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Virtual Art Reception at MeadowView

With the help of Daytime Tri-Cities, the winners of the Annual Kingsport Art Guild Members’ Show will be announced on their Monday, November 2 broadcast. Prizes will be awarded to members and the winning artwork will be displayed in the Renaissance Center Art Gallery on the 2nd floor.

Sponsored by the Eastman Credit Union, the show features fine art that meets the Guild’s high caliber specifications. All pieces entered are new to the guild gallery and meet the mission of the Kingsport Art Guild to preserve and promote fine art in the Tri-Cities Region. This is the first of the Kingsport Art Guild sponsored 2020 – 2021 shows, being judged by the William King Art Museum Education and Curatorial Staff.

“This show is very special to the Guild,” said the show’s co-chair, Kristi Beverly. “Entry into this particular show is a benefit to our members. We are a community of friends who challenge one another to continually improve on the best of our abilities. Membership is open to every level of artist, and this show is a fantastic opportunity for everyone from beginners to professionals.”

The public is invited to view the show in person and to vote for the 2020 People’s Choice award! The virtual show will be featured on the Kingsport Art Guild’s Instagram and Facebook pages, where voting instructions will also be provided. Follow the Kingsport Art Guild and look for #kagshow2020 to see all of the entries and vote. The show will be open to the public from Monday, November 2 through Monday, November 30.

Please visit www.kingsportartguild.com/ for more information about the Annual Kingsport Art Guild Members’ Show and other upcoming events.

KPD e-News Release: K.P.D. Detectives Solicit Citizen Tips in $50,000 Sandblaster Theft Case

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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: K.P.D. Detectives Solicit Citizen Tips in $50,000 Sandblaster Theft Case
DATE: October 29, 2020
CASE #: 20-021785
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On October 11, 2020 at approximately 6:30 PM, an industrial sandblaster trailer (nearly $50,000 value) was parked in a parking lot, located at 175 Cherokee Street in Kingsport, in preparation for a job planned there. On October 14th the owner returned to begin the planned work but found the sandblaster trailer had been stolen.

A review of available surveillance video in the downtown area netted footage of the stolen sandblaster trailer being pulled behind what appears to be a light-colored GMC pickup, travelling south on Cumberland Street toward Main Street on October 11th at approximately 11:00 PM.

A photo of the stolen sandblaster trailer as well as one of the suspect vehicle have been included in this release. Anyone who knows where either can be located or who may be operating the suspect vehicle 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

Eastern Greenbelt Extension Virtual Ribbon Cutting

The Greenbelt extension near Exchange Place to the Cleek Road pedestrian path is now officially complete. To commemorate the occasion, there will be a virtual ribbon cutting held on Wednesday, November 4 at 2 p.m. on the Parks and Recreation Facebook page.

This new extension, made possible through a generous grant from the Tennessee Department of Transportation, has allowed the city to lengthen the trail by about a mile on the Exchange Place side. Now that construction is finished, walkers will have the option to forgo the large gravel hill approaching Exchange Place and enjoy a less strenuous stroll to Cleek Road. The trail also allows access to beautiful vistas of the area’s farmland as well as a view of a waterfall.

While there is currently no available parking or trailhead access at Cleek Road, the newly extended trail can be accessed from the Indian Trail and Exchange Place trailheads. The city hopes that this newest section of the Greenbelt will be a valuable addition to the Kingsport community.

The Kingsport Greenbelt is a ten-mile walking and biking trail more than 20 years in the making. It stretches from one end of the city to the other, from the Exchange Place to Riverfront Park. This new section of the trail includes a raised boardwalk similar to other spots on the Greenbelt. The Greenbelt is not just open to walkers and recreational runners, but to cyclists and skaters as well.

Due to the location and social distancing protocols, there will be limited attendance at the ribbon cutting. If any media personnel wish to attend the ceremony, please RSVP to MaxinePoole@KingsportTN.gov.

