In case you didn’t already know, the City of Kingsport has installed cameras on select traffic intersections. Below is a video from the Kingsport Police Dept. explaining how the system works.
Eastman Credit Union and the Greater Kingsport Alliance for Development announce the provision of free wireless internet access for nearly 14,000 Kingsport residents and commuters in Kingsport’s Downtown, Midtown and MeadowView.
Some of the FREE wi-fi hotspots include (not an exhaustive list):
Be sure to say thanks to ECU for their community vision!
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Community e-news sponsored by Charter High Speed Internet www.charter.com
To subscribe or unsubscribe, write to jeff_fleming@earthlink.net
For archival posts, use search feature at www.jefffleming.blogspot.com
Links:
*Downtown Kingsport www.downtownkingsport.org
*City of Kingsport www.kingsportdevelopmentservices.com
*Small Business www.kingsportchamber.org/kedp/sbSmBusSuprt.htm
*Kingsport-Bristol-Sullivan County www.networkstn.com
*Tri-Cities Region www.tricitiesedalliance.com
*State of Tennessee www.state.tn.us/ecd
*Tri-Cities Regional Airport, Air Cargo & Foreign Trade Zone www.triflight.com
Below is a map that includes businesses that offer free Wi-Fi in the Tri-Cities. The map is maintained by GeekSouth, but is editable by anyone who might like to contribute. If you know of any businesses offering free wi-fi, please include them in the map. This map now has a permanent home on the free Wi-Fi page.
A report released by the World Wildlife Fund warns that water shortages are a problem all over the world, including industrialized countries. Repairing and improving water infrastructure is one of the essential steps to take to battle the shortage.
An environmental problem that doesn't seem to care whether a country is rich or poor is threatening the health of nearly every person on earth. Rapidly decreasing water supplies and increasing contamination are making water unsafe to drink across the globe, even in so-called "developed" countries, according to a report released today by the World Wildlife Fund. The reason many developed countries are facing such significant water issues stems back to decaying water infrastructure. The report calls on the developed world to use its wealth to rehabilitate its water system for the health of its people.
"Some of the world's thirstiest cities, such as Houston and Sydney, are using more water than can be replenished. In London, leakage and loss is estimated at 300 Olympic-size swimming pools daily due to ageing water mains. It is however notable that cities with less severe water issues such as New York tend to have a longer tradition of conserving catchment areas and expansive green areas within their boundaries."
Source: BBC, Aug 16, 2006
Full Story: Water shortage 'a global problem'
So what are you doing tomorrow morning or this weekend?
Do you like a fresh market?
Mark your calendar now….
The Tri-Cities’ largest, best, and longest-running Farmer’s Market is now open on Wednesdays and Saturdays
Downtown Kingsport.
7 am – 1 pm
Behind the Public Library
Fresh produce and handcrafted items from throughout Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia
For custom directions, go to www.mapquest.com, click “directions”, enter your address as the starting location, and use the following address as the ending location: Shelby St & W New St Kingsport, TN
Stone Drive is Kingsport’s main federal highway (U.S. 11W) that has evolved into a commercial artery.
Relatively speaking, Kingsport doesn’t have “traffic” – not like other places – but nevertheless we have high expectations for our ability to get from “point A” to “point B” unobstructed.
First the disclaimer.
Before anyone writes letters to the editor or otherwise gets bent out of shape, this is no way an official challenge of the city government.
Although it’s unofficial, I do speak with some authority because my parents’ residence has been just off East Stone Drive since 1976. My own residence requires that I use East Stone Drive multiple times daily. So, I’ve driven the route almost daily for more than 25 years (deducting the time I was away in college).
I learned to drive on East Stone Drive. Now, my 15-year old son is doing the same (or the “Drive of Stone” as he calls it).
Now, on with the challenge.
I keep trying to impress upon my teenage son that “45 mph” is the speed limit and even if you go faster you won’t get to your destination any faster.
Why? Because the traffic signals are interconnected and computerized with a 45 mph timing plan (as is the case in most cities of substantial size, although the speed limits vary by roadway).
I have developed an educational game to illustrate my point. It usually begins when we’re sitting at the Lynn Garden traffic signal waiting to enter Stone Drive after church. As the light turns green, the race starts. Hell hath no fury like a Baptist who must wait in line for Sunday dinner. Many are out of the gates like a hare, while we’re more like a tortoise. We pick a “zippy-zappy” car that just blew by us like sitting ducks. We fixate on this vehicle. Usually, it’s a foreign-made sportster or a mega-SUV.
I set my cruise control at 45 mph and get in the middle of the 3 eastbound lanes. Not the fast lane. Not the slow lane. The “just right” lane.
As we pass Jackson School, we are fast becoming a distant memory of the hare.
By the time we reach Clinchfield Street, we’ve caught back up because the hare is stopped at the traffic signal. As we approach the signal, it turns green. We’re back in the game. Our consistency is paying off.
