𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 Thurdsay, Tri-Cities!

Tomorrow is Juneteenth, and with many readers heading into a holiday or a long weekend, today’s edition is focused on useful updates and easy ways to plan ahead.

We’re covering local travel news, city budget updates, new education pathways, outdoor ideas, senior resources, weekend events, and community changes across Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol, Carter County, Unicoi County, and the wider Appalachian Highlands.

Whether you’re off tomorrow, working through the week, or mapping out a few summer plans, we’re glad you’re here. Let’s get into it.

What river is connected to both Kingsport’s Netherland Inn and early transportation history in the region?

Johnson City Data Center Rules Move to City Commission

ohnson City is one step closer to adopting new zoning rules for data centers after the Planning Commission approved the proposed changes in a 4–2 vote.

The proposed rules now move to the Johnson City Commission, where they will need three votes before becoming final. The issue has drawn attention from residents who are watching how the city plans to regulate large technology facilities that can affect land use, utilities, noise, traffic, building size, and nearby neighborhoods.

Data centers are facilities that house computer servers and related equipment used to store and process digital information. While they can bring investment and development interest, they can also raise questions about electricity demand, water use, setbacks, noise, emergency access, and how close large facilities should be to homes or other sensitive areas.

For Johnson City residents, the next stage of review will be important. Planning Commission approval does not make the rules final, but it does move the proposal into the City Commission process. Residents who care about neighborhood protection, infrastructure planning, or future development should watch for the next agenda posting and any public comment opportunities.

Until the city posts the next official meeting agenda for the ordinance, the safest takeaway is that the proposal is moving forward, but final approval has not yet happened.

East Tennessee State University is launching a Bachelor of Business Administration in Hospitality and Tourism Management, set to begin in fall 2026.

The new program aims to prepare students for careers in the thriving tourism, entertainment, and event sectors.

Classes will be offered at both the Johnson City main campus and the ETSU Sevierville Center, connecting students directly to the economic heart of the Appalachian Highlands and Smoky Mountains tourism markets.

This initiative highlights tourism’s growing impact in Johnson City and the Tri-Cities, from major events and outdoor attractions to local restaurants and hotels.

By providing specialized education locally, ETSU’s degree opens new opportunities for students to build careers in tourism management, hospitality, event planning, and entertainment, helping to keep talented graduates in East Tennessee’s dynamic visitor economy.

Regas Bros Seasoning

Kingsport Approves $114 Million Budget With No Property Tax Increase

Kingsport leaders have approved a new $114 million spending plan for the coming fiscal year, and residents will not see a property tax increase tied to the budget.

The budget passed unanimously and will guide city spending on daily operations, public services, infrastructure, staffing, and community priorities over the next year. For residents, the biggest takeaway is that the city plans to move forward with its spending plan while keeping the property tax rate unchanged.

City budgets affect many parts of daily life, from police and fire services to roads, parks, utilities, public works, recreation programs, and long-term planning. The approved spending plan gives Kingsport a financial roadmap for maintaining services while also addressing local needs as the city continues to grow.

The no-tax-increase piece is especially relevant for homeowners and property owners watching household costs. While city expenses continue to rise in many areas, the approved budget does not include a property tax hike for the coming fiscal year.

Residents who want to better understand the city’s priorities can review the full budget details through the City of Kingsport, including department spending, capital projects, staffing plans, and any major investments included in the final package.

As the new fiscal year begins, the budget will shape how Kingsport funds services, manages growth, and invests in the projects and programs residents use throughout the year.

Erwin approves property tax increase

Erwin leaders have approved a 31-cent property tax increase by a 4–2 vote, with town officials saying the added revenue will help pay for a new fire department ladder truck and aging stormwater infrastructure. The new rate is set to take effect July 1, making this a practical local budget item for Erwin homeowners and residents following town services.

Kingsport Transit Offers Free Rides for Dump the Pump Day

Kingsport residents have a chance to ride local buses for free today as Kingsport Area Transit Service participates in National Dump the Pump Day.

KATS is offering free rides on all bus routes today, June 18, as part of a national effort to encourage more people to try public transportation. The city is promoting the day as a way for residents to save money on gas, reduce traffic, cut emissions, and learn how local transit can fit into everyday routines.

For people who have never used KATS before, the free-ride day offers a low-pressure way to test a route, plan a commute, or see whether the bus can help with errands, appointments, shopping, or trips around town.

The promotion may also be helpful for workers, students, seniors, and residents who want to reduce driving costs or rely less on a personal vehicle. Even one bus trip can help riders better understand local stops, schedules, and connections.

