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KAC hosts Pumpkin Plunge on October 12

October is spooky season, and the Kingsport Aquatic Center is celebrating with the annual Pumpkin Plunge from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on October 12.

Join your favorite Toy Story characters for a party in the KAC’s indoor pool area. There will be pumpkin decorating, treat bags, and all kinds of games to play—and, of course, plenty of swimming fun. Don’t forget to stop by Little Bo Peep’s sheep petting zoo!

All ages are welcome, but pumpkins and treat bags are for children ages 12 and under. Pumpkins will be first come, first serve. Tickets are $5 per swimmer if purchased in advance, or $7 on the day of the event. Adults are welcome to swim, too, but any adult who only wants to spectate should purchase a $2 spectator ticket. Visit swimkingsport.com/special-events to get your tickets!

To learn more about the Kingsport Aquatic Center, visit www.swimkingsport.com or call 423-343-9758.

KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Police Seeking Tips to Help Locate Wanted Man

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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 Seeking Tips to Help Locate Wanted Man
DATE: October 7, 2019
CASE #: 19-022877
GENERAL NARRATIVE
The Kingsport Police Department is requesting information to help locate Roberto M. Horton. Mr. Horton is currently wanted by the Kingsport Police Department for Felony Evading Arrest and Driving on a Suspended License. He also has multiple outstanding warrants by other area law enforcement agencies for Domestic Assault, Failure to Pay Child Support, and Failure to Appear (2 counts).

The K.P.D. charges stem from an incident on September 30, 2019 when, knowing Mr. Horton was a wanted fugitive, two Detectives with the K.P.D. Vice and Narcotics Unit attempted to arrest him in the parking lot of a local convenience store, but he fled in a white GMC pickup.

Mr. Horton is a 33 year old black male adult. He stands approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs roughly 200 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes and typically has a mustache and goatee. A photograph is attached.

Anyone who knows his current whereabouts or may have any information which could help locate him and facilitate his arrest is asked to contact 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 Roberto M. Horton
Age Date of Birth 5/4/1986

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

Weight

 5 feet 11 inches

200 pounds
Hair/

Eyes

 Black Hair

Brown Eyes
Possible/Last Known Addresses 532 Bays View Road

Kingsport, TN

Or

1013 Dorothy Street

Kingsport, TN
Charge(s) K.P.D. Charges:

1) Felony Evading Arrest

2) Driving on Suspended License

Additional Outstanding Warrants with Other Area Agencies

1) Domestic Assault

2) Failure to Pay Child Support

3) Failure to Appear (2 counts)

RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

ThomasMPatton

Bays Mountain Hosts Night Sky Observing Sessions

StarWatch, Bays Mountain Park’s night sky observing sessions, begin this Saturday, October 5.

StarWatch is an hour-long program that allows the public to enjoy the splendor of the night sky at Bays Mountain’s observatories. Attendees can typically see star clusters, nebulous gas clouds, colorful multiple-star systems, distant galaxies and the Moon and planets if up.

Hosted by the Bays Mountain Astronomy Club & Bays Mountain Planetarium, StarWatch offers you the chance to get a look through the park’s large telescopes.

The observing sessions are held each Saturday night in October and November. Viewing starts at 7:30 p.m. on October 5 and 12, 7 p.m. on October 19, 26 and November 2, and 6 p.m. on November 9, 16, 23 and 20.

These programs are free to the public. If there is inclement weather, a free alternate live tour of the night sky in the planetarium theater will be available.

For more information, visit baysmountain.com or call 423-229-9447.

Genealogy… Life in the Past Lane Workshop Series

Genealogy of families is not only important, but also fun to discover! During Family History month, the Kingsport Public Library will be hosting its fifth annual genealogy workshop series every Thursday in October from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The workshops are free and you do not have to register to attend.

The genealogy workshop series will feature four speakers on key topics of interest for those looking into their family’s history and genealogy. These topics are geared to all levels of experience and offer something for everyone, from beginners to advanced genealogy enthusiasts.

Speakers and topics will include the following:

October 3:  Sheila Hunt, Executive Director, Sullivan County Archives and Tourism:

  • Genealogy in Historic Sullivan County

Finding your ancestors in Sullivan County can be easier than you think! While Sullivan County records were burned during the Battle of Blountville in September 1863, the Sullivan County Regional Archives contains many records and manuscripts to help with your research. In addition to resources at the archives, the presentation will include some unique tips for researching your ancestry.

October 10: Kari Roueche, Family History Blogger:

  • What’s New, FamilySearch?

Come get a refresher on building your tree on FamilySearch and learn about recent changes and improvements.

October 17: Jessica McNeely, Holston River Regional Library:

  • More Than Just a Name: Researching Females in Your Family Tree

Too often researchers are caught up following the males in their genealogy. If your family tree is looking a little male dominated, this workshop is for you!  Join us at this session to learn tips and tricks for finding your female ancestors and to understand that they are more than just their names.

October 24: Lori Thornton, Professional Genealogist:

  • 2:00-3:00 p.m. Benefits and Cautions of Using DNA in Genealogical Research

Integrate DNA testing into your genealogical research. Determine your goals and select the right test by understanding the types of DNA tested and companies offering such tests. Understand privacy concerns, particularly those related to law enforcement’s use of some testing databases.

  • 3:00-4:00 p.m. Working With Your DNA Results

Understand in-common matches, colored dots, ThruLines, and other tools provided by Ancestry DNA, the world’s largest autosomal DNA testing company. Upload Ancestry DNA data to other DNA companies and third-party companies and use their tools for even greater success.

Visit www.kingsportlibrary.org or call the reference desk at 423-224-2539 for workshop details.

