☀️ Today’s Weather
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 — Overcast. High 79°F, Low 48°F. 7% chance of rain.
😄 Only in Kingsport
Kingsport has a park that turns 55 this month, and the celebration includes wolves, otters, a planetarium, and a brand-new astronomy exhibit. Most cities would call that a capital campaign. Bays Mountain calls it May.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Kingsport’s Holston Army Ammunition Plant sits on a large tract of land along the Holston River and has played a critical role in U.S. defense manufacturing for decades. In what year was Kingsport officially incorporated as a city under its modern charter, and what unique form of municipal government — rare in Tennessee — was established at that time?
Answer: Kingsport was re-incorporated in 1917 under what became its modern city charter. At that time, the City established a council-manager form of government — governed by a seven-member Board of Mayor and Aldermen elected at-large on a non-partisan basis — a structure that remains in place today and is notably uncommon among Tennessee municipalities.
🔝 Top Stories
Kingsport BOE Approves ParentSquare App; BMA to Consider Tuesday
The Kingsport Board of Education recently approved the ParentSquare communications app for use in city schools, with the measure heading to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen for consideration. ParentSquare is an all-in-one family engagement platform designed to unify school-to-home communications — from mass notifications to direct messaging — in a single app. If approved by the BMA, the platform would give Kingsport families a streamlined way to stay connected with their schools.
Read more at Kingsport Times News
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Election Day Is Here — Here’s What Sullivan County Voters Need to Know
Today is Election Day in Sullivan County, and the Times News has a full guide on polling locations and key races on the ballot. The highly watched Sullivan County mayoral contest has drawn significant attention throughout the early voting period, with combined campaign spending approaching notable totals. Voters are encouraged to check their polling location and bring proper identification.
Read more at Kingsport Times News
Bays Mountain Park Highlights “Living Worlds” Exhibit
Bays Mountain Park is shining a spotlight on its “Living Worlds” feature as part of the park’s ongoing 55th anniversary celebration throughout May 2026. The park, which opened in 1971, is the largest city-owned park in Tennessee and draws more than 150,000 visitors each year. Community members are invited to explore the park’s natural habitats and programming throughout the month.
Read more at Bays Mountain Park
Northeast State Honors Convocation Celebrates Student Award Winners
Northeast State Community College recently held its Honors Convocation, recognizing students who earned awards and distinctions throughout the academic year. The ceremony celebrates academic excellence and student achievement across the college’s programs. Northeast State maintains a campus presence in Kingsport in addition to its main Blountville campus.
Read more at Kingsport Times News
Bays Mountain Park Hosts Annual “Kids at Bays Day”
Bays Mountain Park recently hosted its annual “Kids at Bays Day,” welcoming young visitors for a special day of exploration and nature programming at one of the region’s most beloved parks. The event is a longtime tradition at the park, offering children hands-on experiences with Bays Mountain’s wildlife and natural environment. Visit the Bays Mountain website for details on upcoming programming throughout the 55th anniversary month.
Read more at Bays Mountain Park
📅 Upcoming Events
2026 Tiny Miss Tennessee & Mountain States Pageant
Date: Friday, May 8, 2026, starting at 4:00 PM
Location: MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center, Kingsport
The 2026 Tiny Miss Tennessee & Mountain States Pageant comes to Kingsport for a weekend of competition open to Tennessee residents. Visit the source link for registration and schedule details.
Tennessee Plant Show 2026 — Mother’s Day Weekend Celebration
Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM
Location: 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 and the most diverse plant selection in the region, with vendors offering indoor and outdoor plants of all types for purchase. Children 16 and under are admitted free. Visit the event page for ticket information.
Bays Mountain Park — Kids at Bays Day
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
Location: 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 Bays Mountain Park website for the full schedule, activity, and registration details.
Read more at Bays Mountain Park