Good morning, Johnson City.

State and local leaders handed checks to volunteer fire departments serving Sullivan, Johnson, Hawkins, Carter, Washington, and Unicoi counties in Northeast Tennessee during a luncheon in Blountville on Friday.

The one million dollar grant will help the groups buy equipment to keep communities safe—officials said.

Three people from Carter County were charged with 19 counts of animal cruelty after a deputy found lemurs and other exotic animals confined without clean water or food, and they are scheduled for another court appearance on November 5.

Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, Tennessee schools will add firearm safety lessons that cover safe storage, what to do if a firearm is found, and school safety—curriculum approved by the Departments of Education and Safety and the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission—and these lessons will be taught from the selected starting grade through grade 12 using classroom instruction, videos, or online tools.

Thirteen doctors at Mountain Region Family Medicine in Kingsport and Gate City are expressing deep concerns about patient abandonment as they plan to sever ties with State of Franklin Healthcare Associates on September 30.

They stated in a letter to the board and physician shareholders that they have not received patient lists or fully informed their patients—raising worries about ongoing care.

Tennessee beat ETSU Bucs 72-17 in their season home opener in Knoxville — the Volunteers will face Georgia at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday while ETSU travels to West Georgia this weekend.

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.

The Carden Circus

12-2:30 p.m. — Freedom Hall Civic Center Arena — Ticket details available — Experience the excitement of Carden International Circus in Johnson City.