☀️ Today’s Weather
Sunday, March 29, 2026 — Overcast. High 66°F, Low 34°F. 0% chance of rain.
😄 Joke of the Day
A tourist in Johnson City asked a local, “What do you all do when it rains here?” The local said, “Well, if it’s on a Saturday, we call it Main Street Days.”
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: The ETSU Buccaneers baseball team is off to a hot start at Thomas Stadium in 2026. After their victory over VMI on March 27, what was the Bucs’ overall win-loss record — and what was their remarkable record specifically at home at Thomas Stadium?
Answer: After beating VMI 6–5 on March 27, 2026, the Bucs improved to 18–6 overall and 3–1 in SoCon play — and an impressive 15–1 at Thomas Stadium this season.
🔝 Top Stories
Notorious Limestone Crypto Mine Closes — Washington County Residents Breathe Easy
Residents in a rural Washington County, Tennessee community are finally getting relief from a noisy cryptocurrency mine. More than three years after the county settled a lawsuit against the mine’s owner, the deadline for it to close arrived Saturday. Residents near the mine endured five years of constant computer fan noise. Mine owner CleanSpark confirmed it would “shut down operations in accordance with the settlement agreement and expects to remove equipment within the required 120-day period.” Meanwhile, a community group in Johnson City is now working with the city on a noise and vibration study to create new zoning protections, targeting 10 sites around the city to establish a baseline. The group, Johnson City Coalition Against Bitcoin Mining, is planning a community meeting April 28 at 6 p.m. at the Johnson City Public Library to update residents on the progress.
Johnson City Schools Breaks Ground on New $43M Towne Acres Elementary
Construction began on the new Towne Acres Elementary School in Johnson City this week with a celebration marking the groundbreaking. Many gathered to witness the event, which leaders say is set to give students a better opportunity for academic success. The new school will be located at 2310 Larkspur Drive and is scheduled to open in Summer 2027, featuring a 110,000-square-foot building that will accommodate up to 750 students and staff. Towne Acres Elementary is the last of eight schools to be renovated for Johnson City Schools, and the new building is set to be finished in the summer of 2027. A group of Towne Acres third graders joined city and school district officials during the groundbreaking and will be the first to enter and graduate from the new school after its completion.
Tennessee Bill to Limit Screen Time in K–5 Classrooms Advances — Johnson City Schools Weigh In
A proposal to limit technology in kindergarten through fifth grade classes was first brought up in early February, and immediately concerned several school leaders, including Johnson City Superintendent Dr. Erin Slater. “We have made a significant investment in technology simply because we know how to use it with students to extend their learning, we know how to use it to reinforce learning and we know how to use it to support student learning,” Slater said. The original outright ban was deemed too extreme and was amended: instead of banning technology in elementary classes, school leaders must now create a policy that prioritizes in-person teaching, limits digital devices, and prohibits the use of social media. The amended version of the bill was unanimously passed by the Tennessee Senate and will go before the House in April 2026.
ETSU Football Opens Spring Practice Under Coach Healy
Football has returned to Johnson City as the ETSU Buccaneers took to the field for their first day of spring practice. This marks the second season under head coach Will Healy, following a record-breaking offensive year for the Bucs. Tuesday’s session was the first of 12 scheduled practices leading up to the annual Blue and Gold Spring Game. Along with several roster additions, the team welcomed new wide receivers coach Shaedon Meadors and quarterbacks coach Neal Posey to the staff. Despite the fresh faces, returning players say the newcomers already understand the program’s culture. “They all know the mission,” said defensive lineman Isaiah Potts. “We told them what we’re about here. We love this program, we protect it, and they know that.”
Ballad Health Opens Expanded Cancer Care Clinic in Johnson City
In an ongoing commitment to increase access to quality oncology and hematology services in the Appalachian Highlands, Ballad Health celebrated the grand opening of the newly expanded Ballad Health Cancer Care – Johnson City, enabling the health system to offer its high-quality cancer treatment and hematology services to even more patients. The completed expansion adds 11 exam rooms, three new physician offices and two new chemotherapy wings complete with six private rooms and 32 infusion chairs. The expansion also adds more room in the registration area, the infusion center and the in-house pharmacy, broadening the services available to patients battling cancer or needing infusion services. Ballad Health’s continuing investment in robotic-assisted technology will also benefit cancer patients, including the Ion robotic-assisted surgery system, which allows surgeons to now access areas of the lung where more than 70% of cancerous growths are typically found.