6th Annual Drool Pawty Hosted At Kingsport Aquatic Center

It’s a doggy takeover at the Kingsport Aquatic Center! Registration for the KAC’s 6th Annual Drool Pawty is now open.

The Outdoor Water Park closes for people at the end of September, but the KAC is welcoming dogs for one last swim. On Saturday, October 5 from 1 to 4 p.m., bring your best pals to the pools for some aquatic fun before the outdoor pools officially close. Dogs get to swim, play and make new puppy friends in the toddler play area for a real dog day afternoon.

Admission is $5 per dog and free to owners. Limit two dogs per person, and dogs’ handler must be over 18 and bring leashes with them. Your dogs must be up-to-date on all vaccines, and vaccination records are required to register.

To learn how to register your pups, visit swimkingsport.com and find the “Special Events” page. Call 423-343-9758 if you have any questions.

KPD e-News Release: Police Request Citizens to Be on the Lookout for Missing/Endangered Woman (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: Police Request Citizens to Be on the Lookout for Missing/Endangered Woman (Update)
DATE: September 24, 2019
CASE #: 19-022370
GENERAL NARRATIVE
Update: Louise P. McCracken has been found safe and sound and is no longer considered missing nor endangered.

As previously released:

On the afternoon of September 24, 2019, Louise P. McCracken was reported as a missing/endangered person to the Kingsport Police Department. Ms. McCracken has dementia. She is a 79 year old white female adult. She is approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighs roughly 179 pounds, and has short brown hair and brown eyes.

Photos of Ms. McCracken are included with this release. She was most recently known to be wearing a white shirt with red stripes, blue jeans, and sandals. She was last seen on this date at 10:45 AM walking in the area of Brookside Pharmacy, located at 1901 Brookside Drive in Kingsport.

While she was last known to be on foot, it is also possible that she was picked up by her adult daughter, Marcella Devane, in a white, early 2000s model, GMC Jimmy sport utility vehicle.

Anyone who sees her or who may know her current whereabouts is asked to make every possible effort to keep her in sight and promptly call Kingsport Central Dispatch at 423-246-9111.
MISSING/ENDANGERED WOMAN INFORMATION
Name Louise P. McCracken
Age 79 Years of Age
Gender/Race Female/White
Height/

Weight

 5 feet 5 inches

179 pounds
Hair/

Eyes

 Brown hair

Brown eyes
Residency Blountville, TN
Last Known Clothing White shirt with red stripes

Blue jeans

Sandals
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: Police Request Citizens to Be on the Lookout for Missing/Endangered Woman

,

Kingsport Police Department

David Quillin, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

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

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: Police Request Citizens to Be on the Lookout for Missing/Endangered Woman
DATE: September 24, 2019
CASE #: 19-022370
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On the afternoon of September 24, 2019, Louise P. McCracken was reported as a missing/endangered person to the Kingsport Police Department. Ms. McCracken has dementia. She is a 79 year old white female adult. She is approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighs roughly 179 pounds, and has short brown hair and brown eyes.

Photos of Ms. McCracken are included with this release. She was most recently known to be wearing a white shirt with red stripes, blue jeans, and sandals. She was last seen on this date at 10:45 AM walking in the area of Brookside Pharmacy, located at 1901 Brookside Drive in Kingsport.

While she was last known to be on foot, it is also possible that she was picked up by her adult daughter, Marcella Devane, in a white, early 2000s model, GMC Jimmy sport utility vehicle.

Anyone who sees her or who may know her current whereabouts is asked to make every possible effort to keep her in sight and promptly call Kingsport Central Dispatch at 423-246-9111.
MISSING/ENDANGERED WOMAN INFORMATION
Name Louise P. McCracken
Age 79 Years of Age
Gender/Race Female/White
Height/

Weight

 5 feet 5 inches

179 pounds
Hair/

Eyes

 Brown hair

Brown eyes
Residency Blountville, TN
Last Known Clothing White shirt with red stripes

Blue jeans

Sandals
RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

ThomasMPatton

Kingsport State of the City

Kingsport’s State of the City event is October 4 at 7:30 a.m. at MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center. This free public event gives citizens an update on current projects and initiatives so be sure to attend!

Please RSVP here: State of the City RSVP

Mayor Patrick W. Shull’s Town Hall

Kingsport Mayor Patrick W. Shull is hosting a town hall at the Lynn View Community Center on September 23. It will begin at 6:00 p.m. and it’s open to all citizens.

What: Mayor’s Town Hall

Where: Lynn View Community Center, 257 Walker Street

When: September 23 at 6:00pm

Please direct any questions to 423-229-9412.

KPD e-News Release: Roundabout on Watauga Street at East Ravine Road Closed Due to Crash (Update)

,

Kingsport Police Department

David Quillin, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

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

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: Roundabout on Watauga Street at East Ravine Road Closed Due to Crash (Update)
DATE: September 20, 2019
CASE #: 19-022048
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On September 20, 2019 as of 7:30 AM, the roundabout located on Watauga Street at East Ravine Road in Kingsport is back open with normal traffic patterns resuming. The crash that caused the earlier closure remains under investigation. No additional details are available at this time.

As previously released:

On September 20, 2019 as of 2:45 AM, first responders and utility workers are on the scene of a motor vehicle collision at the roundabout located on Watauga Street at East Ravine Road. As a result of this crash, utility lines are down and the intersection is temporarily closed.

Area motorists are encouraged to be aware of this situation during their morning commutes, plan ahead, avoid the area, and seek an alternate route. Anyone already in the immediate area is asked to slow down, be patient, pay attention, and follow all traffic instructions.
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