You are here: / / / April
library logo

Volunteers needed for Kingsport Public Library relocation

The Kingsport Public Library is looking for volunteers to help box up the library’s collection in preparation for the upcoming relocation to the Fort Henry Mall.

In order to make this transition run as smoothly as possible, the library needs your help in boxing up thousands of books, CDs, DVDs, videos games and more later this month during five packing sessions.

“Our library is temporarily relocating to the mall for the next 18 months, but before we can do that we need the community’s help,” said Library Manager Mary Thomas. “So, we’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help our staff get everything ready for the upcoming move. We would be greatly thankful to all who volunteer.”

Volunteers would help with the following tasks:

  • Sorting and packing books, materials, and supplies.
  • Labeling boxes and materials to ensure everything is organized.
  • Cleaning and dusting to keep our space ready for the big day.
  • Assisting staff with other aspects of the project as needed.

The Kingsport Public Library currently has five time slots scheduled in April to box up materials. The dates and times are as follows:

  • April 12 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • April 15 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  • April 16 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

No experience is necessary. Just bring your energy and your willingness to help.

Note – all volunteers must submit to and clear a background check. Please click on the following link to complete the background check at no cost to you – https://bit.ly/4iZhkBF.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to support your local library and be part of something special,” Thomas continued. “Whether you’re a book lover or simply want to give back to the community, your help with this project would be invaluable.”

For more information about the library’s renovation project, visit www.kingsportlibrary.org.

Parks and Recreation Logo

Registration now open for “Champions of the Court” pickleball event

Registration is now open for the Champions of the Court pickleball event, hosted by the Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department.

The four-week event will run on Mondays from April 7 through April 28 with all games played at the Riverview Park Pickleball Courts from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. each day. The event is for beginner and intermediate levels – skill level 3.0 or higher.

The cost is $5 per person per week and the event is open to 20 players per week. Participants must be ages 13 and older.

Players will be matched randomly before each session and at the end of the event, the top two players from each week will face off in the final tournament May 5 for the championship game. Prizes will be awarded to the top two winners.

To register, visit https://bit.ly/3FFfxCT. 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 “champions of the court” in the search bar.

Parks and Recreation Logo

Registration now open for Kingsport’s Outdoor Volleyball League

The Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department is now accepting registrations for its 2025 Outdoor Volleyball League. Registration runs from April 4 through April 23.

Leagues offered include:

  • 12U Youth Triples
  • 13U/14U Youth Triples
  • Women’s Triples
  • Men’s Doubles
  • Co-ed Doubles
  • Co-ed Quads
  • Senior Co-ed Quads (50+)

Registration cost is $40 for doubles, $60 for triples and $80 for quads. There is a $2 non-resident fee for anyone who lives outside the city limits. The youth age determination date is July 1, 2023.

“It’s time to get ready to bump, set, and spike your way into another exciting season of outdoor volleyball,” said Program Coordinator Nate Williams. “Gather your squad and hit the grass for another season of fun, competitive matches.”

The 2025 season begins the week of May 5. All games will be played at Legion Field (next to the Civic Auditorium) on Fort Henry Drive.

To register, visit https://bit.ly/3E2EHLb. 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 “volleyball” in the search bar.

KPD e-News Release: KPD Searching For Runaway Juvenile

SUBJECT:  KPD Searching For Runaway Juvenile 

DATE:  April 3rd, 2025 

CASE #: 25-004430

GENERAL NARRATIVE

The Kingsport Police Department is searching for 15-year-old, Exenia “Scarlett” Pafford. Exenia is believed to have left voluntarily from an address on Watterson Street. Exenia is a white female, last seen wearing a white shirt and gray sweatpants. Exenia has been entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) as a runaway Juvenile.

