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Kingsport Parks and Recreation is now accepting registrations for its Spring Adult Softball Leagues.
Registration is now open and runs through April 2. Teams can have a maximum of 20 players on their roster and the leagues are open to men and women ages 18 and older. Divisions offered include Church-Industrial, Co-Ed and Men’s Open.
The entry fee is $400 per team with a $15 non-resident fee for all players who live outside the Kingsport city limits (max: $75). All games will be played at Brickyard Park, and the season will begin the week of April 7.
You can register by going to the V.O. Dobbins Sr. Complex (301 Louis Street) or by going to the following website at https://bit.ly/3XfU3lT. 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 “adult softball” in the search bar.
For information about other programs, activities and classes offered by the Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department, please visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org.
The Kingsport Archives is pleased to announce the successful digitization of 17 volumes of TEC News – Eastman’s employee newsletter. The volumes cover the years from 1946 through 1962 and are now available to the public through the Kingsport Archives’ digital platform.
The TEC News collection is a valuable historical resource that sheds light on Eastman’s development, employee culture, and community involvement over the span of nearly two decades. The newsletters include articles, announcements, photographs, and stories that offer a snapshot of both local and corporate life at Eastman during the mid-20th century.
“We’re excited to open this treasure trove of historical content to the public,” said Stephanie Griffin, Supervisor of the Kingsport Archives. “This project allows us to share an essential part of Eastman’s legacy with everyone, making these documents accessible from anywhere.”
You can access the digitized newsletters at www.kingsport.historyarchives.online/home.
This digitization project was made possible through a grant from the Tennessee Historical Records Advisory Board and the National Historical Publications and Records Commission, ensuring this important piece of regional and corporate history can be preserved and shared with future generations.
“These volumes offer a fascinating look into the company’s history and the lives of its employees,” said Library Manager Mary Thomas. “We’re excited to be able to offer these to the public for the first time in digital form.”
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Outdoor learning and adventure await your children this summer as Bays Mountain Park brings back its popular Day Camp program for 2025. Registration is now open for 2025 Day Camp sessions for rising 1st through 6th graders. Each week-long Day Camp session is filled with outdoor, nature-oriented activities, including wildlife encounters, fishing, hiking, scavenger hunts, hands-on science projects and planetarium shows.
The theme for this year’s Summer Day Camp is “Elemental” with campers exploring how the four elements – earth, water, air and fire – shape the natural world and interact with one another.
“Through fun, hands-on activities and exciting outdoor adventures, campers will explore the wonders of nature, learn about the elements—earth, wind, fire, and water—and their role in the environment,” said Miranda Wanninger, chief ranger of visitor engagement.
Day camp hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and are limited to 30 students per camp.
Students entering 1st, 2nd and 3rd grades in Fall 2025:
- June 2 – June 6
- June 16 – 20
- June 30 – July 4
- July 14 – July 18
- July 28 – August 1
Students entering 4th, 5th and 6th grades in Fall 2025:
- June 9 – June 13
- June 23 – June 27
- July 7 – July 11
- July 21 – July 25
Campers should bring a bag lunch with a drink each day and wear appropriate clothing. Closed-toed shoes are recommended. Parents or guardians should plan to stay on the first morning for a short orientation of the week’s activities and expectations. Transportation to and from camp is the guardian’s responsibility.
Tuition for the camp is $75 for the first child with additional children costing $65 per person. A current Family Membership with the park is required to register your child for Day Camp.
Bays Mountain Park will also be offering Day Camp t-shirts for $15 with registration.
Family Memberships are $60 and give your family an entire year of free entry into the park for one vehicle and up to six free passes per program (planetarium shows, barge rides and nature programs) every time you visit the park.
To register, visit https://bit.ly/3UE9LGS. You can also register by clicking on the CivicRec link in the Connect Kingsport app or by going to www.kingsporttn.gov and clicking on the “CivicRec” link, then searching for “day camp” in the search bar. Sign up now as limited spots are available.
For more information about Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium, visit baysmountain.com or call (423)229-9447.
SUBJECT: KPD Arrests Man For Indecent Exposure
DATE: March 15th, 2025
CASE #: 25-003327
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On March 12, 2025, at approximately 2:00 PM, Kingsport Police Officers responded to the 2600 block of East Stone Drive in reference to a report of an indecent exposure. Arriving officers learned that a male had exposed his genitals to a woman and her child while they were shopping at the Dollar Tree store and then left in a black pickup truck headed toward Target. The male was located and identified as fifty-six (56) year-old Clark Ratliff. While speaking to Mr. Ratliff, it was determined that a different woman and child had also been victimized by Mr. Ratliff’s actions while they were shopping at Target.
