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Keith Bruner serves as fifth Building Official for city

The City of Kingsport recently promoted Keith Bruner to serve as the Chief Building Officer. Bruner is the fifth Building Official for the City of Kingsport. He has been serving with the city in various inspection capacities since 1998 and was most recently the Master Building Inspector before being promoted.

“I’m honored to be given the opportunity to be Kingsport’s Building Official,” said Bruner. “I look forward to serving the citizens as best we can ensuring their safety in our built environment. I look forward to working with all the other departments & our BMA to ensure Kingsport’s future buildings are safe and constructed to last for many years to come.”

Bruner has served as president of Upper East Tennessee Building Officials Association (UETBOA), Tennessee Building Officials Association (TBOA) and Tennessee Plumbing & Mechanical Inspectors Association (TPMIA) during his tenure with the city. He has been only the fourth Lifetime Achievement award winner from Tennessee Building Officials Association in the last fifty years and holds more than 20 different certifications from the International Code Council, Tennessee Fire Marshal’s Office, and the International Association of Electrical Inspectors. Some of the hardest certifications are those of Certified Building Official and Plans Examiner and he has held those since 2012.

With four daughters and five grandkids, Bruner and his wife of more than 30 years have a very busy household. Kingsport is proud to have this caliber of experience, qualification in-house and a new vision and commitment to the Building Official position.

If you have any questions, please contact Lynn Tully with the City of Kingsport Development Services at 423-229-9319 or lynntully@kingsporttn.gov.

KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Police Stress Sober Driving with Booze It & Lose It 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 Stress Sober Driving with Booze It & Lose It Campaign
DATE: August 20, 2018
GENERAL NARRATIVE
The Kingsport Police Department has once again partnered with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) by participating in their annual Booze It & Lose It Campaign. The campaign encourages participating agencies to step up their education and enforcement efforts surrounding impaired driving.

This year’s campaign runs from August 17 until September 3, 2018, which encompasses the Labor Day holiday weekend, which is statistically one of the deadliest weekends of the year, with impaired drivers endangering themselves and others on America’s roadways.

Beyond the risk of serious injury or death associated with impaired driving, being convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs 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.

The Kingsport Police Department continues to stress that Tennessee D.U.I. 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.

The Kingsport Police Department is stressing the dangers of driving impaired to our community. Impaired driving is a massive problem in the United States, with more than 10,000 people dying annually. If you are out on the roads and you see someone driving impaired, please report it. You could help save a life.

The Kingsport Police Department recommends the following safe alternatives to drinking and driving:

  • Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you have only had one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation to get home safely.
  • Download the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) SaferRide mobile app available on Google Play for Android devices and Apple’s iTunes Store for IOS devices. SaferRide allows users to call a taxi or a predetermined friend, and identifies the user’s location so he or she can be picked up.
  • Call a cab or a friend. Use community sober ride programs if available.
  • If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact the Kingsport Police Department.
  • Have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.

Remember…Booze It & Lose It. Lose your license, your freedom, your life!

To download the NHTSA SaferRide app, visit: https://one.NHTSA.gov/link/SaferRide

For more information about the THSO, visit: www.TNTrafficSafety.org.

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: Man Wanted by Kingsport Police for Stabbing His Brother

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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: Man Wanted by Kingsport Police for Stabbing His Brother
DATE: August 15, 2018
CASE #: 18-023578
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On August 15, 2018 at approximately 5:00 PM, Kingsport Police Patrol Officers were dispatched to a residence, located at 1015 Oak Drive Circle in Kingsport, in reference to a stabbing incident. Responding Officers located an adult male victim with multiple severe lacerations to his head and torso. The victim was transported to an area hospital for emergency medical treatment and is currently listed in stable condition.

K.P.D. Detectives responded to the scene. Their resulting investigation determined that the victim had been stabbed by his brother, Charles Kimball Hughes, during an argument. Mr. Hughes fled the scene on foot prior to police arrival. Officers searched the surrounding area for Hughes; however, he was not immediately located.

A warrant has been obtained, charging Mr. Hughes with 1) Attempted Second Degree Murder and 2) Aggravated Assault. He is a 50 year old white male adult, with blonde hair and blue eyes, standing 5 feet 7 inches in height, and weighing 150 pounds. A photograph of Mr. Hughes has been included in this release.

Due to the severity of the attack and the nature of the charges against him, he should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone who sees him or knows his possible current whereabouts is asked to promptly call the Kingsport Police Department 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 Charles Kimball Hughes
Age Date of Birth 5/10/1968

50 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/White
Height/

Weight

 5 feet 7 inches

150 pounds
Hair/

Eyes

 Blonde Hair

Blue Eyes
Residency 1015 Oak Drive Circle

Kingsport, TN
Charge(s) 1) Attempted Second Degree Murder

2) Aggravated Assault

VICTIM INFORMATION
Name Not Released
Age 54 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/White
Residency Kingsport, TN
Injuries Multiple Severe Lacerations to Head and Torso
RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

ThomasMPatton
cultural arts logo

Adventure Into Acrylic Pouring

Adventure into the fun and unpredictable world of acrylic pouring! The Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts is hosting two special acrylic pouring workshops on August 18th and September 8th.

