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Bays Mountain Park hosts barge, planetarium yoga classes

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A local yoga instructor is partnering with Bays Mountain Park to offer two special yoga classes to the community in the coming weeks.

The first class – Barge Yoga – will be held on September 30 from 10 a.m. to 11:05 a.m. on the Bays Mountain Barge. The class is designed to challenge your core muscles and balance abilities, all while enjoying the beautiful lake at Bays Mountain.

This fun, exercise science-based yoga class features poses that challenge students to build strength and flexibility while also working on coordination skills. The class will further incorporate a rest and restore portion (10 minutes) that includes stretching and breathing exercises.

Designed for all levels and modifications will be offered. The cost is $6 per adult and registration is limited to 8 people. Please bring your own mat and water. Participants will meet by the barge 15 minutes prior to class starting.

The second class – Planetarium Yoga – will be held on October 3 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Bays Mountain Park planetarium.

This truly immersive yoga class will be held in the planetarium theater, while the images shown run from dawn to dusk, simulating a day’s journey while participants do Sun Salutations, Warrior series, and balance poses.

Concentric, eccentric and isometric contractions will be featured so participants can work to optimize both their strength and balance. Finally, the class concludes with a twilight to starry night sky for the restorative portion of the yoga class.

The cost is $12 per person and class size is limited to 10 people. Wear exercise clothing and bring your own mat and water with a sealable lid.

To register, visit https://bit.ly/3Ly15wy. 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” in the search bar.

Media Report 09/25/2023

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Fleet Maintenance restores Kingsport’s original fire truck

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Kingsport’s Fleet Maintenance division received a rare and unique challenge a few years ago – restore the city’s first fire engine back to its original condition. Employees worked during their spare time on the project and the job took more than two years to accomplish.

Through diligence and hard work, those employees ultimately brought the classic piece of Kingsport history back to its former glory.

“It’s incredible to think you’re working on the first fire truck the city ever bought,” said Fleet Maintenance Manager Steve Leonard. “It was good to be part of the project. Not everyone gets to work on something like that.”

Kingsport’s first fire engine, a 1917 American LaFrance – dubbed Old Huldy – went into service more than 106 years ago. At the time, it was the city’s only fire truck and was housed in the city’s only fire station on Watauga Street.

Old Huldy had a top speed of approximately 30 miles per hour and originally had to be started by hand cranking. The engine carried hoses, wooden ladders, axes and about 100 gallons of water in the tank. Lanterns hung from the sides of the truck to light up the area so the firefighters could see to operate the pumper.

After decades of service, Old Huldy eventually retired and was placed in storage. About 20 years ago, the engine went on display in a glass building outside Fire Station #2. However, some city employees felt this wasn’t a good arrangement for Old Huldy.

“We weren’t doing it justice having it sit out there and the structure just wasn’t secure enough,” said Assistant Chief Terry Arnold. “At that point, we decided to take it and have it restored.”

City Manager Chris McCartt greenlit the restoration project, saying the engine was a significant part of Kingsport’s history and needed to be saved. From there, fleet maintenance employees started the two-year process of restoring Old Huldy to its original condition.

One employee instrumental in bringing the engine back to life was Technician Brian Painter. In his spare time, Painter fixed oil leaks, dealt with wiring issues and made the coupling for the ignition system. Tires were replaced, necessary internal parts were purchased and through the hard work of many fleet maintenance employees, the job got done.

“Brian’s diligence and commitment to the completion of this project shows the value he brings to the City of Kingsport,” Leonard added.

In the end, fleet maintenance got Old Huldy back up and running, bringing the vehicle back to within 80-85% of its original condition.

The engine is currently housed in Fire Station #1 in downtown Kingsport. Along with being used in parades and for special events, plans call for Old Huldy to be put on display in the new Fire Station #2, once it is built.

“Compared to what we see today in cars and trucks, it’s been like taking a step back in time and seeing how simple things were then,” Leonard said. “We’re just thrilled we were able to restore Old Huldy and be able to share this piece of Kingsport history with the community.”

Media Report 09/22/2023

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Time to sign up for Fall Break Camp

Kingsport’s Parks and Recreation Department is accepting registrations for its annual Fall Break Camp. Kids will have the opportunity to enjoy games and activities, arts and crafts, outside time, movie time and so much more.

The camp will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. October 2-6 at the V.O. Dobbins, Sr. Complex (301 Louis Street). Children ages 6 to 12 can register and the cost per child is $35 for city residents and $40 for non-city residents.

Camp participants will need to pack a lunch and a snack daily.

“If you’ve never participated in one of our camps before, know that it’ll be a fun-filled week for the kids with plenty of outdoor games and activities,” said Program Administrator Renee Ensor. “Our staff truly works hard all week to keep the kids active and engaged.”