We invite and encourage residents to tune in to the Facebook Live coverage of the event to see the unveiling of the newest part of the Kingsport Greenbelt. To watch the event, please visit the Parks and Recreation Facebook page on November 4 at 2 p.m.

KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Police Attempting to Locate Missing Teenager (Reissue)

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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 (Reissue)
DATE: October 28, 2020
CASE #: 20-20641
GENERAL NARRATIVE
The following is a reissuance of an earlier news release previously issued on October 5, 2020. Joshua Erdley continues to be missing. Foul play is still not suspected.

As previously released:

On the afternoon of September 28, 2020, Joshua Erdley (14 year old white male juvenile) was reported missing to the Kingsport Police Department. Investigators have no reason to suspect foul play at this time.

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
MISSING JUVENILE INFORMATION
Name Joshua Erdley
Age 14 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/White
Residency Kingsport, TN

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 Child (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 Child (Update)
DATE: October 28, 2020
CASE #: 20-022745
GENERAL NARRATIVE
Update: Destiny Swatzell has been found safe and is no longer considered a missing child.

As previously released:

On October 28, 2020 at approximately 1:15 AM, Destiny Swatzell was reported missing by her mother. Destiny was last seen at her residence, located in the 3600 block of Watterson Street in Kingsport, just over three hours earlier.

No suspicious circumstances exist and there is no reason to suspect foul play at this time; however, due to her minor age, Detectives are making every possible effort to locate her as soon as possible.

Destiny is a 10 year old white female child. She is approximately 4 feet 11 inches tall and weighs roughly 130 pounds. She has brown hair and brown eyes. She is possibly wearing white flip-flop style sandals. A photograph has been included in this release.

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 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 CHILD INFORMATION
Name Destiny Swatzell
Age 10 Years of Age
Gender/Race Female/White
Height/

Weight

 4 feet 11 inches

130 pounds
Hair/Eyes Brown Hair

Brown Eyes
Residency Kingsport, TN
Other Last seen in 3600 block of Watterson Street, Kingsport, TN

Possibly Wearing White Flip-Flop Style 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: Kingsport Police Attempting to Locate Missing Child

,

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 Child
DATE: October 28, 2020
CASE #: 20-022745
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On October 28, 2020 at approximately 1:15 AM, Destiny Swatzell was reported missing by her mother. Destiny was last seen at her residence, located in the 3600 block of Watterson Street in Kingsport, just over three hours earlier.

No suspicious circumstances exist and there is no reason to suspect foul play at this time; however, due to her minor age, Detectives are making every possible effort to locate her as soon as possible.

Destiny is a 10 year old white female child. She is approximately 4 feet 11 inches tall and weighs roughly 130 pounds. She has brown hair and brown eyes. She is possibly wearing white flip-flop style sandals. A photograph has been included in this release.

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 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 CHILD INFORMATION
Name Destiny Swatzell
Age 10 Years of Age
Gender/Race Female/White
Height/

Weight

 4 feet 11 inches

130 pounds
Hair/Eyes Brown Hair

Brown Eyes
Residency Kingsport, TN
Other Last seen in 3600 block of Watterson Street, Kingsport, TN

Possibly Wearing White Flip-Flop Style 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: Detectives Attempting to Identify Three Individuals in Fraudulent Use of Stolen Debit Card Investigation

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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: Detectives Attempting to Identify Three Individuals in Fraudulent Use of Stolen Debit Card Investigation
DATE: October 28, 2020
CASE #: 20-021142 (Fraudulent Use of Stolen Debit Card)

20-021151 (Theft of Debit Card)
GENERAL NARRATIVE
Kingsport Police Detectives are attempting to identify three individuals (two white female adults and one white male adult) in connection to an investigation into the fraudulent use of a stolen debit card. The card was stolen after the owner inadvertently dropped it in the parking lot of Fisherman’s Dock, located at 4307 Fort Henry Drive in Kingsport.

Investigators have obtained surveillance video footage of these individuals in the act of using the card to make two purchases at Murphy Express, located at 3100 Fort Henry Drive in Kingsport. These individuals may possibly be traveling in a light-colored Ford pickup truck.

