☀️ Today’s Weather
Overcast skies today with a high of 92°F and a low of 68°F. There’s a 25% chance of rain — keep an umbrella handy just in case.
😄 Only in Johnson City
Johnson City is the kind of place where you can drive downtown, complain about the one-way streets for ten minutes, finally find parking, and then run into three people you know before you even get to where you were going.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: This downtown gathering place is tied to early street life, music, and public events in Johnson City. What is it called?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
Johnson City Man Charged with Aggravated Rape After Year-Long Investigation
A Johnson City man has been charged with two counts of aggravated rape, according to the Johnson City Police Department. Police said that 23-year-old Paul Winburn was arrested after they received a report of rape, and an investigation revealed that he and the victim had been communicating online and had met in person. The TBI conducted forensic testing as part of the case, and Winburn has been booked in the Washington County Detention Center.
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.)
Former Johnson City Nurse Accused of Using Modified, Reused Blades During Surgeries
The Tennessee Board of Nursing has taken action against a former nurse in Johnson City, alleging that the individual used modified and reused blades during surgical procedures. The case raises serious patient safety concerns and has drawn significant attention from local and state health authorities. Residents seeking more details are encouraged to visit the full story at the link below.
Angel Tree Registration Now Open for Johnson City Salvation Army
The Johnson City Salvation Army has opened registration for its annual Angel Tree program, which provides Christmas gifts for children in need throughout the community. Families and individuals looking to sign up or learn more about eligibility are encouraged to visit the source link below for full details.
Flock Camera Concerns Raised at Johnson City Commission Meeting
Community concerns about Flock Safety license plate reader cameras made an appearance at a recent Johnson City Commission meeting, signaling that the debate over surveillance technology in the city is not going away. Residents have previously raised questions about privacy and data use related to Flock systems. Check the link below for full coverage from the Johnson City Press.
Read more at Johnson City Press
JCPL Partnering with JC Brewing Company for Monthly Book Club
The Johnson City Public Library is teaming up with JC Brewing Company to host a monthly book club, bringing together literature and local craft beer in a community-friendly setting. The partnership offers a fresh, social way to engage with reading in Johnson City. Visit the link below for more information on dates and how to participate.
📅 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.
16th Annual Bluegrass Half Marathon
The Bluegrass Half Marathon is on Sunday, September 27, 2026, and includes the following events: Bluegrass Half Marathon, Virtual Half Marathon, 2–4 Person Relay, and Both — Half Marathon & First Leg Relay. All races start and finish at Johnson City’s Pavilion at Founders Park. Race time is 7:30 AM, with a 7:00 AM early start option.
Barktoberfest Coming to Johnson City
Barktoberfest is heading to Johnson City this fall, bringing a dog-friendly festival celebration to the area. Details on the exact date, time, and location are available at the link below — a great event for pet lovers in the community.
Blue Ridge Artisan Days: Fall Festival
Blue Ridge Artisan Days: Fall Festival takes place on October 23rd from 3–7 PM and October 24th from 9 AM–3 PM at the Appalachian Fairgrounds, featuring handmade goods, local talent, and autumn charm.
Read more at Visit Johnson City TN
Fall Festival at The Mall at Johnson City
A Fall Festival is happening on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 1:00 PM at The Mall at Johnson City. Visit the link below for more details.
Taco Trek | October
Taco Trek | October is happening on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, from 6:30 PM at 110 W Market St, Johnson City. For more details on this community food event, visit the link below.
Honor Flight of the Appalachian Highlands – Mission 18
Honor Flight of the Appalachian Highlands is set to depart on Mission 18 this weekend, taking local veterans on a trip to visit memorials in their honor. This is a meaningful community event celebrating and recognizing the service of area veterans. Visit the link below for full details.
📜 Today in Johnson City History
One hundred and twenty-five years ago today in 1901, the Herald and Tribune noted that Congressman Walter Preston Brownlow had returned home after two weeks in Washington. Brownlow, who represented this district in Congress for over a decade and served on the board managing the Soldiers’ Home, would later be buried there himself in 1910, in the cemetery that still bears the institution’s name.
For more details, subscribe to the Today in Johnson City History newsletter by Rebecca Henderson.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
Fountain Square, a downtown landmark that has long served as a gathering point for community life in Johnson City.