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You are here: Home1 / City News
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“Living with Nature” – There’s no need to fear a spider

City News, City Press Releases

Arachnophobia is the irrational fear of spiders and other arachnids. This phobia is incredibly common for many people, with spiders causing them fear, panic and anxiety, to scream, cry or maybe even run away.

However, spiders are good for pest control, some see them as a symbol of good luck and if you do happen to be bit by one, the bite is usually no worse than a bee sting or a mosquito bite.

Regardless of where you stand on spiders, Bob Culler, park ranger at Bays Mountain Park, wants to offer folks some advice on living with spiders, the most common ones found in our region and some tips on how to avoid being bitten by these eight-legged critters.

East Tennessee is home to a great number of spider species, including garden spiders, riding spiders, wolf spiders, orb weavers and jumping spiders. Two of the most notorious spiders found in our region, and the ones that cause the most consternation, are the brown recluse and black widow spiders.

“Almost all spiders are predators, and all spiders are venomous, it’s just that brown recluses and black widow spiders cause the most symptoms in the most people,” Culler said.

Brown recluse and black widow spiders are most active during the warmer months of the year, though you can still encounter them during the colder months.

Brown recluse spiders are more of an indoor spider and can be found in old barns and sheds and unused spaces in a house, such as closets and storage areas not disturbed often. If you see a cobweb inside your home, chances are it does not belong to a brown recluse.

“They don’t spin much of a web at all,” Culler said.

Black widow spiders tend to be found outdoors, in cool, damp shady areas like old wood piles, inside water meters and under tree stumps. The web of a black widow spider is distinct – it looks like a raggedy and tangled mess of a web, Culler noted.

Black widow spiders have neurotoxic venom, which can cause pain, convulsions, temporary blindness and paralysis of the breathing muscles. The bite from a black widow spider can kill a person, but death is rare, Culler said, adding that a bite from a brown recluse spider is “extremely” rare.

“The symptoms we attribute to brown recluse bites, turns out are probably MRSA infections,” Culler said. “The bite is where it raises a white blister on the skin and the flesh rots away around the bite. That’s also similar symptoms to MRSA infection. We’re not sure how many bites are from the spider’s venom or from an infection.”

If you happen to get bitten by either spider, seek medical attention. Most times, medical personnel will treat the symptoms. With a black widow bite, there is an anti-venom available if necessary.

Culler offers this advice to best avoid spider bites:

  • Don’t reach your hand into places you cannot see.
  • If you leave a jacket in an outside shed, shake out the sleeves.
  • Shake out shoes or boots before putting them on.
  • If you see a web in a dark, shaded area, do not stick your fingers into it.
  • If a spider is on your skin, don’t crush it. Flick it off with your finger.

Kingsport’s Communications Department is conducting a multi-part series this year on “Living with Nature,” which will highlight outdoor safety and tips on how to protect you and your family from some of the animals found in our region (bears, deer, skunks, raccoons and snakes).

September 29, 2023
https://www.kingsporttn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/K-180x180-1.jpg 180 180 Maxine Poole https://www.kingsporttn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/LOGO-KPT-COLOR.png Maxine Poole2023-09-29 13:25:372023-09-29 13:25:43“Living with Nature” – There’s no need to fear a spider
Parks and Recreation Logo

Kingsport offering an evening of inclusive kickball

City News, City Press Releases

The Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department is offering an evening of inclusive kickball at the Miracle Field Park.

The free event will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on October 6. No registration is required.

The kickball event is part of the department’s A.S.P.I.R.E. (Adaptive: Sports Programs Inclusive Recreation Experiences) program. Adaptive programs are for people with disabilities or physical limitations and are designed to ensure fair and equal competition among participants.

For information about other programs and classes offered by Kingsport Parks and Recreation, please visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org.

September 29, 2023
https://www.kingsporttn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/parks-and-rec180.jpg 200 200 Maxine Poole https://www.kingsporttn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/LOGO-KPT-COLOR.png Maxine Poole2023-09-29 09:53:102023-09-29 09:53:14Kingsport offering an evening of inclusive kickball
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Update on Main Street Rebuild Project

City News, City Press Releases

The Main Street Rebuild project is approximately 35% complete with work currently consisting of utility reconstruction. New water line construction in section one is 95% complete with approximately 40% of the lines being active. New sewer lines have been installed and are active in section one, with work continuing on the stormwater system.

The Main Street Rebuild is a multi-year construction project that aims to improve and beautify one of the main gateways into downtown Kingsport. Work began in earnest last November near the Kingsport Area Transit System side of Main Street and will proceed westward toward Clinchfield Street over the next two years.

