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Two Kingsport parks will soon be receiving new playground equipment after older equipment is removed. On July 2, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. the splash pad and playground areas at Riverview Park will be closed in order to remove some of the playground equipment.
The splash pad and larger playground area will reopen at approximately 3 p.m. that day, but the smaller section will be cordoned off until the new playground equipment is installed. The City of Kingsport anticipates this part of the park to reopen in early August.
The playground at Riverfront Park will also close on July 2 for crews to perform similar work and will reopen in early August. Depending on weather and time, the Riverfront Park closure could begin as late as July 5.
For information about other programs, activities and classes offered by the Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department, visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org or call 423-229-9460.
Kingsport’s Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to announce its “Pickle in the Park” pickleball tournament is returning to Kingsport Fun Fest this year.
The two-day tournament will take place at Riverview Park (300 Louis Street) on July 19-20 with 11 different divisions of various age groups and skill levels, including 55+ mixed doubles, youth 14 and under, 55+ doubles, intermediate and advanced mixed, beginner, intermediate doubles, and advanced doubles.
“Pickleball is a great sport for all ages and skill levels that combines many elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong,” said Program Administrator Renee Ensor. “We’re certain our tournament will bring out some of the best pickleball players in our region to compete for the top prize.”
The cost to register is $40 per team and only one person needs to register. You will need to sign up as a team and list your partner’s name at the end of checkout. The times for the games are based on which division you register for.
To register, visit https://bit.ly/4aSr3oi. 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 “pickleball” in the search bar.
For information about other programs, activities and classes offered by the Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department, visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org or call 423-229-9460.
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The Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department is once again hosting its annual Fun Fest One Pitch Softball Tournament. Time to grab your glove and ballcap and get ready to swing for the fences.
The tournament will have two divisions – Men’s Open and Co-Ed. All players must be at least 16 years old and the cost to register a team is $150. All games will be played at Brickyard Park (2017 Brickyard Park Drive).
Blind draws will be held live on the Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department’s Facebook page for each division. Men’s Open on July 9 at noon and Co-Ed on July 16 at noon.
Men’s Open play will begin on July 13 at 10 a.m. (July 12 if needed) and Co-Ed play will take place at 6 p.m. on July 22-24.
To register, please visit https://bit.ly/3z2rnni. 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 “softball” in the search bar.
For information about other programs, activities and classes offered by the Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department, visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org or call 423-229-9460.
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The warm summer months are upon us, so now is the perfect time to enjoy a tall glass of lemonade with friends and family under the historic backdrop of Allandale Mansion.
Allandale Mansion will be hosting two Lemonade Garden Parties for children on July 9. The first party will take place from 10:30 a.m. to noon and the second from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Children will enjoy a snack, a glass of lemonade and photo opportunities, while participating in a craft. The craft does involve painting so please wear appropriate clothing or bring a paint smock.
Tickets are $20 per child and registration is required. An adult is required to stay onsite during the party. Adults do not need to purchase a ticket, but they will not receive a snack or do a craft.
To register, please visit https://bit.ly/3VvmXNc. 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 “garden party” in the search bar.
For information about other programs, activities and classes offered by the Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department, visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org or call 423-229-9460.
SUBJECT: Kingsport Police Investigating Shooting (Update: Arrest made)
DATE: June 25th, 2024
CASE #: 24-009370
GENERAL NARRATIVE
Update: On June 21st, 2024, Kingsport Officers determined Curtis Ferguson had discharged a firearm at a residence in the 400 block of Barnett Drive. The bullet fired from Ferguson’s gun struck his sister, Angelique Ferguson, in the abdomen. Others who were present in the home at the time of the shooting started to administer aid to Angelique. Curtis Ferguson left the scene and went to a nearby fire station to notify the firemen on shift. Curtis then fled the area.
Kingsport Police Officers quickly established a line of communication with Curtis, but he refused to meet with officers.
Kingsport Detectives obtained a warrant to arrest Curtis Ferguson for negligent homicide, tampering with evidence, and felon in possession of a handgun.
