What exactly did the Johnson County Commission approve for former Commissioner Jerry Grindstaff—and what will it cost taxpayers? The $200-a-month arrangement was reportedly approved unanimously, but key questions about procedure, authority and possible health-insurance benefits remain unanswered. The Johnson County Line is seeking the records to find out, and asking you what you think.
Author Archives: Sheila Stout Caldwell
A Trail to Somewhere: Connecting Johnson County
What if Johnson County’s trails actually went somewhere? This week on The Johnson County Line, Dan Cullinane and Sheila Stout Caldwell sit down with Philip Burtt-Henderson, president of the Johnson County Trails Association, to talk about an ambitious vision for connecting Johnson County through trails — and what that could mean for the people whoContinueContinue reading “A Trail to Somewhere: Connecting Johnson County”
This Weekend in Johnson County: Music, Art, History, Cars & More
Looking for something to do close to home this weekend? Johnson County has a little bit of everything on tap September 25–27 — Friday night football, local art, living history, live music, cars, an outdoor movie and plenty of reasons to get outside and enjoy the beginning of fall. Friday Night Lights The Johnson CountyContinueContinue reading “This Weekend in Johnson County: Music, Art, History, Cars & More”
The Music Plays On: Mountain City Fiddlers’ Convention Opens Its Second Century With a Big 2026 Lineup!
A century-old tradition is getting ready to make a little more history. The Mountain City Fiddlers’ Convention returns October 2–3 to Heritage Hall Square, one year after celebrating its 100th anniversary and 101 years after musicians first gathered in Mountain City for a fiddlers’ convention that would become part of Appalachian music history. This time,ContinueContinue reading “The Music Plays On: Mountain City Fiddlers’ Convention Opens Its Second Century With a Big 2026 Lineup!”
This Week on The Johnson County Line: Recovery, Readiness & Community
Nearly two years after Hurricane Helene, Johnson County has come a long way — but the work isn’t finished. This week on The Johnson County Line, Dan Cullinane and Sheila Stout Caldwell sit down with Becky Wright of the Johnson County Long Term Recovery Group for a candid conversation about where recovery stands today, theContinueContinue reading “This Week on The Johnson County Line: Recovery, Readiness & Community”
Around the County: Music, Mountain Views & Local History
There’s plenty happening around Johnson County this week—from live music and dancing to a chance to help care for Watauga Lake, explore the story of Old Butler and learn about the railroads that once served our mountain communities. Here’s your day-by-day guide for September 17–20, plus a Monday evening opportunity to try something new. Thursday,ContinueContinue reading “Around the County: Music, Mountain Views & Local History”
From Johnson County’s Railroads to an East TN Soldier: Two September Heritage Programs to Enjoy
A railroad grade, an old family story, a name on a military record—each can tell us something about the people who lived here before us. This month, two local heritage programs invite us to look more closely at those stories and the people who have spent years preserving them. Beaver Dam Railroad engine No. 1ContinueContinue reading “From Johnson County’s Railroads to an East TN Soldier: Two September Heritage Programs to Enjoy”
Questions Mount as Johnson County 911 Audit Trail Remains Incomplete
Editor’s Note — Updated September 10, 2026: This article has been updated to clarify the insurance status of an E-911 employee facing a serious illness. The employee has not yet lost her primary medical coverage. She says that coverage was threatened with termination at the end of August but was extended through September while sheContinueContinue reading “Questions Mount as Johnson County 911 Audit Trail Remains Incomplete”
This Week on The Johnson County Line: Accountability, Recovery & Community
Some stories are easy to tell. Others require us to keep asking questions. This week on The Johnson County Line, Dan Cullinane and Sheila Stout Caldwell return to the developing story surrounding Johnson County Emergency 911 — including financial and administrative issues documented in public records, questions regarding audits and oversight, and documentation we areContinueContinue reading “This Week on The Johnson County Line: Accountability, Recovery & Community”
Around the County: Cars, Community & Weekend Fun!
From live music and rodeo action to classic cars, local art, and Friday night football, Johnson County has a full calendar ahead. Here’s what’s happening around the county September 10–13. Thursday, September 10 Johnson County COG Networking SessionNoon | Mountain City/Johnson County Community Center214 College Street, Mountain City Connect with local business owners, organizations andContinueContinue reading “Around the County: Cars, Community & Weekend Fun!”
