Daily editionFriday, October 31st, 2025
Good morning, Johnson City.
The Daily Johnson City Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 31st of October.
Community
ETSU’s Staff Senate and SGA are partnering with Bucky’s Food Pantry to hold a Season of Sharing Holiday Food Drive that accepts food and cash donations through Nov 14 at campus boxes and cashier windows at Burgin-Dossett Hall.
Food baskets will be available for pickup at Bucky’s Pantry on Nov 20 and 21 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.—the pantry will also serve community members from Dec 24 to Jan 1.
The East TennesseanRead more
Culture
On Oct. 25, the Gray Fossil Site hosted Nightmare at the Museum — a haunted event that mixed fossil exhibits with eerie night tours and playful scares.
Visitors enjoyed unusual displays and ghostly characters as they toured candlelit sections of the museum and active dig site.
The East TennesseanRead more
ETSU Martin Center for the Arts will host SIX The Musical from May 26 through 28 — the performance will mark its first Grand Hall show and will conclude the 2026 Broadway season with dynamic music and storytelling.
The East TennesseanRead more
ETSU held a listening event in the Sherrod Library’s Quillen Gallery—celebrating a new 12-CD box set with 317 tracks from Rich-R-Tone Records, a local label started in 1946 that helped shape bluegrass music.
Professor Ted Olson led the event by explaining the history and guiding listeners—while guests enjoyed refreshments and honored Johnson City’s musical legacy.
The East TennesseanRead more
Education
ETSU was awarded a $29 million grant to boost college readiness for first-generation and rural students in East Tennessee by launching its GEAR UP program on October 1; the program serves sixth and seventh graders in Carter, Hawkins, Johnson, Kingsport City, Sullivan and Washington counties and will assign site coordinators by early next year — the grant runs for seven years and will offer mentorship, college planning, FAFSA support and tutoring.
The East TennesseanRead more
ETSU unveiled a new monument in Borchuck Plaza honoring the five African American students who integrated the university in the late 1950s—three of the original students attended the ceremony during Homecoming weekend.
The five statues, sculpted by artist Austen Brantley, serve as a reminder of the legacy and courage that shaped ETSU's history.
The East TennesseanRead more
On Oct 18, the ETSU Speech and Debate Team competed at the fifth annual Cougar Classic Tournament hosted by Cleveland State Community College and earned 33 awards—including NPDA debate first-place and varsity speaker honors—while planning to host the Terror on the Tweetsie Tournament tomorrow and meeting Thursdays in the D.P. Culp Student Center.
The East TennesseanRead more
Sports
ETSU pulled off a hard-fought 14+10 win over Wofford on Oct. 25, earning their fourth win and second SoCon victory; the Buccaneers will travel to Birmingham to face the Samford Bulldogs on November 8 at 3:30 p.m.+
The East TennesseanRead more
Johnson City Events
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.
Ricky Melton Live Comedy Show
Friday, November 14th, 2025 · 8-9 p.m. — Wallace Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the humor of Ricky Melton, a rising star in the comedy scene blending styles of iconic comedians.
Mobile Pantry Food Distribution
Saturday, November 15th, 2025 · 8:30-10 a.m. — Citi Solutions Center — No registration required — Offering fresh produce and dry goods to anyone in need, no questions asked.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Wednesday, November 19th, 2025 · 7:30-10:30 p.m. — ETSU Martin Center for the Arts — Cost TBD — Experience the quirkiness and competition of a spelling bee in a lively and engaging environment.