☀️ Today’s Weather
Overcast skies today with a high of 92°F and a low of 66°F. Just a 9% chance of rain — keep the umbrella home, but maybe leave the sunglasses in the car too.
😄 Only in Kingsport
Kingsport already has Bays Mountain, Warriors Path, the Holston River, and Eastman Chemical. Now In-N-Out Burger filed a conceptual application. At some point other cities are going to need a different strategy.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: The Kingsport Carousel’s rounding boards show scenes from what subject?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
🌊 Sullivan County Authorities Identify Man Recovered from Boone Lake
The Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office has identified the man recovered from Boone Lake as 35-year-old Aaron Mathes of Johnson City. Witnesses reported seeing something fall from the Highway 11E bridge before hearing someone call for help. Deputies and Bluff City Police recovered Mathes’ body, and the incident remains under investigation. Authorities do not suspect foul play.
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.)
👮 Kingsport Police Searching for Runaway Juvenile
The Kingsport Police Department has issued an alert searching for a runaway juvenile. Residents with any information are encouraged to contact KPD. Visit the link below for the most current details.
🍽️ Hope Helps Continues Serving the Kingsport Community
A local Times News feature highlights the work of Hope Helps and its ongoing service to residents in Kingsport and the surrounding region. The organization provides assistance to community members in need. Visit the link below for the full story.
📸 Sullivan County Flock Camera Resolution Heads Toward Vote
One Sullivan County anti-Flock camera resolution is up for a vote this week, with a second resolution scheduled for October. The debate over the use of automated license plate reader cameras in Sullivan County has been ongoing, with community members and officials weighing privacy concerns against public safety benefits. Visit the link below for the latest on the legislative process.
📅 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.
🧘 Scenic Planetarium Yoga — Saturday, September 19, 2026
Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 10:00 AM
853 Bays Mountain Park Rd, Kingsport, TN 37660
A yoga session held inside Bays Mountain Park’s planetarium, combining movement and scenic surroundings for a unique wellness experience.
🃏 Tri Cities Card Show — Saturday, September 19, 2026
Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 9:00 AM
MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center, Kingsport
A trading card show bringing collectors and dealers together for sports cards, gaming cards, and more.
🎵 St. Jude’s Fundraiser w/ Three Miles South & Southern Breeze — Saturday, September 19, 2026
Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 9:00 PM
516 G Morelock St, Kingsport, TN 37660
A live music fundraiser supporting St. Jude’s, featuring performances by Three Miles South and Southern Breeze.
🍪 Football Sugar Cookie Decorating Class — Saturday, September 19, 2026
Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 11:00 AM
205 Broad St, Kingsport
A hands-on sugar cookie decorating class with a football theme, perfect for all skill levels looking for a fun fall activity.
📚 Tennessee Lit Con 2026 — Friday, September 25, 2026
Friday, September 25, 2026 | 10:00 AM
MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center, Kingsport
The second annual Tennessee Lit Con is a two-day event taking place Friday and Saturday, September 25–26, 2026, at MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center, featuring 100 authors, 20 vendors, 5 narrators, and more.
🎶 Folkfest Fall Shindig — Saturday, September 26, 2026
Saturday, September 26, 2026 | 10:00 AM
140 Broad Street, Kingsport, TN 37660
A fall festival gathering featuring folk music and community fun in downtown Kingsport.
🕵️ Hidden Gems — Downtown Kingsport Photo Hunt — Friday, September 25, 2026
Friday, September 25, 2026 | 10:00 AM
Downtown Kingsport
An exploration-style photo hunt challenge set throughout downtown Kingsport, encouraging participants to discover lesser-known spots throughout the area.
🎃 Campfire Tales at Bays Mountain Park — Fall 2026
Bays Mountain Park, Kingsport
Bays Mountain Park, in partnership with the Friends of Bays, has announced the return of Campfire Tales — a free event featuring Dr. Hannah Harvey, a renowned national storyteller and an award-winning performer and director. Sessions are recommended for families, teens, and adults, with Friday’s program geared more towards kids, while Saturday’s is designed for older teens and adults. Check the official page for specific dates and times.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
Kingsport’s history, with the painted panels around the carousel depicting scenes and landmarks from the city’s past and celebrating its heritage.