ETSU Bucs Baseball Continues Red-Hot Home Run — Beat VMI 6–5
The ETSU baseball team battled back from a couple of different deficits to knock off VMI by a score of 6–5 on Friday from Thomas Stadium. Friday’s victory boosted ETSU’s record to 18–6 overall and 3–1 in SoCon play. The Bucs are now 15–1 at Thomas Stadium this season. Nate Conner went 2-for-4 with a home run and drove in four of ETSU’s six runs, while Mason Ault went 2-for-3 with a home run of his own. Prior to the start of Saturday’s game, there was also a ribbon-cutting ceremony involving alumni for the new turf at Thomas Stadium.
Tennessee Lawmaker Proposes Amendment That Could Reduce State Oversight of Ballad Health
An amendment to a Tennessee bill related to health care facilities could reduce the state’s current level of oversight of hospital system Ballad Health, which operates an inpatient hospital monopoly in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. While it hasn’t been officially attached to a bill that changes the state’s certificate of need (CON) laws, if enacted, it would eliminate the role the Tennessee Department of Health plays in ensuring Ballad provides better health care quality, access and price than area residents would get in a competitive market. Sen. Rusty Crowe (R-Johnson City) responded that legislators “haven’t seen any language yet but hopefully we will soon.”
📅 Upcoming Events
Northeast State Spring Career Fair
Date/Time: Wednesday, April 1, 2026 | 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Location: Northeast State Community College, Ballad Health Center for the Performing Arts, 2425 Highway 75, Blountville, TN 37617
The Career & Workforce Development Center at Northeast State Community College is hosting the 2026 Spring Career Fair. Employers from across the region will be sharing information about available job openings and career opportunities. This event offers a wonderful opportunity for job seekers to network with employers representing a wide range of career fields, and is free and open to the public.
Johnson City Jazz Festival
Date/Time: April 16–19, 2026 (multi-day event)
Location: Multiple venues, Johnson City, TN — including ETSU Martin Center’s Powell Recital Hall and the Jackson Theatre in Jonesborough
On Friday, April 17, the festivities transition to the ETSU Martin Center’s Powell Recital Hall. The evening’s program will feature Moon Unit, a sophisticated guitar trio from Durham, followed by a performance from acclaimed New York jazz vocalist Emma Hedrick and her Quintet. The 2026 Johnson City Jazz Festival also includes a performance at the Jackson Theatre on April 19 at 7:00 PM.
Read more at Johnson City Jazz Festival
Thirsty Orange Beer Festival 2026
Date/Time: Saturday, April 18, 2026 | Premium Access 1:00 PM, General Admission 2:00 PM
Location: Founders Park, 225 Commerce Street, Johnson City, TN 37604
Thirsty Orange Beer Festival returns on Saturday, April 18, 2026 for a full day of sampling 150+ craft beers, ciders, and meads from breweries across the region. Expect great drinks, food trucks, and a true beer-festival atmosphere in the heart of Johnson City. This is a 21+ event; valid ID required.
Read more at Visit Johnson City
Forever Fest: West Walnut Block Party
Date/Time: Friday, April 24, 2026 | 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: West Walnut Street, Downtown Johnson City, TN
Forever Fest: West Walnut Block Party takes place April 24 in downtown Johnson City from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM — one of several spring community festivals rounding out the season in the Tri-Cities. Check with local event listings for the full lineup of performers and activities.
Read more at Visit Johnson City
Art·Struck Festival 2026
Date/Time: Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: The Pavilion at Founders Park, 105 W. Main St., Downtown Johnson City, TN
The Art·Struck Festival brings together artists and arts organizations to celebrate and support the arts community. The festival offers high-quality artwork for sale to the public, arts demonstrations, and activities for all ages. The Johnson City Public Art Committee has selected 56 artists to booth at the 2026 Art·Struck Festival after receiving over 100 applications. The festival is organized by the City of Johnson City’s public art committee, an active group of art-loving, City-appointed volunteers.
Read more at Art·Struck Festival
Anti-Bitcoin Mining Community Meeting
Date/Time: Tuesday, April 28, 2026 | 6:00 PM
Location: Johnson City Public Library, Johnson City, TN
The Johnson City Coalition Against Bitcoin Mining is planning a community meeting April 28 at 6 p.m. at the Johnson City Public Library to update residents on the progress of the city’s noise and vibration study and new zoning protections. The group is also watching state and federal bills on the issue.