☀️ Today’s Weather
Overcast skies today with a high of 85°F and a low of 61°F. Only a 6% chance of rain — a good day to get out if you can.
😄 Only in Johnson City
ETSU students are back, the hills are full, and downtown is busy again. Every fall it takes about two weeks before locals remember that “I’ll just run a quick errand on State of Franklin” was never actually a good idea.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: The Gray Fossil Site was not discovered by archaeologists on a planned dig. What kind of project uncovered it?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
JCPD Releases Statement on Fatal Gray Shooting — Shooter Still Not Publicly Identified
More than a week after a fatal shooting took place in Gray, the Johnson City Police Department has released a statement on the case. The victim has been identified as Dalton Spaulding, 24, of Jonesborough, but the shooter’s identity has not been released by police and no charges have been filed. A preliminary investigation found that an argument over a parking spot at a business on Roy Martin Road escalated, and Spaulding was shot and pronounced dead at the scene. Once the investigation is finalized, the case file will be provided to District Attorney General Steve Finney’s Office for review and consideration of any potential charges.
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.)
Back-to-School Bazaar Coming to Johnson City This Saturday
Blue Ridge Events is hosting an upcoming Back-to-School Bazaar featuring local artisans and makers, along with food trucks and resources from small businesses. The bazaar will be held at the Freedom Hall Civic Center on Saturday, Aug. 29, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is free to attend, open to all ages, and organizers say it’s the perfect way to celebrate the start of the school year.
Johnson City Transit to Offer Free Rides and Schedule Changes in September
Johnson City Transit has announced it will offer free rides and schedule changes during the month of September. The move is aimed at encouraging more residents to take advantage of public transit options available throughout the city. Visit the Johnson City Transit website or check the WJHL article for specific details on which routes and dates are affected.
Documents Reveal Milligan Crash Suspect Has Lengthy History of Driving Violations
Newly released documents are shedding more light on the background of the suspect charged in connection with the deadly crash involving the Milligan cycling team. Records show the suspect has been charged with multiple driving violations in Florida and North Carolina over a period of decades. The crash earlier this month killed two people and injured several others who were part of the Milligan cycling team.
Independent Gubernatorial Candidate Makes Stop in Johnson City
An independent candidate running for Tennessee governor recently visited Johnson City as part of their campaign trail. The stop highlights Johnson City’s continued role as a key stop for statewide candidates seeking to connect with voters in the Tri-Cities region. Visit the WJHL link below for full details on the visit.
Johnson City Public Library to Host Shirefest
The Johnson City Public Library is set to host Shirefest, an event celebrating the world of J.R.R. Tolkien. The library-hosted celebration is open to fans of all ages looking to enjoy programming inspired by Middle-earth. Check the link below for date, time, and additional details.
📅 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.
🎪 Back-to-School Bazaar — August 29, 2026
Saturday, August 29, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Freedom Hall Civic Center (Freedom Hall Gym), 1320 Pactolas Road, Johnson City
Blue Ridge Artisan Days will host its Back-to-School Bazaar, featuring a variety of local artisans and small businesses offering handmade goods and unique products. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Freedom Hall Gym, 1320 Pactolas Road. Admission and parking are free. Door prizes will be awarded throughout the day, and families can visit the Young Artisan Club Creation Station for hands-on creative activities.
🌾 The Farmer & The Chef — August 30, 2026
Sunday, August 30, 2026 | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Blackthorn Club at the Ridges, Johnson City
Join regional chefs using locally grown fresh food at Blackthorn Country Club in support of the mission to end food insecurity in Northeast Tennessee. For more information, visit netfoodbank.org/event/the-farmer-and-the-chef-2/
🏈 ETSU Football vs. Campbell — August 28, 2026
Friday, August 28, 2026 | 7:00 PM
William B. Greene Jr. Stadium, Johnson City
The Buccaneers open their 2026 season at home against the Campbell Fighting Camels. Head to Greene Stadium and cheer on ETSU in their season debut under the Friday night lights.
🏈 ETSU Football vs. Tusculum — September 5, 2026
Saturday, September 5, 2026 | 5:30 PM
William B. Greene Jr. Stadium, Johnson City
The Buccaneers host the Tusculum Pioneers at home. The game also serves as Niswonger Children’s Hospital Day, a fundraising partnership between ETSU Athletics and Ballad Health.
🌮 Taco Trek — September 1, 2026
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 | 6:30 PM
110 W Market St, Johnson City
Taco Trek is happening on Tuesday, September 1, 2026 from 6:30 PM onwards at 110 W Market St, Johnson City. Check the event listing for full details.
🌟 Umoja Festival — September 12, 2026
Saturday, September 12, 2026
King Commons Park, 125 W. King St, Johnson City, TN
The 2026 Umoja Festival is September 12th at King Commons Park in Johnson City, TN — a day of celebration and unity. Performances are scheduled from national recording artist Aaron Cole and Nashville’s Purple Masquerade Band.
More info at Visit Johnson City
🏠 Appalachian Fair Home Show — September 25–27, 2026
Friday, September 25 – Sunday, September 27, 2026
Appalachian Fairgrounds, Johnson City
The Home Show features hands-on demonstrations, expert advice, and exclusive offers to elevate your home — free admission for all. The Appalachian Fair Home Show takes place September 25–27, 2026 at the Appalachian Fairgrounds.
More info at Johnson City Chamber
📜 Today in Johnson City History
Today in Johnson City History
A century ago today in 1926, young Tolbert and Glenn Kitts celebrated a double birthday party at their family’s home on Holston Avenue, marking Tolbert’s tenth birthday and Glenn’s sixth with games, a peanut hunt, ice cream cones, and pink-candled birthday cakes for a lawn full of neighborhood children.
For more details, subscribe to the Today in Johnson City History newsletter by Rebecca Henderson.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
A Tennessee Department of Transportation road-widening project, making it a major accidental fossil discovery in the region.