Weak soil underneath Main Street will be removed and replaced with stone and then the contractor will build a new road on top of the strong, stable base.

The project calls for new utility lines (water, sewer, stormwater) installed along Main Street, telephone and cable lines placed underground, powerlines relocated to the opposite side of the road and the roadway enhanced with landscaping, bulb outs and stamped brick crosswalks.

Last week, the Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved a change order for the project, adding just over $2 million in funding and extending the contract by 158 days. The additional funds will go towards removing contaminated soils not identified during preliminary testing and replacing the concrete on Main Street (from Wexler to Sullivan) with geo-grid, stone and asphalt.

Funding from state and federal sources will cover 80% of the cost of the Main Street Rebuild project.

To stay updated on the project, be sure to like and follow the Main Street Rebuild page on Facebook and Instagram or visit www.kingsporttn.gov/mainstreet to sign up for the newsletter.

September 28, 2023
https://www.kingsporttn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/K-180x180-1.jpg 180 180 Maxine Poole https://www.kingsporttn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/LOGO-KPT-COLOR.png Maxine Poole2023-09-28 09:06:002023-09-28 09:06:10Update on Main Street Rebuild Project
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Kingsport offering Beginner Pickleball Classes

City News, City Press Releases

The Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department is offering a new course for folks who have ever wanted to try their hand at a game of pickleball.

The city is offering a Beginner Pickleball course with classes on Mondays and Fridays from October 9 through October 27. The classes will take place from 8:45 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Pickleball Court 1 in Riverview Park (300 Louis Street).

The course is for participants ages 10 and up and the cost is $30 for city residents and $35 for non-city residents. Students will enjoy an instructor-led course covering aspects of basic pickleball. All equipment will be provided.

If the October course fills up, a waiting list will be started for another beginner course in November.

To register, visit bit.ly/3Zo0cfO. 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 “pickleball” in the search bar.

September 26, 2023
https://www.kingsporttn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/parks-and-rec180.jpg 200 200 Maxine Poole https://www.kingsporttn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/LOGO-KPT-COLOR.png Maxine Poole2023-09-26 10:08:582023-09-26 10:09:02Kingsport offering Beginner Pickleball Classes
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Bays Mountain Park hosts barge, planetarium yoga classes

City News, City Press Releases

A local yoga instructor is partnering with Bays Mountain Park to offer two special yoga classes to the community in the coming weeks.

The first class – Barge Yoga – will be held on September 30 from 10 a.m. to 11:05 a.m. on the Bays Mountain Barge. The class is designed to challenge your core muscles and balance abilities, all while enjoying the beautiful lake at Bays Mountain.

This fun, exercise science-based yoga class features poses that challenge students to build strength and flexibility while also working on coordination skills. The class will further incorporate a rest and restore portion (10 minutes) that includes stretching and breathing exercises.

Designed for all levels and modifications will be offered. The cost is $6 per adult and registration is limited to 8 people. Please bring your own mat and water. Participants will meet by the barge 15 minutes prior to class starting.

The second class – Planetarium Yoga – will be held on October 3 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Bays Mountain Park planetarium.

This truly immersive yoga class will be held in the planetarium theater, while the images shown run from dawn to dusk, simulating a day’s journey while participants do Sun Salutations, Warrior series, and balance poses.

Concentric, eccentric and isometric contractions will be featured so participants can work to optimize both their strength and balance. Finally, the class concludes with a twilight to starry night sky for the restorative portion of the yoga class.

The cost is $12 per person and class size is limited to 10 people. Wear exercise clothing and bring your own mat and water with a sealable lid.

To register, visit https://bit.ly/3Ly15wy. 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 “yoga” in the search bar.

September 26, 2023
https://www.kingsporttn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/BMP-Logo-2022_Circle-Full-Color-e1666632532160.png 180 180 Maxine Poole https://www.kingsporttn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/LOGO-KPT-COLOR.png Maxine Poole2023-09-26 08:31:132023-09-26 08:31:17Bays Mountain Park hosts barge, planetarium yoga classes
kfd patch new kpt

Fleet Maintenance restores Kingsport’s original fire truck

City News, City Press Releases

Kingsport’s Fleet Maintenance division received a rare and unique challenge a few years ago – restore the city’s first fire engine back to its original condition. Employees worked during their spare time on the project and the job took more than two years to accomplish.

Through diligence and hard work, those employees ultimately brought the classic piece of Kingsport history back to its former glory.

