☀️ Today’s Weather
Clear skies. High 73°F, Low 47°F. 0% chance of rain — a beautiful fall Sunday in Johnson City.
😄 Only in Johnson City
Fall arrives in Johnson City and within 48 hours everyone downtown is wearing a flannel, sipping a pumpkin something, and insisting they “knew it was coming” — even though it was 85 degrees on Thursday.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: The complete Johnson City Sessions are commonly listed as including how many songs and tunes?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
Johnson City Man Sentenced to Over 12 Years on Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges
A Johnson City man who previously pleaded guilty to possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) was sentenced Thursday. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Ronnie Lee Miller, 53, was sentenced to 150 months in prison. When released, Miller will be on lifetime supervised release and will have to register with state sex offender registries and adhere to sex offender guidelines. The DOJ reports Miller was previously sentenced to 110 months in prison for possession of CSAM in 2009.
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Threatening Message Found at Johnson City Business Tied to Gubernatorial Candidate Hatley
A threatening message was discovered at a warehouse in Johnson City connected to gubernatorial candidate David Hatley. The message reportedly told the candidate to “drop out or die,” prompting concern among local officials and law enforcement. Hatley’s campaign has been active in the region as the gubernatorial race heats up.
Tri-Cities Communities Mark First ‘Give Like Dolly Day’ with Imagination Library Events
Tri-Cities communities recently came together to mark the first-ever “Give Like Dolly Day,” honoring the late Dolly Parton’s legacy through a series of Imagination Library events. The day celebrated the beloved literacy program that Parton championed throughout her lifetime. Local volunteers and organizations participated in activities across the region to honor her memory and support early childhood reading.
Holmestead Farms Celebrates National Alpaca Day
Holmestead Farms recently celebrated National Alpaca Day, giving locals a fun and unique opportunity to visit with alpacas up close. The farm-based event is part of a nationwide celebration spotlighting these beloved animals. It’s a distinctly East Tennessee way to spend a fall Saturday.
Johnson County to Implement ICE 287(g) Program
Johnson County has announced it will implement the ICE 287(g) program, which allows local law enforcement agencies to partner with federal immigration authorities. The move signals a notable shift in local immigration enforcement policy for the county. Details on the rollout and timeline are expected to follow from county officials.
📅 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.
Bluegrass Half Marathon
The Bluegrass Half Marathon takes place Sunday, September 27, 2026, starting at 7:30 AM in Johnson City, Tennessee. For more details, visit the event listing.
Statemint Johnson City Sale – Fall 2026
The Statemint Johnson City Sale Fall 2026 takes place October 8 at the Appalachian Fairgrounds in Johnson City, TN. Shop the Tri-Cities’ most stylish adult clothing at 50–70% off retail prices, featuring names like Free People, Lululemon, J. Crew, Lilly Pulitzer, and more. Entrance is free, Thursday through Sunday.
Read more at Visit Johnson City TN
NEVERTEL – North American Tour 2026 at Capone’s
95.9 The Hog presents NEVERTEL on October 13th, 2026, at Capone’s, 227 E. Main St, Johnson City, TN. Doors open at 6:00 PM and the show starts at 7:00 PM. The event is ages 18+ with a valid, state-issued or US military photo ID. Special guests Rivals and Ocean Sleeper are also on the bill.
Read more at Visit Johnson City TN
Blue Ridge Artisan Days: Fall Festival
The Blue Ridge Artisan Days: Fall Festival takes place October 23rd from 3–7 PM and October 24th from 9 AM – 3 PM at the Appalachian Fairgrounds. Browse a curated selection of regional artisans offering handmade creations, and join a special Costume Parade Friday evening at 6 PM.
Read more at Visit Johnson City TN
Elmo’s Got the Moves – Sesame Street Live
Round Room Presents “Elmo’s Got the Moves” on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at 6:00 PM at the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts, 1328 W State of Franklin Road, Johnson City, TN. The all-new Sesame Street Live show will have kids and parents moving and dancing along with Elmo and his Sesame Street friends to fan-favorite songs.
Read more at Visit Johnson City TN
📜 Today in Johnson City History
Ninety years ago today in 1936, Dry Creek resident Frank Miller was released on $250 bond after being arraigned in federal court on a charge of concealing whiskey, one of the small but steady stream of Prohibition-era liquor cases that moved through the Washington County courts that decade.
For more details, subscribe to the Today in Johnson City History newsletter by Rebecca Henderson.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
100, making them one of the most substantial collections of field recordings from the early country and old-time music era.