Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: Is Johnson City’s rainy day fund ready for the next emergency?
Spotted on the Johnson City calendar: Key Ceremony for Army SPC Christopher Brooks

What's up Johnson City! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- Is Johnson City's rainy day fund ready for the next emergency?
- Where can you escape Johnson City for a one-park day trip?
- How a new ETSU pathway could bring more students to Johnson City
Also on today's calendar: Key Ceremony for Army SPC Christopher Brooks and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What do you call cows dancing in the dark 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
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- Saturday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 87 and low of 67 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
- Sunday: Humid; an afternoon t-storm, temps: high: 85, low: 64.
- Monday: Showers and a heavier t-storm, with a high of 85 and low of 65 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. JC's fund balance sees slight uptick in FY26, rainy day fund still subpar (johnsoncitypress.com) — Johnson City's general fund grew by $3.4 million in FY26, but the city's rainy day reserves still fall short of state-recommended levels at about 14.5% of the operating budget. Finance staff told commissioners that revenues slightly beat expectations, expenses came in under budget, and Freedom Hall continues to run a deficit even as it drives strong March sales tax receipts.
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2. 10 Tennessee Day Trips Under Two Hours From Johnson City Where You Can Park Once And Explore On Foot (takingthekids.com) — If you're itching to get out of Johnson City without spending hours in the car, this guide rounds up ten easy day trips within about two hours' drive. From Sycamore Shoals and Rocky Mount to caves, birding parks, and Knoxville's Ijams Nature Center, each stop lets you park once and explore on foot, with options for history buffs, families, and outdoor lovers alike.
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3. ETSU, Mountain Empire Community College announce new transfer pathway (wjhl.com) — Students connected to Johnson City's ETSU now have a clearer path from Mountain Empire Community College in Wise, Virginia, thanks to a new transfer agreement for several applied science programs. The deal streamlines movement into ETSU's online Industrial Leadership and Respiratory Therapy bachelor's degrees, letting working professionals advance their education while staying in their jobs and eventually studying in or through Johnson City.
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4. Katie York (ourlocalcommunityonline.com) — Family and friends in our area are mourning 45-year-old Katie York, who passed away Thursday at Johnson City Medical Center in Johnson City. The Spruce Pine resident is remembered as a devoted mother and grandmother, with funeral services and visitation set for Monday, September 21, at Chestnut Grove Baptist Church before interment in Burnett Cemetery.
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5. Larson to start on pole for Bristol Night Race (johnsoncitypress.com) — Johnson City racing fans will see local drivers Tim Maupin and Dale Ball highlighted in coverage from Volunteer Speedway, where both competed in the Sportsman Late Model feature. The story also previews Saturday's NASCAR Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway, with Kyle Larson starting on the pole after rain canceled qualifying and several playoff contenders lining up behind him.
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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 ★
- Key Ceremony for Army SPC Christopher Brooks →
19439 Snaffle Bit Lane Bristol, Virginia 24202,
9:00 am
Saturday September 19
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Sya At Brunch with Little Magic Bar! →
Little Magic Bar, 121 North Commerce Street, Johnson City - Mountain Area Service Committee Meeting →
Miracles Happen Group Facility, 105 S. Boone Street, Johnson City
1:00 pm - Johnson City GO Team Opportunity →
Johnson City TN
2:00 pm - SAM LEWIS: THE DOWN HOME RADIO HOUR →
The Down Home, 300 West Main Street, Johnson City
3:00 pm - Live Trivia →
Yee-Haw Johnson City, 126 Buffalo Street, Johnson City
7:00 pm - Old Time Jam →
Yee-Haw Johnson City, 126 Buffalo Street, Johnson City
5:00 pm - TriSec - Tri-Cities Cybersecurity Meetup →
Johnson City TN
6:00 pm - I SEE STARS →
Capone's, 227 E. Main St, Johnson City - Glorious: Vibrant Women's Conference 2026 →
The River of Tri-Cities Church, 1005 John Exum Parkway, Johnson City - 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
Sunday September 20
Monday September 21
Tuesday September 22
Wednesday September 23
Thursday September 24
Saturday September 26
Sunday September 27
📣 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
- HUGE MULTIFAMILY YARD SALE.
SATURDAY ONLY 9/19 8-2. 1 Loire Ct in Tunbridge neighborhood off of Cherokee rd (& a few more houses in the neighborhood). Mens, Womens, Baby, girls,… (Nextdoor Cherokee) - I Thought about Volunteering to take Cancer Patients Home
for FREE, In Johnson City B/C Working at the food bank requires a lot of standing and they will give you a box to take home if you want it 9-17… (Nextdoor Swadley)
- Panda Restaurant Group posted a job opening for Assistant Manager (P1-1364801-3) in Johnson City. Apply here.
- Arby's 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: Night Moo-s (Thank you John S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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