☀️ Today’s Weather
Partly cloudy. High 89°F, Low 58°F. 1% chance of rain — a warm summer Wednesday in the Model City.
😄 Only in Kingsport
Kingsport has a fire station that’s been around since 1941, a downtown concert series that draws hundreds every Friday night, and a YMCA that feeds kids for free all summer. Some cities plan one of those things. Kingsport just does all three and calls it June.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Kingsport became the modern planned city we know today when it was re-chartered in what year?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
Kingsport Plans New Fire Station 2 to Replace Aging Facility
Kingsport officials are moving forward with plans to build a new Fire Station 2, replacing the current facility that has been in service since the early 1940s. The existing station has long been cited as too small for modern firefighting equipment and in need of major upgrades. A recent report indicates the city’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen discussed the project, with a potential makeover coming sooner rather than later.
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Kingsport Man Arrested for Sexual Battery, Exploitation of a Minor
Kingsport Police Department recently announced the arrest of a man on charges of sexual battery and sexual exploitation of a minor. The case is part of ongoing law enforcement efforts to address crimes against children in the community. Additional details on the charges are available in the full report.
Greater Kingsport Family YMCA Expands Free Meal Program for Kids in July
The Greater Kingsport Family YMCA recently announced an expansion of its free meal program for children, set to launch in July. The program aims to help address food insecurity among youth in the area during the summer months. Residents are encouraged to visit the YMCA or check local listings for more details on eligibility and locations.
Sullivan County Schools Shares Concerns Over Rock Quarry Expansion
Sullivan County Schools has raised concerns regarding a proposed rock quarry expansion in the area, citing potential impacts on nearby school facilities and students. Officials shared their reservations publicly as part of ongoing community discussions about the project. Residents with questions are encouraged to follow local coverage for updates as the situation develops.
Marsh Regional Blood Center in Need of Blood Donations
Marsh Regional Blood Center is calling on the community to donate blood as local supplies run low. Officials are urging eligible donors to schedule an appointment or visit a donation center to help maintain an adequate regional blood supply. Community support is critical to ensuring patients across the area have access to the blood they need.
📅 Upcoming Events
Twilight Alive featuring KP & The Classics
Date/Time: Friday, June 19, 2026 at 7:00 PM (street closure at 5:00 PM)
Location: 100 Block of Broad Street, Downtown Kingsport
The free Twilight Alive summer concert series continues with KP & The Classics, celebrating the Juneteenth holiday with a performance spanning hits from the 60s through today. Bring a lawn chair; no coolers. Beer sales available on-site. Food available from downtown restaurants and on-site vendors.
Read more at Downtown Kingsport Association
Twilight Alive featuring HOOCH – Music on the Rocks
Date/Time: Friday, June 26, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Location: 100 Block of Broad Street, Downtown Kingsport
The free outdoor concert series continues with HOOCH – Music on the Rocks bringing soulful rock vibes and dance hits from every era to downtown Kingsport. Bring a lawn chair; no coolers. Beer sales and food from downtown restaurants available on-site.
Kingsport’s Red, White & BOOM Independence Day Celebration
Date/Time: Saturday, July 4, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Location: Main Street, Centennial Park Area, Downtown Kingsport
Kingsport’s fifth-annual Independence Day celebration returns to downtown with food trucks, fireworks, live music, and more. Grand Funk Railroad is set to headline the free concert, with opener Nashville Yacht Club Band. New this year: a hot dog eating contest and a kids’ watermelon eating contest. The event is free and open to the public.
Fun Fest 2026
Dates: July 18–26, 2026
Location: Various locations across Kingsport; Sunset Concert Series at J. Fred Johnson Stadium
Kingsport’s signature summer festival returns for nine days of events across the city. The Sunset Concert Series lineup includes Tauren Wells and We Are Messengers (July 24), Bret Michaels and Edwin McCain (July 25), and Brad Paisley and Avery Anna (July 26). Check the official Fun Fest schedule for specific event times and locations.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
1917, when Kingsport was re-chartered and began its modern era as one of America’s most deliberately planned industrial cities.