Chris Paris
Oct 21, 2026
Good Morning, Tri-Cities! |
Good Wednesday morning, Tri-Cities! There's plenty happening across Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol and the surrounding Appalachian Highlands, and today's edition brings together the developments worth your attention.
In Jonesborough, a major BWXT expansion is moving ahead, while a proposed AI data center has Mountain City looking closely at a zoning decision. We're also following Kingsport Public Library's renovation, important updates for I-81 travelers and airport safety training, and the latest community efforts connecting neighbors across Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.
You'll find practical reminders for this weekend, including the October 24 fall festival and medication take-back event, along with stories of local businesses, caregiving resources, and the beautiful autumn color now drawing visitors to Roan Mountain.
And for our One Local Thing feature, we're visiting Rocky Mount in Piney Flats, where an ordinary-looking historic property played a remarkable role in Tennessee's earliest government.
Thanks for spending part of your morning with us. Here's what's happening around the Tri-Cities. |
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Trivia Question❓Which Northeast Tennessee town hosts the annual National Storytelling Festival? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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Thursday discussion concerns a potential industrial zoning change on South Shady Street. Read More... |
This newsletter sponsored by |
Regas Bros Seasoning |
A Taste of Tradition. A Gift of Hope.
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More than just great flavor, every purchase has purpose—all proceeds support the Alzheimer’s Foundation, honoring Frank, his sister, and the countless families impacted by the disease.
💜Taste the tradition. 💜Support a cause. 💜Love what you eat
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Tri-Cities Airport officials have announced annual aircraft rescue and firefighting live-burn training for October 22 and 23. Read More... |
Early voting begins October 14 in Tennessee and is already underway in Virginia. Check local hours and locations before voting. Read More... |
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ETSU and the Unicoi County Prevention Coalition seek local perspectives on priorities and shared spaces. Read More... |
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WETS-FM 89.5 is holding its fall listener-supported fundraising campaign through October 24 amid a reported reduction in annual federal funding. Read More... |
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Owners thank generations of customers as a longtime community dining spot nears its farewell. Read More... |
New destinations, restaurant expansion and a longtime farewell across Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol and Elizabethton. Read More... |
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Helping an aging parent can become overwhelming when one person carries every responsibility. Learn how to organize the work and where Northeast Tennessee families can ask about respite, training and support. Read More... |
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Interesting Facts From Around the Tri-Cities |
A birthplace of country music: Congress recognized Bristol, Tennessee and Virginia, as the Birthplace of Country Music in 1998, acknowledging the importance of the landmark 1927 Bristol recording sessions.
A remarkable roadside discovery: The Gray Fossil Site was uncovered during highway construction in 2000. The ancient deposits have yielded fossils that help scientists understand a much older Appalachian landscape.
ETSU's early beginning: East Tennessee State University opened in 1911 as East Tennessee State Normal School, originally established to prepare teachers for the region. |
This newsletter sponsored by |
Morning Grace Daily |
Start your morning with a little more peace, hope, and encouragement. Morning Grace Daily offers faith-filled inspiration designed to help you begin the day grounded in what matters most.
Visit the website for uplifting daily devotionals, then join the Facebook group to connect with others who are starting their mornings with faith, reflection, and encouragement.
A few quiet minutes each morning can help set the tone for the whole day. |
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Before Tennessee became a state, Governor William Blount lived with the Cobb family in Piney Flats. Discover Rocky Mount's role in territorial history and what visitors can explore today. Read More... |
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💡 Answer to Trivia Question: Jonesborough. Known as Tennessee's oldest town, Jonesborough has hosted the National Storytelling Festival since 1973. |
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Quote of the Day
“The strength of a community is found in the people who keep showing up for one another.”
— Tri-Cities Daily |
Thanks for reading Tri-Cities Daily and staying connected to the people, places and decisions shaping our region.
If you know about a neighborhood event, a new business, a local achievement or a community issue that deserves attention, send us a tip.
Enjoy the fall colors, have a great week, and we'll see you next Wednesday. |