☀️ Today’s Weather
Overcast skies today with a high of 89°F and a low of 63°F — just a 1% chance of rain, so no umbrella needed.
😄 Only in Johnson City
Fall in Johnson City means the leaves will eventually change, the ETSU students will swear they know a faster way to campus, and somehow it’ll still be 89 degrees while everyone around you is wearing a hoodie.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: The name Blue Plum later lived on through one of Johnson City’s best-known downtown events. What was the festival called?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
Washington County Identifies Last Hurricane Helene Missing Person
Remains found near Jackson Island in Washington County have been identified as those of Nancy Tucker, the last person in the county who was missing from Hurricane Helene. Her remains were found when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began clearing debris on Jackson Island. Tucker had been missing since the hurricane devastated the region in September 2024; her husband, Jim Tucker, was found dead in the Jackson Bridge area after Helene.
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.)
Pedestrian Killed in Johnson City Crash
Johnson City police are investigating after a pedestrian was killed in a crash in the city. Details about the specific location and circumstances remain under investigation. Residents are reminded to exercise caution near roadways, especially in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic.
ETSU Unveils New Outdoor Fitness Court
East Tennessee State University Campus Recreation recently introduced a new outdoor Fitness Court® designed to promote health, wellness, and physical activity among students and members of the broader community. The court features seven exercise stations and uses body weight as resistance, allowing users to complete a full-body workout in approximately seven minutes. The Fitness Court® is part of a nationwide initiative led by the National Fitness Campaign, and ETSU was selected as one of the recipients nationwide to receive grant funding to support its installation.
We Salute You: William Hester Jr. of Johnson City
WCYB’s ongoing “We Salute You” series recently honored William Hester Jr. of Johnson City, Tennessee, recognizing his service and contributions to the community. The segment is part of a regular feature spotlighting local veterans and community members across the Tri-Cities region.
📅 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.
FREE Appalachian Fair Home Show
The Appalachian Fair Home Show is taking place September 25–27, 2026 at the Appalachian Fairgrounds. Admission is free, and attendees can take advantage of exclusive show-only deals from local experts and see live demonstrations of new products in action.
See event details on Eventbrite
Blue Ridge Artisan Days: Fall Festival
Blue Ridge Artisan Days: Fall Festival is coming to the Appalachian Fairgrounds in Gray, TN on October 23rd from 3–7 PM and October 24th from 9 AM–3 PM, featuring a community-filled weekend of handmade goods, local talent, and autumn charm.
See event details at Visit Johnson City
Taco Trek – October Edition
Taco Trek | October is happening on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 from 6:30 PM onwards at 110 W Market St, Johnson City. For more information, check the event listing.
See event details at AllEvents.in
The Temptations and The Four Tops at ETSU Martin Center for the Arts
The Temptations and The Four Tops are performing at the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts on Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 7:30 PM in Johnson City. Visit the event listing for ticket details.
See event details at AllEvents.in
📜 Today in Johnson City History
A century ago today in 1926, Johnson City landed a $30,000 contract to build the Farmers and Merchants tobacco warehouse near the existing Washington County warehouse, backed by local farmers and businessmen who expected the new facility to boost the city’s standing as a regional tobacco market.
For more details, subscribe to the Today in Johnson City History newsletter by Rebecca Henderson.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
Blue Plum Festival, a long-running downtown celebration created by Friends of Olde Downtowne to bring people back to the heart of Johnson City.