West Oakland Avenue progressing
Public Works is progressing on a three-phase project aimed at enhancing safety along the West Oakland Avenue and West Mountainview Road corridor, spanning from Hanover Avenue to Knob Creek Road. The improvements will result in a three-lane roadway featuring a center turn lane and sidewalks on both sides. Additionally, deceleration lanes will be incorporated at several points to further increase safety for motorists and pedestrians.
The first phase of the project, the West Oakland Avenue Bridge Replacement, began in late February, following the awarding of the contract to King General Contractors on Jan. 16. Construction is expected to last five months, with assembly of the precast bridge structure scheduled to
begin on June 1. The bridge will open to through traffic on midJuly.
Work on the West Oakland Avenue widening, extending to Mountainview Road, is also advancing. The first phase of blasting was completed on Oct. 15, 2024, and ongoing grading and utility work was expected to wrap up in February. Road construction will begin this month, with the new roadway set to open by mid-July.
Improvements to West Mountainview Avenue, extending to Knob Creek Road, are in the preparatory stages, with right-of-way work continuing through April. Construction on this portion is slated to begin in July, with an anticipated opening in the fall.
These infrastructure upgrades are designed to improve traffic flow and safety in this busy corridor, ensuring a more efficient and secure roadway for the community. Timelines for construction activities may change with material delays and unanticipated weather events.
Public Art to host reception for new exhibiting artists
The Johnson City Public Art Committee (JCPAC) invites the community to an opening reception for the latest Gallery on the Square exhibition, featuring a new series of outdoor artworks in downtown Johnson City.
Originally launched in 2018, the rotating gallery enhances public spaces with visual art, and this year’s expansion— partially funded by a Tennessee Arts Commission grant—adds four new permanent display frames, bringing the total to 13.
The latest installation showcases works by 13 regional artists, along with three graffiti-style pieces created at the 2024 ArtStruck Festival’s Street Art Throwdown. These temporary artworks are displayed in an outdoor breezeway near the gallery.
The reception will be held Thursday, March 6, at 5 p.m. at The Generalist (248 E. Main St.), with remarks from curators and artists at 6 p.m. Attendees can explore the outdoor gallery and connect with artists and committee members. Light refreshments will be provided.
JCPAC’s initiatives are supported by Public Art Liaison and Public Works Management Analyst Cheyenne Kumbhare who works closely with the committee to bring initiatives like Gallery on the Square to the public.
JCFD participates in Fire Service Day on the Hill
Members of the Johnson City Fire Department traveled to Washington to participate in Fire Service Day on the Hill. Chief David Bell and Administrative District Chief Adam Momberger participated in seminars and connected with fire service leaders from across the country. They also met
with our elected officials to advocate for resources, safety improvements, and funding that will directly impact emergency response, the health of firefighters, and public safety in Johnson City. The Fire Service Day on the Hill symposium was organized by the Congressional Fire Services Institute.
March 2025
Employee scholarship program offers opportunity
Human Resources is currently accepting applications for the City of Johnson City Employee Scholarship and the John W. Campbell Scholarship. The scholarship program is for children who are legal dependents of fulltime or part-time regular City employees or retirees.
The Employee Scholarship is funded exclusively by voluntary donations from City employees, and the John W. Campbell scholarship is sponsored by former City Manager, John Campbell in memory of his father.
The Employee Scholarship is for high school seniors who are graduating and applying for full-time status to an accredited college, university, or trade school.
Applicants for the John W. Campbell Award must be college sophomores, juniors, or seniors enrolling full-time at ETSU or Northeast State. The John W. Campbell Scholarship is a competition, and one $500 scholarship will be awarded.
Funds are not given directly to students. Scholarship funds will be sent in July to each recipient’s college to be deposited into his or her account for tuition and/or books.
New donors are needed to sustain the Employee Scholarship program. Please consider a gift to help support the program. Your contribution will be sincerely appreciated.
Completed applications must be turned in to Human Resources no later than Friday, April 4 at 5 p.m.
Email Richard Lockner at rlockner@johnsoncitytn.org for more details on how you can participate.
Dickson kicks off How I GO. ALL. OUT. series
Starting March 6, the City’s How I GO. ALL. OUT. video series will highlight the dedicated individuals making a difference. First up: Adam Dickson, Multicultural Engagement Manager, whose passion for service drives his work at the Langston Centre and beyond.
Stay tuned, with a new video release monthly, to see how employees go above and beyond for Johnson City by following the City’s YouTube channel @cityofjohnsoncity.
March 2025
Recognizing outstanding service: Values in action
Recently, several police officers were recognized for their outstanding efforts in serving the community.
