☀️ Today’s Weather
Light rain today in Kingsport — High 63°F, Low 50°F, with a 50% chance of rain. Don’t forget your umbrella!
😄 Only in Kingsport
In Kingsport, you can ride a hand-carved carousel, hike past wolves at a city park, and catch a nationally headlined concert — all without leaving the city limits. The Model City is quietly overachieving, as usual.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Kingsport is famously called the “Model City” — but did you know the city claims credit for the invention of a legendary cocktail? What is the name of that classic drink said to have been invented in Kingsport, and what local establishment is connected to the story of its creation?
Answer: Kingsport is widely credited as the birthplace of the Original Long Island Iced Tea. Local lore holds that the drink was first concocted here, and Visit Kingsport lists it among the city’s most notable “originals.” Pal’s Sudden Service, the hand-carved carousel, and the Long Island Iced Tea recipe are all counted among Kingsport’s unique contributions to American culture.
🔝 Top Stories
Heavy Police Presence in Lynn Garden; Residents Evacuated Over Suspicious Device
A large, heavily armed law enforcement presence descended on Kingsport’s Lynn Garden neighborhood on Wednesday after the Kingsport Police Department (KPD) reported a suspicious “device/substance” at a residence on Cooper Street. Specialized teams were mobilized and a joint command post was established, with some residents evacuated to a nearby church as a safety precaution. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) was also called in to assist, and as of Wednesday night the investigation was still ongoing — with a loud boom reported in the area just before 8 p.m. that police would neither confirm nor deny was connected to the case.
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Lynn Garden Community Members Remain Displaced as Investigation Continues
Residents of the Lynn Garden area remained displaced Thursday as Kingsport police continued their investigation into the Cooper Street incident. Community members were evacuated to a local church, and law enforcement blocked access to Cooper Street and surrounding roads for hours. KPD stated it was coordinating with local, state, and federal partners to resolve the situation as efficiently as possible.
Kingsport Chamber Golf Tournament Set to Kick Off May 11
The Kingsport Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual golf tournament beginning Monday, May 11, with flights scheduled to start at 8:30 a.m. at Ridgefields Golf and Athletic Center. The two-day competition runs May 11–12, with a rain date of May 18–19 if needed. There’s still time to register — visit the Kingsport Chamber website for details.
KATS to Offer Discounted Dial-A-Ride Ticket Books
Kingsport Area Transit Service (KATS) has announced a new offer of discounted Dial-A-Ride ticket books for eligible riders. The program is designed to make paratransit services more affordable and accessible for Kingsport residents who depend on the service. Visit the Times News for full details on eligibility and how to purchase.
Read more at Kingsport Times News
Leadership Kingsport Applications Now Open; Breakfast to Recognize Emerging Leaders
Applications are now open for the Leadership Kingsport program, which develops the next generation of civic and community leaders in the Model City. Separately, a breakfast event is planned to recognize emerging Kingsport leaders. Visit the Times News for application deadlines and event details.
Read more at Kingsport Times News
Sullivan County Public Library Announces Summer Programs
The Sullivan County Public Library has announced its lineup of summer programs for 2026. The programs are designed to engage readers and learners of all ages throughout the season. Check the Times News link for the full schedule and details on how to participate.
Read more at Kingsport Times News
Northeast State Commencement Set for May 12
Northeast State Community College has announced its commencement ceremony for the Class of 2026, scheduled for May 12. Graduates and their families are invited to celebrate this milestone achievement. Visit the Times News link for location and additional ceremony details.
Read more at Kingsport Times News
📅 Upcoming Events
Tennessee Plant Show – Mother’s Day Weekend Celebration
The 2nd Annual Tennessee Plant Show returns for a Mother’s Day Weekend Celebration on Saturday, May 9, 2026, beginning at 8:00 AM at MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center, Kingsport. The event features plant sellers, lawn and garden accessories, and a community atmosphere.
Downtown Kingsport Loft Tour
The Downtown Kingsport Association is hosting a Loft Tour on May 9. The event offers a chance to explore unique downtown loft spaces. Visit the Downtown Kingsport Association for full details and tour information.
More info at Downtown Kingsport Association
Kingsport Chamber Golf Tournament
The Kingsport Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament takes place Monday, May 11, and Tuesday, May 12, 2026, with flights beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Ridgefields Golf and Athletic Center. Rain dates are May 18–19. Visit the Kingsport Chamber to register.
Northeast State Community College Commencement
Northeast State Community College holds its Class of 2026 Commencement Ceremony on May 12, 2026. Graduates, families, and the broader community are invited to celebrate. Visit the Times News or Northeast State for location and full ceremony details.
More info at Kingsport Times News
Tri-Cities Community Prayer Breakfast
The Tri-Cities Community Prayer Breakfast is coming to MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center in Kingsport on May 18, 2026, for a morning of prayer, worship, and community. Visit the source link for tickets and additional details.
Smoky Mountain Fan Fest
Smoky Mountain Fan Fest returns to Kingsport on Friday, May 29, 2026, beginning at 1:00 PM at 1901 Meadowview Pkwy, Kingsport, TN. Visit the source link for the full schedule and ticketing information.
Fun Fest 2026
Kingsport’s beloved annual summer festival, Fun Fest, returns July 4–25, 2026, drawing visitors from across the region for concerts, competitions, and community celebrations. Stay tuned to funfest.net for the full schedule of events and activities.