Residents interested in participating should check KATS route information and schedules before heading out so they know where to board and when buses are running.

For Kingsport, Dump the Pump Day is both a transportation promotion and a reminder that local transit remains an option for everyday travel. Whether someone is trying to save on fuel, avoid parking, or simply learn the system, today’s free rides offer an easy way to give KATS a try.

ETSU and Northeast State Launch Guaranteed Admissions Pathway

East Tennessee State University and Northeast State Community College have launched a new transfer pathway designed to help more students continue their education close to home.

The program, called Bears to Bucs, offers guaranteed admission to ETSU for eligible Northeast State students after they complete an approved associate degree. The partnership is meant to make the transfer process clearer, smoother, and more predictable for students planning to earn a four-year degree.

For families and students across Northeast Tennessee, the pathway provides a practical option: begin at Northeast State, complete an associate degree, and then move into ETSU with a defined route toward a bachelor’s degree. That can be especially helpful for students who want to manage costs, stay close to home, or build confidence before transferring to a larger university setting.

The program also supports the region’s workforce needs. By helping more students move from community college into four-year programs, Bears to Bucs can strengthen the pipeline for careers in business, education, health care, technology, public service, and other fields that matter across the Appalachian Highlands.

For Northeast State students, the new pathway gives them a clearer academic roadmap and a stronger connection to ETSU before they officially transfer. For ETSU, it creates another way to welcome local students who are already working toward a college credential.

As the partnership moves forward, Bears to Bucs could become a valuable bridge for students across the region — helping them start strong, transfer with confidence, and continue building their future in Northeast Tennessee.

Kingsport Storm Drain Art Contest Accepting Entries

Kingsport is inviting local artists to turn everyday storm drains into public art as part of the city’s ninth annual Storm Drain Art Contest.

The contest combines creativity, neighborhood beautification, and environmental awareness by using painted storm drains to remind residents that what goes into storm drains can eventually reach local waterways. It is a simple public art project with a practical message: protecting creeks, rivers, and the environment starts close to home.

The city is accepting entries now, and five winning artists will receive $150 each. Selected designs are expected to be painted in early September, giving artists time to prepare their work and giving residents something new to look for around town later this year.

The contest is open to artists who want to make a visible contribution to the community while helping share an important water-quality message. Designs should be eye-catching, easy to understand, and appropriate for public spaces.

For Kingsport, the project adds color and creativity to sidewalks and streets while connecting public works with local arts. Residents who enjoy public art, environmental education, or community improvement projects may want to follow the contest and watch for the winning designs once painting begins.

Artists interested in participating should review the city’s entry requirements, deadlines, design guidelines, and submission instructions before applying.

What’s Happening Soon Around the Tri-Cities

The Tri-Cities has a lively stretch of events coming up, with live music, a guitar expo, downtown concerts, and outdoor recreation on the calendar.

Thursday, June 18 — Bristol: Sounds of Summer Taylor Swift Tribute
Bristol’s Sounds of Summer series brings Kanin Wren’s Taylor Swift Experience to the Downtown Center at 810 State Street tonight from 7 to 9 p.m. The free concert is designed for all ages, and guests are encouraged to bring a chair for the evening.

Friday evenings — Johnson City: Fridays After 5 at King Commons
Johnson City’s free Fridays After 5 concert series continues at King Commons from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday evenings through June and July. It remains one of the easiest downtown picks for anyone looking to start the weekend with live music, food, and a community atmosphere.

June 20 — Gray: Tri-Cities Guitar Expo
Music fans, players, collectors, and makers can head to the 2nd Annual Tri-Cities Guitar Expo on June 20 from 4 to 11 p.m. at the Appalachian Fairgrounds in Gray. The event is a strong pick for anyone interested in guitars, gear, local music culture, and the region’s creative scene.

Thursday, June 26 — Bristol: Border Bash Returns
Bristol’s next Border Bash date is June 26, featuring Hannah Dasher with TOGEAU on the 400/500 block of State Street. Activities begin at 6 p.m., with music starting at 6:30 p.m. It is another strong downtown music option for residents looking for an easy summer night out.

Friday, June 27 — Kingsport: Outdoor Volleyball Tournament
Kingsport Parks and Recreation is hosting a one-day Outdoor Volleyball Tournament on June 27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Legion Field Park near the Kingsport Civic Auditorium. The tournament is open to ages 15 and older, making it a good active summer option for teens, adults, and local teams.

From downtown concerts to hands-on music events and outdoor sports, the next several days offer plenty of ways to get out, support local happenings, and enjoy summer across the Tri-Cities.

