This content has restricted access, please type the password below and get access.
This content has restricted access, please type the password below and get access.
This content has restricted access, please type the password below and get access.
The beloved Christmas Connection is celebrating 42 years of bringing some of the region’s best arts and crafts vendors to Kingsport. Whether you are refreshing your home décor, trying to find that perfect gift, or treating your taste-buds, the Christmas Connection is here to connect you just in time for the holiday festivities. You can find unique gifts and support artisans in our region. Free admission all weekend!
As the weather turns colder, the Civic Auditorium will be filled with a warm and festive holiday glow to put customers in a holiday mood for shopping. The sights, sounds and smells of Christmas will surround shoppers as they shop from the region’s best craftspeople, artisans, artists and creatives. A few of the items you will find include Country Crafts, Home Décor, Fine Woodcrafts, Leathercrafts, Handmade Soaps and Lotions, Candles, Jewelry, Christmas Ornaments, Stained Glass, Wheel Thrown Pottery, Fabric Crafts, Needlework, American Girl Doll Clothing, Pet Accessories and Clothing, Dichroic Glass, Handmade Greeting Cards and Paper Art, Snowmen, Santas, Candied Pecans, Baked Goods and much more!
For this merry 42nd celebration, the vendors will be keeping the event hopping, and music will be serenading the Christmas customers as they shop. On the Main Stage you will find the Christmas Connection Café, serving up country favorites. Outside the front entrance make sure to stop by the food trucks to satisfy your salty, savory or sweet taste buds. We will also welcome the Kingsport Ballet to the entry foyer with their homemade baked goods for sale.
Whether you have been enjoying the Christmas Connection for years or you are trying it out for the very first time, this artisan and craft fair has something for you! Kingsport’s Annual Christmas Connection, a free admission event, is to be held November 12 and 13 at the Kingsport Civic Auditorium and is sponsored by the Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts. Staff will be working with the Civic Auditorium and following all the current protocols carefully. There will be socially distanced booths among other safety precautions.
Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts is excited and blessed to be able to continue this tradition for its 42nd consecutive year serving the artists and the community. Thank you for supporting your local artisans!
DATES/HOURS:
Friday Nov. 12 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday Nov. 13 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
For more information on the Christmas Connection event, please visit www.EngageKingsport.com or call 423-392-8414.
|
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 Knoxville Man | |||
| DATE: | November 10, 2021 | |||
| CASE #: | 21-023176 | |||
| GENERAL NARRATIVE | ||||
| On November 8, 2021 Travis A. Woods was reported as a missing person to the Kingsport Police Department. Mr. Woods resides in Knoxville, TN but frequents Kingsport, TN. While there is no known reason to suspect foul play at this time, due to some information shared with investigators regarding his personal and medical history, there is reasonable cause to be concerned for his overall health and welfare.
At the time he was reported missing, he had not been seen or heard from since October 28, 2021 when he was spotted on Lynn Garden Drive in Kingsport; however, the day after he was reported missing, he was seen driving along West Carters Valley Road. Mr. Woods is a 35 year old white male adult. He is approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighs roughly 135 pounds, and has brown hair and brown eyes. His photograph is included in this release. He is believed to be traveling in a black 1999 Ford F-250 extended-cab 4×4 pickup, with custom wheels, bearing Tennessee license plate JNZTOY2. Anyone who sees Mr. Woods or the truck, 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 |
||||
| MISSING PERSON INFORMATION | |
| Name | Travis A. Woods |
| Age | 35 Years of Age |
| Gender/Race | Male/White |
| Height/
Weight |
5 feet 7 inches
135 pounds |
| Hair/Eyes | Brown hair
Brown eyes |
| Residency | Resides in Knoxville, TN but frequents Kingsport, TN |
| Last Known Location | Seen on Lynn Garden Drive on October 28, 2021
Seen on West Carters Valley Road on November 9, 2021 |
| MISSING PERSON VEHICLE INFORMATION | |
| Make | Ford |
| Model | F-250 |
| Year | 1999 |
| Type | Extended Cab 4×4 Pickup |
| Color | Black |
| License # | TN JNZTOY2 |
| Other | Truck has custom wheels |
| RELEASING OFFICER | ||
| Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer
Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit 423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-343-9749 (FAX) ThomasMPatton |
||
In this hands-on class, learn to create beautiful wire wrap jewelry from a master wire sculpture artist.
Using semi-precious gemstones, fine copper wire and over two decades of experience, Russell Lawson guides each student to gain a working knowledge of essential wire wrapping techniques. Students will become familiar with the tools of the trade and add an exponentially utilitarian skill set to their artistic repertoire.
In this 2-hour session, students will create one complete wire-wrapped pendant with a semi-precious gemstone wrapped in fine copper wire. Fee for the instruction, supplies, knowledge and complete pendant is only $75. All materials will be provided.
