Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why Johnson City firefighters climbed 2,200 stadium steps at ETSU

Spotted on the Johnson City calendar: Key Ceremony for Army SPC Christopher Brooks

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Monday September 14th Patch AM
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Hello Johnson City! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why Johnson City firefighters climbed 2,200 stadium steps at ETSU
  • How a $15 million gift will reshape ETSU in Johnson City
  • How a Johnson City remote work program gained national tourism attention

Also on today's calendar: Key Ceremony for Army SPC Christopher Brooks and 10 more events.

Today's riddle: What did the fish say when she hit a wall? 🤔 (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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Weather forecast:

  • Monday: Partly sunny and humid, with a high of 86 and low of 62 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Tuesday: Mostly sunny, hot and humid, temps: high: 90, low: 63.
  • Wednesday: Sunshine, very warm and humid, with a high of 89 and low of 64 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. 'I do it to keep remembering': first responders honored at ETSU 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb (johnsoncitypress.com) — Johnson City firefighters joined students and community members at ETSU's William B. Greene Jr. Stadium to climb 2,200 steps in honor of 9/11 first responders. The event, which organizers hope to make annual, highlighted the long service and personal reflections of Johnson City Fire Department District Chief Pete Sanders and his colleagues on why they continue this memorial tradition.
   

2. ETSU to name College of Arts and Sciences after $15 million gift (wjhl.com) — East Tennessee State University in Johnson City is renaming its College of Arts and Sciences after a $15 million gift from the Phil and Martha Bachman Foundation, one of the largest donations in school history. Most of the money will support students across several colleges and help fund a new academic building and Brown Hall renovations, leveraging state matching funds.
   

3. Alicia Phelps: 'Deeply passionate about Appalachia' (bjournal.com) — Northeast Tennessee Tourism director Alicia Phelps highlights how regional efforts, including a nationally recognized remote work recruitment program based in Johnson City, are boosting visitor spending and local economies. She reflects on her career path, the growth of the tourism association, and why she's committed to promoting Appalachia and strengthening tourism partnerships across city and county lines.
   

4. Shoppers Arrive At Dawn With Empty Trunks For This Sprawling Tennessee Flea Market (takingthekids.com) — A sprawling Sunday-only flea market in Telford is being pitched as an easy, low-cost outing for Johnson City families, just 20–25 minutes away. With free parking and admission, hundreds of vendors, livestock pens, a hardware barn, and popular food options, locals are encouraged to treat the hunt for bargains and fresh produce as a full fall day trip.
   

📸 Around Johnson City

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Johnson City

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📣 Johnson City Shout Outs!

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Is anyone missing their cat?
    We have seen this one around our home a few times. (Nextdoor Highland Parc)
  • Beautiful and Spacious living apartment for rent.
    (1 bed $750+) *Location* (601 N Dupont Ave, Madison, TN 37115 Northeast Nashville) Life here is uncomplicated in the best way. Quick access to I-24… (Nextdoor Mayfield/Buckingham)
  • MyJobsCorner posted a job opening for Material Handler Jobs: Hiring Immediately! Full Time / Part Time - $18-$36/Hr in Johnson City. Apply here.
  • Panera posted a job opening for Team Member 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: Dam! (Thank you George G. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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