☀️ Today’s Weather
Overcast skies today with a high of 69°F and a low of 44°F. Only a 1% chance of rain — a good day to get outside.
😄 Only in Kingsport
Kingsport has a NASCAR-sanctioned speedway, a 3,000-acre park with wolves and a planetarium, a hand-carved carousel, and a river the Daniel Boone family once used as a road. Most places call that a tourism brochure. Here, it’s just a normal Thursday.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Kingsport’s Eastman Chemical Company is one of the most recognized employers in the region — but what is the name of the innovative recycling facility Eastman operates right here in Kingsport, and what process does it use to break down plastics for reuse?
Answer: Eastman operates a methanolysis facility in Kingsport, which uses a chemical recycling process called methanolysis to break down polyester plastics into their molecular building blocks so they can be reused in new products. The facility began initial production in early 2024 and has significantly ramped up output since then.
🔝 Top Stories
Kingsport Awarded $25,000 Tennessee America 250 Grant
Kingsport has been awarded a $25,000 grant through the Tennessee America 250 program, which supports communities across the state in commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary. The grant is administered through the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial and is designed to help communities incorporate America’s semiquincentennial themes into local events and programming. Plans for Kingsport’s grant funding are tied to incorporating TN250 themes into some of the city’s largest annual celebrations.
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Eastman Reports Dip in Revenue and Earnings for First Quarter of 2026
Kingsport-based Eastman Chemical Company recently reported its first-quarter 2026 financial results, showing a dip in revenue compared to the same period last year. The specialty chemicals maker posted sales revenue of $2.18 billion for the quarter, down from $2.29 billion a year earlier, with the decline attributed in part to lower selling prices and weaker commodity market conditions. Despite the revenue miss, the company expressed confidence in improving earnings for the full year, citing planned cost reductions and improving market conditions.
Read more at the Kingsport Times-News
Early Voting Wraps Up in Sullivan and Hawkins Counties with Higher Turnout Than 2022
Early voting has officially concluded in Sullivan and Hawkins counties ahead of the May 5 election, and officials are reporting higher turnout compared to the 2022 cycle. The races include the hotly contested Sullivan County mayoral contest, which has drawn significant attention and outside PAC spending in recent weeks. Election Day is Tuesday, May 5.
Read more at the Kingsport Times-News
Dobyns-Bennett CTE Teacher Reassigned Amid Investigation
A Career and Technical Education teacher at Dobyns-Bennett High School has been reassigned while an investigation is ongoing, according to officials. This follows a separate inquiry earlier this month involving a volunteer coach at the school, which is also still under review. Officials have not released further details about the nature of either investigation.
Big Orange Caravan Wraps Up Tour in Kingsport
The University of Tennessee’s Big Orange Caravan recently made its final stop of the tour in Kingsport, bringing Volunteer athletics representatives and fans together in the Model City. The annual caravan tours communities across the state to connect with UT supporters ahead of the upcoming season. Kingsport was chosen as the concluding stop for this year’s tour.
MeadowView Task Force Hears from External Consultant
The MeadowView Task Force recently met to hear a presentation from an external consultant as the group continues its work examining the future of the MeadowView Conference Resort and Convention Center. The task force has been evaluating options for the facility, which has been a topic of ongoing discussion among local officials. Details from the consultant’s findings were presented at the meeting.
Read more at the Kingsport Times-News
📅 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.
Market + Mama’s Social at Kingsport Farmers Market
Sunday, May 3, 2026 | 11:00 AM | Kingsport Farmers Market
A special social event at the Kingsport Farmers Market celebrating moms and the local market community. Visit the link for full details.
See event details at AllEvents
Downtown Kingsport May Shop & Hop
Thursday, May 7, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Downtown Kingsport
Shop late and shop local during Downtown Kingsport’s May Shop & Hop, sponsored by First Horizon Bank. Participating downtown businesses will offer sales and special deals during this monthly evening event.
Downtown Kingsport Loft Tour
Saturday, May 9, 2026 | Downtown Kingsport
The Downtown Kingsport Association hosts its Downtown Loft Tour, giving attendees a look inside downtown residential loft spaces. Visit the Downtown Kingsport Association for full details on times and tickets.
See event details at Downtown Kingsport Association
Kids at Bays Day
Saturday, May 16, 2026 | Bays Mountain Park, Kingsport
Bays Mountain Park’s popular annual “Kids at Bays Day” returns, giving young visitors a special day of exploration and nature programming at one of the region’s most beloved parks. Visit the link for full schedule and activity details.
Read more at the Kingsport Times-News