Media-Report-09-24-2025-07_33.pdf
The Kingsport Public Library is hosting a special launch party next week to celebrate the release of Taylor Swift’s newest album – The Life of a Showgirl.
This free event will take place from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on October 3 at the Kingsport Public Library’s Fort Henry Mall location. Swifties of all ages are encouraged to come out and attend this exciting event, which will feature music, karaoke, a selfie spot and a chance to make your own friendship bracelets.
“Bring your friends and celebrate the release of the new album in true Taylor style,” said Library Director Stephanie Griffin. “It’s sure to be an evening of fun, music and sparkles.”
Taylor Swift’s 12th studio album – The Life of a Showgirl – releases at midnight on October 3 and features 12 new songs from the iconic pop star sensation. Swift created the album during the European leg of the Eras Tour in 2024, with the music being inspired by her life as an entertainer.
For information about other events, programs and activities offered by the Kingsport Public Library, please visit www.kingsportlibrary.org.
SUBJECT: Kingsport Police Department Announces Upcoming Citizen’s Police Academy
DATE: September 23rd, 2025
GENERAL NARRATIVE
The Kingsport Police Department announces that applications are now being accepted for an upcoming class of the Citizen’s Police Academy. KPD’s Citizen’s Academy is open to individuals who are at least 18 years of age and either reside or work in the city limits of Kingsport.
The Academy is scheduled to begin on Monday, October 20th, 2025, at 6:00 PM. Classes will meet on Mondays and Wednesdays throughout the months of October and November, with the final class being on Wednesday, November 12th. Each class will run 2 to 2 ½ hours in duration. A graduation ceremony will take place on Monday, November 17th, 2025.
KPD emphasizes that the Citizen’s Academy is not designed to prepare citizens to become actual police officers. However, it will give them a chance to walk a few steps in an officer’s shoes and experience what it might be like to serve in law enforcement. The goal is for participants to gain a better understanding of the law enforcement field. Citizen’s Academy classes include an interesting mixture of classroom presentations, demonstrations, and hands-on activities.
Topics include:
- An introduction to KPD with a tour of the Justice Center
- Collision and DUI investigations
- Crime Scene Investigations
- The Bomb Squad
- Police K-9
- Patrol Operations (to include traffic stops and building searches)
- Use of Force
- SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics)
The deadline to apply for the program is Wednesday, October 15th, 2025. Anyone interested in participating in the Citizen’s Academy needs to submit a new application even if one has been submitted in past years. A background check will be conducted on applicants prior to final acceptance in the program.
To download an application, please visit https://www.kingsporttn.gov/city-services/police-department/programs_for_citizens/. Applications may also be obtained from the Records Division window. You may return completed applications by mail or drop off at the Kingsport Police Dept. Att Professional Standards Unit 200 Shelby St. Kingsport, TN 37660. Completed applications may also be faxed to (423) 343-9749 or scanned and emailed to the Professional Standards Unit at KPDPSU@KingsportTN.gov. For questions regarding the Citizen’s Police Academy, please contact a member of the KPD Professional Standards Unit at (423) 229-9300.
RELEASING OFFICER
Corporal Brandon Arnold
Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit
Office (423) 343-9866, Fax (423) 343-9749
Kingsport’s Parks and Recreation Department is accepting registrations for its annual Fall Break Camp. Kids will have the opportunity to enjoy games and activities, arts and crafts, outside time, movie time and so much more.
The camp will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. October 6-10 at the V.O. Dobbins, Sr. Complex (301 Louis Street). Children ages 6 to 12 can register and the cost per child is $50 for city residents and $55 for non-city residents.
Camp participants will need to pack a lunch and a snack daily.
“Our staff works hard to make fall break a fun-filled week for the kids with plenty of activities, games and sports,” said Program Coordinator Renee Ensor. “If you’ve never signed up before, remember – we’ll help you keep the kids engaged, active and off the screens for a week.”
