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One of the best parts of Robert Petrisko’s job at the Kingsport Area Transit Service is helping people reach their destination. Whether it be to the grocery store, the doctor’s office or to work, Petrisko plays an integral role in making sure passengers arrive at their destination in a timely manner.
Most times the job is routine, but one little quirk could throw the whole day off. And that’s where Petrisko shines – troubleshooting the issue and working through it.
Petrisko, who turns 40 later this year, began working for KATS in 2016 when he first came to Kingsport, starting out as a temp washing buses. Six months later, he was hired full time as a driver. In 2019, Petrisko was promoted to head dispatcher and then about a year ago was promoted to his current position as foreman.
“I run the day-to-day operations, I’m responsible for making sure the buses and vans are running on time, all of the scheduling for passengers and drivers and do the behind-the-wheel training,” Petrisko said. “If a bus breaks down in the middle of route, I’ve got to figure out how to get one out there and get the passengers picked up.”
Petrisko was born in New Orleans and has called many places home, including Chicago, Maine, Virginia, New Hampshire and Florida. For most of his life, he lived in Maryland and Vermont but about eight years ago, his journey brought him to Kingsport.
“My parents lived in Maryland, and they would come down here twice a year for the races. I loved Vermont, but the winters were too long, too cold and just miserable,” Petrisko said. “My parents then decided to move down here and I decided to come along.”
Transit systems across the country have faced a variety of challenges in recent years, from the COVID-19 pandemic to a lack of qualified drivers to acquiring parts and vehicles to operate in an efficient manner. Petrisko says he enjoys the problem solving challenges of his job and notes that every day is different than the one before.
“I can’t imagine someone talking me out of leaving KATS. I really enjoy working here with these people,” Petrisko said. “Not only did KATS Transit Coordinator Chris Campbell and KATS Superintendent Cindy Johnson see something in me, but whenever I wanted to learn something new, they’ve always been willing to help me.”
For more information about KATS, its routes and the services offered, please visit www.kingsporttransit.org.
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The Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to announce a new yoga class for the community – Yoga for Moms.
Yoga is an ancient practice that brings the mind and body together through stretching, breathing and meditation. Yoga can improve your mental health and balance, reduce stress and anxiety and is beneficial to your overall well-being.
The Yoga for Moms class will take place every Tuesday from September 5 through October 10 at the V.O. Dobbins, Sr. Complex. The hour-long classes start at 1:30 p.m. and cost $5 per class.
This women’s health yoga class features poses that challenge moms to build strength and flexibility while also developing their pelvic floor, core, balance and coordination. This exercise science based class also includes a short restorative section focusing on diaphragmatic breathing.
The class is designed for participants of all levels and modifications will be offered as needed. There will be a limited number of mats available so feel free to bring your own.
To register, visit https://bit.ly/3OG3INH. You can also register by clicking on the CivicRec link in the Connect Kingsport app or go to www.kingsporttn.gov and click on “CivicRec,” then search for “yoga for moms” in the search bar.
For information about other programs offered by Kingsport Parks and Recreation, visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org.
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Adventure into the fun and unpredictable world of acrylic pouring with Elena Corradino, a local artist who will teach you everything there is to know about this exciting style of abstract art.
The Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts is offering a one-day class in acrylic pouring on September 9 in Room 228 of the Kingsport Renaissance Center (1200 E. Center Street). The class runs from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with a 30 minute break for lunch (bring your own or eat local).
The cost is $85, and the class is for participants ages 13 and up. All materials you need will be provided.
During the four-hour class, you’ll make 10 paintings of various shapes and sizes, and each will be different. You will also learn five different types of pours, including a double flip cup, and three ways to make “cells.”
Participants will discuss color theory and what makes abstract art pop, and Elena will go into detail about the materials and brands she uses when making art. When you leave, you’ll have the knowledge of how to make your own beautiful, acrylic art.
To register, visit https://bit.ly/44t1K9a. Online sales will end 48 hours prior to the class. For information about other classes, programs and activities of the Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts, visit www.engagekingsport.com.
Get into your “element” with a Kingsport Library Card
From borrowing books, to downloading e-books, getting homework help, learning new skills, or attending story time, a library card helps you in so many ways.
With a library card you’re able to dive into a new hobby, tinker in a maker space and spark your creativity. A library card is your most important school supply—it’s elemental, really—and everyone should have one.
