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Johnson City Scoop – May 20, 2026

☀️ Today’s Weather

Drizzle with a high of 89°F and low of 64°F — 29% chance of rain. Grab an umbrella just in case, but don’t let a few drops stop you.


😄 Only in Johnson City

Johnson City is one of the few places where you can finish a morning hike up Buffalo Mountain, swing by the farmers market, and catch a Broadway musical — all before dinner — and still somehow be surprised that there’s nothing to do on a Tuesday.


🧠 Trivia Q&A

Question: The Tweetsie Trail is a beloved multi-use recreational path connecting Johnson City and Elizabethton. But what was the narrow-gauge railroad that originally ran along that route commonly known as — and roughly how long is the Tweetsie Trail from end to end?

Answer: The railroad was nicknamed the “Tweetsie” (officially the East Tennessee & Western North Carolina Railroad, or ET&WNC), known for its distinctive whistle sound. The Tweetsie Trail runs approximately 10 miles between Johnson City and Elizabethton.


🔝 Top Stories

Ballad Health Starts $72M Expansion at Johnson City Medical Center

Ballad Health has officially broken ground on a major expansion at Johnson City Medical Center. The project — reported at $72 million — includes an emergency department expansion, signaling a significant investment in the region’s healthcare infrastructure.

Read more at Johnson City Press


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Washington County School Board Member Keith Ervin Charged with Assault

Washington County school board member Keith Ervin — who was previously censured by the board — has now been charged with assault. The charges add a new legal dimension to the ongoing controversy surrounding the embattled board member.

Read more at WJHL


Washington County Board Advances Revised School Budget

After previously rejecting the Washington County Schools budget twice, the county board has advanced a revised version. Budget tensions over spending levels have dominated recent local government discussions, with both sides working toward a resolution ahead of the new fiscal year.

Read more at Johnson City Press


Washington County Approves Resolution to Reclaim Planning and Zoning Jurisdiction

Washington County has approved a resolution to take back planning and zoning jurisdiction over unincorporated areas of the county. The move represents a significant shift in how land use decisions will be managed outside Johnson City’s municipal boundaries.

Read more at Johnson City Press


Johnson City Chamber President Voices Support for BWXT Expansion

The president of the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce has publicly shared reasons for supporting the proposed BWXT expansion in the region. The statement comes as the project continues to generate community discussion about its economic and environmental implications.

Read more at Johnson City Press


Wetlands Water Park Prepares to Open for Summer Season

Wetlands Water Park in Johnson City is gearing up to splash into the summer season. Residents looking for a cool escape from the heat can soon expect the popular local attraction to be up and running for the warmer months ahead.

Read more at Johnson City Press



📅 Upcoming Events

SIX: The Musical — ETSU Martin Center for the Arts

The Broadway sensation SIX brings the six wives of Henry VIII to life in a pop-concert style musical, running for three nights at the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts. Performances are May 26, May 27, and May 28, 2026, each beginning at 7:00 PM. The venue is located at 1328 W State of Franklin Road, Johnson City.

Read more at ETSU Martin Center


Rolling Thunder TN4 Ride for Freedom

The Rolling Thunder TN4 Ride for Freedom is taking place on Sunday, May 24, 2026, starting at 12:00 PM at Freedom Hall, 1320 Pactolas Rd, Johnson City. This patriotic motorcycle event honors veterans and POW/MIA service members.

More info at AllEvents.in


4th Annual Car Show — 140 Technology Lane

Rev up your engines for the 4th Annual Car Show on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at 140 Technology Lane, Johnson City. All makes and models are welcome, with food trucks, live music, awards, door prizes, and more. Vehicle registration begins at 9:30 AM by donation. Rain date is June 6. All proceeds benefit the Activity Department for residents.

Read more at Visit Johnson City


Chuck Brodsky at the Jackson Theatre

Singer-songwriter and storyteller Chuck Brodsky performs at the Jackson Theatre on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 7:00 PM. Known for his witty, rootsy, and finely crafted songs, Brodsky is a celebrated troubadour who has performed at festivals and concerts across the USA and internationally.

Read more at Visit Johnson City


Second Harvest Food Bank Golf Classic

The 33rd Annual Second Harvest Golf Classic takes place on Monday, June 1, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM at Blackthorn Club at The Ridges. The event raises funds to support hunger relief efforts in Northeast Tennessee. For more information, visit netfoodbank.org/event/golf-classic-2/.

Read more at Second Harvest Food Bank


Taco Trek | June — Downtown Johnson City

Taco Trek returns for its June edition on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, starting at 6:30 PM at 110 W Market St, Johnson City. This popular local food crawl invites participants to explore downtown Johnson City’s taco scene.

More info at AllEvents.in


TEDxJohnsonCity — ETSU Martin Center for the Arts

TEDxJohnsonCity is coming to the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts on Friday, June 26, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The event will be held at 1328 W State of Franklin Road, Johnson City. Tickets are available now.

Read more at ETSU Martin Center


Fridays After 5 Summer Concert Series — Downtown Johnson City

The beloved Fridays After 5 free outdoor summer concert series returns to The Pavilion at Founders Park in downtown Johnson City on Fridays in June and July 2026. Check the Downtown Johnson City events page for the full lineup and schedule.

Read more at Downtown Johnson City


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