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Registration Now Open for Summer Day Camp at Bays Mountain Park

Adventure and learning come together every day at Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium! This summer, your child can spend a week learning and exploring in nature at Bay Mountain’s Summer Day Camp.

Registration is now open for 2021 Summer Day Camp sessions for rising 1st through 6th graders. Each week-long Day Camp session is filled with outdoor, nature-oriented activities that give your child hands-on learning experiences.

Day camp hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For safety of all campers and counselors, BMP has limited enrollment to 20 children per week and masks are strongly recommended for all campers.

Students entering 1st, 2nd and 3rd grades in Fall 2021:

  • May 31 – June 4
  • June 14 – 18
  • June 28 – July 2
  • July 12 – 16
  • July 19 – 23

Students entering 4th, 5th and 6th grades in Fall 2021:

  • June 7 – 11
  • June 21 – 25
  • July 5 – 9

Campers should bring a bag lunch with a drink each day, and wear appropriate clothing. Parents or guardians should plan to stay on the first morning for a short orientation of the week’s activities and expectations. Transportation to and from camp is the guardian’s responsibility.

Tuition for camp is $60 per child. A current Family Membership with the Park is required to register your child or grandchild for Day Camp. Family Memberships are $50 and give your family an entire year of free entry into the Park for one vehicle and up to six free passes per program (planetarium shows, barge rides and nature programs) every time you visit the Park.

To register your child for Day Camp, please pick up an application in the Nature Center or download the application from baysmountain.com. A separate application must be filled out for each child returned with payment. You can turn in your application at the Nature Center or by mailing it to the address at the bottom of the form. Please make checks payable to the Bays Mountain Park Association. Refunds will be given up to two weeks before the session. After that, refunds will be given only if the slot can be filled.

Bays Mountain Park is also hiring Junior and Senior Counselors for summer day camp! High school seniors or college students studying natural history or related fields, or with experience working with children, can learn more about these full-time paid positions at baysmountan.com. Please apply by Friday, May 7.

For more information about Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium, please visit baysmountain.com or call (423)229-9447.

 

Kingsport Public Library Hosts Author Series Featuring Bestselling YA Authors

Kingsport Public Library and Elizabethton Public Library are partnering with Humanities Tennessee on a virtual event featuring bestselling authors Sharon Cameron and Ruta Sepetys on Tuesday, April 27 at 7 p.m.

The event is part of an online author speaker series in partnership with the Tennessee State Library and Archives. The series will feature an author event each month in 2021, in partnership with a different library in the state.

All events are free and will be streamed on Facebook Live via the pages of the partner library and of chapter16.org, the literary website of Humanities Tennessee.

“As we wait for the return of safe, in-person events, we are delighted to partner with libraries across Tennessee on this new series,” said Serenity Gerbman, director of literature and language programs at Humanities Tennessee. “Our libraries continue to serve their communities with a variety of creative, innovative programming for families and readers of all ages.”

“The library is thrilled to offer our community a chance to meet Sharon Cameron and Ruta Septys,” said Bridgette Johnson, Teen Librarian at Kingsport Public Library. “They write immersive, fast-paced historical fiction that appeals to history and non-history lovers of all ages. Their characters are so real to life you can’t help but feel what they feel and root for them.”

Sharon Cameron is the author of the New York Times bestselling novel “The Light in Hidden Places,” which was a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick. Her debut novel The Dark Unwinding was awarded the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators’ Sue Alexander Award for Most Promising New Work and the SCBWI Crystal Kite Award, and was named a YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults selection. Sharon is also the author of its sequel, A Spark Unseen; Rook, which was selected as an Indiebound Indie Next List Top Ten selection, a YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults selection, and a Parents’ Choice gold medalist; and The Forgetting, a #1 New York Times bestseller and an Indie Next Pick of the List selection, and its companion novel, The Knowing. She lives with her family in Nashville, Tennessee.

Ruta Sepetys is an internationally acclaimed, #1 New York Times bestselling author of historical fiction published in over 60 countries and 40 languages. Sepetys is considered a “crossover” novelist, as her books are read by both teens and adults worldwide. Her novels Between Shades of Gray, Out of the Easy, and Salt to the Sea have won or been shortlisted for more than 40 book prizes, and are included on more than 60 state award lists. Between Shades of Gray was adapted into the film Ashes in the Snow, and her other novels are currently in development for TV and film. Winner of the Carnegie Medal, Ruta is passionate about the power of history and literature to foster global awareness and connectivity. She has presented to NATO, to the European Parliament, in the United States Capitol, and at embassies worldwide. Ruta was born and raised in Michigan and now lives with her family in Nashville, Tennessee.

Humanities Tennessee is a non-profit organization that fosters community and civility in Tennessee through engaging programs that examine and reflect upon ideas, stories, history, arts and culture. To receive updates about this series and other literary events, subscribe to the weekly newsletter of literary website Chapter 16 at chapter16.org or visit humtn.org.

