be a spectacular fireworks show at midnight!
The Street Party is scheduled to take place from 8 p.m. to midnight on December 31st in the 100 block of Broad Street (where the downtown concert series is held) and will include a live DJ (Steve Bailey with DJ Express) with the fan-favorite emcee Josh Smith of WJHL.
“Our centennial New Year’s street party was a great opening to our centennial year,” said CeeGee McCord, co-chair of the Centennial Commission. “Everyone had such a great time last year so it was an easy decision to host this popular event again.”
The YMCA is sponsoring a KidsZone. It’s a ‘glow theme’ this year – complete with glow sticks, 9-Square, ladder ball and kids can make their own glitter slime while supplies last!
The crowd favorite Holston Valley scavenger hunt is back with more clues. Eugene the Illusionist will be performing, too!
Missed out on purchasing your centennial gear? All centennial merchandise will be available at the event from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. All centennial items will be marked down to $5!
If the temperatures get too cold for some, patio heaters and small fire pits will provide spots where individual can warm up.
Sleepy Owl Brewery will serve their signature brews and several downtown restaurants, such as Macados, Mr. Papa’s & Beer and Nutty Java, are staying open late and having specials. TK Hotdogs will be there, too!
Other happenings at the street party include a fire spinner, pony rides, swings, and more!
The street party is free and open to the public, and attendees are encouraged to bring a chair, just like with the summer concert series.
Road Closure: The 100 block of Broad Street, between East Main Street and West Market Street, will be closed from 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 31st to 2:00 a.m. on January 1st.
For more information, visit www.kingsport100.org.

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Bays Final Logo Brown

Additional Planetarium Showings At Bays Mountain

The Bays Mountain Planetarium will be celebrating the holidays by giving you the gift of more planetarium shows. From December 18th through December 29th, the planetarium will add an extra show-time at 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, for their alternate double-feature Two Small Pieces of Glass and Galileo’s Skies.

“During this time of year we have visitors who travel here to spend the holidays with their families,” said Adam Thanz, planetarium director at Bays Mountain Park. “We want to give them, as well as our residents, the opportunity to see our shows before they are changed in January.”

The main feature through December is Cosmic Origins Spectrograph, but starting in January and showing through April, the main feature will be Out There – The Quest for Extrasolar Worlds. Using the world’s most powerful telescopes, we are now exploring oth­er solar systems. Learn how we search for these incredibly difficult to find objects and discover that our eight planets are not alone. The show is followed by a live tour of the current night sky. Bays Mountain Planetarium’s main features are shown at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on the weekends and at 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

The new alternative feature for January and February is Appalachian Skies: Winter. This in-house production will be a live presentation of the current night sky and will explore fascinating constellations and planets that are easily vis­ible. This show highlights the spectacular Carl Zeiss ZKP-4 star projector instrument. This alternative feature is shown at 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Tickets are $5 per person. Children ages 5 and younger receive free admission with a paying adult. For more information on Bays Mountain’s planetarium shows, please visit baysmountain.com or call 423-229-9447.

Planetarium shows Jan-Feb

KPD e-News Release: Previously Reported Armed and Dangerous Suspect Has Been Apprehended

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Kingsport Police Department

David Quillin, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

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

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: Previously Reported Armed and Dangerous Suspect Has Been Apprehended
DATE: December 15, 2017
CASE #: 17-033226
GENERAL NARRATIVE
A previously reported armed and dangerous suspect wanted by the Kingsport Police Department is now in custody. On December 15, 2017 at approximately 6:30 PM, Jonathan J. Ryans was arrested at 305 Darlington Drive in Sullivan County, just outside the city limits of Kingsport.

His arrest on the outstanding K.P.D. warrant was cooperatively facilitated by the United States Marshals Service and the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office. K.P.D. would like to thank both of these law enforcement agencies for their assistance in bringing this offender to justice.

Mr. Ryans is currently incarcerated in the Sullivan County Jail in Blountville where he will remain at least until his arraignment. His bond on the outstanding K.P.D. warrant was preset at $150,000 by the presiding judge. He also faces felony charges in Bristol, TN for Aggravated Assault as well as the possibility of pending additional charges incurred at the time of his arrest.

