☀️ Today’s Weather
Overcast skies today with a high of 86°F and a low of 65°F. A 17% chance of rain — probably just enough to make you wonder if you left the windows down.
😄 Only in Johnson City
Johnson City is home to one of the top medical research universities in the state, a brand-new Ballad Health Clinical Command Center, and a freshly opened Goodwill — and somehow the thing people are still most excited to tell out-of-towners about is that we make our own soda.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: What interactive science museum near Johnson City is designed especially for children and families?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
Ballad Health Unveils Expanded Clinical Command Center
Ballad Health has completed a nearly $8 million grant-funded expansion of its Clinical Command Center, strengthening the health system’s ability to coordinate patient transfers, deliver virtual care, and support emergency operations and communications across the Appalachian Highlands. The Clinical Command Center serves as the digital hub for the system’s operations, ranging from patient care to staff and resource placement. The expanded facility also strengthens Ballad’s Regional Medical Communications Center, one of only seven state-designated centers in Tennessee responsible for coordinating emergency medical communications and patient bed placement across the region.
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.)
Frontier Health Therapist Offers Guidance on Coping with Dolly Parton’s Death
As the Tri-Cities region mourns the passing of Tennessee icon Dolly Parton, a Frontier Health therapist recently shared guidance on how community members can process grief following the loss of a beloved public figure. Locals across the area have gathered to mourn and reflect on her legacy, with Tri-Cities bands and the Carter Family Fold also sharing their personal remembrances of Parton’s enduring impact on the region and on country music.
We Salute You: William Allen White of Johnson City, Tennessee
WCYB recently highlighted Johnson City’s William Allen White in its ongoing “We Salute You” feature, honoring local individuals who have made a meaningful contribution to their community and country. For the full story on White and his service, visit the link below.
Washington County Dairy Show Draws Kids and Cows to the Arena
The Washington County Dairy Show recently brought young exhibitors and their animals into the show arena for a local agricultural tradition. The Johnson City Press captured the event in a photo spread showcasing the competition and the community spirit surrounding it. For a look at the full photo gallery, click the link below.
Read more at Johnson City Press
Flock Camera Contract Cancellations Growing Nationally — What It Means Locally
A national trend of cities and jurisdictions canceling contracts with Flock Safety — the automated license plate reader company — is gaining momentum, according to a new report. The issue is particularly relevant to Johnson City and Washington County, where Flock cameras have already been a topic of local debate among county mayor candidates and residents concerned about surveillance and privacy. For more on the national picture and its local implications, 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.
🏈 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.
The Farmer & The Chef — August 30, 2026
Sunday, August 30, 2026 | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Blackthorn Club at the Ridges, Johnson City
Join the event for a signature culinary experience with regional chefs using locally grown fresh food to support the mission of ending food insecurity in Northeast Tennessee.
Trivia Night at Yee-Haw Brewing — August 31, 2026
Monday, August 31, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Yee-Haw Brewing, Johnson City, TN
Trivia night returns to Yee-Haw Brewing in Johnson City. For full details and more upcoming events, visit the Yee-Haw website.
Taco Trek — September 1, 2026
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 | 6:30 PM
110 W Market St, Johnson City
Taco Trek is a local food and social event taking place in downtown Johnson City. For full details, visit the event listing.
Concert Night at Yee-Haw Brewing — September 1, 2026
Monday, September 1, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Yee-Haw Brewing, Johnson City, TN
Live music at Yee-Haw Brewing in Johnson City. Visit their website for performer details and more upcoming shows.
Farm Day at Roan Valley Farms — September 5, 2026
Saturday, September 5, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Roan Valley Farms
Admission is free. The event will feature food by Jeff-N-Steph’s Hot Dawgs & Catering, lemonades and dirty sodas by Sip Happens by Half Barrel, live music from GMan BluesBand from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM, hay rides, games, farm equipment, and a playground for kids.
More info at Visit Johnson City
Fight Against Glioblastoma BBQ Benefit — September 5, 2026
Saturday, September 5, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Johnson City Brewing, 714 W Walnut St, Johnson City, TN
The event features DJ Sam Love, live music with Homecookn’ at 7:00 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
2026 Umoja Festival — September 12, 2026
Saturday, September 12, 2026
King Commons Park, 125 W. King St, Johnson City, TN
The 2026 Umoja Festival is a day of celebration and unity in downtown Johnson City. For full schedule and event details, visit the link below.
More info at Visit Johnson City
Appalachian Fair Home Show — September 25–27, 2026
Friday–Sunday, September 25–27, 2026
Appalachian Fairgrounds, Johnson City
Step into the Home Show for hands-on demonstrations, expert advice, and exclusive offers — free admission for all!
More info at the Johnson City Chamber
📜 Today in Johnson City History
Today in Johnson City History
Ninety-five years ago today in 1931, the American Bemberg and American Glanzstoff textile plants of Elizabethton announced they were building a permanent, lavish exhibit hall at the Tri-State Fairgrounds, sparing no expense on woodwork, lighting, and imported draperies as a show of support for the fair’s mission of boosting agriculture and industry across the region.
For more details, subscribe to the Today in Johnson City History newsletter by Rebecca Henderson.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
Hands On! Discovery Center, a hands-on science museum at the Gray Fossil Site in Gray, Tennessee, that offers interactive exhibits designed to engage young learners.