Which is why the Kingsport Public Library is joining with the American Library Association to celebrate September being National Library Card Sign-up month. Librarians across the nation are reminding parents, caregivers and students that signing up for a library card is the first step on the path to academic achievement and lifelong learning.
From free access to STEAM programs/activities, educational apps, in-person and virtual homework help, technology workshops to the expertise of librarians, a library card is one of the most cost-effective back-to-school supplies available.
“There is nothing more empowering than signing up for your own library card,” said Assistant Library Manager Casey Applebaum. “Through access to technology, media resources and educational programs, a library card gives students the tools to succeed in the classroom and provides people of all ages opportunities to pursue their dreams and passions.”
Since 1987, Library Card Sign-up Month has been held each September to mark the beginning of the school year. During the month, the American Library Association and libraries unite in a national effort to ensure every child signs up for their own library card.
Kingsport Public Library, along with libraries everywhere, will continue to adapt and expand services to meet the evolving needs of the community. To sign up for a library card or to learn more about the library’s resources and programs, please visit the Kingsport Public Library (400 Broad Street) or go to www.kingsportlibrary.org.
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Kingsport Police Department Dale Phipps, Chief of Police 200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660 |
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NEWS RELEASE |
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SUBJECT: |
K.P.D. Now Accepting Applications for Upcoming Class of Citizen’s Police Academy |
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DATE: |
August 28th, 2023 |
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GENERAL NARRATIVE |
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The Kingsport Police Department announces that applications are now being accepted for an upcoming class of the highly acclaimed Citizen’s Police Academy. KPD’s Citizen’s Academy is open to individuals who are at least 18 years of age and either reside or work within the city limits of Kingsport. The Academy is scheduled to begin on Monday October 9th, 2023 at 6:00 PM. Classes will meet twice each week on Monday and Wednesday evenings for four consecutive weeks at 6:00 PM with the final class being held on Wednesday, November 1st, 2023. Each class will run 2 to 2 ½ hours in duration. KPD emphasizes the Citizen’s Police Academy is not designed to prepare citizens to become actual police officers. However, it will give them a chance to walk a few steps in an officer’s shoes and experience what it might be like to serve as a police officer. The goal is for participants to gain a better understanding of the law enforcement field. Citizen’s Academy classes include an interesting mixture of classroom presentations, demonstrations, and hands on activities. Topics include:
The deadline to apply for the program will be Friday, September 22nd, 2023. Anyone interested in participating in the Citizen’s Academy needs to submit a new application even if one has been previously submitted in past years. A background check will be conducted on applicants prior to final acceptance in the program. To download an application please visit https://www.kingsporttn.gov/city-services/police-department/programs_for_citizens/. Applications may also be obtained at the Record’s Division window. You may return completed applications by mail or drop off to the Kingsport Police Dept. Attn Professional Standards Unit 200 Shelby St. Kingsport, TN 37660. Completed applications may also be Faxed to (423) 343-9749 or scanned and emailed to Professional Standards Lieutenant Justin McConnell at JustinMcConnell@KingsportTN.gov. For questions regarding the Citizen’s Police Academy please contact a member of the KPD Professional Standards Unit at (423) 229-9300. |
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RELEASED BY |
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Lieutenant Justin McConnell Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit 423-229-9499 (Desk), 423 343-9749 (Fax) |
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The City of Kingsport’s Stormwater Department is pleased to announce the winners of this year’s Storm Drain Art Contest.
The winners are:
- Trista Demoranville
- Chad Crawford
- Sommer Franklin
- Michele Harbaugh
- Kaitlyn Snyder
Each artist will receive a $150 prize and the paint and materials to start their work the first week of September. Drains to be painted are in front of Dobyns-Bennett High School, on Ravine Road (near Holston Valley Community Hospital), on Ormond Drive (near Johnson Elementary School), by the V.O. Dobbins Sr Center and along Clinchfield Street (near the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce).
The contest – now in its sixth year – is a partnership with the city’s stormwater department, the Office of Cultural Arts and Engage Kingsport. The goal of the contest is to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our rivers, stream habitat, and aquatic wildlife.
To keep up with the progress on each drain, check out Kingsport Public Works on Facebook.
This year’s contest is sponsored by Barge Design Solutions, Gresham Smith, Mattern & Craig and Now or Never Gallery Tattoo.