As previously released:

The Kingsport Police Department is requesting assistance from the public in locating a suspect involved in a recent shooting incident.

On November 20, 2017 at approximately 11:00 PM, Kingsport Police Patrol Officers responded to a report of multiple shots fired in the area of Cloud Apartments in Kingsport. Multiple eye witnesses reported that Jonathan J. Ryans had just discharged a firearm three times with complete disregard for the densely populated surroundings, placing multiple bystanders at risk of serious injury or death.

Upon arrival, officers located three 9mm shell casings near the intersection of Reedy Place and Nelson Street; however, Mr. Ryans had already fled the area. After further investigation by the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division, Detectives ultimately obtained a warrant charging Mr. Ryans with Felony Reckless Endangerment.

He is also wanted for Aggravated Assault, in connection with an unrelated incident that occurred in Bristol, Tennessee. Detectives have received reliable information to lead them to believe that Mr. Ryans is still in possession of one or more firearms. He should be considered armed and extremely dangerous and should not be approached.

A recent photograph and detailed description of Mr. Ryans is included in this release. Detectives are requesting that anyone who sees him, or knows his possible current whereabouts, to contact them as soon as possible at 423-229-9429 or call Kingsport Central Dispatch at 423-246-9111.

Alternatively, if an individual who is able to supply information related to this or any other case wishes not to be identified, tips can be submitted anonymously via online “Citizen Feedback” forms available at the following link:

https://www.kingsporttn.gov/city-services/police-department/contact-us
ARRESTED SUSPECT INFORMATION
Name Jonathan J. Ryans
Age Date of Birth 9/7/1989

28 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/Black
Residency Various Residences in and around Cloud Apartments in Kingsport
Charge(s) 1) Felony Reckless Endangerment in Kingsport

2) Also Wanted for Aggravated Assault in Bristol, TN

3) Possibility of Pending Additional Charges Incurred at Time of Arrest

RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

ThomasMPatton

KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Police Emphasizing Impaired Driving Enforcement During THSO Holiday Campaign

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Kingsport Police Department

David Quillin, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

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

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: Kingsport Police Emphasizing Impaired Driving Enforcement During THSO Holiday Campaign
DATE: December 14, 2017
GENERAL NARRATIVE
During the month of December, the Kingsport Police Department will be partnering with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) for the annual Holiday “Booze It & Lose It” Impaired Driving Enforcement Campaign.

The THSO is Tennessee’s advocate for traffic safety. The THSO partners with community advocates and law enforcement agencies across the state to reduce impaired-driving crashes, injuries, and fatalities.

The Holiday “Booze It & Lose It” Campaign runs from December 13 through 31, 2017. While impaired driving awareness, prevention, and enforcement is a year-around priority at K.P.D., the department will be placing a heightened emphasis on it during this campaign.

Driving under the influence (DUI), also known as driving while intoxicated (DWI), drunk driving, or impaired driving, is the crime of driving a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol and/or drugs.

In Tennessee, a drunk driver’s level of intoxication is typically determined by the measurement of blood alcohol content (BAC). A BAC measurement of 0.08% defines the criminal offense.

But remember, Tennessee DUI laws apply not just to alcohol, but to any substance that impairs the ability to drive, including illegal drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, as well as prescription drugs, even if they are prescribed by a physician and taken as directed.

Being convicted of driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol can impact your life in many ways, including loss of employment, prevention of employment in certain jobs, higher insurance rates, serious financial setbacks, personal and family embarrassment, and incarceration.

As we wrap up our city’s centennial anniversary year and embark into 2018, the Kingsport Police Department would like to wish all of our fellow citizens a Crime-Free and Merry Christmas as well as a Safe and Happy New Year!

RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

ThomasMPatton

American Red Cross Swim Lessons offered at Kingsport Aquatic Center

Give your child or grandchild a gift that will last a lifetime this holiday season! Winter swim lessons at the Kingsport Aquatic Center will help prepare your child for summer fun when our Outdoor Water Park opens in May.

All group swim lessons at the Kingsport Aquatic Center are American Red Cross courses. Swimming lessons are offered in group, private, semi-private and adaptive settings. Each session includes eight classes, which are offered as Monday/Wednesday, Tuesday/Thursday or Saturday classes. A swim test is offered to help determine the correct class based on a child’s current skills.

