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Come out and support Honor Flight veterans

On September 22nd, 20 local veterans who served during the Korean and Vietnam era will depart Crossroads Global Methodist Church (200 Bays Cove Trail, Kingsport) to participate in an Honor Flight trip. The September trip will be Mission #5 for Honor Flight of the Appalachian Highlands, and we look forward to honoring 20 local heroes with a visit to Washington, D.C. where they will visit the memorials erected by a grateful, thankful nation. Honor Flight trips are at no cost to the veteran.

“An Honor Flight trip is more than a trip. It is an opportunity for veterans to receive the honor they deserve for their military service, sacrifice and valor. This weekend is about honoring them and showing them a grateful nation appreciates and honors their service to our country,” said HFAH president, Michelle Shelton-Stewart. “In addition to being honored, this trip gives the veterans an opportunity to build friendships, have comradery with other veterans and know their community is proud of their service. Many veterans say an Honor Flight trip is a highlight of their life and they are so grateful for the opportunity and the support of their community.”

The veterans travel by motorcoach from East Tennessee to Washington D.C. and stop at the D-Day Museum in Bedford, Virginia. Once in Washington D.C., they are welcomed by local American Legion and VFW posts and Honor Flight volunteers who are proud to serve them. On Saturday, the veterans visit Arlington National Cemetery for the Changing of the Guard service then it’s on to the memorials – Iwo Jima, Air Force, Navy, World War II, Korean, and Vietnam Wall. As the group travels home on Sunday, they will stop at VMI for lunch with the cadets and then on to the TN/VA Welcome Center where local motorcycle groups and a police escort will greet the bus and escort them back to the church for a welcome home ceremony.

The public is invited to send off Honor Flight of the Appalachian Highlands/Hardee’s Mission 3 Veterans on Friday, September 22nd at 8 am at Crossroads Global Methodist Church and will travel from the church to Interstate 81, leaving the church at 8:30 a.m. Anyone is welcome to display signs of thanks as the trip begins. The public is encouraged to attend the Welcome Home on Sunday, September 24th at 5 p.m. at Crossroads Global Methodist Church. The route Sunday, September 24th will be Interstate 81 to 26 to 11W; individuals are encouraged to display signs along Highway 11W to the church and welcome these heroes home.

“Many of these service members did not receive a welcome home and this is our opportunity to do so. We encourage people to attend; dress in red, white, and blue, wave flags, hold signs saying thank you – basically anything to show respect and appreciation to these heroes who have defended our freedom,” said Heather Osburn, HFAH Board Member.

Honor Flight of the Appalachian Highlands considers it a privilege to honor those who served with a trip of a lifetime, with honor.

For more information visit, www.honorflightah.org or our social media accounts which will be updated throughout the trip for family members to follow.

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Asphalt maintenance project gets underway

Pavement Management Technology of Cleveland, Ohio started an asphalt maintenance project this week on neighborhood roadways in Colonial Heights and select streets in Rock Springs and Lynn Garden communities.

Work began Monday afternoon and will take approximately two weeks to complete, weather permitting.

The contractor performed work along Blakley Drive in the Rock Springs community and a portion of Virgil Avenue in the Lynn Garden community Monday afternoon. Next on the list are several roads in Colonial Heights, the neighborhood streets between Fort Henry Drive, Kendrick Creek Road and Interstate 81.

Information about the work will be distributed by the contractor the day before selected streets are to receive maintenance. Motorists should use caution in these areas and seek alternate routes if possible, during this time.

The city appreciates your patience during this road improvement process. For more details regarding the schedule visit www.pavekingsport.com.

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Kingsport Property Taxes have been billed for 2023

City of Kingsport property taxes have been billed and to avoid penalties, property owners must pay those taxes on or before November 30, 2023.

A 2% fee will be added to unpaid property taxes on December 1, 2023, a 4% fee will be added on January 1, 2024, and a 1% fee will be added on the 1st of every subsequent month until the property taxes are paid in full.

Note – penalties assessed for delinquent tax payments cannot be waived by any city official.

Kingsport residents who live in Hawkins County should begin receiving tax notices September 15-20. Kingsport residents who live in Sullivan County should receive tax notices the following week.

Property taxes can be paid online (www.kingsporttn.gov) by mail or in person at the Customer Service Center on the first floor of city hall (415 Broad Street). The drive-thru at city hall offers two options of paying property taxes. The electronic kiosk in Lane 1 accepts cash, check or credit/debit card payments. Checks may be put in an envelope and placed in the drop box in Lane 2.

The City of Kingsport accepts VISA, MasterCard, and Discover credit/debit cards at the Customer Service Center, online and at the drive-thru kiosk. A 2.75% card processing fee will be assessed for all property taxes paid by credit/debit cards. There are no additional fees at the kiosk if paying by cash or check.

You can also pay your property taxes online by using an eCheck option with no additional fees. Visit www.kingsporttn.gov and select online tax payments. Then after selecting your account or address, select the payment type “eCheck” and enter the requested bank information.

