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Back in the manger: another stolen baby Jesus recovered

Earlier this week, two East Tennessee organizations were asking for help in finding baby Jesus after the Nativity scene figures were stolen.

Two baby Jesus figurines have reappeared in their Tennessee mangers in time for Christmas.

Kingsport Jaycees President Bennett Little told the Kingsport Times-News that baby Jesus was returned Wednesday and would be back on display Thursday.

It was the second year in a row baby Jesus had disappeared from the downtown Nativity scene in Kingsport. Last year's figurine wasn't recovered, so the display had a newly hand-crafted figurine valued at $1,200. Little said he would keep his word not to prosecute since the figurine was returned quickly.

Previous story

One missing baby Jesus will be returned to his manger.

A waterworks employee in Greeneville spotted the figurine while he was working on a ditch line in the Hunter's Ridge subdivision, according to a spokesperson with the city's Parks and Recreation department.

Officials said the baby Jesus in Greeneville had also been taken before, about seven years ago by youngsters who later returned it.

The recovery of the display piece means there is only one outstanding Baby Jesus in the Tri-Cities region. On the same night the figure was taken in Greeneville, one was taken from the Church Circle display in downtown Kingsport, according to the city's Jaycees.

WCYB contributed to this report.

Original story

Two East Tennessee organizations are asking for your help to find their kidnapped baby Jesus after they were stolen from Nativity scenes over the weekend. 

Both Greeneville Parks and Recreation and the Kingsport Jaycees organization are asking for help.

For the Jaycees -- this is the second year in a row someone kidnapped Jesus. The figure was stolen sometime between Friday and early Saturday.

Credit: WCYB

“Anyone responsible for the removal of Jesus has until noon on Monday, Dec. 24, to return it – no questions asked,” Kingsport Jaycees president Bennett Little said. “Otherwise, we will pursue prosecution and penalties.”

If you have the figure, you're asked to return it to the Nativity scene or to any Church Circle church. If you have any information, you're asked to email KPTJaycees@gmail.com.

Greeneville Parks and Recreation said someone had stolen their baby Jesus from their 'Christmas in the Park' display around 9 p.m. Sunday. The display was located to the right of the Hardin Park softball field. 

Credit: WCYB

The figure was part of a set that's been displayed for 21 years. It's also the second time its been kidnapped.

"It was donated to the Parks & Recreation Department by J.T. and Betty Scott from their home display that first year in 1998. The Scotts actually set the Nativity scene up in the park for several years," the organization said. "After Mr. Scott passed away, his wife, Betty, continued to put up the display for the department until poor health forced her to turn the chore over to the Parks & Recreation maintenance staff. The piece was stolen once before, but was returned a few days later with a note of apology and a donation for the event."

Anyone with information is asked to call Parks and Rec at (423) 638-3144.

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