Ronnie Hammonds, a dedicated member of Kingsport’s Public Works team, recently announced his plans to retire this December.

When Hammonds started with the City of Kingsport in November of 1978, the city limits were generally contained within John B. Dennis and Stone Drive and the city population was about 31,000.

Starting in the engineering division, Hammonds worked out of City Hall where he met Rose, his wife of almost 39 years. He then transitioned to asphalt foreman, followed by public works specialist and finally was placed in the role of Streets & Sanitation Manager. Under his leadership, the city has been able to progress in many areas that have enhanced the service level while maintaining or lowering the cost and improving employee safety, such as automated waste collection.

Over the years, Hammonds has won various accolades from the American Public Works Association including the Roger Clark Award in 2007, the Larry Eddins Award in 2009 and finally the Public Works Man of the Year for Tennessee in 2014.

“It’s difficult to think about our public works department without Ronnie Hammonds,” said Ryan McReynolds, deputy city manager. “He’s dedicated his time, talents and knowledge to Kingsport over the past four decades.”

His retirement plans include spending time not only with Rose, but also with his 3-year-old granddaughter Grace.

The beloved Christmas Connection is celebrating 40 years of bringing some of the region’s best arts and crafts vendors to Kingsport. Whether you are refreshing your home décor, trying to find that perfect gift, or treating your taste buds, the Christmas Connection is here to connect you just in time for the holiday festivities! You can find unique gifts and support artisans in our region. Admission is free all weekend.

As the weather turns colder, the Civic Auditorium will be filled with a warm holiday glow to put customers in a holiday mood for shopping. The sights, sounds and smell of Christmas will surround shoppers as they shop from over 60 artisan vendors.

Country crafts, home décor, fine woodcrafts, leather crafts, handmade soaps and lotions, jewelry, Christmas ornaments, stained glass, herbal products, hand-built pottery, fabric crafts, needlework, American Girl doll clothing, pet accessories and clothing, candles, dichroic glass, handmade greeting cards and paper art, snowmen, santas, reindeer food, candied pecans, lavender products, miniature figurines, baked goods, and much more will be available for purchase from these talented artisans and crafters.

Make sure to take your taste buds into the West Room, where you’ll find the “Sugarplum Café.”  This special café is exclusive to the Christmas Connection, providing mouthwatering sandwiches, soups, and snacks for the shopper on the go, or those wanting to linger longer for a meal. Outside, attendees can purchase treats from the food truck favorite Auntie Ruth’s Doughnuts.

Joining the merry 40^th celebration, talented local musical groups will provide live music from the stage, to serenade customers as they shop.  Shoppers also have the opportunity to learn about the replica of the Santa Train being built, as a part of the Kingsport Model Train Project.  Model Train volunteers will be on hand to share their knowledge and talent with the public and explain this craft form in more detail.

Whether you have been visiting the Christmas Connection for 40 years or you are trying it out for the very first time, this artisan and craft fair has something for you!  Kingsport’s Annual Christmas Connection, a free admission event, is to be held November 1-3 at the Kingsport Civic Auditorium and is sponsored by the Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts.

DATES/HOURS:
Friday            Nov. 1            12 Noon – 7 PM
Saturday        Nov. 2            10 AM – 5 PM
Sunday           Nov. 3            12 Noon – 4 PM

For more information on the Christmas Connection event, please visit www.EngageKingsport.com or call 423-392-8414.

Fall is here and while not many leaves have hit the ground yet, the City of Kingsport loose leaf pick-up crews are ready. The city has six routes that progress across city limits from west to east and it takes roughly 6-15 working days for crews to get through all routes. The routes are posted on the City of Kingsport website. To access the route listings, search ‘leaf line’ on the homepage of www.kingsporttn.gov or visit the sanitation webpage.

“The most efficient way for loose leaves to be picked up is in a line along the front of the property,” said Ronnie Hammonds, streets and sanitation manager. “If residents can rake their leaves into a line along the front of their property, but not in the street, it makes it easier for the crews to pick them up.”

Leaves racked into the street wash into storm drains where they can clog up storm sewer pipes. Leaves should be free of debris, such as trash, rocks and sticks.

Citizens will not receive a specific date for their loose leaf removal, but can follow the routes online to get an approximate date. Bagged leaves will be picked up on the regular yardwaste pick-up day. To determine when your next yardwaste pick-up day is, search your address in the Find My Services function on the homepage of www.kingsporttn.gov.

For more information, please call 423-224-242.

October is spooky season, and the Kingsport Aquatic Center is celebrating with the annual Pumpkin Plunge from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on October 12.

Join your favorite Toy Story characters for a party in the KAC’s indoor pool area. There will be pumpkin decorating, treat bags, and all kinds of games to play—and, of course, plenty of swimming fun. Don’t forget to stop by Little Bo Peep’s sheep petting zoo!

All ages are welcome, but pumpkins and treat bags are for children ages 12 and under. Pumpkins will be first come, first serve. Tickets are $5 per swimmer if purchased in advance, or $7 on the day of the event. Adults are welcome to swim, too, but any adult who only wants to spectate should purchase a $2 spectator ticket. Visit swimkingsport.com/special-events to get your tickets!

To learn more about the Kingsport Aquatic Center, visit www.swimkingsport.com or call 423-343-9758.