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Kingsport Parks and Recreation hosting Hot Shot basketball tournament

The Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a Hot Shot shootout basketball tournament on December 23 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the V.O. Dobbins, Sr. Complex (301 Louis Street).

If you’re looking to test your basketball shooting skills against the best players in the city’s basketball leagues, then join us for the afternoon of hoops. This free event is open to city residents ages 7-17.

To register, visit https://bit.ly/3OSvXco. 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 “hot shot” in the search bar.

For information about other programs and classes offered by Kingsport Parks and Recreation, please visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org.

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Tips to help prevent water pipes from freezing

Every winter as the temperature starts to drop, the pipes in and around your home are at risk of freezing and possibly even bursting. However, by following a few easy tips you can greatly reduce the chance of your pipes freezing and thus saving yourself a costly repair bill in the case of burst pipes.

According to the American Red Cross, the pipes most likely to freeze during the winter months are:

  • Pipes exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines and water sprinkler lines.
  • Water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets.
  • Pipes running against exterior walls with little to no insulation.

To help keep these and other pipes from freezing, be sure to:

  • Disconnect all garden hoses and install covers on all outside faucets.
  • Keep your house temperature at 68 degrees or higher.
  • Open cabinet doors below sinks to allow heat from the house to circulate.
  • Keep water moving through pipes by allowing a small trickle to run.
  • Wrap pipes near exterior walls and in crawl spaces with insulation or heating tape.
  • Heat your basement and consider weather-sealing your windows.
  • Shut off water supply values if away from home for an extended period of time.

“Repairing or replacing burst water pipes can be an expensive and stressful situation. By following these recommendations before the weather turns too cold, you could save yourself thousands of dollars in repairs,” said Assistant Utilities Director Chad Austin.

For more information on preventing and thawing frozen pipes, please visit the American Red Cross website at https://bit.ly/3GlQstI.

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Christmas in Kingsport: Enjoy carousel rides & festive music performances

Christmas in Kingsport continues this week with two special events at the Kingsport Carousel, dance and musical performances in Glen Bruce Park and a visit from a well-known holiday locomotive.

These holiday events will help create lifelong Christmas memories for you and your family to cherish.

This is Kingsport has partnered with the Downtown Kingsport Association to bring you the best holiday events this year. Here are just a few happening in downtown Kingsport this week.

The Kingsport Carousel will be hosting free Twilight Rides from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on December 19. Enjoy a magical holiday evening riding the carousel, surrounded by Christmas lights.

Then on December 20, return to downtown for our annual Christmas at the Carousel event from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Ride the carousel, play in the playground, make Christmas crafts and enjoy free treats while supplies last. Kingsport’s first and second vintage fire trucks, ‘Old Huldy & Red Annie,’ will be in the Farmers Market for photo ops. Plus, enjoy a visit with Buddy the Elf, Elsa and Olaf and Santa Claus himself!

Washington Elementary School ‘Patriot Pulse’ students will showcase their talents during an event at 6:15 p.m. on December 20 in Glen Bruce Park. Enjoy the drumming of their little hands while surrounded by the falling snow.

The Polar Express and its handsome conductor will pull into the Kingsport Farmers Market from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. on December 21. Enjoy a viewing of the classic movie while sipping on hot chocolate and snacking on popcorn (while supplies last). After the movie, kids can do a special Christmas craft.

Finally, the Holloway School of Dance will have a special performance at Glen Bruce Park on December 21 beginning at 6:30 p.m. This festive event will be followed with falling snow throughout the park.

In what has become a popular tradition in downtown Kingsport, Christmas in the Park has returned this year and promises to be as festive and picturesque as ever before. Throughout the month of December, more than 100 Christmas trees – decorated by local businesses, individuals and city departments – will be on display in Glen Bruce Park and Centennial Park.

For the map of all display locations and a full list of Christmas events taking place in December, visit www.christmasinkingsport.com. You can also sign up for our free email and text alerts, so you don’t miss any of the festive fun.

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Final weekend for laser light shows at Bays Mountain Park

Three different programs will feature Christmas songs, Queen and Taylor Swift

Bays Mountain Park will be hosting its final laser light shows for the year this coming weekend, so if you haven’t seen one of these amazing shows, now is the time to purchase your tickets.

