Daily editionFriday, October 3rd, 2025
Good morning, Johnson City.
The Daily Johnson City Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 3rd of October.
Community
Bucs for St. Jude is a student organization that supports the local St. Jude Clinic and Ronald McDonald House through volunteer work and fundraising events.
They held a pickleball tournament from Sept. 25–28 that raised $5,000 and participated in a walk on Sept. 20 that raised $1,500 while planning a reverse trunk or treat event and holiday drive for the coming months—expanding campus involvement.
The East TennesseanRead more
Rocky spent 843 days at the Washington County-Johnson City Animal Shelter before he was adopted by Whitney Hendrickson and Daniel McLain.
His new home features a fenced yard provided by Chain Free Dogs — and a celebration was held to thank the shelter staff.
WCYBRead more
Culture
Gamers and collectors will gather for the first BST Gaming Convention on Nov. 8 at the Holiday Inn in Johnson City—over 60 vendors from six states will offer rare video games, trading cards, and collectibles for buying, selling, and trading.
Special guests including voice actors Samantha Kelly and Kenny James will join the event while food is served by J’s Corner.
The East TennesseanRead more
Economy
The Northeast Tennessee Red Carpet Tour is showcasing the region’s strengths as NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership hosted eight site location consultants—its first full tour since COVID—to highlight job creation, workforce development and local culture.
The tour has led to six projects and over 2,000 jobs in its 12-year history and promises to boost economic growth in the area.
WCYBRead more
Education
ETSU professor Tianhu Sun won the 2024 New Innovator in Food and Agriculture Research Award from the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research and received about $500,000 to support his project to boost the nutrients in seeds—using gene editing to activate natural nutrient genes without adding foreign DNA. His team of undergraduate and graduate students is working to improve soybean nutrients to help families with limited access to supplements.
The East TennesseanRead more
ETSU’s Career Services launched a Networking Funds program to help student organizations host networking events with employers—covering up to $400 per event this academic year.
The program assists groups with planning and connecting with employers to ensure students and faculty can engage directly in career discussions.
The East TennesseanRead more
ETSU’s Army ROTC instructor Master Sgt. Marc B. Manilla received a Purple Heart at a Ford Oval of Honor ceremony on Sept. 30 after he was struck by sniper fire in Iraq on Jan. 13, 2007 — he said the campus event reflected the university’s military-friendly atmosphere before he retires later this semester.
The East TennesseanRead more
Government
Johnson City named Vice Mayor Greg Cox the new mayor after John Hunter resigned, and Cox said he will focus on economic growth and future-ready infrastructure.
Hunter’s resignation leaves a commission vacancy that will be filled at the October 16 meeting—residents must submit letters of interest by October 13.
WCYBRead more
Health
A cancer survivor, Avyn Culbertson, celebrated her 6th birthday on Thursday at Niswonger Children’s Hospital by giving out personalized backpacks, bandages, and t-shirts to fellow patients—her family also started the nonprofit Battle Bandages to help children with cancer worldwide.
WCYBRead more
Sports
ETSU played Mercer on September 27 in its first Southern Conference game — Mercer edged the Buccaneers 38-34 — and ETSU will face Furman on October 4 at 2 p.m. in Greenville.
It is set to be a close contest as the team looks to bounce back.
The East TennesseanRead more
Johnson City Events
Mobile Pantry Distribution
Saturday, October 4th, 2025 · 8:30 a.m. — (Former) Citi Commerce Solutions — Free entry — Access fresh produce and dry goods without any questions asked.
College Football: ETSU Buccaneers vs. VMI Keydets
Saturday, October 11th, 2025 · 3:30-5 p.m. — William B. Greene Jr. Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Watch the Buccaneers take on the Keydets in an exciting Southern Conference football showdown.
Tennessee Veterans Festival
Saturday, October 18th, 2025 · 1-7 p.m. — Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site — $10.00 per person — Celebrate veteran culture with art, music, and a bustling crafts village.
Blue Ridge Artisan Days: Autumn Market & Craft Fair
Friday, October 24th, 2025 · 3-7 p.m. — Appalachian Fair — Free entry — Celebrate fall with unique handmade goods, warm treats, and festive vibes for the whole family.
Johnson City Zine Fest 9
Saturday, October 25th, 2025 · 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. — 324 E Main St, Johnson City, TN — Free entry — Explore the creativity of over 40 zinesters and their unique artwork.
Scarecrow Skedaddle & Shindig
Sunday, October 26th, 2025 · 1:45-4 p.m. — ETSU/Ballad Health Athletic Center — Event entry fee applies — Enjoy a festive family celebration with races, games, and fall fun.
Wake Forest vs East Tennessee State Basketball Exhibition
Wednesday, October 29th, 2025 · 7-8:30 p.m. — Freedom Hall Civic Center Arena — Charity event — Enjoy an exciting exhibition match while supporting local charities.
An Evening in Conversation with Kenny Chesney
Saturday, November 1st, 2025 · 3:00 – 4:30 PM — ETSU Martin Center for the Arts — Includes signed book — Discover the inspiring journey of Kenney Chesney from a young musician to a country music star.