Friday, August 29th, 2025
Good morning, Johnson City. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 29th of August.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Second Harvest held an event to mark Hunger Action Month declared by Governor Bill Lee and to remind residents that many people still lack enough food. Executive director Rhonda Chafin said that people need to donate food, time, or money all year long—United Way’s Kat Latham also urged those affected by Helene to join support efforts. WCYB
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A motorcyclist, Joshua Lee McGuire, was killed in a Wednesday night crash on I-81 southbound near Mile Marker 60 in Sullivan County when his motorcycle veered into the left lane and was hit by a tractor trailer — which then caught fire — while its driver was unharmed. WFHG
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Best-selling author John Green will be the keynote speaker at the Festival of Ideas at ETSU on February 26, where he will share insights on his popular books—ticket reservations will open this fall and admission is free. WCYB
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Tourism in Washington County grew in 2024 as visitors spent over $348 million—a nearly 9.5% increase from last year—that produced $23 million in state tax revenue and nearly $13 million locally. Local leaders said outdoor recreation and events helped boost tourism that supported businesses and jobs. WCYB
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ ETSU Quillen College of Medicine will expand its class size next year from 78 to 100 students to help meet a growing need for doctors—over 4,000 applicants apply each year. This change will let the college choose more strong students to serve communities that need better doctor coverage. WCYB
- ➤ East Tennessee State University kicked off the new academic year on Wednesday with Welcome Week that featured the 27th annual ETSU Pride Community Showcase where over 60 local businesses offered free food and merchandise to students, faculty, and staff—helping newcomers connect with campus and community events. The week also included academic, cultural, and recreational programs that aim to help students settle in. WCYB
- ➤ ETSU will soon add two new campus food options—Jimmy John’s at the D.P. Culp Student Center serving lunch and dinner and local Blended Pedaler opening in Treehouse with acai bowls, smoothies and superfoods. Student enthusiasm has been high and mobile ordering is expanding for more easy ordering. The East Tennessean
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The ETSU women's volleyball team won an exhibition match against Gardner Webb by winning three sets with scores of 25 to 19, 25 to 22 and 25 to 14 on Aug 22 at Brooks Gym. Head coach Lindsey Devine said the win gave the team energy as it prepares for tournament matches, including a game today at 6 p.m. against South Carolina in Columbia. The East Tennessean
- ➤ Nine ETSU football players received Preseason All-SoCon honors on July 22 at Hotel Hartness in Greenville—an improvement from three honorees last season—and are expected to boost the team as the season begins. ETSU will open on Aug 30 in Johnson City against Murray State at 5:30 p.m. at the Bank of Tennessee Field. The East Tennessean
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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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Laniidae Live Concert
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.
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Shirefest
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.
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Sip into Fall: Seasonal Cocktail Making
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.
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Contra Dancing at Mulligan's
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.
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