This content has restricted access, please type the password below and get access.
City of Kingsport offices will be closed on Labor Day (September 7).
Kingsport will not be adjusting garbage or trash/yard waste routes for Labor Day. Both the garbage routes and the trash/yard waste routes will run on a normal schedule the week of September 7-11.
The city’s demolition landfill will be closed on September 7 and reopen on September 8. The city’s convenience center on Industry Drive will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on September 7 and reopen with normal hours on September 8.
For more information about garbage and trash/yard waste routes, visit www.kingsporttn.gov.
This content has restricted access, please type the password below and get access.
Kingsport Parks and Recreation is offering a four-week program in September for beginner and intermediate bicyclists, both focuses on the fundamentals and safety of bicycling.
The program – called TREADZ – will take place at the Kingsport Farmers Market (308 Clinchfield Street) on September 8, 14, 21 and 28. The program is hosted in partnership with Reedy Creek Bicycles.
The Beginner lessons are for children ages 2 to 12 and will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. each day. The Intermediate lessons are for children ages 6 to 14 and will take place from 6:15 p.m. to 7 p.m. each day.
Registration is $25 per person, and 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/4fUCgL5. 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.
For information about other programs, activities and classes offered by Kingsport Parks and Recreation, please visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org or call 423-224-2489.
This content has restricted access, please type the password below and get access.
Kingsport Parks and Recreation will be offering beginner guitar lessons next month for anyone interested in learning how to play this beloved and classic instrument.
The lessons will take place on Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the V.O. Dobbins, Sr. Complex beginning September 17 and continuing through October 15. Open to anyone age 7 and older and the cost is $80 for city residents and $90 for non-city residents.
The lessons will be led by local guitarist Terry McCoy, who brings years of teaching and performing experience, offering personalized instruction that covers basic chords, strumming patterns and even simple songs.
The goal is to develop confidence, musicality and a lifelong love for playing guitar. No prior experience is necessary, and students will have to bring their own guitar.
“If you’ve always wanted to learn how to play the guitar and didn’t know where to start, these lessons are the perfect launching point,” said Program Leader Matthew Hensley. “Learning how to play the guitar allows you to make new friends, express your creativity and could lead to a lifelong, enjoyable hobby.”
To register for the lessons, visit https://bit.ly/3SaO42x. 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 “guitar” in the search bar.
For information about other events, activities and programs offered by Kingsport Parks and Recreation, please visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org.
SUBJECT: Kingsport PD Searching for Aggravated Robbery Suspects (UPDATE #1)
DATE: August 31, 2026
CASE #: 26-011663
GENERAL NARRATIVE
UPDATE:
William Burk has been arrested and is currently incarcerated in the Kingsport City Jail with a $15,000 bond. Justin Roberts has not yet been located.
AS PREVIOUSLY RELEASED:
This morning, at about 7:45 a.m., an off-duty Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) Deputy witnessed two men attempting to rob another man near the traffic circle at Gibson Mill Road/East Ravine Road/Watauga Street. The Deputy saw that the two men attempting to rob the other man were armed, one with a large stick and the other with what appeared to be a metal pipe. The man they were attempting to rob was trying to defend himself with two pocketknives. The Deputy intervened, stopping the situation from escalating before any of the three men were injured. The two men attempting to rob the other man ran away from the off-duty Deputy; they were later identified as thirty-five (35) year-old Justin Roberts and twenty-six (26) year-old William Burk.
Kingsport Police Department responded and took over the investigation. Warrants charging Justin Roberts and William Burk each with one (1) count of Aggravated Robbery (T.C.A. 39-13-402) have been obtained and entered into the National Crime Information Center (N.C.I.C.)
The Kingsport Police Department thanks the off-duty Sullivan County Deputy who intervened before the situation deteriorated to the point where someone was hurt. We value our strong relationship with partner agencies.
Justin Roberts and William Burk should be considered dangerous; if observed, please call 9-1-1 immediately. Do not attempt to stop, engage, or otherwise approach either of these individuals.
If you have information on Justin or William’s whereabouts, contact Kingsport Central Dispatch at (423) 246-9111 or the Criminal Investigations Division at (423) 229-9429.
To report tips anonymously, use the online ‘Citizen Feedback’ form at: https://www.kingsporttn.gov/city-services/police-department/contact-us
SUSPECT INFORMATION
AT LARGE:
Name: Justin Roberts
Age: 35
Gender/Race: Male/White
Hair/Eyes: Brown/Brown
Height/Weight: 5’08″/130lbs
Charges:
- One (1) count: Aggravated Robbery (T.C.A. 39-13-402)
IN CUSTODY:
Name: William Burk
Age: 26
Gender/Race: Male/White
Hair/Eyes: Brown/Blue
Height/Weight: 6’00″/181lbs
Charges:
- One (1) count: Aggravated Robbery (T.C.A. 39-13-402)
RELEASING OFFICER
Corporal Brandon Arnold
Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit
Office (423) 343-9866, Fax (423) 343-9749
This content has restricted access, please type the password below and get access.
It’s time to up your game and rise to the top of the leaderboards with the help of Kingsport Parks and Recreation.
Beginning in September, the City of Kingsport is offering a special month-long series – Introduction to E-sports. Classes will be held every Wednesday in September from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the V.O. Dobbins, Sr. Complex (301 Louis Street).
Open to gamers ages 7 to 17 and the cost is only $10 per person.
Participants will be instructed each day about a variety of e-games, such as Fortnite, Rocket League and Fall Guys. Gamers will unite to hone their skills, connected with their fellow gamers and dive into the exciting world of electronic sports.
Kingsport Parks and Recreation will provide four Xbox Series X systems and four PlayStation 5 systems. Participants are welcome to bring their own console and controller.
To register, please visit https://bit.ly/4zmRdwP. 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 “esports” in the search bar.
For information about other activities, events and programs offered by Kingsport Parks and Recreation, please visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org.
Kingsport Parks and Recreation is now accepting registrations for its Home School Physical Education classes.
The classes will take place from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the V.O. Dobbins, Sr. Complex (301 Louis Street) beginning in September and continuing through November. Additional classes will be held from January through May.
Open to children ages 5 to 13 with a cost of $20 per student per month.
Homeschool P.E. is designed to help promote fitness and activities for homeschooled children. Each class will focus on learning new abilities and drills for motor skill development. Classes will also consist of a fun and exciting team game or sport.
“Each class is designed to promote fitness and activities for home school children,” said Program Administrator Erin Larkin. “Not only will children get active and learn new drills, but they’ll also do so in a fun and exciting way.”
To register, visit https://bit.ly/4fvGjx7. You can also register by clicking on the CivicRec link in the Connect Kingsport app or go to www.kingsporttn.gov and click on “CivicRec,” then search for “home school” in the search bar.
For information about other events, activities and programs offered by Kingsport Parks and Recreation, visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org.