Daily editionWednesday, August 27th, 2025
Good morning, Johnson City.
The Daily Johnson City Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 27th of August.
Community
City officials announced that the Tannery Knobs mountain bike trail expansion will soon begin on about 10 acres above East Market Street—funded by grants, donations, and in-kind work from the city—with plans to connect it to the existing Tweetsie Trail and finish in 12 to 18 months.
WFHGRead more
Community leaders gathered on Tuesday as the Regional Workforce Housing Alliance met to address homelessness and affordable housing, with experts sharing new data on rising housing costs and few available homes — they will meet again on Tuesday, October 28 to plan further actions.
WCYBRead more
Education
ETSU students have launched two student-managed investment funds—Citizens Bank Fund and LaPorte Fund—after the Students of Finance Association proposed the idea to President Brian Noland, and they now benefit from Dr. William J. Trainor’s guidance to gain real-world finance experience and fund future opportunities.
The East TennesseanRead more
ETSU unveiled an 8-foot-tall bronze Bucky the Buccaneer statue on Aug. 23 at University Commons facing William B. Greene Jr. Stadium—an anonymous donation made the installation possible and marked the completion of phase two of University Commons, with plans for further campus additions such as Bosque Plaza emerging soon. ETSU chief operating officer Jeremy Ross said the project reflected a collaborative design effort by local architects.
The East TennesseanRead more
Government
The City of Johnson City hired Major of Operations Eric Dougherty as the new Chief of Police—he is a 32-year veteran who served in the US Army and is an ETSU graduate.
He said he will continue the momentum of the agency built by Chief Billy Church who will retire in November.
WFHGRead more
Sylvain Bruni’s group and Johnson City officials are now working together to strengthen zoning rules for Bitcoin mining after a one-year moratorium on new industrial businesses was passed.
The city committee will soon hire a consultant to study noise and vibration—Bruni said his group meets monthly to push for strong regulations that protect neighborhoods.
WCYBRead more
Today, TDOT reopened both lanes of the Interstate 26 eastbound bridge at Jackson Love Drive in Erwin, ending months of one-route traffic.
TDOT said the I-26 westside connector—improving access—will open next month.
WFHGRead more
The Carter County mayor’s office and sheriff’s office purchased 113 AEDs to be placed in every county school and on sheriff patrol vehicles—devices will also go to volunteer fire departments and EMS trucks that lack lifesaving equipment.
Training began for over 200 school coaches and personnel, and officials plan to eventually train older students.
WFHGRead more
Johnson City Events
Spirits of the Carnival
Thursday, August 28th, 2025 · 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
Saturday, August 30th, 2025 · 12-2 p.m. — King Commons Park — Free entry — Celebrate local culture with music, food, and art at this vibrant outdoor festival.
2025 Tennessee State Pickleball Championships
Friday, September 5th, 2025 · 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. — Memorial Park Community Center — Registration fees apply — Compete for medals in various pickleball divisions across multiple skill levels.
Soggy Doggy: Dog Swim
Saturday, September 6th, 2025 · 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.
Sorghum Festival and Breakfast
Saturday, September 13th, 2025 · 8 a.m.–4 p.m. — Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site — $10 with breakfast, $6 without — Experience traditional sorghum making, enjoy local music, and savor a delicious biscuit and gravy breakfast.
Pierre Bensusan Concert
Sunday, September 14th, 2025 · 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.
Date Night in the Flower Field
Thursday, September 18th, 2025 · 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.
Laniidae Live Concert
Saturday, September 20th, 2025 · 9-10:30 p.m. — Capone's — Ticket info not specified — Experience an incredible night of music featuring Laniidae, Mind the Drive, and The Dirty Secrets.
Shirefest
Sunday, September 21st, 2025 · 2-4:30 p.m. — Johnson City Public Library — Free entry — Celebrate the charm of the Hobbits’ Shire with storytelling, live music, and family-friendly festivities.
Sip into Fall: Seasonal Cocktail Making
Wednesday, September 24th, 2025 · 6-8 p.m. — Tennessee Hills Brewstillery — Cost not specified — Celebrate the arrival of fall with cocktails and mini charcuterie boards featuring warm spices and local flavors.