Winter swim lessons begin January 8th, 2018. For Aquatic Center or YMCA members, lessons are $50 for the first child and $45 for additional children. For non-members, lessons are $60 for the first child and $55 for additional children.

Registration for the first session begins in person and online at 8 a.m. Saturday, December 16th and closes at 5 p.m. on Sunday, January 7th.  In order to register on time, the KAC recommends creating an account prior to the day of registration. A $10 late registration fee will be added if you sign up after registration closes.

If an account is created after 5 p.m. on Friday and before 8 a.m. on Monday, you will not receive a password until Monday at 8 a.m. Google Chrome and Firefox are compatible web browsers. YMCA members who plan to register online need to show their YMCA card to the KAC front desk staff, prior to registration, in order to update the system to reflect your YMCA membership.

Session dates and registration times are as follows:

Registration    Mon./Wed. Classes     Tues./Thurs. Classes   Sat. Classes

January            12/16-1/7        1/8-1/31                      1/9-2/1                        1/6-2/24

February          2/3-2/4            2/5-2/28                      2/6-3/1

March             3/3-3/4            3/5-4/4                        3/6-4/5                        3/10-5/5

April                4/7-4/8            4/9-5/2                        4/10-5/3

*No classes will be held 3/19/18-3/24/18.

For a detailed description of our classes, to set-up an account or register, visit www.swimkingsport.com or call the Aquatic Center at 423-343-9758.

Learn to swim program 2018 Learn to swim program 2018

Upcoming Holiday Events

The most wonderful time of the year is here and you are invited to celebrate this holiday season with a special evening at the Kingsport Carousel and a Holiday Open House at the Kingsport Model Trains Project.

  •  Christmas at the Carousel

Thursday, December 14 @ 5 – 7 p.m.

Make Christmas at the Carousel your new family tradition. This jolly, family event will allow your little ones a chance to visit with Santa Milt, who is one of our Carousel Carvers. Also in attendance will be award-winning author, Leigh Anne W. Hoover, who will be signing her well-known book, The Santa Train Tradition. Rides on the Carousel will be free during the event. Hot cider and cookies will be served. The Kingsport Carousel is located at 350 Clinchfield Street, Kingsport, TN.

  • Kingsport Model Trains Project Holiday Open House

Saturday, December 16 @ 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Volunteer members of the Kingsport Model Train Project invite you to come visit the magical working trains set up with their holiday themes. Visit the Santa Train room and see the wonderful progress, and hear plans for the creation of this local favorite tradition. The volunteers will have children’s tables set up as an opportunity for hands-on work on their own trains. The open house will take place on the 3rd floor of the Lynn View Community Center.

For more information on these events, please visit www.EngageKingsport.com, or call 423-392-8414.

KPD e-News Release: Missing Man Located Safe and Sound

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Kingsport Police Department

David Quillin, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

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

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: Missing Man Located Safe and Sound
DATE: December 6, 2017
CASE #: 17-034578
GENERAL NARRATIVE
As of December 6, 2017 William Justin Dykes is no longer considered a missing person. He has been located safe and sound in Southwest Virginia. The Kingsport Police Department investigation into his disappearance is officially closed.

As previously released:

On December 2, 2017 William Justin Dykes was reported as a missing person to the Kingsport Police Department by his mother. He does not reside in Kingsport; however, he was last seen in Kingsport on November 28, 2017 at 7:30 AM by a neighbor who had given him a ride and dropped him off at Cedar View Christian School, located at 1900 Flanders Street.

Mr. Dykes was said to be meeting an unknown person at this location to then travel to an unknown location in Weber City, Virginia to perform an unknown job. He has not been seen or heard from since. His family said that it was not uncommon for him to travel out of town to perform odd jobs, but it was very out of character for him to not stay in touch with them while he was away.

K.P.D. Detectives are asking for anyone who may spot Mr. Dykes or know his current whereabouts to contact them as soon as possible at 423-229-9429 or call Kingsport Central Dispatch at 423-246-9111.

