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Daily editionFriday, September 25th, 2026

Good morning, Johnson City.

The Daily Johnson City Team

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Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 25th of September.

Community

  1. Roan Mountain State Park was named Tennessee State Park of the Year 2026.

    The park offers hiking and fishing and will host the Fall-O-Dendron Festival in October as it rebuilds after Hurricane Helene damage — adding an accessible boardwalk for visitors.

    The East TennesseanRead more

  2. Tri-Cities communities celebrate the first annual Give Like Dolly Day today with several events supporting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library programs (including a 6 p.m. screening of 9 to 5 at the Bristol Virginia Public Library).

    Local residents are encouraged to participate and donate to provide children with books.

    WCYBRead more

  3. Tri-Cities Jeepers will host a Christmas toy drive tomorrow at Tennessee Hills Distillery in Bristol (an off-road showcase and live music will feature) to collect toys and donations for children at the local hospital.

    WCYBRead more

Culture

  1. Pepper's Grill hosts karaoke every Monday from 6-8 p.m. for community members + students to perform and socialize.

    Sponsored by Buctainment, the event uses KaraFun and features songs from country, metal, musical theater, and indie genres.

    The East TennesseanRead more

  2. Slammedenuff Car Show will take place at Bristol Motor Speedway October 3-4.

    Organizers and the Bristol Police, along with (regional agencies), will enforce strict crowd and traffic control measures to ensure safety.

    WFHGRead more

  3. ETSU James C. and Mary B. Martin Center for the Arts will host the fifth annual Highlands Horrorfest on Saturday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. at Powell Recital Hall—showcasing Appalachian horror shorts, a competitive film contest, and a Bizarre Bazaar for local vendors.

    The East TennesseanRead more

  4. A Cherokee legend explains how Tlanuwa giant birds, known for their impenetrable metal feathers, and the serpent Uktena clashed along rocky Tennessee River cliffs.

    Local lore says a medicine man turned the birds against the serpent (saving his community) in a tale passed down through generations.

    The East TennesseanRead more

  5. ETSU is holding a weeklong celebration for Dolly Parton from Sept. 21 until today at its campus, featuring a panel discussion, open mic, and tribute banner.

    The closing Bucs Under the Stars drone show & Dolly Parton Day events will mark America’s 250th Birthday in downtown and nearby areas.

    The East TennesseanRead more

Education

  1. ETSU Family Weekend, the largest ever, runs today through Sunday, Sept. 27 in Johnson City.

    Families can explore campus and downtown with campus tours, a zip line, CPA pilates, planetarium shows, a welcome reception, a drone show and a tailgate with ETSU Football.

    The East TennesseanRead more

  2. Volunteer ETSU links students with local nonprofits for service projects in Johnson City and makes volunteering accessible.

    President Maria Sangry said students register for service days, receive a breakfast, and partner with groups such as Appalachian Service Project and Goodwill — with plans to launch the Bucs for Good initiative.

    The East TennesseanRead more

  3. ETSU SGA now focuses on helping students connect through new projects such as a unified resource guide, expanded meal swipe options, and mobile office hours at D.P. Culp Student Center Starbucks (noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday).

    President Shelby Koerten said the team aims to boost support and community on campus.

    The East TennesseanRead more

  4. Sullivan County Schools is launching Project WayPoint — an AI tool that creates personalized ‘High School and Beyond’ plans — to help counselors guide students toward local courses, certifications and work-based learning opportunities.

    WCYBRead more

Health

  1. Liza Wills, a postdoctoral research fellow at ETSU, is studying how trauma plus alcohol disrupts the brain's ability to form safe memories using a TRAP (Targeted Recombination in Active Populations) technique (a lab-based method for tagging neurons).

    Her work may uncover new paths for treating PTSD and alcohol use disorder.

    The East TennesseanRead more

Sports

  1. Tuesday, Sept. 22, the ETSU men’s soccer team played at Summers-Taylor Stadium and defeated Presbyterian 6-2, with Jaime Carrillo scoring a hat trick to become the third player in program history.

    The team will face VMI on Sunday, Sept. 27 in Johnson City.

    The East TennesseanRead more