“It’s incredible to think you’re working on the first fire truck the city ever bought,” said Fleet Maintenance Manager Steve Leonard. “It was good to be part of the project. Not everyone gets to work on something like that.”

Kingsport’s first fire engine, a 1917 American LaFrance – dubbed Old Huldy – went into service more than 106 years ago. At the time, it was the city’s only fire truck and was housed in the city’s only fire station on Watauga Street.

Old Huldy had a top speed of approximately 30 miles per hour and originally had to be started by hand cranking. The engine carried hoses, wooden ladders, axes and about 100 gallons of water in the tank. Lanterns hung from the sides of the truck to light up the area so the firefighters could see to operate the pumper.

After decades of service, Old Huldy eventually retired and was placed in storage. About 20 years ago, the engine went on display in a glass building outside Fire Station #2. However, some city employees felt this wasn’t a good arrangement for Old Huldy.

“We weren’t doing it justice having it sit out there and the structure just wasn’t secure enough,” said Assistant Chief Terry Arnold. “At that point, we decided to take it and have it restored.”

City Manager Chris McCartt greenlit the restoration project, saying the engine was a significant part of Kingsport’s history and needed to be saved. From there, fleet maintenance employees started the two-year process of restoring Old Huldy to its original condition.

One employee instrumental in bringing the engine back to life was Technician Brian Painter. In his spare time, Painter fixed oil leaks, dealt with wiring issues and made the coupling for the ignition system. Tires were replaced, necessary internal parts were purchased and through the hard work of many fleet maintenance employees, the job got done.

“Brian’s diligence and commitment to the completion of this project shows the value he brings to the City of Kingsport,” Leonard added.

In the end, fleet maintenance got Old Huldy back up and running, bringing the vehicle back to within 80-85% of its original condition.

The engine is currently housed in Fire Station #1 in downtown Kingsport. Along with being used in parades and for special events, plans call for Old Huldy to be put on display in the new Fire Station #2, once it is built.

“Compared to what we see today in cars and trucks, it’s been like taking a step back in time and seeing how simple things were then,” Leonard said. “We’re just thrilled we were able to restore Old Huldy and be able to share this piece of Kingsport history with the community.”

September 25, 2023
https://www.kingsporttn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/kfd-patch-new-kpt-e1677077020612.jpg 376 300 Maxine Poole https://www.kingsporttn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/LOGO-KPT-COLOR.png Maxine Poole2023-09-25 08:51:002023-09-25 08:51:04Fleet Maintenance restores Kingsport’s original fire truck
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Time to sign up for Fall Break Camp

City News

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 2-6 at the V.O. Dobbins, Sr. Complex (301 Louis Street). Children ages 6 to 12 can register and the cost per child is $35 for city residents and $40 for non-city residents.

Camp participants will need to pack a lunch and a snack daily.

“If you’ve never participated in one of our camps before, know that it’ll be a fun-filled week for the kids with plenty of outdoor games and activities,” said Program Administrator Renee Ensor. “Our staff truly works hard all week to keep the kids active and engaged.”

To register, visit https://bit.ly/45cDbOp. 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.

September 22, 2023
https://www.kingsporttn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/parks-and-rec180.jpg 200 200 adrienne https://www.kingsporttn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/LOGO-KPT-COLOR.png adrienne2023-09-22 08:51:012023-09-22 08:51:08Time to sign up for Fall Break Camp
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Renovations begin at Bays Mountain Park Nature Center

City News

The City of Kingsport is pleased to announce the first phase of renovations at the Bays Mountain Park Nature Center has begun. GRC Construction is the contractor performing the work for the city.

Phase one work will take place in the main lobby of the Nature Center and include expanding the footprint of the gift shop, renovating and right-sizing employee offices, replacing the carpet in the lobby with vinyl flooring and creating a new, more pronounced entrance to the planetarium.

“The new entrance to the planetarium will be like walking through a portal. It’ll definitely be eye-catching, and we’re excited to see the public’s reaction,” said Park Director Megan Krager.

Currently, the planetarium is closed due to demolition work. Visitors can access the ramp and lower level of the nature center. Construction costs for phase one is approximately $650,000 and work should wrap up in February 2024.

Other renovations taking place during phase one include covering the gallery walls on the main floor with drywall. This modernization effort will create a better sound barrier between the hall and the planetarium and make it much easier to add or modify exhibits on the walls.

Once the new flooring is down in the main lobby, the newer exhibits will return while the older exhibits will be replaced with new ones, such as ones on lake life and the night sky. Kingsport has allocated $31,000 for new exhibits.

A future phase of improvements will focus on the ramp and downstairs area of the nature center.

