☀️ Today’s Weather
Clear skies. High 79°F, Low 51°F. 1% chance of rain. A beautiful April Thursday in Johnson City!
😄 Only in Johnson City
Science Hill students have four years to prepare for the “real world.” ETSU students have four more. And somehow, everyone ends up back at the same Chick-fil-A on North Roan.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: ETSU’s Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy is a cornerstone of healthcare education in Johnson City and the broader Appalachian region. In what year was the Gatton College of Pharmacy founded — and what unique funding challenge did it face from the very beginning that set it apart from Tennessee’s other state pharmacy school?
Answer: The Gatton College of Pharmacy, affiliated with East Tennessee State University, was founded in 2005. Unlike Tennessee’s other state pharmacy school, Gatton received no state funding at its founding — Northeast Tennessee’s legislative delegation spent years advocating for the college before securing $2.5 million in annual funding in 2023. Gatton’s enrollment struggles grew after 2019, when a state funding commitment for the University of Tennessee’s Memphis pharmacy school allowed it to drastically reduce tuition, while Gatton received no equivalent boost — causing enrollment to dip significantly.
🔝 Top Stories
ETSU’s Gatton College of Pharmacy to See Growth After $3.2M State Funding Boost
The Gatton College of Pharmacy’s enrollment has been on the rise, and with a $3.2 million annual boost from Tennessee’s legislature allowing a second tuition reduction, leaders expect enrollment numbers to return to historic norms within just a few years. With the additional funding, Gatton’s tuition will drop a further amount for in-state students to reach $24,780 — the same as UT’s Memphis pharmacy school — and ETSU expects the change to make recruitment easier. The college had dipped as low as 170 students but is projected to return to around the 320 mark within the next four to five years.
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Johnson City Home Depot Employee Accused of Stealing More Than $143K
A Johnson City Home Depot employee has recently been accused of stealing more than $143,000, according to WCYB. Details of the alleged theft and charges are outlined in the full report linked below.
Corby Bridge Rebuilding Looms Over Washington County Budget Talks
The potential cost of rebuilding Corby Bridge is emerging as a significant factor in Washington County’s upcoming budget discussions. County officials are weighing the financial impact as they work through budget planning. Visit the Johnson City Press for the full story on how the project could shape local spending priorities.
Read more at Johnson City Press
Downtown Johnson City Beautified for Earth Day with Community Litter Pickup
Volunteers recently came together in downtown Johnson City to clean up litter in observance of Earth Day, giving the city’s core a little extra shine. The community effort was one of several local Earth Day activities that took place around Johnson City and Washington County this week, including hands-on environmental education at the Discovery Center and recycling initiatives at local schools.
Read more at Johnson City Press
Tennessee Senate Advances Bill That Would Restrict PBM-Owned Pharmacies
The Tennessee Senate has advanced legislation that would place restrictions on pharmacies owned by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). The bill has implications for independent pharmacies and healthcare access across the state, including in the Johnson City area. Read the full story for more details on what the bill would do and where it stands in the legislative process.
Johnson City Fire Hydrant Installation Impacting Downtown Traffic
A fire hydrant installation project is currently causing traffic impacts in downtown Johnson City. Drivers are advised to expect delays and plan alternate routes while the work is underway. Check the full report for details on which areas are affected.
📅 Upcoming Events
Forever Fest: West Walnut Block Party — April 24, 2026
Friday, April 24, 2026 | 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM
West Walnut Street, Johnson City, TN
A block party celebration on West Walnut Street in downtown Johnson City. Listed on the Johnson City Convention & Visitor Bureau’s events calendar for April 24 from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM.
More info at Visit Johnson City
Art·Struck Festival — April 25, 2026
Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The Pavilion at Founders Park, 105 W. Main St., Downtown Johnson City
The Johnson City Public Art Committee will hold the 6th annual Art·Struck Festival at The Pavilion at Founders Park in downtown Johnson City. The festival will include a market with over 50 local artists, art demonstrations and activities, a variety of live performances, and food trucks. Attendees of all ages will be able to enjoy mask decorating, graffiti stenciling, bucket drumming, a weaving fence, and wand making, among others. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public.
Rail Jam! — May 2, 2026
Saturday, May 2, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Johnson City Railroad Experience — W King St, Johnson City, TN 37604
A free outdoor concert and museum event featuring live music from Jenny and the Weazels, Bratfolk, Ryan Brenard, and John Bill & the Academics. Food truck on site. Concerts and museum admission are completely free. Made possible by the Tennessee Arts Commission.
Mill Spring Makers Faire — May 16, 2026
Saturday, May 16, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
The Mill Spring Makers Faire is listed on the Johnson City Convention & Visitor Bureau’s events calendar for May 16 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Visit the link below for full location and event details.
More info at Visit Johnson City
Art in Bloom Art Market — May 23, 2026
Saturday, May 23, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
The Art in Bloom Art Market is listed on the Johnson City Convention & Visitor Bureau’s events calendar for May 23 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Visit the link below for location and additional details.
More info at Visit Johnson City
13th Annual Garland Farm Crawfish Boil — May 30, 2026
Saturday, May 30, 2026
The 13th Annual Garland Farm Crawfish Boil has been announced for May 30, benefiting the Crumley House. This beloved community fundraiser returns for another year to support Crumley House’s mission in the Tri-Cities region.