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In a heartfelt display of appreciation, the Kingsport community has launched several initiatives to show unwavering support for their local police force, ranging from providing snacks to creating supportive signage to establishing a unique “Prayer Warriors” program.
The movement began modestly, with residents recognizing that Kingsport police officers often miss meals due to their demanding schedules. To address this, a rotating roster of community members started supplying packaged snacks to the officers.
“These snacks are sometimes the only thing we manage to eat during our shifts,” shared Officer Mike Slater. “It’s more than just food. It’s a reminder that our community has our back.”
Building on this gesture, the community introduced yard signs and billboards bearing messages like “Our Heroes Kingsport Police” and “We Back the Blue.” These signs quickly became a common sight in Kingsport, symbolizing the town’s solidarity with its law enforcement.
The initiative’s impact soon echoed beyond Kingsport, inspiring neighboring cities like Johnson City, Bristol, Knoxville, Nashville, and even reaching as far as Texas and Oklahoma. Sign companies partnered with the movement, displaying large billboards with “A Big Thank You to Kingsport Police” across the city.
Perhaps the most personal touch in this wave of support is the Prayer Warriors program. Officers who choose to participate are paired with community members who commit to praying for their safety and well-being. These “warriors” also send encouraging notes and cards to the officers.
“Knowing someone is specifically praying for me and my colleagues is incredibly uplifting,” remarked Sergeant David Johnson.
This outpouring of support comes at a time when police forces nationwide often face challenging public perceptions. Kingsport’s initiatives serve as a reminder of the community’s gratitude and respect for those who serve and protect them.
“It’s about showing our officers that they are valued and respected,” said Terri Farthing, one of the movement’s organizers. “Our police are not just enforcers of the law. They are an integral part of our community.”
The Kingsport Police Department expressed its gratitude for these gestures, noting the positive impact on officer morale.
“It’s a tough job, and gestures like these remind us why we do what we do,” Lt. Justin McConnell stated.
As Kingsport continues to show its support, the community’s actions resonate as a powerful example of respect and appreciation for law enforcement, a model that other cities are now beginning to follow.
For more information, contact Mary Cowden at 423-246-9600 or marylcowden@yahoo.com.
Kingsport’s annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting event is this Saturday (December 2) in downtown Kingsport. The parade begins at 6 p.m. with the tree lighting taking place at 7:45 p.m.
Beginning at 2:30 p.m., expect road closures on Clinchfield Street (from West Center Street to Market Street), on West Center Street (from Clinchfield Street to Sullivan Street), and on East Center Street (from Sullivan Street to Clinchfield Street) and other side streets within this area.
All road closures and detours will be in place by 5:30 p.m. and will remain closed through the duration of the events Saturday evening. Center Street will be reopened at the conclusion of the parade.
Due to construction, Main Street is closed from Sullivan to Cherokee, so please use Market Street as a detour.
In addition to the parade route closures, the 400 block of Broad Street and New Street (from Shelby to Commerce) will be closed Saturday at 10 a.m. for afternoon activities in the area. These closures will be lifted at the conclusion of the events.
For more information about the parade, tree lighting, and other holiday events, visit www.christmasinkingsport.com.
The Kingsport Area Transit Service needs your help in finding Ryder the Christmas Elf. The elusive elf could be hiding on a bus, at a shelter or transit stop or he just might be hiding somewhere at the downtown transit station.
There’s no telling where Ryder might be. But if you do manage to find him, you’ll win a free January bus pass!
From December 1 until December 24, KATS is offering a special “Find Ryder the Christmas Elf” promotion. If you find Ryder, show him to your driver or bring him to the downtown transit station (900 E. Main Street) to receive a free January bus pass.
Be sure to check out the KATS’ website (www.kingsporttransit.org) or the Kingsport Alerts Facebook page each day to receive a clue to where Ryder might be hiding. Limit one free bus pass per customer.
The ConnectKingsport app recently reached a significant milestone in its two year history – over 20,000 issues have been resolved through the app.
One of the quickest and easiest ways to report concerns to the City of Kingsport is through the ConnectKingsport app. Just download the free app on the App Store or Google Play Store and click the “Report a Concern” link to let us know about any issues in the city.
The ConnectKingsport app allows residents to have a direct line of communication to the city to report a variety of non-emergency concerns in more than three dozen categories, including drainage issues, dead animal removal, graffiti, potholes, water leaks, high grass and sewer backups.
The app also provides links to the city’s website, the leaf line, animal services, CivicRec, KATS, an events calendar and the building and planning departments.
ConnectKingsport uses GPS to recognize your location and gives you a menu of common quality-of-life conditions to select from when submitting a request. The app allows you to upload pictures or videos to accompany your request. Residents can then track the status of reports they or other members of the community have submitted until the issue is resolved.
Back at the office, city staff will leverage powerful dashboards and reporting tools to identify hot spots, increase productivity, prioritize projects and spend tax dollars smarter.
This application not only allows citizens to report problems, but also to view, comment on, and vote to fix problems submitted by their neighbors. Citizens can even create their own “watch areas” to receive notifications about the issues reported in their community, enabling them to follow the progress of all service requests—not just the ones they report.
“ConnectKingsport is the best way to report issues you see in the city,” said Administrative and Communications Coordinator, Sara Nowell. “Plus, it gives you a direct link to This Is Kingsport, the website that answers the question ‘What is there to do in Kingsport?’ by providing a comprehensive calendar full of events throughout the city.”
To download the free app, go to the App Store or Google Play and search “ConnectKingsport” to find the app. You can also access the tool via kingsporttn.gov/city-services/public-works/connectkingsport/ or seeclickfix.com. Download the free app today to be a part of making Kingsport a great place to live, work and play.
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Bays Mountain Park is partnering with a local yoga instructor to offer residents a special winter solstice yoga and meditation program inside the planetarium theater.
The event will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on December 8 in the planetarium theater at Bays Mountain Park.
This 40-minute immersive yoga and meditation program will simulate a day’s journey from dawn to dusk within the planetarium, while participants do standing yoga poses. Students will be encouraged to work briefly on their strength, flexibility and balance.
The remaining 20 minutes of the program will involve light stretching and guided meditation, while the planetarium transitions from twilight to night. This class is designed for people with lower mobility or those who simply enjoy more restful and reflective opportunities.
The cost is $10 per person and class size is limited to 20 people. Wear exercise clothing and bring water with a sealable lid. No mat is required.
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.
For information about other events, activities and programs offered by Bays Mountain Park, visit www.baysmountain.com.
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Instructor Elena Corradino will teach a hands-on class about how to use the exciting and trending art medium of resin.
The All about Resin class will be held on December 9 in Room 228 of the Kingsport Renaissance Center (1200 E. Center Street). The class runs from 10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. with a 30 minute break for lunch (bring your own or eat local).
Participants will learn techniques to create their own abstract resin coasters, crafting nine beautiful and functional pieces of art over the course of the class, perfect for gifting. Each participant will make different kinds of coasters, including alcohol ink coasters and resin mold coasters, and will leave being able to use resin safely on their own.
Corradino will go over safe mixing techniques and mistakes that can cost resin. The cost of the class is $98 per person and includes all materials. Participants will also be allowed to keep their respiratory mask and silicone mold.
To register, visit https://bit.ly/3Gi2RyS. Online sales will end 48 hours prior to the class. For ages 18+ and limited to five participants. For information about other classes, programs and activities of the Kingsport Cultural Arts, visit www.artskingsport.org.
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 December 2 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/49G6I6v. 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.artskingsport.org.