Coffee in hand, Bristol? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: TriCities Champions Golf Tournament and 6 more events.
Today's riddle: What do you call a belt that is made of watches? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Tri-Cities municipalities feeling impact of high diesel prices (wjhl.com) — Bristol's public works director says high diesel prices are straining the city budget as hundreds of vehicles burn 400–500 gallons of fuel a day, though services remain unchanged for now. Along with Johnson City and Kingsport, Bristol is tightening driving habits, exploring alternative fuels, and tracking prices closely so leaders can adjust budgets without cutting essential services like trash pickup, buses, police, and fire.
2. 2026-2027 Scholarship Winners (utk.edu) — A University of Tennessee English major from Bristol has been awarded the Charles and Frances Mangam Merit Scholarship, spotlighting local academic achievement. The department also recognized several other Tennessee and regional students for a range of English and creative writing scholarships for the 2026–2027 academic year, underscoring strong support for humanities students statewide.
3. Jim Harless on Shadow (blogspot.com) — A Bristol native, Jim Harless built a devoted local following in the 1950s and '60s with his bluegrass band the Lonesome Valley Boys and a radio show on WRKM. His anti-rock 'n' roll tune "Rock & Roll Fever Ain't Got Me," cut for Bristol's Shadow Records, briefly lit up local airwaves and still reflects the city's deep musical roots.
4. Evangelist says Scripture, '3-minute story' opens door to gospel change (christianindex.org) — Bristol plays a key role in evangelist Ronnie Hill's story, where he first brought his three-minute testimony method to NASCAR fans at Bristol Motor Speedway using a motorcycle giveaway to draw crowds. The article follows how that approach, centered on concise personal stories and Scripture, has since shaped ministries at major events like the Calgary Stampede and Sturgis, and in his ongoing work training others to share their faith.
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Ok Bristol! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A waist of time. (Thank you Martin L. for sending it in!)
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