For more information about this and other programs at the Kingsport Public Library visit kingsportlibrary.org

KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Police Department Promotes “Slow Down Tennessee” to Reduce Speeding-Related Cr ashes

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Kingsport Police Department

Dale Phipps, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

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

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: Kingsport Police Department Promotes “Slow Down Tennessee” to Reduce Speeding-Related Crashes
DATE: April 16, 2021
GENERAL NARRATIVE
The Kingsport Police Department is partnering with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) to promote “Slow Down Tennessee.” During April 16 – 30, 2021 K.P.D. will increase education, awareness, and enforcement efforts to help reduce speeding-related crashes, injuries, and fatalities statewide.

“‘Slow Down Tennessee’ is the collaboration of various public safety partners with a shared mission to improve driver behavior and save lives,” said Director Buddy Lewis of the THSO. “We have all noticed the spike in reckless driving occurring since the pandemic. All we ask of the motoring public is to be considerate of other roadway users and obey the traffic laws, so we can all make it home safely.”

According to Tennessee’s Integrated Traffic Analysis Network (TITAN), there were nearly 23,000 speeding-related crashes in Tennessee from 2017 to 2019. Thirty-six percent of those crashes involved drivers between the ages of 18 and 24 years old.

The State of Tennessee requires motorists to always exercise due care and maintain a safe speed while driving. Speed limits may vary depending on the county and road conditions; therefore, drivers must always pay attention and adhere to posted speed limits to ensure the safety of all roadway users.

For more information about speeding, visit www.TNTrafficSafety.org/slow.

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 Spring Paving in Tri-Cities Airport Area

Pave-Well Paving Company will begin paving selected city roadways near the Tri-Cities Airport on Monday, April 19. The contractor will be conducting lane closures and flagging operations during the duration of this project.

Motorists are urged to use caution and be patient when traveling in the area during this time. The work is expected to be completed by July 31.  If you have any questions, please contact Public Works at 423-229-9451.

For more information about paving in Kingsport, please visit pavekingsport.com.

KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Police Attempting to Locate Missing Teen

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Kingsport Police Department

Dale Phipps, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

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

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: Kingsport Police Attempting to Locate Missing Teen
DATE: April 15, 2021
CASE #: 21-007626
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On the evening of April 14, 2021, Michael D’Shaun Brice was reported as a missing juvenile to the Kingsport Police Department. He was last seen on foot in the 700 block of North Eastman Road in Kingsport. While investigators have no reason to suspect foul play at this time, due to his minor age, every possible effort is being made to locate him.

His photograph and detailed description have been included in this release. Anyone who sees him or knows where he might be located 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 Michael D’Shaun Brice
Age 15 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/Black
Height/

Weight

 6 feet

135 pounds
Hair/Eyes Black hair

Brown eyes
Other Description N/A
Residency Kingsport, TN
Possible Clothing Black Nike shirt

Red sweat pants

Red and white athletic shoes
Last Known Location 700 block of North Eastman Road

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

KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Detectives Attempting to Identify Person of Interest in Ongoing Investigation

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Kingsport Police Department

Dale Phipps, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

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

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: Kingsport Detectives Attempting to Identify Person of Interest in Ongoing Investigation
DATE: April 13, 2021
GENERAL NARRATIVE
Kingsport Police Department Detectives are attempting to identify the white male adult in the accompanying photos who is a person of interest in an ongoing investigation. He is believed to be traveling in a full-size, 4-door, dark-colored pickup truck which is also pictured in the photo array below.

Due to the active nature of the investigation, no further details are available for release at this time.

Anyone who recognizes him or his 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) • 423-343-9749 (FAX)

ThomasMPatton

Kingsport MTPO Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan – Public Input on Draft Recommendations

The second round of public input will be open through April 23, 2021. Please take a few minutes to review the draft recommendations and provide additional comments or suggestions. Links to the presentation from the April 8 workshop, the draft bikeway network, draft pedestrian network, and an interactive map (where you can view the draft recommendations and provide feedback) can be found HERE

KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Detectives Investigating Shooting Incident on Virgil Avenue

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Kingsport Police Department

Dale Phipps, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

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

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: Kingsport Detectives Investigating Shooting Incident on Virgil Avenue
DATE: April 12, 2021
CASE #: 21-007430
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On April 11, 2021 at approximately 9:30 PM, Kingsport Police Patrol Officers and Detectives responded to the 300 block of Virgil Avenue in Kingsport in reference to a shooting incident. While all of the people involved had left the scene prior to police arrival, responding Officers located evidence of the incident in question in the roadway.

Shortly thereafter, K.P.D. was notified that one individual from this incident was at an area hospital seeking treatment for a gunshot wound. As of the time of this release, that person remains hospitalized; however, his injuries appear non-life threatening.

