October 19, 2026 | The Johnson County Line Podcast – Watch video below!
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and this week on The Johnson County Line, we’re taking a closer look at an effort that could make a meaningful difference for some of our most vulnerable neighbors.
Dan Cullinane and Sheila Stout Caldwell welcome Keith Burchett, who is working to launch a new Safe Haven initiative in Johnson County beginning November 1. The goal is ambitious: to build a network of support for people experiencing domestic violence, helping them not only escape immediate danger but begin rebuilding their lives.
And there’s a lot more to talk about this week, including follow-ups from Thursday’s Johnson County Commission meeting, some encouraging signs of commissioners asking tougher questions, and three proposed amendments to the Tennessee Constitution that voters will find on their November ballots.
Safe Haven: More Than a Place to Escape
For someone experiencing domestic violence, leaving an abusive relationship is seldom as simple as walking out the door.
Where will they go? How will they get there? What about the children? How will they support themselves? And perhaps most importantly, will they be safe?
Those questions can be especially difficult in a rural community like Johnson County, where transportation, housing, financial resources and access to services can be limited.
Burchett knows something about those challenges firsthand. During our conversation, he shares how growing up in a home affected by domestic violence helped shape his determination to make a difference.
His vision for Safe Haven extends well beyond emergency shelter.
Beginning November 1, the organization plans to start providing crisis assistance, advocacy and referrals to help survivors access immediate necessities, legal resources, counseling and temporary shelter. Longer-term goals include helping survivors obtain employment, secure stable housing and regain the independence they need to move forward.
Burchett also discusses partnerships under development with community organizations and his hopes of eventually establishing a certified intervention program that addresses abusive behavior itself.
Of course, building a program of this scope takes time, volunteers, community partnerships and financial support. Burchett is candid about both the progress and the challenges ahead.
One important date to remember: Safe Haven plans to publish its assistance hotline number on November 1, with community outreach beginning November 2.
If you’d like to learn more about the initiative, help support the effort or simply understand what resources may soon become available, we encourage you to watch this conversation.
County Commission: Asking Questions Before Taking Action
Following our interview, Dan and Sheila revisit two matters from the October 15 Johnson County Commission meeting that we’ve been following here at The Johnson County Line.
First, the Johnson County Planning Commission.
Commissioners revisited earlier decisions involving former Commissioner Jerry Grindstaff and moved to establish staggered terms for Planning Commission members.
The discussion also brought some confusion about the difference between a term of office and a term limit. Dan followed up on that question in a subsequent article.
There’s an important distinction, and it’s worth understanding how appointments and reappointments work.
The decision to establish staggered terms is a positive step toward providing continuity and a clearer structure for the Planning Commission.
Next, the Cpl. William C. Mosier Event Hall rental agreements.
We previously raised questions about several provisions in the proposed agreements for this newly renovated, publicly owned facility.
Those questions included insurance and liability protections, occupancy limits, kitchen access, operational procedures and other details important to anyone planning an event.
Commissioners spent considerable time discussing the agreements Thursday evening and did not give them final approval.
Instead, the matter will return for further consideration.
That’s encouraging. This is a valuable community asset, and getting the procedures right from the beginning protects the county, the facility and the organizations and individuals who want to use it.
As we discuss in this week’s episode, asking questions isn’t necessarily criticism. Sometimes it’s simply how we get to a better outcome.
Three Constitutional Amendments: Do You Know What You’re Voting On?
Early voting is underway, and while much of the attention has naturally focused on the candidates, there are also three proposed amendments to the Tennessee Constitution on this year’s ballot.
These aren’t ordinary legislative proposals. Constitutional amendments can have lasting consequences, and voters should understand what they’re being asked to approve or reject.
Dan and Sheila walk through the three proposals and discuss the arguments on both sides:
- Amendment 1 — Bail: Expands the circumstances under which judges may deny bail to people accused of certain serious crimes.
