☀️ Today’s Weather
Overcast skies today with a high of 85°F and a low of 67°F. There’s a 28% chance of rain — keep an umbrella handy just in case.
😄 Only in Johnson City
The Black Heritage Trail just opened downtown, election results just came in, and ETSU students are about to flood back into town — and somehow, there’s still a parking spot on State of Franklin if you know which block to try. For now, anyway.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: What historic music venue in Johnson City has been hosting live music in an intimate listening-room setting since 1976?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
Crowe Defeats Challenger Pohlgeers in District 3 State Senate Primary
Senator Rusty Crowe held on to his District 3 seat in Thursday’s August 6 primary election, defeating challenger Pohlgeers. Crowe has been a fixture in the state Senate since 1991 and will advance from the primary. Locally, Stephanie Sherwood also won the race for Johnson City Juvenile Court Judge in the same election.
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Sherwood Wins Johnson City Juvenile Court Judge Race
Stephanie Sherwood was victorious in the race for Johnson City Juvenile Court Judge in Thursday’s election. She will succeed Judge Sharon Green, who has served three terms and is retiring. Sherwood has extensive experience in the court system, including time as a special substitute judge for the City of Johnson City.
Read more at Johnson City Press
Black Heritage Trail Opens in Downtown Johnson City
A new Black Heritage Trail has recently opened in downtown Johnson City, highlighting Black history in the area. The trail gives residents and visitors a way to explore significant sites and stories tied to the local Black community. Additional details about the trail’s featured locations were shared during a Daytime LIVE segment on WJHL.
JCPD Holds Annual National Night Out Event
The Johnson City Police Department held its annual National Night Out event, bringing the community together to celebrate the partnership between law enforcement and residents. The event is a nationwide tradition aimed at strengthening neighborhood safety and police-community relations. Johnson City’s gathering drew participation from local families and first responders.
Salvation Army of Johnson City Says Center of Hope Is Serving Its Purpose
The Salvation Army of Johnson City recently shared an update on its Center of Hope, reporting that the facility is meeting community needs. The Center of Hope serves as a resource hub for individuals and families experiencing hardship in the area. Officials expressed confidence in the center’s ongoing mission and impact.
📅 Upcoming Events
Meet the Mountains 2026 — Winged Deer Park
A multi-day festival taking place August 14–16, 2026, at Winged Deer Park in Johnson City, Tennessee. For more details on lineup and tickets, visit the event listing.
Read more at Visit Johnson City
The Oak Ridge Boys in Johnson City
The Oak Ridge Boys will perform on Friday, August 28, 2026, at 7:30 PM at the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts in Johnson City. For tickets and more information, visit the venue’s event page.
Freedom Hall Civic Center — Event on August 15
Freedom Hall Civic Center has an event scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 8:00 PM at 1320 Pactolas Rd, Johnson City, TN 37604. For tickets and event name details, contact (423) 461-4884 or visit the Freedom Hall upcoming events page.
The Farmer & The Chef — Blackthorn Club at the Ridges
This community culinary event takes place on Sunday, August 30, 2026, from 4:00–7:00 PM at the Blackthorn Club at the Ridges in Johnson City. The event features regional chefs using locally grown food to benefit the mission of ending food insecurity in Northeast Tennessee. For more information, contact Lee Walker at lwalker@netfoodbank.org or visit the event page.
Read more at Northeast Tennessee Food Bank
Johnson City Jaunt (TN) Scavenger Hunt
An upcoming scavenger hunt event in Johnson City, TN, listed on Eventbrite. For specific dates, times, and registration details, visit the Eventbrite listing.
📜 Today in Johnson City History
Two hundred and forty-four years ago today in 1782, George Washington created the Badge of Military Merit, the decoration that would later become the Purple Heart. This entry has no Johnson City tie in the source material pulled for this date; consider swapping in a local item if one turns up.
For more details, subscribe to the Today in Johnson City History newsletter by Rebecca Henderson.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
The Down Home, one of Johnson City’s best-known small music venues and a longtime home for roots, bluegrass, Americana, and other live performances.