Daily editionFriday, April 25th, 2025
Good morning, Johnson City.
The Daily Johnson City Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 25th of April.
Community
A new cycling trail called the First Frontier Trail will create a safe route from Johnson City to Jonesborough using a $5 million state fund appropriation — after Jonesborough received $2.4 million last year — while Johnson City builds its section to the city limits and more trails may later link additional communities.
WFHGRead more
Culture
The Bert C. Bach Written Word Initiative held its Spring Literary Festival from April 22nd to 24th in Johnson City—kicking off with a downtown book launch for ETSU faculty Michael Cody—and hosted panels, workshops, and a keynote conversation with visiting writer Helena María Viramontes.
The East TennesseanRead more
A sacred music celebration will take place on Sunday at Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church starting at 6 p.m.—an open practice begins at 4:30 p.m. Musicians from across the region will perform a range of sacred music in a community collaboration.
WCYBRead more
Education
ETSU completed renovations on University Commons with new greenways and a gazebo, and a $62.5 million academic building will open in spring 2026 to offer students a collaborative space while faculty offices move to renovated Burleson Hall.
The master plan calls for a new dormitory building and possible reconstruction of Davis Apartments with parking adjustments as enrollment grows—Brown Hall’s $94 million renovation was recently approved in the governor’s budget.
The East TennesseanRead more
On April 15, it was announced that NLE Choppa canceled his SGA Spring Concert appearance due to health concerns and Quavo will replace him as headliner at Freedom Hall Civic Center today at 7 p.m.—Kaliii and Josh Levi will also perform.
Tickets offer one free student entry and guest passes at $10 each.
The East TennesseanRead more
Government
Tri-Cities Airport officials hosted a public meeting at Northeast State Community College on Thursday to gather feedback on a 20-year development plan—designed to upgrade a new general aviation terminal, taxiway expansions, improved airfield lighting, drainage, roadways and parking—to meet rising passenger demand.
WCYBRead more
Officials from Johnson City's Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization want public input on Highway 75 in Gray — they are looking into traffic problems caused by new homes — and a public meeting will be held on May 8 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Ridgeview Elementary School.
WFHGRead more
Health
A new medical foster home program was launched to help veterans by matching them with caregivers who provide bathing, dressing, meals, laundry, and leisure activities — the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center is seeking participants to open their homes to up to three veterans.
WFHGRead more
Sports
The ETSU women’s tennis team kicked off their Southern Conference Tournament run on Thursday with a 4-0 sweep over Samford and then earned a 4-2 win against Wofford before falling 4-3 to Furman in the final—ending their season at a 14-9 record.
The East TennesseanRead more
Johnson City Events
Come From Away Musical
Monday, April 28th, 2025 · 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
Tuesday, April 29th, 2025 · 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
Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 · 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
Wednesday, May 7th, 2025 · 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
Saturday, May 17th, 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
Sunday, May 18th, 2025 · 1-3:30 p.m. — The Inventor Center — Prerequisite required — Learn to forge beautiful Calla lilies in this intermediate blacksmithing workshop.