The three special laser light shows will be held in the planetarium theater on the following dates:

  • Laser Holidays (5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.) on December 20-21.
  • Laser Taylor Swift (7 p.m. to 8 p.m.) on December 20-21.
  • Laser Queen (8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.) on December 20-21.

The Laser Holidays show costs $10 per person ($7 for children ages 12 and under). The Laser Taylor Swift and Laser Queen shows are $15 per person ($10 for children ages 12 and under).

DETAILS ABOUT EACH SHOW

Laser Holidays features a mix of everyone’s favorite holiday music, from classical to modern, all set to fantastic laser artwork.

Laser Taylor Swift features unforgettable hits from all of Taylor Swift’s 10 distinct eras. Sing along to your favorites and let the show transport you through different stories as only laser lights can.

Laser Queen features the greatest hits of this legendary rock band. Start with a layer of heavy metal, add a dash of glam, a pinch of astrophysics and sprinkle liberally with theatrics and you’ll get an amazing laser light show.

To register, visit https://bit.ly/414qLcI. 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 “laser” in the search bar.

For more information about Bays Mountain Park visit www.baysmountain.com.

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Come to Bethlehem: A Living Nativity – Road Closures

The collective churches of Church Circle will present their annual Come to Bethlehem:  A Living Nativity event in Downtown Kingsport on December 15 from 6 pm – 8 pm.

Please note the attached route and road closures for the event.  The event is a drive-through event with a pedestrian path offered.

The only vehicle entrance will be East Sullivan Street from the intersection of East Sullivan and Center Streets.

All streets feeding into the event line-up route will be closed. There will be a right hand only turn exiting Church Circle, and all vehicles must exit on Clinchfield Street. Parking is available behind any of the Church Circle churches for those utilizing the pedestrian path. The path entrance will be on East Sullivan Street.

All road closures and traffic detours will be in place by 3 pm and will remain closed throughout the duration of the event. Directional signage for the event entrance will also be in place.

For more information regarding the event please contact First Baptist Church at 423-247-4122.

KPD e-News Release: KPD Increases Impaired-Driving Enforcement During Holiday Season

SUBJECT: KPD Increases Impaired-Driving Enforcement During Holiday Season

DATE:  December 12th, 2024

GENERAL NARRATIVE

The Kingsport Police Department is partnering with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) for the Booze It and Lose It campaign to increase impaired-driving enforcement from December 13, 2024, to January 1, 2025. The THSO’s statewide Booze It and Lose It campaign is part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over mobilization to reduce impaired-driving crashes nationwide during the holiday season.

 

The Kingsport Police Department will be placing more officers on the roadways during the holiday season to look for impaired motorists and to act as a deterrence to those who may consider driving while impaired.

 

Increased state and national messaging about the dangers of drunk driving, coupled with increased sobriety checkpoints and high visibility enforcement, aim to drastically reduce the number of drunk-driving crashes, injuries, and fatalities this year.

 

The consequences of a single DUI conviction for a first-time offender in the state of Tennessee may include costly fines, court costs, legal fees, jail time, mandatory drug and alcohol treatment, and/or the installation of an ignition interlock device in his/her vehicle.

 

The THSO provides grant funding to support Kingsport Police Department’s increased enforcement efforts during the Booze It and Lose It holiday campaign. For more information about the THSO, please visit www.tntrafficsafety.org.

 

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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Kingsport opens new Recycling Convenience Center for residents

The City of Kingsport is pleased to announce the opening of a new and larger convenience center for residents to drop off recyclables in a safer, more controlled environment.

The facility is located at 300 Industry Drive and essentially replaces the old location on Industry Drive closer to Netherland Inn Road.

The new convenience center will include Sullivan County’s recycling containers and a Kingsport container for small amounts of construction debris. Items accepted at this location include cardboard, mixed paper, aluminum and tin.

Additional holiday garbage (boxes, bags and wrapping paper) will be accepted at the new convenience center from December 23 through January 4. In order to be better stewards of the environment, this is the preferred method of disposing of extra holiday garbage during the gift giving season.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call 423-229-9451.

The convenience center will be manned by a city employee and be open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Note – No items can be dropped off outside of operating hours.

Additional recycling drop-off sites in Kingsport include the demolition landfill (1921 Brookside Lane), the Civic Auditorium, Sullivan Gardens Drive and in Colonial Heights (101 Lakecrest Drive).

For more information about Kingsport’s recycling convenience centers, please visit www.kingsporttn.gov/recycle.

