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A Polar Party at the Kingsport Aquatic Center

Join the Kingsport Aquatic Center for Santa’s South Pole Swim!

On Saturday, December 14 from 6:30 to 8 p.m., bring your kids to the KAC for a holiday pool party. Don’t worry—the KAC’s indoor pools are warmer than the Antarctic. Kids can enjoy reindeer games, paddle board rides with the elves, and aquatic sled riding! You’ll even be able to take your picture with Santa.

All children 12 and under will also be able to decorate their very own stocking, provided by the KAC on a first come/first serve basis.

Pre-registration is $5 per swimmer, and day-of swimmer tickets will cost $7. If you prefer not to swim, all spectator tickets are $2. The KAC strongly recommends you pre-register! Tickets are available by visiting the Special Events page on swimkingsport.com.

Please call the KAC at (423)343-9758 for more information.

Parks & Recreation Master Plan

If the frigid temperatures have got you missing long walks in the park under sunny skies, come help Kingsport Parks and Recreation make a plan for the future! The City of Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department is in the process of developing a master plan that will create both short and long-term goals for the facilities, programs and recreational experiences available residents and visitors.

The organization is hosting a drop in open house to hear ideas on future activities and give input on existing ones. Come by and give your ideas on how to continue to make Kingsport a great place for lifelong play, recreation, health and learning.

The open house will be on December 9 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. in the Kingsport Civic Auditorium.

For more information on Parks and Recreation, please visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org.

Opportunity Zone Road Show

How can you take advantage of Opportunity Zones in our region? On December 11, the City of Kingsport is hosting the TN Department of Economic & Community Development for a Regional discussion on getting the most out of Opportunity Zone legislation.

From 1 to 5 p.m., regional stakeholders are invited to MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center for an update on Opportunity Zone progress and projects. Whether you’re an investor, developer, fund manager, entrepreneur, accountant, government or business leader or any other kind of regional stakeholder, you are welcome to attend this free presentation.

“Attracting capital to our area is critical for economic growth,” said Jason Hudson, Kingsport’s Economic Development Director. “As a region with over half a million people, together we can showcase East Tennessee and position ourselves as a destination for new industry and technology companies while supporting our existing business community.”

The day’s agenda:
– Lamont Price, TN ECD, demonstrating TN’s new OZ platform
– OZ refresher and regulation updates
– What do funds want?
– Opportunity Appalachia
– Examples of what qualifies as an OZ project
– Local incentives for developers
– TN incentives
– Panel discussion
– Project Exhibition and Networking

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 created incentives for investment in distressed communities through the creation of Opportunity Zones. In December 2018, a meeting was held at Meadowview to introduce Opportunity Zones. This presentation will provide an update on the IRS guidelines, local projects, and available resources.

Please register to attend online at bit.ly/oz-423. There is no registration fee. Entrepreneurs are invited to set up a booth, though space is limited—just select “Project Presentation” when you register.

KPD e-News Release: Suspect Arrested for Vehicular Homicide by Intoxication Following Investigation into September 2019 Fatal I-26 Crash

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Kingsport Police Department

David Quillin, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

• www.KingsportPDBlog.com

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: Suspect Arrested for Vehicular Homicide by Intoxication Following Investigation into September 2019 Fatal I-26 Crash
DATE: December 4, 2019
CASE #: 19-020414 (Crash Report)

19-028450 (Incident Report)
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On September 1, 2019, at approximately 5:15 AM, Kingsport Police Patrol Officers responded to a motor vehicle collision on westbound Interstate 26 near mile-marker 6 (Rock Springs Road exit) in Kingsport. Based on the seriousness of the injuries to those involved, the K.P.D. Traffic Unit was called to the scene to investigate. Their initial findings at the time were as follows:

A dark blue 2008 Honda Accord 4-door sedan, driven and solely occupied by Margaret C. Buck of Johnson City, TN, was lawfully traveling westbound on I-26 near mile-marker 6. Meanwhile, a black 2005 Mercedes C230 4-door sedan, driven and solely occupied by Zachary D. Hunt of Unicoi, TN, was unlawfully traveling the wrong way, eastbound in the westbound lanes of I-26, at the same location.

The Mercedes struck the Honda in a head-on impact. Both drivers were transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment, Mr. Hunt with non-incapacitating injuries, but Ms. Buck with serious/incapacitating injuries. The westbound lanes of Interstate 26 were completely closed for over three hours to allow for the initial treatment and transportation of the injured, the thorough investigation of the crash, and the safe removal of any and all involved vehicles and related debris.

