Partying in the Park Employee Scholarships Awarded
Hires, Promotions, and Retirements
Police: Protecting Our Community
Fire: Ready to Respond Public Works in Action Water & Sewer: Delivering Reliable Services 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Inspiring the Next Generation of Young Learners
Thanks to Fire, Police, Parks & Recreation, Water & Sewer Services, Public Works, & Communications & Engagement. Through hands-on activities, demonstrations, and conversations, City staff introduced Fairmont Elementary’s Summer Educare program to the many ways employees serve the community each day. We appreciate everyone who helped inspire young minds, answer questions, and showcase the important work that keeps Johnson City running.
Transformative Leadership
Brock receives NETTA Lifetime Achievement Award
Congratulations to Vice Mayor Jenny Brock on receiving the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association (NETTA) Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes individuals whose leadership has transformed tourism and economic development in the region.
During more than a decade on the Visit Johnson City Board of Directors and 13 years on the Johnson City Board of Commissioners, Vice Mayor Brock has championed projects that strengthen both quality of life and the local economy. Her leadership has helped advance the Tweetsie Trail, the James K. Ellis Athletic Complex, Tannery Knobs Mountain Bike Park, Buffalo Mountain Park conservation efforts, King Commons, Founders Park, the Johnson City Railroad Museum, and Candyland Christmas, which welcomed more than 47,000 visitors in 2025. She is also working with ETSU to identify the location of Henry Johnson’s original home in downtown Johnson City. Her vision continues to leave a lasting impact on our community.
Meet the Mountains Festival
Fri. & Sat. | Aug. 14-15
Winged Deer Park Lakeside
This free, family-friendly event celebrates Northeast Tennessee’s outdoor recreation opportunities with interactive exhibits, vendors, demonstrations, and activities that highlight the region’s active lifestyle and growing outdoor economy.
A special thank you to our Parks and Recreation, Facilities Management, Police, Fire, Communications and Engagement, and Public Works teams for helping make this event possible. Your hard work behind the scenes creates an outstanding experience for our community and visitors alike.
Sharing the Rich History of Black Communities
Langston Centre Celebrates Juneteenth
The Langston Centre hosted a Juneteenth Community History Harvest celebration by bringing together community members to help preserve and share the rich history of Johnson City’s Black communities.
Residents contributed stories, photographs, and historical documents connected to the Roan Hill, Carver/West-Davis, and Carnegie neighborhoods. These valuable materials were scanned on-site and will help support the City’s ongoing Black Heritage Trail project, ensuring these important stories are preserved for future generations. A ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil the Black Heritage Trail is scheduled for Aug. 6 at 10:30 a.m. at the Langston Centre.
The event also featured a special presentation from students in the AV Camp. Over the past three weeks, campers worked on a Juneteenth-themed project and shared their work with attendees, highlighting the significance of this important day in American history.
Thurs. | Aug. 6 | 10:30 a.m.
Partying in the Park
Parks and Recreation celebrated the month of July with a series of Party in the Park events.
Parks & Recreation Month - July
Parks and Recreation month is an initiative of the National Recreation and Park Association, and this year’s theme was “The Power Of.” Johnson City Parks and Recreation hosted weekly Party in the Park events all month long.
“There’s no better way to celebrate Parks and Recreation month than by throwing a party,” said David Compton, community engagement
specialist. “The Party in the Park events were a great way to showcase the different parks we have throughout the city. Each event was a great way to engage with our community and hear what residents enjoy about our parks.”
The party kicked off on Saturday, July 4 at the Pepsi Independence Day Fireworks Celebration Kids Zone, which featured water games, arts and crafts, and cool treats at the Pete Zannis Tennis Center.
The celebration continued July 9 at Rotary Park, where children enjoyed the playground and splash pad. The event moved to Powell Square Park on July 16, followed by a stop at Carver Park’s playground and splash pad on July 23. The Party in the Park series concluded July 30 with a free swim at Legion Street Pool.
Thousands Enjoy Lakeside Concert Series
More than 4,000 people enjoyed this year’s Lakeside Concert Series at Winged Deer Park’s Goulding Amphitheatre. The Thursday night lineup featured 20 Ride, The 77 Experience, and The Legacy Motown Revue. Thank you for making the series a success!