Screen shots of these individuals have been included in this release, while clips of the actual video have also been made available for viewing on the K.P.D. YouTube channel accessible via the links below:

https://youtu.be/SAUSookE7vA

https://youtu.be/P2NIPATE9uM

https://youtu.be/ffSU_saq5VY

Anyone who recognizes any of them 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

RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

ThomasMPatton

Code Enforcement Helping Build Strong Neighborhoods

Over the past few years, Kingsport has made purposeful gains toward building and maintaining strong neighborhoods. The Neighborhood Commission, PaveKingsport, Neighborhood Cleanups, Coffee with Cops and many other efforts have gone a long way to strengthen Kingsport’s wonderful neighborhoods. Additionally, ensuring that neighbors are properly maintaining their property and that community nuisances efficiently handled are foundational to building strong neighborhoods.

The City of Kingsport utilizes Code Enforcement to ensure we are meeting citizen’s expectations related to these issues. Over the past year, City Manager Chris McCartt assembled a task force to review efforts being done well, areas needing improvement and any opportunity for immediate impact.

“After reviewing the city’s operations and benchmarking with other communities, the task force determined that the city has the right people in the right positions, but needs to bring those positions together to work as one team,” said Deputy City Manager Ryan McReynolds.

This realignment will provide the citizens a less fragmented and more responsive structure related to code enforcement. To that end, all enforcement related to properties and community nuisances are now integrated within the Building Department under the direction of the Chief Building Official Keith Bruner.

Citizens are encouraged to report suspected code violations to 423-224-CODE (2633). Additionally, at their last business meeting, the Board of Mayor and Aldermen invested $100,000 toward code enforcement. This funding will go toward taking care of high grass and demolition of structures where the owner is absent. In either case, the city will place a lien on the property to recover their cost.

Upcoming improvements related to Code Enforcement include connecting citizens to the city via a new app through SeeClickFix. The SeeClickFix app is soon to replace YourGov as the city’s primary tool to engage the citizens in reporting issues throughout the city. It expands the citizen’s ability to not only report, but report and interact with the city on issues related to Public Works and Code Enforcement.

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neighborhood commission logo

Kingsport’s New Little Libraries

After a successful work day installing three new libraries on October 24, The Kingsport Neighborhood Commission has now installed five Little Libraries all around Kingsport. These libraries are stocked up with books and ready for eager readers to come by and borrow them. The five libraries are located in a handful of Kingsport’s neighborhood parks so that they can be easily accessed by the community. You can find the Little Libraries in Borden Park, Hammond Park, Dale Street Park, Preston Forest Park, and Highland Street Park. There is also a Little Library at V.O. Dobbins that was previously installed.

With the assistance of the Inventor Center, who helped design and build the structure of the libraries, all five libraries are now well-stocked for all of our book-loving neighbors. Special thanks also goes to Kingsport Parks and Recreation for helping to choose locations and providing assistance with the installations. Now, anyone who walks past can open up one of the libraries, choose a book to read, and borrow it. The book can then be returned to any of the Little Libraries in Kingsport, or you can replace it with another book. Books can also be donated to add variety to the available literature.

“This project is a great opportunity to encourage reading all across Kingsport,” said Kingsport Neighborhood Commission Chair, Ted Fields. “We have a variety of different books inside the Little Libraries now and more books will be added and swapped out over time. I hope this will encourage a greater sense of community as well, for readers of all ages.”

You can now see these Little Libraries scattered throughout Kingsport, inviting people who walk by to take a book and read something new. The Kingsport Neighborhood Commission is very proud to bring these libraries to the Kingsport community!

The next Kingsport Neighborhood Commission meeting will be held on November 19 at 6 p.m. in the City Hall Council Room, located at 225 W. Center St. in downtown Kingsport. All meetings are open to the public, and neighbors are encouraged to come share their thoughts and concerns with the commission.

NC Members Deborah Mullins little library

Link to: City of Kingsport
City of Kingsport, Tennessee