This content has restricted access, please type the password below and get access.
For the first time in 20 years, the City of Kingsport is working to craft a new strategic plan, which will serve as the city’s guiding document for operational and capital investments for the next three to five years.
A strategic plan will define Kingsport’s vision and mission, while identifying the city’s goals and objectives for the future. To help craft this plan, Kingsport has enlisted the assistance of Raftelis, a North Carolina based company that provides management consulting services to governments and utilities across the country.
Raftelis crafted a rate study and financial model for Kingsport Utilities and is currently assisting in the implementation of customer and financial information systems for the city.
“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,” said City Manager Chris McCartt. “This plan will help keep us on track with the desires of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, the community and city staff.”
The strategic planning process began in August when Raftelis met with city management to review the scope of the project. One-on-one interviews with the BMA were conducted and city employees were surveyed on what the city’s values and mission should be.
Raftelis then held a workshop on November 12 where the BMA and city staff refined the city’s vision and mission statement, while further discussing the seven focus areas of the strategic plan.
The seven focus areas include:
- Efficient and responsive government
- Sustainable infrastructure
- Quality of life
- Safe and welcoming community
- Thriving local economy
- Strong and vibrant neighborhoods
- Quality education
BMA members also offered several of their priorities for the next three to five years, such as paving, healthcare, downtown revitalization, diverse housing options and recreational opportunities.
Raftelis plans to gather community input later this month and finalize the strategic plan by the end of February. At that point, the plan will then be presented to the community.
“I like the process Raftelis is leading us through and after our citizens provide feedback, I believe the strategic plan will be one we will all be proud of and support,” said Mayor Paul W. Montgomery.
The Kingsport Area Transit Service is continuing an annual tradition by offering half-price Dial-A-Ride ticket books for $12.00 (which includes 24 tickets per book) from November 18 through November 29.
The KATS Dial-A-Ride van service is for individuals who reside within the city limits, have a medical condition, are 65 or older, or are going to work. This service is an affordable, reliable, safe and efficient way for Kingsport residents to travel to numerous destinations within the city.
“We’re happy to continue this annual promotion to the residents of Kingsport, both for our long-time riders and folks who have never tried this service before,” said Transit Director Chris Campbell.
Tickets may be purchased at the KATS downtown terminal (900 E. Main Street) via cash, check, credit or debit. Tickets may also be purchased directly from the drivers.
Cash and checks are the only form of payment accepted on vehicles. Check payments will be accepted through November 29 and can be mailed to KATS at 900 E. Main Street, Kingsport, TN 37660.
Drivers do not carry cash and cannot make change. Dial-A-Ride tickets do not expire and cannot be used on buses. For more information about KATS’ services, call 423-224-2613 or visit www.kingsporttransit.org.
Don’t be a turkey! Join Kingsport Parks and Recreation this Saturday at the Kingsport Greenbelt for a special Cycling on the Glow event.
This “Gobble & Ride” glow cycling event will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on November 16 at the Indian Trail Drive trailhead of the Kingsport Greenbelt (located behind PetSmart).
The free event is for cyclists of all ages and is sponsored by Just Ride Bike & Fitness and Reedy Creek Bicycles. No registration is required.
Participants will need to bring their own helmet and bike, and riders are encouraged to decorate their bikes with “fun” lights. A helmet must be worn during the event and your bike must have a front light and rear reflector.
For information about other activities, events and programs offered by Kingsport Parks and Recreation, visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org.
This holiday season, be sure to visit Kingsport City Hall to take a step back in time to Christmases past in the Model City.
Kingsport Cultural Arts and Friends of the Kingsport Archives is pleased to announce a special photograph exhibit that is now on display in the Circle Gallery, located on the first floor of Kingsport City Hall (415 Broad Street).
The exhibit consists of more than two dozen Christmastime photographs from the Kingsport Archives with most dating back to the 1940s and 1950s. All of the photographs are holiday and winter related and are of such notable events and locations as the Santa Train, the Church Circle Christmas tree, the lights on Broad Street, Christmas window displays and the iconic Christmas parade.
“We have so many historic, holiday photographs in the Kingsport Archives, we felt this time of year would be the perfect time to share them with the public,” said Kingsport Archivist Brianne Wright.
All of the framed photographs are available for purchase on a first come first serve basis for $25 each. For more information or to make a purchase, please contact Cathy Kilgore at 423-341-8215. All proceeds go to support the Friends of the Kingsport Archives.
This content has restricted access, please type the password below and get access.
This content has restricted access, please type the password below and get access.
Christmas in Kingsport – now in its fourth year – is returning to downtown Kingsport, promising to ring in the holiday season with all your favorite, festive events for the entire family to enjoy.
Now is the perfect time to double-check your calendar and plan a month of holiday cheer for you and your family. And the best way to do so is by visiting www.christmasinkingsport.com and checking out the Christmas details.
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 holiday season.
CHRISTMAS CONNECTION
For nearly half a century, Christmas Connection has hosted the region’s best arts and crafts vendors and celebrated their creations during the holiday season. Next weekend, the two-day event returns to the MeadowView Conference Resort and Convention Center.
The 45th annual Christmas Connection will be held in the main convention hall of MeadowView (1901 Meadowview Parkway) on November 15 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and on November 16 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Christmas Connection offers a variety of unique gifts including country crafts, home décor, fine wood and leather crafts, handmade soaps and lotions, jewelry, ornaments, stained glass, wheel-thrown pottery, baked goods, pet accessories and much more.
SANTA’S DEPOT
Santa’s Depot returns to Centennial Park on November 23 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. to kickstart the holiday season in the Model City.
