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Kingsport offering Midday Mat Flow Yoga classes

Yoga is an ancient practice that brings the mind and body together through stretching, breathing and meditation. Yoga can improve your mental health and balance, reduce stress and anxiety and is beneficial to your overall well-being.

The Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department is offering a new yoga course next month aimed at folks who are looking for a less-intense class to take during the middle of the day.

Midday Mat Flow yoga classes will be held every Wednesday at noon at the V.O. Dobbins, Sr. Complex from January 7 through February 4. The hour-long classes are for participants ages 16 and older.

“The program is aimed at working folks who may want to take a yoga class during their lunch break and not have to worry about being too sweaty after class,” said Program Coordinator Renee Ensor. “So, we’re trying something new. The yoga will be less intense and involve more stretching than anything else.”

The cost of the program is $25 for city residents and $30 for non-city residents. There will be a limited number of mats available so feel free to bring your own.

To register, visit https://bit.ly/43DsIgT. 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 “yoga” in the search bar.

For information about other programs, activities and classes offered by Kingsport Parks and Recreation, please visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org or call 423-224-2489.

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Kingsport offering Boxing for Fitness classes

Boxing can be a new and exciting way to get in shape and stay healthy. Not only can boxing improve your heart health and boost your endurance, but the sport also improves balance, helps with weight management and enhances your mental health.

Kingsport Parks and Recreation is offering a Boxing for Fitness program next month at the Lynn View Community Center (257 Walker Street). The program is a beginner’s fitness class with a specialization in boxing.

A certified instructor will teach participants the fundamentals and foundations of boxing. There will be no contact between the participants and gloves will be provided.

Classes will take place on Saturdays at 11:30 a.m. from January 10 through February 14 (except January 24). The program is open for participants ages 18 and older and costs $50 for city residents and $60 for non-city residents.

“Boxing is not your typical fitness activity, which is why you should consider signing up for the program today,” said Program Coordinator Michael Morris. “Boxing is both rewarding and enjoyable, as you improve your cardio, your strength and your reflexes all at the same time.”

To register, visit https://bit.ly/4pQEWLB. 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 “boxing” in the search bar.

For information about other programs, events and activities from Kingsport Parks and Recreation, please visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org.

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Kingsport announces a call for vendors

Kingsport Cultural Arts is pleased to announce a call for vendors for the third annual Kingsport Arts Festival.

The festival, which showcases the talents of our region’s best artists and creatives, will take place from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on April 18, 2026, in the 100 block of Shelby Street.

Vendors interested in participating in next year’s festival have until January 15 to submit an application. The selection process will take place soon after and chosen artists will be notified by February 15.

Upon acceptance, vendors must pay a booth fee of $50 by March 1 or forfeit their spot.

“We’re delighted to continue this festival in 2026, again with a focus on education and engagement,” said Program Leader Linore Huss. “We’re looking for unique and original work by artists and artisans to grow our community’s understanding of what “the arts” can include.”

To apply to become a vendor, please visit https://bit.ly/4j3Leph.

The one-day festival will feature an iron pour, glassblowing, chalk art and creating tie dye T-shirts. In addition, the festival will feature more than a dozen vendors, free activities and performances.

The Kingsport Arts Festival is a partnership between Kingsport Cultural Arts and Engage Kingsport. This project is supported, in whole or in part, by the State of Tennessee, Tennessee Arts Commission.

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Kingsport announces holiday closures, sanitation changes

Kingsport offices will be closed during the Christmas holiday – December 24 and December 25 – and the New Year’s holiday – January 1.

The garbage and trash collection routes for the holiday season are as follows:

  • December 22 through December 24 – no changes to the collection routes.
  • December 25 – no collection on this day.
  • December 25 routes will be collected on December 26.
  • December 26 routes will be collected on December 27.
  • January 1 – no changes to the collection routes.

