Daily editionThursday, August 28th, 2025
Good morning, Johnson City.
The Daily Johnson City Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 28th of August.
Community
Bloomingdale Volunteer Fire Department will open its Safe Haven Baby Box on Friday, August 29—joining boxes opened in Kingsport, Erwin, and Elizabethton—while plans in Bristol remain stalled due to contract issues.
Board president Mark Bowery said the Sullivan County Commission quickly accepted the proposal and support has come from local representatives.
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Mollie Haren took over as director of the Unicoi County Animal Shelter on August 15.
She is rebuilding the shelter after Hurricane Helene—launching community outreach programs and planning an on-site spay-neuter clinic while selecting construction bids to start work soon.
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Culture
The Bristol Roots Project announced grants totaling $52,000 for local folk and traditional artists in Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee — eight artists will earn $4,000 each from the Tradition Bearer Fellowship and four community organizations will get $5,000 each through the Cultural Caretakers Grant — while recipients work with project leaders for year-long mentorship.
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Education
On Wednesday, ETSU hosted NSCEB panel discussions that examined how Johnson City is boosting its biotech industry and workforce development—local educators and students discussed advances in synthetic biology and career opportunities.
ETSU leaders stressed that regional partnerships are helping prepare the next generation for work in life science.
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Government
Interstate 26 in Unicoi County fully reopened yesterday after Helene destroyed the twin bridges in Erwin 11 months ago—officials said the highway now offers two lanes of travel, ending nearly a year of restricted access.
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Accidents
One person was seriously injured Tuesday evening on Fort Henry Drive between Rock Springs Road and Summerville Road when the vehicle left the road, struck a utility pole, and rolled down an embankment—the driver was flown to Johnson City Medical Center with life-threatening injuries.
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Johnson City Events
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.
Contra Dancing at Mulligan's
Thursday, September 25th, 2025 · 6-8 p.m. — Mulligan's Irish Pub — Free entry — Experience the joy of classic contra dancing with guidance from the Jonesborough Historic Dancing Society.