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Johnson City Scoop – August 18, 2026

☀️ Today’s Weather

Overcast skies today with a high of 84°F and a low of 69°F — there’s a 21% chance of rain, so keep an umbrella handy just in case.


😄 Only in Johnson City

ETSU move-in week is the one time of year when everyone in Johnson City has somewhere to be urgently, a car full of furniture, and absolutely no idea how the one-way streets work.


🧠 Trivia Q&A

Question: Boone Lake is fed by which two river systems?

Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.


🔝 Top Stories

Friend of Man Killed in Gray Shooting Speaks Out

A friend of Dalton Spaulding, 24, of Jonesborough, is speaking out following his death in a fatal shooting at a Gray parking lot last Friday. A preliminary investigation found that an argument had taken place regarding a parking spot at one of the businesses, and the argument escalated into a physical confrontation during which Spaulding was shot. As of Monday, the investigation is ongoing and no charges have been filed.

Read more at WJHL


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.)

Largest Goodwill Store in Tri-Cities Grand Opening Announced

A new grand opening has been announced for what is described as the largest Goodwill store in the Tri-Cities area. Details on the exact opening date and location were not included in the headline; visit the link below for full information.

Read more at WJHL


HomeTrust Bank Announces Merger with Blue Ridge Bank

HomeTrust Bank has announced a merger with Blue Ridge Bank, a development that could affect local banking customers in the Johnson City and broader Tri-Cities region. Full details on the timeline and impact of the merger are available at the link below.

Read more at WJHL


ETSU Athletics to Host Dueling Pianos

ETSU Athletics has announced it will host a Dueling Pianos event, giving local fans a fun way to connect with the Bucs program off the field. Check the link below for date, time, location, and ticket information.

Read more at WJHL


Johnson City’s Annual Meet the Mountain Festival Wraps Up

Johnson City’s annual Meet the Mountain Festival recently concluded, bringing the community together at Winged Deer Park. The festival draws locals and visitors each year to celebrate the outdoors and community spirit in the region.

Read more at WJHL



📅 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 is happening on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 1:00 PM onwards at Founders Park, Johnson City. This end-of-summer music festival in the heart of downtown is one of the season’s signature outdoor events.

More info at AllEvents


Chamber Membership Breakfast with ETSU

The Johnson City Chamber’s quarterly membership breakfast will be held on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM at ETSU Martin Center for the Arts, 1320 W State of Franklin Rd. The event will feature remarks from ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland and other guests.

More info at Johnson City Chamber


Stand-Up Comedy Night at Off Leash Social

Stand-Up Comedy Night at Off Leash Social is happening on Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 8:00 PM onwards at Off Leash Social in Johnson City. For full details and tickets, visit the link below.

More info at AllEvents


ETSU Buccaneers vs. Campbell Fighting Camels — Season Opener

The ETSU 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 Bucs’ home opener for the 2026 season — a great chance to cheer on the home team.

More info at AllEvents


Taco Trek | September

Taco Trek for September is happening on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, from 6:30 PM onwards at 110 W Market St, Johnson City. Visit the link below for full details.

More info at AllEvents


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 — with free admission for all.

More info at Johnson City Chamber



📜 Today in Johnson City History

No local history item is available for today’s date. The closest item found: Four hundred and thirty-nine years ago today in 1587, Virginia Dare became the first child born to English parents in America, at the ill-fated Roanoke colony off the North Carolina coast. This entry has no confirmed Johnson City tie in the available source material.

For more details, subscribe to the Today in Johnson City History newsletter by Rebecca Henderson.



🤝 Community Partners

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🧠 Trivia Answer

The South Fork Holston River and the Watauga River, both of which flow into Boone Lake before it continues downstream as part of the Tennessee River system.

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