Kingsport’s demolition landfill will be closed December 24 and 25 and January 1. The convenience center (300 Industry Drive) will be closed December 25, but open December 24 and January 1 from 7:30 am to 12:30 p.m.

Kingsport’s sanitation crews will be picking up extra items associated with gift giving – such as boxes and bags of wrapping paper/ribbon/bows – from December 29 through January 2. Place these items on the curb three to four feet away from the cart on your garbage collection day.

For more information about Kingsport’s sanitation services, please visit www.kingsporttn.gov.

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Bays Mountain Park receives $100,000 grant

The City of Kingsport is pleased to announce Bays Mountain Park has received a $100,000 grant from the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. These grant funds will go towards the construction of a new floating bridge along the western end of Lakeside Trail.

City and state officials held a check presentation ceremony Tuesday afternoon in the Nature Center to celebrate the awarding of the grant.

“Today is an exciting day for Kingsport and we are thankful the state has invested in and continues to invest in Bays Mountain Park,” said Mayor Paul W. Montgomery.

For more than 20 years, the floating bridge has connected Lakeside Trail to itself and has served as the main path to travel along the reservoir. However, the bridge has sustained significant wear and tear over the years due to the weather and fallen trees and is in need of being replaced.

The proposal calls for the construction of a new bridge adjacent to the existing one and once complete, the old bridge will be removed. Kingsport is currently working on the design of the new bridge.

In November, the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development awarded 30 communities across the state more than $2 million in Tourism Enhancement Grants to strengthen local tourism assets and drive Tennessee’s continued growth as a world-class destination.

Brent Lambert, East Tennessee Division Manager for the Tennessee Department of Tourism, explained how tourism is the second leading industry in Tennessee, generating more than $3.3 billion in tax revenue for the state.

“In Tennessee, more than $1,100 per household is being saved due to tourism,” Lambert said. “That’s a big deal and places like Bays Mountain Park…I have friends who swear to me this park is the best park in the State of Tennessee.”

For more information about Bays Mountain Park visit www.baysmountain.com.

The 100-Mile Swim Club announces next swimming challenge

The 100-Mile Swim Club is planning to hit the trail next year and take an aquatic journey along one of the most iconic hiking destinations in the world.

The Kingsport Aquatic Center is pleased to announce its latest destination for the 100-Mile Swim Club – The Appalachian Trail. The challenge calls for club members to work together by “traveling” on a 2,194-mile journey from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Mount Katahdin, Maine.

As our swimmers progress, they “travel” through diverse landscapes and elevations through 14 different states.

“The 100-Mile Swim Club is an excellent way to motivate yourself to get active in the new year,” said Aquatics Program Coordinator Madison Gump. “Join us as we swim, track progress, and celebrate milestones while journeying—stroke by stroke—through the entire Appalachian Trail.”

The challenge is scheduled to run from January 1 through December 31, 2026. Registrations are now being accepted, and the cost is $15 for Kingsport Aquatic Center and Kingsport Senior Center members and $25 for YMCA and non-members.

All participants will receive a 2026 100-Mile Swim Club t-shirt, and anyone can join at any time throughout the year.

To register, visit the front desk at the Kingsport Aquatic Center, call 423-343-9758 or visit www.kingsporttn.gov, click the “CivicRec” link and then select the “Aquatic Center” tab.

Formed in 2016, the 100-Mile Swim Club aims to build and strengthen the swimming community through group challenges while learning fun facts about landmarks along the way. Club members will swim at their own pace, KAC staff keeps track of individuals’ miles and the club’s collective progress, while a map in the lobby displays the entire route.

For information on other events, programs and classes at the Kingsport Aquatic Center, please visit www.swimkingsport.com.

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Kingsport offering bicycle safety and fundamentals class

The Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department is offering a four-week program next month aimed at educating children on the fundamentals and safety of bicycling.