 

Anyone with information on Exenia’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 Exenia “Scarlett” Pafford 

Age 15

Gender/Race Female/White 

Residency Watterson Street in Kingsport TN 

Possible Clothing White shirt and gray sweatpants

Last Known Location Watterson Street

 

 

 

RELEASING OFFICER

Corporal Brandon Arnold

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

BrandonArnold@KingsportTN.gov

Kingsport Police Department Awarded CALEA Reaccreditation for Tenth Consecutive Time

SUBJECT:  Kingsport Police Department Awarded CALEA Reaccreditation for Tenth Consecutive Time 

DATE:  April 3rd, 2025 

GENERAL NARRATIVE

On Saturday, March 22, 2025, the Kingsport Police Department’s Deputy Chief of Police, Jason Bellamy, Administration Captain, Chris Tincher, and Accreditation Manager, Kelly Holley, appeared before the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) during their Spring 2025 Conference where K.P.D. received “Advanced Meritorious Reaccreditation,” a distinguished award reserved for agencies that have been continuously accredited for fifteen years or more.

 

The Kingsport Police Department has now successfully navigated through the accreditation process a total of ten times. First accredited through CALEA in 1992, the department has since maintained accreditation for over a quarter century, having been previously reaccredited in 1997, 2002, 2005, 2008, 2011, 2014, 2017 and 2021.

 

“The standards of excellence upheld by our officers, policies, and facilities have become the benchmark by which we measure our success. This commitment is not only integral to our department’s values but also reflects the dedication to the safety, trust, and well-being that our citizens rightfully expect and deserve.” said Chief of Police Dale Phipps.

 

The CALEA Accreditation program provides public safety agencies with an opportunity to voluntarily meet, and show proof of compliance with, an established set of 461 highly regarded and broadly recognized professional law enforcement standards, which require:

 

  • Comprehensive and uniform written directives that clearly define authority, performance, and responsibilities
  • Reports and analyses to make fact-based and informed management decisions
  • Preparedness to address natural or man-made critical incidents
  • Community relationship-building and maintenance
  • Independent review by subject matter experts
  • Continuous pursuit of excellence through annual reviews and other assessment measures

 

The purpose of CALEA is to improve the delivery of public safety services by maintaining a body of professional standards that support the administration of accreditation programs.

 

CALEA Accreditation succeeds through:

 

  • Agency Leadership
    • Serves as a resource management tool
    • Establishes trusted processes and best practices
    • Provides a planning framework
    • Encourages organizational growth and improvement

 

  • Agency Personnel

 

    • Ensures contemporary equipment and training
    • Promotes sound operational decisions
    • Establishes supportive personnel practices

 

  • The Community

 

    • Fosters community awareness
    • Creates organizational transparency
    • Promotes open dialogue and information-sharing

 

For additional information regarding CALEA Accreditation, please visit www.CALEA.org.

 

RELEASING OFFICER

Corporal Brandon Arnold

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

Reducing runoff with permeable pavement

As part of the permitting process, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation mandates the City of Kingsport offer educational and outreach activities regarding stormwater, the city’s various control measures and why those measures are important to the general public.

The following article discusses permeable pavement and its effect on reducing runoff.

Permeable or porous pavement is a type of Stormwater Control Measure (SCM) that allows rain water to infiltrate into the pavement surface and thus reduces runoff during storm events.  There are several types of permeable pavement, including permeable pavers, pervious concrete, and porous asphalt.

Permeable pavement is only recommended for parking lots and low traffic areas. Most systems have an underdrain that discharges into the stormwater conveyance system.

Most permeable pavement systems have the same basic components to help them function properly, including:

  • Pavement surface: Contains joints or voids to allow stormwater to infiltrate.
  • Main treatment area: Contains gravel and sand layers that allow infiltration, filtration, and storage of stormwater.
  • Underdrain: Collects and discharges filtered stormwater.
  • Outlet structure: Usually a storm drain for emergency overflow.
  • Underdrain cleanout: Allows for maintenance of the underdrain.

Permeable pavements may be inspected by the local municipality to ensure they are functioning correctly. However, all maintenance is the responsibility of the property owner.

In order for permeable pavement systems to work efficiently, trash, litter and debris should be removed and a landscape blower used on the surface. Permeable pavers and porous concrete/asphalt should be vacuumed. Sand and sediment can clog the system.

