☀️ Today’s Weather
Partly cloudy. High 90°F, Low 69°F. 2% chance of rain. Stay hydrated out there, Johnson City!
😄 Only in Johnson City
Science Hill and Daniel Boone have been rivals for so long that even the people who graduated 30 years ago still feel the need to remind you which side they’re on — usually within the first five minutes of meeting them.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Interstate 26 links Johnson City in the direction of what North Carolina mountain city?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
Washington County Commission Votes to Elect Huffine in Tied District 13 Race
Washington County, Tennessee commissioners voted Monday night to cast the deciding vote in the tied 13th district commission race in favor of incumbent Republican Kenneth Huffine. During the August general election, Huffine and Humphrey each received 507 votes in the race for the District 13 commission seat. The decision came after a lengthy public comment session where every person who spoke was in favor of calling a runoff, including Huffine’s Democratic opponent Cindy Humphrey.
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.)
JCPD: Man Impersonating Officer Arrested After Stopping Investigator
Johnson City Police arrested a man recently after he allegedly impersonated a law enforcement officer and pulled over an investigator. The incident drew attention for its brazen nature — stopping someone who turned out to be in law enforcement themselves. For full details on charges and circumstances, see the full report linked below.
United Way of East TN Highlands Holds Annual Campaign Kickoff
The United Way of East Tennessee Highlands recently held its annual Campaign Kickoff, launching its fundraising season for the region. The event marks the start of the organization’s yearly effort to raise support for local nonprofits and community programs across the Highlands area. Visit the link below for more details on this year’s campaign goals.
Johnson City Main Street Sidewalk Sale Returns This Weekend
The second annual Main Street Sidewalk Sale is set for September 5th from 8 AM – 1 PM, with Main Street being shut down to make way for a downtown shopping experience. Downtown businesses will be rolling out racks and tables full of discounted items, and local artists and makers are also invited to join in, offering their own unique pieces at special prices. It’s a great chance to shop local and explore everything downtown Johnson City has to offer.
Johnson City Announces Upcoming Smoke Testing for September
The City of Johnson City has announced that smoke testing of the sewer system is scheduled to take place in September. Smoke testing is a standard maintenance procedure used to identify defects or leaks in sewer lines and is not a cause for alarm. Residents should visit the link below for specifics on areas and timing.
📅 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.
🏈 ETSU Football vs. Tusculum — September 5, 2026
Saturday, September 5, 2026 | 5:30 PM
William B. Greene Jr. Stadium, Johnson City
The Buccaneers host the Tusculum Pioneers at home. The game also serves as Niswonger Children’s Hospital Day, a fundraising partnership between ETSU Athletics and Ballad Health.
Main Street Sidewalk Sale — September 5, 2026
Saturday, September 5, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
East Main Street, Downtown Johnson City
The second annual Main Street Sidewalk Sale shuts down Main Street for a morning of downtown shopping. Downtown businesses will roll out racks and tables full of items at special discounted prices.
More info at Downtown Johnson City
Farm Day at Roan Valley Farms — September 5, 2026
Saturday, September 5, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Roan Valley Farms
The first ever Farm Day at Roan Valley Farms features live music from GMan BluesBand from 4 PM–7 PM, hay rides, games, farm equipment to check out, and a playground for kids — all free admission.
More info at Visit Johnson City TN
Glioblastoma Fundraiser at Johnson City Brewing — September 5, 2026
Saturday, September 5, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Johnson City Brewing, 714 W Walnut St, Johnson City, TN
This event hosted by Johnson City Brewing features DJ Sam Love, live music with Homecookn’ at 7 PM, a BBQ Dinner, and a Silent Auction sponsored by local businesses, local artists, and vendors — all to support research and local families in the fight against glioblastoma.
More info at Visit Johnson City TN
Annual Tree Streets Neighborhood Yard Sale — September 12, 2026
Saturday, September 12, 2026 | Starting at 8:00 AM
Tree Streets Historic District, Johnson City
The Annual Tree Streets Neighborhood Yard Sale 2026 takes place on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at the Tree Streets Historic District, organized by the Southside Neighborhood Organization. Shoppers are encouraged to bring cash and explore the historic neighborhood’s many participating yards.
Umoja Festival 2026 — September 12, 2026
Saturday, September 12, 2026 | All Day
King Commons Park, 125 W. King St., Johnson City, TN
The 2026 Umoja Festival is set for September 12th at King Commons Park in Johnson City, TN — a day of celebration and unity. Performers include national recording artist Aaron Cole and Nashville’s Purple Masquerade Band. The UMOJA Festival is free and open to the public.
More info at Visit Johnson City TN
FREE Appalachian Fair Home Show — September 25–27, 2026
Friday, September 25 – Sunday, September 27, 2026
Appalachian Fairgrounds, Johnson City
Step into the Home Show for hands-on demonstrations, expert advice, and exclusive offers to elevate your home — free admission for all. The Appalachian Fair Home Show takes place September 25–27, 2026 at the Appalachian Fairgrounds.
More info at Johnson City Chamber
📜 Today in Johnson City History
Today in Johnson City History
A century ago today in 1926, fire broke out for the second time in a week in an old, empty frame house on West Main Street behind the Arlington Hotel, starting under a back stairway. Quick work by the fire department put it out with hand chemicals before it could do more damage to the already fire-weakened building.
For more details, subscribe to the Today in Johnson City History newsletter by Rebecca Henderson.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
Asheville, the vibrant western North Carolina city that sits along Interstate 26 and serves as a cultural and economic neighbor to Johnson City.