Unsafe living conditions, especially in facilities that house multiple people, are reason for immediate concern, but Johnson Cityâs recent building codes enforcement actions against the Haven of Mercy Rescue Mission could be seen as disingenuous as the city struggles with addressing homelessness.
Last month, Public Works Director Phil Pindzola advocated suspending available services for homeless people, like meal distribution programs and shelters, in hopes that those benefiting from them would move to another town.
Then last week, after a contractor reported burn marks in an electrical panel and city staff found other deficiencies that they said could lead to a fire, the city asked BrightRidge to shut off the Haven of Mercyâs power. Utility workers were unable to carry out the order, and the city suspended its attempt to declare a portion of the Havenâs facility uninhabitable on Thursday, because no one is currently living in the portion in question.
July 23, 1874: The Herald and Tribune extended a sad invitation: âThe funeral services of Mrs. McNeal will be conducted by Rev. J.L. Mann at Johnson City, August 9th. The friends of deceased are invited to be present.â
The Herald and Tribune was, and still is, a newspaper published in Jonesborough, which was also spelled as Jonesboro within the pages of the newspaper.
July 23, 1891: The Comet quipped, âA party of young men went out picnicking yesterday in the direction of Buffalo mountain (sic). It was their purpose to spend the day on the mountain, and they did.â
July 23, 1896: One hundred and twenty-five years ago today, according to The Comet, âThe concert at Jobeâs Opera House last Tuesday evening, given by the young people of Jonesboro, was a grand treat to the music-loving people of Johnson City. The company was composed of the very best talent of Jonesboro, and each member deserves to class higher than the average amateur. They were repeatedly
If there was ever a restaurant in Johnson City that deserved to be a member of my familyâs âChosen Few,â that restaurant is Wok & Hibachi.
Being honored with this unique status when my dining partner and I were courting and then later when we married; âThâWokâ is one restaurant that both of us have âtalked-upâ to friends, acquaintances, clients and others over the years. With the effects of the recent pandemic dwindling, my dining partner and I were anxious to get out and survey what the âInteresting Timesâ had wrought upon this member of our âChosen Few.â
First impressions