Alternatively, if an individual who is able to supply information related to this or any other case wishes not to be identified, tips can be submitted anonymously via online “Citizen Feedback” forms available at the following link:

https://www.kingsporttn.gov/city-services/police-department/contact-us
RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

ThomasMPatton

KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Police Officers Recognized for Traffic Safety Efforts

,

Kingsport Police Department

David Quillin, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

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

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: Kingsport Police Officers Recognized for Traffic Safety Efforts
DATE: December 6, 2017
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On December 5, 2017, the Kingsport Police Department in general, and three of its officers in particular, were recognized for their emphasis on traffic safety over the previous year. At the annual Tennessee Highway Safety Office (T.H.S.O.) Awards Banquet held in Greeneville, TN, the following K.P.D. Officers were presented with awards: Sgt. Steve Summey was presented with the East Tennessee Officer of the Year Award, Officer Blake Good was presented with the East Tennessee Beyond the Traffic Stop Award, and Officer Matt McGuire was presented with the Impaired Driving Enforcement Award.

In addition to these individual achievements, the Kingsport Police Department as a whole was also presented with a Certificate of Appreciation plaque from the Tennessee Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) in recognition for its continued department-wide focus on combating impaired driving. The Kingsport Police Department would like to take this opportunity to applaud the tireless efforts of these officers for helping keep Kingsport’s roadways and citizens safe and to congratulate them on a job well done.

Pictured left to right above: Officer Blake Good, Sergeant Steve Summey, and Officer Matt McGuire
RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

ThomasMPatton

KPD e-News Release: K.P.D. Requesting Public Assistance in Locating Armed and Dangerous Suspect

,
Kingsport Police Department

David Quillin, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

http://Police.KingsportTN.gov • www.KingsportPDBlog.com
NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: K.P.D. Requesting Public Assistance in Locating Armed and Dangerous Suspect
DATE: December 5, 2017
CASE #: 17-033226
GENERAL NARRATIVE
The Kingsport Police Department is requesting assistance from the public in locating a suspect involved in a recent shooting incident.

On November 20, 2017 at approximately 11:00 PM, Kingsport Police Patrol Officers responded to a report of multiple shots fired in the area of Cloud Apartments in Kingsport. Multiple eye witnesses reported that Jonathan J. Ryans had just discharged a firearm three times with complete disregard for the densely populated surroundings, placing multiple bystanders at risk of serious injury or death.

Upon arrival, officers located three 9mm shell casings near the intersection of Reedy Place and Nelson Street; however, Mr. Ryans had already fled the area. After further investigation by the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division, Detectives ultimately obtained a warrant charging Mr. Ryans with Felony Reckless Endangerment.

He is also wanted for Aggravated Assault, in connection with an unrelated incident that occurred in Bristol, Tennessee. Detectives have received reliable information to lead them to believe that Mr. Ryans is still in possession of one or more firearms. He should be considered armed and extremely dangerous and should not be approached.

A recent photograph and detailed description of Mr. Ryans is included in this release. Detectives are requesting that anyone who sees him, or knows his possible current whereabouts, to contact them as soon as possible at 423-229-9429 or call Kingsport Central Dispatch at 423-246-9111.

Alternatively, if an individual who is able to supply information related to this or any other case wishes not to be identified, tips can be submitted anonymously via online “Citizen Feedback” forms available at the following link:

https://www.kingsporttn.gov/city-services/police-department/contact-us
WANTED SUSPECT INFORMATION
Name Jonathan J. Ryans
Age Date of Birth 9/7/1989

28 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/Black
Height/

Weight

 Approximately 5 feet 10 inches

Roughly 175 pounds
Hair/

Eyes

 Short Black Hair

Brown Eyes
Facial Hair Mustache and Goatee
Other Descriptors Numerous Facial and Full Body Tattoos
Last Known Address Various Residences in and around Cloud Apartments in Kingsport
Caution Believed to be in possession of one or more firearms. Considered armed and extremely dangerous. Should not be approached.
Charge(s) 1) Felony Reckless Endangerment in Kingsport

2) Also Wanted for Aggravated Assault in Bristol, TN

RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

ThomasMPatton
Link to: City of Kingsport
City of Kingsport, Tennessee