Good morning, Johnson City.

Dr. Jennifer Adler led a gallery walk at the Reece Museum to explain Reverend Jimmy Morrow’s folk art at the Edwina Church—his paintings mix local history, family ties, and traditions like serpent handling.

Her talk showed how his art connects past and present while celebrating the local cultural heritage.

ETSU Counseling Center is hosting Geek and Grow, a workshop that blends pop culture with mental health discussions to help students express their feelings—staff say geek therapy is a useful tool for understanding emotions.

The program will run on Tuesdays from 3-4 p.m. starting Sept. 16.

ETSU placed Dr. Andrew Hermann & Dr. Russell Brown on administrative leave pending review of their social media posts after the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

The university stated that personal posts do not represent its views and are protected by the First Amendment.

Carter County Schools celebrated Bus Driver Appreciation Day and thanked current bus drivers while warning that a shortage is forcing principals to drive school buses—interested applicants are urged to contact the district to help cover routes.

SOFHA alleged that a small group of physicians spread false claims about 13 doctors set to leave Mountain Region Family Medicine by the end of September—attorneys for more than three dozen SOFHA physicians say some staff have been warned against speaking to the media.

Patient Eli Bray said he received no notice and hundreds of patients have reached out as care concerns continue.

Local veterans and advocates are calling for a change in mental health views to help save lives, noting that nearly 22 veterans a day lose their lives due to isolation and stress from service transitions.

They point to programs like vetclaims.ai and Hives for Heroes as key support resources for those in need.

The FDA recalled several shrimp brands from Walmart on September 11 due to possible cesium—137 exposure, but Tennessee stores never carried the products.

Health officials confirmed that the detected levels were below concern thresholds, ensuring local consumers remain safe.

Nearly a year after Hurricane Helene devastated the region, Ballad Health honored its team for a heroic rooftop rescue at Unicoi County Hospital where 62 patients were airlifted amid catastrophic flooding—plans to rebuild the hospital are underway.

In September, recognized as Suicide Prevention Month, ETSU offers key mental health resources for students in distress.

ETSU Counseling Center (on the 3rd floor of the Culp) provides free counseling and round-the-clock crisis help via 988 and BucsPress 2 to support those struggling with mental health.

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.