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Kingsport Scoop – April 08, 2026

☀️ Today’s Weather

Overcast skies today with a high of 70°F and a low of 40°F. No rain expected — 0% chance of precipitation.


😄 Joke of the Day

A visitor to Kingsport asked a local, “What’s the best thing about living in the Model City?” The local thought for a second and said, “Well, we planned everything out perfectly — except for the traffic on Stone Drive at 5 PM. That part was apparently off the blueprint.”


🧠 Trivia Q&A

Question: Kingsport’s Fun Fest Sunset Concert Series is a beloved summer tradition. The 2026 lineup was just announced — but can you name all three headlining acts and the nights they perform at the annual festival?

Answer: Jeremy Camp (with opener Katy Nichole) headlines Thursday, July 23; Daughtry (featuring Switchfoot) takes the stage Friday, July 24; and Brothers Osborne and LeAnn Rimes co-headline Saturday, July 25.


🔝 Top Stories

🎸 Fun Fest 2026 Sunset Concert Lineup Announced — Tickets on Sale Now

Kingsport’s beloved summer festival just revealed its 2026 Sunset Concert Series lineup. Read more at Kingsport Times News

The three-night series runs July 23–25: Jeremy Camp with opener Katy Nichole kicks things off Thursday night, Daughtry featuring Switchfoot rocks the stage on Friday, and Brothers Osborne and LeAnn Rimes co-headline Saturday’s country finale. General Admission tickets are $25 and go on sale Thursday morning at funfest.net — prices increase after June 26.

Read more at Kingsport Times News


🎭 Kingsport Leaders Discuss State Theater & IMAX Progress

City leadership recently provided an update on the ongoing effort to redevelop the historic State Theater in downtown Kingsport, including progress on plans for an IMAX-style screen. The project has been a centerpiece of downtown revitalization discussions in the Model City. Readers are encouraged to follow the link below for the latest details on timelines and next steps.

Read more at Kingsport Times News


💧 Sewer & First Responder Funding Discussed at Kingsport BMA Meeting

Kingsport’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen recently held discussions covering sewer infrastructure funding and financial support for first responders. Both topics reflect ongoing city investment in core public services and infrastructure. Visit the link below for full coverage of the meeting’s key takeaways.

Read more at Kingsport Times News


🏫 Sullivan County Schools to Expand Pre-K Program

Sullivan County Schools has announced plans to expand its pre-kindergarten program, signaling a push to increase early childhood education access across the county. The expansion reflects a broader effort to reach more young learners before they enter kindergarten. Check the link below for details on how the expansion will roll out.

Read more at Kingsport Times News


🗳️ Kingsport BMA & School Board Candidates Speak at Forum

Candidates seeking seats on the Kingsport Board of Mayor and Aldermen and the city school board recently took part in a public forum, giving voters a chance to hear their positions ahead of the upcoming election. The forum provided residents with direct access to the candidates on issues affecting city governance and education. Read the full coverage at the link below.

Read more at Kingsport Times News


📱 Kingsport Customer Information System Temporarily Unavailable

The City of Kingsport has announced that its Customer Information System (CIS) will be temporarily unavailable for a period of time. Residents who rely on the system to pay utility bills or manage city service accounts should plan accordingly. Visit the link below for specific dates and times of the outage.

Read more at Kingsport Times News


⚠️ Easter Text Gets Sullivan County Man Arrested

A Sullivan County man was recently arrested following an incident involving a threatening or alarming text message sent around the Easter holiday. Law enforcement acted on the communication, resulting in the individual being taken into custody. See the full story at the link below for details on the charges.

Read more at Kingsport Times News


🤝 United Way of Greater Kingsport Recognizes Volunteers

The United Way of Greater Kingsport recently held a recognition event honoring the volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to supporting the organization’s mission in the community. Volunteers play a critical role in United Way’s ability to serve local residents in need. Read more at the link below.

Read more at Kingsport Times News


🏅 Jefferson Elementary Earns Model PLC at Work Recognition

Jefferson Elementary School in Kingsport has been recognized as a Model Professional Learning Community at Work school, a prestigious designation that highlights excellence in collaborative educator practices and student achievement. The honor reflects the dedication of the school’s staff and administration. Visit the link below to learn more about the recognition.