The following day, on September 2, 2019 at approximately 9:00 PM, Margaret C. Buck succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash and died while still hospitalized. This has remained an active ongoing investigation by the K.P.D. Traffic Unit since the date of the crash. Early in the investigation, it was determined that Mr. Hunt entered Interstate 26 in his black Mercedes sedan going the wrong way (eastbound in the westbound lanes) via an I-26 exit (rather than entrance) ramp at the intersection of John B. Dennis Highway and Wilcox Drive.

Based on officer observations, witness statements, and evidence found at the scene, Investigators had sufficient cause to believe that alcohol consumption by Mr. Hunt was a significant factor in the crash. A warrant was obtained for a blood sample which was in turn sent to the T.B.I Crime Lab for analysis. The results received on October 2, 2019 revealed that Mr. Hunt had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of over two and a half times the legal limit.

On November 20, 2019 the facts of this case were presented to a Sullivan County Grand Jury which returned a true bill of indictment. On November 25, 2019 a capias/bench warrant was issued charging Mr. Hunt with the following:

1) Vehicle Homicide by Intoxication

2) Vehicular Homicide

3) Felony Reckless Endangerment

4) Driving Under the Influence

5) DUI with BAC over 0.08%

6) DUI with BAC over 0.20%

On the afternoon of December 4, 2019, Mr. Hunt turned himself in on the outstanding warrant, surrendering himself to authorities at the Kingsport Justice Center. He was processed in the Kingsport City Jail and then transferred to the Sullivan County Jail in Blountville where he will remain confined in lieu of a $25,000 bond.
SUSPECT INFORMATION
Name Zachary D. Hunt
Age Date of Birth 7/23/1996

23 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/White
Residency 225 Washington Street

Unicoi, TN
Charge(s) 1) Vehicle Homicide by Intoxication

2) Vehicular Homicide

3) Felony Reckless Endangerment

4) Driving Under the Influence

5) DUI with BAC over 0.08%

6) DUI with BAC over 0.20%

COLLISION VEHICLE #1 INFORMATION
Make Honda
Model Accord
Year 2008
Type 4-door sedan
Color Dark Blue
Damage Disabling Damage
Driver Name Margaret C. Buck
Age 47 Years of Age
Gender/Race Female/White
Residency Johnson City, TN
Injuries Fatal
COLLISION VEHICLE #2 INFORMATION
Make Mercedes
Model C230
Year 2005
Type 4-door sedan
Color Black
Damage Disabling Damage
Driver Name Zachary D. Hunt
Age 23 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/White
Residency Unicoi, TN
Injuries Non-Incapacitating Injuries
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 Attempting to Locate Missing Teenager

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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 Attempting to Locate Missing Teenager
DATE: December 3, 2019
CASE #: 19-028099
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On the evening of November 29, 2019, Jacqueline Alyssa Waller was reported as a missing juvenile to the Kingsport Police Department. She was last seen walking in the 400 block of New Beason Well Road in Kingsport.

Jacqueline is a 14 year old, white, female juvenile. She is approximately 5 feet 1 inch tall and weighs roughly 116 pounds. She has brown hair and hazel eyes. At the last point of contact, she was wearing a maroon hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans with holes, and white Converse athletic shoes. A photo is included in this release.

While foul play is not suspected, due to her minor age, Detectives are requesting citizen input to help find her. Anyone who sees her or knows her current whereabouts is asked to contact the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division 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
MISSING JUVENILE INFORMATION
Name Jacqueline Alyssa Waller
Age 14 Years of Age
Gender/Race Female/White
Height/

Weight

 5 feet 1 inch

116 pounds
Hair/

Eyes

 Brown Hair

Hazel Eyes
Residency Kingsport, TN
Last Known Clothing Maroon Hooded Sweatshirt

Blue Jeans with Holes

White Converse Athletic Shoes

RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

ThomasMPatton

Kingsport Fills Two Key Positions

The City of Kingsport has filled the Economic Development Director and Assistant to the City Manager positions.

As Economic Development Director, Jason Hudson supports City Manager Chris McCartt and works closely with the city’s Development Coordinator, Nathan Woods, to advance Kingsport’s economic development efforts.

Originally from Kingsport, Hudson joins the city after more than 23 years in the Navy and 18 years of human resources leadership experience. He retired as a commander in 2016 and continued his career in human resources as a Regional HR Director for a Tier I/II automotive company and as an HR consultant. He brings an emphasis on strategic planning, recruiting, training, and workforce development to his position as Economic Development Director.

“It is an exciting time to join the Kingsport team,” Hudson said. “Our city has a storied history, and I look forward to helping our local talent start and grow their initiatives while attracting new businesses, jobs and residents to share in our outstanding quality of life.”