Bristol Save-the-Dates: Big Truck Day and Fourth of July Fun

Bristol families have two community events to keep on the calendar, with a hands-on vehicle day coming up soon and a full Fourth of July celebration planned at Anderson Park.

Big Truck Day is a free family event that gives kids a chance to explore some of the large vehicles that help keep the city moving. The event includes fire trucks, police vehicles, heavy equipment, tow trucks, race vehicles, and more. Families can also enjoy extras such as freeze pops and face painting.

The event is also designed with noise-sensitive visitors in mind. A quiet hour is planned from 10 to 11 a.m., giving families a calmer window before louder horns, sirens, and demonstrations begin. Parents and caregivers should check Bristol’s city calendar for the confirmed date, location, and any weather updates before heading out.

Looking ahead, Bristol Tennessee has also announced its 2026 Stars and Stripes Celebration at Anderson Park for the Fourth of July. The celebration will include the State Street parade at 5 p.m., followed by live music, children’s games, food trucks, and fireworks around 10 p.m.

Together, the two events give Bristol families easy ways to enjoy summer close to home. Big Truck Day offers a fun daytime outing for kids, while the Stars and Stripes Celebration brings the community together for music, food, patriotic traditions, and fireworks.

South Holston Dam closes vehicle access, but pedestrians can still cross

TVA has temporarily closed the road across the top of South Holston Dam to motor vehicles while it looks at ways to manage nighttime access. The closure follows concerns about safety, vandalism, and after-hours trespassing. The road remains open to pedestrians, including wheelchair users, so visitors can still access the area on foot.

Dollywood Delays Opening of NightFlight Expedition

Tri-Cities families planning a summer trip to Dollywood may want to check the park’s latest attraction updates before heading to Pigeon Forge.

Dollywood has delayed the opening of NightFlight Expedition, its newest attraction and the largest single-attraction investment in the park’s history. The ride had been planned as a major new addition for the 2026 season, but park officials announced that the opening has been pushed back.

For visitors, the delay does not mean a Dollywood trip is off the table. The park still offers its full mix of rides, shows, restaurants, crafts, festivals, and Smoky Mountain experiences. However, families who were planning a visit specifically to experience NightFlight Expedition should adjust expectations and confirm the attraction’s status before buying tickets or building a trip around it.

The delay is especially relevant during the busy summer travel season, when many Northeast Tennessee families make day trips or weekend visits to Pigeon Forge. Checking Dollywood’s official website or social media before leaving can help guests avoid surprises and plan around what is currently open.

As Dollywood works toward a new opening timeline, NightFlight Expedition remains one of the most anticipated additions in the region’s tourism scene. For now, visitors should treat it as a coming attraction and keep an eye out for updated launch details from the park.

Local Caregiver Support Groups Offer Help Close to Home

Families caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or memory loss do not have to navigate the journey alone.

Alzheimer’s Tennessee lists caregiver support groups across the Tri-Cities region, with meeting options in Bristol, Kingsport, Blountville, Johnson City, and Jonesborough. These groups are designed to give caregivers a place to ask questions, share experiences, learn from others, and find encouragement from people who understand the challenges of caring for someone with memory loss.

Regional meeting locations include Central Christian Church in Bristol, The Blake in Kingsport, The Waters of Bristol in Blountville, Brookdale Johnson City, StoryPoint Johnson City, and the Jonesborough Senior Center.

For spouses, adult children, relatives, and friends serving as caregivers, support groups can offer both practical guidance and emotional relief. Conversations may include daily care routines, communication changes, safety concerns, caregiver stress, local resources, and ways to plan ahead as needs change.

The groups can also help caregivers feel less isolated. Caring for someone with memory loss often comes with difficult decisions and long days, and having a regular place to connect with others can make a meaningful difference.

Residents interested in attending should check with Alzheimer’s Tennessee or the specific meeting location to confirm dates, times, registration requirements, and any schedule changes before going.

For Tri-Cities families facing Alzheimer’s, dementia, or memory-related care needs, these local support groups offer a reminder that help and understanding are available close to home.

Kingsport Senior Center Offers Memory and Brain Health Seminar

The Kingsport Senior Center is offering a timely wellness program for older adults and families interested in memory, brain health, and aging well.

The Memory & Brain Health seminar is scheduled for Thursday, June 25, from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Kingsport Senior Center. The program is a useful opportunity for seniors, caregivers, and family members to learn more about ways to support cognitive wellness and stay informed about memory-related concerns.

Brain health is an important topic for many older adults, especially those who want to stay active, independent, and engaged as they age. Seminars like this can help residents better understand healthy habits, warning signs to watch for, and local resources that may be available if memory concerns arise.

