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KPD e-News Release: Convicted Felon Already Wanted for Biting Cats and Stealing Guns Arrested for Attempted First Degree Murder of a Police Officer

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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: Convicted Felon Already Wanted for Biting Cats and Stealing Guns Arrested for Attempted First Degree Murder of a Police Officer
DATE: March 10, 2020
CASE #: 20-005904
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On March 10, 2020 at approximately 4:00 PM, Kingsport Police Patrol Officers observed Troy Darnell Hollins walking on Dorothy Street in Kingsport. Hollins was already wanted by K.P.D. on outstanding felony warrants for Aggravated Animal Cruelty (2 counts) and Theft of Property over $1,000. The officer ordered him to stop; however, he failed to comply, ran toward a silver Pontiac Grand Prix, entered the vehicle, and sped away.

The officer ran across several yards and was able to get ahead of the Pontiac on the adjacent Robertson Street as Hollins was exiting the neighborhood. The officer once again shouted for Mr. Hollins to stop, but he veered the vehicle directly toward the officer and accelerated in a deliberate attempt to hit him.

The officer took evasive action and was able to avoid being struck; however, Mr. Hollins drove the Pontiac onto the sidewalk, sideswiped both a van that was stopped in the roadway and a utility pole, and then fled the scene on Gibson Mill Road toward Stone Drive. All other officers were immediately alerted via radio to be on the lookout for Mr. Hollins and his vehicle.

Another K.P.D. Patrol Officer soon spotted Mr. Hollins in the Pontiac traveling west on West Stone Drive. The officer initiated a traffic stop, but Mr. Hollins refused to stop and continued to flee. During the resultant pursuit, Mr. Hollins drove through three red lights and reached speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour.

Mr. Hollins eventually lost control of the Pontiac and crashed into a tree near the intersection of West Stone Drive at University Boulevard. The pursuing officer had to break a window out of the vehicle in order to take him into custody.

Further investigation revealed that his driver license was suspended. At the time of his arrest, he was found to be in possession of a partially burnt marijuana cigarette and a glass pipe commonly associated with the ingestion of illegal narcotics.

In addition to his preexisting felony charges of Aggravated Animal Cruelty (2 counts) and Theft of Property over $1,000, Mr. Hollins was charged with a litany of new charges to include the following:

1) Resisting a Stop, Frisk, or Halt

2) Attempted First Degree Murder of a Police Officer

3) Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Collision

4) Failure to Obey Traffic Signal (3 counts)

5) Reckless Driving

6) Felony Reckless Endangerment

7) Resisting Arrest

8) Simple Possession of Marijuana

9) Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

10) Driving on Suspended License

As of the time of issuance of this news release, Mr. Hollins remains confined in the Kingsport City Jail awaiting arraignment.

For further information on Mr. Hollins preexisting charges, please see the previously issued news release linked below:

https://kingsportpdblog.com/2020/03/05/kpd-e-news-release-convicted-felon-wanted-for-felony-aggravated-animal-cruelty-and-felony-theft-of-firearms-reissued-with-name-correction/
SUSPECT INFORMATION
Name Troy Darnell Hollins
Age Date of Birth 11/2/1974

45 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/White
Residency No specific permanent address provided

Kingsport, TN
Charge(s) 1) Resisting a Stop, Frisk, or Halt

2) Attempted First Degree Murder of a Police Officer

3) Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Collision

4) Failure to Obey Traffic Signal (3 counts)

5) Reckless Driving

6) Felony Reckless Endangerment

7) Resisting Arrest

8) Simple Possession of Marijuana

9) Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

10) Driving on Suspended License

Also wanted on preexisting felony charges of:

1) Aggravated Animal Cruelty (2 counts)

2) Theft of Property over $1,000

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 Investigating Forcible Fondling of a Minor Report

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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 Investigating Forcible Fondling of a Minor Report
DATE: March 10, 2020
CASE #: 20-003301
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On Saturday, February 8, 2020, at approximately 12:45 AM, Kingsport Police Patrol Officers were called to Meadowview Conference Resort and Convention Center, located at 1901 Meadowview Parkway in Kingsport, to speak with a 16 year old female contract employee and her father concerning an incident that was alleged to have occurred about an hour earlier while she was cleaning up the venue following the annual Kingsport Chamber Dinner.