To register, visit https://bit.ly/45cDbOp. You can also click on the CivicRec link in the Connect Kingsport app or go to www.kingsporttn.gov and click on the “CivicRec” link, then search for “fall break camp” in the search bar.

For more information, visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org or call 423-224-2489.

KPD e-News Release Newly Certified KPD Officer receives Life Saving Award

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GENERAL NARRATIVE

The Kingsport Police Department is proud to present newly certified Officer Emmaline Hulse with the Life Saving Award.  Officer Hulse graduated from the Regional Law Enforcement Academy at Walters State Community College on 9/14/2023.  On the evening of 9/13/2023, Officer Hulse was dining at a local restaurant with other police cadets.  Another patron of the restaurant began to choke on food while the cadets were present.  Upon seeing the patron in distress, Officer Hulse immediately jumped into action and administered abdominal thrusts.  The patron’s airway was ultimately cleared of the food obstruction and further medical intervention was not necessary.  Officer Hulse’s quick action saved the life of this citizen.  Officer Hulse is one of four KPD graduates from the latest Walter’s State Police Academy class and is set to begin field training in the department’s Patrol Division. 

 

Officer Emmaline Hulse with Chief of Police Dale Phipps

 

RELEASING OFFICER

Lieutenant Justin McConnell

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

Office (423) 229-9499, Fax (423) 343-9749 

JustinMcConnell@KingsportTN.gov

 

Media Report 09/21/2023

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Renovations begin at Bays Mountain Park Nature Center

The City of Kingsport is pleased to announce the first phase of renovations at the Bays Mountain Park Nature Center has begun. GRC Construction is the contractor performing the work for the city.

Phase one work will take place in the main lobby of the Nature Center and include expanding the footprint of the gift shop, renovating and right-sizing employee offices, replacing the carpet in the lobby with vinyl flooring and creating a new, more pronounced entrance to the planetarium.

“The new entrance to the planetarium will be like walking through a portal. It’ll definitely be eye-catching, and we’re excited to see the public’s reaction,” said Park Director Megan Krager.

Currently, the planetarium is closed due to demolition work. Visitors can access the ramp and lower level of the nature center. Construction costs for phase one is approximately $650,000 and work should wrap up in February 2024.

Other renovations taking place during phase one include covering the gallery walls on the main floor with drywall. This modernization effort will create a better sound barrier between the hall and the planetarium and make it much easier to add or modify exhibits on the walls.

Once the new flooring is down in the main lobby, the newer exhibits will return while the older exhibits will be replaced with new ones, such as ones on lake life and the night sky. Kingsport has allocated $31,000 for new exhibits.

A future phase of improvements will focus on the ramp and downstairs area of the nature center.

“Not only are we renovating to update the aesthetics of the nature center, but we’re also putting in new exhibits,” Krager added.  “It’s been a long time coming and we believe the public will be thrilled with the changes.”

For more information about Bays Mountain park, visit www.baysmountain.com.

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Kingsport offering Youth Basketball for Fall Season

The Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department is now accepting registrations for the 2023 Youth Basketball program.

Participants must live inside Kingsport’s city limits, own city property or attend Kingsport City Schools. Leagues offered include Bantam, Pee Wee Boys and Girls, Rookie Boys, Junior Boys and Girls, Intermediate Boys and Senior Boys.

Age determination date is August 15, 2022. Registration dates are as follows:

  • Boys ages 5-10: Sept. 18 through Oct. 8
  • Boys ages 11-17: Oct. 23 through Nov. 12
  • Girls ages 5-9: Sept. 18 through Oct. 8
  • Girls ages 10-12: Oct. 23 through Nov. 12

The registration fee is $30 per child and a $30 maximum jersey fee will be paid later through Wheelhouse after players are contacted by coaches.

To register, visit bit.ly/3P9exbg. You can also click on the CivicRec link in the Connect Kingsport app or go to www.kingsporttn.gov and click on the “CivicRec” link, then search for “youth basketball” in the search bar.

For more information, visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org or call 423-229-9460.

Advanced Wire Wrapping course being offered

The Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts is offering a class in advanced wire wrapping later this month. In this hands-on class, you will learn the advanced techniques to create beautiful wire wrap jewelry from master wire sculpture artist Russell Lawson.

This class will focus on stone setting, with your choice of advanced techniques. Build upon your skill set from the introductory course and learn to make advanced level “fancy” jewelry, such as cabochon wraps, chainmail, crochet and macramé.

The Advanced Wire Wrapping class will take place on September 30 in Room 228 of the Kingsport Renaissance Center (1200 E. Center Street). The class runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Cost is $95 per person and includes all materials. Participants are allowed to bring their own tools. Pre-requisite – the introduction to wire wrapping class or previous experience with jewelry making.

To register, visit https://bit.ly/3Phj5MS. The class is limited to five participants. 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.

Link to: City of Kingsport
City of Kingsport, Tennessee