☀️ Today’s Weather
Overcast skies over the Tri-Cities today. High of 64°F, Low of 35°F. Just a 1% chance of rain — a calm Tuesday ahead!
😄 Joke of the Day
A visitor from Nashville rolls into Johnson City and asks a local, “What do folks do for fun around here?” The local leans back and says, “Well, we hike the Appalachian Trail, catch a Doughboys game, grab a pint at Yee-Haw, and argue about whether the Blue Plum Festival really needed to retire.” The visitor says, “Sounds like a full week.” The local says, “That’s just Tuesday.”
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Johnson City is home to one of only two bald eagle nests in the Tri-Cities area monitored live by ETSU Eagle Cameras. What are the names of the two adult bald eagles that nest in Johnson City?
Answer: Boone and Joelene! The pair welcomed two eaglets this spring, with the second (JC27) hatching in early March 2026.
🔝 Top Stories
Washington County Commission Approves BWXT Rezoning in 10-5 Vote
In a closely watched vote Monday night, the Washington County, Tennessee Commission voted to approve a rezoning ordinance for BWXT’s Jonesborough site at a 10-5 vote. The ordinance rezones land that BWXT already owns from agricultural to industrial, and BWXT officials said they plan to open two high-purity depleted uranium processing facilities on either side of Limestone Creek. Residents spoke against the expansion, citing concerns about health risks, while BWXT said operations are clean, safe, and economically beneficial — noting the two facilities would create 175 jobs locally. The vote required a two-thirds supermajority of 10 votes because the Planning Commission had previously recommended denial in January.
Washington County Also Approves Data Center Moratorium
At the same March 23 meeting, Washington County commissioners approved a one-year moratorium on new data centers in the county, voting 13-2 to approve the resolution, which forbids the construction, operation, and permitting of data centers, including cryptocurrency mines, through June 30, 2027. The moratorium will give commissioners time to update regulations to address the emerging technology. The resolution acknowledged that data mining centers require extraordinary levels of electrical power, often equivalent to the consumption of thousands of homes, placing strain on local utilities and potentially increasing costs to residential ratepayers.
Community Forms Aquatics Task Force After Surprise Freedom Hall Pool Closure
The Johnson City swim community was blindsided when the city announced the closure of Freedom Hall pool as of April 3, but for some residents the fight isn’t over — the Johnson City Aquatics Task Force was created to bring together citizens who want aquatics facilities and programs expanded throughout the city. The City of Johnson City announced that Freedom Hall Pool, located at 1320 Pactolas Road, will close on April 3; the indoor aquatics facility, built in 1974, has reached its operational lifespan. Repairs to lengthen the lifespan of the pool 8–10 years were estimated to cost the city “nearly $750,000.” Johnson City Schools Superintendent Dr. Erin Slater said the school system is actively exploring facility options for the 2026–2027 swim season and remains fully committed to maintaining competitive swim teams at both the middle school and high school levels.
$30.6 Million JCPD Settlement Reaches Final Approval
The total settlement amount now paid by Johnson City is $30.6 million; originally filed on behalf of Sean Williams’ survivors, the lawsuit broadened to include a class action portion. Judge Travis McDonough of the U.S. District Court for Eastern Tennessee signed the order dismissing the Jane Doe et al. v. Johnson City case. That class, unrelated to Williams, included women and girls who reported sexual assaults to the Johnson City Police Department between 2018 and 2022. As part of the settlement, the Johnson City Police Department agreed to four years of monitoring by an independent overseer, which includes detailed audits of 15 sex crime cases each year for the next two years.
JC Leaders Seek State Funding to Boost John Sevier Redevelopment
Johnson City leaders are hopeful that Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee will recommend an appropriation this year to help offset costs associated with the planned redevelopment of the John Sevier building and Downtown Centre. City and Johnson City Development Authority (JCDA) leaders visited the state capital to lay out a case for funding in the neighborhood of $2.5 million, which would help offset an estimated funding gap of $6 to $10 million needed to make the numbers work for prospective buyer Lansing Melbourne Group (LMG). JCDA bought the century-old former hotel in 2019 for $4.6 million, when it served as assisted housing for low-income elderly and disabled residents.
Caddy’s Indoor Golf Coming to Johnson City This Spring
Johnson City will soon have a new golf experience — Caddy’s Indoor Golf will be at 525 W. Market Street, featuring GOLFZON simulators and including a restaurant and bar. The venue will bring high-end simulators with access to more than 300 courses worldwide and will also serve food and drinks and host live music events. Lessons, leagues, and tournaments will be available when the facility opens at the end of May.
