Daily editionThursday, May 1st, 2025
Good morning, Johnson City.
The Daily Johnson City Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 1st of May.
Government
Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site announced Tuesday that it cut three AmeriCorps positions after federal funding was withdrawn, which means guided tours and daily activities will be reduced.
The site had partnered with Appalachia Cares AmeriCorps for over a decade and now has one full-time and one part-time employee.
WFHGRead more
Johnson City is accepting volunteer applications for many city boards — BrightRidge, the visitors bureau, housing, the library, public art and the airport — with board terms of 2 to 4 years.
Mayor John Hunter said the city wants a range of community views to help guide policy, and the deadline to apply is May 30.
WCYBRead more
City officials learned during Tuesday’s City Council meeting that the Bristol State Liners will spend their second season at the TVA Credit Union Ballpark in Johnson City while awaiting a new home field in Bristol.
Mike Mains—Director of Parks and Recreation—detailed a proposed partnership with Boyd Sports and Bristol Tennessee City Schools to renovate Tod Houston Memorial Field, and the council will vote on the plan next Tuesday.
WFHGRead more
The U.S. Forest Service announced plans to increase timber production on federal lands by 25% and declared a wildfire risk emergency on 59% of its land, which covers parts of the Appalachian Mountains.
Local residents worry the plan may change outdoor recreation & tourism, and a new group has formed to protect public lands.
WCYBRead more
The Telford Road bridge over Brown Branch closed indefinitely on Wednesday morning — the Washington County Highway Department noted that drivers used Matthews Mills Road to detour — and officials said the closure will remain until further notice.
WFHGRead more
Johnson City Events
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.
Travis Stevenson Comedy Show
Friday, May 30th, 2025 · 9-10 p.m. — Wallace Theatre — Ticket prices not listed — Experience a night of fast-paced humor and social commentary with Travis Stevenson and his lineup of hilarious comics.