The program – called TREADZ – will take place every Thursday at 6 p.m. from January 8 through January 29 at the Kingsport Farmers Market (308 Clinchfield Street). Children ages 2 to 12 can register and the cost is $15 per participant. You will need to bring your own bicycle and helmet.

TREADZ caters to various skill levels, from beginners learning balance and coordination on balance bikes to older kids mastering advanced riding techniques. The program offers a safe and engaging environment for children to be active, to learn and to have fun bicycling.

“The TREADZ program encourages physical activity, skill development, and just a general love for biking,” said Program Administrator Jason Wilburn. “With hands-on guidance from our local instructors, the kids will quickly gain confidence while improving their overall health and well-being.”

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

The program is hosted in partnership with Reedy Creek Bicycles and Just Ride Bikes & Fitness.

For information about other programs, activities and classes offered by Kingsport Parks and Recreation, please visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org or call 423-224-2489.

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Kingsport Aquatic Center hosts Let’s Glow Swimming event

The Kingsport Aquatic Center is thrilled to ring in the New Year with one of its most popular events – A Let’s Glow Swimming Party!

This special nighttime event will take place in the warm water and play pools from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on January 3.

Children of all ages are invited to attend, but those under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. The event is limited to 200 people. Admission per person is $4 (pre-registration) and $6 (at the door). Every person must pay admission even if not swimming.

The Kingsport Aquatic Center will dim the lights and fill the pools with glow sticks of all shapes and sizes. Children can then swim in the “glow pools” and while their favorite music plays over the loudspeakers.

Children are encouraged to bring their own glow sticks to the party. It’s the perfect way to mark the end of winter break and the beginning of the New Year.

“If you’re looking for something unique and different to do for the New Year, then grab your swimming trunks and some glow sticks and come down to the Kingsport Aquatic Center,” said Aquatics Program Coordinator Madison Gump.

To register, visit https://bit.ly/49LRBbU. 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 “glow swim” in the search bar.

For information about other events, activities and programs at the Kingsport Aquatic Center, please visit www.swimkingsport.com.

KPD Investigating Child Death (UPDATE: INDICTMENT RETURNED)

SUBJECT: KPD Investigating Child Death (UPDATE: INDICTMENT RETURNED)

DATE: December 15th, 2025

CASE #: 24-016579

GENERAL NARRATIVE

UPDATE: After a thorough investigation, this case was presented to the Sullivan County Grand Jury. Twenty-year-old (20) Easton Vance of Morristown, Tennessee, was indicted with three (3) counts of 1st Degree Murder, one (1) count of Aggravated Child Neglect, one (1) count of Aggravated Child Abuse, one (1) count of Aggravated Rape of a Child, and one (1) count of Aggravated Criminal Trespass. Easton Vance is currently incarcerated in the Sullivan County Jail.

AS PREVIOUSLY RELEASED: On October 21st, 2024, at approximately 4:22 pm, Kingsport Police Officers responded to the 3800 block of Eastline Drive. When officers arrived, they found the Kingsport Fire Department and Sullivan County E.M.S. attempting to revive a fourteen-month-old male who was unresponsive. The child was rushed to Indian Path Medical Center by Sullivan County E.M.S. The child was later pronounced dead.

The child’s body was taken to Williams L. Jenkins Forensic Center for an autopsy to help determine the cause and manner of death. This is an active investigation, and no additional information can be released at this time.

SUSPECT INFORMATION

Name Easton Vance

Age 20

Gender/Race Male/White

Hair/Eyes Black/Blue

Residency Morristown, TN

Charges x3 Counts of 1st Degree Murder, x1 Counts of Aggravated Child Abuse, x1 Count of Aggravated Child Neglect, x1 Count of Aggravated Rape of a Child, x1 Count of Aggravated Criminal Trespass.

Easton Vance new release update graphic

RELEASING OFFICER

Corporal Brandon Arnold

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

BrandonArnold@KingsportTN.gov

Link to: City of Kingsport
City of Kingsport, Tennessee