☀️ Today’s Weather
Overcast skies today with a high of 86°F and a low of 67°F. Just a 13% chance of rain — keep an umbrella handy just in case.
😄 Only in Johnson City
Johnson City is one of the few places where you can watch the news about a 19-year-old scaling one of Europe’s tallest mountains and think, “Yeah, that tracks — have you seen the hill on State of Franklin?”
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Henry Johnson and his wife were reburied in what cemetery near downtown Johnson City?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
Milligan Cycling Crash Suspect Arrested in North Carolina
The man accused of vehicular homicide in the crash that killed two Milligan University cyclists has been arrested in North Carolina, with John Benfield now in police custody in Avery County. Benfield violated the conditions of his release and was brought back into custody, and has since waived extradition, meaning he will be transported back to Carter County in the near future. Benfield was charged with two counts of reckless vehicular homicide and five counts of reckless aggravated assault by vehicle after allegedly striking a group of Milligan University cyclists on Highway 19E, killing two and sending several others to the hospital.
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.)
Washington County BOE Members Preview Ten Commandments Display
Washington County Board of Education members recently got a look at the Ten Commandments display that state law now requires to be posted in public schools. The preview comes amid ongoing debate statewide about the new requirement and how districts are implementing it. For the full details on what members saw and discussed, visit the link below.
Johnson City 19-Year-Old Climbs One of Europe’s Tallest Mountains
A 19-year-old from Johnson City recently made headlines by scaling one of the tallest mountains in Europe, a significant achievement for the young local climber. Details on which peak was conquered and the story behind the expedition are available at the link below.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Volunteers Honor Late Singer’s Legacy
Local volunteers for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library are honoring the late country icon’s legacy by continuing the book-gifting program’s mission in the Tri-Cities area. Community members and Tri-Cities bands have also been sharing their personal reflections on Parton’s impact. Visit the link below to read more about the local tribute.
Partial Lunar Eclipse to Light Up Tri-Cities Skies Thursday Night
Stargazers in the Johnson City area have a treat coming — a partial lunar eclipse is set to be visible in Tri-Cities skies Thursday night. This is a great opportunity for local residents to step outside and catch the celestial event. Check the link below for timing and viewing 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.
🏈 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.
Stand-Up Comedy Night at Off Leash Social — August 29, 2026
Saturday, August 29, 2026 | 8:00 PM
Off Leash Social – Eat. Drink. Pet Dogs., Johnson City
A stand-up comedy night is coming to Off Leash Social. Visit the event listing for tickets and full details.
The Farmer & The Chef Culinary Event — August 30, 2026
Sunday, August 30, 2026 | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Blackthorn Club at the Ridges, Johnson City
Join the event at Blackthorn Country Club featuring regional chefs using locally grown fresh food to support the mission to end food insecurity in Northeast Tennessee. For more info and to register, visit the link below.
Taco Trek — September 1, 2026
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 | 6:30 PM
110 W Market St, Johnson City
Taco Trek returns to downtown Johnson City for a fun evening food event. Visit the link for full details.
BBQ Benefit at Johnson City Brewing — September 5, 2026
Saturday, September 5, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Johnson City Brewing, 714 W Walnut St, Johnson City
Hosted by Johnson City Brewing, the evening features DJ Sam Love, live music with Homecookn’ at 7 PM, a BBQ dinner, silent auction sponsored by local businesses, and local artists and vendors — all to support research and local families in the fight against glioblastoma.
More info at Visit Johnson City
Umoja Festival 2026 — September 12, 2026
Saturday, September 12, 2026
King Commons Park, 125 W. King St, Johnson City
The 2026 Umoja Festival takes place September 12th at King Commons Park in Johnson City — a day of celebration and unity. Performances are scheduled by national recording artist Aaron Cole and Nashville’s Purple Masquerade Band. Visit the link for more details on vendors, other performers, and community resources.
More info at Visit Johnson City
FREE Appalachian Fair Home Show — September 25–27, 2026
Friday, September 25 – Sunday, September 27, 2026
Appalachian Fairgrounds, Johnson City
Step into the Home Show for 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.
📜 Today in Johnson City History
Today in Johnson City History
Ninety-five years ago today in 1931, an Elizabethton bakery driver named Bob Bradshaw got a scare when he cranked his car with his wife and children inside and it shot backward across Elk Avenue, clipping one car before crashing through the front windows of the Sanitary Lunch Room. Remarkably, no one in the family was hurt.
For more details, subscribe to the Today in Johnson City History newsletter by Rebecca Henderson.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
Oak Hill Cemetery, where the founder for whom the city is named was reinterred along with his wife.