Further investigation revealed that known acquaintances had met on Virgil Avenue to resolve a disagreement. An argument ensued which then escalated into a physical confrontation and culminated in shots being fired.

This incident remains under active investigation by the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division as Detectives attempt to identify the other people involved; therefore, no further details are available for release at this time.

Anyone with any information that may assist with this case is asked to contact Detectives 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

Please note, that this incident is completely unrelated to the officer involved shooting that occurred at the same location at approximately the same time. For information on that incident, please visit the following link:

https://tbinewsroom.com/2021/04/12/tbi-agents-investigating-officer-involved-shooting-in-kingsport-3/
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 9-1-1 Communications Specialists Honored During National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week 2021

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Kingsport Police Department

DalePhipps, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

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

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: Kingsport 9-1-1 Communications Specialists Honored During National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week 2021
DATE: April 12, 2021
GENERAL NARRATIVE
The Communications Specialists, also known as Dispatchers, of the Kingsport Emergency Communications District, are being honored this week, April 11 through 17, 2021, as part of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (NPSTW). Communications Specialists are the calm, yet highly trained, voice on the phone whenever a citizen calls 9-1-1 for help during an emergency.

Every year during the second week of April, telecommunications personnel in the public safety community are honored. This week-long event was originally created in 1981 by Patricia Anderson of the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office in California. Her goal was to set aside a time to celebrate and thank these individuals who dedicate their lives to serving the public, and make people aware of their hard work and dedication.

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 9-1-1 Director, Lieutenant Todd Harrison, and include Communications Supervisor, Adrianna Sorge, Technical Services Coordinator, Richie Hite, 4 Shift Leaders, and 16 Communications Specialists, most of whom are Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certified. The Kingsport Police Department would like to take this opportunity to express sincere gratitude to all of the employees of Kingsport 9-1-1 and congratulate them on a job well done.

Several of Kingsport 9-1-1’s Communications Specialists are additionally certified as Emergency Number Professionals (ENPs) by the National Emergency Number Association. The ENP program was established in 1994 as a way to establish a benchmark of performance for professionals in the 9-1-1 field. In order to be certified as an ENP, applicants must first meet eligibility requirements that include a combination of experience, education, and professional development in the 9-1-1 field. Candidates then must pass a rigorous examination that demonstrates a mastery of the comprehensive knowledge base required of emergency number program management.

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 additional information regarding National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week or the National and Tennessee Emergency Number Associations, please visit the following links:

http://www.NPSTW.org/

http://www.NENA.org/

https://www.TENA911.com/

RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

ThomasMPatton

Kingsport Aquatic Center’s Outdoor Water Park to Open May 10

It’s official—water park season is on the way. The Kingsport Aquatic Center will open the Outdoor Water Park on Monday, May 10, and season passes for the 2021 summer season are on sale now.

“The KAC is so excited to welcome back our members and guests to the Outdoor Water Park this summer,” KAC Director Kari Matheney said. “We hope our guests are happy to get back to swimming and sunbathing too.”

As the KAC works with the Sullivan County Regional Health Department to evaluate guest safety, the Outdoor Water Park will operate at a reduced capacity of 750 guests at any time to allow for social distancing. The KAC will continue to monitor the effects of COVID-19 in the local area in conjunction with SCRHD, and will evaluate operations as the summer progresses.

“We strongly encourage guests to buy season passes to help us minimize crowding at entry points during the busy first weekends of summer,” Matheney said.

This year, season pass holders and KAC members will have early access to the park 30 minutes before regular opening. All season pass holders and KAC members will receive cards for their duration of their membership or 2021 season, and will receive wrist bands upon entry of the facility for the day for compliance capacity. All pass holders ages 3 and up will have their photo taken for internal authentication.

2021 Outdoor Water Park Hours

  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Wednesday and Saturday: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Sunday: noon – 6 p.m.

Season passes are valid for entry beginning May 1 to the new outdoor lap pool, and beginning May 10 for the water park. The water park will be open every day through Labor Day, weather permitting, then weekends only through the end of September.

The new outdoor lap pool will be open every day, weather permitting, through the end of October. This pool is currently open, and hours will expand as the weather gets warmer. The current operational schedule is:

  • Monday – Friday
    • Lap swim by reservation 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
    • Open swim at 50% capacity 4 – 7 p.m. on Monday, Thursday and Friday
    • Water aerobics on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings
  • Saturday
    • Open swim at 50% capacity 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

At this time, KAC’s indoor facilities are still available for lap swim by reservation.

Season passes and memberships can be purchased on swimkingsport.com or in person at the KAC front desk. To learn more about season pass and membership benefits, call 423-343-9758 or visit swimkingsport.com.

Link to: City of Kingsport
City of Kingsport, Tennessee