☀️ Today’s Weather
Overcast skies over the Model City today — High 86°F, Low 67°F, with a 16% chance of rain.
😄 Only in Kingsport
Kingsport names a park, opens a fire station, launches a new school communication platform, and arrests someone for a serious crime — all in the same week. The Model City keeps a full calendar whether you like it or not.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Some of the cabins at the Netherland Inn complex date back to before what year?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
⚖️ Kingsport Man Charged With Kidnapping and Child Rape
Kingsport Police have arrested a man in connection with charges of rape of a child and kidnapping. The case involves a Sullivan County suspect and represents one of the more serious criminal charges filed locally this week. Full details on the investigation and the accused are available through the links below.
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🌳 V.O. Dobbins Park Renamed in Honor of Well-Known Resident
A Kingsport park has been officially renamed to honor the memory of a well-known community member. A section of the city’s official announcements confirms the park renaming took place recently. According to the Times News, the park was renamed to honor Jack Pierce Sr., recognizing his legacy and impact on the community. For the full story on the tribute and the ceremony, see the links below.
🏔️ Bays Mountain Park Otter Habitat Update: Completion Targeted for September 2027
Bays Mountain Park in Kingsport has shared an update on the construction of its new otter habitat, with completion now targeted for September 2027. The project is part of ongoing improvements to the beloved nature park and planetarium. Visitors can follow progress at the park in the meantime.
📅 Upcoming Events
🎭 Kingsport Theatre Guild — The Play That Goes Wrong
Kingsport Theatre Guild is set to open its production of The Play That Goes Wrong, a fast-paced comedy in which a drama troupe’s opening night spirals into glorious chaos. Check the link below for dates, times, ticket information, and venue details.
🏴☠️ Peter Pan — FHG Productions
August 14–23, 2026 | Fridays & Saturdays at 7:00 PM, Sundays at 3:00 PM
Sensory-friendly show: Saturday, August 22 at 2:00 PM
2152 Hawthorne St, Kingsport
FHG Productions brings the classic tale of Peter Pan to the stage, with pirates, pixie dust, and Neverland adventure for the whole family.
🏞️ Free Admission Day at Bays Mountain Park — August 16, 2026
Guests at Bays Mountain Park in Kingsport can enjoy free admission on August 16, thanks to the Northeast Tennessee Association of Realtors, who are covering admission to encourage families to get out and enjoy the park. The park will be open from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m., with the nature center open from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. Fees for programs such as planetarium shows and barge rides will still apply.
🍷 Shop & Hop and Whiskey & Wine Social — Coming to Kingsport
Kingsport is set to host a Shop & Hop and Whiskey & Wine Social event. For specific dates, times, locations, and ticket information, visit the link below.
🎸 Gypsy Moon Coalition Live at Kingsport Moose Lodge — August 22, 2026
Gypsy Moon Coalition will perform live at Kingsport Moose Lodge #972 on Saturday, August 22, 2026, starting at 8:00 PM.
🎪 Smoky Mountain Terror — August 27–29, 2026
Smoky Mountain Terror begins on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 7:00 PM at the MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center in Kingsport. The event runs through August 30 and features guests available for photo opportunities, signings, and more.
🍽️ Meals on Wheels of Kingsport Cruise-In
The Meals on Wheels of Kingsport Cruise-In is a community car show event benefiting the Meals on Wheels program. For dates, times, and location details, visit the link below.
💎 Diamonds and Denim Fundraising Night
A Diamonds and Denim Fundraising Night is coming to the Kingsport area. For full event details including date, time, location, and how to participate, visit the link below.
🎸 Stryper Live at MeadowView — October 17, 2026
Rock band Stryper is scheduled to perform on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 6:00 PM at the MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center in Kingsport. Visit local ticketing platforms for ticket information.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
1800, making them among the oldest surviving structures in the Kingsport area and genuine artifacts of the frontier era.