Daily editionSaturday, August 30th, 2025
Good morning, Johnson City.
The Daily Johnson City Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 30th of August.
Education
East Tennessee State University’s Quillen College of Medicine will increase its class size from 78 to 100 students starting next year + officials said the change will help meet rising demand for doctors.
More than 4,000 applicants compete each year + the expansion comes as the nation faces a projected physician shortage.
WFHGRead more
Sullivan East High School got a $10,000 grant from the Gene Haas Foundation for its machine and tools program—new tools to help students in dual enrollment classes with Northeast State Community College will arrive in coming weeks.
WFHGRead more
Government
Johnson City announced that Water and Sewer Services Director Tom Witherspoon, who started as a civil engineer in 1981 and became director in 1987, will retire on November 6—after a 44-year career that saw his department grow from 117 to nearly 200 employees.
He helped strengthen local services as the city expanded.
WFHGRead more
Sports
ETSU football returns to William B. Greene Jr. Stadium today, and fans are encouraged to wear white for a white out while gates open two hours before kickoff and walking in front of the press boxes is prohibited.
New hospitality tents are set up and Mr. 423 will boost team spirit during the tailgate.
WFHGRead more
Top junior billiards players from across the U.S. are competing for the national championship at Borderline Billiards on State Street in Bristol this weekend — four teams are fighting for prize money to fund their trip to the world championship in Spain.
The tournament will continue tomorrow at noon with competitors like Sofia Mast aiming for victory.
WCYBRead more
Johnson City Events
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.
Appalachian Fair Home Show
Friday, September 26th, 2025 · 12-6 p.m. — Appalachian Fair — Free admission — Discover local and national vendors showcasing home improvement ideas and products.