Daily editionTuesday, October 21st, 2025
Good morning, Johnson City.
The Daily Johnson City Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 21st of October.
Community
Bays Mountain in Kingsport is hosting its Autumn Park after Dark event on Saturday at 5 p.m., offering moonlit hikes, trick-or-treating, and a ranger-led wolf program.
Tickets cost $15 per person and a food truck with a hot cocoa and cider bar will serve refreshments — barge rides are not available due to maintenance —.
WCYBRead more
Culture
Little Women opens Thursday, Oct 23 at the Bert C. Theatre in the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts as Kate Hamill’s adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel runs through Oct 26 with shows on Oct 24 and 25 at 7:30 p.m. – the final performance is on Oct 26 at 2 p.m. with general admission at $20 and ETSU Student tickets at $10.
The East TennesseanRead more
Caroline Myers from the Johnson City Press reviewed Lucy Foley’s mystery novel 'The Midnight Feast' — a story set during a coastal summer solstice in June that mixes shifting viewpoints with dark secrets.
Myers explains that the book blends suspense with themes like wealth disparity to keep readers guessing until the end.
Johnson City Public LibraryRead more
Education
Crews could break ground on a new Towne Acres Elementary School within two weeks after Johnson City commissioners approved a $43 million contract for J. A. Street + the plans include infrastructure and security improvements.
The two-story, 110,000 square foot school will serve up to 750 students + demolition of the old school will begin once students move in as the project heads toward a June completion.
WCYBRead more
ETSU President Brian Noland delivered the State of the University address on October 10th — stressing record enrollment, strong student support and a focus on staying out of political debates.
He also outlined campus transformation plans including the completed University Commons, a new Academic Building opening late spring, and a Health Services Building scheduled for 2027 — projects driven by ongoing state support.
The East TennesseanRead more
Government
Local water utility officials said Monday they were watching new state and federal updates on PFAS testing for chemicals linked to health risks — until final regulations are set, they could not fully test wastewater discharges.
Water director Tom Witherspoon said wastewater sampling may begin within the next five years once lab methods and rules are finalized.
WCYBRead more
Sports
ETSU launched its new Buc Student Rewards Program today to boost attendance at basketball games+students earn points for prizes like hats at 20 points, T-shirts at 40 points, and a gaming console entry for the first student to attend every game.
The program may later expand to include football and baseball+offering more chances for student fans to win rewards.
The East TennesseanRead more
ETSU’s women’s golf team won the Terrier Intercollegiate at the Country Club of Spartanburg on Oct. 13 and 14—finishing six shots ahead of Wofford—while freshman Sophia Gambini claimed the individual title with a score of 217.
The win is their first of the season and their first title since the 2024 Southern Conference Championship.
The East TennesseanRead more
The ETSU men’s soccer team lost 3-2 to Mercer on Oct.18 at Summers-Taylor Stadium as Mercer scored the winning goal in the final minutes—leaving ETSU to face Wofford on Oct.24 at 6 p.m. This loss drops ETSU to fourth in the SoCon as the season winds down.
The East TennesseanRead more
Johnson City Events
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.
Elf The Musical
Monday, November 3rd, 2025 · 7:00 – 8:30 PM — ETSU Martin Center for the Arts — Tickets available — Experience a live adaptation of the holiday classic with dazzling stage effects and festive cheer.
Elf The Musical
Tuesday, November 4th, 2025 · 7-8:30 p.m. — ETSU Martin Center for the Arts — Ticket prices may vary — Experience the magic of the beloved holiday film transformed into a spectacular live theater event.
MANIA: The ABBA Tribute
Wednesday, November 5th, 2025 · 7:30-9:00 p.m. — ETSU Martin Center for the Arts — Cost Info — Celebrate the timeless music of ABBA in a fun and nostalgic tribute concert.
Book Club: The Russian Concubine
Thursday, November 6th, 2025 · 7-8:30 p.m. — Barnes & Noble — Free entry — Dive into a historical romance amid the chaos of 1920s China with spirited discussions and new faces.
Gary Allan Live Concert
Friday, November 7th, 2025 · 8:00 – 9:30 PM — Freedom Hall Civic Center Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience the outlaw charm of Gary Allan with his captivating vocals and dynamic performances.