On June 24th, 2024, Kingsport Police Officers observed Curtis driving a 2017 Ford F-150 on Fairview Avenue. Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the F-150 but Curtis refused to stop and led officers on a pursuit. Officers pursued Curtis on Lynn Garden Drive and into Scott County, Virginia. Weber City Police and Gate City Police Officers joined the pursuit and Curtis Ferguson and his passenger, Athony Begley (age 54 of Kingsport), were taken into custody after crashing in a Food City parking lot.
Weber City Police processed the vehicle and located two .9mm handguns.
Curtis Ferguson will additionally be charged with felony evading, possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, felon in possession of a firearm (two counts), driving on revoked license, failure to obey traffic control device (3 counts), unlawful removal of registration plates, speeding, reckless driving, and felony reckless endangerment.
As previously released:
On June 21st, 2024, at approximately 8:55 am, Kingsport Police Officers responded to reports of an accidental shooting in the 400 block of Barnett Drive. Arriving Officers located individuals tending to Angelique Ferguson, who appeared to have a single gunshot wound to her abdomen. Ferguson was taken to a local hospital by SCEMS where she was pronounced deceased. Her body will be sent to the William L. Jenkins Forensic Center of the E.T.S.U. James H. Quillen College of Medicine in Johnson City for an autopsy.
The circumstances surrounding this incident are still under investigation. This is believed to have been an isolated accident.
This is still an active and ongoing investigation, and more details will be released as they become available.
SUSPECT INFORMATION
Name: Curtis Ferguson
Age: 48
Gender/Race: Male/White
Residency: Kingsport, TN
Charges: Negligent homicide, tampering with evidence, felon in possession of a handgun, felony evading, possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, felon in possession of a firearm (two counts), driving on revoked license, failure to obey traffic control device (3 counts), unlawful removal of registration plates, speeding, reckless driving, and felony reckless endangerment.
VICTIM INFORMATION
Name: Angelique Ferguson
Age: 43
Gender/Race: Female/White
Residency: Kingsport, TN
Injuries: Gunshot wound to abdomen.
RELEASING OFFICER
Corporal Brandon Johnson
Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit
Office (423) 229-9339, Fax (423) 343-9749
BrandonJohnson@KingsportTN.gov
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The City of Kingsport has been awarded $75,000 in grant funds from the Tennessee State Museum. The proceeds from the grant will go towards making ADA improvements to the Farmstead Museum at Bays Mountain Park.
The grant will be matched with $40,000 from the Bays Mountain Park Commission and $15,000 from the Bays Mountain Park Association to create ADA accessible parking near the museum next year. Future phases yet to be funded include ADA improvements to the museum’s restroom and the addition of a chair lift.
Kingsport has awarded the bid to Inland Construction and work is expected to begin later this summer.
The Tennessee State Museum received 170 applications with $12.5 million in funding requests. The TSM had $5 million in funds and made full or partial awards to 108 museums across the state, representing 58 counties. Kingsport requested $100,000 and received $75,000.
“It was a highly competitive grant process, so we’re thrilled to have received 75% of our request,” said Chief Ranger Tyler Wicks. “With these funds we’ll be able to start making some much-needed ADA improvements in and around the Farmstead Museum to ensure everyone is able to enjoy the rich history found within its walls.”
The City of Kingsport built the Harry V. Steadman Mountain Heritage Farmstead Museum in 1988 with the goal being to depict the social and natural history and way of life of the people who once lived on Bays Mountain.
The museum stands as a living testament to the grit and determination of the people of Bays Mountain, while honoring community leader Harry V. Steadman’s legacy, as well as all those who toiled at the earth upon the mountain to scratch out a living for their families.
“Bays Mountain Park attracts over 200,000 visitors per year, but sadly not everyone can share in the same experience. Accessibility and a mountainous terrain make visiting the Farmstead Museum unattainable for people with mobility issues,” Wicks said. “The park realizes its role and responsibility to the public by providing amenities that are equally accessible to all guests.”