We make it past Gibson Mill to the “straightaway”. The hare floors it. Although it’s tempting, we maintain our speed of 45 mph.
By the time we get to Idle Hour Road or Pinebrook, there it is -- our zippy-zappy “competitor” is sitting right beside us at a traffic signal.
We’ve done this for months and months – to the point that my teenage son finally acknowledges, “Dad, you may be right”.
If I get a little lead-footed, he says, “Dad, I think you’re the zippy-zappy one today” – and I back off.
Remember: 45 on East Stone Drive. You’ll get there just as quickly (plus it’s safer and more fuel efficient, too, because you won’t be idling at the next traffic signal).
Note: Kingsport has computerized, interconnecting “closed loop” traffic signal systems on East Stone Drive, West Stone Drive, Center Street and Fort Henry Drive.
USA Today has a list of new thrill rides throughout the country that guarantees a scream this summer. One ride on the list is the new Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia in Atlanta. This coaster is being dubbed the tallest and longest coaster in the Southeast. At over 200ft and 70mph, this has to be one of the best coasters in the park, maybe one of the best in the South.Greenbelt Bicycle Rentals
1000 Stonebrook Place
Just off Stone Drive, ½ mile east of Wellmont Outpatient Center and ¾ miles west of Home Depot/Circuit City
Contact: Chris Spencer, 423-967-2525
Read about Kingsport’s Greenbelt at www.kingsportgreenbelt.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Chris & Pam Spencer [mailto:chrispamspencer@charter.net]
Jeff, I have started a new business renting bicycles down on the Kingsport Greenbelt Trail. Thought this may be something you can pass along in your daily Kingsport e-mail. Thanks.
Chris Spencer
1028 Allandale Circle
Kingsport, TN 37660
423-247-2464
A new business venture has opened that will allow everyone to take leisurely bicycle treks down the Kingsport Greenbelt trail. Greenbelt Bicycle Rentals LLC, is located at 2000 Stonebrook Place, off East Stone Drive and will offer hourly bicycle rentals to the public. A rental bike will grant full access to the beauty of Kingsport's unique linear pathway to those who don't own a bicycle, outside visitors to our area, and anyone who doesn't want the hassles of maintaining and transporting bikes.
Greenbelt Bicycle Rentals stocks a variety of bicycles and equipment to outfit any rider, family or group. There are mountain bikes for the more aggressive riders and comfort bicycles and single speed cruisers for a more leisurely and relaxed rides. Comfort bicycles offer a more upright stance and a smoother ride on a wide padded seat. Children can accompany family and groups on either a trail-a-bike or on smaller coaster bicycles. With each $5.00/hr rental, riders are provided a helmet and a bottle of water. Greenbelt Bicycle Rentals will be open most weekends, weather permitting.
From the Stonebrook Place location, (The Golfers Edge Driving Range), riders have access to a 5 mile completed section of the Greenbelt trail. The trail is currently complete from the circle at Ravine Street to Exchange place at Orebank Road. Riding at a fitness pace, (10 to 12 mph) this loop can be accomplished in under one hour. In two hours, riders can leisurely take their time to enjoy the scenery and sights along Reedy Creek and can stop to shop, get a bite to eat, or an ice cream at one of the many new shops and restaurants that border the trail at the East Stone Commons Shopping Center.
When the final two sections are connected, the Kingsport Greenbelt will be a 9-mile linear path that traverses through the city. The pathway meanders through marshlands, glides across open meadows, and passes by sites of historical and aesthetic value.
Contact: Chris Spencer, 423-967-2525
To the pastors, churches and people of faith in the Greater Kingsport Area:
The National Day of Prayer is the first Thursday in each May. - this year May 4. In order that people of faith in our City can participate in this time of prayer together, the Kingsport Chamber of Prayer will sponsor a city-wide prayer gathering at noon on Thursday, May 4, at the Civic Auditorium.
The 2006 scripture focus (1 Samuel 2:30) and the mission statement of the National Day of Prayer are both referenced on the flyer. The vision of the National Day of Prayer is:
Foster unity within the Christian Church
Glorify the Lord in word and deed
We hope you, as pastors and servant leaders in our Christian community, will support this purpose with your presence and your encouragement of others to participate. We also encourage all congregations to consider other methods of prayerful participation.
God bless you. May Christ the King be glorified in Kingsport!
Doug Tweed, for the Kingsport Chamber of Prayer
I thought I heard yesterday listening to WJCW news break. That in Kingsport, there are now going to be cameras attached at certain intersections to record speeders, accidents, law breakers,etc.etc. ?
and if you are caught speeding through this particular intersection. The camera will photo, your license plate and your face?
Then the city of Kingsport will send you a citation in the mail?
If this is true, who or whom came up with this INVASIVE , BS ! I dare them to send me one !
Please, anyone that knows the facts on this, chime in !
