This content has restricted access, please type the password below and get access.
Bays Mountain Park is excited to announce its latest planetarium show – Dark Side of Light – a fascinating exploration about the importance of preserving our night skies.
“Dark Side of Light” debuts September 1 and will be the main program through the end of the year. The 40-minute show will air at 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and at 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
In “Dark Side of Light,” discover what light pollution is, how it affects our world and the simple steps we can take to protect our night skies.
For centuries, people have become accustomed to using artificial light after dark, treating it as a natural part of our lives. But it isn’t. Living organisms – including plants, animals, and humans – have adapted to the natural cycle of day and night for tens of millions of years.
“Our biological rhythms are closely tied to the rising and setting of the Sun each day. Disrupting this natural cycle with artificial light has serious consequences for our health, the environment, and the economy,” said Planetarium Director Jason Dorfman. “As artificial lighting continues to increase around the world, understanding its impacts has never been more important.”
“Dark Side of Light” concludes with a brief tour of the current night sky highlighting exactly how light pollution affects what we are able to see in the skies above. Visitors to Bays Mountain Park can also explore more about the effects of light pollution and ways to reduce it by visiting the “Light Pollution” section of the new Astronomy exhibit located in the gallery area around the planetarium.
The alternate planetarium feature showing Saturdays and Sunday at 2 p.m. through in September and October will be “Appalachian Skies.”
“Appalachian Skies” takes visitors on a majestic tour of the current evening sky using the Zeiss optical star projector. This live presentation is enhanced with additional content from our VELVET LED projectors for a wonderful, immersive experience.
Each presentation is guaranteed to be unique, due to the live nature of the program, and the natural progression of the changing night sky throughout the seasons. Learn what fascinating mythological constellations, from Ancient Greece and other cultures, will be easily visible. Find out what planets are easily seen as well. Visitors will take this knowledge home and be able to locate these celestial sights for themselves.
For more information about Bays Mountain Park and its programs, events and activities, visit www.baysmountain.com.
SUBJECT: Kingsport PD Searching for Aggravated Robbery Suspects
DATE: August 27, 2026
CASE #: 26-011663
GENERAL NARRATIVE
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
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)
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.
Kingsport Parks and Recreation is celebrating our furry friends by hosting a special event this Sunday – an Ice Cream Social at Kingsport’s Dogwood Park.
The Ice Cream Social will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on August 30 at Kingsport’s Dogwood Park (800 Granby Road). The event is a great opportunity for dogs and humans alike to socialize with others, while enjoying some tasty treats from Sweet Treats ice cream truck.
There will be free pup cups for the dogs and ice cream for sale for the humans. The event is free and open for dogs of all shapes and sizes.
“Everyone loves sweet treats, especially our four-legged friends, so we’re encouraging dogs of all breeds to come with their owners to Dogwood Park this Sunday for a relaxing and fun evening,” said Program Administrator Erin Larkin.
Though the event is free, Kingsport Parks and Recreation officials are asking folks to register to know approximately how many pup cups will be needed.
To register, please visit https://bit.ly/4y7JemM. 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 “ice cream social” in the search bar.
For information about other events, activities and programs offered by the Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department, visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org.
This content has restricted access, please type the password below and get access.
SUBJECT: KPD Searching for Runaway Juvenile (UPDATE: FOUND SAFE)
DATE: August 25, 2026
CASE #: 26-002839
GENERAL NARRATIVE
UPDATE:
Rylan Bledsoe was located and found safe. The Kingsport Police Department extends its thanks to the public for their assistance in locating him.
AS PREVIOUSLY RELEASED:
The Kingsport Police Department is searching for 14-year-old Rylan Bledsoe, who is believed to have left voluntarily from an address on Dunbar Street. Rylan is about 6 feet tall and weighs 200 pounds. He has tattoos (as described below) on his neck and left hand, and a scar under his left eye. Rylan has been entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) as a runaway juvenile.
If you have information that may help locate Rylan, please 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 – Rylan Bledsoe
Age – 14
Gender/Race – Male/White
Hair/Eyes – Brown/Blue
Height/Weight – 6’00″/200lbs
Residency – Kingsport, TN
Other Details – Tattoo – Neck (Left Side): Three crosses and “300” in red. Tattoo – Neck (Right Side): “Kamora.” Tattoo – Left Hand: “Fear None” with a red broken heart. Scar under his left eye.
