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KPD e-News Release: K.P.D. Attempting to Locate Missing Teenage Girl

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Kingsport Police Department

Dale Phipps, Interim Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

http://KingsportTN.gov/City-Services/Police-Department• www.KingsportPDBlog.com

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: K.P.D. Attempting to Locate Missing Teenage Girl
DATE: February 25, 2021
CASE #: 21-003961
GENERAL NARRATIVE
In the early morning hours of February 25, 2021, 17 year old Kaley N. Wells was reported as a missing juvenile to the Kingsport Police Department. She was last seen at approximately 9:00 PM the evening before in the 3100 block of Tiffany Court in Kingsport. While foul play is not suspected, due to her minor age Investigators are making every possible effort to locate her.

Her photograph and physical description are included in this release. Anyone who sees her or may know 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 Kaley N. Wells
Age 17 Years of Age
Gender/Race Female/Black
Height/

Weight

 5 feet 11 inches

305 pounds
Hair/Eyes Black Hair

Brown Eyes
Other Description N/A
Residency Kingsport, TN
Possible Clothing Unknown
Last Known Location 3100 Block of Tiffany Court

Kingsport, TN

RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-343-9749 (FAX)

ThomasMPatton

Kingsport to Begin Rolling Reopening of Leisure Services Facilities

After much consideration, the City of Kingsport has made the decision to begin a rolling reopening of its leisure services facilities beginning on Monday, March 1.

Many of Kingsport’s facilities have been open throughout the last year, providing programs and recreation to citizens in safe ways. As more facilities reopen or expand programming at a reduced capacity, all COVID-19 safety protocols—including social distancing and mask-wearing—will remain in place.

“We are very excited to open more of our facilities and programs for our citizens,” said Assistant City Manager Michael Borders. “We appreciate your patience during this time, and we hope that circumstances will allow us to continue the gradual reopening of our facilities and programs.”

Please note that the following information is subject to change as the city continues to receive recommendations from the Sullivan County Health Department and the CDC.

 

Kingsport Public Library
kingsportlibrary.org
Open for browse and go and computer use by appointment, Monday through Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. The library will continue curbside service and virtual programming.

 

Kingsport Senior Center
seniors.kinsporttn.gov

Main site will reopen on Monday, March 1, and the Lynn View branch site will reopen on Monday, March 15. To ensure limited capacity, on Mondays and Wednesdays, senior members who were born in an even year will be able to use the facilities. Senior members born in an odd year will be able to use the facilities on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Hours will be 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Senior Center main site, and 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Lynn View branch site.

 

Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium
baysmountain.com
Herpetarium and lower level of the Nature Center will reopen. The park will resume barge rides again for spring, and will continue to increase its other program offerings with limited capacity.

Kingsport Parks and Recreation
kingsportparksandrecreation.org
Begin to offer facilities for tournament rentals and will reopen outdoor basketball courts. Facility rentals and city programs have continued to operate based on limited capacity.

 

Kingsport Aquatic Center
swimkingsport.com

Currently open for reservations only for lap swim and has continued offering swim lessons and aerobics based on social distancing guidelines. There are no schedule or program changes at this time.

 

Kingsport Carousel
arts.kingsporttn.gov

Open as of Saturday, February 13. Rentals are available through the Office of Cultural Arts.

KPD e-News Release: Text to 911 Now an Option in Kingsport (Update)

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Kingsport Police Department

Dale Phipps, Interim Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

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

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: Text to 911 Now an Option in Kingsport (Update)
DATE: February 18, 2021
GENERAL NARRATIVE
Update: Effective immediately, Text to 911 is now available for both Verizon and AT&T Wireless customers in the Kingsport 911 Emergency Communications District. Other area cell phone carriers are expected to enable this service for their customers in the near future.

As previously released:

Effective immediately, some cellular telephone customers in the Kingsport 911 Emergency Communications District will be able to Text to 911. It is important to note that for the time being, this capability only exists for AT&T Wireless customers; however, other area cell phone carriers, such as Verizon and T-Mobile, are expected to enable this service for their customers in the near future.

While Text to 911 is now a possibility, we would like to strongly emphasize that calling should always be the preferred method for contacting 911. That’s why we are adopting the slogan, “911: Call if you can. Text if you can’t.”

Just as when calling 911, texting 911 should only be done in the event of an actual emergency. Non-emergency calls to Kingsport Central Dispatch still need to be made to 423-246-9111, and that number is not able to receive text messages.

Text to 911 is especially beneficial to those who are hearing- or speech-impaired, but citizens should only text 911 when calling 911 is unsafe or not possible. Examples include when:

  • Callers can’t speak due to a threat, illness, or medical condition
  • Callers have poor reception and can only send text messages
  • Phone lines and cell phone towers are overwhelmed, and only texts can get through

If you send a text message to 911, you should always try to include the following information:

1) Your name

2) Your location (specific address, intersection, or mile-marker)

3) The particular type of emergency you are experiencing (medical, fire, crime in progress, etc.)

