Good morning, Johnson City.

Today, the David Crockett Birthplace State Park reopens its Crockett Shoals Overlook Trail—closed for nearly seven months after severe flooding from Helene—and welcomes visitors with cleared paths while urging them to follow park rules.

This week, the Tennessee General Assembly passed a bill that shifts hemp oversight to the Alcoholic Beverage Commission and bans sales of products with more than .3% THC, stopping businesses like Gold Spectrum from selling about 90% of their products.

If signed by Gov. Lee, the law will take effect on Jan 1, 2026 — a move that may force companies to relocate and risk nearly 300 jobs.

Charles Nile Mixon, a 49-year-old from Bristol, was sentenced on Wednesday to 377 months in prison for carjacking a woman at gunpoint in a Taco Bell parking lot on May 24, 2023, and he will serve a five-year supervised release after more than 31 years behind bars—he was convicted as an armed career criminal—.

The Tennessee House and Senate passed a bill that will limit the sale of a type of hemp and shift oversight from the agriculture department to alcohol regulators—smoke shops say the change could hurt businesses as hemp products once brought over $11 million in tax revenue.

Tennessee lawmakers advanced two bills to end DEI programs in public schools and government agencies; one bill passed the House while debate on a second measure paused — discussion will resume Monday — as lawmakers spar over the changes.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation said SR 93 in Sullivan County will be closed in both directions between Murrell Lane and Lone Star Road starting Monday until Friday, April 25, with daily closures at noon that are expected to last around 20 minutes or longer if debris must be cleared—motorists are urged to use caution in the work areas.

On Thursday, the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) confirmed two new measles cases in Middle Tennessee, raising the state's total to six for 2025 and noting that both individuals are in home quarantine; the department said no additional exposures have been found and there is no evidence of ongoing spread in the community.

Franklin Woods Community Hospital resumed outpatient services at noon on Friday after pausing them on Monday due to a boiler issue—team members will contact patients as needed—Ballad Health said further updates will follow.

Farm to Glass Cocktail Class

6-8 p.m. — Tennessee Hills Brewstillery — Costs vary — Enjoy a hands-on cocktail class featuring locally sourced ingredients paired with delicious bites.

Come From Away Musical

7-8:30 p.m. — ETSU Martin Center for the Arts — Check venue for pricing — Experience the inspiring true story of stranded passengers and the kindness of a small town during a historic moment.

Come From Away Musical

7-8:30 p.m. — ETSU Martin Center for the Arts — Ticketed event — Experience the uplifting true story of 7,000 passengers and a small Newfoundland town's warm embrace after 9/11.

Thirsty Orange Beer Festival

1-6 p.m. — Founders Park — $ — Sample over 150 unique beers and enjoy local craft brews at the 12th annual Thirsty Orange Brew Extravaganza.

Paint and Sip Night

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Wild Wing Cafe — $35 — Unleash your creativity while enjoying a fun night of painting and sipping wine.

Repticon Johnson City 2025

9 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Holiday Inn Johnson City — Admission varies — Explore a dedicated reptile trade show featuring exotic pets, supplies, and more.

Intermediate Blacksmithing: Forged Calla Lilies

1-3:30 p.m. — The Inventor Center — Prerequisite required — Learn to forge beautiful Calla lilies in this intermediate blacksmithing workshop.