Note – property tax payments cannot be paid over the phone.

Kingsport’s property tax rate is the same as last year – $1.9983. The City of Kingsport Customer Service Center can be reached at 423-343-9860.

How much are my property taxes?

If your property tax bill has not arrived yet and you want to find out how much you owe, you can do so by following these easy steps.

  • Visit www.kingsporttn.gov.
  • Click PAY ONLINE.
  • Choose ONLINE TAX PAYMENTS.
  • Select Account Search from the left side.
  • Using the drop-down menu, select Search by Street Address. Enter your street name and select county, then click the SEARCH button.
  • Click NEXT PAGE until you locate your address. Click on your address to see your tax bill.
  • If you click PAY BILL, you will be directed to pay by credit/debit card or by eCheck.
  • If you prefer not to pay online, you can print the page and mail it in with your check to the following address: Kingsport Customer Service Center, 415 Broad Street, Kingsport, TN 37660.

What if I did not receive a tax bill?

Note – please allow time for the tax bill to reach you by mail. If you have not received your tax bill by October 11, action may be needed.

FIRST – Contact the Customer Service Center at 423-229-9418. Please be aware, failing to receive a tax notice or disputing a property’s assessed value are not valid reasons for not paying on time. Penalties will still be assessed.

SECOND – if you need to update your mailing address or contact information for your property, you must contact the Property Tax Assessors Office in the county where your property is located.

Sullivan County Property Tax Assessor

3411 Highway 126

Blountville, TN  37617

423-323-6455

Hawkins County Property Tax Assessor

110 East Main Street

Rogersville, TN  37857

423-272-8505

Is tax relief available?

You may qualify for assistance from the State of Tennessee if you own your own home, use it as your primary residence and meet the following criteria:

  1. You must be 65 years old or disabled on or before Dec. 31, 2023. The maximum 2022 income of the applicant, spouse, co-owner and remaining residents is $33,460. The maximum market value on which tax relief is calculate is $30,900.
  1. You are a 100% service connected disabled veteran or surviving spouse of a 100% service connected disabled veteran (regardless of total annual income). The maximum market value on which tax relief is calculated is $175,000.

Please visit the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury site for a complete list of requirements at http://www.tncot.cc/taxrelief or to speak to a state employee, call 615-747-8871.

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Register now for the All about Resin class

Instructor Elena Corradino will teach a hands-on class about how to use the exciting and trending art medium of resin.

The All about Resin class will be held on September 23 in Room 228 of the Kingsport Renaissance Center (1200 E. Center Street). The class runs from 10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. with a 30 minute break for lunch (bring your own or eat local). No pets are allowed during the class.

Participants will learn techniques to create their own abstract resin coasters, crafting nine beautiful and functional pieces of art over the course of the class, perfect for gifting. Each participant will make different kinds of coasters, including alcohol ink coasters and resin mold coasters, and will leave being able to use resin safely on their own.

Corradino will go over safe mixing techniques and mistakes that can cost resin. The cost of the class is $98 per person and includes all materials. Participants will also be allowed to keep their respiratory mask and silicone mold.

To register, visit https://bit.ly/464eGne. Online sales will end 48 hours prior to the class. For ages 18+ and limited to five participants. For information about other classes, programs and activities of the Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts, visit www.engagekingsport.com.

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Madd Branch, Reedy Creek clean-ups scheduled

The rivers, streams and creeks in our community provide reliable drinking water, recreational opportunities for residents and visitors and habitat for a variety of wildlife. Keeping these bodies of water free of contaminants and pollution is vital to our well-being and the long-term success of our community.

The City of Kingsport’s Stormwater Division is partnering with Keep Kingsport Beautiful to host clean-up events later this month along two city creeks:

  • Madd Branch: On Saturday, September 23 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Meet at the Sullivan County Health Department (Wilcox Drive and Dale Street). Wear waders or muck boots.
  • Reedy Creek: On Saturday, September 30 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meet at the Holston Valley Trailhead. This event will be a kayak clean-up event sponsored by Appalachian Paddling Enthusiasts, so be sure to bring your own kayak.

Gloves and trash bags will be provided at both cleanups. For more information about either event, call 423-229-9325.

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Bays Mountain Park loses two white-tailed deer

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Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium regrets to announce the death of two of its white-tailed deer, Odi and Gloria.

Both deer were found deceased by park staff in their enclosure early Sunday morning. It appears wild coyotes breached the habitat by digging underneath the fence and killing both deer sometime during the night after the park closed.

The staff at Bays Mountain is committed to the safety of its animals and each of our habitats are fortified to prevent wild animals from entering. However, fences are not always impenetrable, and the park is a nature preserve with an abundance of wild animals.

Many of these wild animals are predators and deer are a common prey species. While we are deeply saddened by the loss, we cannot lose sight of the fact that the coyotes are living out their natural behavior. 