Sometime between 11:50 PM and midnight on Friday, February 7, 2020 the juvenile was putting away chairs after the event and only a small number of guests still remained in the Convention Center area. The juvenile stated that a man, unknown to her, approached her from behind, reached over her with both hands, grabbed her breasts, and then walked away. This incident was witnessed by at least two other people, one of whom spoke to the victim as he passed by and apologized to her on behalf of the suspect.

The suspect in question was described as a white male adult, possibly in his 50s, approximately 5 feet 5 inches in height and weighing roughly 175 pounds, with a thin build and gray hair. He was wearing a dark suit with a white shirt but no tie.

Detectives with the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division have been actively investigating this incident since it was first reported in an attempt to positively identify the alleged suspect.

Due to the very personal nature of the alleged offense and the obvious involvement of a minor-aged victim, this investigation has been kept completely confidential up to this point; however, the victim and her family have now agreed to enlist assistance from the public in confirming this man’s identity and identifying any potential additional witnesses.

Anyone who may have witnessed this incident and/or potentially be able to identify the described suspect 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
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: The City of Kingsport is Currently Accepting Applications for Communications Specialists in Kingsport Central Dispatch

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Kingsport Police Department

David Quillin, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

• www.KingsportPDBlog.com

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: The City of Kingsport is Currently Accepting Applications for Communications Specialists in Kingsport Central Dispatch
DATE: March 10, 2020
GENERAL NARRATIVE
The City of Kingsport is currently accepting applications for the position of Communications Specialists to serve in the Kingsport 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Center. Communications Specialists, also known as Dispatchers, are the calm, yet highly trained, voice on the phone whenever a citizen calls 9-1-1 for assistance in an emergency.

Starting salary is $14.78 per hour or $30,742.40 annually. Pay incentives are negotiable for applicants with prior 9-1-1 dispatch experience. City of Kingsport employee benefits include direct payroll deposit; paid vacation, holiday, and sick leave; employee life insurance; optional supplemental and dependent life insurance; long-term disability; health insurance; optional dental insurance; flexible spending accounts; ICMA RC 401 retirement; and optional ICMA RC 457 retirement.

Applications are being accepted through Sunday, March 22, 2020. All applications must be submitted online by visiting the following link:

https://www.GovernmentJobs.com/Careers/Kingsport

The Communications Specialists of Kingsport Central Dispatch process roughly a quarter of a million telephone calls annually. Approximately twenty percent (50,000) of these calls are emergency calls to 9-1-1. Although a division of the Kingsport Police Department, Kingsport Central Dispatch also provides services for the Kingsport Fire Department, Sullivan County E.M.S., Kingsport Life Saving Crew, and other city departments and functions.

Kingsport Central Dispatch moved into the current 7,500 square foot, state-of-the-art, 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Center in Downtown Kingsport in October 2015. Central Dispatch had previously been housed in a cramped 1,000 square foot space on the second floor of the Kingsport Justice Center since 1989. Prior to that, Central Dispatch operated out of the basement of the Civic Auditorium.

Kingsport Central Dispatch personnel serve under the supervision of the Executive Director of Kingsport 9-1-1, and include a Communications Supervisor, a Technical Services Coordinator, 4 Shift Leaders, and more than a dozen Communications Specialists, all of whom are Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certified.

For additional information regarding Kingsport Central Dispatch, please visit the following links:

https://www.KingsportTN.gov/City-Services/Police-Department/Administrative_Bureau/Central_Dispatch/

http://Kingsport911.org/

For assistance with the application process, please contact the City of Kingsport Human Resources Department by calling 423-229-9401. For questions regarding the position of Communications Specialist/Dispatcher, please call the Executive Director of Kingsport 9-1-1 at 423-229-9358.
RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

ThomasMPatton

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Bays Mountain Park

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day the Irish way! The ETSU Celtic Band is playing a special concert inside the planetarium at Bays Mountain Park on March 20 at 7 p.m.

The ETSU Celtic Band brings an exciting blend of Scottish and Irish traditional songs and instrumentals for dancing and listening, featuring soaring vocals, fiddle, bouzouki, and guitar. Come out and hear how Irish and Scottish tunes have been such a huge influence on our Appalachian music and heritage. The group consists of Rheva Myhre on fiddle, Keegan Luckey-Smith on bouzouki, Gabe Epstein on guitar, and Olivia Phillips on vocals.