Excellence in a Difficult Situation
Mrs. Linda Begley received her first-ever traffic citation at 64 but praised Officer Paul Miller for his professionalism. She felt at ease due to his courteous approach. Later, when she needed clarification, she reached out to April Matherly in records, who she described as a "joy to talk to." This commitment to outstanding customer service ensured that Mrs. Begley felt supported throughout the process.
Integrity and Compassion on the Road
Ms. Victoria Young commended Officer Gage Reno for his “professional and caring” demeanor during a traffic stop. He interacted with her young daughter, offering stickers and making a potentially stressful experience more positive. While Ms. Young acknowledged her mistake, Officer Reno demonstrated fairness and integrity by issuing only a warning and encouraging her to drive safely.
Dedication to Community Assistance
Late one evening, Laura
Jennings had a flat tire while returning from babysitting. Alone and anxious, she called for help. Officer Gary Price responded, assisting her with the tire change and providing reassurance. His dedication to going above and beyond left a lasting impression.
These officers exemplify the highest standards of excellence, integrity, and dedication, making a meaningful difference in our community every day.
Thank you, Officers Miller, Reno, and Price, for your outstanding service to the citizens on Johnson City.
Officer Paul Miller
Officer Gage Reno
Officer Gary Price
Shenanigans in store for next Main Street Days
On Saturday, March 15 from noon to 7 p.m., downtown Johnson City is turning green for Main Street Days: St. Paddy’s Day Edition. With festive fun for all ages, this free event promises a good time with entertaining merriment.
Attendees can get into the spirit with a Leprechaun Look-Alike Contest, compete in the Shamrock Shuffle 5K, or sink a lucky shot at the 9-hole putt-putt course. Additional highlights include Irish cloggers, Contra dancers, vendors, and live music. And what’s a St. Paddy’s Day celebration without green beverages and shenanigans?
“Following the success of our inaugural Main Street Days event in the fall, we had to bring it back for the spring,” said Lindsey Jones, Main Street director. “We’re excited to bring a little magic and some shenanigans to Downtown Johnson City with plenty of opportunities for the community to come together to celebrate while supporting downtown merchants, local artists and vendors, and our many restaurants.”
Main Street Days is made possible through
the support of Brightspeed, the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce, and the many local business partners that help make downtown an exciting destination.
For more event details, visit downtownjctn. com/mainstdays.
Stormwater, partners screening documentary
Experience the beauty and hidden wonders of our region’s rivers at a special screening of Hidden Rivers on March 7 from 6-7:30 p.m. This documentary explores the biologically rich waterways of Southern Appalachia, showcasing the work of conservationists striving to protect these important ecosystems.
This event will be held at the ESTU Culp Center and is a collaboration between Johnson City Public Works Stormwater, ETSU, and Boone Watershed Partnership.
To learn more, visit www. hiddenrivers.org.
Unity walk brings Johnson Citians together
Originally scheduled for Jan. 20, the Unity Program and Peace Walk was held on Feb. 17 to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. City staff and community members, along with the Ministerial
Alliance of Johnson City, came together in a walk of unity, demonstrating a shared commitment to togetherness. The event reflected Johnson City’s dedication to being a welcoming place for all.
“We
cannot walk alone. And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back.”
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Powell advocates for firefighters with state leaders
The JCFD proudly participated in the Tennessee Fire Department Day on the Hill on Feb. 11. Fire service leaders from across the state came together to advocate for firefighters and the communities they serve.
Assistant Chief Jason Powell traveled to Nashville to meet with state leaders, including Representatives Tim Hicks and Renea Jones, and Commissioner of the
Tennessee Deptartment of Commerce and Insurance and State Fire Marshal Carter Lawrence.
The group also had the opportunity to connect with Gov. Bill Lee and visit the team at Siddons-Martin Emergency Group.
Strong leadership help ensure our firefighters have the resources they need to keep Tennesseans safe.