4) Your telephone number (just in case the Caller ID feature were to fail to provide it)

Don’t just send your initial text to 911 and then put your phone down and forget it! Texting 911 will be a two-way interactive conversation. You should be prepared to receive and respond to follow-up text messages from a Communications Specialist so that they can obtain any additional necessary information to enable them to provide the appropriate response to your emergency.

Text to 911 may not always work due to a variety of factors beyond our control. If you send a text message to 911 and your carrier has not enabled this service, or if your text is inadvertently received by a neighboring dispatch center that is not set up for this service, you will receive a “bounce-back message” to instruct you to call 911 by voice instead.

Try to have a back-up plan to allow you to call 911 if your message isn’t received. If you send a text to 911 and get no response whatsoever, you should assume that your text did not go through and find a way to make a voice call to 911 immediately.

A few additional extremely important factors include:

  • Emojis, ideograms, smileys, and GIFs should never be used.
  • Text shorthand (TTYL, IIRC, IMHO, etc.) should never be used.
  • Pictures and videos are not compatible with Text to 911 at this time, but they might be added at a later date.
  • Messages need to be clear, concise, and written in plain and simple, easy to understand language.

RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-343-9749 (FAX)

ThomasMPatton

KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Police Attempting to Locate Missing Juvenile (Update)

,

Kingsport Police Department

Dale Phipps, Interim 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 Juvenile (Update)
DATE: February 17, 2021
CASE #: 20-023285
GENERAL NARRATIVE
Update: Jose A. Mayse has been located safe and is no longer considered a missing juvenile.

As previously released:

The following is a reissuance of an earlier news release regarding a missing juvenile. Jose A. Mayse remains missing and unaccounted for. Again, foul play is not suspected.

Anyone who sees him, or who may know his 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

As previously released:

On the afternoon of November 5, 2020, Jose A. Mayse was reported to the Kingsport Police Department as a missing juvenile after being unaccounted for for the past six weeks.

While there is no known reason to suspect foul play at this time, due to his minor age, Detectives are making every possible effort in an attempt to locate him.

Anyone who sees him, or who may know his 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 Jose A. Mayse
Age 17 Years of Age
Height/

Weight

 4 feet 3 inches

85 pounds
Hair/Eyes Brown Hair

Hazel Eyes
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

KATS Offers Rides to City of Kingsport Residents with COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments

Effective February 16, 2021, KATS will be accepting appointment requests for residents who live in Kingsport city limits and are in need of transportation to COVID-19 vaccine appointments in Kingsport.

When making a reservation, customers will call KATS at 423-224-2613 (option #4) and will need to be prepared with the following information:

  • Name, birthday, phone number
  • Pickup address (a site check will be performed prior to appointment)
  • Vaccine appointment address
  • Requested appointment and return times
  • If the customer is traveling with another person or utilizing any mobility aids (all KATS vehicles are equipped with lifts providing easy access for passengers using wheelchairs or walkers)
  • Emergency contact information

Trip availability will be determined upon scheduling. Trip fares are depending on your zone location and begin at $6.00 round trip. Check with the KATS dispatcher prior to your trip for exact fare.

“KATS is happy to provide transportation to the community for vaccination purposes,” said Transit Director Chris Campbell. “Ensuring community members can safely reach their COVID-19 vaccination appointments is part of our ongoing effort to protect the health of the community”.

All KATS’ established COVID-19 safety protocols will be enforced during these trips. Community members utilizing this service must wear facial coverings at all times covering the face and nose while on board, and shared trips will be avoided if possible. All KATS vehicles are cleaned daily with disinfectant, and an electrostatic product is used to ensure surfaces are sanitized.

For more information about Kingsport Area Transit Service, please visit kingsporttransit.org or call 423-224-2613.

Kingsport Carousel to Reopen on February 13

The Kingsport Carousel will reopen to the public on Saturday, February 13 with limited hours and limited capacity.

In February, the Carousel will be open Wednesday through Sunday, 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. and 3 – 5 p.m. The Carousel will close between 2:30 and 3 p.m. for cleaning to help ensure the health and safety of all guests and staff.

Preparing for your visit:
– Please wear a mask or face covering.
– Be familiar with the symptoms of COVID-19. If you are not feeling well, stay home.
– Follow social distancing guidelines.
– Please note there are specific entrances to the carousel, one on the farmers market side and one on the Food City side of the building. All guests will exit through Carousel Park.

The City of Kingsport and the Carousel staff are following protocols to reopen the Carousel in a safe manner under the guidelines of the Governor of Tennessee, the CDC, and Sullivan County Regional Health Department. Staff asks that guests please observe the new protocols so that all visitors can continue to enjoy the Kingsport Carousel.