To register, visit https://bit.ly/4eBc1pq. 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 “fall break camp” in the search bar.
For more information, visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org or call 423-224-2489.
The Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department and 21:12 Skateboarding is hosting a special afternoon of skating and biking at the Scott Adams Memorial Skatepark (2016 Brickyard Park Drive) next month.
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, this event offers a chance to experience our top-notch skate park and pump track with like-minded skaters and cyclists.
This Autumn Skateboarding and Pump Track event will take place on October 4 from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Enjoy the fresh autumn air on your skateboard, bike, scooter or inline skates. The event will also feature a food truck, games, music and prizes.
The event is free and open to skaters and cyclists of all ages. Participants will need to bring their own helmet, safety equipment and ride.
For information about other classes, programs and events from Kingsport Parks and Recreation, visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org.
The Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department is offering an entry-level course this fall for children interested in learning how to safely ride a scooter. Students will be guided through the fundamental techniques and safety measures essential for mastering this exciting sport.
Scooter Basics for Beginners classes will take place at the Brickyard Pump Track (2016 Brickyard Park Drive) every Tuesday from October 14 through November 18 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The cost for the lessons is $30 for city residents and $35 for non-city residents. The lessons are open for boys and girls ages 6 to 12. The maximum number of registrants is 10.
Participants will learn the basics of riding a scooter in a friendly, safe environment. Parents are encouraged to remain onsite during the class. Participants must bring their own helmet, safety equipment and scooter.
“We’ve offered biking and skateboarding classes in the past, but we’ve never had one specifically for scooters, so we’re excited about offering this class to the community,” said Program Coordinator Michael Morris. “Through this program, our instructors will get children started on the right path towards proper and safe riding.”
To register for the classes, please visit https://bit.ly/3VjKnFU. 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 “scooter” in the search bar.
For information about other classes, programs and events from Kingsport Parks and Recreation, visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org.
Graduating from high school can be both an exciting and confusing time in your life, as young adults struggle to figure out what to do next.
To help alleviate this burden, the Kingsport Public Library is partnering with local institutions of higher education to offer a Beyond Graduation event – an information fair for high school students to learn more about the potential next steps in their life.
The event will be held at the Kingsport Public Library’s Fort Henry Mall location on October 2 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. No registration is required.
Representatives from East Tennessee State University, Northeast State Community College, King University, the Tennessee College of Applied Technology, and the U.S. Army will be on hand, giving presentations and fielding questions from those in attendance.
“Graduating from high school is a milestone and an exciting time of your life, but at the same time it can be a little scary,” said Young Adult Services Librarian Caroline O’Connor. “Hopefully, students who attend our event will learn more about their options and help get them on a good path moving forward.”
For information about other events, programs and activities offered by the Kingsport Public Library, please visit www.kingsportlibrary.org.
SUBJECT: Stand-off on Rock Springs Road leads to Arrest
DATE: September 19th, 2025
CASE #: 25-013391
GENERAL NARRATIVE
Patrol Officers with the Kingsport Police Department responded to the 1800 block of Rock Springs Road at approximately 3:00 a.m. on Friday, September 19th, 2025, about a man armed with a gun who was making threats to others. The man was identified as a twenty-seven-year-old (27) named Steven Gott. Mr. Gott refused to comply with lawful orders to surrender himself to officers on scene. The Kingsport Police Department Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team was activated and arrested Mr. Gott. Mr. Gott was charged with one (1) count of Aggravated Domestic Assault and one (1) count of Aggravated Assault; Mr. Gott is currently being held in the Kingsport City Jail.
SUSPECT INFORMATION
Name Steven Gott
Gender/Race Male/White
Age 27
Charges Aggravated Domestic Assault x1, Aggravated Assault x1
RELEASING OFFICER
Corporal Brandon Arnold
Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit
Office (423) 343-9866, Fax (423) 343-9749