☀️ Today’s Weather
Light drizzle with a high of 81°F and a low of 66°F. Only a 9% chance of rain — a good day to keep a light jacket handy.
😄 Only in Johnson City
September in Johnson City means ETSU students are back, the leaves haven’t turned yet, and somehow there’s already a shooting downtown and a lawsuit ruling to talk about — before most people have finished their Monday morning coffee.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: One of Johnson City’s most famous sports figures won the Heisman Trophy in 1966. Who was he?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
Federal Judge Dismisses Dahl Lawsuit Against Johnson City
A federal judge has dismissed a major lawsuit against Johnson City tied to the Sean Williams case. Former federal prosecutor Kateri Dahl had sued Johnson City, its former police chief, and several officers, claiming her constitutional rights were violated when the city declined to renew her contract — which she believed was retaliation for raising concerns about rape allegations against Williams. In a ruling issued Friday, the judge found that Dahl had failed to meet the burden of proof.
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.)
Juvenile Shot in Downtown Johnson City Saturday Night
A male juvenile was injured in a shooting that occurred late Saturday night in downtown Johnson City, according to the Johnson City Police Department. Police are actively searching for the shooter involved in the incident. This is a developing story as investigators continue their work.
ETSU Rolls Past Tusculum 48-14 in Season Opener
The ETSU Buccaneers earned their first win of the 2026 season with a dominant 48-14 victory over Tusculum. The Bucs’ defense and offense both showed strong performances in the home opener. For the full game recap and highlights, check out the link below.
Quantum Leap Celebrates 10 Years with Special Event
Quantum Leap, a local Johnson City organization, recently marked a decade of service and community impact with a special celebratory event. The milestone reflects the organization’s continued presence in the region. Visit the link below for more details on the celebration.
📅 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.
Umoja Festival 2026
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026 (All Day)
Location: King Commons Park, 125 W. King St., Johnson City, TN
The annual Umoja Festival is a celebration of unity and cultural diversity in Johnson City. The festival brings together people of all backgrounds for a day of community, celebration, and togetherness. Visit the link below for more information.
Read more at Visit Johnson City TN
Sorghum Festival and Breakfast
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — Starting at 8:00 AM
Location: 2620 S Roan St., Johnson City, TN
The Sorghum Festival and Breakfast is a local fall tradition celebrating Appalachian heritage. Visit the link below for more details on this event.
7th Annual Oktoberfest @ Boones Creek (Johnson City Brewing)
Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026 — Starting at 11:00 AM
Location: Johnson City Brewing
The 7th Annual Oktoberfest at Boones Creek returns to Johnson City Brewing for a day of fall festivities. Visit the link below for more details.
PokeKon-Fest — All Pokémon Show
Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Location: Holiday Inn Johnson City
PokeKon-Fest is a one-day Pokémon collectors’ trade show and fan convention. The event features trading, gaming programming, and fan activities for enthusiasts of all ages. Visit the link below for more details and ticketing information.
Incredible Business SPEED! Networking — Johnson City
Date: Friday, September 11, 2026
Location: Johnson City, TN (see event link for venue details)
A local business networking speed event is scheduled for September 11 in Johnson City. Visit the link below for full details and registration information.
Oktoberfest — Johnson City (visitjohnsoncitytn.com listing)
Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026 — 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
An Oktoberfest celebration is listed on the Visit Johnson City events calendar for late September. Visit the link below for full location and ticketing details.
Read more at Visit Johnson City TN
📜 Today in Johnson City History
A century ago today in 1926, a picnic party returning from the fish hatchery on the Erwin road was shaken up when their touring car flipped after steering trouble, leaving several passengers bruised and scratched, including a young girl with a lacerated finger. Everyone survived with only minor injuries, though the car itself was badly damaged.
For more details, subscribe to the Today in Johnson City History newsletter by Rebecca Henderson.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
Steve Spurrier, who grew up in Johnson City and went on to win the Heisman Trophy as a quarterback before becoming one of college football’s most celebrated coaches.