☀️ Today’s Weather
Overcast skies today with a high of 86°F and a low of 69°F. A 16% chance of rain — the clouds are hanging around, but don’t cancel your plans just yet.
😄 Only in Johnson City
ETSU students move back in this week, and just like that, every parking lot in Johnson City has a new three-minute wait, a missing shopping cart in the return, and someone very confidently taking the wrong on-ramp onto 26.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Winged Deer Park has been part of Johnson City’s park system since what year?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
Fatal Shooting in Gray Tied to Parking Spot Dispute
A man was killed Friday morning after an argument over a handicap parking spot escalated into a shooting at a business on Roy Martin Road in Gray. Johnson City Police Department Lt. Gary Wills confirmed the deadly shooting was caused by a dispute over a handicap parking spot, and said a person of interest was being questioned by officers — with charges still pending and no names released for either the victim or suspect. Gray Elementary School was placed on lockdown for approximately 20 minutes as a precaution; the lockdown has since been lifted.
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.)
Johnson City Commissioners Approve Higher Property Tax Rate
Johnson City homeowners will see a higher property tax bill after the Board of Commissioners formally adopted the 2026 tax rate. Commissioners approved the city’s 2026 property tax rates, passing the third and final reading of the ordinance by a 3-1 vote, reflecting a 28-cent increase that brings the city tax rate to $1.66 per $100 of assessed value. Eight cents of the 28-cent increase will support debt service for the planned aquatics facility, a project discussed as a roughly $37 million development planned in phases.
Gatton College of Pharmacy Welcomes New Class
East Tennessee State University’s Gatton College of Pharmacy recently celebrated a milestone for its newest students. The college held a white coat ceremony welcoming its incoming class of pharmacy students, a tradition marking their formal entry into the profession. Visit the link below for more details on the ceremony.
Six Candidates Set to Secure Spot on Johnson City Commission Ballot
With the filing deadline approaching, six candidates are on track to appear on the Johnson City Commission ballot. The race could shape the direction of city leadership in the months ahead. Check the link below for the full list of candidates and details on the filing process.
Read more at Johnson City Press
📅 Upcoming Events
Event details are pulled from public listings and can change. Please confirm dates and times on the official event page before making plans.
Foam Party at Off Leash Social
A Foam Party is happening on Saturday, August 15, 2026 starting at 4:00 PM at Off Leash Social in Johnson City. Visit the link below for ticket and registration information.
Redneck Brawl at Freedom Hall Civic Center
Redneck Brawl is taking place on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 8:00 PM at Freedom Hall Civic Center in Johnson City. Visit the link below for ticketing details.
Read more at Freedom Hall Civic Center
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 starting at 1:00 PM at Founders Park in Johnson City. Visit the link below for the full lineup and more details.
Stand-Up Comedy Night at Off Leash Social
A Stand-Up Comedy Night at Off Leash Social is happening on Saturday, August 29, 2026 starting at 8:00 PM. Visit the link below for more information.
ETSU Buccaneers vs. Campbell Fighting Camels Football
East Tennessee State Buccaneers take on the Campbell Fighting Camels on Friday, August 28, 2026 at 7:00 PM at William B. Greene Jr. Stadium in Johnson City. Visit the link below for ticketing details.
Taco Trek | September
Taco Trek for September is happening on Tuesday, September 1, 2026 starting at 6:30 PM at 110 W Market St in Johnson City. Visit the link below for more information.
Upper East Tennessee Celtic Festival and Games 2026
The Upper East Tennessee Celtic Festival and Games 2026 is scheduled for September 4, with events beginning at 6:00 PM and 6:30 PM. Visit the link below for location and full schedule details.
Read more at Visit Johnson City TN
Appalachian Fair Home Show
The Appalachian Fair Home Show is taking place September 25–27, 2026 at the Appalachian Fairgrounds, featuring hands-on demonstrations, expert advice, and exclusive offers — with free admission for all.
Read more at Johnson City Chamber
📜 Today in Johnson City History
One hundred and twenty-five years ago today in 1901, The Comet marked the passing of Jessee Slagle, described as one of the oldest citizens of Washington County, who died at his home near Johnson City. The same issue reported the death of longtime resident Mrs. Caroline Richardson, with burial to follow at Oak Grove in Carter County.
For more details, subscribe to the Today in Johnson City History newsletter by Rebecca Henderson.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
1991, when the park was added to Johnson City’s parks system and began serving the community with recreational facilities.