Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How strong is Johnson City’s business outlook heading into 2026?

And check out Midnight at The Big Top on the Johnson City Patch calendar

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Tuesday December 30th Patch AM
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What's up Johnson City! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How strong is Johnson City’s business outlook heading into 2026?
  • What Johnson City residents should know about the $28 million settlement
  • Can ETSU snap its skid in tonight’s SoCon opener?

Today's riddle: The world champion tongue twister just got arrested! 🤔 (Answer below!)

Find out what's happening in Johnson Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Mostly sunny and colder, with a high of 34 and low of 21 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Breezy in the morning, temps: high: 41, low: 28.
  • Thursday: Breezy in the morning, with a high of 42 and low of 26 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. 'A year of adapting and resilience': Businesses could see positive outlooks for upcoming year (johnsoncitypress.com) — Johnson City businesses are heading into 2026 on what local chamber leaders describe as a strong footing, despite a tough year of tariffs and shifting consumer confidence. New developments like Boones Creek’s Publix, West Walnut corridor opportunities, and potential downtown projects signal more jobs, restaurants, and housing that could shape your daily shopping, dining, and commuting options.
   

Find out what's happening in Johnson Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

2. Key dates in Sean Williams-related cases on first week of 2026 (wcyb.com) — Johnson City readers should know that early January could bring court approval of a $28 million settlement between the city and alleged victims connected to Sean Williams. Separate federal trials in North Carolina on child pornography and drug charges may be delayed as judges weigh disputes over evidence, searches, and scheduling, which could further slow related Washington County cases.
   

3. ETSU looks to open SoCon play with a win over The Citadel Tuesday night (wjhl.com) — ETSU men’s basketball, based in Johnson City, opens Southern Conference play tonight on the road against The Citadel, trying to snap a three-game skid. Players and coach Brooks Savage stress defense, execution, and staying connected as they look to extend their dominant all-time series record. Tipoff in Charleston is set for 6 p.m.
   

4. From Yoda to tax hikes: Jonesborough's year told through local stories (johnsoncitypress.com) — A major highlight for Johnson City readers is the First Frontier Trail funding, which aims to connect Jonesborough and Johnson City with new walking and biking paths that tie into the Tweetsie Trail. The story also recaps Jonesborough’s 2025, from a significant property tax hike and new mayoral leadership to downtown growth, festivals, park investments, and ongoing recovery from Hurricane Helene.
   

5. ‘We don't want anyone in our community to perish': Local warming shelters open their doors as temperatures plummet (wjhl.com) — With temperatures plunging across the Tri-Cities, local ministries are opening warming shelters to keep unhoused neighbors safe, including people first inspired while serving at a Johnson City homeless shelter. Shepard’s Watch Ministries in Kingsport and Harmony Freewill Baptist Church in Hampton are offering overnight shelter, hot meals, and help connecting guests to long-term housing and food resources as the cold snap continues.
   

📸 Around Johnson City

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Johnson City

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

    Wednesday December 31
  • Midnight at The Big Top
    Holiday Inn Johnson City by IHG, 101 W Springbrook Dr, Johnson City
    8:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events
    Thursday January 1
  • Special Holiday Hours
    Hands on Discovery Center , 1212 Suncrest Dr , Gray

📣 Johnson City Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Johnson City PatchAM possible:

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Update: Pet Reunited
    A dog who went missing in Johnson City, TN, has been safely reunited with their family after 7 hours, 36 minutes. Message from Finder: "Sweet puppy… (Nextdoor Shadowood)
  • Please share & repost to help reunite this lost cat!
    Douglas was LOST on December 28, 2025 in Gray, TN 37615 near Buttermilk rd Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact the… (Nextdoor Shadowood)
  • Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. posted a job opening for Cleaner in Johnson City. Apply here.
  • Wal-Mart posted a job opening for Online Order Filling Team Supervisor in Johnson City. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Johnson City here.

Ok Johnson City! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I hear they’re giving him a really tough sentence.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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