Staff recognized during luncheon
Public Service Recognition Week culminated in a celebration as City employees gathered for the annual Employee Appreciation Luncheon. This event serves as a thank you to the dedicated individuals who make Johnson City a thriving, welcoming community.
A highlight of the luncheon was the presentation of the Go. All. Out. Awards, which recognize employees who exemplify the City’s core values: Excellence, Customer Service, Integrity, Teamwork, Engagement, and Dedication. These awards are especially meaningful as nominees are selected by their peers — colleagues who witness their commitment and contributions firsthand.
The 2025 Go. All. Out. Award recipients are:
• Excellence – Solid Waste General Supervisor Tony Haynes
• Customer Service – Public Works MEO III Andy Schaff
• Integrity – Police Officer Jessica Lyons
• Teamwork –Communications and Marketing Digital Communications Specialist Ally Burgner
• Engagement – Parks and Recreation Program Coordinator Kevin Mast
• Dedication – Planning and Development Services Trade Inspector Matt Rasnick
The luncheon marked the close of a week dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the impact of public service. As Johnson City continues to grow, the commitment of these individuals — and all City staff — remains essential to its success.
Congratulations to all of the nominees.
Many opportunities to celebrate service during May
This year, Public Service Recognition Week coincides with several other key observances that highlight the essential services of individual departments:
Building
Safety Month
Throughout May, Building Safety Month, sponsored by the International Code Council, emphasizes the importance of building codes in creating safe and sustainable structures. Our Planning and Development Services team works effectively to enforce safety standards that protect residents and businesses alike. This month is a great reminder of the important role our inspectors, code officials, and planning staff play in safeguarding our built environment.
Drinking Water Week
May 4–10
Clean, safe drinking water is something many people take for granted, but behind every drop is a team of professionals ensuring quality and reliability. The Water and Sewer Services Department celebrated Drinking Water Week by recognizing the science,
expertise, and infrastructure required to deliver this essential service to thousands of homes and businesses every day.
National Police Week
May 11-17
National Police Week is a time to honor the memory of fallen officers and to recognize the dedication of those who continue to serve every day. We pause to remember Johnson City Police Department officers who’ve lost their lives protecting our community:
Officer Walter McPeak – End of Watch June 23, 1910
Chief George Campbell – End of Watch Sept. 16, 1914
Assistant Chief Tom Church –End of Watch Jan. 8, 1928
Officer James Smith – End of Watch Dec. 3, 2007
Thank you to those who have and continue to serve. Your service is deeply appreciated.
Public Works Week
May 18–24
National Public Works Week showcases the men and women who maintain our roads, manage stormwater, collect solid waste, and more. From sanitation to street repairs, the Public Works Department keeps our city moving — and clean.
Together, these observances serve as a reminder of how every department and every employee contributes to the well-being of our city. Whether you’re designing infrastructure, maintaining utilities, supporting communications, or delivering services directly to the public, you are an essential part of what makes Johnson City work.
1.55 acres of wildflowers to brighten city landscape
Soon, Johnson City residents may notice a burst of color emerging in high-traffic areas across the community. Thanks to the hard work of the City’s Public Works Department and City Forester Pat Walding, 1.55 acres of wildflowers have been planted at key intersections and gateways throughout the city.
Beyond adding natural beauty
to the urban landscape, these wildflower beds serve an important ecological role by supporting pollinators and enhancing biodiversity. Wildflower plantings are more than just beautiful — they’re smart, sustainable landscaping. They reduce mowing needs, provide critical habitat for pollinators, and offer the public a colorful connection to nature in some of our busiest corridors.
Newly planted wildflower locations include:
• North State of Franklin and Med Tech Parkway – 9,563 sq. ft.
• North State of Franklin and Knob Creek Road – 4,121 sq. ft.
• I-26 and North Roan Street (Holiday Inn side) – 10,924 sq. ft.
• I-26 and North Roan Street (LongHorn Steakhouse side) – 8,524 sq. ft.
• West State of Franklin and University Parkway – 3,494 sq. ft.
• North State of Franklin and North Roan Street – 17,086 sq. ft.
• University Parkway and South Roan Street – 8,642 sq. ft.
• Legion Street and King Springs Road – 5,017 sq. ft.
Total area planted: 1.55 acres
Take a moment to enjoy these pockets of natural beauty springing up around the city.
Fleet Management staff go the extra mile
A big thank you to Garrett Townsend, Brian Ferguson, and Tyler Blevins from Fleet Management for going the extra mile to help a mom in need!
