☀️ Today’s Weather
Thursday, March 26, 2026 — Overcast skies over Johnson City. High 78°F, Low 54°F. Only a 5% chance of rain — keep the umbrella home!
😄 Joke of the Day
A visitor stopped a local on Roan Street and asked, “So what’s the best thing about living in Johnson City?” The local thought for a second and said, “Well, we’ve got mountains, craft beer, bald eagles nesting on the ETSU campus, and a brand new Publix coming to Boones Creek.” The visitor said, “Wow — what’s the worst part?” The local replied, “Everybody’s moving here after you tell them that.”
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Johnson City’s Freedom Hall Pool, which is set to permanently close on April 3, 2026, was built in what year — and what was the estimated cost cited by the city to repair it for only 8–10 more years of use?
Answer: The Freedom Hall Pool was built in 1974, and the city estimated that repairs to extend its lifespan just 8–10 years would cost nearly $750,000 — a key factor in the decision to close it permanently.
🔝 Top Stories
BWXT Rezoning Approved — Residents Vow to Keep Fighting
Washington County, Tennessee commissioners approved a controversial rezoning Monday night to expand BWXT’s Jonesborough plant. Some 10,000 people signed a petition opposing the expansion of the nearby depleted uranium site in Jonesborough, the state’s oldest town, and opponents wore neon yellow shirts displaying their plea for “no uranium contamination in East Tennessee.” Ron Dailey, president of Tennessee operations, said construction is happening now within the plant’s existing boundaries, but the major part of the expansion is expected to take two to four years. Johnson City/Jonesborough/Washington County Chamber President and CEO Bob Cantler said BWXT is a shot in the arm for a county that has recently seen layoffs, noting “with the workforce reductions with JTEKT, Nakatetsu, US Endodontics and AT&T, our community has taken a hit in employment,” and that the expansion would offer 175 permanent jobs and inject millions into the local economy.
Freedom Hall Pool Set to Permanently Close April 3 — Community Pushes Back
The City of Johnson City announced it is closing Freedom Hall Pool permanently on April 3; the pool, located at 1320 Pactolas Rd., has “reached its operational lifespan” and was built in 1974. Repairs to lengthen the lifespan of the pool 8–10 years were estimated to cost the city “nearly $750,000,” and factors such as the pool’s failure to meet the community’s competitive aquatic needs played into the decision. Athletes, coaches, parents, and community members attended a city commission meeting to voice concerns; a petition against the closure gathered nearly 2,000 signatures, with organizers citing that there is no adequate alternative. Commissioner Brock said there is a long-term plan to have a pool back in the city, noting that the city has already completed a master plan for aquatics.
Judge Grants More Time for Discovery in Mikayla Evans Lawsuit Against Johnson City
A federal judge will allow lawyers for Mikayla Evans more time to gather “discovery” in her civil lawsuit against the City of Johnson City and certain police officers before he rules on the defendants’ motions to dismiss; U.S. District Judge Ronnie Greer’s order supported the argument that Evans’s lawyers lacked a full opportunity to take discovery from the defendants prior to his initial deadline to rule on defense motions for summary judgment. Greer set an in-person scheduling conference for April 6 and ordered both sides to file a joint discovery plan 48 hours in advance of that conference. Evans’s 2024 lawsuit against the city and five current and former police officers claims that the Johnson City Police Department (JCPD) violated her constitutional rights by failing to properly investigate the circumstances of her fall, and alleges that Williams and others were paying JCPD officers as part of a broad, corrupt scheme.
TWRA and TVA Restore Fish Habitats at Watauga Lake After Hurricane Helene Damage
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is partnering with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to replace vital fish habitat in Watauga Reservoir following widespread damage caused by Hurricane Helene; TVA contributed $100,000 to support the project. The TWRA Fisheries Division Chief, Jason Henegar, said two different types of structures were created, including about 75 tree structures and about 20 crappie “stake bed” structures; the tree habitats are made with trees knocked down by the hurricane and attached to cinder blocks. The new habitats will be spread across 30 different spots on Watauga Lake. Most cedar trees and anchor materials are already staged at the Rat Branch boat launch, and the first deployments are expected to begin within the next couple of weeks.
JCPD Issues Statement on Upcoming “No Kings” Protest This Saturday
The Johnson City Police Department issued a statement regarding protests planned around the region this Saturday, noting the nationwide “No Kings” protests will take place across the Tri-Cities. The Johnson City event is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on State of Franklin Road between University Parkway and Sevier Street, organized by Indivisible TriCities TN. The Johnson City Police Department stated it respects the right of individuals to engage in peaceful assemblies, while reminding the public that temporary structures and amplified sound require proper permitting, sidewalks must remain accessible, and traffic flow cannot be obstructed.
New Coffee Food Truck Rolls Into the Tri-Cities
A new coffee truck is rolling into the Tri-Cities, offering customers more than a quick caffeine fix — High Ridge Coffee Company is a new food truck serving specialty brews to the region. The truck is the latest addition to the area’s growing mobile food scene, bringing specialty coffee options to Johnson City and surrounding communities. Keep an eye on social media for upcoming locations and schedules as the new truck makes its rounds.
