Daily editionFriday, May 16th, 2025
Good morning, Johnson City.
The Daily Johnson City Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 16th of May.
Community
Bays Mountain Park is hosting its yearly Kids at Bays Day on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. for kids to explore animal habitats, bike and hike trails, enjoy the Nature Center, and try food from trucks behind the day camp cabin—this year, the park will also offer a rare loom demonstration.
WCYBRead more
Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee feeds over 40,000 people each month and is asking local residents for help as food insecurity rises.
A 2023 Feeding America study found 47 million Americans including 14 million children are food insecure — the highest rate seen in over a decade.
WCYBRead more
Economy
The Johnson City Industrial Development Board approved the Brush Creek economic impact plan on Wednesday, which outlines six phases—comprising five projects—for the Burlington Park area housing, new retail space, parking and a community park.
The nearly 34-acre area near McKinley Road and West Walnut Street was rezoned to a B-3 Business District and will move to the county commission meeting on June 3.
WFHGRead more
Education
Science Hill High School will expand its Career and Technical Education program to give students more chances to earn certifications, college credit, and hands-on experience.
The program, which now has 23 tracks and enrolls over 500 students daily, will add new courses in cybersecurity and EMT in partnership with Northeast State & Ballad Health.
WCYBRead more
Sports
ETSU announced David Blackburn as general manager of revenue sports to manage NIL agreements for football and both basketball teams in Johnson City—this new role makes ETSU the first in the Southern Conference to adopt a general manager model across multiple sports.
Blackburn, who joined ETSU as director of football operations in 2022, will work with head coaches on rosters and schedules.
WFHGRead more
Johnson City Events
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.
On-Site Tour at Everlan of Johnson City
Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025 · 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. — Everlan of Johnson City — Free entry — Explore the finest in senior living with a focus on exceptional care and dining.
A Magical Night in the Garden
Wednesday, June 4th, 2025 · 6:30-8 p.m. — Shakti in the Mountains — $25 per person — Experience an enchanting evening with a scavenger hunt and fairy tales under the stars.
Mobile Pantry Food Distribution
Saturday, June 7th, 2025 · 7:30-10 a.m. — (Former) City Commerce Solutions — Free entry — Offering fresh produce and dry goods to anyone in need, no questions asked.
Johnson City Doughboys vs. Burlington Sock Puppets
Monday, June 9th, 2025 · 7-10 p.m. — TVA Credit Union Stadium - Cardinal Park — Tickets required — Catch a thrilling live baseball game featuring local teams at the ballpark.
The Get Right Band Concert
Friday, June 13th, 2025 · 6:30 PM – 12:30 AM — King Commons Park — Free entry — Enjoy a lively summer rock concert as the whole town comes together in Johnson City.
Mike Farris Concert
Saturday, June 14th, 2025 · 8 PM – 12 AM — Down Home — Cost info not provided — Experience the heart and soul of Mike Farris as he brings his unique sound to Johnson City.