☀️ Today’s Weather
Saturday, April 11, 2026 — Overcast skies with a high of 79°F and a low of 47°F. Only a 3% chance of rain today.
😄 Joke of the Day
A Kingsport man told his neighbor he was thinking about moving to Johnson City. His neighbor said, “Why would you leave the Model City?” The man replied, “I heard they have a Capitol Hill Theatre — but then I remembered ours just reopened after eight years, so I unpacked my bags.”
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Kingsport’s Bays Mountain Park is home to a planetarium that has delighted visitors for decades. What is the name of the current full-dome digital projection system used in the Bays Mountain Planetarium, and in what decade was the planetarium originally opened to the public?
Answer: The Bays Mountain Planetarium uses a full-dome digital projection system (the Digistar system by Evans & Sutherland). The planetarium originally opened in the 1970s — it was one of the first public planetariums in the region when it debuted in 1974.
🔝 Top Stories
🚁 Kingsport Fire Drone Program Set to Expand
The Kingsport Fire Department started its drone program back in 2018, and since then has used it across multiple kinds of emergencies. The program supports responses to structure and wildland fires, disasters, search and rescue missions, missing persons cases, and gathering information about access points and debris piles.
The department has seen a rising number of reasons to expand the program and plans to do so — currently operating with three pilots, it is working to add more. Captain Chris Lowe of Station No. 5 noted that the thermal capabilities of the drones help in multiple ways, from tracking fires to identifying people in the dark. The fire department said the drones give a “whole new perspective” of emergency scenes, helping keep both firefighters and the community safe.
🏆 Kingsport Native Browder Receives High Honor from D2CCA
Kingsport native Browder has received a high honor from the Division II Conference Commissioners Association (D2CCA), recognizing outstanding achievement at the collegiate level. The recognition is a proud moment for the Model City, which has seen the Browder brothers make waves recently in collegiate athletics.
For full details on the award and what it recognizes, visit the link below.
🗳️ Both Sullivan County Mayoral Hopefuls Support Smaller County Commission
Sullivan County’s mayoral candidates have been busy on the campaign trail, recently completing two forums in a single day as early voting approaches. According to the Times News, both candidates for Sullivan County Mayor expressed support for reducing the size of the County Commission — a notable point of agreement between the two hopefuls heading into the election.
Voters interested in learning more about the candidates’ platforms and where they stand on local issues should check out the full coverage below.
🍽️ Summer EBT Program in Jeopardy Without State Funding, Local Agency Warns
A local agency is sounding the alarm about the future of the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) program, which provides nutritional assistance to children during the summer months when school meals are unavailable. Without continued state funding, the program could be at risk of not being available this summer to families who depend on it.
The warning comes as families and advocates urge state officials to prioritize funding for the program. For full details, read the Times News story linked below.
🚛 2 Injured After Utility Truck Flips on I-81 in Sullivan County
The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) responded to an accident on Interstate 81 in Sullivan County after a utility truck overturned, temporarily closing a portion of the northbound lanes. Two people were reported injured in the incident.
Drivers in the area should remain alert to any lingering traffic impacts. For full details on the incident, visit the WJHL report below.
📅 Upcoming Events
🎨 Kingsport ARTS Festival 2026
Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
100 Block of Shelby Street, Downtown Kingsport
The Kingsport ARTS Festival will be presented by Engage Kingsport and the Kingsport Cultural Arts Office on April 18th, 2026 in Downtown Kingsport, taking place from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the 100 block of Shelby Street. The festival celebrates local artists and makers, connecting citizens to the creative community — highlights include the Iron Pour with sculpture artist Joe Bigley and a variety of local artisans. The project is funded under a grant contract with the State of Tennessee through the Tennessee Arts Commission.
More info at artskingsport.org
🔥 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 17 (6–8 PM)
Location: The Inventor Center, 118 Shelby Street, Kingsport
Register on Eventbrite or visit artskingsport.org for more info.
🍴 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.
🌸 Greater Kingsport Family YMCA — Family Fun Day
The Greater Kingsport Family YMCA is hosting a Family Fun Day event for the community. This event is a great opportunity for families to enjoy activities and learn more about what the Y offers. For specific date, time, location, and registration details, visit the YMCA’s website or click the link below.
🧵 Kingsport Senior Center — Annual Spring Artisan Fair
The Kingsport Senior Center is set to hold its annual Spring Artisan Fair, showcasing the talents of local artists and artisans. This beloved community event is a wonderful way to support local makers and enjoy unique handmade goods. For date, time, and location details, visit the Times News story linked below.
👮 Girl Scouts Service Unit 630 — Community Safety Event
Girl Scouts Service Unit 630 is hosting a community safety event for local families. The event aims to connect community members with safety resources and information. For full date, time, and location details, check the Times News report linked below.
🌻 Kingsport’s Summer Camp Program — Registrations Now Open
Kingsport’s summer camp program is now accepting registrations for the upcoming summer season. Families looking to sign their children up for a fun and enriching summer experience are encouraged to register soon, as spots may fill quickly. Visit the link below for program details, dates, and registration information.
🎭 Northeast State Theatre — “Heathers: The Musical”
Northeast State Theatre is set to present a production of Heathers: The Musical, the darkly comedic stage adaptation of the classic 1988 film. This show is a great option for theatre lovers in the Tri-Cities region. For performance dates, times, ticket information, and location details, see the Times News story linked below.