-
Kingsport’s Best: Russ & Joyce Brogden
Over the next several weeks, we’ll be recognizing the 2026 recipients of the Kingsport Community Fund’s “Kingsport’s Best”, celebrating those whose service, generosity, and commitment make Kingsport a better place to live. While you’re thinking about it, mark your calendar for the next round: August 6, 2027. Kingsport Community Fund is the new name for…
-
The Good Old Days Won’t Win Friday Night
Any given Saturday. It’s more than a football cliché. Look at the Southeastern Conference. Ten of its 16 teams have three losses or fewer. Good teams have taken turns beating one another, and sorting out the College Football Playoff contenders could be almost as difficult as playing the games. That’s parity. And it isn’t confined…
-
Sullivan 250 | 1779: Why Sullivan County Took Its Name
11th in a 12-part monthly series to commemorate Sullivan County’s role in the 250th birthday of the United States of America November | 11 of 12 Have you ever wondered how Sullivan County got its name? The answer takes us back to 1779, when Tennessee didn’t even exist. We were part of North Carolina, and…
-
Scrappy, Hungry, and #1
Number one. Overall. Of all sizes. That’s how the Dobyns-Bennett High School Marching Band finished its 2026 competitive season Saturday night in Cookeville. With a score of 91.075, D-B won the Bands of America Middle Tennessee Regional Championship, edging Bartlett High School of suburban Memphis by just 0.075 points. Earlier that day, they had already…
-
Northeast Tennessee & Southwest Virginia: Are We Growing Too Fast?
For years, Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia faced a demographic challenge: our population was barely growing, deaths outnumbered births, and too few newcomers arrived to make up the difference. That picture has changed—and that’s worth celebrating. The latest Census Bureau estimates show our nine-county region added 20,221 residents between 2020 and 2025, reaching 623,799. That’s…
-
Football & History: From East Tennessee to Florida
Last night, I noticed that Blountstown, Florida, was playing at Sevier County, Tennessee, some 500 miles from home. That’s roughly the distance from Kingsport to Memphis, except these schools aren’t even in the same state. How did they find each other? I have no idea. But seeing “Sevier” and “Blount” together sent me down a…
-
Solid Rock(y Top)
Tennessee’s Financial Foundation By Jeff Fleming As a retired city manager, I’m conditioned to keep an eye on the finances. I’m all for optimism, celebrating accomplishments, and marketing those Instagram moments that make our communities shine. I’m also a believer in “Love Where You Live.” That sense of belonging gives a community its soul. But…
-
Standing in the Gap: A Tribute to Kingsport 9-1-1
I recently completed my four-year term on the Kingsport 9-1-1 Board as “Citizen Fleming.” It was a tumultuous time in the aftermath of COVID, and the mayor thought my experience might be useful. So I was happy to take a turn. But I came away with something more valuable than I expected: a renewed appreciation…
-
Northeast Tennessee Housing: Strong Appreciation, Lasting Value
After historic growth, the region’s housing market is finding a healthier balance while maintaining its competitive advantage. A home purchased before the pandemic may have built remarkable equity—and Northeast Tennessee still offers something increasingly difficult to find: housing prices that compare favorably with both Tennessee and the nation. That combination of investment value and opportunity…
-
Be Still
I was raised by a World War II veteran who loved me deeply and did everything he knew to set me on a positive course. Without him, I would have been lost. He gave me discipline, direction, and responsibility. His leadership style had been forged in the military. Two sayings reflected that: “Yours is not…
-
Subscribe
Subscribed
Have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