Last Known Location – Dunbar Street, Kingsport, TN
RELEASING OFFICER
Corporal Brandon Arnold
Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit
Office (423) 343-9866, Fax (423) 343-9749
SUBJECT: KPD Searching for Runaway Juvenile (UPDATE: FOUND SAFE)
DATE: August 14, 2026
CASE #: 26-010923
GENERAL NARRATIVE
UPDATE:
Synteesha Bellamy was located and found safe. The Kingsport Police Department extends its thanks to the public for their assistance in locating her.
AS PREVIOUSLY RELEASED:
The Kingsport Police Department is searching for 17-year-old Synteesha Bellamy, who is believed to have left voluntarily from an address on Westmoreland Avenue and was last seen on F Street in Kingsport. Synteesha is about 5 feet, 3 inches tall and weighs 130 pounds. She has tattoos on her hands and legs. Synteesha has been entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) as a runaway juvenile.
If you have information that may help locate Synteesha, please 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 – Synteesha Bellamy
Age – 17
Gender/Race – Female/Black
Height/Weight – 5’03″/130lbs
Residency – Kingsport, TN
Other Details – Last seen wearing a black, short sleeve shirt, shorts, and white socks. Has tattoos on her hands and legs.
Last Known Location – F Street, Kingsport, TN
RELEASING OFFICER
Corporal Brandon Arnold
Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit
Office (423) 343-9866, Fax (423) 343-9749
SUBJECT: Kingsport PD Searching for Runaway Juveniles (UPDATE: FOUND SAFE)
DATE: August 21, 2026
CASE #: 26-011022
GENERAL NARRATIVE
UPDATE:
Haley and Jalynn Adams were located and found safe. The Kingsport Police Department extends its thanks to the public for their assistance in locating them.
AS PREVIOUSLY RELEASED:
The Kingsport Police Department is searching for 16-year-olds Haley and Jalynn Adams, who are believed to have left voluntarily from an address on Dorothy Street. Haley and Jalynn are both about 5 feet, 3 inches tall and weigh 130 pounds.
Haley has multicolored hair and gray eyes. She was last seen wearing a plain white shirt, plaid blue, white, and gray pajama pants, and white and cream Jordans. She has a tattoo on her right arm that says “family,” a “J” tattoo on her right ring finger, and a nose ring.
Jalynn has blonde hair and green eyes. She was last seen wearing a black shirt with the words “I want to create,” white-washed jeans, and black and white Jordans. She has a “777” tattoo on her neck and a smiley face on her left ankle.
Haley and Jalynn have been entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) as runaway juveniles.
If you have information that could assist in locating Haley or Jalynn, please contact Kingsport Central Dispatch at (423) 246-9111 or the Criminal Investigations Division at (423) 229-9429.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you may submit tips through the online “Citizen Feedback” form at the following link: https://www.kingsporttn.gov/city-services/police-department/contact-us
MISSING PERSONS INFORMATION
Name – Haley Adams
Age – 16
Gender/Race – Female/White
Height/Weight – 5’03″/130lbs
Residency – Kingsport, TN
Clothing – Last seen wearing a plain white shirt, plaid blue, white, and gray pajama pants, and white and cream Jordans.
Other Details – Tattoo on her right arm that says “family”, a “J” tattoo on her right ring finger, and a nose ring.
Name – Jalynn Adams
Age – 16
Gender/Race – Female/White
Height/Weight – 5’03″/130lbs
Residency – Kingsport, TN
Clothing – Last seen wearing a black shirt that said, “I want to create,” white-washed jeans, and black and white Jordans.
Other Details – “777” tattoo on her neck and a smiley face on her left ankle.
RELEASING OFFICER
Corporal Brandon Arnold
Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit
Office (423) 343-9866, Fax (423) 343-9749
Kingsport Parks and Recreation is offering a Basketball Skills and Drills course this Saturday for children interested in learning the basics of this fast-paced sport.
The course will be held at the V.O. Dobbins, Sr. Complex (301 Louis Street) on August 29 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Open for participants ages 7 to 13.
The Skills & Drills program focuses on key aspects of the game, such as dribbling, passing, shooting, footwork, defense and ball handling. Participants will develop fundamental skills, improve their basketball IQ and gain confidence through engaging drills, skill-based games and game-like situations.
In addition, the program emphasizes skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship, making it ideal for both beginners looking to learn the basics and more advanced players seeking to refine their abilities.
The registration fee is $30 for city residents and $35 for non-city residents. To register, visit https://bit.ly/4aopjpK. 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 “skills and drills” in the search bar.
For information about other programs, activities and classes offered by the Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department, visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org or call 423-229-9460.