Daily editionFriday, April 3rd, 2026
Good morning, Johnson City.
The Daily Johnson City Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 3rd of April.
Community
The Tennessee Highway Patrol and local agencies are hosting a free child safety seat checkpoint at the Tri-City Flea Market in Bluff City today from noon to 2 p.m. (no tickets or citations will be issued), helping parents install car seats correctly.
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The East Tennessee Foundation celebrated 40 years of service at Bristol Motor Speedway on Thursday, Apr. 2 by gifting $2,500 to Speedway Children's Charities while highlighting its role in regional recovery after Helene.
President and CEO Keith Barber said the group will expand its philanthropy in the future.
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Education
ETSU received a $130K grant from the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging to provide living stipends (including meal plans and staff training) for students with intellectual disabilities.
The grant is part of a statewide $1 million investment to expand access to higher education.
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Jonesborough held its 5th Ernest L. McKinney Day of Giving on Thursday, raising funds with a $5,000 goal+ to offer free K-12 art classes for children in need.
The event honored Ernest L. McKinney and his wife, Marion McKinney while including tours of the historic school.
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South Side Elementary launched a Ride and Read program yesterday in its library that lets students pedal on stationary bikes while reading — a grant-funded initiative to boost focus and exercise.
The program aims to enhance literacy and physical activity for students.
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ETSU is considering a tuition and fee increase that would raise costs by an estimated 100 to 200 dollars for the next school year as rising expenses force the university to boost faculty salaries.
The board will gather public input before a final decision at a May meeting.
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Washington County Schools considered creating two middle schools to group grades 6-8 separately from Pre-K through 5.
The Board of Education met Thursday, April 2 to gather community input, and superintendent Jerry Boyd denied claims of teacher layoffs.
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Government
Contractors with Water and Sewer Services will extend sewer lines along Knob Creek Road from West Mountainview Road to Fairridge Road starting Monday, Apr. 6 at 8:30 a.m and will close the road to all traffic until Friday, Apr. 10 — detours will guide drivers.
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Health
The FTC warned that ending Ballad Health’s COPA may risk patient care by reducing state health oversight, prompting Northeast Tennessee lawmakers to review proposals that would see the agreement end as early as 2028.
Rep. Hawk and colleagues are evaluating changes to protect local healthcare access.
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Johnson City Events
Mind the Drive, EyeCandy and Half Past Dead Live
Saturday, April 4th, 2026 · 9 PM – 12 AM — Capone's — Check the full calendar for ticket info — Experience a night filled with energetic performances from local bands.
Echoes Of Reverie And Light
Saturday, April 11th, 2026 · 7-9 p.m. — ETSU Martin Center for the Arts — $40 + fees — Experience a captivating musical journey featuring classical masterpieces and emerging talent.
Thirsty Orange Brew Extravaganza
Saturday, April 18th, 2026 · 1-7 p.m. — Founders Park — Sample over 150 unique beers — Celebrate Tennessee Craft Beer Month at the 13th annual festival.