☀️ Today’s Weather
Overcast skies today with a high of 82°F and a low of 52°F — no rain in the forecast (0% chance). A good day to get outside before the evening chill sets in.
😄 Only in Johnson City
Johnson City is the only place where the city fleet starts watching its idling time, and somehow everyone in town already knew diesel was the problem before the story even ran.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Johnson City created a destination for mountain bikers on a hilltop near downtown. What park is it?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
High Diesel Prices Hitting Johnson City’s City Budget
Rising diesel fuel costs are forcing local governments across the Tri-Cities to make adjustments, and Johnson City is no exception. Read more at WJHL
Johnson City’s Assistant City Manager says the city is currently able to absorb the increases, but officials are encouraging conservation measures such as reducing unnecessary vehicle idling. The city is also exploring alternative fuels for some of its fleet vehicles.
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.)
Two Women Charged After Toddler Found Wandering in Boones Creek
Two women face charges after a toddler was found wandering alone on a road in the Boones Creek area of Washington County. Johnson City-area authorities responded to the incident and took the child into protective care.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about child welfare in the community. Full details on the charges are available at the source link below.
Auntie Ruth’s Doughnuts Celebrates 3 Years with Freebies All Week
Auntie Ruth’s Doughnuts in Johnson City is marking its third anniversary with a week of deals and freebies for customers. The popular local doughnut shop has become a downtown staple since opening.
Stop by this week to take advantage of the anniversary celebration specials.
Voters Meet Candidates for Johnson City Commission and School Board
Community members recently had the opportunity to speak directly with candidates running for Johnson City Commission and school board seats at a meet-and-greet event. The forum gave residents a chance to hear from candidates ahead of the upcoming election.
Early voting for the Johnson City and Washington County municipal elections runs October 14–29.
Read more at Johnson City Press
📅 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.
AOF’s 2026 Annual Awards Celebration Dinner
Date/Time: Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Location: The Gallery: Wedding Venue, Special Events Facility & Catering, Johnson City, TN
The annual awards celebration dinner hosted by AOF returns to Johnson City.
The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys Live at Down Home
Date/Time: Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Location: Down Home, Johnson City, TN
The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys bring their acclaimed bluegrass sound to Johnson City’s legendary Down Home venue.
Storytelling Open Mic at Philosopher’s House
Date/Time: Friday, October 2, 2026 at 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM (sign-ups at 6:15 PM)
Location: Philosopher’s House, 212 N Boone St, Johnson City, TN
An open mic night for storytellers of all kinds. Sign up early and share your story with the community.
More info at Visit Johnson City
Larry Fleet Live at Niswonger Performing Arts Center
Date/Time: Friday, October 2, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Location: Niswonger Performing Arts Center, Johnson City, TN
Country artist Larry Fleet performs live at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center.
A Boogie Wit da Hoodie with Special Guest Shelailai
Date/Time: Wednesday, October 7, 2026 — Doors: 6:00 PM | Show: 7:00 PM
Location: Freedom Hall Civic Center, Johnson City, TN
Hip-hop artist A Boogie Wit da Hoodie headlines Freedom Hall with special guest Shelailai. This is an ETSU SGA-presented event.
More info at johnsoncitytn.org
Oktoberfest at Off Leash Social
Date/Time: Saturday, October 10, 2026 at 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Off Leash Social, Johnson City, TN
Celebrate Oktoberfest at Off Leash Social with an afternoon of festivities.
More info at Visit Johnson City
John Foster Live at Niswonger Performing Arts Center
Date/Time: Saturday, October 10, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Location: Niswonger Performing Arts Center, Johnson City, TN
John Foster takes the stage at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center for an evening of live music.
Early Voting: Johnson City/Washington County Municipal Elections
Dates: October 14–29, 2026
Location: See johnsoncitytn.org for voting locations
Early voting is open for the State/Federal General and Johnson City/Jonesborough Municipal Elections. Make your voice heard before Election Day.
More info at johnsoncitytn.org
Main Street Days Festival
Date/Time: Saturday, October 18, 2026 at 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Location: Main Street, Downtown Johnson City, TN
A fall festival in the heart of downtown Johnson City featuring live entertainment, food trucks, artisan vendors, and kids’ activities.
More info at northeasttennessee.org
Blue Ridge Artisan Days: Fall Festival
Dates/Times: Thursday, October 23 at 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM and Friday, October 24 at 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
The Blue Ridge Artisan Days Fall Festival returns to the area for two days of artisan showcases.
More info at Visit Johnson City
📜 Today in Johnson City History
A century ago today in 1926, Johnson City prepared to follow the World Series live and for free, as the Chronicle and Staff-News set up a “magnetic player board” outside the Appalachian Publishers building on Main Street that would recreate every play from the St. Louis-New York series in miniature, the moment it happened, via telegraph — drawing crowds of hundreds of cars and thousands of fans to watch together downtown.
For more details, subscribe to the Today in Johnson City History newsletter by Rebecca Henderson.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
Tannery Knobs Mountain Bike Park, a purpose-built trail system located on an in-town mountain within riding distance of downtown Johnson City.