Cherokee/West Walnut Stormwater Basin on Track for September Completion
The stormwater basin at Cherokee and West Walnut is designed to reduce flooding along the corridor and is partially funded by a $3.3 million state grant. Once completed, the space will also serve as a public park with walkways, landscaping, and a pond feature. The basin is part of the larger West Walnut redevelopment project connecting ETSU to downtown. City leaders say the project is on track to wrap up by the end of September 2026.
Blue Plum Festival Will Not Return in 2026
For the first time in more than 20 years, the Blue Plum Festival will not return to downtown Johnson City — the Blue Plum Organization announced on its website that the festival will not be held in 2026. According to the organization, the decision was made because its mission was achieved; since its beginning in 1999, the Blue Plum Festival was created to invest in downtown Johnson City and introduce the community to the arts, and the organization stated it feels that mission has been met. Organization leaders said they will continue to organize the Johnson City Christmas Parade and will still support downtown Johnson City.
UT Vols Fans Pack Yee-Haw Brewing for NCAA Tournament Watch Party
In their first game of the 2026 NCAA Tournament, the Tennessee Volunteers advanced to the Round of 32 after defeating Miami of Ohio — following a dominant first half, Tennessee held onto its lead and ended up winning by 22 points. Yee-Haw Brewing in downtown Johnson City became a sea of orange and white as the Tri-Cities rooted for Tennessee, with the brewery hosting official watch parties for the Volunteers at all four of its locations, including in Johnson City.
📅 Upcoming Events
Johnson City Dulcimer Festival
Date/Time: Saturday, March 28, 2026 | 12:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: 117 W. Fairview Ave, Johnson City, TN 37604
Join the Johnson City Dulcimer Day for an afternoon of workshops, live music, jams, and more — March 28, 2026 is the first annual Johnson City Dulcimer Day, a celebration of the mountain dulcimer and Appalachian music. Most events are drop-in and open to all, though beginner workshops require advance registration. Food and drink purchases are encouraged to support the teahouse nonprofit.
More Info – Visit Johnson City
Johnson City Prayer Breakfast 2026
Date/Time: Monday, March 30, 2026 | Doors open 7:15 AM | Breakfast 7:30 AM | Program 8:00–10:00 AM
Location: Freedom Hall Arena, 1320 Pactolas Rd, Johnson City, TN 37604
The annual Johnson City Prayer Breakfast is set for March 30th at Freedom Hall Arena, featuring keynote speaker Marcy Gregg, an author and speaker known for her testimony of faith, resilience, and hope. The program will also include prayers led by local community members on critical issues affecting the city — this annual gathering brings the community together in a spirit of unity and faith, providing a welcoming environment for people of all denominations. Tickets are available at PrayforJC.org.
Northeast State 2026 Spring Career Fair
Date/Time: Wednesday, April 1, 2026 | 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Location: Northeast State Community College Ballad Health Center for the Performing Arts, 2425 Highway 75, Blountville, TN 37617
The Career and Workforce Development Center at Northeast State Community College is hosting the 2026 Spring Career Fair on Wednesday, April 1st, from 1:30 to 4:30 PM at the Blountville campus, with employers from across the region sharing information about available job openings and career opportunities. This event offers a wonderful opportunity for job seekers to network with employers representing a wide range of career fields and is free of cost and open to job seekers from the public.
Thirsty Orange Beer Festival 2026
Date/Time: Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Founders Park, 225 Commerce Street, Johnson City, TN 37604
The Thirsty Orange Beer Festival returns on Saturday, April 18, 2026 for a full day of sampling 150+ craft beers, ciders, and meads from breweries across the region, with great drinks, food trucks, and a true beer-festival atmosphere in the heart of downtown. This is the 13th annual Thirsty Orange Brew Extravaganza, offering over 150 unique beers and a chance to sample brews you’ve never tried before. Tickets are available at thirstyorange.com.
Forever Fest: West Walnut Block Party
Date/Time: Friday, April 24, 2026 | 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: West Walnut Street, Johnson City, TN
Forever Fest: West Walnut Block Party is one of the featured spring festivals on the Visit Johnson City calendar, taking place on April 24 from 4:30 to 9:00 PM. This community celebration invites residents to enjoy the reimagined West Walnut corridor connecting ETSU to downtown Johnson City, featuring local music, vendors, and community fun in one of the city’s most vibrant newly renovated districts.
More Info – Visit Johnson City
Art·Struck Festival 2026
Date/Time: Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: The Pavilion at Founders Park, 105 W. Main St., Downtown Johnson City
The Art·Struck Festival on April 25, 2026 brings together artists and arts organizations to celebrate and support the arts community, offering high quality artwork for sale to the public, arts demonstrations, and activities for all ages. The Johnson City Public Art Committee has selected 56 artists to booth at its 2026 Art Struck Festival after receiving over 100 applications. The event is free and open to the public — no tickets are required.