Daily
Johnson City
Wednesday, August 20th, 2025
Good morning, Johnson City. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 20th of August.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ At the 99th Appalachian Fair, long-time food vendors like the Rotary Club and Gray Ruritan serve treats — with all proceeds funding community scholarships and local projects — to help support residents. WCYB
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Johnson City Police arrested Jessie Lewter, 22, on June 4 after a search of his electronic devices found child sexual abuse material – he was charged with sexual exploitation of a minor, taken into federal custody on August 11, and indicted by a federal grand jury on August 12. WCYB
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ ETSU will soon open two new dining locations on campus today—Jimmy John’s inside the Buc Mart at the D.P. Culp Student Center serving lunch and dinner and Blended Pedaler in the Treehouse offering acai bowls and smoothies—giving students fresh options, while campus eateries already accept meal swipes and mobile ordering will soon simplify food service. The East Tennessean
- ➤ ETSU begins its new school year with the largest freshman class on record and major campus upgrades as President Noland announced the complete renovation of Powell Hall, upcoming work on Yoakley Hall and a new health sciences building, and the removal of the ETSC smokestack—students should expect some construction delays during the transition. New student centers will also provide vital support for academic and personal success. The East Tennessean
- ➤ Today, ETSU’s Office of New Student and Family Programs eases the transition for new students and families with the Preview event—designed to build community and answer questions—with plans for Family Weekend and a Pride Walk painting later. Director Tyler Parker said the office helps students from housing to immunizations to make college life smoother. The East Tennessean
- ➤ Milligan University announced Monday that it will no longer accept new students in film, journalism, computer science, cyber security, information systems and the Master of Arts in Coaching and Sports Management starting this fall—current students already enrolled can complete their degrees. Enrollment challenges and market changes led to the decision. WFHG
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Local governments have borrowed tens of millions to pay for Helene recovery while they wait for FEMA to send reimbursement funds. Johnson County has taken a $10 million loan for road repairs while Washington County has borrowed nearly $75 million—officials say no reimbursements have come in yet. WCYB
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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2025 Tennessee State Pickleball Championships
8 a.m. – 8 p.m. — Memorial Park Community Center — Registration fees apply — Compete for medals in various pickleball divisions across multiple skill levels.
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Soggy Doggy: Dog Swim
10 a.m.–3 p.m. — Legion Street Pool — $5 per dog (2 dogs per handler) — Let your pups dive into a splash party with toys and fun at this dog-only swim event.
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UMOJA Festival 2025
11 AM - 6 PM — King Commons Park — Free entry — Celebrate community unity with live entertainment and local flavors at the Umoja Festival.
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Pierre Bensusan Concert
7:30 PM – 1:30 AM — Down Home — Tickets required — Experience the extraordinary guitar mastery of Pierre Bensusan bringing his unique sound to Johnson City.
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Date Night in the Flower Field
6-8 p.m. — Harvey Family Farm — $75 per couple — Enjoy an intimate evening surrounded by blooms with a charcuterie spread and bouquet-picking experience.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Johnson City
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