Swim Coach Reacts to Freedom Hall Pool Closure: “It Won’t Work Long-Term”
The Freedom Hall Pool is used by multiple Johnson City Schools swim teams and swim clubs; city officials said the damages posed no dangers to swimmers, who were able to finish the season at Freedom Hall, and that the organizations are being relocated to Memorial Park for the time being. Chris Coraggio, the coach for the Science Hill Swim Team and Barracuda Swim Club, said the plan to move to Memorial Park will not work for the long term, stating that “trying to fit the entire footprint that we currently have in Freedom Hall in with the footprint that the other program in the city has with Memorial Park is not going to work.” Johnson City Schools Superintendent Dr. Erin Slater said the district is “actively exploring facility options for the 2026-2027 swim season” and remains “fully committed to maintain competitive swim teams at both the middle school and high school levels.”
📅 Upcoming Events
Jonesborough Easter Eggstravaganza 2026
Date/Time: Saturday, March 28, 2026 — 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM (Egg Hunt at 2:00 PM)
Location: International Storytelling Center, Jimmy Neil Smith Park, The Christopher Taylor House, and Central Christian Church — Downtown Jonesborough, TN
The Town of Jonesborough is hosting its Easter Eggstravaganza on Saturday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., featuring kids’ activities including Easter Bunny photos, face painting, children’s crafts, an Officer K-9 meet and greet, and Touch-a-Truck with the Jonesborough Fire Department, Street Department, and Water Department. The egg hunt takes place at 2 p.m. in Jimmy Neil Smith Park, where children ages 12 and under can hunt for over 5,000 candy and toy-filled eggs, divided into four age groups.
More information at jonesborough.com/easter
Northeast State Spring Career Fair 2026
Date/Time: Wednesday, April 1, 2026 — 1:30 PM to 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, 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.
More information at northeaststate.edu
Paint Night: “Blue Ridge Mountains” — Jonesborough Parks & Recreation
Date/Time: Thursday, April 9, 2026 — 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: Lincoln Park, 307 E. Main St., Jonesborough, TN 37659 (under the pavilion by the pickleball court)
A monthly painting series for all ages offered by Jonesborough Parks and Recreation and the Jonesborough Senior Center, with local artist Tania Dirks guiding participants through a fun and creative paint evening featuring the Blue Ridge Mountains on an 11×14″ canvas with all supplies included. Participants must dress to be outside and pre-register; the cost is $35 per person.
More information at jonesboroughtn.org
Jonesborough Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting
Date/Time: Thursday, April 16, 2026 — 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Location: Historic Jonesborough Visitors Center, 117 Boone St., Jonesborough, TN 37659
The Town of Jonesborough’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee will hold its regular monthly meeting, open to the public. Residents interested in parks, trails, and recreation programming in Jonesborough are encouraged to attend.
More information at jonesboroughtn.org
Vernon Dalhart: First Star of Country Music — Jackson Theatre
Date/Time: Friday, April 17, 2026 — 7:00 PM
Location: The Jackson Theatre, 121 W. Main St., Jonesborough, TN 37659
The Jackson Theatre will present “Vernon Dalhart: First Country Music Star” on Friday, April 17 at 7:00 PM in partnership with the International Storytelling Center, a special evening of words and music celebrating one of the most influential recording artists of the 1920s and 1930s. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 day of show, and are available at thejacksontheatre.com.
More information at jonesboroughtn.org
Thirsty Orange Beer Festival 2026 — 13th Annual!
Date/Time: Saturday, April 18, 2026 — Premium Access 1:00 PM; General Admission 2:00 PM; Event ends 6:00 PM (21+ event)
Location: Founders Park, 225 Commerce Street, Johnson City, TN 37604
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, including great drinks and food trucks. This is the 13th annual Thirsty Orange Brew Extravaganza. Valid ID required. Tickets are available online and prices increase as the event approaches.
Jonesborough Easter Eggstravaganza (Downtown) & Sensory Easter Egg Hunt
Date/Time: Saturday, April 19, 2026 — Downtown event: 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM; Sensory Egg Hunt: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM; Free movie screening at 7:30 PM
Location: International Storytelling Center & Jimmy Neil Smith Park (downtown), and Lincoln Park (Sensory Hunt), Jonesborough, TN
The Town of Jonesborough will host its Easter Eggstravaganza downtown from noon to 3 p.m., with kids’ activities including Easter Bunny photos, face painting, children’s crafts, Officer K-9 meet and greet, and Touch-a-Truck events. Following the main event, the Town of Jonesborough Parks and Recreation Department will host its first-ever Sensory Easter Egg Hunt from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Lincoln Park, designed for individuals of all ages with disabilities or those who benefit from a calmer, slower-paced environment. As the sun sets, a free screening of “Hop” will take place at 7:30 p.m. at the Lincoln Park Amphitheater, sponsored by The Jackson Theatre.
More information at jonesborough.com/easter
Johnson City Jazz Festival at the Jackson Theatre
Date/Time: Sunday, April 19, 2026 — 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: The Jackson Theatre, 121 W. Main St., Jonesborough, TN 37659
The 2026 Johnson City Jazz Festival will feature the Tri-Cities Jazz Orchestra, a 17-piece big band under the direction of Mr. Eddie Dalton, comprised of musicians from Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. The band specializes in playing music from the Big Band Era to the present day, including music from such jazz greats as Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Buddy Rich, Maynard Ferguson, and Stan Kenton. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 day of show, available at thejacksontheatre.com.
More information at jonesboroughtn.org
Art·Struck Festival 2026
Date/Time: Saturday, April 25, 2026 — 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Location: Downtown Johnson City, TN
Art Struck Festival returns to Downtown Johnson City on April 25, 2026. This beloved annual festival celebrates visual arts, live music, and local culture in the heart of downtown. Expect local artists, vendors, and family-friendly activities throughout the day. More details are available through the Downtown Johnson City event calendar.
More information at downtownjctn.com