☀️ Today’s Weather
Overcast skies today with a high of 88°F and a low of 59°F — only a 1% chance of rain.
😄 Only in Johnson City
You know you’re in Johnson City when the aquatics center debate has been going on so long that the kids who sparked it have already graduated from Science Hill.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Tipton-Haynes is closely tied to an attempt to create a separate state before Tennessee became Tennessee. What was that movement called?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
Marsh Regional Blood Center Facing Shortage of O-Positive and O-Negative Blood
Marsh Regional Blood Center is facing a shortage of O-positive and O-negative blood types and is asking eligible donors to give this week. O-positive and O-negative blood is used in emergency trauma care and surgeries, and Marsh Regional is offering a $25 Food City gift card to all O-positive and O-negative donors who give through June 19. A mobile blood drive is taking place today, Wednesday, June 17, at Johnson City Medical Center. Appointments are encouraged but walk-ins are welcome — visit marshblood.com for more details.
Sponsored by
Frazier Plumbing
Got a leaky pipe, a water heater on its last legs, or a drain that’s given up? Frazier Plumbing has been solving plumbing problems for Tri-Cities homeowners since 1980 — family-owned, locally operated, and available 24/7 when things go wrong at the worst possible time. No runaround, no oversized crews. Just experienced local plumbers who show up and fix it right.
Davis Appointed CFO of State of Franklin Healthcare Associates (SOFHA)
State of Franklin Healthcare Associates (SOFHA), a physician-led and employee-owned medical group with more than 30 medical practices in East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, has recently announced that Davis will serve as the organization’s Chief Financial Officer. Details on the appointment were reported by WJHL. Visit the link below for more information.
TEDxJohnsonCity Returns for Fourth Annual Event — Speaker Spotlight
Ahead of this year’s TEDxJohnsonCity event, the Johnson City Press spotlighted local speaker Alexandra Battle. TEDxJohnsonCity is an independent, community-led event first introduced to the region in Summer 2023, aimed at highlighting real change agents in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. This year’s speakers include Alexandra Battle, Kate Craig, Dr. Sarah Long, David Nelson, and Jessica Stollings of Johnson City, TN, among others.
Read more at Johnson City Press
New ETSU Men’s Basketball Players Participate in Annual Camp
Newly joined ETSU men’s basketball players recently helped out with the program’s annual basketball camp, giving local youth an early look at some new faces joining the Bucs roster. The camp is a yearly tradition that connects the community with the team. Visit the link below for more details.
📅 Upcoming Events
Fridays After 5: The Maggie Valley Band
Fridays After 5 featuring The Maggie Valley Band takes place June 19 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. The series is held in King Commons, 112 N. Commerce St., Friday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. FA5 concerts offer free, family-friendly fun, bringing together residents and visitors for a live music experience.
More info at johnsoncitytn.org
Juneteenth Community History Harvest
The Juneteenth Community History Harvest is scheduled for June 19 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. For full location and event details, visit the Johnson City Convention & Visitor Bureau events page.
More info at visitjohnsoncitytn.com
Johnson City Doughboys vs. Burlington Sock Puppets
The Johnson City Doughboys take on the Burlington Sock Puppets on June 19. Check the Johnson City Convention & Visitor Bureau events page for game time and venue details.
More info at visitjohnsoncitytn.com
TEDxJohnsonCity 2026
TEDxJohnsonCity takes place Friday, June 26, 2026 at 6:00 pm. The annual event aims to highlight real change agents in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia and draw attention to the region through TED’s international platform. The event is held at the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts, 1320 W State of Franklin Rd, Johnson City, Tennessee.
Volunteer Wake Surf Classic 2026
The Volunteer Wake Surf Classic 2026 is scheduled for June 19 through June 20. For full location and event details, visit the Johnson City Convention & Visitor Bureau events page.
More info at visitjohnsoncitytn.com
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
The State of Franklin, a short-lived attempt by settlers in what is now East Tennessee to form their own independent state in the 1780s.