☀️ Today’s Weather
Light drizzle today in Kingsport — High 84°F, Low 72°F, with a 61% chance of rain. Keep an umbrella handy!
😄 Only in Kingsport
Kingsport baseball fans watched the Axmen win the Appalachian League championship last night — and then a good portion of those same fans probably stopped by the Farmers Market this morning like it was any other Saturday. That’s the Model City for you.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Kingsport’s name is tied to what early river-port name?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
🏆 Kingsport Axmen Win the 2026 Appalachian League Championship
The Kingsport Axmen are 2026 Appalachian League champions. Kingsport scored six runs in the seventh and eighth innings Saturday night to tie Pulaski at 8-8, and then won the game on a tie-breaker to win the 2026 Appalachian League championship. It caps a remarkable postseason run for the Axmen, who punched their ticket to the league championship game on the road against Pulaski after defeating Johnson City to clinch the West Division.
Sponsored by
Crosscut Tree Services
Got a tree that’s leaning, dying, or just getting a little too comfortable with your roofline? Terry and the crew at Crosscut handle it all — removal, trimming, and 24/7 emergency service when a storm doesn’t wait for business hours. They’re local, they’re licensed, and if you’ve seen their reviews, you know they show up on time and do the job right the first time. Free quotes. No pressure.
🤝 Eastman Chemical and University of Tennessee Extend Research Partnership
Eastman Chemical Company in Kingsport and the University of Tennessee have signed a new six-year research agreement extending a partnership begun in 2015. Eastman will invest at least $3 million over the next six years to support research in chemical engineering, materials science, and sustainability, and collaborative work has already produced advances in polymer chemistry, advanced manufacturing, and sustainable consumer products.
💰 Sullivan County Passes New Spending Plan Without a Tax Increase
Sullivan County, Tennessee has approved its new fiscal year spending plan. Sullivan County Commissioners have voted to keep the countywide property tax rate unchanged for the coming year at $1.61 per $100 of assessed value. The vote followed a public hearing and brings months of budget deliberations to a close.
✈️ United Airlines Delays Tri-Cities to Chicago Service Until At Least 2027
Travelers hoping to fly nonstop between the Tri-Cities and Chicago will have to wait longer than anticipated. United Airlines has pushed back the launch of that service until at least 2027, disappointing regional residents and business travelers who had been looking forward to the expanded flight options from Tri-Cities Regional Airport.
🎓 Kingsport City Schools Superintendent Interview: Back-to-School Season
With the new school year approaching, Kingsport City Schools’ superintendent recently sat down for an interview ahead of the back-to-school season. The conversation touches on district priorities, upcoming changes, and what families can expect as students return to classrooms. For full details, visit the link below.
📅 Upcoming Events
🌾 Kingsport Farmers Market — Weekly Saturday Market
The Kingsport Farmers Market is open each Saturday morning in season, located at 308 Clinchfield St, Kingsport. Stop by for fresh local produce, handmade goods, and more. Check the market’s website for current hours and vendor details.
Read more at Kingsport Farmers Market
🥗 Foodies + New Friends: Kingsport | Country Fans Edition
A social dining event for food lovers and country music fans is coming to Kingsport. This “Foodies + New Friends” gathering is a chance to meet new people over great food in a casual, friendly setting. Visit Eventbrite for specific date, time, location, and ticket details.
🖼️ Kingsport Sculpture Walk — Ongoing Through April 2028
Kingsport’s Fifteenth Sculpture Walk debuted in April 2026 and will run from April 2026 to April 2028, with this year’s focus on Land Art in conjunction with the 250-year anniversary. Stroll downtown Kingsport to discover rotating outdoor sculptures throughout the city. Free and open to the public year-round.
Read more at Kingsport Cultural Arts
🎪 Model City 101 — Sign-Up Period (Check for Next Session)
Kingsport’s popular Model City 101 civic education program gives residents an inside look at how local government works. The last sign-up window recently closed, but residents interested in future sessions should keep an eye on city announcements for the next enrollment period.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
King’s Port, an early name associated with the King family and river-shipping activity along the Holston River.