☀️ Today’s Weather
Overcast skies today with a high of 85°F and a low of 69°F — just a 17% chance of rain, so leave the umbrella at home but enjoy the cloud cover while it lasts.
😄 Only in Johnson City
ETSU just welcomed its largest freshman class ever, which means somewhere right now, 14,000 people who have never driven on State of Franklin are about to become very confident about it.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: The city’s first mayor was also the man it was named for. Who was Johnson City’s first mayor?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
Human Remains Found Near Jackson Island, Believed to Be Hurricane Helene Victim
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office announced it is investigating a scene where human remains were found in the Jackson Island area by debris removal specialists, believed to be a victim of the Hurricane Helene flood. Crews contracted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had recently begun working to clear debris on the island — which is owned by the U.S. Forest Service — and as part of the project, they had hoped to find the body of Nancy Tucker, the person from Washington County still missing after Helene. The remains were taken to the William Jenkins Forensics Center at ETSU, and the investigation remains active.
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.)
ETSU Welcomes Its Largest Freshman Class
East Tennessee State University has announced it has welcomed its largest freshman class in the school’s history. The milestone reflects continued growth for the university and is a significant moment for the Johnson City community, which is home to the campus. Visit the link below for full details on enrollment figures and what this means for ETSU.
29th Umoja Festival Celebrates Unity in Johnson City
The Umoja Festival recently returned to Johnson City for its 29th year, celebrating community unity and cultural heritage. The annual event continues to be a beloved tradition in the area. Check the link below for full coverage of this year’s festival highlights.
Annual Tree Streets Yard Sale Returns to Johnson City
The beloved Annual Tree Streets Yard Sale returned to Johnson City’s historic Tree Streets neighborhood on Saturday. The community event is a long-running tradition that draws shoppers from across the region to browse deals throughout the neighborhood. See the link below for photos and more from this year’s sale.
📅 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.
Movies in the Park – Lilo & Stitch
Johnson City Parks and Recreation is hosting a free Movies in the Park series starting Saturday, September 20, with Lilo & Stitch at Winged Deer Park’s Goulding Amphitheatre, 199 Carroll Creek Road. Each event will include a Kids Zone that opens at 6:30 p.m. featuring games, arts and crafts, and family-friendly activities.
Read more at johnsoncitytn.org
Movies in the Park – How to Train Your Dragon
The free Movies in the Park series continues on Saturday, September 27, with How to Train Your Dragon at the Amphitheatre at Memorial Park Community Center, 510 Bert St. Each event will include a Kids Zone opening at 6:30 p.m. featuring games, arts and crafts, and family-friendly activities.
Read more at johnsoncitytn.org
FREE Appalachian Fair Home Show
The Appalachian Fair Home Show is taking place September 25–27, 2026, at the Appalachian Fairgrounds — and admission is free. Attendees can take advantage of exclusive show-only deals from local experts, plus live demonstrations featuring new products in action.
Movies in the Park – A Minecraft Movie
The free Movies in the Park series wraps up on Saturday, October 4, with A Minecraft Movie at Winged Deer Park. Each event will include a Kids Zone opening at 6:30 p.m. featuring games, arts and crafts, and family-friendly activities.
Read more at johnsoncitytn.org
Taco Trek | October
Taco Trek | October is happening on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, from 6:30 PM onwards at 110 W Market St, Johnson City. Join Trek Johnson City the first Tuesday each month for a fun, social ride — perfect for friends, family, and taco (and beer) lovers alike. For full details and to register, visit the event page.
The Temptations and The Four Tops at ETSU Martin Center for the Arts
The Temptations and The Four Tops are performing at ETSU Martin Center for the Arts on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 7:30 PM. This is a ticketed performance at a Johnson City venue. Visit the link below for ticket information and full event details.
📜 Today in Johnson City History
Today in Johnson City History
A century ago today in 1926, the local social column noted that the handsome thirty-room residence being built by E. Munsey Slack on Maryland Avenue in Bristol’s Fairmount section was nearing completion, with white brick, a red tile roof, and several acres of virgin oak — expected to be one of the most impressive homes in the greater Tri-Cities area once finished.
For more details, subscribe to the Today in Johnson City History newsletter by Rebecca Henderson.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
Henry Johnson, the settler and businessman whose land donation helped establish the railroad depot around which the city grew.