☀️ Today’s Weather
Clear skies. High 87°F, Low 70°F. 9% chance of rain — a great day to get outside.
😄 Only in Johnson City
ETSU fall camp is underway, which means two things: football season is almost here, and it’s once again perfectly acceptable to get stuck behind a campus shuttle at 7:45 in the morning.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Winged Deer Park sits along which nearby lake?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
Fatal Gray Shooting Ruled a Dispute Over Handicap Parking Spot
A deadly shooting in the Gray community left one man dead after what police say began as a dispute over a handicap parking spot. Johnson City Police Department Lt. Gary Wills told News 5 the shooting, which took place near a smoke shop, occurred around 9:30 a.m. Friday morning. A person of interest was detained and questioned by officers; charges were still pending and names had not been released for either the victim or suspect. Gray Elementary School was placed on lockdown for approximately 20 minutes due to the shooting, though the lockdown was subsequently 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 Adopt Higher Property Tax Rate
Johnson City commissioners have formally approved the city’s 2026 property tax rates. The Board of Commissioners passed the third and final reading of Ordinance 4951-26 by a 3-1 vote, with the rates reflecting a previously approved property tax increase. For more details on the adopted rates and what they mean for residents, see the full story below.
Trooper Uses Patrol Car to Stop Recklessly Driving Suspect in School Zone
A Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper used their own patrol car to intercept a suspect driving recklessly through a Johnson City school zone. A trooper positioned their cruiser to absorb the impact and stop the suspect; preliminary reports indicated officers were already pursuing a stolen SUV out of Jonesborough, reportedly driven by Nicholas Dorscher, 35, when the suspect continued erratic driving down North Roan Street. The incident drew attention as school zones have seen heightened enforcement as the new school year gets underway.
Meet the Mountains Festival Returns to Winged Deer Park
Johnson City’s annual Meet the Mountains Festival wrapped up its run at Winged Deer Park this weekend. The event, which celebrates the region’s outdoor recreation culture, brought residents and visitors together at one of the city’s most popular parks. Check the link below for full coverage of this year’s festivities.
Mason Mims Named ETSU Starting Quarterback for 2026 Season
ETSU head coach Healy has announced Mason Mims as the Buccaneers’ starting quarterback heading into the 2026 season. The announcement comes as ETSU wraps up fall camp preparations and looks ahead to the upcoming schedule. For more on what this means for the Bucs’ offense this season, see the full story.
📅 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.
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, beginning at 1:00 PM at Founders Park. The event was recently announced as Johnson City’s new end-of-summer music festival in the heart of downtown.
Read more at Johnson City Press
Stand-Up Comedy Night at Off Leash Social
Stand-Up Comedy Night at Off Leash Social — Eat. Drink. Pet Dogs — is happening on Saturday, August 29, 2026, beginning at 8:00 PM in Johnson City.
ETSU Buccaneers vs. Campbell Fighting Camels — Season Opener
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. This is the Buccaneers’ home season opener, and fans can expect a festive atmosphere as the team debuts its 2026 roster.
Torch Lighting Ceremony and Outdoor Concert
A Torch Lighting Ceremony and Outdoor Concert is scheduled for Saturday, August 22, from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM, as listed by the Johnson City Convention & Visitor Bureau. Visit the source link for location and additional details.
See more at Visit Johnson City TN
Taco Trek | September Edition
Taco Trek | September is happening on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, from 6:30 PM onwards at 110 W Market St, Johnson City. Visit the source link for full details and registration information.
Upper East Tennessee Celtic Festival and Games 2026
The Upper East Tennessee Celtic Festival and Games 2026 is scheduled for September 4, with an evening session running from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM and another from 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM. Visit the Johnson City Convention & Visitor Bureau for location details and the full event schedule.
See more at Visit Johnson City TN
Johnson City Senior Olympics — Returns in September
The Senior Olympics are set to return to Johnson City in September 2026. The event brings competitive athletic opportunities to older adults in the community. Visit the source link for dates, registration, and event details.
Appalachian Fair Home Show — Free Admission
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. Admission is free for all.
See more at Johnson City Chamber of Commerce
📜 Today in Johnson City History
Ninety-five years ago today in 1931, a violent confrontation at a home near Hampton in Carter County left farmer Nat Hyder gravely wounded and his stepson facing charges, after a family dispute turned into a struggle involving a knife and firearms. Hyder was rushed to a hospital in nearby Elizabethton in critical condition.
For more details, subscribe to the Today in Johnson City History newsletter by Rebecca Henderson.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
Boone Lake, the TVA reservoir that provides the park with lake access and serves as a backdrop for many of its outdoor activities.