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Kingsport Farmers Market opens soon for 2025 season

Are you ready for another amazing season at the Kingsport Farmers Market? We certainly are and we are kicking off the opening day with giveaways, activities for the kids and live music for everyone to enjoy.

The Kingsport Farmers Market (located at 308 Clinchfield Street) will open for the 2025 season on April 26. Opening day events and activities include:

  • A children’s activity from the Kingsport Public Library (beginning at 8:30 a.m.).
  • Free tomato seedlings for children (while supplies last).
  • The Kingsport Carousel opens at 10 a.m. (rides $1 each).
  • Free shopping bags to color on-site for kids (while supplies last).
  • Live music from Mike Milhorn and the Possum Chasers

The Kingsport Farmers Market will be open on Saturdays through the end of November and on Wednesdays beginning May 1 through the end of September. The hours are from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. or until produce and products are sold out.

Each week, expect to find fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, local meats, artisan crafts, fresh flowers and more at the Kingsport Farmers Market.

Programs returning to the Kingsport Farmers Market this year include Market Jams (live music monthly), Saturday’s with the Chef, National Farmers Market Week/Tomato Fest, our Fall Festival and a Seed Library (in conjunction with the Kingsport Public Library).

Thanks to a grant from the Appalachian Resource, Conservation and Development Council, the Kingsport Farmers market will continue its Farmacy Fit program with Healthy Kingsport and Double UP SNAP dollars for eligible participants.

To learn more about the Kingsport Farmers Market, please visit kingsportfarmersmarket.org.

KPD e-News Release: KPD Searching For Runaway Juvenile (Update: Found Safe)

SUBJECT:  KPD Searching For Runaway Juvenile (Update: Found Safe)

DATE:  April 10th, 2025 

CASE #: 25-004199

GENERAL NARRATIVE

Update: Rodney Childress has been found safe and is no longer missing.  The Kingsport Police Department would like to thank the public for your assistance.

 

As previously released:

 

The Kingsport Police Department is searching for 14-year-old, Rodney Childress. Rodney is believed to have left voluntarily from an address on Lawrence Street. Rodney is a white male, last seen wearing a gray t-shirt and basketball shorts. Rodney has been entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) as a runaway Juvenile.

 

Anyone with information on Rodney’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 to this or any 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 Rodney Childress 

Age 14

Gender/Race Male/White 

Residency Lawrence Street in Kingsport TN 

Possible Clothing Gray t-shirt and basketball shorts

Last Known Location Lawrence Street

 

 

 

RELEASING OFFICER

Corporal Brandon Arnold

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

Office (423) 343-9866, Fax (423) 343-9749 

BrandonArnold@KingsportTN.gov

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Bays Mountain Park announces new Laser Light shows for May

Bays Mountain Park is excited to announce the return of its popular laser light shows for the month of May.

This time, three different programs will feature the smash hits of 90s alternative bands, the imaginative music of Prince and the spellbinding journey of Pink Floyd. No matter what your musical tastes might be, one of these laser light shows is sure to top your charts.

All three laser light shows will be held in the planetarium theater on May 9 and 10 and on May 16 and 17 at the following times:

  • Laser X at 6 p.m.
  • The Prince Laser Show at 7:15 p.m.
  • Pink Floyd’s The Wall Laser Show at 8:30 p.m.

Tickets are $12 per person and children ages 12 and under are $7.

DETAILS ABOUT EACH SHOW

Laser X – features a collection of the top alternative songs of the 1990s by a variety of artists such as Rage Against the Machine, Foo Fighters, Smashing Pumpkins and Alice in Chains. These songs helped usher in a major cultural shift, as serious-minded, image-free bands blew hair metal and pop off the airwaves almost overnight.

The Prince Laser Show – Let’s Go Crazy with the incredible and iconic music of Prince. His imaginative music blends funk, rock, R&B, new wave, soul, and pop. Laser Prince celebrates his musical legacy with an amazing soundtrack, beautiful laser choreography, and of course a lot of purple.

Pink Floyd’s The Wall Laser Show – Truly the mother of all laser-light shows and a cult favorite throughout the world. Considered to be one of the best classic rock albums of all time, The Wall is a gripping and mesmerizing musical journey of a rock star named Pink and his downward spiral into madness. Visitors will become lost and spellbound as their senses join this timeless journey.

To register for any of the laser light shows, 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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City of Kingsport hires new Fire Chief

Following an extensive interview process, the City of Kingsport is pleased to announce the hiring of Jerry DeBerry as its next Chief of the Kingsport Fire Department. DeBerry will succeed Scott Boyd, who retires April 28 after 36 years with the City of Kingsport.

DeBerry brings with him more than two decades of experience and leadership in fire service, having served with the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department since 2004. During his time in Atlanta, DeBerry has held multiple ranks including Firefighter, Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief, and most recently, Special Operations Chief.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to serve the members of the department and the City of Kingsport,” DeBerry said. “Our fundamental mission of saving lives and protecting property has never changed, and I will focus on moving that mission forward.”

DeBerry is expected to complete his master’s degree in Organizational Leadership and Emergency Management in August. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in Fire Service Administration from Waldorf University, as well as an associate’s degree in Fire Science from West Georgia Technical College.