This is a rare opportunity—it’s not often that Bays Mountain invites bands into the planetarium! Seating is limited to 102 for this intimate setting. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased via Eventbrite at baysmountain.com.

For more information on Bays Mountain Park please call 423-229-9447 or visit http://www.baysmountain.com/.

KPD e-News Release: Convicted Felon Wanted for Felony Aggravated Animal Cruelty and Felony Theft of Firearms (Reissued with Name Correction)

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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: Convicted Felon Wanted for Felony Aggravated Animal Cruelty and Felony Theft of Firearms (Reissued with Name Correction)
DATE: March 5, 2020
CASE #: 19-022017

20-005304

20-005491
GENERAL NARRATIVE
This news release is being reissued with a correction due to a typographical error in the previous version. The wanted suspect’s name is Troy D. Hollins (not Collins). We apologize for any confusion this may have caused.

As previously released:

As a result of an extensive ongoing investigation, Kingsport Police Detectives have determined that on two separate occasions in late 2019, Troy D. Hollins bit and seriously injured two different cats belonging to his ex-girlfriend. The first of these acts of cruelty occurred at her residence, while the latter occurred at a local pet store which his ex-girlfriend owns.

Based upon the clear and compelling evidence that Mr. Hollins intentionally tortured the two cats in a depraved and sadistic manner, Detectives have obtained a warrant for his arrest, charging him with Aggravated Cruelty to Animals (a Class E felony).

On another occasion, Mr. Hollins is believed to have also stolen two handguns (over $1,800 value) from a gun safe at the residence of his ex-girlfriend. Detectives have subsequently taken out a separate warrant for his arrest, charging him with Theft over $1,000 (a Class D felony).

Mr. Hollins is a convicted felon, who has shown violent tendencies, and is believed to be in possession of two firearms. As such, he should be considered armed and dangerous.

He is currently in-between residences in Kingsport, TN and somewhere in Florida, but he is believed to still be in this area. His photograph is 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
WANTED SUSPECT INFORMATION/ARMED AND DANGEROUS
Name Troy D. Hollins
Age Date of Birth 11/2/1974

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

Weight

 6 feet 2 inches

225 pounds
Residency In-Between Residences

Kingsport, TN

or

Somewhere in Florida
Charge(s) 1) Aggravated Animal Cruelty (2 counts) Class E Felony

2) Theft Over $1,000 (Class D Felony)

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: Convicted Felon Wanted for Felony Aggravated Animal Cruelty and Felony Theft of Firearms

,

Kingsport Police Department

David Quillin, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

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

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: Convicted Felon Wanted for Felony Aggravated Animal Cruelty and Felony Theft of Firearms
DATE: March 5, 2020
CASE #: 19-022017

20-005304

20-005491
GENERAL NARRATIVE
As a result of an extensive ongoing investigation, Kingsport Police Detectives have determined that on two separate occasions in late 2019, Troy D. Collins bit and seriously injured two different cats belonging to his ex-girlfriend. The first of these acts of cruelty occurred at her residence, while the latter occurred at a local pet store which his ex-girlfriend owns.

Based upon the clear and compelling evidence that Mr. Collins intentionally tortured the two cats in a depraved and sadistic manner, Detectives have obtained a warrant for his arrest, charging him with Aggravated Cruelty to Animals (a Class E felony).

On another occasion, Mr. Collins is believed to have also stolen two handguns (over $1,800 value) from a gun safe at the residence of his ex-girlfriend. Detectives have subsequently taken out a separate warrant for his arrest, charging him with Theft over $1,000 (a Class D felony).

Mr. Collins is a convicted felon, who has shown violent tendencies, and is believed to be in possession of two firearms. As such, he should be considered armed and dangerous.

He is currently in-between residences in Kingsport, TN and somewhere in Florida, but he is believed to still be in this area. His photograph is 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
WANTED SUSPECT INFORMATION/ARMED AND DANGEROUS
Name Troy D. Collins
Age Date of Birth 11/2/1974

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

Weight

 6 feet 2 inches

225 pounds
Residency In-Between Residences

Kingsport, TN

or

Somewhere in Florida
Charge(s) 1) Aggravated Animal Cruelty (2 counts) Class E Felony

2) Theft Over $1,000 (Class D Felony)

RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

ThomasMPatton

Spend Your Summer Poolside

Think March is too early to start looking for your ideal summer job? Think again! The Kingsport Aquatic Center is hosting a two Summer Job Fairs on March 16 and 27.

