Daily editionFriday, September 26th, 2025
Good morning, Johnson City.
The Daily Johnson City Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 26th of September.
Community
A Northeast Tennessee fencing company, Backyard Borders, installed a fence in Jonesborough for Rocky, a dog that has been at the Washington County-Johnson City Animal Shelter for more than two years.
The fence is part of the Chain Free Johnson City 25 in 25 Program that helps adopters keep pets safe—Rocky will go home next week after he is adopted.
WCYBRead more
Jonesborough will mark Hurricane Helene’s first anniversary with an event called 'A Day When Reflection Gives Way to Hope' on Saturday at the Farm at Jackson Bridge Venue, 1090 Taylor Bridge Road—community members will join the Washington County Tennessee Long Term Recovery Group for dinner at 5 p.m. and a memorial tribute that remembers the flooding causing over $40 million in damage in September 2024.
WCYBRead more
Culture
The International Storytelling Center will host its 52nd National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough from Oct. 3 to Oct. 5 with over 20 storytellers sharing folktales, myths, and personal accounts.
The festival will also include a Legacy Series with Maj. Gen. John Borling—plus a Ghost Stories event with $10 tickets available online until Oct. 28.
The East TennesseanRead more
Education
ETSU students visited middle schools in 10 counties as part of a Constitution Day program that taught eighth-graders how to engage with local government and understand the U.S. Constitution—organized by Federal Magistrate Judge Cynthia Wyrick with support from the UT Institute of American Civics. TISL will host a mid-October discussion to further involve students in understanding government issues.
The East TennesseanRead more
The Appalachian Futurism Project kicked off at the ETSU James and Nellie Brinkley Center on Sept.22 and aimed to help local youth connect with Appalachian culture through community-based learning—Dustin Hensley created the project with support from ETSU Honors College and the Center for Rural Education.
The East TennesseanRead more
ETSU’s AMA chapter is planning Marketing Week in Erwin from Sept. 29 to Oct. 3 to help local businesses recover from Hurricane Helene’s economic impact.
Faculty advisor Michelle Sullivan said students will work with business owners to produce digital marketing materials that boost downtown activity — a chance to gain hands-on skills.
The East TennesseanRead more
ETSU launched Project Welcome Home during Founders Week to help Appalachian families recover from Hurricane Helene—this initiative partners with Appalachia Service Project to collect online donations for essential household items that will be delivered when new homes are ready, with contributions accepted through Oct. 10.
The East TennesseanRead more
Environment
TVA announced it has partnered with TWRA to restore fish habitat on Watauga Lake after Hurricane Helene — the agencies will install at least 75 large habitat structures to support fish recovery and long-term fisheries sustainability.
WFHGRead more
Health
After Eastman Credit Union donated $100,000 to Healing Hands Health, the center is set to expand by remodeling a 9,800-square-foot space (adding more treatment rooms) and creating a Pharmacy Student Workspace (for student training) to help meet its $3.5 million goal.
The funds have pushed the campaign close to completion and will boost the center's ability to care for patients.
WCYBRead more
Local organizations in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia are boosting suicide prevention by urging those in need to call the 988 Suicide Lifeline and use in-school mental health help — crisis centers like the one in Abingdon are open 24/7 for support.
Teen suicide rates in Tennessee jumped 47% from 2019 to 2023 as social media and isolation put extra pressure on youth.
WCYBRead more
Sports
After a two and a half hour lightning delay, the Buccaneers took the field and beat Elon 26—16 with strong defense and key turnovers.
The team now stands at 2—2 and will host Mercer on Sept. 27 at 5:30 p.m.
The East TennesseanRead more
Johnson City Events
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.
College Football: ETSU Buccaneers vs. VMI Keydets
Saturday, October 11th, 2025 · 3:30-5 p.m. — William B. Greene Jr. Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Watch the Buccaneers take on the Keydets in an exciting Southern Conference football showdown.
Tennessee Veterans Festival
Saturday, October 18th, 2025 · 1-7 p.m. — Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site — $10.00 per person — Celebrate veteran culture with art, music, and a bustling crafts village.
Blue Ridge Artisan Days: Autumn Market & Craft Fair
Friday, October 24th, 2025 · 3-7 p.m. — Appalachian Fair — Free entry — Celebrate fall with unique handmade goods, warm treats, and festive vibes for the whole family.
Johnson City Zine Fest 9
Saturday, October 25th, 2025 · 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. — 324 E Main St, Johnson City, TN — Free entry — Explore the creativity of over 40 zinesters and their unique artwork.
Scarecrow Skedaddle & Shindig
Sunday, October 26th, 2025 · 1:45-4 p.m. — ETSU/Ballad Health Athletic Center — Event entry fee applies — Enjoy a festive family celebration with races, games, and fall fun.