Read more at Kingsport Times News


🏨 MeadowView Task Force Tackles Facility Marketing Strategy

The MeadowView Task Force recently convened to discuss strategies for improving the marketing of the MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center, a key asset for Kingsport’s hospitality and events economy. The group is working to strengthen the facility’s visibility and draw more regional and national business to the venue. Read the full story at the link below.

Read more at Kingsport Times News


🔥 Bays Mountain Park to Conduct Prescribed Burn

Bays Mountain Park announced it would be conducting a prescribed burn, a land management practice used to maintain healthy forest ecosystems and reduce wildfire risk. Prescribed burns are a periodic part of the park’s stewardship efforts. Visit the link below for details on timing and any areas of the park that may be affected.

Read more at Bays Mountain Park



🏪 Local Business Spotlight

Frazier Plumbing

Frazier Plumbing has been keeping Tri-Cities homes and businesses flowing since 1980. Family-owned and locally operated, they handle everything from clogged drains and leaky pipes to water heater replacements and full remodel plumbing — plus 24/7 emergency service when things go sideways at the worst possible time. Licensed, experienced, and rooted in the community for over 40 years.

frazierplumbingtn.com  |  (423) 530-3538



📅 Upcoming Events

🛍️ SMILE Rummage Sale: Shop for a Cause

Saturday, April 11, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Waverly Road Presbyterian Church, Fellowship Hall — 1415 Waverly Rd, Kingsport

All proceeds support local foster families through SMILE Foster Closet. Fill a grocery bag with clothes for $5, or during the last hour (1–2 PM) fill an entire tote for $25. Toys, housewares, baby gear, holiday decor, and more available by donation. Foster families shop for free — check in with a volunteer when you arrive.

Donation drop-offs accepted Friday, April 10 from 5:30–7:30 PM. No knives, guns, or inappropriate items please.


🔥 Iron Pour Scratch Mold Workshops — Kingsport Cultural Arts

Kingsport Cultural Arts is bringing back its popular Iron Pour event on April 18 during the Kingsport ARTS Festival. To participate, you must first attend one of the remaining scratch mold workshops where you’ll scratch a unique design into a 5-inch sand mold — which will then be cast with molten iron by sculpture artist Joe Bigley and his team. Cost is $23 per person. Ages 18+ (children 6–17 welcome with an adult). All materials provided.

Remaining workshop dates: April 10 (6–8 PM), April 11 (2–4 PM), April 17 (6–8 PM)
Location: The Inventor Center, 118 Shelby Street, Kingsport

Register on Eventbrite or visit artskingsport.org for more info.


🌬️ Glass Blowing Workshop — Before the Kingsport ARTS Festival

Saturday, April 18, 2026
Kingsport, TN

A glass blowing workshop is being offered in conjunction with the upcoming Kingsport ARTS Festival. This hands-on experience is a unique opportunity for art lovers to try their hand at glass blowing before the festival gets underway. Visit the Eventbrite listing for full details on time, location, and ticket availability.

See details on Eventbrite


🍴 Taste of Small Business Kingsport

Monday, April 20, 2026 | 5:00–7:30 PM
MeadowView Convention Center

Sample bites from over 20 local restaurants, meet the owners, and enter to win door prize giveaways. Tickets are $30/person in advance (non-refundable) or $40 cash at the door if not sold out. All proceeds go to the participating small business restaurants. Tickets are available at most participating restaurants.


🎸 Fun Fest 2026 Sunset Concert Series — Tickets On Sale Now!

July 23–25, 2026 | 1800 Legion Drive, Kingsport, TN

The 2026 Fun Fest Sunset Concert Series lineup is set! Jeremy Camp (with Katy Nichole) headlines Thursday, July 23; Daughtry (featuring Switchfoot) rocks the stage Friday, July 24; and Brothers Osborne and LeAnn Rimes co-headline Saturday, July 25. General Admission tickets are $25 — prices increase after June 26. Visit funfest.net to get yours.

Get tickets and info at funfest.net


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