KPD e-News Release: Six Kingsport Police Officers Recognized

SUBJECT: Six Kingsport Police Officers Recognized

DATE:  December 11th, 2024

GENERAL NARRATIVE

On December 10th, 2024, the Tennessee Highway Safety Office recognized the efforts of law enforcement agencies at the East Tennessee Law Enforcement Liaison Holiday Network Meeting and Awards in Carson Springs. Six Kingsport Police Officers were recognized at the event for their efforts promoting safety in the community.

 

Officers Emmaline Hulse and Riley Eaton-Dye received the Beyond the Stop Award.

 

Lt. Steve Summey received the Speed Enforcement Award.

 

Officer Bailey Malone received the Seatbelt Enforcement Award.

 

Cpl. Jacob Hutton received the Child Passenger Safety Award.

 

Sgt. Dustin Jackson received the Teen Driver Safety Award. 

 

The Kingsport Police Department would like to publicly congratulate these officers and thank them for their hard work in helping make Kingsport safer.

RELEASING OFFICER

Corporal Brandon Johnson

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

Office (423) 229-9339, Fax (423) 343-9749 

BrandonJohnson@KingsportTN.gov

 

 

 

KPD e-News Release: KPD Searching For Missing Man (Update: Found Safe)

SUBJECT:  KPD Searching For Missing Man (Update: Found Safe)

DATE:  December 10th, 2024 

CASE #: 24-018756

GENERAL NARRATIVE

Update: Kenneth Cowden has been found safe and is no longer considered missing and endangered.

As previously released:

On December 8th, 2024, at approximately 5:37 pm, Kenneth Cowden was reported to the Kingsport Police Department as a missing person by his employer. Officers learned that Cowden has several medical issues and that he may be endangered. Kenneth was last seen on December 6th, 2024, on Federal Street in Kingsport.

 Kenneth is a 47-year-old white male with brown hair and blue eyes. He stands approximately 5’11” and weighs approximately 175lbs. Kenneth is believed to be traveling in his 2008 blue Ford Edge, license plate (470BHWD).

 Anyone with information on Kenneth’s whereabouts is asked to contact Kingsport Central Dispatch at (423) 246-9111 or the Criminal Investigations Division at (423) 229-9429.

Alternatively, if an individual who can provide 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: Kenneth Cowden

Age: 47

Gender/Race: Male/White 

Height/Weight: 5′ 11″/175lbs 

Hair/Eyes: Brown/Blue 

Residency: Kingsport, TN 

Last Known Location: Federal Street

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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Christmas in Kingsport – Downtown is in full swing this weekend

Christmas in Kingsport continues this week with musical performances and festive carolers in Glen Bruce Park, a visit from Santa and the Grinch and the return of an amazing Live Nativity performance around Church Circle.

These holiday events are just the spark to get you and your family into the Christmas spirit this year.

This is Kingsport has partnered with the Downtown Kingsport Association to bring you the best holiday events this year. Here are just a few happening in downtown Kingsport this week.

The Kingsport Carousel will be hosting Twilight Rides from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on December 12 and 19. Enjoy a magical holiday evening riding the carousel, surrounded by Christmas lights.

The Dobyns-Bennett Jazz Band & ‘The Panimals’ will perform in Glen Bruce Park on December 13 beginning at 6 p.m. These young performers are back for another year of rhythmic holiday performances the whole family can enjoy.

The Grinch & Santa and Lamplight Theater Yuletide Carolers will be in Glen Bruce Park on December 14 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Have a visit with Santa, be careful of the wily Grinch and enjoy some hot chocolate while listening to the yuletide carolers. And to top off the evening, there just might be some snow falling throughout the park.

The annual Live Nativity at Church Circle will take place on December 15 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Experience the wonder of the Christmas story at the Live Nativity. Gather with family and friends for this special tradition, bringing the spirit of the season to life in the heart of Kingsport.

In what has become a popular tradition in downtown Kingsport, Christmas in the Park has returned this year and promises to be as festive and picturesque as ever before. Throughout the month of December, more than 100 Christmas trees – decorated by local businesses, individuals and city departments – will be on display in Glen Bruce Park and Centennial Park.

For the map of all display locations and a full list of Christmas events taking place in December, visit www.christmasinkingsport.com. You can also sign up for our free email and text alerts, so you don’t miss any of the festive fun.

Link to: City of Kingsport
City of Kingsport, Tennessee