Daily editionFriday, May 2nd, 2025
Good morning, Johnson City.
The Daily Johnson City Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 2nd of May.
Community
Bellafina Chocolates marks 15 years by helping local women overcome challenges and discover their talents—executive director Jes Williams said the company donates all proceeds to children’s organizations while giving a boost to dozens of women such as kitchen manager Chrissie Stewart. This commitment continues to grow and build a network of support in our community.
WCYBRead more
Washington County Detention Center hosted a clothing drive on May 1 to collect new or gently used clothes for released inmates—staff inspected donations for contraband before turning them over to support the transition.
The drive received positive community feedback and a follow-up event is scheduled for Fall.
WCYBRead more
Culture
ETSU Martin Center for the Arts closed its 2025 Spring Broadway Season today with the award-winning musical Come From Away — a show that tells the true story of 7,000 airline passengers stranded after 9/11 and celebrates community resilience.
The production resonated with local viewers after Hurricane Helene, reflecting the spirit of Johnson City.
The East TennesseanRead more
ETSU’s Appalachian Studies department offers a Scottish Gaelic retreat that links local music traditions with centuries‑old ties to Scotland and Ireland + the program includes classes, exhibits, and special musical events.
A free event in Johnson City will take place on Monday, June 9th at 6 p.m. where attendees will try the Trad ceilidh and learn Gaelic dances.
The East TennesseanRead more
Education
ETSU Underwater Robotics team known as the Buccaneers competes in the international MATE ROV Competition by piloting remotely operated vehicles to perform tasks that simulate underwater repairs.
The team also cleaned the banks of the Watauga River at Sycamore Shoals State Historical Park and mentors local high school robotics teams - support from the ETSU Student Government makes their work possible.
The East TennesseanRead more
ETSU will honor its past during commencement weekend with the Golden 50s Reunion for alumni from the Class of 1975 and earlier, featuring a Class of 1975 induction brunch on May 9 at 10:30 a.m. in the Brinkley Center+ VIP walking tours will follow and the Golden 50s will join the commencement on May 10 with a special breakfast and discounted baseball tickets.
The East TennesseanRead more
Government
Residents of Johnson City will face a 25% increase in water and sewer rates over four years if the City Commission approves a rate hike next month — the rates will grow by just under 6% each year starting July 1 until July 1, 2028 — and customers outside the city will see smaller increases.
WFHGRead more
AmeriCorps funding cuts have forced the Tipton-Haynes Historic Site to lose three AmeriCorps workers, leaving only one full-time and one part-time employee to run the site.
The nonprofit is using reserve funds to keep two former workers for field trips and a summer camp — operations such as tours and maintenance will remain limited.
WCYBRead 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.