“It is always a sad day when we lose one of our animals,” said Chief Ranger Tyler Wicks. “While rare, it is not unheard of for wild animals to strike within captive animal enclosures. Our staff here takes every precaution necessary to prevent that, but you cannot tame nature.”

Measures are included in the current Bays Mountain Park improvement plan to better secure the animal habitats, including adding three feet of concrete underneath the fencing of the deer habitat to prevent animals from digging into or out of the enclosure.

ABOUT ODI & GLORIA

Gloria was born in 2008 in captivity at Bays Mountain Park to our former doe, Pumpkin. Gloria was always shy and preferred to spend her time relaxing in the shade, grooming her fellow deer.

Odi was born in the wild but orphaned at a very young age in 2012. He was raised by park staff in the Nature Center until he was big enough to join the other deer in the outdoor habitat. Odi was popular with guests, especially during the rut when his antlers were in. He always enjoyed interacting with his caretakers and the public. He was well known for moving rocks and logs around the habitat with his antlers.

“It was a very fulfilling experience to raise Odi from a young fawn,” said Animal Curator Krystal Haney. “He came to us at about three weeks old and we bottle fed him in my office. He could be ornery at times, but I know he always appreciated the life we were able to give him. Odi will always hold a special place in my heart.”

Both Odi and Gloria lived longer than the average deer’s life span in the wild. They were both good ambassadors for their species and educated countless visitors about the importance of ungulates in the environment.

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Asphalt maintenance project begins next week

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Pavement Management Technology of Cleveland, Ohio plans to perform an asphalt maintenance project on neighborhood roadways in Colonial Heights and select streets in Rock Springs and Lynn Garden communities.

The work will begin the week of September 18 and take approximately two weeks to complete, weather permitting.

In Colonial Heights, the asphalt maintenance will take place on neighborhood streets between Fort Henry Drive, Kendrick Creek Road and Interstate 81. Blakley Drive in the Rock Springs community and a portion of Virgil Avenue in Lynn Garden community will also be receiving some maintenance treatment.

The contractor will be distributing information the day before selected streets are to receive maintenance. Motorists should use caution in these areas and seek alternate routes if possible, during this time.

The city appreciates your patience during this road improvement process. For more details regarding the schedule visit www.pavekingsport.com.

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Take aim with Kingsport’s Beginner Archery Classes

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Kingsport Parks and Recreation is accepting registrations for its Beginner Archery Classes. If you’re interested in learning a unique and exciting sport, then this beginner’s class will certainly hit the mark.

Classes will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. every Wednesday from September 27 through October 25 in the Lynn View Community Center auditorium (257 Walker Street). The classes are for anyone ages 7 and up and the cost is $35 for city residents and $40 for non-city residents.

Participants will use compound bows during the classes and all equipment will be provided.

To register, visit bit.ly/3QN08E9. 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 “archery” in the search bar.

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

Kingsport offers Beginner Skateboarding Lessons

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Before you become a seasoned skateboarder able to pull off the perfect crooked grind, noseblunt slide or ollie 540, you first must start with the basics. And a good place to do that is with the Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department.

Starting this month, the department will be offering Beginner Skateboarding classes at the Scott Adams Memorial Skatepark (2016 Brickyard Park Drive). Classes will take place from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. every Monday from September 18 through October 16.

Participants will learn the basics of skateboarding in a friendly, safe environment. Parents are encouraged to remain onsite during the class. Bring your own skateboard if you like. Water will be provided.

The cost for the lessons is $25 for city residents and $30 for non-city residents. The lessons are open for boys and girls ages 6 to 12. The maximum number of registrants is 10.

To register for the lessons, visit bit.ly/47S749e. 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 “skateboarding” in the search bar. For information about other classes, programs and events from Kingsport Parks and Recreation, visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org.

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Make your own wire wrap pendant

The Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts is offering a class in wire wrap jewelry making later this month. In this hands-on class, you can learn to create beautiful wire wrap jewelry from a master wire sculpture artist.

Using semi-precious gemstones, fine copper and silver wire, Russell Lawson, who has more than two decades of experience, will give you a working knowledge of essential wire wrapping techniques. Participants will become familiar with the tools of the trade and add an exponentially utilitarian skill set to their artistic repertoire.

In the two-hour session, participants will create one complete wire-wrapped pendant with a semi-precious gemstone wrapped in fine copper or silver wire (your choice). The fee for the instruction, supplies, knowledge and complete pendant is $75. All materials will be provided.

Students will have the option to add-on a “to-go” kit for supplies to make an additional pendant at home, using their new skills (for an additional $25). The kit includes one semi-precious gemstone (gemstones will vary) and fine copper wire. Wire cutter is not included in the add-on kit.

The class will be offered from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on September 16 in Room 228 at the Kingsport Renaissance Center (1200 E. Center Street).

To register, visit https://bit.ly/3r1JtC9. 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.

Link to: City of Kingsport
City of Kingsport, Tennessee