Officers continued their investigation and corroborated witness statements regarding the nature of the incident. An arrest warrant was obtained charging Mr. Ratliff with two (2) counts of Indecent Exposure. He was arrested and transported to the Kingsport City Jail.
SUSPECT INFORMATION
Name Clark Ratliff
Age 56
Gender/Race Male/White
Residency Kingsport TN
Charges Indecent Exposure x2
RELEASING OFFICER
Corporal Brandon Arnold
Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit
Office (423) 229-9339, Fax (423) 343-9749
BrandonArnold@KingsportTN.gov
The Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with Throwmore Disc Golf will be hosting a disc golf tournament later this month.
The tournament will take place at 2 p.m. on March 29 at the Borden Park Disc Golf Course. Cost is $20 per person and the event is open for people of all ages. The tournament will include the following divisions – pro, advance, intermediate, beginner/novice, ladies and juniors. First, second and third place prizes will be awarded for each division.
Disc golf is played similar to traditional golf, but instead of using a ball and clubs, you’re tossing a small disc down a fairway and into an elevated metal basket. It’s a healthy and inexpensive sport that requires accurate throwing skills, mental concentration and a love of the outdoors.
“Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, our tournament is perfect for players of all ages and skill levels,” said Program Leader Milly Marmalade.
To register, visit https://bit.ly/4ijjs6J. 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 “disc golf” in the search bar.
For information about other events, activities and programs offered by the Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department, please visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org.
SUBJECT: Kingsport Detectives Investigating Discovery of Human Remains
DATE: March 13th, 2025
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On March 13th, 2025 at approximately 5:00 PM, Kingsport Police Department Patrol Officers and Detectives responded to the 3700 block of East Stone Drive in Kingsport in reference to the discovery of human remains, believed to be that of an adult male, which were found in a wooded area.
The on-site investigation is ongoing, with assistance from Forensic Examiners with the East Tennessee State University James H. Quillen College of Medicine. No further details are currently available for release, as this is an active investigation by the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division. Additional information will be shared as it becomes available, but only at an appropriate point in the investigation.
RELEASING OFFICER
Corporal Brandon Arnold
Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit
Office (423) 229-9339, Fax (423) 343-9749
BrandonArnold@KingsportTN.gov
The Kingsport Senior Center is hosting a one-day Spring Artisan Fair later this month at the Kingsport Renaissance Center. The event will showcase the artistic creations of our local senior citizens.
The fair will take place in the atrium at the senior center (1200 E. Center Street) on March 26 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
Come out to the senior center and enjoy browsing through the many baskets, greeting cards, jewelry, woodworking pieces, decorative items, hand sewn and crocheted creations, and much more for sale. All of these handcrafted items were made by our wonderful Kingsport Senior Artisans.
For more information about the event call (423) 765-9047. For information about other events, activities and programs at the Kingsport Senior Center, please visit seniors.kingsporttn.gov.
SUBJECT: Investigation of Theft Leads to Felony Charges
DATE: March 12th, 2025
CASE #: 23-019105
GENERAL NARRATIVE
In September of 2023, Kingsport Police Department Detectives began investigating allegations of theft from a local non-profit youth organization, Central Cougar Youth Athletics. The organization alleged that Kristen Houser had been given funds to purchase cheerleading uniforms for use by youth in their program. Mrs. Houser was alleged to have taken the funds and used them for her benefit.
Detectives assigned to the case served multiple subpoenas, conducted at least a dozen interviews, and reviewed the financial transactions of all parties involved before submitting their findings to the Sullivan County District Attorney’s Office in Blountville. In February 2025, the findings of the investigation were presented to the grand jury, and a true bill was returned. Kristen was charged with one (1) count of Theft of Property (Over $10,000) and one (1) count of Criminal Simulation.
SUSPECT INFORMATION
Name Kristen Houser
Age 39
Gender/Race Female/White
Residency Bristol, TN
Charges Theft of Property (Over $10,000) and Criminal Simulation
VICTIM INFORMATION
Name Central Cougar Youth Athletics
RELEASING OFFICER
Corporal Brandon Arnold
Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit
Office (423) 229-9339, Fax (423) 343-9749
BrandonArnold@KingsportTN.gov