The two-hour event will feature multiple activity and treat stations for kids, free hot chocolate, cookies, letters to Santa, Santa hats, stickers and candy canes. Children will receive an official Santa’s Depot activity passport when they arrive at the event to keep track of each booth they visit. All activities are free for children.
Then, at 3 p.m. the 82nd running of the Santa Train will roll into Kingsport and Santa will hop off to say hello to all the children and collect their letters before heading back up north to begin work for the busy Christmas season. Santa and his elves encourage attendees to share their pictures on social media using #SantasDepotKPT.
CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK
In what has become a popular tradition in downtown Kingsport, Christmas in the Park is returning 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.
Decorated trees will go up in both parks the last week of November and will continue to shine through the first of the year. And as in previous years, don’t be surprised if you see some magical snow fall in the parks on the weekend.
So, bring your families and friends to downtown Kingsport this December and take a stroll through our bright and shining Winter Wonderland.
CHRISTMAS PARADE AND TREE LIGHTING
The Christmas season begins in earnest on December 7 with the Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting in downtown Kingsport.
The parade begins at 6 p.m. and will start at the corner of Clinchfield Street and W. Center Street, proceeding down Center to Cherokee Street, then to Sullivan Street through Church Circle and ending at Clay Street.
Expect to see decorated vehicles and floats, marching bands and even a visit from Santa Claus. Immediately after the parade, be sure to gather around Church Circle for the lighting of the Christmas Tree at 7:45 p.m., which will include a candlelight ceremony and carols.
Other Christmas events planned for December:
- Dobyns-Bennett Jazz Band & ‘The Panimals’ will perform in Glen Bruce Park: December 13
- The Grinch & Santa and Lamplight Theater Yuletide Carolers in Glen Bruce Park: December 14
- Live Nativity at Church Circle: December 15
- Christmas at the Kingsport Carousel: December 20
- Washington Elementary Choir & Jefferson Hand Bell Choir in Glen Bruce Park: December 20
- The Polar Express at the Kingsport Farmers Market: December 21
- Holloway School of Dance in Glen Bruce Park: December 21
Magical snow will be falling on December 7 for the Christmas Parade and again in Glen Bruce Park on December 13, 14, 20 and 21. “Christmas in Kingsport” shirts will be available for purchase at Hometown Cottage later this month, so stay tuned for more information about prices and availability.
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.
No changes to the garbage or trash routes next week
City offices will be closed on Monday, November 11 for the Veterans Day holiday.
The city will not be adjusting garbage or trash routes during the week of November 11-15. All garbage and trash routes will run as normal next week. However, there will be changes to the city’s demolition landfill schedule.
Kingsport’s demolition landfill will be closed on November 11 and reopen November 12 on its regular schedule.
For more information about Kingsport’s sanitation services, visit www.kingsporttn.gov.
SUBJECT: Wise County, VA Man In Custody Following Crime Spree
DATE: November 6th, 2024
CASE #: Multiple
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On November 5th, 2024, at approximately 4:44 am, Kingsport Police responded to an SUV crashed into the front of Price Less Foods (4320 W. Stone Drive). Arriving officers located a 2014 gray Jeep Grand Cherokee which was driven through the front wall of the store. During their investigation, officers learned the Jeep Grand Cherokee was stolen from the parking lot of the business. While investigating the stolen vehicle and crash, officers were dispatched to a gas line rupture at Scooter’s Coffee (105 Port Drive) which is located directly across from Price Less. It was discovered the Jeep Cherokee in the crash was driven by a white male to the location where he damaged the gas line. Upon rupturing the gas line, the male then proceeded to fire a flare gun toward the leaking gas to catch the building on fire. Kingsport detectives were called to both scenes to investigate.
At approximately 7:27 am, officers were dispatched to the area of Watterson Street in reference to vandalism to a vehicle. Responding officers learned that a white male had broken the windows on a 2003 white Pontiac Grand Am, a 2003 white Buick Le Sabre, and a 2007 red Mercury Montego. Various items were taken from two of the three vehicles. While officers investigated the incident, a white male later identified as, Tristan Sexton, put purple paint on a Kingsport Police Car and wrote obscene messages on the car. Officers obtained a description of Sexton from witnesses, which also matched the description of the male who had burglarized the vehicles on Watterson Street.
At approximately 8:32 am, officers located Sexton near McDonald’s (4300 W. Stone Drive). As officers approached Sexton, he fled on foot. Sexton was apprehended after a foot chase and was detained. Officers observed purple paint on Sexton’s right hand and located property from the auto-burglaries on Watterson Street in his backpack. A marijuana grinder was also located on Sexton’s person.
After reviewing video from Scooter’s and Price Less Food’s, Kingsport detectives determined that Sexton was the same individual who stole the 2014 gray Jeep Grand Cherokee, attempted to set fire to Scooter’s, and drove the stolen Jeep Grand Cherokee into Priceless Foods. Sexton was arrested and booked into the Kingsport City Jail before being taken to the Hawkins County Jail. Sexton was charged with two counts of felony vandalism, attempted arson, motor vehicle theft, misdemeanor vandalism, evading arrest, two counts of auto-burglary, attempted auto burglary, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
This is still an active and ongoing investigation, and other charges are pending.
SUSPECT INFORMATION
Name: Tristan Sexton
Age: 24
Gender/Race: Male/White
Residency: Wise, VA
Charges: Felony vandalism x2, attempted arson, motor vehicle theft, misdemeanor vandalism, evading arrest, auto-burglary x2, attempted auto burglary, drug paraphernalia
RELEASING OFFICER
Corporal Brandon Johnson
Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit
Office (423) 229-9339, Fax (423) 343-9749
BrandonJohnson@KingsportTN.gov