Students will have the option to add-on a “to-go” kit for supplies to make an additional pendant at home, using their new skills (add $25 at checkout). The kit includes one semi-precious gemstone (gemstones will vary) and fine copper wire. Wire cutter is not included in add-on kit.
This class will be offered twice in November, on November 20 and 21.
On Saturday, November 20, the class will be held in the Studio at the Carousel (the 2nd floor tower between the Kingsport Carousel and Kingsport Farmers Market) from 10 a.m. – noon.
On Sunday, November 21, the class will be held in the Inventor Center (118 Shelby Street) from 2 – 4 p.m.
Register online now at www.EngageKingsport.com or call 423-392-8414. Online sales will end 48 hours prior to the class.
For more information about the Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts, please visit www.EngageKingsport.com.
|
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 15 Year Old | |||
| DATE: | November 4, 2021 | |||
| CASE #: | 21-022651 | |||
| GENERAL NARRATIVE | ||||
| On November 1, 2021, 15 year old Damien Roy Osborne was reported as a missing juvenile to the Kingsport Police Department. While foul play is not suspected at this time, due to his minor age, Investigators are making every possible effort to locate him.
His photo and description are included below. 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 |
||||
| MISSING JUVENILE INFORMATION | |
| Name | Damien Roy Osborne |
| Age | 15 Years of Age |
| Gender/Race | Male/White |
| Height/
Weight |
6 feet 2 inches
140 pounds |
| Hair/Eyes | Brown hair
Blue Eyes |
| Other Description | Not provided |
| Residency | Kingsport, TN |
| Possible Clothing | Not provided |
| Last Known Location | 400 block of Allen Drive
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 |
||
For those who might be adults in age but are kids at heart, VO Dobbins is hosting a Parents Game Night on November 12th from 7:00- 9:00 pm. Adult participants will be split into teams and will compete in a game of Tron Tag, which is dodgeball played with foam frisbees.
“Parents, this is your night to have fun and feel like a kid again!” says Kingsport Parks and Recreation Administrator Renee Ensor.
While the adults are at play, kids in attendance will be supervised by staff and entertained with games, crafts, and a movie. Family members of all ages will be allowed to play in games prior to the beginning of the adult tournament. No prior registration is required, and games will end by 9:00 pm.
For more information about Kingsport’s parks, please visit kingsportparksandrecreation.org.
The Kingsport Economic Development Board (KEDB) on November 2 officially selected Edens Investments as the developer of a residential community at Brickyard Park.
Edens Investments was recommended for selection by the Brickyard Committee, a panel of local business and community leaders appointed by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, following the issuance of a request for proposals earlier this year for residential development on a 39-acre site currently owned by the city.
The proposed residential community was selected because it exceeds standards set by the city and proposal requirements, features community-focused amenities and programs; and utilizes environmentally conscious design.
“Edens Investments proposal includes not only everything we required for the residential development, but also everything we dreamed this site could be,” KEDB Chair Craig Denison said. “I applaud the imagination and ingenuity that went into this plan and believe the Kingsport Economic Development Board will see the same potential.”
The proposed plan by Edens Investments can support 350 housing units, which will be a mix of rental and purchase units to provide flexibility for residents. The plan includes nearly three times the number of housing units originally envisioned for the site, and the increased density of professionals and families will help support current and future employers and businesses in Downtown Kingsport and beyond.
In addition to close proximity to downtown shops, restaurants and bars, residents in the proposed housing community will enjoy a pool, basketball court, clubhouse, tutoring programs, adult education and more onsite. The plan makes use of green space with almost one mile of walking paths, multiple pocket park spaces, dog parks, a community garden and greenhouse, and oversized detention ponds with water features. The development will include the use of solar energy.
The proposed site plan allows for future expansion that will complement the residential community. A road network will connect Martin Luther King Jr. Drive to Cherokee Street and Brickyard Park Drive.
“This future neighborhood is sure to weave well into the fabric of Kingsport,” said John Rose, economic development director for the City of Kingsport. “Its amenities and economic opportunities will enhance living for residents in the area and greater Kingsport. I am excited about the Kingsport Economic Development Board’s decision and for construction to begin.”
Following this selection, next steps for the project include confirming site plans, negotiating contracts and the property purchase by the developer.
The city expects Edens Investments to break ground in early spring 2022.
After all residential units are built, which is anticipated to take up to six years, the combined property tax benefit of the housing units for Kingsport and Sullivan County is estimated at approximately $1 million per year.
Brickyard Park, a premier sports facility and community park, is located between downtown and the Holston River and includes:
- Four ballfields that opened in 2015 at a cost of $7 million, which accommodate baseball and softball, with restrooms, lighted parking lot, landscaping and concessions.