Visit the Legion Room at the KAC between 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on either day to learn about opportunities for work as a certified lifeguard, in the concessions stand, at the front desk and more. AccuForce representatives will be on site to process applications, and KAC staff will conduct same-day interviews.

The KAC offers competitive pay and a fun, flexible working environment with plenty of room to grow. If you like spending your summer by the pool, why not get paid for it? Bring your enthusiasm to the Summer Job Fair, and get ready to work with the KAC team this summer!

For more information about employment opportunities, how to earn your lifeguard certification and more, visit swimkingsport.com or call 423-343-9758.

KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Detectives Searching for Two Missing Juveniles Possibly in the Company of a Wanted Fugitive

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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 Searching for Two Missing Juveniles Possibly in the Company of a Wanted Fugitive
DATE: March 4, 2020
CASE #: 19-022877 (Wanted Fugitive)

20-004475 (Missing Juveniles)
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On the evening of February 22, 2020 two 16 year old girls, Krysten M. Atkins and Stephanie D. Ingram, were reported as missing juveniles to the Kingsport Police Department. They were last seen walking in the 400 block of New Beason Well Road in Kingsport.

While foul play is not suspected in their initial disappearance, during the course of the investigation, Detectives have received credible information to lead them to believe that at least one of these girls may be in the company of a known fugitive, Roberto M. Horton (33 years of age), who is currently wanted by K.P.D. and other surrounding agencies on multiple charges to include at least one felony offense.

Anyone who sees any of these three individuals, or who may know their 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 these or any other cases 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

For further information on Roberto M. Horton’s charges, please see the previously issued news release linked below:

https://kingsportpdblog.com/2019/10/07/kpd-e-news-release-kingsport-police-seeking-tips-to-help-locate-wanted-man/

MISSING JUVENILE #1 INFORMATION
Name Krysten M. Atkins
Age 16 Years of Age
Gender/Race Female/White
Height/

Weight

 5 feet 4 inches

164 pounds
Hair/Eyes Blonde Hair

Blue Eyes
Residency Kingsport, TN
Last Known Sighting 400 Block of New Beason Well Road

Kingsport, TN

MISSING JUVENILE #2 INFORMATION
Name Stephanie D. Ingram
Age 16 Years of Age
Gender/Race Female/White
Height/

Weight

 5 feet 7 inches

162 pounds
Hair/Eyes Red/Auburn Hair

Green Eyes
Residency Kingsport, TN
Last Known Sighting 400 Block of New Beason Well Road

Kingsport, TN

WANTED FUGITIVE 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

KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Police Attempting to Identify “Porch Pirate” (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 Attempting to Identify “Porch Pirate” (Update)
DATE: March 4, 2020
CASE #: 19-029151 (Theft Under $1,000)

20-005350 (Unlawful Drug Paraphernalia)
GENERAL NARRATIVE
Update: On December 13, 2019 the Kingsport Police Department issued an official news release requesting public assistance in identifying a “Porch Pirate” captured on home video surveillance footage in the act of stealing two packages from the front porch of a Kingsport residence.

Thanks in large part to numerous citizen tips, Detectives with the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division were able to positively identify this suspect as Crystal Dee Line. On January 6, 2020, a warrant was subsequently obtained for her arrest, charging her with Theft Under $1,000.

On the evening of March 3, 2020, K.P.D. Patrol Officers located Ms. Line during a routine traffic stop and placed her under arrest on the outstanding warrant. At the time of her arrest, she was found to be in possession of a glass pipe coated with reside indicative of illicit drug use, netting the additional charge of Possession of Unlawful Drug Paraphernalia.

Ms. Line was transported to the Kingsport City Jail, where she remains confined in lieu of a $1,500 bond.

As previously released:

On December 11, 2019 at approximately 4:00 PM, an adult white female suspect was caught on home video surveillance footage in the act of brazenly stealing two packages from the front porch of a residence on Packing House Road in Kingsport.