Congratulations new hires, promotions, retirements
New Hires -
January
Isaac Stephens - Fleet Management
Christian Loor Chica - Water and Sewer Services
Joshua Overstreet - Public Works
Robert Caruolo - Facilities Management
Dylan Townsend - Fire
Seth Williams - Fire
Nathan Trinidad - Parks and Recreation
David Compton - Parks and Recreation
Katherine Bowman - Water and Sewer Services
Eric Yother - Water and Sewer Services
Clarissa Arana Foster - Facilities Management
Hunter Christian - Water and Sewer Services
Jonathan Troutman - Water and Sewer Services
Justin Beddow - Transit
New Hires - February
Joshua Estepp - Fleet Management
Erik Booth - Public Works
Chad Agerter - Public Works
Zachary Stonesifer - Water and Sewer Services
David Blevins - Water and Sewer Services
Dustin Casey - Water and Sewer Services
Kevin Brown - Communications and Marketing
Carolyn Steepe - Parks and Recreation
Wiley Martin - Water and Sewer Services
Promotions
- January
Peyton Toth - Water and Sewer Services
David Young - Public Works
Kelvin Scott - Parks and Recreation
William Gowin - Public Works
Promotions
- February
Brian Cradic - Fleet Management
Elijah Arias - Water and Sewer Services
Robert Tinker - Public Works
Retirement - January
Linda Fair (27) - Public Works
Mark Stidham (25) - Public Works
Allan Garst (30) - Facilities Management
Retirement - February
Patrick Woodfin (26) - Public Works
Deborah Fogle (11) - Parks and Recreation
West Oakland Avenue
MARCH- APRIL 2025
ADULT FIRST AID /
CPR / AED
Description
This American Red Cross – Adult First Aid/CPR/AED course equips participants to recognize and care for a variety of first aid breathing and cardiac emergencies involving adults. It is designed for participants who need a certification that satisfies OSHA workplace or other regulatory requirements. This class is taught in an Instructor-led skills session format. Upon successful completion a valid 2 year digital certificate for Adult First Aid/CPR/AED is issued.
Event Notes:
All participants will need to get Supervisor approval for training participation. Location of training will be forwarded to the approved participate at least 48 hours prior to.
In order to receive a certification, participants will need to attend the full class time, participate in class skill exercises and successfully complete testing.
Contact us at (423) 434-6006 or RM@johnsoncitytn.org
Parks and Recreation Department will be providing this offering twice a month
Classes offered – Every third week of the month
Sign up starts in September Class Schedule March 18 or 20 April 15 or 17
Tuesdays at 0900-1200 Thursday at 1300 - 1600
3 person mini class size 10 person max class size
Registration: See the link https://cojctn.wufoo.com/forms /m1pikcmc0x5mxwm/
Diabetes Management: What to know about this benefit
Did you know people who have been diagnosed with diabetes spend about $17,000 each year on medical expenses? Out of that $17,000, over $9,500 is for diabetes treatment.1
The Diabetes Management program that is part of our benefits can help you save this money. You get support for your diabetes with smart devices, expert coaches and easy-to-follow, personalized plans.
Diabetes is the eighth leading cause of death in the U.S.2 Through our benefit, you could qualify for help with your diabetes at no cost to you. The Diabetes Management program gives you personalized tools and support to track your blood sugar levels and develop healthier lifestyle habits.
• What is the program? The Diabetes Management program supports people diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and helps make living with diabetes easier. The program team works with you to provide personalized plans so you can live your healthiest life possible.
• What resources do you receive? The program gives you a connected meter and Unlimited strips and lancets. If members of the program team see that your glucose levels go out of range, they’ll reach out to you within 5 minutes to get you the support you need.* You also have the option to work with a certified health coach for more guidance. If you prefer to receive support in Spanish, this option is available to you.
• How can you get started? Getting registered for the Diabetes Management program is easy and only takes a few minutes. You can either download the Teladoc Health app, call 800-835-2362 or visit the website by scanning the QR code below. You will start the process by answering a few simple questions about your health to see if you qualify for the program. If you do qualify, you will be mailed a Welcome Kit with instructions on how to get started.
Set up your account. It’s easier than you think.
You’re only minutes away from better health management.
Be on your way to living healthier in just a few simple steps Download the Teladoc Health mobile app and click “Join now” to get started.
Need help getting started? Call us to walk through it together: 800-835-2362 (TTY: 1-855-636-1578) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and use your registration code: BCBST-HEALTH
1
Getting to know you
Tell us your name, date of birth and ZIP code. Click “Next” to add your email and create a password.
2
Checking your coverage
Enter your registration code (we’ll help if you don’t know it) and insurance info so we can check your coverage and get you signed up at no cost to you. Call us if you need help, and we’ll walk through it together!
You’re almost there… just two more steps!
4
Shipping your Welcome Kit
Tell us where to send your Welcome Kit. You’ll receive it within 3-5 business days.
3
Learning about your goals and getting started
This is where you’ll tell us how we can help. Enter your info so we can pair you with the right health management program. Tap “Get Welcome Kit” to continue.
5
Finishing up
Continue exploring the mobile app to set goals, find proven tools for getting healthier and opt in to notifications. We’re just a call away if you’d like help finding the best tools for you.
Discover a healthier future today
Call toll-free 800-835-2362 (TTY: 1-855-636-1578) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and use your registration code: BCBST-HEALTH
https://www.teladochealth.com/legal/privacy-policy/ https://www.teladochealth.com/legal/legal-disclaimer/
Download the Teladoc Health mobile app |