Employee Scholarships Awarded
The City of Johnson City proudly recognized the 2026 recipients of the Employee Scholarship Program during the May 21 City Commission meeting. Human Resources Director Melanie Rice presented certificates to each student, celebrating their academic achievements and future goals.
Since its establishment in 1994, the Johnson City Employee Scholarship Program has awarded 220 scholarships totaling more than $182,600 to dependents of City employees pursuing higher education. This year, three students were honored for their academic excellence, community involvement, and career aspirations.
Ariana Babb, daughter of Melvin Babb (Water and Sewer Services), was awarded the John W. Campbell scholarship ($500), sponsored by former City Manager John Campbell in memory of his father. Ariana will attend East Tennessee State University to study Radiological Sciences.
Two additional students received City of Johnson City Employee Scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each to support their continued academic success. Jacob Norris, son of April Norris (Parks and Recreation) will attend ETSU to study Criminal Justice and Caroline Singer, daughter of Jeremy Singer (Water and Sewer Services) will attend Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technologies to study Cosmetology.
The City congratulates these deserving students on their accomplishments and wishes them continued success in their educational and professional journeys. The Employee Scholarship Program remains a meaningful investment in the future of our community — and a testament to the City’s support for its extended family.
FOR DEPENDENTS Apply Next Year
Applications for the employee scholarship program typically open in March. Watch for details from Human Resources.
Help the Program Grow
FOR EMPLOYEES
Educational Incentive
Earn an approved bachelor’s or master’s degree and qualify for a $2,500 incentive.
Tuition Reimbursement
Eligible employees can receive reimbursement for approved tuition and required books.
Celebrating the people who join us, grow with us, and leave a lasting legacy.
A Warm Welcome
Coffee with Cathy
Each month, City Manager Cathy Ball hosts a meeting with employees to discuss the City’s mission and explore how administration can support them in achieving their professional goals. These morning meetings provide an opportunity to welcome employees as they begin their careers with the City.
Hires Promotions
PARKS & RECREATION
Erich Strathmann
Park Services Technician
Evan Krug
Park Services Technician
Cameron McDougald Park Services Technician
PUBLIC WORKS
Jeremy McNeal MEO II
Jerrell Spillman
MEO II
COMMUNICATIONS & ENGAGEMENT
Patricia Radford
Digital Communications Specialist
WATER & SEWER
Elizabeth Harmon
Administrative Specialist I POLICE
Gabriel Juarez Police Officer Trainee
Antonio Sydnor Police Officer Trainee
Joseph Armstrong Police Officer Trainee
Makaila Lee Police Officer Trainee
FACILITIES
David Ingle
Maintenance Technician
LEGAL
Megan Isaacs
Administrative Specialist II
ADMINISTRATION
Amanda Mottern
Administrative Specialist II
FIRE
Brandon Jordan
District Chief
Lance Bellamy
Lieutenant
Joseph Canaday
Lieutenant
Josh Boone
Driver/Engineer
Shelby McCoy
Driver/Engineer
PARKS & RECREATION
Ariela Trinidad
Part-Time Lifeguard
POLICE
April Matherly
Terminal Agency Coordinator
Carmen Glover
Police Records Clerk III
Keri Caldwell
Police Records Clerk III
PUBLIC WORKS
Tyler Everhart Crew Supervisor
Retirements
WATER & SEWER
Wendy Graham IT Specialist
Mark Compton
W/WW Maintenance Mechanic II
PUBLIC WORKS
John Hilton
Traffic and Signs Marking Tech I
Protecting Our Community
Thurs. | Aug. 13 | 8:30–10 a.m.
Chick-fil-A | 2103 W. Market St.
Meet with JCPD officers and leadership in a relaxed, come-and-go setting. Ask questions, share ideas, and discuss topics that matter to our community.
Tues. | Aug. 4 | 4–8 p.m.
Pavilion at Founders Park
Join the JCPD for a free evening of food, games, giveaways, emergency vehicles, K-9 Buck, driving simulators, hands-on activities, and more!
A reflection of the very best of American law enforcement.
JCPD Officer Recognized by American Legion Department of Tennessee
The American Legion Department of Tennessee named Johnson City Police Officer Jonathon Workman its 2025–2026 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. Selected from nominations submitted by approximately 155 American Legion posts across the state, Officer Workman was nominated by Kings Mountain Post 24 for his actions during a critical incident in March 2025.
