Daily editionFriday, October 24th, 2025
Good morning, Johnson City.
The Daily Johnson City Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 24th of October.
Culture
More than $300,000 in funding from the Tennessee State Museum was granted to Washington County museums on Thursday—recipients include Boones Creek Historical Trust, Broylesville Archives and Museum, Hands On Discovery Center, Tipton-Haynes Historical Assoc., McKinney Center — Jonesborough, and the George L. Carter Railroad Museum with amounts ranging from $34,715 to $99,655.
WCYBRead more
Education
ETSU is hosting homecoming celebrations themed 'All Roads Lead to ETSU' with a lineup that includes a living tribute, new events like Senior Street Painting and Innertube Water Polo, and a screening of Gladiator at 7 p.m. today — the week also features a memorial monument unveiling at 10 a.m. on Oct. 25 to honor the five African American students who integrated the campus.
The East TennesseanRead more
Crosby Tyler, a nontraditional student in ETSU’s Bluegrass, Old-Time and Roots Music Studies program, made history as the first Bluegrass Scholar to co-write a song that was professionally recorded and released through a record label — his work with Grammy-nominated mentor Rick Lang began from a classroom scholarship. The 64-year-old hopes his achievement will open industry insights for current students and spark more songwriting opportunities.
The East TennesseanRead more
Government
Steve Alexander has been announced as the new fire marshal for the Johnson City Fire Department after serving as interim since mid-September.
He spent 22 years working in several roles & will now lead the fire prevention division by overseeing code enforcement, inspections, investigations, and risk reduction programs.
WFHGRead more
Washington County-Johnson City EMS lost team member Fred Kemp—an advanced EMT with 28 years of service who died Wednesday during a training exercise—with officials planning to release more details later.
WFHGRead more
Health
College students who plan to celebrate Halloween should follow safety tips like watching their drinks, using a buddy system, and avoiding drunk driving—ETSU enforces a dry campus and recommends calling (423) 439-4480 or 911 if help is needed—.
The East TennesseanRead more
Sports
ETSU softball plays its final exhibition game today at Betty Basler Field in Johnson City against the Tusculum Pioneers — the team has played one or two matches weekly since September 19 as it prepares for a season starting in February.
The East TennesseanRead more
On October 18, ETSU’s Marching Bucs played their show 'Rhythms of Rio' at Ballad Health Athletic Center during the Bands of America East Tennessee Regional Championship and impressed the crowd—showing their hard work and precision.
The event brought together 22 high school marching bands and raised ETSU's profile among local students and families.
The East TennesseanRead more
ETSU played at Finley Stadium on Oct.19 against the Mocs and lost 38+42 as Chattanooga scored a last-minute touchdown.
The Buccaneers will return home tomorrow at William B. Greene Jr. Stadium to face Wofford College at 3:30 p.m.
The East TennesseanRead more
Johnson City Events
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.
BST Gaming Con
Saturday, November 8th, 2025 · 11 AM – 8 PM — Holiday Inn Johnson City by IHG — Vending show — The Tri-Cities' inaugural video game convention with special voice actors and gaming events.