☀️ Today’s Weather
Thursday, April 2, 2026 — Light drizzle with a high of 84°F and a low of 56°F; 18% chance of rain.
😄 Joke of the Day
A Kingsport man told his neighbor he was thinking about moving to Johnson City. His neighbor said, “Why would you do that?” He said, “Honestly, I just miss the drive on I-26 — it’s the only place I feel like I’m going somewhere but still end up back in Kingsport.”
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Kingsport is often called the “Model City” — but do you know why? What specific planned-city design concept was Kingsport built around in the early 20th century, and approximately what year did the City of Kingsport officially incorporate?
Answer: Kingsport was built as one of America’s first planned industrial cities, designed around the “Garden City” concept promoted by urban planners John Nolen and others. The City of Kingsport was officially incorporated in 1917.
🔝 Top Stories
🏐 Registration Now Open for Kingsport’s 2026 Outdoor Volleyball League
The Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department is now accepting registrations for its 2026 Outdoor Volleyball League, with the registration window running from March 27 through April 22. Multiple age and skill divisions are available, including 12U Youth Triples, 13U/14U Youth Triples, Women’s Triples, Men’s Doubles, Co-ed Doubles, Co-ed Quads, and Senior Co-ed Quads (50+). Games are played at Legion Field next to the Civic Auditorium on Fort Henry Drive. Residents can register online through the CivicRec portal at kingsporttn.gov or in person at the Kingsport Civic Auditorium.
📷 Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office Launches Body Camera Program
The Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office has become one of the latest law enforcement agencies in Tennessee to launch a body camera initiative for its officers, with Sheriff Ronnie Lawson making the announcement. The program was developed in close collaboration with the Hawkins County Budget Committee, County Commission, and County Mayor. Body cameras are widely seen as a transparency and accountability tool, and the move reflects a growing trend among regional law enforcement agencies. The rollout is expected to begin soon for HCSO personnel on duty.
🗿 Rotary Club Seeks Artist for Kingsport Centennial Sculpture at Brickyard Village
The Rotary Club of Kingsport, in collaboration with the Kingsport Public Art Committee, Edens Investment, and Barge Design Solutions, Inc., is seeking qualifications from professional artists or art teams for a centennial sculpture commission. The artwork will commemorate the everyday heroes of the Kingsport community and will be installed at a traffic circle currently in development for the new Brickyard Village. The total project budget for the selected commission is not to exceed $50,000, and up to three finalists will each receive a $500 stipend for their concept proposals. The opportunity is open to all professional artists over the age of 18 with previous public sculpture experience.
Read more at Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts
📅 Upcoming Events
🛍️ April Shop & Hop — Downtown Kingsport
Join us for the April Shop & Hop, sponsored by First Horizon Bank, in Downtown Kingsport! Stroll through downtown to find shops open late, refreshments, special deals, and live music. Organized by the Downtown Kingsport Association.
When: Thursday, April 2, 2026 | 5:00–8:00 PM
Where: Downtown Kingsport
More info at Downtown Kingsport Association
🎨 Iron Pour Scratch Mold Workshop — Kingsport Cultural Arts
Want to create your own piece of iron artwork? The Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts is hosting a series of Scratch Mold Workshops in preparation for the annual Iron Pour event. Participants will scratch unique designs into an 8-inch sand mold, which will later be cast with molten iron by professional artists. The workshops are suitable for beginners and students of all skill levels. Several class dates are available in April and May — including April 14, April 21, April 29, and April 30 — with registration required. Cost is $15 per participant. Note: some sessions are already sold out, so early registration is encouraged.
When: Multiple dates in April–May 2026 (starting April 14) | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (and some evening sessions)
Where: Kingsport, TN (see registration link for exact location)
More info at Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts
🔥 Iron Pour Event — Kingsport Cultural Arts
Mark your calendars for one of Kingsport’s most thrilling annual traditions — the Iron Pour! On Saturday, May 7, sculptor Tripp Jarvis and a team of master sculptors will heat 500 pounds of iron to white-hot temperatures and pour it into sand molds. Watching the pour is completely free, and those who participate in a Scratch Mold Workshop beforehand can have their very own mold cast in iron. The furnace fires up at noon — it’s a spectacular, family-friendly spectacle you won’t want to miss.
When: Saturday, May 7, 2026 | 12:00 PM
Where: Kingsport, TN (see link for exact location)
More info at Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts
🛍️ May Shop & Hop — Downtown Kingsport
The fun continues next month with the May Shop & Hop, also sponsored by First Horizon Bank! Just like the April edition, you can shop late and shop local as downtown Kingsport merchants throw open their doors with special offers, sales, and a lively atmosphere. A great way to support small businesses and enjoy everything the downtown district has to offer.
When: Thursday, May 7, 2026 | 5:00–8:00 PM
Where: Downtown Kingsport
More info at Downtown Kingsport Association