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Kingsport Parks and Recreation offering Sourdough 101 course

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Due to popular demand, the Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department is hosting another Sourdough 101 course this summer.

The course will take place from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on June 28 at the V.O. Dobbins, Sr. Complex (301 Louis Street). The cost of the class is $20 for city residents and $25 for non-city residents.

No equipment is necessary, and all supplies will be provided. Open for participants ages 16 and older.

Sourdough 101 is a hands-on introductory class that covers the basics of maintaining a healthy starter, mixing and fermenting dough, shaping loaves, and achieving that perfect crust and crumb.

So, whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your baking skills, this class will give you the confidence you need to bake delicious-tasting sourdough bread at home.

You can register by going to the V.O. Dobbins Sr. Complex (301 Louis Street) or by going to the following website at https://bit.ly/3EOOqFg. 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 “sourdough” in the search bar.

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

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Kingsport Public Library announces temporary closure date

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The Kingsport Public Library will be closed to the public beginning May 10 in order to accommodate the relocation of its material to the Fort Henry Mall.

Once all of the material has been moved, library staff anticipate opening the Fort Henry Mall location on June 2. During this nearly one-month-long closure, the Kingsport Public Library will not be able to accept returned books.

Library staff are encouraging patrons to check out their favorite books starting April 28 – before the closure – and keep them until the mall location opens.

During the closure, library staff are also encouraging patrons to explore the wide variety of electronic offerings found on its website www.kingsportlibrary.org, including Hoopla, Overdrive (eBooks & audio books), Kanopy (movies, television shows and kids’ programs) and the Tennessee Electronic Library.

“Even though the physical library will be temporarily closed during much of the month of May, we’re encouraging families to check out our digital library in the interim,” said Library Manager Mary Thomas. “We have thousands of eBooks, audio books, movies and television shows, all easily accessible from our website. You might be surprised by what you find.”

Note – the Kingsport Archives (located on the fifth floor of city hall) will remain open during the relocation.

For more information on the relocation, please visit https://www.kingsportlibrary.org/library-info/move-to-the-mall.

The City of Kingsport earmarked $7 million last year towards the renovation and upgrading of the Kingsport Public Library. Kingsport has also secured a $2 million state grant to help make the project a reality. The project will include many key improvements to the library, such as

  • Doubling the size of the children’s area.
  • Creating dedicated space for children’s programming.
  • Creating dedicated space and makerspace for teens.
  • Installing a new elevator to ensure better accessibility.
  • Adding four study rooms to provide dedicated spaces for focused learning.

Establishing dedicated space for local history and genealogy.

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Volunteers wanted for Earth Day cleanup event

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The Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department is partnering with Keep Kingsport Beautiful to host an Earth Day cleanup event at the Kingsport Greenbelt.

The cleanup event will take place on Earth Day (April 22) from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Indian Trail Drive trailhead of the Kingsport Greenbelt (behind PetSmart). Volunteers will remove trash and debris along the Greenbelt and the bank of Reedy Creek.

People of all ages are encouraged to come out and help clean up and beautify one of the Model City’s most popular recreational assets. Gloves and trash bags will be provided to volunteers.

“Earth Day encourages everyone, from individuals to businesses to governments to recognize the impact of human activities on the environment,” said Program Leader Milly Marmalade. “As such, we’re encouraging everyone to come out on Earth Day and help make a difference with the health of Reedy Creek and the Kingsport Greenbelt.”

Established in 1970, Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22 and marks the anniversary of the modern environmental movement. The day aims to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote the protection of the planet.

For more information about Earth Day 2025, please visit www.earthday.org. For information about other events, activities and programs offered by the Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department, please visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org.

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Motorist Advisory Warning – Memorial Boulevard

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At the request of the Tennessee Department of Transportation, the City of Kingsport will be performing bank stabilization repairs along Memorial Boulevard next week.

As a result, a 400-foot section of Memorial Boulevard – between Harbor Chapel Road and Tanglewood Drive – will be reduced from three lanes to two lanes from March 24 through March 28.

This work zone will remain in place for the entirely of the project.

Signage will be in place to direct motorists through the work zone. Motorists are advised to expect delays and use caution while traveling in this area as workers will be present on the highway.

If you have any questions about the project, please contact 423-229-9451.

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Kingsport needs volunteers for advisory boards, commissions

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If you’d like to make a difference in your hometown, the City of Kingsport is in need of volunteers to serve on four of its advisory boards and commissions. The boards and commissions in need of volunteers include:

  • Board of Zoning Appeals
  • Kingsport Higher Education Commission
  • Kingsport Housing and Redevelopment Authority
  • Neighborhood Advisory Commission

The Board of Zoning Appeals meets the first Thursday of each month at noon and consists of five members with each one serving a five-year term. The board is charged with hearing and deciding on appeals to zoning orders and requests for variances to zoning ordinances.

The Kingsport Higher Education Commission meets quarterly and consists of 10 members with each one serving a four-year term. The commission provides oversight to the city facilities within the Academic Village and helps develop specific goals for higher education in the greater Kingsport community.

The Kingsport Housing and Redevelopment Authority consists of five members with each one serving a five-year term. The authority oversees the affordable housing properties within the City of Kingsport.

The Neighborhood Advisory Commission meets on the last Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. and consists of 12 members with each one serving a three-year term. The commission aims to strengthen neighborhoods, provide a strong communication channel between residents and the city and offer advice to solve problems within the neighborhoods.

