Shady Rock School – Shady Valley, Tennessee. Photo borrowed from their Facebook page. There are some events you go to because there is good food, good music and something fun to do on a fall weekend. And then there are those events that tell you something about the community that created them. The Shady ValleyContinueContinue reading “More Than a Festival: 34 Years of Cranberries, Community — and New Hope for a Shady Valley School”
Author Archives: Sheila Stout Caldwell
Walk in Their Boots: A Weekend of History with a Hometown Connection
A soldier’s uniform can tell you something about the person who wore it. An everyday object can open a conversation about how a family lived. But sometimes it takes someone standing in front of you—showing, explaining and answering questions—to make that history feel close. That’s the experience behind Walk in Their Boots, coming to theContinueContinue reading “Walk in Their Boots: A Weekend of History with a Hometown Connection”
Mountain City Fiddlers’ Convention Celebrates Music, Competition and a Tradition That Keeps Growing
Mountain City once again became a gathering place for musicians, families and traditional music fans October 2–3 as the Mountain City Fiddlers’ Convention returned for another memorable weekend of old-time and bluegrass music. More than 700 people attended or participated during the two-day event, which featured Friday night concerts, Saturday youth and adult competition, andContinueContinue reading “Mountain City Fiddlers’ Convention Celebrates Music, Competition and a Tradition That Keeps Growing”
Commissioner Eric Garland Answers Questions About the September 17 Grindstaff Vote
In this week’s episode of The Johnson County Line, Dan Cullinane and Sheila Caldwell sit down with Johnson County Commissioner Eric Garland to discuss questions surrounding the September 17 County Commission meeting and the action involving former Commissioner Jerry Grindstaff. The conversation addresses how the matter came before the Commission, the proposed monthly compensation connectedContinueContinue reading “Commissioner Eric Garland Answers Questions About the September 17 Grindstaff Vote”
Around the County: Fiddles, Fall Fun & the First Weekend of October
October is arriving with a full slate of events across Johnson County. This weekend brings old-time and bluegrass music, community fundraisers, pumpkins, live music, classic cars and the opening of a new haunted attraction. The centerpiece is the Mountain City Fiddlers’ Convention, which begins its second century with two days of free music, contests, foodContinueContinue reading “Around the County: Fiddles, Fall Fun & the First Weekend of October”
Today is World Heart Day: We Have to Do Better
Today is World Heart Day. For me, that’s personal. Fourteen years ago, at the age of 50, I learned the hard way that heart disease doesn’t always give you a warning—or at least not one you recognize. I survived a major cardiac event, and much of the work I’ve done since then has centered aroundContinueContinue reading “Today is World Heart Day: We Have to Do Better”
Grindstaff Vote Raises Questions About Planning Commission Role, Compensation and County Insurance
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.
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!
Please note: Due to the possibility of impending rain, the convention has been relocated to inside Heritage Hall Theatre for both days. Admission is still FREE for spectators and this will be open seating. Workshops, food trucks, indoor dining and vendors will be located at the Johnson County Senior Center. A century-old tradition is gettingContinueContinue reading “The Music Plays On: Mountain City Fiddlers’ Convention Opens Its Second Century With a Big 2026 Lineup!”
