☀️ Today’s Weather
Foggy morning with a high of 74°F and a low of 46°F — 0% chance of rain. A great fall day once that fog lifts!
😄 Only in Johnson City
Fall arrives in Johnson City the same way every year: one morning you wake up and it’s 46 degrees, the fog is sitting heavy on the hills, and somehow every coffee shop downtown has already switched to pumpkin everything. Nobody planned it. It just happens.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: The nickname “Tweetsie” is said to come from a sound people heard along the rail line. What made that sound?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
‘Drop Out or DIE’: Gubernatorial Candidate Hatley’s Johnson City Business Vandalized
A threatening message was found on a warehouse in Johnson City tied to gubernatorial candidate David Hatley, with the words “Drop out or DIE” written on the property. The vandalism has drawn attention from local law enforcement and raised concerns about political intimidation ahead of the upcoming election. JCPD is investigating the incident as threatening graffiti.
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.)
Good Samaritan Ministries Honors Dolly Parton with Service Day
Good Samaritan Ministries in Johnson City recently held a community service day in honor of the late Dolly Parton, reflecting on the singer’s legacy of giving back. The event brought volunteers together to carry on the spirit of service that Parton was known for throughout her life. It is one of several local tributes continuing to honor her memory across the Tri-Cities region.
Man Sentenced After Pleading Guilty to Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material
A man has been sentenced after pleading guilty to possession of child sexual abuse material in a case prosecuted in the local area. The sentencing follows a law enforcement investigation and guilty plea. Visit the link below for full details on the case.
Two Years After Helene: Recovery Work Continues Across the Region
Two years after Hurricane Helene devastated communities across Appalachia, recovery and infrastructure repair work is still ongoing in the region. Local leaders and residents continue to navigate the long road back from the storm’s widespread destruction. The anniversary serves as a reminder of both the resilience of area communities and the work that remains.
Read more at Johnson City Press
Johnson City Businesses Make the Shift to Fall
Downtown Johnson City businesses are embracing the change of seasons, transitioning their offerings, décor, and menus to reflect the fall season. Local shop owners and entrepreneurs are gearing up for what is traditionally a busy stretch heading into the holidays. The shift reflects the broader energy in the city as cooler temperatures arrive.
📅 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.
Goose Chase 5K — Founders Park
Date/Time: Sunday, September 27, 2026 at 7:30 a.m.
Location: Founders Park, 3211 People’s St., Johnson City, TN
A morning run/walk/race event taking place at Founders Park in Johnson City. Lace up and head out for a fun fall fitness event.
Chamber Leadership Series — Begins September 28
Date/Time: Starting Monday, September 28, 2026 at 6:00 PM (runs through November 16, 2026)
Location: Eastman Credit Union Boardroom, Chamber of Commerce, 602 Sevier Street, Johnson City, TN 37604
The Johnson City Chamber of Commerce is hosting a leadership development series beginning this Monday evening. For more information or to register, contact Caleb Tull at 423-461-8011.
More info at Johnson City Chamber of Commerce
Statemint Johnson City Sale — Fall 2026
Date: October 8, 2026 (Thursday through Sunday)
Location: Appalachian Fairgrounds, Johnson City, TN
A pop-up consignment sale featuring adult clothing, shoes, and accessories from name brands at discounted prices. Entrance is free, and new deals can be found each day of the event. Cash, cards, Apple Pay, and Venmo are accepted.
More info at Visit Johnson City
NEVERTEL — North American Tour 2026
Date/Time: Tuesday, October 13, 2026 — Doors at 6:00 PM, Show at 7:00 PM
Location: Johnson City, TN (see event link for venue details)
Presented by 95.9 The Hog, NEVERTEL brings their North American Tour to Johnson City with special guests Rivals and Ocean Sleeper. This is an ages 18+ event with a valid state-issued or US military photo ID required. No refunds.
More info at Visit Johnson City
Create + Connect: Creative Coworking
Date/Time: Tuesday, October 20, 2026 — 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: The Generalist, Johnson City, TN
A free monthly creative coworking night held every third Tuesday at The Generalist. Bring your own art or creative project and work alongside other local creatives. Artists, makers, writers, poets, and anyone who creates is welcome.
More info at Visit Johnson City
Blue Ridge Artisan Days: Fall Festival
Date/Time: October 23, 2026 from 3–7 PM and October 24, 2026 from 9 AM–3 PM
Location: Appalachian Fairgrounds, Johnson City, TN
A two-day fall festival featuring handmade goods and local artisans. On Friday evening at 6 PM, a Costume Parade will kick off the weekend — attendees are encouraged to come in costume. The event is open to all ages.
More info at Visit Johnson City
📜 Today in Johnson City History
One hundred and twenty-five years ago today in 1901, Johnson City won a federal court battle against a London trust company over nearly $20,000 in disputed railroad bonds, with the judge ruling that the foreign corporation holding the bonds hadn’t properly registered to do business in Tennessee — sparing the young city a significant financial hit.
For more details, subscribe to the Today in Johnson City History newsletter by Rebecca Henderson.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
The steam whistle on the locomotive, whose high-pitched sound reminded locals of a tweet, giving the railroad its beloved nickname.