Good morning, Johnson City.

The Johnson City Salvation Army received a $250,000 donation today to boost its Mission Essential—More Than a Bed campaign, which helps provide housing, job training, and support to neighbors in need.

The campaign aims to raise $1.2 million by November to expand its services.

A Middle Tennessee man identified as 23-year-old John Michael Clark (from Brentwood) was charged with reckless endangerment, evading arrest, reckless driving, running a red light and speeding after riding a red sport motorcycle at high speed near West State of Franklin and University Parkway in Johnson City at around 6 p.m. Sunday when his bike nearly hit another vehicle before crashing at a roundabout on Jack Vest Drive.

State Sen. Rusty Crowe, Rep. Tim Hicks and Rep. Rebecca Alexander announced on Tuesday that three volunteer fire departments in Washington County will receive state grant funds to support training, equipment and operations.

The Fall Branch, Gray and Sulphur Springs fire departments will be honored Friday in Blountville — the funds come from the Volunteer Fire Equipment and Training and Rescue Squad Grants provided by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office released data showing that downtown patrols began on the weekend of August 8 and continued through Labor Day weekend with 50 deputies working 635 hours at a total cost of about $24,890 mostly covered by THSO funds—no reports of violent crime were received and several arrests for public intoxication and disorderly conduct were made. The sheriff said the Strike Team will continue routine downtown patrols if the City needs help.

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.