☀️ Today’s Weather
Mainly clear skies over Johnson City today. High of 87°F, low of 66°F, with just a 7% chance of rain — a fine late-September Saturday to get outside.
😄 Only in Johnson City
Fall in Johnson City means the temperature drops 20 degrees overnight, the leaves start thinking about changing, and someone on the Tweetsie Trail is already wearing a puffer vest — right next to someone still in shorts. We contain multitudes.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Sycamore Shoals is closely associated with which river?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
JCPD Responds to Flock Camera Concerns Amid Calls for Removal
The Johnson City Police Department says it has made changes to how it uses Flock Safety cameras — a brand of license plate reader — but will not pause their use, even as community members voiced strong concerns. During a public comment period at a recent Johnson City Commission meeting, several residents spoke out against the technology, with some citing privacy and Fourth Amendment issues. JCPD’s deputy chief acknowledged hearing both opposition and support from the community.
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.)
Walk to End Alzheimer’s Hosted in Founders Park
Johnson City recently hosted a Walk to End Alzheimer’s event at Founders Park, bringing the community together to raise awareness and support for those affected by the disease. The annual walk is part of a nationwide effort organized by the Alzheimer’s Association. For more details on this year’s local event, visit the link below.
Dancing with the Tri-Cities Stars Presents Jeremiah School with a Major Check
Dancing with the Tri-Cities Stars recently presented the Jeremiah School with a significant donation following their fundraising competition. The Jeremiah School serves individuals with disabilities in the region. Full details on the event and the presentation are available at the link below.
Bluegrass Half Marathon Coming to Johnson City
The 16th Annual Bluegrass Half Marathon is set for Sunday, September 27, 2026, starting and finishing at the Farmers Market Pavilion at Founders Park. The race includes a half marathon, relay options, and a kids run, with a 7:30 a.m. start time and an early start option at 7:00 a.m. Packet pickup is available beforehand — visit the race page for registration and full details.
Barktoberfest Coming to Johnson City
The Appalachian Highlands Humane Society, in partnership with Off Leash Social, is hosting Barktoberfest on Saturday, September 26, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Knob Creek Vineyards (243 Denny Mill Road, Johnson City). The event is free to attend, leashed and friendly pets are welcome, and organizers say there will be live music, food, local vendors, and a costume parade and contest.
📅 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 — Saturday, September 26 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
The Appalachian Highlands Humane Society and Off Leash Social are hosting Barktoberfest at Knob Creek Vineyards, 243 Denny Mill Road, Johnson City. The event is free to attend; leashed, friendly pets are welcome. Organizers say there will be live music, food, local vendors, and a costume parade and contest.
16th Annual Bluegrass Half Marathon — Sunday, September 27 | 7:30 AM (Early Start: 7:00 AM)
The Bluegrass Half Marathon starts and finishes at the Farmers Market Pavilion at Founders Park, 225 Commerce St., Johnson City. Events include the half marathon, a relay option, and a kids run. Pre-race packet pickup is available — no same-day registration. Visit the organizer’s website for registration details.
FREE Appalachian Fair Home Show — September 25–27, 2026
The Appalachian Fair Home Show takes place September 25–27, 2026, at the Appalachian Fairgrounds in Johnson City. Admission is free for all. The show features hands-on demonstrations, expert advice, and exclusive offers from local home improvement vendors.
More info at Johnson City Chamber
Taco Trek | October — Tuesday, October 6 | 6:30 PM
Taco Trek returns to downtown Johnson City on Tuesday, October 6, starting at 6:30 PM at 110 W Market St. For full details on participating locations and how to join, visit the event listing.
The Temptations and The Four Tops at ETSU Martin Center for the Arts — Thursday, October 15 | 7:30 PM
The Temptations and The Four Tops are coming to the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts on Thursday, October 15, at 7:30 PM. For ticket information and full event details, visit the venue’s website.
📜 Today in Johnson City History
A century ago today in 1926, a dinner gathering near Piney Flats turned violent when a dispute over a clog dance escalated into a scuffle over a pistol, leaving one man shot in the abdomen and two others arrested and jailed in Blountville. The wounded man was rushed to Appalachian Hospital for emergency surgery.
For more details, subscribe to the Today in Johnson City History newsletter by Rebecca Henderson.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
The Watauga River, along whose banks the Sycamore Shoals site sits and where some of the earliest Euro-American settlement in Tennessee took place.