Disney in August – Lane's Family Update Lane shares highlights from his family's recent trip to Walt Disney World during peak August heat.

Devil's Bathtub Adventure Dustol recounts a weekend trip to the Devil's Bathtub swimming hole. Lane reveals his family's land sits just miles from the trailhead, sparking a brief reflection on growing up near nature and how those places matter as you age.

Tribute to Dolly Parton A sincere moment honoring Dolly Parton. The hosts reflect on her legacy beyond music—her philanthropy, consistent kindness, and grace in the public eye. She modeled authenticity for generations.

Education & Careers The hosts shift gears to talk about local education pathways and career opportunities in the area.

Local Sports & Broadcasting Superpower (?) of an antenna. A discussion the challenges of getting games streamed or broadcast regionally. The hosts talk about why it matters to cover high school and amateur sports, what tech tools make it easier today.

Dustol and Lane return from a brief hiatus as Lane shares a recent health scare, recovery, and gratitude to caregivers and supporters.

They recap summer events around Kingsport — Fun Fest highlights, Taste of Tri-Cities, local sports, food trucks, minor-league baseball, and an upcoming merch drop.

The conversation also covers family travels (New York, Kiawah, Disney plans), the value of community, and plans to resume regular episodes.

This week, Model City Rewind brings you the complete interview with friend of the show and local legend, Jeff Fleming, former City Manager of Kingsport, Tennessee. After 35 years with the city (including 5 years as City Manager), Jeff shares his remarkable journey from first-generation college student to becoming one of Kingsport's most influential civic leaders.

Jeff Fleming

• 35-year career with the City of Kingsport (1984–2019)
• Served as City Manager from 2019–2024
• Started as an ETSU intern in 1984, worked his way up through various roles
• Master's degree in Geography and Urban Regional Planning from ETSU
• Currently active in community engagement through "Move to Kingsport" program

• How a summer American History class changed his career path from engineering to public administration
• The advice from his brother: "If you're passionate about what you do, the money will find you"
• Working through six mayors and six city managers before becoming City Manager himself

• Downtown Kingsport transformation from 2000s to present
• Blue Cross Park development ($58M project, 50 years in the making)
• Broad Street redevelopment and roundabout installations
• The "three-legged stool" leadership approach with Chris McCart and Ryan McReynolds

• Moving beyond traditional manufacturing-dependent economy
• Non-traditional economic development focus (quality of life, walkability, urbanization)
• Partnership with Northeast State for workforce development
• "Move to Kingsport" program – 591 families from 47 states moved there last year

• Annexation costs and responsibilities (millions of dollars per area)
• Utility infrastructure upgrades in older neighborhoods (Lynn Garden, Preston Woods)
• Balancing growth without becoming like Rutherford County/Middle Tennessee
• Population growth target: 5-10% annually (currently at ~7%)

• Importance of parks, recreation, and gathering spaces
• Concert series on Broad Street (inspired by Greenville, SC)
• Pickleball courts conversion and community adoption
• Lacrosse becoming a school-sanctioned sport

• School boundary changes and community divisions
• Robinson High School consolidation efforts
• Band programs as community unifiers across socioeconomic lines