Instructor Elena Corradino will be teaching a hands-on class about how to create this exciting style of abstract art. Participants will learn five different types of pours, including a double flip cup and three ways to make cells. Elena will discuss color theory, what makes abstract art pop and will go into detail about the materials and brands she uses to create her acrylic art. Participants will leave with the knowledge of how to do acrylic pours on their own, as well as with beautiful art!

Participants will make 10 different paintings (five wooden panels, two ceramic tiles, a wooden round, an 8×10 canvas and a deep edge 5×5 canvas). The class will start at 10:00 a.m. and finish at 2:30 p.m. There will be a 30-minute break for lunch (not provided).

The cost of the class is $85 per person and includes all materials. The class will be held in the 2nd level studio space at the Kingsport Carousel, 350 Clinchfield St.

Pre-registration is required to participate. To register for the class or for more information, please visit EngageKingsport.com or call 423-392-8414.

KPD e-News Release: Victim Identified in Homicide Investigation at Maple Oak Apartments

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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: Victim Identified in Homicide Investigation at Maple Oak Apartments
DATE: August 9, 2018
CASE #: 18-022371
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On August 8, 2018, the victim in the Maple Oak Apartments homicide investigation was positively identified by the Medical Examiner as Mary A. Danner, 68 years of age, of Kingsport.

This remains an open and active homicide investigation by the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division; therefore, no additional details can or will be released at this time.

As previously released:

On August 2, 2018 at approximately 2:00 PM, Kingsport Police Department Detectives were called to Maple Oak Apartments, located at 818 Oak Street in Kingsport, in reference to a deceased person being discovered in apartment 320 under suspicious circumstances.

Detectives quickly established that one of the residents of that apartment, Samuel Rex Sandidge, was a person of interest in their investigation. Mr. Sandidge was not home when the decedent was discovered; however, he was soon located in the Lynn Garden area.

After further investigation, to include a thorough examination of the scene, as well as an extensive interview with Mr. Sandidge, the death was determined to have been a premeditated and intentional homicide committed by Mr. Sandidge. He was subsequently charged with First Degree Murder and booked into the Kingsport City Jail where he remains confined pending arraignment.

The body of the deceased person will be sent to the E.T.S.U. Quillen College of Medicine for forensic autopsy. The identity of the decedent is currently being withheld, pending positive identification by the medical examiner and notification of next of kin.

This remains an open and active homicide investigation by the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division. As such, and in the interest of a successful future prosecution, it would be both irresponsible and premature to release any additional details, to include manner of death or motive, at this time.
SUSPECT INFORMATION
Name Samuel Rex Sandidge
Age Date of Birth 5/30/1951

67 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/White
Residency 818 Oak Street, Apt. 320

Kingsport, TN
Charge(s) First Degree Murder

VICTIM INFORMATION
Name Mary A. Danner
Age 68 Years of Age
Gender/Race Female/White
Residency Kingsport, TN
Injuries Fatal
RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

ThomasMPatton
Bays Final Logo Brown

Bays Mountain Nature Center Closed For Carpet Installation

Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium’s Nature Center will be closed to the public on Monday, August 13 and Tuesday, August 14, while new carpet installation takes place.  Public programs such as the planetarium show, nature program, and barge ride will also be canceled during this time.  Normal operations are expected to resume Wednesday, August 15.

Closing the Nature Center will allow installers to focus exclusively on the gift shop and lobby area these two days. Workspace Interiors will be the contractor performing this work for the City of Kingsport.  The new carpet installation is part of the City’s commitment to providing much needed updates and improvements to the Park in an effort to enhance the visitor experience and maintain Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium’s status as a valued regional destination serving both locals and tourists alike.

For more information on Bays Mountain, please visit baysmountain.com or call 423-229-9447.

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KPD e-News Release: Lynn Garden Drive Temporarily Completely Closed Due to Structure Fire

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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: Lynn Garden Drive Temporarily Completely Closed Due to Structure Fire
DATE: August 6, 2018
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On August 6, 2018 as of approximately 5:30 PM, Lynn Garden Drive near the intersection of Virginia Street in Kingsport is temporarily completely closed in both directions due to a structure fire. The Kingsport Fire Department has a water line run across the road preventing traffic flow. According to K.F.D. the fire has been extinguished; however, the water line remains across the road while they continue to monitor hot spots.

Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and seek an alternate route so as to avoid unnecessary traffic congestion and delays. Motorists already in the immediate area are asked to slow down, exercise caution and patience, and obey all traffic instructions. Motorists are advised to utilize Interstate 26 and/or Carters Valley Road as a detour in the meantime.

Again, this is a temporary delay that will be cleared up as soon as it is safe to do so. Any inquiries regarding the fire itself should be directed to the Kingsport Fire Department.
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 Detectives Investigating Suspicious Death of Child

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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 Detectives Investigating Suspicious Death of Child
DATE: August 6, 2018
CASE #: 18-022609
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On August 5, 2018 at approximately 10:15 AM, Kingsport Police Patrol Officers were dispatched to a residence in the Colonial Heights area of Kingsport in reference to a deceased 4 year old child. Detectives from the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division are currently investigating this incident as a suspicious death.

The child’s body has been sent to the E.T.S.U. Quillen College of Medicine for an autopsy by the Medical Examiner to determine cause of death. Due to the extremely sensitive nature of this active investigation and the minor age of the decedent, absolutely no additional information can or will be released at this time.
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