“Not only are we renovating to update the aesthetics of the nature center, but we’re also putting in new exhibits,” Krager added.  “It’s been a long time coming and we believe the public will be thrilled with the changes.”

For more information about Bays Mountain park, visit www.baysmountain.com.

September 21, 2023
https://www.kingsporttn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/BMP-Logo-2022_Circle-Full-Color-e1666632532160.png 180 180 adrienne https://www.kingsporttn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/LOGO-KPT-COLOR.png adrienne2023-09-21 11:49:022023-09-21 11:49:06Renovations begin at Bays Mountain Park Nature Center
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Kingsport offering Youth Basketball for Fall Season

City News

The Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department is now accepting registrations for the 2023 Youth Basketball program.

Participants must live inside Kingsport’s city limits, own city property or attend Kingsport City Schools. Leagues offered include Bantam, Pee Wee Boys and Girls, Rookie Boys, Junior Boys and Girls, Intermediate Boys and Senior Boys.

Age determination date is August 15, 2022. Registration dates are as follows:

  • Boys ages 5-10: Sept. 18 through Oct. 8
  • Boys ages 11-17: Oct. 23 through Nov. 12
  • Girls ages 5-9: Sept. 18 through Oct. 8
  • Girls ages 10-12: Oct. 23 through Nov. 12

The registration fee is $30 per child and a $30 maximum jersey fee will be paid later through Wheelhouse after players are contacted by coaches.

To register, visit bit.ly/3P9exbg. 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 “youth basketball” in the search bar.

For more information, visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org or call 423-229-9460.

September 21, 2023
https://www.kingsporttn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/parks-and-rec180.jpg 200 200 adrienne https://www.kingsporttn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/LOGO-KPT-COLOR.png adrienne2023-09-21 11:37:012023-09-26 09:38:20Kingsport offering Youth Basketball for Fall Season
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Advanced Wire Wrapping course being offered

City News

The Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts is offering a class in advanced wire wrapping later this month. In this hands-on class, you will learn the advanced techniques to create beautiful wire wrap jewelry from master wire sculpture artist Russell Lawson.

This class will focus on stone setting, with your choice of advanced techniques. Build upon your skill set from the introductory course and learn to make advanced level “fancy” jewelry, such as cabochon wraps, chainmail, crochet and macramé.

The Advanced Wire Wrapping class will take place on September 30 in Room 228 of the Kingsport Renaissance Center (1200 E. Center Street). The class runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Cost is $95 per person and includes all materials. Participants are allowed to bring their own tools. Pre-requisite – the introduction to wire wrapping class or previous experience with jewelry making.

To register, visit https://bit.ly/3Phj5MS. The class is limited to five participants. Online sales will end 48 hours prior to the class. For information about other classes, programs and activities of the Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts, visit www.engagekingsport.com.

September 20, 2023
https://www.kingsporttn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Cultural-Arts-180.jpg 180 180 adrienne https://www.kingsporttn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/LOGO-KPT-COLOR.png adrienne2023-09-20 12:37:022023-09-20 12:37:06Advanced Wire Wrapping course being offered
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Recent City News

  • kingsport logo
    “Living with Nature” – There’s no need to fear a spider
  • KPD e-News Release Longtime KPD volunteer recognized for service
  • Parks and Recreation Logo
    Kingsport offering an evening of inclusive kickball
  • kingsport logo
    Update on Main Street Rebuild Project
  • Parks and Recreation Logo
    Kingsport offering Beginner Pickleball Classes
  • bays mountain logo new
    Bays Mountain Park hosts barge, planetarium yoga classes
  • kfd patch new kpt
    Fleet Maintenance restores Kingsport’s original fire truck
  • Parks and Recreation Logo
    Time to sign up for Fall Break Camp

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Beginning Wednesday, August 23, the city will begin collecting all blue lid carts from residents who HAVE NOT notified the city of their intent to keep the cart.

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To report a non-emergency, please use the new ConnectKingsport app.


 
ConnectKingsport is the app for everything Kingsport! From potholes and damaged street signs to other local issues that need attention, ConnectKingsport makes reporting an issue easier than ever. This app uses GPS to recognize your location and gives you a menu of common quality-of-life conditions to select from. The app also allows you to upload pictures or videos to accompany your request. Residents can track the status of reports they or other members of the community have submitted until the issue is resolved.

You can also use the app to find information about the City of Kingsport with links to the city website, animal services, ongoing events and more. Download the free app today to be a part of making Kingsport a great place to live, work and play!

To download the free app, please search for it on the Apple App Store or on Google Play. You can also use the online portal below.


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