Daily editionTuesday, July 29th, 2025
Good morning, Johnson City.
The Daily Johnson City Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 29th of July.
Community
Mountain City Pool in Cunningham Park is set to close for the season on August 2, but town officials warn it may not reopen next year due to a water leak that drains 740,000 gallons a month and repair costs over $450,000—officials are weighing options to address these issues.
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Economy
The Governor’s Response and Recovery Fund announced $41,353,959 in grants to help Unicoi County businesses, farms, and nonprofits recover from Hurricane Helene—funding aimed at restoring over 250 lost jobs.
Economic development director Austin Finch said most money will support projects in Erwin’s industrial park and that awards are now in Tennessee’s contracting process—no award timeline has been set.
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Education
Steele Creek Park Nature Center earned national accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums and now joins only 4% of U.S. museums—this honor comes after a year-long review of its research, education and conservation work.
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East Tennessee State University and Virginia Highlands Community College signed an agreement Monday — the pact lets students take courses at both schools to meet degree requirements for fields like engineering and nursing.
The deal aims to help graduates secure in-demand jobs and ease transitions between schools.
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Government
Johnson City applied to the Tennessee Department of Environmental Conservation on July 23 in Nashville to designate Buffalo Mountain Park as a natural area covering 735 acres — city officials say further trips may be needed to plan its care and visitor access.
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Johnson City Events
Appalachian Fair Home Show 2025
Friday, August 1st, 2025 · August 1-3 — Appalachian Fairgrounds — Free entry — Discover home improvement inspirations with local and national vendors at this community-focused show.
Mobile Pantry Event
Saturday, August 2nd, 2025 · 8:30-10 a.m. — Citi Solutions Center — Free access — Offering fresh produce and dry goods to those in need, no questions asked.
Meet the Mountains 2025
Friday, August 15th, 2025 · 5-11 p.m. — Kinch Landing, Winged Deer Park — Free entry — Explore kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and biking in stunning Northeast Tennessee.
Repticon Johnson City 2025
Saturday, August 16th, 2025 · 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Holiday Inn Johnson City — Entry Fee Applicable — Explore reptiles and exotic pet supplies at this dedicated trade show.
12th Annual Little Ironman Tribute Race
Sunday, August 17th, 2025 · 7-9 p.m. — Sulphur Springs Baptist Church — $25+ — Celebrate the legacy of Josh “Little Ironman” Adcock with a thrilling 5K, Fun Walk, and Mud Run in support of local families in need.
Appalachian Fair
Monday, August 18th, 2025 · 8 AM – 5 PM — Appalachian Fair — Affordable entry — Celebrate agriculture with entertainment and educational activities in the scenic foothills of Tennessee.
Zac Top Live
Wednesday, August 20th, 2025 · 8-10 p.m. — Appalachian Fair — Gate admission required — Enjoy a night of country vibes with Zac Top as he performs his new single ‘Cold Beer and Country Music’.
Pasta-bilities Workshop
Thursday, August 21st, 2025 · 6-8 p.m. — Shakti in the Mountains — $15 per person — Discover the joys of making fresh handmade pasta with garden-fresh ingredients in a demonstration-style workshop.
SPANKthe80s Tribute Concert
Saturday, August 23rd, 2025 · 7:30-9 p.m. — ETSU Martin Center for the Arts — Tickets available — Experience the ultimate 80's throwback with high-energy hits and vibrant performances.
Bladesmithing: Railroad Spike to Knife
Sunday, August 24th, 2025 · 1-3:30 p.m. — The Inventor Center — Registration required — Get hands-on experience forging a knife from a railroad spike while learning about blacksmithing techniques.