☀️ Today’s Weather
Foggy skies today with a high of 92°F and a low of 67°F. There’s a 25% chance of rain — keep an umbrella handy just in case.
😄 Only in Kingsport
Kingsport has a park with wolves, a planetarium, otters, and a hand-carved carousel — and somehow the most heated local debate of the year is about traffic cameras.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: What downtown area brings together the Kingsport Farmers Market and the hand-carved carousel?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
🔒 Sullivan County Commission Tables Commission Downsizing, Delays Flock Camera Vote
Sullivan County commissioners voted to table a proposal that would have reduced the 24-member commission down to 14 seats, with some members saying more study was needed before moving forward. Separately, votes on two Flock camera resolutions — and additional funding for the Petworks animal shelter — were also delayed until the October meeting.
Know a Local Business That Should Be Here?
If you send us a business that becomes a sponsor, we’ll pay you $50 for it. No cap, no catch. Just hit reply with their name and we’ll take it from there. (We still make the final call on fit, same as any other pitch.)
🔫 Shooting Suspect Taken Into Custody in Sullivan County
A man wanted in connection with a shooting in Sullivan County is now in custody. Deputies identified 29-year-old Lucas “Lulu” Peterson and found him at a home on Gray Station Road; he faces charges of attempted second-degree murder and aggravated assault stemming from a shooting discovered earlier in the week in the 2800 block of Pennsylvania Road in Kingsport. The victim was transported to Holston Valley Medical Center with serious injuries.
🏛️ Nearly 600 Inmates Moved Into New Sullivan County Jail
After years of construction and unexpected setbacks, nearly 600 inmates have been moved into the new Sullivan County Jail. The move began in mid-August and took about two weeks to complete; the new facility features 14 housing blocks with two-person cells and an enclosed sallyport to improve security. Officials say they are still working through some technical and operational issues as staff and inmates adjust to the new building.
🍔 In-N-Out Burger Considering a Kingsport Location
In-N-Out Burger is reportedly considering opening a location in Kingsport, generating buzz among local residents. The national burger chain, known for its devoted following, has been expanding its footprint eastward in recent years. No official opening date or confirmed location has been announced.
👩 Two Charged After Children Left Home Alone in Sullivan County
Two people face child endangerment charges after children were left home alone in Sullivan County. Authorities say the case came to light recently and is being handled by local law enforcement. Full details on the circumstances and charges are available at the links below.
📅 Upcoming Events
Event details are pulled from public listings and can change. Please confirm dates and times on the official event page before making plans.
👕 SMILE Foster Closet Fall Rummage Sale — Sept 18–19, 2026
Friday, Sept 18, 5:00–7:00 PM | Saturday, Sept 19, 8:00 AM–2:00 PM
Waverly Road Presbyterian Church, 1415 Waverly Rd, Kingsport
A clothing rummage sale benefiting local foster families through SMILE Foster Closet. Clothes are $5 for a stuff-a-bag and shoes are $2 a pair, with sizes from infant to adult. Foster families shop free (check in with a volunteer first). All proceeds go to SMILE Foster Closet.
🧸 Tri Cities Card Show — Saturday, September 19, 2026
Saturday, Sept 19, 9:00 AM
MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center, Kingsport
A sports card and collectibles show coming to Kingsport. Visit the event page for details on admission and vendors.
🧘 Scenic Planetarium Yoga — Saturday, September 19, 2026
Saturday, Sept 19, 10:00 AM
853 Bays Mountain Park Rd, Kingsport, TN 37660
A yoga session held in the scenic setting of Bays Mountain Park’s planetarium. Visit the event page for registration details.
📚 Tennessee Lit Con 2026 — September 25–26, 2026
Friday, Sept 25, 10:00 AM (through Saturday, Sept 26)
MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center, Kingsport, TN
The second annual Tennessee Lit Con is a two-day literary convention featuring 100 authors, 20 vendors, and 5 narrators. Visit the Eventbrite page for tickets and the full schedule.
🌾 Exchange Place Fall Folk Arts Festival, 2026 — Saturday, September 26, 2026
Saturday, Sept 26, 10:00 AM
Exchange Place Kingsport TN 1850s Farm
The Exchange Place Fall Folk Arts Festival returns at the historic 1850s living history farm. Visit the event page for full details on this annual gathering celebrating local heritage and culture.
🎶 Folkfest Fall Shindig — Saturday, September 26, 2026
Saturday, Sept 26, 10:00 AM
140 Broad Street, Kingsport, TN
A fall folk music and community gathering in downtown Kingsport. Visit the event page for full details.
🎃 Park After Dark — Friday, October 24, 2026
Friday, Oct 24, 5:00–9:00 PM
Bays Mountain Park, Kingsport
A Halloween-themed night at Bays Mountain Park featuring moonlight walks, barge rides, stargazing, trick-or-treating at animal habitats, pumpkin painting, wolf folklore storytelling, and a Halloween-themed laser show in the planetarium. Food trucks will be on-site. Come in costume and bring a flashlight.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
The Carousel Park area in downtown Kingsport, where the farmers market and the Pal’s Roundhouse carousel building anchor a revitalized section of the city center.