- Miracle Field Complex, which opened in July 2020 and provides youth and young adults with mental and physical disabilities a place to play baseball on a rubberized field. The $2.6 million complex also includes a BlueCross Healthy Place featuring inclusive play structures and multisensory playground components funded in part by a grant from BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. The complex is the first facility of its kind in northeast Tennessee and earned a 2021 Project of the Year award from the American Public Works Association.
- Planned pump track that allows bicyclists to ride a continuous loop of dirt berms and mounds without pedaling by generating momentum with up and down body movements; the track will include a parking lot and restrooms.
- Expanded Scott Adams Memorial Skate Park, which is being relocated from nearby Cloud Park. Ground was broken in September, and the park is expected to open in spring 2022. Paper manufacturer Domtar has contributed $500,000 toward construction of the $1.8 million project.
- Planned 175-foot pedestrian bridge to cross the railroad tracks, connecting Brickyard Park with Centennial Park and downtown Kingsport; the bridge will be partially funded by a $1.85 million grant from the Tennessee Department of Transportation.
- Public greenspace, including an events lawn to accommodate concerts or gatherings.
- Cement Hill walking trails, overlooks and greenspace.
Brickyard Park is located on property formerly owned by General Shale, Inc.
It’s that time of year again – the City of Kingsport 2021 property tax are due. To avoid penalties, property owners must pay those taxes on or before November 30, 2021. Additional penalties of 2% are due on all unpaid 2021 city property taxes on December 1, 2021, 4% due on January 1, 2022 and an additional 1% will be assessed on the 1st of every subsequent month until paid in full.
Please note: penalties assessed for delinquent tax payments cannot be waived by any city official.
Residents can pay city taxes by mail (415 Broad Street), in person or by drive-thru at the Customer Service Center (415 Broad Street, first floor) or online (www.kingsporttn.gov).
The City of Kingsport accepts VISA, MasterCard, and Discover credit and debit cards for the payment of property taxes at the Customer Service Center, online and at the new JACK payment kiosk. A 2.75% card processing fee will be assessed for all property taxes paid by credit/debit cards.
Payments by check may be put in an envelope and dropped in the drop box of Lane 2 of the drive-thru at City Hall.
The new JACK kiosk, located in Lane 1 of the drive-thru, accepts payments in cash, check, or credit/debit card. There are no additional fees at the kiosk if paying by cash or check. Simply locate your account by typing in your street address and following the instructions on the screen.
When will I received my tax bill?
Tax bills for city residents in Hawkins County were mailed out the week of October 18. Tax bills for city residents in Sullivan County were mailed out the week of October 25.
How can I find out how much I owe before I receive my tax bill?
- Visit kingsporttn.gov.
- Click PAY ONLINE.
- Choose ONLINE TAX PAYMENTS.
- Select Account Search from left side.
- Using the drop down menu, select Search by Street Address. Enter your street name and select county, then click the SEARCH button. Click NEXT PAGE until you locate your address. Click on your address to see your tax bill. If you click PAY BILL, you will be directed to pay by credit/debit card. If you prefer not to use a card, you can print the page and mail it in with your check. The mailing address is Kingsport Customer Service Center 415 Broad Street, Kingsport, TN 37660.
What if I did not receive a tax bill?
Please allow time for the mail to reach you. If you have not received your tax bill by November 15, action may be needed.
First, contact the Customer Service Center at 423-229-9418. Please be aware, failing to receive a tax notice or disputing a property’s assessed value are not valid reasons for not paying on time. Penalties will still be assessed.
Second, if you need to update the mailing address or contact information for your property, you must contact the Property Tax Assessors Office in the county where your property is located.
Sullivan County Property Tax Assessor
3411 HIGHWAY 126
BLOUNTVILLE, TN 37617
423-323-6455
Hawkins County Property Tax Assessor
110 EAST MAIN ST
ROGERSVILLE, TN 37857
423-272-8505
Is there any tax relief available?
You may qualify for assistance from the State of Tennessee if:
- You will be at least 65 years old on or before Dec. 31, 2021, -OR –
- You were totally and permanently disabled as rated by the Social Security Administration or other qualified agency on or before Dec. 31, 2021. –AND-
- Your combined 2020 annual income for the applicant, applicant’s spouse, and all other owners of the property is less than $31,190 total. –AND-
- You owned and lived in the home as your main residence in 2021. –OR-
- You are a 100% service connected disabled veteran or surviving spouse of a 100% service connected disabled veteran (regardless of total annual income).
Please visit the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury site for a complete list of requirements at http://www.tncot.cc/taxrelief or to speak to the state, call 615-747-8871.
The City of Kingsport Customer Service Center can be reached at 423-229-9418.