If you have a concern about a specific permeable pavement system in Kingsport, you may call Water Services at 423-229-9454.  You can also report any possible issues by using the ConnectKingsport app.

Enhanced swales subtly capture and treat stormwater

As part of the permitting process, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation mandates the City of Kingsport offer educational and outreach activities regarding stormwater, the city’s various control measures and why those measures are important to the general public.

The following article discusses the two types of swales and how each one captures and treats stormwater.

Enhanced swales, also called water quality swales, are a type of Stormwater Control Measure (SCM) designed to capture and treat stormwater from small storms using low check dams to slow or contain runoff. They are usually shallow, wide, and vegetated to help filter stormwater runoff.

There are two types of enhanced swales.

  • Dry enhanced swales are broad and shallow with thick grass. They typically have an underdrain system designed to let stormwater filter through the bottom of the swale.
  • Wet enhanced swales are designed to retain water and may have marshy conditions that support wetland vegetation. They are generally used in areas with a high-water table or poorly draining soils. Sediment and other pollutants settle to the bottom of the swale where they can be easily removed.

Most enhanced swales have the same basic components to help them function properly, including:

  • Inlets – allow stormwater to flow into the swale.
  • Pretreatment areas – rock or vegetated areas which prevent trash and debris from entering the channel.
  • Channel – where stormwater is collected. Low flows are slowed by the check dams, while high flows go over the check dams.
  • Underdrain – lets water that has soaked into the soil exit the swale.
  • Check dams – rock berms perpendicular to the flow path that slow water in the swale, providing treatment of polluted stormwater.
  • Outlet structure – allows water to exit the swale in a controlled way.

Swales may be inspected by the local municipality to ensure they are functioning correctly. However, all maintenance is the responsibility of the property owner.

In order for a swale to work efficiently, vegetation should be mowed at least twice a year and the vegetation should be thick and healthy and not include shrubs or trees. All trash, debris and sediment should be removed at regular intervals.  Any areas of erosion should be repaired.

The outlet structure should also be free of mud, debris and trash. Inlets should be checked for clogs and erosion. The swale should be observed during and after rain events to ensure it is functioning properly.

If you have a concern about a specific swale in Kingsport, you may call Water Services at 423-229-9454.  You can also report any possible issues by using the ConnectKingsport app.

Retention Basins reduce runoff during storm events

Retention Basins reduce runoff during storm events

As part of the permitting process, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation mandates the City of Kingsport offer educational and outreach activities regarding stormwater, the city’s various control measures and why those measures are important to the general public.

The following article discusses retention basins and how they reduce runoff during storm events.

Retention basins, also called stormwater, wet, or water quality basins are a type of Stormwater Control Measure (SCM) that retains rain water and thus reduces runoff during storm events.  Unlike detention basins, they have a permanent pool, which can serve as a wildlife habitat and an attractive amenity. Water quality is also improved through settling and biological uptake.

Most retention basins have the same basic components to help them function properly, including:

  • Inlets – ditches or pipes that convey drainage into the ponds from the surrounding area during a rain.
  • Forebay – shallow depression that catches trash, debris and sediment to keep it out of the main basin.
  • Main Basin –collects and retains stormwater and may include plants to filter water pollution.
  • Embankments –sides of the pond, usually vegetated to prevent erosion.
  • Outlet Structure – allows water to exit the basin in a controlled manner.
  • Emergency Spillway – allows water to safely overflow top of dam.

Retention basins may be inspected by the local municipality to ensure they are functioning correctly. However, all maintenance is the responsibility of the property owner.

In order for the retention basin to work efficiently, vegetation on embankments should be mowed at least twice a year and the vegetation should be thick and healthy and not include shrubs or trees. All trash, debris and sediment should be removed from the forebay at regular intervals.  Any areas of erosion on the side slopes should be repaired.

