Good morning, Johnson City.

Sullivan County officers, TBI and a state task force arrested five people from three states during Wednesday and Thursday operations that targeted buyers of commercial sex and traffickers—Maddox Carter of Johnson City, Jesse Long from Alice, Texas, Clarence Frye from Elizabethton, and Dennis Compston from Gate City were charged with prostitution offenses and a woman was arrested for outstanding warrants.

Two new members have been chosen for the ETSU Board of Trustees by Lt. Gov. Randy McNally.

Former state Sen. Jon Lundberg (retired Navy Reserve captain and CEO of Corporate Marketing) and Dorothy Lee Grisham (an ETSU 1974 graduate and Allstate agency owner who leads a local Boy Scouts campaign) will serve on the board.

Students, faculty and staff at Tennessee Middle School welcomed new therapy dog Honey on the first day of school yesterday.

Honey—six months old—has completed the training needed to offer support on campus.

Johnson City Police Chief Billy Church announced he will retire on Nov.

3rd after 30 years with the department—he began his service in 1994 and replaced Karl Turner after the latter retired in 2023.

A downtown bar owner said city officials plan to extend the 1 a.m. alcohol sales limit from downtown to all business areas in Johnson City.

The change will be reviewed at the August 7 Commission meeting — state officials confirmed that current law permits the update.

Meet the Mountains 2025

5-11 p.m. — Kinch Landing, Winged Deer Park — Free entry — Explore kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and biking in stunning Northeast Tennessee.

Repticon Johnson City 2025

9 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Holiday Inn Johnson City — Entry Fee Applicable — Explore reptiles and exotic pet supplies at this dedicated trade show.

12th Annual Little Ironman Tribute Race

7-9 p.m. — Sulphur Springs Baptist Church — $25+ — Celebrate the legacy of Josh “Little Ironman” Adcock with a thrilling 5K, Fun Walk, and Mud Run in support of local families in need.

Appalachian Fair

8 AM – 5 PM — Appalachian Fair — Affordable entry — Celebrate agriculture with entertainment and educational activities in the scenic foothills of Tennessee.

Zac Top Live

8-10 p.m. — Appalachian Fair — Gate admission required — Enjoy a night of country vibes with Zac Top as he performs his new single ‘Cold Beer and Country Music’.

Pasta-bilities Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Shakti in the Mountains — $15 per person — Discover the joys of making fresh handmade pasta with garden-fresh ingredients in a demonstration-style workshop.

Beginner Blacksmithing: Steel Hooks

9:00-11:30 a.m. — The Inventor Center — Cost not specified — Create your own steel hooks while learning the art of blacksmithing with a seasoned expert.

Bladesmithing: Railroad Spike to Knife

1-3:30 p.m. — The Inventor Center — Registration required — Get hands-on experience forging a knife from a railroad spike while learning about blacksmithing techniques.

Spirits of the Carnival

6-9 p.m. — Tennessee Hills Brewstillery — Ticket required — Craft unique cocktails inspired by fairground flavors with charcuterie in a festive atmosphere.

Jam in JC 2025

12-2 p.m. — King Commons Park — Free entry — Celebrate local culture with music, food, and art at this vibrant outdoor festival.