Daily editionWednesday, March 26th, 2025
Good morning, Johnson City.
The Daily Johnson City Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 26th of March.
Community
Thursday marks six months since floodwaters from Helene hit Carter and Johnson counties—damaging homes, roads, and businesses—and local officials say recovery efforts continue as repairs and infrastructure improvements are planned.
Residents still face challenges rebuilding and remain determined to restore essential services.
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Culture
The Blue Plum Festival returns to downtown Johnson City for its 26th year with live music, crafts, food vendors and other activities on June 6 and 7.
The free event at King Commons will run from 4-10:30 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m.-11 p.m. on Saturday & features headliners Sam Burchfield and Colby Acuff.
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Education
Northeast State Community College received a $10,000 tool donation from Great Neck Tools on Monday for its College of Automotive and Motorsports programs—students will train with industry-grade equipment used by professionals.
The donated tools will help improve hands-on learning for future careers.
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Government
Johnson City's advisory board will vote Thursday night on grants for four projects that address affordable housing needs — the projects include plans for new neighborhoods and repairs to existing homes.
Two of the projects will break ground soon as $500,000 is offered to fund over $800,000 in requests that will assist low to moderate income families and those displaced by Hurricane Helene.
WCYBRead more
Washington County officials approved $240,000 to join other local governments in an incentive package for a new low-cost airline at Tri-Cities Airport—officials say the airline will fly to two new destinations this fall—and BRIDGE, the group leading the effort, said the plan needs a $2 million guarantee with a decision expected by April 7.
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On Tuesday, TDOT shifted traffic on I-26 in Unicoi County by moving vehicles to the eastbound lane between mile markers 39 and 40 in Erwin—Exit 40 remained open while the Jackson Love Highway ramp to I-26 West closed—and drivers experienced delays as width restrictions remained in effect during ongoing repairs.
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Johnson City Events
Blue Highway Live Album Recording Event
Thursday, March 27th, 2025 · The multi-award-winning bluegrass band, Blue Highway, will record their next album live during their 30th Anniversary performance at ETSU Martin Center for the Arts.
Florencia & the Feeling Concert
Friday, March 28th, 2025 · 10 PM - 1 AM | Capone's | Tickets available | Enjoy a night of live music with Florencia & the Feeling.
WyndRider
Saturday, March 29th, 2025 · 8 PM - 2 AM | Hide-Away LLC | Check ticket prices online | Enjoy an exciting evening with live music in Johnson City.
Jackopierce Concert
Thursday, April 3rd, 2025 · 7:30-9:00 p.m. — ETSU Martin Center for the Arts — Ticket info available — Enjoy a night of acoustic rock with the beloved duo Jackopierce.
Ben Folds Live Concert
Friday, April 11th, 2025 · 7:30-9:30 p.m. — ETSU Martin Center for the Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience the genre-bending music of one of today’s major music influencers live in concert.
The Final Frontier: A Symphony Pops Concert
Saturday, April 12th, 2025 · 7:30-9:30 p.m. — ETSU Martin Center for the Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience an out-of-this-world concert featuring iconic theme music from Star Trek, E.T., and Apollo 13.
Dear Evan Hansen
Wednesday, April 16th, 2025 · 7-8:30 p.m. — ETSU Martin Center for the Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience a poignant and powerful musical that explores the complexities of belonging in the age of social media.
Below 7 Band Performance
Friday, April 18th, 2025 · 9 PM – 1 AM — Capone's — Free entry — Experience a lively night of music with the Below 7 band hailing from Virginia and Tennessee.
Farm to Glass Cocktail Class
Thursday, April 24th, 2025 · 6-8 p.m. — Tennessee Hills Brewstillery — Costs vary — Enjoy a hands-on cocktail class featuring locally sourced ingredients paired with delicious bites.