When the suspect arrived at the residence, she was a passenger in what appeared to be a burgundy Ford Taurus 4-door sedan. She first knocked on the door, but when nobody answered, she took the packages and fled the scene.

Photos taken from that footage have been included in this release, while a clip of the actual video has also been made available for viewing on the K.P.D. YouTube channel via the link below:

https://youtu.be/jNIusJW2Gmo

Anyone who recognizes her 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

This particular crime typically increases in frequency during the holiday season, and those individuals who commit it are commonly referred to as “Porch Pirates.” The best way to prevent it is to avoid leaving unattended packages outside your residence, especially for extended periods of time.

Also, consider installing home video surveillance cameras that monitor the drop off location, and prominently display signs announcing their presence as a deterring effect. While cameras are not guaranteed to prevent this crime from happening, they greatly increase the chances of identifying the culprit.

If you will not be home at the time your package is scheduled to be delivered, consider having it shipped to a different and more secure location, such as your place of work or the residence of a trusted friend or family member who will be home at the time of delivery.

Other options include shopping locally rather than online when possible, having the package held by the delivery service for you to pick up at their distribution center at your convenience, or utilizing other secure delivery services such as Amazon Locker.
SUSPECT INFORMATION
Name Crystal Dee Line
Age Date of Birth 8/24/1976

43 Years of Age
Gender/Race Female/White
Residency Homeless

Kingsport, TN
Charge(s) 1) Theft of Property Under $1,000

2) Possession of Unlawful Drug Paraphernalia

RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

ThomasMPatton

Explore the Stars This Spring at Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium

Calling all dinosaur lovers and star enthusiasts! Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium has two new planetarium shows this spring that explore the planet’s reptiles of old and the stars in the sky above us. Plus, “SunWatch” and “StarWatch” are back to get you discovering the Sun and stars for yourself.

“Did an Asteroid Really Kill the Dinosaurs?” is the planetarium’s main feature for March through August. Did a space rock six miles wide really slam into the Earth 66 million years ago and wipe out 75 percent of all living species at that time, including the dinosaurs? Explore these impacts and cosmic collisions across the Solar System in this dynamic show produced by the Milwaukee Public Museum. The show includes footage from the first iridium layer found in Gubbio, Italy.

The alternate show for March and April is “Discover the Stars.” On a clear, dark night, most of us, at one time or another, have gazed upon the stars and wondered about all those tiny points of light. Many of us are able to identify different patterns and constellations in the stars. But, what are those tiny points of light? This exciting program takes viewers beyond a simple observation of the night sky and delves into the fascinating lives of stars. When we look up at the night sky, we can see that stars vary in brightness and have many different colors. The program reveals what is similar to all stars and what makes them unique. In “Discover the Stars,” we explore the many facets of a star’s life.

Beginning on March 7, “Discover the Stars” will play Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. “Did an Asteroid Really Kill the Dinosaurs?” premiers March 14 and will play Tuesday through Friday at 4 p.m. and weekends at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Both shows last approximately 40 minutes and feature a tour of the current night sky.

For those that prefer a more hands-on experience, Bays Mountain Park’s free outdoor observing sessions return this spring. “SunWatch” and “StarWatch” are great opportunities to learn about stars both near to and far from our planet.

Witness the Sun in close detail at “SunWatch” every clear Saturday and Sunday from 3 to 3:30 p.m. at the dam, March through October. A member of the planetarium staff or the Bays Mountain Astronomy club will help guests look safely through a telescope at the Sun. Keep an eye out for dark patches—those may be Sunspots larger than the Earth!

On Saturday evenings in March and April, the Bays Mountain Astronomy Club hosts “StarWatch.” This free program gives guests the chance to observe the night sky in all its splendor from the top of the mountain. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, an alternate activity will be held in the planetarium theater. “StarWatch” dates for this spring are March 7 at 7 p.m.; March 14, 21 & 28 at 8 p.m.; and every Saturday in April as well as May 2 at 8:30 p.m.

All observing sessions are free, though Park entrance fees apply. Planetarium tickets are $5 per person. Children ages five and younger receive free admission with a paying adult, and Park Association members also receive free admission. For more information on Bays Mountain’s planetarium shows or group ticket costs, please visit baysmountain.com or call (423) 229-9447.

Link to: City of Kingsport
City of Kingsport, Tennessee