When Capt. Andy Hodges stopped to assist a young mother and her 3-year-old stranded on I-26 with a flat tire, he called Garrett, who sent Brian and Tyler to help. Thanks to their customer service and teamwork, the tire was changed and the family was safely back on the road.
The mother was extremely grateful, and we are too. Great job supporting our community!
Multiple departments participate in ASIM training
The Johnson City Fire and Police departments, along with other area first responders, participated in Active Shooter Incident Management (ASIM) training. The three-day course brought together public safety telecommunicators, police, fire, EMS, and emergency management personnel to prepare for coordinated responses to active shooter situations.
Organized by the JCFD, the multi-agency training uses the advanced NIMSPro 3D Simulation System, which places participants inside realistic, interactive scenarios where they must respond in real time, communicate effectively, and work as a unified team. The system
is designed to mirror realworld environments, allowing first responders to practice decision-making in highpressure situations.
The training is federally funded, making it available at no cost to participants or their government agencies.
“This training is about preparing for the worst so we can respond at our best,” said JCFD Assistant Chief Jason Powell. “It gives our crews the opportunity to train side-by-side with law enforcement and EMS in a realistic environment where communication and coordination are critical.”
JCPD Operations Major Eric Dougherty added, “These types of scenarios require rapid, joint responses. Training like this strengthens relationships among agencies and ensures we’re all on the same page when seconds count.”
The ASIM course emphasized
the importance of incident command structure, rapid threat neutralization, casualty care, and seamless interagency collaboration. The NIMSPro system allows departments to evaluate performance and improve tactics in a risk-free setting.
In addition to JCFD and JCPD, the following agencies participated: Bristol TN Police, Bristol TN Police Communications, Bristol VA Police, Bristol VA Police Communications, Bristol VA Fire, City of Johnson City Communications and Marketing, Washington County-Johnson City EMS, and Washington County 911. situations.
NOTICE
The City Gym is closed for cleaning every Friday between 9-10:30 a.m. This includes the men’s and women’s locker rooms.
May 2025
City honors Employee Scholarship recipients
The City of Johnson City proudly recognized the 2025 recipients of the Employee Scholarship Program during the May 15 City Commission meeting. Assistant City Manager Steve Willis 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 218 scholarships totaling more than $180,000 to dependents of City employees pursuing higher education. This year, three students were honored for their academic excellence, community involvement, and career aspirations.
Madison Stacey, daughter of Jon Stacey (Information Technology), was awarded the John W. Campbell scholarship ($500), sponsored by former City Manager, John Campbell in memory of his father. A junior at East Tennessee State University, Madison is majoring in Pharmacy Studies and Chemistry and plans to become a pediatric pharmacist. Her dedication to science, leadership in student organizations, and commitment to compassionate care made her an outstanding recipient of this honor.
Two additional students received City of
Johnson City Employee Scholarships in the amount of $800 each to support their continued academic success.
Ariana Babb, daughter of Melvin Babb (Water and Sewer Services), will attend East Tennessee State University to study Radiologic Sciences. A high-achieving student at South Greene High School, Ariana aims to become a certified radiology technologist, with specialties in CT and MRI, focused on pediatric care.
Emalee Banks, daughter of Jarid Edwards (Water and Sewer Services), plans to pursue a degree in Nursing at ETSU or the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. A senior at Unicoi County High School, Emalee has already completed a CNA internship and certification and is passionate about working in emergency or pediatric care.
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.
May 2025
FA5 lineup offers excitement for everyone
Downtown Johnson City’s Main Street Program has an exciting lineup for the Fridays After 5 (FA5) summer concert series. This series, held in King Commons, 112 N. Commerce St., most Friday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in May, June, July, and August, offers a diverse range of local, regional, and national music.
The concert schedule is as follows:
• May 30 — Troubadour Blue
• June 13 — The Get Right Band
• June 20 — Upstream Rebellion
• June 27 — The Great Big Hug
• July 11 — Gavin Byrd
• July 18 — The Kindest People
• July 25 — JC Jazz Collective
• Aug. 1 — Club Rewind
“We’re thrilled to host Fridays After 5 again this season,” said Special Events Manager Sara DelBene. “These concerts bring our community together in such a special way, and it’s incredible to be part of something that makes downtown Johnson City successful.”
Last year’s FA5 concert series drew a total attendance of 11,400 people, generating a significant boost for downtown Johnson City’s economy. According to Placer.ai data, 30 percent of attendees explored downtown businesses before the concerts began, while 32 percent returned to the commercial district after 8 p.m. for additional dining and entertainment. With an average stay of 75 minutes, the event not only provided quality entertainment but also contributed to increased foot traffic and spending at a wide range of local establishments, reinforcing FA5 as a driver of economic activity in the downtown area.