For updates about the Kingsport Carousel, please visit arts.kingsporttn.gov or follow the Kingsport Carousel Facebook page.

Kingsport Hires New Assistant City Manager

The City of Kingsport has hired Michael Borders as Assistant City Manager. In this position, Borders will work with City Manager Chris McCartt to oversee Leisure Services within the city. These services include Parks and Recreation, Kingsport Public Library, the Office of Cultural Arts, Bays Mountain Park, Kingsport Farmers Market, Kingsport Senior Center and Kingsport Aquatic Center.

“Kingsport offers high-quality leisure services that enrich the lives of our citizens daily,” said Borders. “With numerous projects ongoing and on the horizon, I could not think of a more exciting time to join the city. It is a privilege to lead this group as we continue to improve and build upon those services.”

Borders is a Kingsport native who understands how special the City of Kingsport is to its citizens. He attended East Tennessee State University where he earned both his B.S. in Criminal Justice and his master’s degree in Public Administration. He is a seasoned public administrator, having served in communities throughout east Tennessee.

Borders previously served as City Recorder for the Town of Unicoi and worked in the Planning Department for the Town of Erwin. Most recently, he was City Administrator for the Town of Pittman Center, during which time he created the town’s building department and various programs to best serve the town’s citizens. Borders’ experience and skills are well suited to serve the citizens of Kingsport.

“As someone who was born and raised in Kingsport,” Borders said, “it is exciting to have the opportunity to come home and be a part of the Kingsport team as we work with the community to shape the Kingsport of tomorrow.”

KATS Unveils New Design for Bus Stop Signs

KATS customers, and the traveling public, will begin to notice new bus stop signs being installed starting this month. The new design will feature the updated blue and green cat logo which also mimics the shapes of green mountains and blue streams, representative of the area’s natural beauty.

The sign shape will remain the same familiar circle but will be larger by two inches, and the vast majority of them, once installed, will be double-sided, meaning passengers will be able to identify bus stop locations much easier from either direction of travel.

There are approximately 250 bus stops in the KATS system. The previous bus stop signs have been in use since about 2008.

KATS bus stop sign revamp follows in a series of recent public transit infrastructure reinvestments including the current transit center building, which opened in 2019, as well as new buses and vans and new bench seats at some stops. KATS will continue to maintain and update transit operations and infrastructure in their commitment to continually offer a high-quality public transit experience for Kingsport residents.

For more information about Kingsport Area Transit Service, please visit kingsporttransit.org or call 423-224-2613.

Kingsport Senior Center to Re-Open March 1

After much consideration, the City of Kingsport has made the decision to re-open the Kingsport Senior Center on March 1, 2021.

“As always, the safety of our Senior Center staff and members is our top priority,” said Senior Center Manager Shirley Buchanan. “Thank you for your patience and understanding as we all work together to ensure that safety.”

The facility will operate at 50% capacity and continue following all COVID-19 safety protocols, such as social distancing and mask-wearing. Please note that this is subject to change as the Senior Center continues to receive recommendations from the Sullivan County Health Department and the CDC.

Please refer to seniors.kingsporttn.gov or the Kingsport Senior Center’s Facebook page for additional updates.

KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Police Attempting to Locate Two Unattended Children (Update)

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Kingsport Police Department

Dale Phipps, Interim Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

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

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: Kingsport Police Attempting to Locate Two Unattended Children (Update)
DATE: February 8, 2021
CASE #: 21-002652
GENERAL NARRATIVE
Update: These two children are now safe. They have been identified and located. The investigation is ongoing.

As previously released:

On February 7, 2021 at approximately 10:15 AM, Kingsport Police Patrol Officers responded to the Zoomerz gas station and convenience store, located at 1673 Fort Henry Drive in Kingsport, in reference to two unattended children. The children asked the clerk for a ride, but then left the store prior to police arrival. They were last seen walking south on Eastman Road toward the Green Acres neighborhood. The children are described as follows:

White male

Approximately 10 years of age

Long dark curly hair

Glasses

Gray or green “Carhartt type” work coat

Camouflage sweat pants

Athletic shoes

Wearing a dark colored backpack

White female

Approximately 6 years of age

Long straight brown hair

Pink/purple long-sleeved dress

Leggings

Wearing a backpack with some type of print on it

Photos of the children, taken from surveillance camera footage, are included in this release.

The children indicated that their father’s first name may possibly be “Robert.”

Their current whereabouts are unknown. Anyone who sees them, may know their identities or their current whereabouts, or may have any information related to this investigation, is asked to promptly contact the Kingsport Police Department by calling 423-246-9111 (or simply call 911 if emergency conditions exist).

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) • 423-343-9749 (FAX)

ThomasMPatton
Link to: City of Kingsport
City of Kingsport, Tennessee