- Amendment 2 — State Property Tax: Would prohibit the Tennessee General Assembly from imposing a state-level property tax. This does not eliminate or change existing county or municipal property taxes.
- Amendment 3 — Victims’ Rights: Would expand constitutional protections for crime victims, commonly associated with Marsy’s Law, while raising questions about how those protections interact with defendants’ rights.
We’re not telling anyone how to vote. Our goal is to encourage you to read the proposals, consider the potential benefits and concerns, and make an informed decision.
Early voting continues through October 29, including Saturday voting from 8 a.m. until noon at the Johnson County Election Commission office.
Visit jctnvote.com for election information and sample ballots.
And if you haven’t watched last week’s Meet the Candidates special featuring the three candidates for Mountain City Alderman, there’s still time to catch up before casting your ballot.
Around the County
We wrap things up with a look at what’s happening around Johnson County as the fall season continues.
From community events and Halloween activities to a few opportunities to get out and enjoy these beautiful autumn days, there’s plenty on the calendar.
Be sure to check our latest Around the County articles for upcoming activities and events.
Watch This Week’s Episode
There’s a common thread running through this week’s conversations: an informed and involved community can make a difference.
Whether we’re talking about helping a neighbor escape domestic violence, making sure public facilities are managed responsibly, or understanding what’s on the ballot, information matters.
We hope you’ll join us for this week’s conversation, share it with your neighbors, and keep asking questions.
The Johnson County Line is hosted by Dan Cullinane and Sheila Stout Caldwell. We’re local bloggers and podcasters sharing news, community conversations and events from around Mountain City and Johnson County.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel, follow us on Facebook and visit TheJohnsonCountyLine.com for more stories.
UPDATE — October 19, 2026: Additional County Public Notice
Following the recording of this week’s podcast, an additional public notice was published on the Johnson County Government website Monday afternoon.
Public meeting notices are an important part of keeping residents informed about when and where county business is being discussed. Identifying the committee, its responsibilities and the purpose of its meeting helps residents understand the process and know where decisions and recommendations originate.
Readers can visit the Johnson County Government website for official public notices.
UPDATE: AI Data Center Rezoning Request Added to Planning Commission Agenda
Editor’s Note — October 19, 2026: Since this week’s episode of The Johnson County Line was recorded, another Town of Mountain City public notice has been posted that warrants attention.
The Mountain City Municipal Planning Commission will meet Thursday, October 22, at 4:30 p.m. at City Hall, with a rezoning request for a proposed “modular AI Factory / Data Center” listed under New Business. PC Agenda 10-22-2026
According to the official agenda, James Phipps is requesting consideration of an application to rezone property at 1455 S. Shady Street, Parcel No. 046 048 04900, from M-1 to M-2 “for the purpose of a modular AI Factory / Data Center.” PC Agenda 10-22-2026
The request is notable because Mountain City amended its zoning regulations earlier this year to address data-processing facilities, including artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency operations. Those changes followed the considerable public debate surrounding a proposed CleanSpark Bitcoin mining facility in Mountain City in 2025.
At this point, however, there are still important questions about the new proposal.
The agenda identifies the matter as a rezoning application. It does not provide details about the proposed facility’s size, operator, electrical demand, cooling system or water requirements, noise, backup generators, number of modular units, projected employment or anticipated investment.
It also does not identify a site-plan review as a separate item on Thursday’s agenda.
The Johnson County Line is working to obtain the complete rezoning application and supporting documents so we can better understand exactly what is being proposed.
The agenda also includes Public Comment before the Planning Commission considers the rezoning request. PC Agenda 10-22-2026
Given Mountain City’s experience with the proposed Bitcoin mining facility last year—and the zoning changes that followed—we believe this is one worth watching closely.
Meeting: Mountain City Municipal Planning Commission
Date: Thursday, October 22, 2026
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Location: Mountain City Hall
We’ll continue following the proposal and share additional information as documents become available.
