Good morning, Johnson City.

Officials reported that the annual PIT count conducted in January shows the unhoused population in Northeast Tennessee has grown from nearly 400 in 2020 to over 900, and rising rent plus the after effects of Hurricane Helene are partly blamed (40% of those interviewed faced severe mental health or substance abuse challenges).

American Legion Post 24 held a dedication ceremony on Wednesday at Tannery Knobs to complete the Raise the Flag Project, which was inspired by two veterans and supported by local donations, businesses and Legion members.

Granite slabs finished the monument and a 100-foot flagpole was built to honor community service providers — including veterans, firefighters and first responders.

Sullivan East High School held its Life Skills Day on Wednesday, where seniors learned basic first aid, fire extinguishing, and tire changing.

The program concluded when Ballad Health Academy hosted a signing day for nursing students.

Washington County Department of Education announced a summer feeding schedule for students under 18—no registration is required.

The program will serve meals at Boones Creek Elementary, West View Elementary, and Jonesborough Elementary—curbside meal pickups will be available during June and July.

Laurel Elementary was awarded a $200,000 grant to upgrade its energy system and a $10,000 learning environment grant from TVA’s School Uplift program, announced Tuesday by school officials and Mountain Electric Cooperative.

Doe Elementary and Towne Acres Elementary also received grants to improve energy management + learning spaces.

Residents in Johnson City filed petitions to oppose zoning changes that would allow cryptocurrency mines and data centers in the I-2 heavy industrial district; they worry about noise, property values, and environmental impacts as BrightRidge’s land purchase nearby fuels concerns about a potential mine moving closer. The group will meet at Ashley Academy on May 13 (6:30 p.m.) while commissioners prepare to vote again on May 15 and June 5 to set limits like requiring mines to be in a closed building with proper noise controls.

On Wednesday, May 7, Law Enforcement United completed the third day of its seven-day bike ride to Washington, DC—riding nearly 100 miles per day while stopping at the Southwest Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy—to honor fallen officers.

Tennessee Health Commissioner Dr. Ralph Alvarado announced updated COPA terms for Ballad Health to address low scores in infections, emergency speed, mortality & patient satisfaction.

The revisions were developed with the Attorney General’s office over more than a year and will require pass-or-fail scoring to boost transparency and quality.

Repticon Johnson City 2025

9 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Holiday Inn Johnson City — Admission varies — Explore a dedicated reptile trade show featuring exotic pets, supplies, and more.

Intermediate Blacksmithing: Forged Calla Lilies

1-3:30 p.m. — The Inventor Center — Prerequisite required — Learn to forge beautiful Calla lilies in this intermediate blacksmithing workshop.

Travis Stevenson Comedy Show

9-10 p.m. — Wallace Theatre — Ticket prices not listed — Experience a night of fast-paced humor and social commentary with Travis Stevenson and his lineup of hilarious comics.

On-Site Tour at Everlan of Johnson City

9 a.m. - 7 p.m. — Everlan of Johnson City — Free entry — Explore the finest in senior living with a focus on exceptional care and dining.

Painter’s Choice Paint and Sip Night

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Wild Wing Cafe — $35 fee — Create your own masterpiece with step-by-step guidance while enjoying food and drinks.

Mobile Pantry Food Distribution

7:30-10 a.m. — (Former) City Commerce Solutions — Free entry — Offering fresh produce and dry goods to anyone in need, no questions asked.