Good morning, Johnson City.

Johnson City residents and Bucs can sign up for volunteer opportunities through ETSU programs and local groups like the Animal Shelter, Public Library, and Coalition for Kids.

A guide released on April 9 encourages community service to boost health, learning, and local ties.

Swig opened in early March and continues to draw long lines at its new location at 2424 N.

Roan St. The shop offers customizable Dirty Sodas plus a range of Refreshers, energy drinks, hot chocolate and snacks for local customers.

The Toasted Yolk Cafe has opened its first location offering breakfast, brunch, lunch and specialty drinks at 2519 Knob Creek Road in Johnson City.

Open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., founders Chris Milton and Matthew DeMott created unique scratch recipes for a one-of-a-kind taste experience.

Johnson City Community Theatre left its longtime home and moved to a storage unit last spring; it is now searching for a new venue with help from local volunteers (founded in 1885) to keep its tradition of live performances.

On Sunday, Mar. 29, students and community members gathered at Bud Frank Cinema at ETSU for a National Theatre Live screening of Hamlet that combined theatre and film with academic collaboration — the venue plans to host premieres on April 17 and April 30.

Local business leaders say downtown is growing rapidly with projects such as the John Sevier project and West Walnut Street improvements underway, adding new retail, housing, and commercial spaces that will boost the local economy—efforts that extend to regional growth and increased investment across downtown.

Last week's ETSU SGA election saw Shelby Koerten re-elected as president for a second term — vice presidents Macy Miller and Audie Brown won unopposed.

The election also filled senator seats for several colleges.

Students at Towne Acres, Fairmont and Mountain View elementary schools celebrated reading on April 9 when Riley the Reading Raccoon visited as part of Read Across Tennessee Month.

The event recognized student achievements and supported early literacy under efforts by Johnson City Schools, the Tennessee Department of Education and partners.

ETSU researcher Dr. Qian Xie is developing MET-targeting CAR T-cells (a method to reprogram immune cells) with local surgeons in Johnson City to treat aggressive cancers.

Her work is moving toward clinical testing to improve care for Appalachian patients.

Bristol Motor Speedway is hosting the Food City 500 today through April 12 with racing, free concerts & fan zones drawing visitors from across the nation.

The event also paves the way for local drag races to start after the track is repaved.

Johnson City Doughboys will soon start their season as part of the Appalachian Development League, partnering with MLB to train college athletes and create a roster scheduled for release later.

The team, dating to 1975 & rebranded in 2021, will present fun-themed nights and giveaways.

Echoes Of Reverie And Light

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

1-7 p.m. — Founders Park — Sample over 150 unique beers — Celebrate Tennessee Craft Beer Month at the 13th annual festival.