Community Corner
π± Patch AM: How your fall closet cleanout can support Johnson City neighbors in need
Be sure to catch 250th Anniversary USA ESSAY CONTEST on the Johnson City Patch calendar

Cheers Johnson City! We're back, helping you stay up to date with what's happening. Let's take on the day together! ☕️️
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In today's newsletter:
- How your fall closet cleanout can support Johnson City neighbors in need
- Why did Johnson City really pick 200 feet for data centers?
- How Johnson City shops are gearing up for a busy fall
Also on today's calendar: 250th Anniversary USA ESSAY CONTEST and 11 more events.
Today's riddle: Do you know what the two sides of a circle are? 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
Today's Johnson City Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's Best Mobile Network in the US according to Ookla Speedtest®. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 1H 2026. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Johnson City Patch AM possible.
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- Thursday: Periods of sun with a shower, with a high of 71 and low of 49 degrees.
- Friday: Partly sunny and pleasant, temps: high: 75, low: 45.
- Saturday: Sunshine and pleasant, with a high of 74 and low of 46 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. The Salvation Army of Johnson City Thrift Store to host donation drive Oct. 1-3 (wjhl.com) — A Johnson City thrift store is inviting residents to a three-day donation drive Oct. 1–3, offering a 10% off coupon to those who bring at least two bags of gently used items or a furniture piece. Donations at the East Main Street location help fund local Salvation Army programs, including the Center of Hope shelter supporting individuals and veterans experiencing homelessness.
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2. Why 200 feet? What 1,500 pages of public records say about Johnson City data center rules (wcyb.com) — Johnson City officials are under scrutiny for how they chose a 200-foot buffer between data centers and nearby homes, after releasing nearly 1,500 pages of records that still don't clearly explain the number. A community representative on the city's committee questions the transparency and accuracy of parcel counts used to justify the rule, leaving residents seeking clearer data and rationale.
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3. Johnson City businesses ready for fall (wjhl.com) — Johnson City shop owners are already shifting inventory and flavors to match the new fall season, from heavier fabrics and sweaters to French-inspired autumn treats. With East Tennessee State University students back in town, some boutiques are seeing their best sales yet, and each business is fine-tuning its offerings to be ready when locals fully embrace cooler weather.
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4. See which TN schools made the U.S. News best colleges list (commercialappeal.com) — East Tennessee State University in Johnson City appears on the latest U.S. News & World Report list of top national universities, alongside several other Tennessee schools. The rankings highlight how institutions stack up on outcomes, affordability and academic quality, while experts urge families to use them as one tool among many when comparing colleges.
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5. Big South Announces 2025-26 Women's Basketball Schedule (tegacaysun.com) — Johnson City will host the 2027 Big South Women's Basketball Championship at Freedom Hall Civic Center from March 3–7, bringing several conference teams and fans to town. While the schedule centers on Winthrop's 2025–26 season, local residents can look ahead to multiple tournament rounds, including semifinals and a title game, coming to their own civic center.
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📸 Around Johnson City
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Johnson City
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- 250th Anniversary USA ESSAY CONTEST →
9:00 am - You Going To The Pool Tomorrow? →
Seven Wonders Play Cafe, 219 E Main St, Johnson City
2:00 pm
Saturday September 26
Sunday September 27
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Hang Out at the Appalachian Liberation Library →
Johnson City TN
7:00 pm - Jericho Shriners Circus →
Freedom Hall Civic Center, 1320 Pactolus Rd, Johnson City
7:00 pm - Jake Dwyer Band at The Hideaway →
The Hideaway, Johnson City
8:00 pm - THE MAMMALS →
The Down Home, 300 West Main Street, Johnson City
8:00 pm - Jake Dwyer Band →
Johnson City TN
8:00 pm - Reiki II Class →
Shakti in the Mountains, 409 East Unaka Avenue, Johnson City - PokeKon-Fest - All Pokemon Show - Johnson City, Tennessee →
Holiday Inn Johnson City by IHG, 101 West Springbrook Drive, Johnson City
10:00 am - PokeKon-Fest - Johnson City, Tennessee →
Holiday Inn Johnson City by IHG, 101 W Springbrook Dr, Johnson City
10:00 am - Vinny Z. Celebrates 2 Years Clean! →
Johnson City Recovery Center, 513 E. Unaka Avenue, Johnson City
12:00 pm - Erstwilder Broochie Tea (Brooch trade group) →
The Philosopher's House, 117 W Fairview Ave., Johnson City
1:00 pm - Exploring Service in the Mountain Area of NA (with pizza) →
Miracles Happen Group Facility, 105 S. Boone Street, Johnson City
1:00 pm - Drawing and Tea Social →
The Philosopher's House, 117 W Fairview Ave., Johnson City
4:30 pm
Friday September 25
Saturday September 26
📣 Johnson City Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Todd M. Smith Releases "Saving Local Leadership" book Celebrating the Local Leaders of Hurricane Helene —Mary Ellen Miller Read on Patch
- Did you ever see the way the clouds love a mountain?
They circle all around it; sometimes you can't even see the mountain for the clouds." ~Toni Morrison (Nextdoor Camelot Two) - It seems a couple of times a week, someone is posting about having an accident and their pet jumping out the window and wanting help finding their pet.
PLEASE, when you travel with your pets, buy a harness and tether them to a secure structure in your vehicle. Accidents happen suddenly and… (Nextdoor Village Lane)
- Sam's Club posted a job opening for Freezer, Cooler and Deli Stocker Associate in Johnson City. Apply here.
- MyJobsCorner posted a job opening for Cook Jobs: Hiring Immediately! Full Time / Part Time - $12-$22/Hr in Johnson City. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Johnson City here.
Ok Johnson City! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: The inside and the outside ! (Thank you James M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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