The outlet structure should also be free of mud, debris and trash. Inlet pipes should be checked for clogs and inlet ditches should be checked for erosion. The basin should be observed during and after rain events to ensure it is functioning properly.

If you have a concern about a specific retention basin in Kingsport, you may call Water Services at 423-229-9454.  You can also report any possible issues by using the ConnectKingsport app.

 

 

 

 

Wetlands are key to storing and treating stormwater

As part of the permitting process, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation mandates the City of Kingsport offer educational and outreach activities regarding stormwater, the city’s various control measures and why those measures are important to the general public.

The following article discusses stormwater wetlands and how they are used to support aquatic plants.

Stormwater wetlands (or constructed wetlands) are a type of Stormwater Control Measure (SCM) built for the purpose of storing and treating stormwater run-off.  Pollutant removal is achieved through settling and uptake by marsh vegetation.

Stormwater wetlands are designed with a shallow permanent pool to support aquatic plants. Most stormwater wetlands have the same basic components to help them function properly, including:

  • Inlets – ditches or pipes that convey drainage into the wetland from the surrounding area during a rain.
  • Forebay – shallow depression that catches trash, debris and sediment to keep it out of the main basin.
  • Main Basin –collects and retains stormwater and has marsh vegetation to filter water pollution.
  • Embankments –sides of the pond, usually vegetated to prevent erosion.
  • Outlet Structure – allows water to exit the basin in a controlled manner.
  • Emergency Spillway – allows water to safely overflow the top of a dam.

Stormwater wetlands may be inspected by the local municipality to ensure they are functioning correctly. However, all maintenance is the responsibility of the property owner.

In order for the stormwater wetland to work efficiently, marsh plants should kept healthy and watered in times of drought; and invasive plants, shrubs and trees should be removed. All trash, debris and sediment should be removed from the forebay at regular intervals.  Any areas of erosion on the side slopes should be repaired.

The outlet structure should also be free of mud, debris and trash. Inlet pipes should be checked for clogs and inlet ditches should be checked for erosion. The basin should be observed during and after rain events to ensure it is functioning properly.

If you have a concern about a specific stormwater wetland in Kingsport, you may call Water Services at 423-229-9454.  You can also report any possible issues by using the ConnectKingsport app.

bays mountain logo

Bays Mountain Park to conduct prescribed burn next week

Bays Mountain Park will be performing a prescribed burn next week as a proactive measure to help reduce the catastrophic damage of wildfire by safely reducing excessive brush, shrubs and trees.

A prescribed fire is the skillful and planned use of fire on a landscape under specific weather and fuel conditions to help restore health to many ecosystems. The Tennessee Division of Forestry promotes the safe use of prescribed fire on both state and private lands in Tennessee.

Weather permitting, the prescribed burn at Bays Mountain Park will take place between April 7-9 and encompass roughly seven acres of land near the peak of the mountain (where the radio towers are located). The burn will take approximately two hours to complete.

Bays Mountain Park will be open to the public during the prescribed burn, however there will be intermittent trail closures. Residents can expect to see a small amount of white smoke rising from the mountain during the burn.

Employees with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conversation will be conducting the burn with the assistance of Tennessee State Parks, the Kingsport Fire Department and the Dobyns-Bennett High School prescribed burn team.

“Fire was a stewardship tool used on this landscape for thousands of years,” said Dobyns-Bennett High School Fire Management and Math teacher Bryan Kerns. “By putting fire back into the Bays Mountain management plan, we are honoring the wisdom of the past and creating a more resilient resource for future generations.”

According to TDEC, a prescribed fire is an important tool in forest health management. Prescribed fires help reduce the catastrophic damage of wildfire by safely reducing excessive brush, shrubs, and trees. They also encourage native vegetation to grow and are used to maintain the many plant and animal species whose habitats depend on periodic fire.

“We are making history with our first-ever prescribed burn at Bays Mountain Park,” said Park Manager Megan Krager. “Once we’ve done this burn, we’re going to evaluate its success and potentially plan for future burns at the park to ensure we’re being good stewards of this amazing asset of ours.”

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