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The Kingsport Public Library hopes to “draw you in” next week

Celebrate National Public Library week April 6-12

What draws people to the library? Everything! From books and digital resources to job assistance and creative programming, libraries are essential destinations for thriving communities.

As such, the Kingsport Public Library is encouraging everyone to visit the library next week in recognition of National Public Library Week. First sponsored in 1958, National Public Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries of all types across the country.

“We invite the community to join in with the celebration,” said Library Manager Mary Thomas. “Whether you’re a longtime patron or haven’t visited in a while, now is the perfect time to explore all the library has to offer.”

The theme for this year’s observance is “Drawn to the Library” and now is an excellent time to discover all the resources found within the Kingsport Public Library, including thousands of fiction and non-fiction books, audiobooks, DVDs, video games, 3-D printers and so much more.

During National Library Week, take time to rediscover the library and see how it draws us together as a community. Whether you’re visiting for books, resources, or a place to connect, the Kingsport Public Library is here for you.

Events taking place at the Kingsport Public Library next week during National Public Library Week include:

  • April 7 – Spring Crafternoon from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Come out and create spring-themed crafts with your children and grandchildren. This free event is for people of all ages.
  • April 8 – Pet the Cat from 4 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. Join us for a celebration of Pete the Cat with a variety of crafts and activities. Suitable for preschool and elementary aged children.
  • April 10 – Tiny Food Sculpting from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Learn basic sculpting techniques using polymer clay and create some tiny food creations to take home. Suitable for grades 6 through 12.
  • April 11 – Job Skills Workshop from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Are you looking for employment or want to improve your current job skills? The Vocational Rehabilitation Program Community Services Unit will be on site to assist participants.
  • April 12 – Craft with Me from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Join us as we celebrate the season by making spring-themed crafts. Suitable for children ages 3 to 6.

“Whatever draws you in, the library has something for everyone,” Thomas added. “Maybe you’re preparing for a career change, launching a business, raising a family or embracing retirement. Whatever the reason, the Kingsport Public Library is here to support your journey.”

For information on other events, activities and programs at the Kingsport Public Library, please visit www.kingsportlibrary.org.

KPD e-News Release: KPD Searching For Runaway Juvenile

SUBJECT:  KPD Searching For Runaway Juvenile 

DATE:  April 1st, 2025 

CASE #: 25-004199

GENERAL NARRATIVE

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

KPD e-News Release: KPD Searching For Runaway Juvenile

SUBJECT:  KPD Searching For Runaway Juvenile 

DATE:  April 1st, 2025 

CASE #: 25-004324

GENERAL NARRATIVE

The Kingsport Police Department is searching for 14-year-old, Johnay Watson. Johnay is believed to have left voluntarily from an address on North Eastman Road. Johnay is a black female, last seen wearing a green “Boys in the Hood” long-sleeved shirt and blue jeans. Johnay’s hair is styled in long black and gold braids, and she has a heart tattoo on her right middle finger. Johnay has been entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) as a runaway Juvenile.

 

Anyone with information on Johnay’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 Johnay Watson 

Age 14

Gender/Race Female/Black 

Hair/Eyes Black/Brown 

Residency Somewhere in Kingsport TN 

Other Description Last seen with hair styled in black and gold braids. Heart Tattoo on right middle finger. 

Possible Clothing Green “Boys in the Hood” long-sleeved shirt and blue jeans

Last Known Location North Eastman Road

 

 

 

 

RELEASING OFFICER

Corporal Brandon Arnold

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

BrandonArnold@KingsportTN.gov

Parks and Recreation Logo

Kingsport’s Summer Camp program accepting registrations

Kingsport’s Parks and Recreation Department is now accepting registrations from city residents for its annual summer camp program.

In this program, your elementary and middle school-aged kids will participate in games, crafts, movie time, outdoor activities, sports and swimming trips throughout the summer.

The summer camp program is open to children ages 6-12 and will be held at the V.O. Dobbins Sr., Center (301 Louis Street). Participants must have completed kindergarten and turned 6 by September 1.

Summer camp runs from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day and the cost and the dates for the sessions are as follows:

  • Session 1: May 27 to June 13
  • Session 2: June 16 to June 26
  • Session 3: July 7 to July 25

The cost per session per child is $100 for city residents and $120 for non-city residents.

New this year is an Extended Week Session, which runs from July 28 to August 1. The cost per session per child is $50 for city residents and $55 for non-city residents.

Breakfast and lunch are provided through the month of June. Children will need to pack a lunch and snack each day for the month of July. Participants are registered on a first come, first served basis.

You can register by going to V.O. Dobbins or by going to the following website at https://bit.ly/4kRzEhg. 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 “kpr camp” 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.

kingsport aquatic center logo

Press Release – Season passes now available at the Kingsport Aquatic Center

The summer swimming season will be upon us before you know it, so now is the perfect time to purchase your season pass to the Kingsport Aquatic Center.

Our season pass entitles you to use the indoor pools and outdoor water park during the summer season, from May 1 through Labor Day. Season passes go on sale April 1.

The outdoor water park will open daily beginning May 24 through August 3 and open weekends only in May (beginning May 17), August and September (until Labor Day). The outdoor water park is open weather permitting, while the indoor facility will be open during most inclement weather.

Season pass holders and Kingsport Aquatic Center members also have early access to the Outdoor Water Park 30 minutes before the regular opening time (except Sundays). Season pass prices are as follows:

  • Lil’ Splasher (Under 48″) – $100
  • Bigger Splasher (48″ & taller) – $125
  • Master Splasher (age 55+) – $100
  • Splash Pack (4-person household) – $250 (with the option to add additional household members for $15)

2025 Outdoor Water Park Hours

  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Wednesday and Saturday: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Sunday: noon – 6 p.m.

Season passes and memberships can be purchased at www.kingsporttn.gov and click on the “CivicRec” link, then select “Aquatic Center” from the list. You can also purchase season passes and memberships in person at the KAC front desk.

To learn more about season pass and membership benefits, call 423-343-9758 or visit swimkingsport.com.

Link to: City of Kingsport
City of Kingsport, Tennessee