☀️ Today’s Weather
Overcast skies today with a high of 90°F and a low of 66°F. Only a 1% chance of rain — enjoy the dry air while it lasts.
😄 Only in Johnson City
Johnson City is one of the only places where you can complain about the heat at 90 degrees, drive past a new restaurant opening, and then argue about a one-way street — all before you find parking downtown.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Where do the Johnson City Doughboys play their home games?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
Gov. Lee Appoints Scott Shults as First Judicial District Judge
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has appointed Scott Shults as the new judge for the First Judicial District, which includes Washington, Carter, Johnson, and Unicoi counties. Shults previously served as the Assistant District Attorney for the First Judicial District and earned his bachelor’s degree from ETSU and his juris doctor from Appalachian School of Law. The appointment fills a vacancy created by Judge Stacy Street’s elevation to the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals, and took effect immediately.
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Frazier Plumbing
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Johnson City Native Jenna Hutchins Returns Home to Inspire Next Generation of Runners
Johnson City native Jenna Hutchins has returned to her hometown with a mission to inspire young local runners. Her visit connects the community to a homegrown success story in the world of running. Check the link below for the full story.
Washington Co./Johnson City EMS Adapts to Flooding Danger
Washington County and Johnson City EMS crews have been adjusting their operations and protocols in response to ongoing flooding threats in the area. The report highlights how first responders are preparing and adapting to keep residents safe during dangerous weather events. See the full report at the link below.
Summer STEAM Camp at Johnson City Railroad Experience
The Johnson City Railroad Experience is hosting a Summer STEAM Camp, offering kids a hands-on educational program combining science, technology, engineering, art, and math. The camp is a great option for local families looking to keep children engaged and learning during the summer months. Visit the link below for details.
📅 Upcoming Events
Party in the Park – Powell Square Park
Date/Time: July 16, 2026, 5–7 p.m.
Location: Powell Square Park, Johnson City
The Johnson City Parks and Recreation Department’s free “Party in the Park” series continues tonight. Staff will give away free popsicles and prizes. The event is free and open to all ages.
Party in the Park – Carver Park
Date/Time: July 23, 2026, 5–7 p.m.
Location: Carver Park, Johnson City
The free “Party in the Park” summer series continues next week at Carver Park. Parks and Recreation staff will give away free popsicles and prizes. Free and open to all ages.
Party in the Park – Legion Street Pool Free Swim
Date/Time: July 30, 2026, 6–8 p.m.
Location: Legion Street Pool, Johnson City
The final installment of the “Party in the Park” series wraps up at Legion Street Pool with a free swim night. All ages are welcome at this free community event hosted by Johnson City Parks and Recreation.
10 Years – Live at Capone’s
Date/Time: Friday, July 31, 2026, 8:00 p.m.
Location: Capone’s, Johnson City
Rock band 10 Years is set to perform live at Capone’s in Johnson City. For tickets and more information, visit the venue or event listing.
The Farmer & The Chef
Date/Time: Sunday, August 30, 2026, 4:00–7:00 p.m.
Location: Blackthorn Club at the Ridges, Johnson City
A signature culinary event featuring regional chefs using locally grown fresh food to support the mission of ending food insecurity in Northeast Tennessee. For more information or to register, contact Lee Walker at lwalker@netfoodbank.org or visit the event page.
📜 Today in Johnson City History
One hundred and twenty-five years ago today in 1901, a New York dispatch described the planned Soldiers’ Home campus in detail: a triumphal arch entrance flanked by porters’ lodges, a parade ground with flagstaff and battery, a mess hall seating 1,250 at a time, twelve two-story barracks arranged in a semi-ellipse, a hospital, chapel, conservatories, and a cemetery. A trolley road from downtown Johnson City to the main gate was part of the plan, with 300,000 visitors expected annually. That campus is now the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center.
For more details, subscribe to the Today in Johnson City History newsletter by Rebecca Henderson.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
TVA Credit Union Ballpark, the longtime home of professional and collegiate baseball in Johnson City.