☀️ Today’s Weather
Foggy with a high of 82°F and a low of 60°F. 9% chance of rain.
😄 Joke of the Day
A visitor pulled into Kingsport and asked a local, “What’s the best thing about living in the Model City?” The local thought for a second and said, “Well, we’ve got Bays Mountain, the Greenbelt, Riverwalk Park, and a brand-new splash pad — but honestly, we just like telling people we live in a city that had a plan before it was even built.”
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Kingsport’s Kingsport ARTS Festival is a beloved annual celebration of the creative community — but what downtown street hosts the festival, and what fiery, hands-on art-making event has become one of its most popular highlights?
Answer: The Kingsport ARTS Festival takes place in the 100 block of Shelby Street in Downtown Kingsport. One of its most popular highlights is the Iron Pour, where participants create sand mold designs that are cast with molten iron by sculpture artist Joe Bigley and his team.
🔝 Top Stories
‘Dark PAC’ and Harshbarger Money Reported in Sullivan County Races
Three “dark PAC” mailers have surfaced in the Sullivan County mayoral race — one supporting Republican Angie Stanley and two blasting GOP candidate Zane Vanover. Additionally, the husband of U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger has reportedly given $11,400 — or $1,900 each — to six County Commission candidates. The revelations come as early voting is already underway in Sullivan County, raising new questions about outside money flowing into local races.
Read more at Kingsport Times News
Section of Fort Robinson Drive to Be Temporarily Closed Next Week
A section of Fort Robinson Drive in Kingsport is set to close temporarily next week for work in the area. Drivers who regularly use the route should plan for detours and allow extra travel time. Check the full story for specific closure dates and affected sections.
Ramp from I-81 to I-26 Will Be Closed This Weekend
Motorists traveling between I-81 and I-26 this weekend should be aware of an upcoming ramp closure in the area. The closure is expected to impact traffic in Sullivan County, so drivers are advised to plan alternate routes ahead of time. Visit the link below for the latest details on timing and affected ramps.
Kingsport to Host Earth Day Cleanup at the Greenbelt
Kingsport Parks and Recreation is partnering with Keep Kingsport Beautiful to host an Earth Day cleanup event at the Kingsport Greenbelt, taking place on Earth Day (April 22) from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Indian Trail Drive trailhead (behind PetSmart). Volunteers will remove trash and debris along the Greenbelt and the bank of Reedy Creek, and people of all ages are encouraged to participate. Gloves and trash bags will be provided.
Read more at Kingsport Times News
Bristol Painter Melinda Fritts’ Work on Display in Kingsport
Local art lovers have a new exhibition to explore, as Bristol painter Melinda Fritts recently brought her work to a Kingsport venue. The display offers residents a chance to experience the work of a talented regional artist without leaving the Model City. Visit the link below for details on where the work is being shown and how long the exhibition runs.
Read more at Kingsport Times News
State Route 93 to Briefly Close for Repairs
TDOT has announced that State Route 93 will briefly close for repairs starting Thursday, with construction also expected to impact traffic in the area. Drivers who regularly use this corridor should expect temporary disruptions and follow posted signage. Full details on the closure window and affected stretch are available at the link below.
Read more at Kingsport Times News
🏪 Local Business Spotlight
Vital CPR
Most people will never need to use CPR — but the ones who do will be glad they knew how. Vital CPR is right here in downtown Kingsport at 317 Cherokee St, offering American Heart Association certified classes for healthcare providers, caregivers, workplace teams, and anyone who wants to be prepared. Classes are friendly, thorough, and efficient — and your AHA card is issued on completion of the course. Need training for your whole team? They’ll come on-site to your location anywhere in the Tri-Cities.
📅 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 Kingsport Cultural Arts Office on April 18th, 2026, 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. Admission is free.
More info at artskingsport.org
🧹 Riverview Spring Clean-Up
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Riverview neighborhood, Kingsport
South Central Kingsport Community Development Inc. invites the community to join the annual Riverview Spring Clean-Up, taking place this Saturday, April 18. Volunteers are encouraged to come out and help beautify the neighborhood as part of Kingsport’s ongoing revitalization efforts. Visit the link below for full details.
More info at Kingsport Times News
🍴 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.
🌿 Earth Day Cleanup at the Kingsport Greenbelt
Tuesday, April 22, 2026 | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Indian Trail Drive Trailhead, Kingsport Greenbelt (behind PetSmart)
Kingsport Parks and Recreation is partnering with Keep Kingsport Beautiful to host the cleanup at the Kingsport Greenbelt. Volunteers will remove trash and debris along the Greenbelt and the bank of Reedy Creek. People of all ages are encouraged to come out and help beautify one of the Model City’s most popular recreational assets. Gloves and trash bags will be provided.
More info at Kingsport Times News
🌱 Kingsport Farmers Market Season Opening
Saturday, April 27, 2026
Kingsport Farmers Market
The Kingsport Farmers Market reopens on Saturday, April 27. The market is currently being renovated, so this season will feature a fresh, new space. Expect to find a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, local meats, artisan crafts, fresh flowers, and more.
🏙️ Downtown Kingsport Loft Tour
Saturday, May 9, 2026
Downtown Kingsport
The Downtown Kingsport Association is bringing back its popular loft tour fundraiser on May 9th. The annual event allows visitors to explore a selection of historic loft spaces that have been converted into modern living and work spaces in Kingsport’s downtown district. Tickets will go on sale in the coming weeks through the Downtown Kingsport Association’s website.