Daily editionFriday, June 20th, 2025
Good morning, Johnson City.
The Daily Johnson City Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of June.
Community
Today, Recovery Resources held a groundbreaking event in Johnson City to launch a new recovery home that will offer housing, peer support, outpatient services, therapy, and employment support (founded by Craig Forrester).
Construction will begin next month and is expected to finish by June 2026 (a key step in the fight against addiction).
WCYBRead more
Culture
At Langston Centere, local residents shared personal stories from the 1960s school integration era in honor of Juneteenth, which marks the day enslaved African Americans were freed on June 19th.
Panelist Sylvia Bachman and moderator Lottie Ryans explained how slow integration was—one speaker recalled being the only Black student in class—while stressing the need to teach this local history.
WCYBRead more
Education
The Washington County school board reworked its budget in a special meeting and cut planned raises for teachers.
Superintendent Jerry Boyd said the board must add over $4,000 in next year’s budget to meet the state mandated $50,000 base salary—using $2.1 million from savings to help close a $4 million gap—while risking state discipline.
WCYBRead more
Accidents
A rockslide forced the closure of I‑40 near mile marker 450 in Cocke County after heavy rain loosened rocks and flooded parts of the highway — drivers were rerouted into Unicoi County while crews cleared debris and TDOT said the road would remain closed for at least two weeks.
WCYBRead more
Johnson City Events
The Black Jacket Symphony Presents Jimmy Buffett
Saturday, June 21st, 2025 · 7-8:30 p.m. — ETSU Martin Center for the Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience a unique live performance recreating classic albums with a focus on Jimmy Buffett's iconic sound.
Open House: Beautiful Family Home
Sunday, June 22nd, 2025 · 2-4 p.m. — 3424 Berkshire Cir — Free entry — Explore a meticulously maintained 3-bedroom home perfect for family living in a desirable neighborhood.
Bristol State Liners vs. Johnson City Doughboys
Tuesday, June 24th, 2025 · 7-10 p.m. — TVA Credit Union Stadium - Cardinal Park — Competitive pricing — Catch an exciting baseball game between local favorites.
Popsicles in the Park
Friday, June 27th, 2025 · 12-3 p.m. — Rotary Park — Free entry — Enjoy a day of games, inflatables, and refreshing popsicles next to the splash pad.
Open House at 1402 Skyline Drive
Saturday, June 28th, 2025 · 1-3 p.m. — 1402 Skyline Dr, Johnson City, TN — Free entry — Explore a spacious and versatile home just minutes from local amenities.
Red, White & Paint Night
Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025 · 6:30-8:30 p.m. — Wild Wing Cafe — $35 — Celebrate Independence Day with a fun paint and sip night led by a local artist.
Bristol State Liners vs. Danville Otterbots
Saturday, July 5th, 2025 · 7-10 p.m. — TVA Credit Union Stadium - Cardinal Park — Tickets available — Catch the exciting matchup between the Bristol State Liners and the Danville Otterbots.
Fridays After 5
Friday, July 11th, 2025 · 6:30-9:30 p.m. — King Commons Park — Free entry — Enjoy live music and local flair in Downtown Johnson City’s vibrant summer concert series.
Beginner Blacksmithing: Steel Hooks Workshop
Saturday, July 12th, 2025 · 1-3:30 p.m. — The Inventor Center — Cost info not provided — Forge unique steel hooks while exploring blacksmithing history and techniques with expert Brenden Bohannon.
Intermediate Blacksmithing: Forged Calla Lilies
Sunday, July 13th, 2025 · 1-3:30 p.m. — The Inventor Center — Prerequisite skills required — Learn to forge beautiful Calla lilies from bar stock in this hands-on intermediate class.