DeBerry will be relocating to the Kingsport area with his wife Julie and daughter Sara Kate and then begin his new role as Kingsport’s fire Chief on May 5, 2025. His son, Jayden is also a firefighter with the Catoosa County (Georgia) Fire Department and will remain in the Georgia area.

“Please join me in giving Jerry and his family a warm welcome to our community,” said City Manager Chris McCartt. “I look forward to the leadership and experience Jerry brings to the Kingsport Fire Department.”

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Registration Open for Beginner Pickleball Classes

Due to popular demand, the Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a second Beginner Pickleball course this spring for those interested in learning how to play this fast-paced, popular game.

Classes will take place on Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. from April 17 through May 15 at the Riverview Pickleball Courts at the V.O. Dobbins, Sr. Complex (301 Louis Street).

The course is for participants ages 14 and up and the cost is $40 for city residents and $45 for non-city residents.

Students will enjoy an instructor-led course covering all of the aspects of basic pickleball, including the rules of the game, serving, the return serve and dinking. All equipment will be provided.

To register, visit https://bit.ly/3FZztkc. 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, please visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org.

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Kingsport hosting first-ever Hobby Horse Derby

The Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department is planning to “horse” around at Allandale Mansion this month by offering to the public its first-ever Hobby Horse Derby.

Hobby Horsing is a unique sport that involves participants riding stick horses for events like barrel racing and jumping courses. Kingsport’s hobby horse derby promises to be a fun-filled, family-friendly event celebrating the art of hobby horsing.

Kingsport’s Hobby Horse Derby will take place at Allandale Mansion on April 27 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.  Food trucks will be on site for the duration of the event. The three-hour event will include:

  • Barrel Racing for ages 7 to 11, 12 to 15 and 16 and older.
  • Jump Course for ages 7 to 9, 10 to 12, 13 to 17 and 18 and older
  • Mini Arena for children ages 3 to 6.
  • Pleasure Ride for children and adults of all ages.

Each event costs $7 per person to participate and participants must bring their own hobby horse to the event. Winners will be selected based on course time and fewest faults.

“Allandale Mansion used to be a horse and cattle farm, so what better venue to hold our first-ever Hobby Horse Derby,” said Program Leader Jennifer Henry.

To register, visit https://bit.ly/422oUUG. 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 “hobby horse” 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.

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Volunteers wanted for Earth Day cleanup event

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The Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department is partnering with Keep Kingsport Beautiful to host an Earth Day cleanup event at the Kingsport Greenbelt.

The cleanup event will take place on Earth Day (April 22) from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Indian Trail Drive trailhead of the Kingsport Greenbelt (behind PetSmart). Volunteers will remove trash and debris along the Greenbelt and the bank of Reedy Creek.

People of all ages are encouraged to come out and help clean up and beautify one of the Model City’s most popular recreational assets. Gloves and trash bags will be provided to volunteers.

“Earth Day encourages everyone, from individuals to businesses to governments to recognize the impact of human activities on the environment,” said Program Leader Milly Marmalade. “As such, we’re encouraging everyone to come out on Earth Day and help make a difference with the health of Reedy Creek and the Kingsport Greenbelt.”

Established in 1970, Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22 and marks the anniversary of the modern environmental movement. The day aims to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote the protection of the planet.

For more information about Earth Day 2025, please visit www.earthday.org. For information about other events, activities and programs offered by the Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department, please visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org.

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Enjoy the Nocturnal Nature of Bays Mountain Park

Let the night unveil a new and exciting perspective of Bays Mountain Park for you and your family this spring.

For the first time in more than two years, Bays Mountain Park is bringing back its popular “Park After Dark” event on April 26. The La Abejita food truck and an ice cream truck will open at 6 p.m., then guests can enjoy an evening under the stars with fun programming and guided explorations beginning at 7 p.m.

Then at 9 p.m. guests are welcome to participate in the park’s free StarWatch program at the Observatory. And be sure to secure your limited-edition Bays Mountain Park After Dark sticker at the gift shop.

The evening’s activities will include:

A Hike to Sentinel Point

Participants will meet at the Nature Center at 6:45 p.m. with a 7 p.m. start for a guided hike to Sentinel Point – one of Kingsport’s most iconic landmarks. This four-mile round trip journey is estimated to take up to three hours.

Limit of 15 people and participants are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes and bring water and a flashlight. Cost is $10 per person.

Barge Ride and Night at the Nature Center

Enjoy a cool evening ride around the reservoir on the park’s barge, listening to the sounds of the nearby wildlife. A unique experience will be had by everyone.

The Night at the Nature Center allows you to meet some new animal friends, interact with biofacts and enjoy a nice cup of hot chocolate. Cost is $10 per person and the events take place at 7 p.m. and again at 8 p.m.

“Come join us for a memorable evening where nature and community come together under the night sky,” said Park Ranger Laura Ellis. “Discover the enchanting nocturnal beauty of Bays Mountain Park and create lasting memories with family and friends.”

Community volunteers are encouraged to get involved with the Park After Dark event. For more information contact Park Ranger Laura Ellis by phone at 423-229-9447.

For more information about Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium, visit baysmountain.com or call (423)229-9447.

Link to: City of Kingsport
City of Kingsport, Tennessee