☀️ Today’s Weather
Partly cloudy skies with a high of 91°F and a low of 65°F — just a 1% chance of rain. A warm one out there today, Johnson City!
😄 Only in Johnson City
Fall arrives in Johnson City the same way every year: the temperature drops just enough for one morning to feel like sweater weather, then climbs back to 91 degrees by noon. ETSU students immediately post photos in flannels. The rest of us just keep the AC running.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: The Gray Fossil Site is also connected with what interactive science center?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
JCPD Introduces K-9 Buck — A Dog Who Sniffs Out Electronics, Not Drugs
The Johnson City Police Department has unveiled its newest K-9 officer, Buck — and his job is unlike most police dogs. Read more at WJHL
Buck is an English Labrador trained to detect a chemical compound used in the manufacturing of electronic devices such as cell phones, SIM cards, hard drives, and thumb drives — making him the department’s first electronic storage detection dog. He works alongside the JCPD’s Special Victims Unit on Internet Crimes Against Children and child exploitation investigations, and was obtained through a partnership with the U.S. Secret Service.
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.)
Washington County Leaders Address Recovery of Hurricane Helene Victim Nancy Tucker
Washington County leaders recently held a discussion regarding the recovery of the remains of Hurricane Helene victim Nancy Tucker, whose remains were previously identified. The situation continues to draw community attention as local officials speak publicly about the case and the ongoing aftermath of last year’s devastating storm.
FEMA Awards Funds to Ballad Health for COVID-19 Costs
Ballad Health has recently received a federal award from FEMA to help cover costs related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding is part of ongoing federal reimbursement efforts for health systems that incurred expenses during the public health emergency.
Woman Accused of Stealing Dog in Johnson City
Johnson City police are investigating an allegation that a woman stole a dog in the city, according to a recent report. The case highlights an unusual local crime as JCPD looks into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Make-A-Wish East Tennessee Announces ‘Golden Wish NYE Gala’ Fundraiser
Make-A-Wish East Tennessee has announced an upcoming fundraising event, the “Golden Wish NYE Gala,” aimed at supporting wish-granting efforts for children in the region. The announcement comes on the heels of the organization’s recent telethon fundraising success and signals continued community engagement heading into the new year.
📅 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.
David Nevue – An Evening at the Piano
Date/Time: Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 7:00 PM
Location: Christ Community Church, Johnson City, TN
Pianist David Nevue performs an intimate solo piano concert in Johnson City.
Read more and get tickets at AllEvents.in
The Black Jacket Symphony Presents Def Leppard’s “Hysteria”
Date/Time: Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 7:30 PM
Location: ETSU Martin Center for the Arts, Johnson City, TN
The Black Jacket Symphony performs a full live reproduction of Def Leppard’s classic album “Hysteria” at the Martin Center for the Arts.
Read more at Visit Johnson City
Jericho Shrine Circus Spectacular
Dates/Times: Friday, September 25 at 7:00 PM; Saturday, September 26 at 10:30 AM, 3:00 PM, and 7:30 PM; Sunday, September 27 at 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM
Location: Freedom Hall Civic Center, 1320 Pactolas Rd, Johnson City, TN
The Jericho Shrine Circus Spectacular comes to Freedom Hall featuring stunts, acrobatics, and more. Attendees can arrive one hour before showtime to ride animals and meet circus performers. Kids 12 and under are admitted free courtesy of the Jericho Shriners and Carden Circus.
Read more at Visit Johnson City
FREE Appalachian Fair Home Show
Dates: September 25–27, 2026, starting at 12:00 PM on Friday
Location: Appalachian Fairgrounds, Johnson City, TN
The Appalachian Fair Home Show returns with free admission for all, featuring hands-on demonstrations, expert advice, and exclusive offers for homeowners and home enthusiasts.
Women’s Power Hour with Dr. Erin Slater
Date/Time: Wednesday, September 17, 2026, at 11:30 AM
Location: Johnson City, TN (see source for full details)
A Women’s Power Hour event is scheduled featuring Dr. Erin Slater. For full location and registration details, visit the Johnson City Chamber of Events calendar.
Read more at the Johnson City Chamber Calendar
Meet the Candidates
Date/Time: Monday, September 29, 2026, at 4:00 PM
Location: Johnson City, TN (see source for full details)
A “Meet the Candidates” event is listed on the Johnson City Chamber calendar for late September. For location and registration information, visit the Chamber calendar directly.
Read more at the Johnson City Chamber Calendar
📜 Today in Johnson City History
A century ago today in 1926, Dr. Sherrod of East Tennessee State College was completely surprised by his wife and children with a stag birthday dinner at their home on the college grounds, complete with a decorated cake, candlelit tables, and a guest list of fellow faculty members from across the campus.
For more details, subscribe to the Today in Johnson City History newsletter by Rebecca Henderson.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
Hands On! Discovery Center, a children’s science museum connected to the Gray Fossil Site that offers interactive exhibits for families.