☀️ Today’s Weather
Overcast skies today with a high of 91°F and a low of 68°F — a 24% chance of rain, so keep an umbrella handy just in case.
😄 Only in Johnson City
Fun Fest comes around every summer and somehow Johnson City acts genuinely surprised that it’s hot outside. It’s July. It’s always 91 and overcast. The parade still goes on, and so do we.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: The Johnson City Doughboys play in which league?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
Former Student Referred to as “Hot” by School Board Member Keith Ervin Speaks Out
Hannah Campbell, a former David Crockett High School student who served as a student school board representative, spoke publicly about the April incident in which Washington County Board of Education member Keith Ervin called her “hot” during a school board meeting. Campbell was a student school board representative at the time; in April, Ervin referred to her as “hot” during a school board meeting, and in May, he was charged with assault in relation to the comment. Despite public outcry and a letter from DCHS students expressing discomfort, Ervin remains on the school board, though the board voted to censure him. Campbell said that “nobody should ever be treated that way in any type of setting,” and expressed that she does not want her peers to be overlooked in the chaos surrounding the incident.
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New Towne Acres Elementary School on Track for 2027 Opening
Johnson City Schools has announced that the new Towne Acres Elementary School is on track to open in 2027. The project represents a significant investment in expanding educational facilities for the city’s growing student population. Visit the link below for full details on the construction timeline and plans.
Johnson City Native Jenna Hutchins Returns Home to Inspire Next Generation of Runners
Johnson City native Jenna Hutchins recently returned home to connect with and inspire young runners in the area. Her visit highlighted the community’s strong tradition of distance running and offered an opportunity for up-and-coming athletes to learn from one of their own. See the full story at the link below.
Fun Fest Parade & Back to School Bash: Weekend Events in the Tri-Cities
The Fun Fest parade and the Coalition for Kids Back to School Bash are among the headline events taking place in the region this weekend. Both events offer family-friendly activities for Johnson City area residents. See the full weekend events roundup at the link below for times and locations.
📅 Upcoming Events
Party in the Park — Free Weekly Summer Series
The Johnson City Parks and Recreation Department is hosting its “Party in the Park” series throughout July. The events are free and open to all ages. Events continue through the end of July at various parks throughout the city.
The Farmer & The Chef — Benefit Culinary Event
This event takes place on Sunday, August 30, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Blackthorn Club at the Ridges. It is a signature culinary event featuring regional chefs using locally grown fresh food to support the mission of ending food insecurity in Northeast Tennessee.
10 Years — Live at Capone’s
10 Years is happening on Friday, July 31, 2026, from 8:00 PM onwards at Capone’s, Johnson City. The rock band will be performing as part of their 2026 Summer Tour.
Meet the Mountains 2026 — Winged Deer Park
Meet the Mountains 2026 is taking place August 14–16, 2026, at Winged Deer Park in Johnson City, Tennessee. This multi-day festival is a highlight of Johnson City’s summer calendar.
Now Now — Live in Johnson City
Now Now is coming to Johnson City on August 9, 2026. Visit the Johnson City Convention & Visitor Bureau events page for venue and ticket details.
More info at visitjohnsoncitytn.com
📜 Today in Johnson City History
Ninety-five years ago today in 1931, an Associated Press dispatch reported that a sudden windstorm blew down 40 trees onto a crowd gathered for a road dedication ceremony near Johnson City, killing two people: Mrs. George Hughes of Kingsport and Johnson City merchant John Hamilton. Governor Henry H. Horton and other officials had left the event shortly before the storm hit.
For more details, subscribe to the Today in Johnson City History newsletter by Rebecca Henderson.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
The Appalachian League, a summer collegiate league serving players from across the country in the mountain communities of Appalachia.