The program may also be helpful for caregivers and adult children who are supporting aging parents or loved ones. Learning more about memory and brain health can make it easier to ask good questions, start important conversations, and know when to seek additional guidance.

Anyone interested in attending should confirm details with the Kingsport Senior Center, including registration requirements, location information, and any schedule updates.

For local seniors and families, the June 25 seminar offers a simple way to learn, ask questions, and stay proactive about healthy aging.

Interesting Facts

Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium shines as one of Kingsport’s most beloved outdoor destinations.

Here, residents and visitors enjoy wooded trails, peaceful lake views, and up-close encounters with local wildlife.

The park’s planetarium offers a unique educational twist, giving families and school groups a chance to explore the stars, rain or shine.

What truly sets Bays Mountain apart is its blend of outdoor recreation and hands-on science learning, making it both a green space and a community landmark.

It’s the ideal spot for a family adventure, a weekend hike, or a first introduction to Kingsport’s outdoor spirit.

Bringing together the best of the Appalachian Highlands—mountains, wildlife, and curiosity—Bays Mountain helps define the city’s distinctive character.

Summer in the Park at Warriors’ Path

Families looking for a close-to-home outdoor outing can find a full slate of seasonal programming at Warriors’ Path State Park in Kingsport.

The park’s Summer in the Park programming is listed for the week of June 15–21, with activities continuing into the weekend. The series gives residents and visitors a chance to enjoy the park beyond a typical walk, picnic, or lake visit.

Warriors’ Path is already one of the Kingsport area’s best-known outdoor destinations, offering trails, water access, nature areas, playgrounds, and plenty of space for families to spend time outside. Summer programming adds another layer, giving kids and adults a chance to learn more about the natural world while enjoying one of the region’s most accessible state parks.

For families, this is a good low-pressure summer pick. Visitors can build a simple outing around a scheduled program, then stay longer for a walk, picnic, playground stop, or time near the water.

Anyone planning to attend should check the official Warriors’ Path State Park schedule for specific program times, meeting locations, registration details, and any weather-related updates before heading out.

For Kingsport-area residents, Summer in the Park is an easy reminder that one of the region’s best outdoor escapes is right nearby.

Roan Mountain Offers Festival Weekend and Junior Ranger Camp

Roan Mountain State Park has two strong summer options on the calendar for families, young explorers, and anyone looking for a mountain outing in Carter County.

The park has a June festival listed for June 20–21, giving visitors a chance to enjoy the mountain setting during one of the area’s most scenic times of year. Roan Mountain is known for its cooler temperatures, trails, views, and high-elevation atmosphere, making it a favorite day-trip destination for residents across the Appalachian Highlands.

Families can also look ahead to Junior Ranger Camp, scheduled for June 22–26 for children ages 8–12. Programs like Junior Ranger Camp are designed to help kids connect with nature through hands-on learning, outdoor activities, and park-based exploration.

For parents and caregivers, the festival and camp create two different ways to enjoy the park. The festival can work as a weekend outing, while Junior Ranger Camp offers a more structured experience for children who enjoy nature, wildlife, trails, and learning outdoors.

Because mountain weather and program details can change, visitors should check Roan Mountain State Park’s official event listings before making plans. Families interested in Junior Ranger Camp should also confirm registration requirements, availability, drop-off details, and what children need to bring.

For Carter County and Tri-Cities families, Roan Mountain’s June calendar offers a good mix of weekend adventure and outdoor learning in one of the region’s most beloved mountain settings.

Have a local event coming up?

Tri-Cities Outdoors: Splash Pad Tuesdays Coming to Steele Creek Park

Bristol families can mark the calendar for a simple summer outing at Steele Creek Park.

The city calendar lists Splash Pad Tuesdays at the park on June 30, with free games, snacks, crafts, and activities planned alongside the regular park setting. It is a family-friendly option for parents and caregivers looking for an easy way to help kids cool off and stay active during summer.

Steele Creek Park is already a favorite Bristol destination, with outdoor space, trails, playground areas, water features, and room for families to spend time together. Splash Pad Tuesdays add a little extra structure to the day, making it more than just a quick park visit.

The event is especially useful for families looking for low-cost activities close to home. With games, crafts, snacks, and splash pad fun, it gives kids a chance to play while parents enjoy a relaxed outdoor setting.

Visitors should check Bristol’s official city calendar before heading out for the latest time, location details, weather updates, and any changes to the schedule.

For Bristol families, Splash Pad Tuesdays offer a fun, simple way to make the most of summer at one of the city’s best-loved parks.

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Holston River