Daily editionTuesday, September 16th, 2025
Good morning, Johnson City.
The Daily Johnson City Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 16th of September.
Culture
The Charles Building in Johnson City was built in the late 1920s and over the years has been a department store, speakeasy, art studio, and now a wedding venue—reports of flickering lights and unexplained footsteps lead many to believe the building is haunted.
Local visitors and business workers continue to share eerie experiences linked to its violent past.
The East TennesseanRead more
Education
Professor Luisa Peng will perform in three free recitals at Powell Hall in the Martin Center for the Arts this fall to showcase her collaborative artistry with fellow faculty members.
The concerts include a tuba and piano recital on Sept. 18 at 7:30 p.m., a multi-performer event on Sept. 26, and an oboe recital on Oct. 4 — each highlighting a different musical style.
The East TennesseanRead more
Washington County schools have condemned a TikTok challenge called the Ridgeview Pisser that promotes unsanitary behavior by urinating on school floors and warned that any vandalism will bring strict disciplinary consequences.
Officials said they will increase campus supervision and urged parents to talk with students about the harm caused by such actions.
WCYBRead more
Government
Johnson City passed the Horizon 2045 plan—a 20-year initiative focused on growth management, capital improvements, and land use that will support ETSU and address community needs, with progress set to be reviewed in five years.
The East TennesseanRead more
Washington County Mayor Joe Grandy said two suspended ETSU professors must resign for comments made about Turning Point founder Charlie Kirk—if they do not, the Board of Regents will reconvene to remove their tenure and fire them.
WFHGRead more
Health
ETSU restarted its RAM chapter last spring to give free medical, dental and vision care to people in rural areas, and the chapter will send student volunteers to a clinic in Eidson at the end of October + they will also hold meetings on the first Friday of every month with guest speakers and hands-on health lessons.
The East TennesseanRead more
ETSU Health announced that Dan Bragg became its new chief executive officer on Sept. 10.
He joined the practice on Aug. 11—and brings more than 20 years of health care leadership experience, having once served as director of finance.
The East TennesseanRead more
Sports
ETSU hosted the Buccaneer Classic volleyball tournament at Brooks Gym in Johnson City on September 12-13 — the two-day event featured four teams, including VCU, Western Kentucky, and High Point, and ended with ETSU winning 3 to 2 over High Point to build early season momentum.
The East TennesseanRead more
College football did not go well Saturday for East Tennessee teams as the Vols lost to #6 Georgia in the first overtime with a score of 44—41.
The Vols will face UAB next weekend at Neyland while the ETSU Bucs lost 35—31 to West Georgia on the road and will host Elon this Saturday at 5:30 p.m.
WFHGRead more
ETSU football played University of West Georgia on Sept. 13 at their home stadium in Carrollton — the Wolves rallied with 15 unanswered fourth-quarter points to win 35-31 — as the game gave the Buccaneers valuable experience for future conference play.
The East TennesseanRead more
Johnson City Events
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.
Gypsy Moon Coalition Concert
Friday, October 3rd, 2025 · 8-10 p.m. — Tulips American Grub And Pub — Check local listings for ticket info — Enjoy a night of live music from the Gypsy Moon Coalition in a vibrant pub atmosphere.
Mobile Pantry Distribution
Saturday, October 4th, 2025 · 8:30 a.m. — (Former) Citi Commerce Solutions — Free entry — Access fresh produce and dry goods without any questions asked.