☀️ Today’s Weather
Light rain today with a high of 82°F and a low of 66°F — 73% chance of rain, so keep an umbrella handy.
😄 Only in Johnson City
Johnson City gets a thunderstorm photo gallery in the local news, and within 20 minutes half the town is arguing in the comments about whether it was worse in their neighborhood or just “a little sprinkle.” Meanwhile, the other half never even noticed it rained.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: What field name is associated with TVA Credit Union Ballpark?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
Clydesdales Lift Hearts of Patients at Niswonger Children’s Hospital
Patients at the Tri-Cities’ only children’s hospital had some special friends stop by recently — Clydesdales from Bart Long & Associates Realty and Auction in Bristol, Va. swung by Niswonger Children’s Hospital in Johnson City to help lift the spirits of young patients. Child Life Manager Rodney Rhodes noted that the experience can help normalize the hospital visit for children, saying that seeing the horses “brightens their day.” Rhodes also noted that the experience makes a difference for parents, who are coping alongside their hospitalized child.
Know a Local Business That Should Be Here?
If you send us a business that becomes a sponsor, we’ll pay you $50 for it. No cap, no catch. Just hit reply with their name and we’ll take it from there. (We still make the final call on fit, same as any other pitch.)
ETSU Helps Local Students ‘GEAR UP’ for College and Career Pathways
ETSU’s GEAR UP program is designed to increase the number of students prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education, particularly in underserved and rural communities, through partnerships with local school districts, faculty, staff, and community organizations. The ETSU GEAR UP Partnership serves students across 46 partner schools in Carter, Hawkins, Johnson, Kingsport City, Sullivan, and Washington County school districts. The program provides academic support, college and career exploration, and resources to help students successfully plan their next steps after high school.
Gallery: Severe Thunderstorms Roll Through the Region
Severe thunderstorms moved through the Johnson City area and the broader region on August 11, 2026, prompting WJHL to compile a photo gallery documenting the storm’s impact. The storms brought significant weather conditions across the area. Residents are encouraged to check in on neighbors and remain weather-aware as the region continues to see unsettled summer weather patterns.
Downtown Johnson City Says Goodbye to Summer with New Lawnstock Concert
Downtown Johnson City is gearing up for a brand-new summer send-off event called Lawnstock, a day of music set for August 22 at Founders Park. The event is being billed as a community gathering to close out the summer season in the heart of downtown. Details on performers and the full schedule are available through the Johnson City Press.
Read more at Johnson City Press
Farmer’s Market Friday Returns to Johnson City
Johnson City’s beloved weekly Farmers Market is back in the spotlight this Friday, August 12, showcasing the local farmers, bakers, artisans, and vendors who make it a community staple. The market continues to serve as a gathering point for residents looking to support locally grown and crafted goods. Check WJHL’s coverage for a look at what’s featured this week.
📅 Upcoming Events
Meet the Mountains Festival
Meet the Mountains 2026 runs August 14–16 at Winged Deer Park in Johnson City, Tennessee. The two-day festival serves as a showcase of Northeast Tennessee’s outdoor recreation assets and includes activities like zip lining, kayaking, and mountain biking, with more than 100 food and business vendors and live music. The main festival at Winged Deer Park and all activities are free of charge.
Redneck Brawl at Freedom Hall Civic Center
Redneck Brawl is happening on Saturday, August 15, 2026, starting at 8:00 PM at Freedom Hall Civic Center in Johnson City. Visit the event page for ticket and performer details.
Lawnstock | A Day of Music in Downtown Johnson City
Lawnstock | A Day of Music in Downtown Johnson City is happening on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 1:00 PM onwards at Founders Park, Johnson City. The new event is billed as a community summer send-off featuring live music in the heart of downtown. Visit the link for more details on performers and the full schedule.
More info at Johnson City Press
ETSU Quarterly Membership Breakfast
The Johnson City Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Quarterly Membership Breakfast with East Tennessee State University on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM at the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts, 1320 W State of Franklin Rd. The event will feature ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland and newly appointed Vice President of ETSU Advancement, Howard Reddy. Registration is required — contact the Chamber for details.
More info at Johnson City Chamber of Commerce
ETSU Buccaneers vs. Campbell Fighting Camels — Football Home Opener
East Tennessee State Buccaneers vs. Campbell Fighting Camels is happening on Friday, August 28, 2026, at 7:00 PM at William B. Greene Jr. Stadium in Johnson City. This is the Bucs’ first home game of the 2026 football season. Check ETSU Athletics for ticket information.
Stand-Up Comedy Night at Off Leash Social
Stand-Up Comedy Night at Off Leash Social is happening on Saturday, August 29, 2026, starting at 8:00 PM at Off Leash Social in Johnson City. For more details on performers and tickets, visit the venue or event listing.
📜 Today in Johnson City History
A century ago today in 1926, Charles Phillips of the Marshall Brothers Lumber Company was brought into Johnson City with a broken leg after his Ford flipped near Rock Creek above Erwin. A blown tire sent the car swerving and rolling, pinning his leg beneath the top before he could be freed and taken in for treatment.
For more details, subscribe to the Today in Johnson City History newsletter by Rebecca Henderson.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
Howard Johnson Field, named in honor of a longtime superintendent of parks and recreation for Johnson City.