These concerts are free and open to all ages, making it the perfect evening outing for families, friends, and music lovers.
Lakeside Concert Series hosts top talent
Live music by the water returns to Johnson City at the end of May, when Parks and Recreation’s Lakeside Concert Series hosts five nights of great entertainment. Presented by Xfinity, concerts will take place 7-9 p.m. every Thursday through June 26.
“We are excited to announce the dates of our Lakeside Concert Series and have Xfinity come on board as the presenting sponsor,” said Parks and Recreation Community Engagement Specialist David Compton. “This is a great way to start our summer programming with a lot of family fun. We have an outstanding lineup this season.”
The 2025 Lakeside Concert Series will showcase some of
the area’s top talent.
Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or folding chairs for relaxing on the grassy hillsides. In addition to music, the series includes activities for children, food trucks, games, giveaways and more.
These events are free and open to all ages. The concerts will be held at Winged Deer Park’s Goulding Amphitheatre, 199 Carroll Creek Road.
For information, call 423-2835827.
The schedule is as follows:
May 29 — Spank
June 5 — Charlie Maples
June 12 — World Turning Band: The “Live” Fleetwood Mac Experience
June 19 — The Entice Band
June 26 — From the Edge
SHOUTOUT: Officers acknowledged for service
Every day, our police officers go above and beyond to serve the community — not just through enforcement, but through compassionate willingness to help. Here are just a few recent examples that truly highlight the heart behind the badge.
To all these officers — thank you for your exceptional service and commitment to building trust in our community. Keep up the great work.
In early April, Officer Hunter Medlin responded to a 911 call from a woman stranded on the shoulder of I-26 near the Boone’s Creek exit after her tire blew out. With expired roadside assistance and heavy traffic, she and her mother were in a tough spot. Officer Medlin arrived quickly, helped move the vehicle to a safer location, flipped on his emergency lights, and had the tire changed in under five minutes. He even refused to let her handle the damaged tire to keep her clean, all while keeping a watchful eye on traffic. The citizen wrote in to praise his “kindness and willingness to help” and said she was “thankful for his service.”
A grateful father recently sent in a letter praising Officer Blake Cutshall for his dedication and continued communication during an investigation involving his son as the victim of a break-in. The father commended the professionalism and care shown throughout the case. Officer Cutshall worked alongside an excellent team, including Officers Jordan Adkins, Josh Bewley, Gary Price, Andrew Dugger, Donnie Gentry, Erin McDole, and Lt. Nate Carman, to ensure the matter was handled with diligence and empathy.
A public comment submitted through the CALEA portal praised Officer Jared Wheeler for his professionalism and positive attitude during a recent interaction. The commenter noted, “In this day and age, law enforcement officers often get a bad rap and people only hear about when things go wrong. Johnson City is lucky to have an officer like Mr. Wheeler ensuring the safety of our community.”
WSS honored for Hurricane Helene support
During the Heroes of Helene Water Sector Emergency Response Summit on April 11, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) recognized several water and sewer systems across the state for their outstanding efforts during Hurricane Helene. Johnson City Water and Sewer Services was among those honored, receiving a Certificate of Appreciation for its support of fellow utilities impacted by the storm.
The award was presented by TDEC Commissioner David Salyers and Water Resources Director April Grippo in recognition of the department’s quick action and collaborative response during the emergency. Hurricane Helene brought historic rainfall and flooding to several areas, severely impacting critical water infrastructure. In the face of these challenges, WSS staff provided essential assistance to affected communities.
WSS team members Jason Duncan, Jason Harshbarger, Josh Hicks, Mark Bullen, Jacob Phillips, Rusty Lowe, and Jon Brandt played key roles in the response efforts. These employees presented the plaque to the City Commission and leadership during the May 1 Commission Meeting, where their service was recognized and celebrated.
The City is proud of the professionalism, dedication, and teamwork demonstrated by these individuals, whose actions strengthened inter-agency cooperation and reinforced Johnson City’s commitment to service — especially in times of crisis.
Congratulations new hires, promotions, retirements
New Hires -
April
Stephen Sargent - Public Works
Dawson Deakins - Public Works
Kenneth Light - Public Works
Benjamin Taylor - Police
Ronald Barry - Transit
Promotions -
April
Christopher Morgan - Water and Sewer Services
Terry Wallen - Water and Sewer Services
David Cullop - Public Works
Photo Recap: Luncheon