After his zone partner was shot in both legs, Workman — without knowing the shooter’s location — dragged his partner to cover behind a patrol vehicle, applied a tourniquet to stop the bleeding, and moved him across the road to a safe location for EMS. He also alerted 911 dispatchers, directed responding officers to the suspected shooter’s location, coordinated their response, and diverted civilian traffic from the area.
In his nomination letter, Sgt. Brandon Carr praised Workman’s “courage, integrity, and service above self,” calling his actions a reflection of the very best of American law enforcement.
Officer Workman received the award during the American Legion Department Convention in Nashville on June 27.
Ready to Respond
Life-Saving Training for the Community
The Johnson City Fire Department has provided life-saving training to more than 200 community members through its free Hands-Only CPR class. Participants learn CPR using Brayden manikins with real-time feedback on compression quality and blood circulation, along with proper fire extinguisher techniques using LED-driven digital flame simulators.
“Prepared communities are safer communities,” said Fire Chief David Bell. “The difference between tragedy and survival is often a neighbor knowing what to do. These classes empower everyone to provide assistance during an emergency when every second counts.”
Calls for Service in June
FIRE - 35
MEDICAL - 565
OTHER - 248
Training Complex Construction
The Johnson City Fire Department and its area public safety partners soon will have a new place for real-world training.
The hands-on training structure at the JCFD Training Complex is quickly taking shape. It is now three floors tall. The final floor is now under construction.
It will provide the JCFD and local public safety agencies with different live-fire environments to train for emergencies. This improvement in training means an even higher level of service for our community.
The hands-on training structure is scheduled for completion at the end of this August.
Duck Drama
Engine 6 C-shift responded to a service call on June 3 and found 10 ducklings in a storm drain. Firefighters and residents of Chestnut Ridge joined forces to rescue the little ones and safely reunite them with their mother. Talk about getting your ducks in a row!
Public Works in Action
Johnson City’s wildflower gardens do more than add beauty to our community.
Public Works Helps Pollinators Thrive
Wildflower gardens provide important habitat and food for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators while reducing the need for mowing in select areas.
Thank you to our Public Works team for creating and maintaining these spaces. Your work supports a healthier environment while making Johnson City an even more beautiful place to live, work, and visit.
Stormwater Asset Demonstrates Value
Construction of the Cherokee stormwater pond continues to move forward. Public Works crews have completed grading and retaining wall work and are now installing sidewalks and pavers. Landscaping is scheduled to begin in early fall, with the project expected to be completed by the end of September to me grant funding requirements.
Designed to improve stormwater management and water quality, the project is already demonstrating its environmental value. The daylighted stream has begun attracting wildlife, including a mother duck and her ducklings, offering an early glimpse of the habitat and natural beauty the completed project will provide. The stormwater feature will help runoff, support local ecosystems, and create a more attractive community space for residents and visitors to enjoy.
5x5 Art Exhibit & Fundraiser
Thurs. | Aug. 7 | 5:55 - 8 p.m. | Pavilion at Founders Park
The Johnson City Public Art Committee, and Management Analyst Cheyenne Kumbhare, will host its eighth annual 5x5 Art Exhibit & Fundraiser. Browse more than 300 5x5-inch artworks by over 100 local artists, all priced at $25 to support public art projects. Enjoy refreshments, live music, and arrive early for the best selection. MORE INFO | www.jcpublicart.com/5x5-exhibit-fundraiser
Delivering Reliable Service
WSS Completes Water Tank Cleaning
Water and Sewer Services recently completed a tank cleaning project with the assistance of a contractor, helping maintain the City’s water infrastructure. Tanks cleaned during the project included Cherokee, College Heights, Masters, Unicoi Backwash, Watauga Backwash, and Watauga Bleach.
The before-and-after photos highlight the results of the work. Civil Engineer Christian Loor prepared the bid documents for the project, and Construction Inspector Owen Adams provided onsite inspection throughout the contractor’s work.
Shoutout to Public Service Worker Alex Lewis and MEOs Dillon Andes, Bradford Higgins, and Malakhi Guess.
Outstanding Service from Water and Sewer Services
Mr. Frank McCauley of Ashworth Court called to recognize the crew for an exceptional job, praising both the quality of their work and the thorough cleanup afterward. He shared that the team represented the City extremely well. Thank you for providing excellent customer service and making Johnson City proud!
