Roses and Thorns: Good and Bad Deeds Recognized Across Region

Editorial board highlights acts of kindness and failures in the Tri-Cities area

Jan. 31, 2026 at 2:15am

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The Six Rivers Media Editorial Board has published its "Roses and Thorns" feature, recognizing both praiseworthy and disappointing actions from around the region. The piece highlights the efforts of public works crews, essential workers, warming shelters, the Red Cross, and Habitat for Humanity, while also calling out a hit-and-run driver in Johnson City.

Why it matters

The "Roses and Thorns" column is a regular feature that allows the editorial board to shine a light on the good deeds and failures happening in the local community, providing recognition for those going above and beyond as well as accountability for those falling short of community standards.

The details

The editorial board handed out "roses" to acknowledge the hard work of public works crews clearing roads, essential workers braving the elements, warming shelters providing refuge, the Red Cross assisting fire victims, and Habitat for Humanity building a new home. However, they also gave a "thorn" to a woman who allegedly fled the scene of a fatal accident in Johnson City after hitting a pedestrian with her vehicle.

  • The Roses and Thorns feature was published on January 31, 2026.

The players

Six Rivers Media Editorial Board

The editorial board that publishes the regular "Roses and Thorns" feature highlighting positive and negative actions in the local community.

Salvation Army

A nonprofit organization that opened warming shelters in the region during the winter storm.

Grace House

A warming shelter that opened its doors to those in need during the frigid temperatures.

The Table of Kingsport

A community organization that typically hosts free weekly dinners but expanded its mission to provide warming shelter during the winter storm.

Jeff Kiser

An individual who shelters homeless people in his heated buses.

Red Cross Disaster Action Team

A team that connects victims of residential fires to resources.

Habitat for Humanity

A nonprofit organization that received a grant to build a new home for a Kingsport single mother.

Johnson City Police Department

The police department that used Flock cameras to identify and apprehend a driver who allegedly fled the scene of a fatal accident.

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The takeaway

This "Roses and Thorns" feature highlights the importance of recognizing both the good and bad deeds happening in a local community, providing accountability and encouragement where needed. It showcases the valuable work of various organizations and individuals going above and beyond to support their neighbors, while also condemning unacceptable behavior that puts lives at risk.