Daily editionFriday, September 12th, 2025
Good morning, Johnson City.
The Daily Johnson City Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 12th of September.
Culture
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.
The East TennesseanRead more
Education
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.
The East TennesseanRead more
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.
WCYBRead more
Health
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.
WCYBRead more
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.
The East TennesseanRead more
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.
WCYBRead more
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.
WCYBRead more
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.
The East TennesseanRead more
Johnson City Events
Sorghum Festival and Breakfast
Saturday, September 13th, 2025 · 8 a.m.–4 p.m. — Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site — $10 with breakfast, $6 without — Experience traditional sorghum making, enjoy local music, and savor a delicious biscuit and gravy breakfast.
Pierre Bensusan Concert
Sunday, September 14th, 2025 · 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
Thursday, September 18th, 2025 · 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
Saturday, September 20th, 2025 · 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
Sunday, September 21st, 2025 · 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
Wednesday, September 24th, 2025 · 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
Thursday, September 25th, 2025 · 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
Friday, September 26th, 2025 · 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
Saturday, September 27th, 2025 · 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
Sunday, September 28th, 2025 · 12-2:30 p.m. — Freedom Hall Civic Center Arena — Ticket details available — Experience the excitement of Carden International Circus in Johnson City.