Domestic violence happens in Johnson County more often than many realize. Keith Burchette believes survivors need somewhere to turn—and on November 1, he plans to give them one.
Tag Archives: news
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.
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”
The Storm Is Past. The Recovery Is Now.
The Johnson County Long Term Recovery Group is still helping families recover and rebuild from Hurricane Helene. They want the county to know the work is far from finished, and help is needed.
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!”
50,000 Pounds and Counting: Watauga Lake Cleanup Returns
Put on those mud boots, grab a bag, and join your friends and neighbors for the 16th Annual Watauga Lake Cleanup on Saturday, September 19. Sponsored by the Watauga Watershed Alliance, Keep Carter County Beautiful, and Boots Off Hostel and Campground, this annual event has removed 50,000 pounds of trash from Watauga Lake over theContinueContinue reading “50,000 Pounds and Counting: Watauga Lake Cleanup Returns”
Johnson County Still Believes in an Industrial Future
New Johnson County Line poll shows that residents favor Manufacturing and Industrial development as the path to a brighter economic future.
