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The Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department is offering a special Parents Night Out event this Friday. Parents will be able to drop their children off at the V.O. Dobbins, Sr. Complex for a few hours and enjoy some last minute shopping, an evening at dinner, or just relaxing on the couch.
The event will take place from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on December 13 at the V.O. Dobbins, Sr. Complex (301 Louis Street). The cost is $15 per child and children ages 6 to 12 can attend. The maximum number of registrants is 50.
Kids will be able to play a variety of games and sports, make crafts and decorate cookies.
To register for the event, visit https://bit.ly/3VmssyD. 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 “parents night out” in the search bar.
For information about other classes, programs and events from Kingsport Parks and Recreation, visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org.
SUBJECT: KPD Searching For Missing Man
DATE: December 9th, 2024
CASE #: 24-018756
GENERAL NARRATIVE
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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A dog walk and glow bicycle ride will take place immediately afterwards
The Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a special crafting event this Saturday (December 14) at the Kingsport Greenbelt, where participants will make a paw print ornament with the help of their canine friends.
Then, participants can hit the trail and take a walk with their dog or go on a glow bike ride with friends and family. Come out, create a unique keepsake and escape the hustle and bustle of the holiday shopping season.
The Paw Print Ornament class will take place from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Indian Drive trailhead of the Kingsport Greenbelt (located behind Petsmart). The cost is $5 per ornament and all materials will be provided (until supplies last).
Afterwards, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. folks can take their dogs on a walk along the greenbelt or hop on their bicycles for a Merry and Bright Glow Ride. Cyclists will need to bring their own helmet and bike and are asked to decorate their bikes with holiday lights. There is no cost for the glow ride.
To register for the paw print ornament session, visit https://bit.ly/4eDblzu. 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 “paw” in the search bar.
For information about other classes, programs and activities from the Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department, please visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org.
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Survey takes approximately 15 minutes and will remain open until January 15
The City of Kingsport is asking the community to participate in an online survey to provide input on its new strategic plan. The plan will ultimately define Kingsport’s vision and mission, while identifying the city’s goals and objectives for the future.
This initial plan was developed by Raftelis during workshops earlier this year with the Board of Mayor and Aldermen and city staff. The plan includes a vision statement and seven strategic focus areas that outline what must go well for Kingsport to succeed and achieve its vision.
“A key element in ensuring the creation of a successful strategic plan is feedback from the community,” said City Manager Chris McCartt. “We’re encouraging everyone to take this brief online survey, give us your feedback and help play a role in Kingsport achieving its vision.”
To take the community survey, please visit https://bit.ly/kingsportsurvey. To ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate, the City of Kingsport will provide assistance with the online platform at the Kingsport Public Library (400 Broad Street) and the Kingsport Senior Center (1200 E. Center Street) during normal business hours.
This opportunity to help shape Kingsport’s future will be open until January 15, 2025. After the feedback period closes, city staff will review community input and finalize the Strategic Plan in early 2025.
“A new strategic plan will make sure our goals and objectives are in alignment, and we’ll be able to measure our success based on the investments we make,” McCartt added. “This plan will help keep us on track with the desires of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, the community and city staff.”
The 100-Mile Swim Club is journeying to the Land of the Rising Sun next year with its annual swimming challenge.
The Kingsport Aquatic Center is pleased to announce its latest destination for the 100-Mile Swim Club – Japan. The challenge calls for club members to work together by “traveling” on a 1,922-mile journey from Ishigaki Island to the Date Masamune Historical Museum.
Noteworthy stops along the journey include Senpiro Falls, Osaka Castle, Mount Fuji, Tokyo Disney and the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.
“The 100-Mile Swim Club is an excellent way to motivate yourself to get active in the new year,” said Aquatic Shift Leader Olivia Carey. “Working with your fellow swimmers to reach all the stops, complete the trip and learn a little about the history of another country can be extremely rewarding.”
If you’ve never participated in the past, now is the perfect time to dive in on our latest aquatic adventure, Carey adds.
The challenge is scheduled to run from January 1 through December 31, 2025. Registrations are now being accepted and the cost is $15 for Kingsport Aquatic Center and Kingsport Senior Center members and $25 for YMCA and non-members.
All participants will receive a 2025 100-Mile Swim Club t-shirt, and anyone can join at any time throughout the year.
To register, visit the front desk at the Kingsport Aquatic Center, call 423-343-9758 or visit www.kingsporttn.gov, click the “CivicRec” link and then select the “Aquatic Center” tab.
Formed in 2016, the 100-Mile Swim Club aims to build and strengthen the swimming community through group challenges while learning fun facts about landmarks along the way. Club members will swim at their own pace, KAC staff keeps track of individuals’ miles and the club’s collective progress, while a map in the lobby displays the entire route.
For information on other events, programs and classes at the Kingsport Aquatic Center, please visit www.swimkingsport.com.
Kingsport’s annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting event is this Saturday (December 7) in downtown Kingsport. The parade begins at 6 p.m. with the tree lighting taking place at approximately 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 p.m. and will remain closed during 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 Broad Street to Cherokee Street, 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 8 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.

Allandale Mansion is bringing back its popular Holiday Tea event just in time for the Christmas season.
This year, the event will be held at two different times on December 19 – from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and then from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Tickets are $25 and advance registration is required. The event is recommended for ages 6-12 and guests are encouraged to wear their best holiday outfit.
During the event, guests will enjoy a light snack, a glass of fruit “tea,” participate in a scavenger hunt, make an ornament to take home and have photo opportunities with beautiful Christmas decorations.
An adult must remain with the child during the event. There is no ticket charge for the accompanying adult, but they will not receive a snack nor do a craft.
To register, visit https://bit.ly/3BT28FD. 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 “holiday tea” in the search bar.
For more information about Allandale Mansion visit www.allandalemansion.com.


Kingsport is launching a new Customer Information System (CIS) at the end of April. The current system will enter maintenance mode, and services – such as account changes and taking payments – will be temporarily unavailable after 5 p.m. on April 23 through 8 a.m. on April 27.
Note – payment due dates that fall within this downtime have been changed to April 28.
To report a non-emergency, please use the new ConnectKingsport app.
ConnectKingsport is the app for everything Kingsport! From potholes and damaged street signs to other local issues that need attention, ConnectKingsport makes reporting an issue easier than ever. This app uses GPS to recognize your location and gives you a menu of common quality-of-life conditions to select from. The app also allows you to upload pictures or videos to accompany your request. Residents can track the status of reports they or other members of the community have submitted until the issue is resolved.
You can also use the app to find information about the City of Kingsport with links to the city website, animal services, ongoing events and more. Download the free app today to be a part of making Kingsport a great place to live, work and play!
To download the free app, please search for it on the Apple App Store or on Google Play. You can also use the online portal below.
Please note that the use of ConnectKingsport is intended for the reporting of non-emergency issues only. If you need immediate Police or Fire response, please call 911.
Download on the Apple App Store
Download on the Google Play Store
Online Portal
Paying your utility, miscellaneous receivables bill or building permits payment has never been easier! Click the link below to be directed to Click2Gov, the online payment system that allows users to view their account and pay with a credit or debit card through the secure website.
Pay your red light citation bill online by clicking the button below. You will be redirected to the payment page.
Pay Water (Utility) Bill
Pay Red Light Citation
Pay City Court Citation
Pay Other Receivables
Online Tax Payments
Building Permit Payments
