☀️ Today’s Weather
Heavy drizzle today with a high of 76°F and a low of 58°F — 37% chance of rain. Keep an umbrella handy.
😄 Only in Kingsport
Kingsport has a park with wolves, otters, a working planetarium, and now a kayak stargazing program. Most places put that kind of thing in a brochure. Here, it’s just what Bays Mountain does on a regular Tuesday evening in May.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Kingsport is home to one of the oldest and most traveled frontier roads in American history — a road that once carried pioneers, traders, and Native Americans through the region long before Tennessee was even a state. What is the name of that ancient trail, and what modern Kingsport-area state park takes its name directly from it?
Answer: The Warriors’ Path — also known historically as the Great Indian Warpath — ran through the region for centuries. Warriors’ Path State Park, located along Patrick Henry Reservoir in Kingsport, takes its name directly from this legendary trail.
🔝 Top Stories
Dobyns-Bennett Volunteer Coach Under DCS Investigation
The Tennessee Department of Child Services has confirmed an investigation is underway involving a volunteer coach at Dobyns-Bennett High School. Kingsport City Schools reported that a concern was raised about the individual — who also serves as an instructional assistant — and that they have been reassigned to a non-supervisory role pending additional information from law enforcement. KCS stated it will fully cooperate with investigative authorities and is unable to conduct an internal investigation while the matter is under review.
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Kingsport Police Warn Residents of Phone Scam
The Kingsport Police Department is alerting residents to an active phone scam targeting people in the area. Residents are encouraged to be cautious about unsolicited calls and to contact local authorities if they believe they have been targeted. Visit the link below for details on what to watch for.
Kingsport Chamber Event Highlights Work-Based Learning in Schools
A recent Kingsport Chamber of Commerce event put the spotlight on work-based learning initiatives in local schools, highlighting the growing connection between education and the regional workforce. The event brought together community and business leaders to discuss how students can gain real-world experience while still in the classroom. Visit the link below for more on the discussions and takeaways from the gathering.
Read more at Kingsport Times News
Sullivan Mayoral Race: New Mailer and Harshbarger Endorsement
The Sullivan County mayoral race is heating up with a new pro-Zane Vanover mailer circulating and a reported endorsement of candidate Angie Stanley from Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger. The developments come as early voting is underway in Sullivan County. Visit the link below for the full details on the latest campaign activity.
Read more at Kingsport Times News
Report Rates ‘Strong Performance’ for Tri-Cities Air Quality
A newly released report gives the Tri-Cities region high marks for air quality, rating it as a strong performer. The findings offer encouraging news for residents concerned about environmental health in the area. Read more at the link below for details on the report’s findings and what they mean for the region.
Read more at Kingsport Times News
🏪 Local Business Spotlight
Copper Key Properties
Lisa Gilchrist knows Northeast Tennessee the way most people know their own neighborhood — she first learned the backroads on a motorcycle. Now as a Realtor covering the region from Morristown to Mountain City, we sat down with her to find out what makes this market tick.
You cover a huge stretch of Northeast Tennessee. What makes the Tri-Cities area special for buyers right now?
“We happen to live in what I call ‘heaven on earth.’ Besides the beauty, this area has economic stability — we aren’t flashy, but we are solid. It’s not a boom-bust market. Mountains, lakes, outdoor lifestyle, smaller town feel but with amenities, space, views, privacy. Major employers, low unemployment, no state income tax, low property taxes. This is a place for folks who work to live, not live to work.”
Your reviews mention clients who felt like they were your only priority. What does that actually look like in practice?
“From our first meeting to handing over the keys, my clients are my priority. I start by listening carefully. I respond promptly to calls, texts, and questions because I expect the same level of respect. You’ll always be heard — I never ignore concerns. This usually translates to us knowing each other well. It started with treating folks how I want to be treated.”
What should out-of-state buyers expect when they relocate here?
“The Tri-Cities is still affordable, but no longer ‘cheap.’ Folks from bigger metros feel the prices and cost of living are really good here. After they arrive, the most common reaction is: ‘It’s smaller than I expected — but in a good way.’ Easy to navigate, less traffic, rolling pastures, mountains, four real seasons. Then there’s the friendliness shock. Locals are so friendly and talkative. If nothing else did it, that always does.”
copperkeyprops.com | (423) 343-9080
📋 Corrections
Yesterday’s trivia incorrectly identified the Kingsport Justice Center courthouse as being named for Judge Thomas J. Seeley Jr. A reader correctly pointed out that the courthouse is named for Judge John McLellan. We apologize for the error and thank the reader for setting the record straight.
📅 Upcoming Events
Netherland Inn Opening Day 2026
Saturday, May 2, 2026 | 2:00–4:00 PM | Free to the public
Netherland Inn & Boatyard — 2144 Netherland Inn Rd, Kingsport
The Netherland Inn kicks off its 2026 season with a free public celebration marking 250 years on the banks of the Holston River. The afternoon includes live music from the Kingsport Community Band, a second set from the Hillbilly Hippies, and period dancing by the Sabine Hill dancers. Revolutionary War reenactors will be on site, along with storytellers at the flatboat and the Daniel Boone Cabin, where Rebecca Boone’s 1776 life gets brought to life. Historical documents from Kingsport Archives will be on display in the schoolhouse cabin. No admission, no tickets — just show up.
The Netherland Inn is a nonprofit that runs entirely on fundraisers and volunteers with no city or government funding. If you’ve never been out to the site, this is a good excuse to go.
Iron Pour — Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts
Saturday, May 7, 2026 | The Inventor Center, 118 Shelby St., Kingsport
The Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts is hosting its popular Iron Pour event. Scratch Mold Workshops are also available leading up to the event — several sessions are already sold out, but a Friday, May 6 morning class (10:00 AM–12:00 noon) remains open. Visit the Office of Cultural Arts for ticket details and to register.
Read more at Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts
Tennessee Plant Show — 2nd Annual Mother’s Day Weekend Celebration
Saturday, May 9, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center, 1901 Meadowview Pkwy, Kingsport
Tennessee’s largest plant event returns to Kingsport for Mother’s Day weekend, featuring thousands of plants, vendors from across the region, and over 35,000 sq. ft. of indoor, air-conditioned space. General admission is $10; children 16 and under are free. Senior citizen discounts are available at the door. Visit the event website for vendor and ticket details.
Kids at Bays Day — Bays Mountain Park
Friday, May 16, 2026
Bays Mountain Park, Kingsport
Bays Mountain Park’s popular annual “Kids at Bays Day” returns on May 16, giving young visitors a special day of exploration and nature programming at one of the region’s most beloved parks. Visit the Bays Mountain Park website for details on programming and participation.
Read more at Bays Mountain Park
Tri-Cities Community Prayer Breakfast
Monday, May 18, 2026
MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center, Kingsport
The Tri-Cities Community Prayer Breakfast returns to MeadowView with a morning of prayer, worship, and community. Visit the source for full details on timing and registration.
Read more at This Is Kingsport
Kingsport Farmers Market — Weekly Season
Saturdays through November | Wednesdays beginning in May
7:00 AM – 1:00 PM (or until sold out)
308 Clinchfield Street, Kingsport
The Kingsport Farmers Market is open for the 2026 season, offering fresh produce, baked goods, local meats, artisan crafts, flowers, and more. Wednesday hours begin in May. Visit the market’s website for the latest vendor and program information.
Read more at Kingsport Times News