☀️ Today’s Weather
Overcast skies over Johnson City today — High 76°F, Low 54°F, with a 36% chance of rain. Keep an umbrella handy!
😄 Only in Johnson City
You know you’re in Johnson City when you go for a quick hike on Buffalo Mountain, come back down, and find out the city is working to make it an official state natural area — which means the trail you’ve been hiking for years was apparently already a big deal and you just didn’t know it.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Johnson City’s beloved Buffalo Mountain Park is a natural landmark that towers above the city. In what year was Buffalo Mountain Park first acquired by the City of Johnson City — and how was the land obtained?
Answer: Buffalo Mountain Park is a 725-acre natural resource area obtained in 1994 through a land swap with the U.S. Forest Service.
🔝 Top Stories
Downtown Johnson City Crash: Suspect Pleads Not Guilty as Community Mourns
The suspect accused of fatally striking one person and injuring three others in a downtown Johnson City crash has pleaded not guilty. According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, 36-year-old Steven Kotsonis was driving a 2021 Ford Explorer when he lost control of the vehicle, hit a curb, and drove into the West Market Street parking lot in downtown Johnson City, where he fatally struck one person and injured the trio. Survivors and friends of those involved have been sharing their memories and expressing gratitude for community support in the days since the incident.
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Buffalo Mountain Park Moves Toward State Natural Area Designation
Buffalo Mountain Park is an important step closer to becoming Northeast Tennessee’s fourth state-designated natural area — something city Parks and Recreation leaders say will have multiple benefits, including guaranteed preservation. State staff from the state’s Division of Natural Areas visited Buffalo Mountain City Park to evaluate the site for the Natural Areas Program, and following the visit, staff members determined the park is a candidate for state natural area designation. The designation is expected to take two years to complete and would make Buffalo Mountain City Park the first state natural area in Washington County.
Read more at Johnson City Press
JC Planning Commission Approves Hopper Road Zoning Amid Public Concern
The Johnson City Regional Planning Commission recently approved a zoning request near Hopper Road, though the decision came amid public worry about the proposed development. A proposed annexation at Indian Ridge and Hopper roads got a green light at the Johnson City Regional Planning Commission, but commissioners questioned whether the roads could handle the townhomes developers want to put there. Planning commissioners unanimously approved the initial annexation and rezoning request, which still needs approval from the city commission.
Read more at Johnson City Press
Community Rallies Behind Snoball Shop Worker Hurt in Downtown Crash
The Johnson City community has rallied around one of the workers injured in the recent downtown crash, who was employed at a local snoball shop. Friends and neighbors have come together to offer support to the injured pedestrian as she recovers. For the full story and details on how to help, see the link below.
Read more at Johnson City Press
Washington County’s Got TEEN Talent Celebrates Student Performers
Washington County recently held its “Got TEEN Talent” showcase, celebrating the skills and creativity of local student performers. The event highlights the talents of area youth and provides them a community stage to shine. For more details on the performers and results, see the link below.
Read more at Johnson City Press
📅 Upcoming Events
🎉 Spring Block Party — May 16, 2026
Saturday, May 16, 2026 | 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Atlantic Ale House, Johnson City
A community spring block party in Johnson City for an evening of warm-weather fun with your neighbors.
More info at Visit Johnson City TN
🎵 Symphony of the Mountains: “Show Me the Paths” — May 17, 2026
Sunday, May 17, 2026 | 3:00 PM
NPAC (Millennium Centre), Johnson City
The Symphony of the Mountains will present a deeply moving and uniquely collaborative concert, “Show Me the Paths,” on Sunday, May 17 at 3 p.m. — the final performance in their 2025–2026 Free Community Performance Series. Tickets are free and available on a first come, first served basis.
More info at Johnson City Chamber of Commerce
🎪 Event at Freedom Hall Civic Center — May 23, 2026
Saturday, May 23, 2026 | 10:00 AM
Freedom Hall Civic Center, 1320 Pactolas Rd, Johnson City, TN
An event is scheduled at Freedom Hall Civic Center on May 23, 2026 at 10:00 AM. Visit the Freedom Hall events page for full details on the event name and ticketing information.
More info at johnsoncitytn.org
🎵 Fridays After 5 Summer Concert Series — Fridays in June & July 2026
Every Friday in June and July 2026
The Pavilion at Founders Park, Downtown Johnson City
Johnson City’s beloved summer outdoor concert series returns to The Pavilion at Founders Park for another season of free Friday evening music in the heart of downtown. Check the Downtown Johnson City events calendar for the full lineup and schedule.
More info at Downtown Johnson City