Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: Why Johnson City neighbors still lack answers on new data center rules
And on the Johnson City Patch calendar - PokeKon-Fest - Johnson City, Tennessee
Good morning Johnson City! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- Why Johnson City neighbors still lack answers on new data center rules
- Thinking about ETSU? Here's how Johnson City students can apply free.
- How you can shape Tennessee's wildlife future at a Johnson City town hall
Also on today's calendar: Key Ceremony for Army SPC Christopher Brooks and 4 more events.
Today's riddle: What did the bartender say to the jumper cables when they walked in? 🤔 (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.
Find a T-Mobile store near Johnson City. 
- Wednesday: Partly sunny and hot, with a high of 95 and low of 68 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
- Thursday: Sunshine and hot, temps: high: 94, low: 68.
- Friday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 94 and low of 68 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Months later, questions remain unanswered about proposed Johnson City data center rules (wcyb.com) — Johnson City residents pushing for tougher data center rules still don't know how city staff decided on a 200-foot buffer between homes and potential sites, despite months of questions and public records requests. Community advocates say they're frustrated by delays and unclear analysis, while the city points to planning office turnover and promises more information once a new director starts. 
2. ETSU waives application fee for Tennessee residents through September (wcyb.com) — If you live in Johnson City or anywhere in Tennessee and are eyeing East Tennessee State University, you can apply for free through the end of September. ETSU, based in Johnson City, is waiving its usual $25 application fee for in-state first-year and transfer applicants for fall 2027, giving local students and families a small but timely financial break.
3. Town hall about region's concerns related to wildlife, outdoors coming to Johnson City (johnsoncitypress.com) — A statewide conservation tour is bringing a Tennessee Wildlife Federation town hall to Tennessee Hills Distillery's Johnson City Brewstillery on Oct. 20, giving Johnson City residents a direct chance to weigh in on wildlife and outdoor issues. Attendees can hear from experts, learn about policy challenges, and submit questions about how state leaders should protect East Tennessee's lands and waters.
4. $100K grant to help provide meals for Northeast TN seniors (wjhl.com) — From a Johnson City-based agency, a new $100,000 Meals on Wheels America grant will help cut waiting lists for home-delivered meals to seniors across Northeast Tennessee. The First Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability says the funding will fight hunger and isolation for more than 1,600 older adults in its eight-county service area.
5. Tiebreakers expands to Kingsport's Fort Henry Mall (johnsoncitypress.com) — A major new Tiebreakers entertainment complex is planned for Kingsport's Fort Henry Mall, building directly on the popularity of the company's existing Johnson City location. Leaders say the Kingsport site will be larger, but they also emphasize continued expansion and new experiences at the Johnson City venue, aiming to draw families from across the Tri-Cities region.
📸 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 ★
- PokeKon-Fest - Johnson City, Tennessee →
Holiday Inn Johnson City by IHG, 101 W Springbrook Dr, Johnson City
10:00 am
Saturday September 26
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- ITMS Girls Soccer @ Winged Deer vs. UH (JV Only)
Johnson City Schools Johnson City, TN 37605
6:00 pm - Home School Day – September 8th, 2026 →
Hands on Discovery Center 1212 Suncrest Dr, Gray, TN 37615
10:00 am - ITMS Tennis @ TN Middle
Johnson City Schools Johnson City, TN 37605
4:00 pm - ITMS Tennis vs. University School
Johnson City Schools Johnson City, TN 37605
4:00 pm - ITMS Volleyball @ Greeneville
Johnson City Schools Johnson City, TN 37605
5:00 pm - Key Ceremony for Army SPC Christopher Brooks →
19439 Snaffle Bit Lane Bristol, Virginia 24202
9:00 am
Thursday September 3
Tuesday September 8
Wednesday September 9
Saturday September 19
📣 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!
🗓 Events Nearby
- CANCELED - Rules Committee
County of Washington 103 W Main St, Jonesborough, TN 37659
8:00 am - CANCELED - CIA Committee
County of Washington 103 W Main St, Jonesborough, TN 37659
9:00 am - CANCELED - Purchasing Commission
County of Washington 103 W Main St, Jonesborough, TN 37659
10:30 am - CANCELED - Investment Committee
County of Washington 103 W Main St, Jonesborough, TN 37659
11:00 am - CANCELED - Employee Compensation & Benefits Committee
County of Washington 103 W Main St, Jonesborough, TN 37659
11:30 am
Thursday September 3
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
- When I lived in Noonday, Texas I was out wandering around looking for beautiful places, when I found myself a whole entire field of native Hibiscus plants.
At the time, I did not know they were Hibiscus, I found that out later. I did not know what bugs visited these flowers, but I sure wanted to find out… (Nextdoor Camelot Two) - Whats the best way to legitimately eradicate poison oak and ivy?
Gasoline or setting it alight are not options. I've got it at the entrance to my sidewalk and it's trying to take over our communal mailbox house. I… (Nextdoor Cherokee)
- Life Care Centers of America posted a job opening for Housekeeping Assistant in Johnson City. Apply here.
- Cardinal Group Companies posted a job opening for Maintenance 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: Don't you 2 start anything (Thank you Mary L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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