Good morning, Johnson City.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Appalachian Fair Home Show

12-6 p.m. — Appalachian Fair — Free admission — Discover local and national vendors showcasing home improvement ideas and products.