To apply for any of these boards and commissions, simply visit ServeKingsport (www.servekingsport.com) and answer the short questionnaire. Here you will be asked why you wish to volunteer, your previous volunteering experience and which boards and commissions interest you.

Completing the survey does not guarantee an appointment. However, the city loves hearing from citizens and strives to help them find a board or commission that matches their skills and interests.

To take the ServeKingsport survey, visit www.servekingsport.com.

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Kingsport Parks and Recreation hiring scorekeepers, umpires

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The Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department is looking for reliable, impartial and enthusiastic sports fans to serve as scorekeepers and umpires for its upcoming baseball and softball leagues.

Positions are now available for baseball and softball umpires and scorekeepers and facility supervisors. Pay varies by position. All games will be held in the evening during the week at various city facilities across town.

No experience is necessary, and the positions are open to anyone 16 years or older.

“If you’re a baseball or softball fan and are looking for a new challenge, then we’d like you to consider applying for one of these positions,” said Program Administrator Jason Wilburn. “We appreciate the hard work our umpires and scorekeepers do to keep our athletic programs running throughout the year.”

For more information about the positions, please contact Jason Wilburn at 423-229-9459 or by email at jasonwilburn@kingsporttn.gov. For information about other classes, programs and events from Kingsport Parks and Recreation, visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org.

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City of Kingsport Hires New Chief Financial Officer

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The City of Kingsport is pleased to announce the hiring of Travis Bishop as its next Chief Financial Officer and City Recorder. Bishop will succeed Lisa Winkle, who retires February 7 after 18 years with the City of Kingsport.

Bishop previously served as a Finance Consultant for the Tennessee Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS), providing vital technical assistance to 61 cities in areas such as accounting, purchasing, budgeting, internal controls, and financial reporting.

Additionally, Bishop is an instructor for the Certified Municipal Finance Officer program and has played a key role in developing city recorders across the state. His earlier roles include serving as the City Recorder for Erwin, Audit Manager at Rodefer Moss & Co. PLLC, and other positions that have broadened his professional influence and knowledge base.

Bishop holds a CPA designation, a Masters in Accounting from Liberty University, and a Bachelor in Business Administration from East Tennessee State University.

“Travis brings extensive experience and expertise to the chief financial officer position here at the City of Kingsport. We’re excited to have him on board,” said City Manager Chris McCartt. “I’d also like to thank Lisa for her 18 years of service to the city. She led us through some challenging times, to which we will forever be thankful for.”

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Kingsport Parks and Recreation offering adaptive exercise classes

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Kingsport Parks and Recreation is hosting A.S.P.I.R.E. (Adaptive: Sports Programs Inclusive Recreation Experiences) workouts beginning later this month at the V.O. Dobbins, Sr. Complex (301 Louis Street).

Classes will take place from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of each month beginning January 22. The program is open for participants ages 14 and above and is cost is $5 per person per class.

The A.S.P.I.R.E. inclusion classes will include stretching, agility exercises, yoga and games – a workout routine for all individuals with disabilities. Participants are asked to bring a lunch and eat with their fellow athletes.

Adaptive programs are for people with disabilities or physical limitations and are designed to ensure fair and equal competition among participants.

To register for the event, visit https://bit.ly/3BGFsZu. 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 “workout” in the search bar.

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

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Kingsport Parks and Recreation offering Parents Night Out event

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The Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department is offering a special Parents Night Out event next week. Parents will be able to drop their children off at the V.O. Dobbins, Sr. Complex for a few hours and enjoy a quiet dinner, some shopping or time relaxing on the couch.

The event will take place from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on January 10 at the V.O. Dobbins, Sr. Complex (301 Louis Street). The cost is $10 per child and children ages 6 to 12 can attend. The maximum number of registrants is 50.

Kids will be able to play a variety of games and sports, make crafts and decorate cookies.

To register for the event, visit https://bit.ly/3VmssyD. 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 “parents night out” in the search bar.

For information about other classes, programs and events from Kingsport Parks and Recreation, visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org.

Allandale Mansion hosting Spa DIY sessions

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The holidays can be a stressful time of year. With all of the shopping needing to be done, to the out-of-towners coming to visit to the Christmas events filling up your calendar, at some point you’re going to need a chance to relax.

Why not do so with the help of Allandale Mansion? Allandale Mansion is pleased to announce it will be hosting two Spa DIY sessions on December 10. Participants will create their own holiday-themed bath bombs or shower steamers using 100% vegan ingredients.

Instructor Andrea Buchanan is a seasoned vegan soap maker and bath and body care creator with more than 30 years of experience in the industry. Buchanan combines her extensive knowledge of herbalism and aromatherapy to craft unique, high-quality products that nourish the skin and promote wellness.

The bath bomb session costs $35 and will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The shower steamer session costs $20 and will take place from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Both sessions will take place on December 10 at Allandale Mansion.

The sessions are open for all ages, though children will need parent or guardian supervision.

To register, visit https://bit.ly/4f7oO3r (for bath bombs) or https://bit.ly/40skION (for shower steamers). 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 “bath bomb” or “shower steamer” in the search bar.

Allandale Mansion was built in 1953 and donated to the City of Kingsport in 1969 after the death of its owner, Harvey Brooks. The property includes the mansion, two barns, a picnic pavilion, two man-made ponds, the Heron Dome and a 2,000-square-foot amphitheater.

Please note, Allandale Mansion can be rented during the holidays for events and photo sessions. For more information call 229-9422.

Link to: City of Kingsport
City of Kingsport, Tennessee