Hudson has a Bachelor of Science in Human and Organizational Development from Vanderbilt, as well as three master’s degrees: Industrial/Organizational Psychology (Christopher Newport University); National Security and Strategic Studies (Naval War College); and an MBA in Finance and Entrepreneurship/Innovation (University of Tennessee).

New Assistant to the City Manager Jessica Harmon acts as a proxy and assists McCartt across many arenas.

Harmon has served as a planner for the City of Kingsport since May of 2016, and previously served both Johnson City’s and Bristol’s planning departments. Her time as Senior Planner and later as Principal Planner has included work across a number of city boards and commissions, as well as assisting citizens and revising regulations to make them user-friendly and modern.

“Working for the community that raised me has been such an honor,” Harmon said. “I want to grow with the city, both professionally and personally.”

Harmon holds a bachelor’s degree from UT in political science and a Masters of Public Administration from East Tennessee State University. She is also a recent graduate of the Leadership Kingsport program and currently serves as Chair for the Youth Leadership Program with the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce.

“These two roles are an integral part of my vision for Kingsport since I stepped into the city manager job in July,” McCartt said. “We’re looking forward and stand ready to push our city into a great next year.”

KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Police Investigating Afternoon Shooting Incident at Model City Apartments (Update)

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Kingsport Police Department

David Quillin, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

• www.KingsportPDBlog.com

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: Kingsport Police Investigating Afternoon Shooting Incident at Model City Apartments (Update)
DATE: November 27, 2019
CASE #: 19-027789
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On November 25, 2019 at approximately 4:00 PM, Kingsport Police Patrol Officers and Detectives responded to Model City Apartments, also known as Stonecrest Apartments, located at 1000 Stonegate Road in Kingsport, in response to reports of a shooting incident. The ensuing investigation by K.P.D. Detectives has since revealed the following:

During an apparent argument outside of the “P” building of this apartment complex, the suspect, who has since been identified as Bryius John Lewis, Jr., also known as “Drama” (18 year old black male adult of Kingsport), produced a firearm and fired multiple shots, striking the victim (19 year old white male adult of Kingsport), twice in his lower back and his leg.

Prior to police arriving at the scene of the shooting, the victim, who will not be publicly identified in this release, had already been transported by a private party to an area hospital for emergency medical treatment. He currently remains hospitalized in serious condition.

As a result of their investigation, Detectives have obtained an arrest warrant, charging Mr. Lewis with the following:

1) Attempted Second Degree Murder

2) Aggravated Assault

3) Felony Reckless Endangerment

4) Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Dangerous Felony

As of the time of issuance of this release, Mr. Lewis remains wanted and at large. He should be considered armed and dangerous. As mentioned, he is also known by the nickname “Drama.” As previously stated, he is an 18 year old black male adult. He is approximately 5 feet 8 inches in height and weighs roughly 175 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes. A photograph has been included in this release.

Anyone who knows his current whereabouts is asked to contact Detectives in the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division 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

As previously released:

On November 25, 2019 at approximately 4:00 PM, Kingsport Police Patrol Officers and Detectives responded to Model City Apartments, located at 1000 Stonegate Road in Kingsport, in response to reports of an alleged shooting incident.

Once on scene, Officers learned that prior to their arrival an adult male had been transported by a private party to an area hospital for emergency medical treatment of at least one gunshot wound. As of the time of issuance of this release, information regarding his current condition was not readily available.

This incident remains under active investigation by the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division. As such, further details neither can nor will be released at this time. Additional information will be shared at an appropriate point as the investigation develops.
SUSPECT INFORMATION
Name Bryius John Lewis, Jr.

A.K.A. “Drama”
Age Date of Birth 11/17/2001

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

Weight

 5 feet 8 inches

175 pounds
Hair/Eyes Black Hair

Brown Eyes
Last Known Address 1000 Stonegate Road, Apartment P2

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

2) Aggravated Assault

3) Felony Reckless Endangerment

4) Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Dangerous Felony

VICTIM INFORMATION
Name Not Released
Age 19 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/White
Residency Kingsport, TN
Injuries Two gunshot wounds

Serious Condition
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 Attempting to Locate Missing Florida Man (Update)

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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 Attempting to Locate Missing Florida Man (Update)
DATE: November 27, 2019
CASE #: 19-027848
GENERAL NARRATIVE
John Coulter has been located safe and sound at a local hotel and is no longer considered a missing person.

As previously released:

On November 26, 2019 John Coulter of Bradley, Florida was reported missing to the Kingsport Police Department by his wife. His wife told Officers that two days earlier, on November 24th at approximately 2:00 PM, she and her husband were in Kingsport and were at the East Stone Commons Shopping Center, located at 2003 North Eastman Road. She said that at some point, Mr. Coulter walked away toward the Kingsport Greenbelt trailhead located behind the shopping center. He reportedly has not been seen or heard from since.

