Good morning, Johnson City.

BrightRidge and TVA mark 5 years of their Home Uplift Program that gives lower-income homeowners free upgrades such as HVAC replacements, insulation, and window caulking to help lower energy bills.

They have upgraded 330 homes so far and will improve nearly 45 more through July 2026 — including a new Holston Habitat for Humanity development in Johnson City — as each home investment averages about $12,000 and saves nearly $400 a year.

Austin Forkpa, convicted of second-degree murder for the overdose death of 20-year-old Bueford Patton III at a bachelor party in September 2021, was sentenced this week to a 32-year prison term—24 years to serve at full credit and 8 years at a reduced rate.

ETSU Martin Center for the Arts has announced its 2025-26 season lineup that will offer Broadway classics, new musicals and family favorites to meet diverse community interests.

The schedule will feature the return of Elf: The Musical and Riverdance—along with the debut of Shucked and a series of concerts and interactive shows for fall, holiday and spring.

Neon Trees will headline the fall Student Government Association concert at ETSU on October 8 at 7:30 p.m. at Freedom Hall—student tickets go on sale at 9 a.m. Sept.

16 at Carrier Center, faculty tickets on Sept. 24, and public tickets online beginning Oct. 1 with alt-pop singer Lisa Heller opening the show.

Students facing food insecurity and rising costs have access to several support services in the community.

ETSU’s Dean of Students office connects students with resources like the on-campus food pantry, while Good Samaritan Ministries and the Community Health Center provide food and healthcare assistance.

Internationally acclaimed author John Green is set to speak as the keynote at ETSU’s Festival of Ideas on Feb.

26, 2026 at 7 p.m. at the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts—ticket reservations will be available later this fall.

The Robertson Center offers students a new space for support & community growth and will hold its grand opening on Sept.

15 from 3-5 p.m. in Room 210 of the D.P. Culp Student Center, where Dr. Patricia E. Robertson will make special remarks at 3:30 p.m.

Buctainment welcomed students back with a new mechanical bull at the first home football game on Aug.30—this fall the group will host a poolside Moana screening on Sept.11, Fall Fest with carnival rides on Oct.16 and ongoing trivia and karaoke nights at Pepper's on Mondays from 6 to 8 p.m. They are planning a Trunk or Treat event in October to further involve student organizations.

ETSU Buccaneers defeated Murray State 45-17 in their season opener at William B.

Greene Jr. Stadium on August 30—ETSU scored early touchdowns and held control throughout the game. They will play University of Tennessee Knoxville next week at Neyland Stadium.

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.

ETSU Buccaneers vs. Mercer Bears Football Game

5:30-7:00 p.m. — William B. Greene Jr. Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Catch the thrilling NCAA Division I clash between the Buccaneers and the Bears.