☀️ Today’s Weather
Violent showers expected today — High 88°F, Low 65°F, with a 19% chance of rain. Stay dry out there, Johnson City!
😄 Only in Johnson City
Fall arrives in Johnson City the same way every year: ETSU students start asking about leaf-peeping, the weather skips from summer to flannel in about 48 hours, and someone on 26 is still doing construction.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: ETSU’s medical school is closely associated with which historic Johnson City campus?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
Schools Feeling Pressure After Health Clinic Closures
Local schools are reporting added strain in the wake of recent health clinic closures in the region. The closures have left families and students with fewer healthcare options, putting more pressure on school-based health resources to fill the gap. Read the full story for details on which schools are affected and what officials are saying.
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.)
Patient Responds to Former Nurse Reusing, Modifying Tools in Surgery
A patient has spoken out in response to earlier reporting about a former Johnson City nurse who was accused of reusing and modifying tools during surgeries. The patient’s response adds a personal dimension to the ongoing story, which has raised serious questions about surgical safety standards. Visit the link below for the full account.
TCAT Campuses Dismissed After Credible Threat Made to Student
Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Elizabethton placed all of its Tri-Cities campuses on a “soft lockdown” Thursday morning after receiving information from the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office about a credible threat made against a TCAT student by a non-student. The lockdown was maintained until 11:00 a.m., at which point a controlled dismissal of all students and staff was carried out. Officials confirmed there was no active disturbance at any campus, and TCAT is set to resume normal classes on Monday.
ETSU and Mountain Empire Community College Announce New Transfer Pathway
East Tennessee State University and Mountain Empire Community College have recently announced a new transfer pathway designed to make it easier for community college students to continue their education at ETSU. The agreement is intended to smooth the transition for students pursuing four-year degrees. Visit the link below for full details on how the partnership works.
Honor Flight of the Appalachian Highlands to Depart on Mission 18 This Weekend
The Honor Flight of the Appalachian Highlands is set to depart on Mission 18 this weekend, taking local veterans on a trip to visit national memorials in Washington, D.C. The mission is a meaningful tribute to the service and sacrifice of veterans from the region. Check the link below for more details on the departure and how the community can show support.
📅 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.
Barktoberfest — Coming to Johnson City
A dog-friendly fall festival, Barktoberfest, is coming to Johnson City. This event celebrates the season with a canine twist. Visit the link for full date, time, and location details.
Bluegrass Half Marathon — Coming to Johnson City
The Bluegrass Half Marathon is coming to Johnson City. Visit the link below for registration information, date, time, and course details.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is coming to the area. This annual event raises awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s research and support. Visit the link below for date, time, location, and registration details.
Freedom Hall Civic Center — Upcoming Shows
Freedom Hall Civic Center at 1320 Pactolas Rd, Johnson City, has upcoming performances scheduled for Friday, September 25 at 7:00 PM; Saturday, September 26 at 10:30 AM, 3:00 PM, and 7:30 PM; and Sunday, September 27 at 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Visit the link for full details and to purchase tickets.
Read more at johnsoncitytn.org
The Goose Chase — Founders Park, Johnson City
The Goose Chase fun run/walk/race event is scheduled for Sunday, September 27, 2026 at 7:30 a.m. at Founders Park, 3211 People’s St., Johnson City, TN. Visit the link below for registration and additional details.
Read more at thegoosechase.org
Chamber of Commerce Breaking Barriers Breakfast — September 28
The Johnson City Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Breaking Barriers Breakfast on Monday, September 28, 2026 at 8:00 AM. The Avante Fall 2026 Class also begins that evening at 6:00 PM at the Eastman Credit Union Boardroom, 602 Sevier Street, Johnson City. Visit the Chamber’s calendar for details and registration.
Read more at johnsoncitytnchamber.com
Courtyard Stargazing Fall Equinox Hang Out — September 21
A Courtyard Stargazing Fall Equinox hang out is scheduled for Monday, September 21, 2026 at 7:30 PM at 117 W. Fairview Ave, Johnson City, TN. Visit the link below for more information.
Stories from the Pumpkin Patch — October 10
Stories from the Pumpkin Patch is happening on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at 3:00 PM at 2620 S Roan St, Johnson City, TN. Visit the link below for full details.
Blue Ridge Artisan Days: Fall Festival — October 23–24
Blue Ridge Artisan Days: Fall Festival takes place at the Appalachian Fairgrounds in Gray, TN on October 23 from 3–7 PM and October 24 from 9 AM–3 PM. The event features handmade goods and local talent. Visit the link for more information.
Read more at visitjohnsoncitytn.com
Fall Festival at The Mall at Johnson City — October 17
A Fall Festival is scheduled for Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 1:00 PM at The Mall at Johnson City. Visit the link below for more information.
Annual Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament — October 12
The Johnson City Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Tournament is scheduled for Monday, October 12, 2026 with brunch and check-in from 10:30 AM–11:45 AM and a shotgun start at noon at Blackthorn Club, 1501 Ridges Club Dr., Jonesborough, TN. For registration or more information, contact Hope Lewis at the Chamber.
Read more at johnsoncitytnchamber.com
📜 Today in Johnson City History
One hundred and twenty-five years ago today in 1901, downtown Johnson City played a game of musical chairs: Bruner’s Department Store moved into a handsome new storeroom in the Crouch block on the public square, Hart & Houston immediately took over the space Bruner’s had vacated, and Gump Bros. planned to move into the room Hart & Houston left behind, complete with a new plate glass front.
For more details, subscribe to the Today in Johnson City History newsletter by Rebecca Henderson.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
Mountain Home, the historic campus that also houses the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center.