Mr. Coulter is a 48 year old white male adult. He is 6 feet 2 inches tall, with a thin build and long gray hair. He was last known to be wearing a camouflage jacket and camouflage pants. According to his wife, he has a history of past medical issues, but was otherwise healthy at the time of his unexplained disappearance.

A photograph of Mr. Coulter has been included in this release. Anyone who sees him, or who may know his current whereabouts, is asked to contact Detectives in the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division 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
MISSING PERSON INFORMATION
Name John Coulter
Age 48 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/White
Height/

Build

 6 feet 2 inches

Thin build
Hair Long Gray Hair
Residency Bradley, Florida
Last Known Clothing Camouflage Jacket

Camouflage Pants

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 Attempting to Locate Missing Florida Man

,

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 Attempting to Locate Missing Florida Man
DATE: November 27, 2019
CASE #: 19-027848
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On November 26, 2019 John Coulter of Bradley, Florida was reported missing to the Kingsport Police Department by his wife. His wife told Officers that two days earlier, on November 24th at approximately 2:00 PM, she and her husband were in Kingsport and were at the East Stone Commons Shopping Center, located at 2003 North Eastman Road. She said that at some point, Mr. Coulter walked away toward the Kingsport Greenbelt trailhead located behind the shopping center. He reportedly has not been seen or heard from since.

Mr. Coulter is a 48 year old white male adult. He is 6 feet 2 inches tall, with a thin build and long gray hair. He was last known to be wearing a camouflage jacket and camouflage pants. According to his wife, he has a history of past medical issues, but was otherwise healthy at the time of his unexplained disappearance.

A photograph of Mr. Coulter has been included in this release. Anyone who sees him, or who may know his current whereabouts, is asked to contact Detectives in the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division 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
MISSING PERSON INFORMATION
Name John Coulter
Age 48 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/White
Height/

Build

 6 feet 2 inches

Thin build
Hair Long Gray Hair
Residency Bradley, Florida
Last Known Clothing Camouflage Jacket

Camouflage Pants

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: Pedestrian in Critical Condition Following East Stone Drive Motor Vehicle Collision (Update)

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Kingsport Police Department

David Quillin, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

• www.KingsportPDBlog.com

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: Pedestrian in Critical Condition Following East Stone Drive Motor Vehicle Collision (Update)
DATE: November 26, 2019
CASE #: 19-027653
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On the afternoon of November 26, 2019, Jason K. Chase (pedestrian) succumbed to his injuries and died while still hospitalized following the November 23rd motor vehicle collision on East Stone Drive in Kingsport. This incident remains under active investigation by the K.P.D. Traffic Unit. As such, no further details are available for release at this time.

As previously released:

On November 23, 2019 at approximately 9:00 PM, Kingsport Police Patrol Officers responded to a motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian in the 1400 block of East Stone Drive in Kingsport. Due to the seriousness of injuries sustained by the pedestrian, the K.P.D. Traffic Unit was called to the scene to investigate. Their findings thus far are as follows:

A gray 2002 Ford Explorer sport utility vehicle, driven and solely occupied by Phyllis Ann Nelson (66 year old white female of Weber City, VA), appeared to be lawfully traveling west on East Stone Drive in the far right of the three westbound lanes.

Meanwhile, a pedestrian, Jason K. Chase (48 year old white male of Bristol, TN), was unlawfully attempting to cross East Stone Drive in a northbound direction. He was neither crossing at an intersection nor in a crosswalk. Mr. Chase entered the path of Ms. Nelson’s Ford resulting in him being struck by the vehicle.

Mr. Chase was transported by Sullivan County EMS to an area hospital for emergency medical treatment of serious incapacitating injuries. As of the most recent information available at the time of issuance of this news release, he remains hospitalized in critical condition. Ms. Nelson was not injured in the collision.

This collision remains under active investigation by the K.P.D. Traffic Unit. As such, no further details are available for release at this time.
COLLISION VEHICLE INFORMATION
Make Ford
Model Explorer
Year 2002
Type Sport Utility Vehicle
Color Gray
Damage Functional Damage
Driver Name Phyllis Ann Nelson
Age 66 Years of Age
Gender/Race Female/White
Residency Weber City, Virginia
Injuries No Injury
PEDESTRIAN INFORMATION
Name Jason K. Chase
Age 48 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/White
Residency Bristol, Tennessee
Injuries Serious Incapacitating Injuries

Hospitalized in Critical Condition
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