Johnson County, TN

Gas prices in Johnson City have increased by about eight cents per gallon since last week, according to AAA.

In late 2021, the beverage formerly known as Mountain Dew (now MTN DEW) announced that a local landmark was scheduled for a temporary facelift and brand-new job title: the MTN DEW Outpost Ranger.

With the coming of Memorial Day and warmest time of the year, the recreation areas of the Watauga Ranger District of the Cherokee National Forest are now fully open, with one exception. Chad Ingle, natural resource specialist with the Watauga Ranger District said Sink Mountain Boat Ramp on Watauga Lake in Johnson County remains closed. Ingle said the ramp at Sink Mountain “has been closed for a couple years due to a slide. Work is scheduled to start on a new one starting towards the end of this year.”

A badly injured motorcyclist involved in a weekend crash on Tenn. Highway 67 in Johnson County was not discovered until lunchtime on Monday, according to Sheriff Edward Tester. The crash happened near Swift Hollow Road. Tester said the motorcyclist and his wrecked motorcycle were not visible from the highway. The...

Skydiving demonstrations were proudly held last week at the Johnson County Airport, with test jumps conducted to determine if the facility and the region are compatible enough to start doing tours for the public. Leading up to the event, Dave Garris, Manager of the Johnson County Airport, was approached by...

The team Beef Stew with trophy celebrates its victory in the 2nd annual Brad Reece Memorial Softball tournament. Photos by Joey Icenhour. Thirty-four teams signed up to play in the second annual Brad Reece Memorial Softball tournaments. By Beth Cox. Sports Writer. The community came together for a good cause...

Johnson County Sheriff’s Office was happy to welcome an exciting new addition to its roster of deputies last week. In a public release, the office congratulated K-9 Deputy Cody Ingle and welcomed the department’s new K-9 deputy, appropriately named Jocko. Earlier this year, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office...

Hannah Fritts pitched for the win against Chuckey Doak Tuesday at home. The Lady Longhorns were pumped up and ready for action last Tuesday night at the Bob Kirksey field as they faced off against the Lady Knights from Chuckey Doak and walked away with a 2-1 win. The girls...

Like so many events, the long-standing annual FFA Awards Banquet did not take place the last two years, so instead of celebrating the 47th year of this anticipated event, FFA members and their families met on Friday, May 13 to celebrate Johnson County High School’s ‘45th Annual FFA Awards Banquet’.

Johnson County High School 2022 Presidential Academic Excellence Award winners. Submitted photo. May marks a milestone for all seniors in Johnson County each year. Events are dotted throughout the month leading up to the grand finale of graduation. The annual Presidential Academic Excellence Award Ceremony and Senior Awards Night bring anticipation and excitement to students, teachers, and families.

Officials with the United Way of East TN Highlands have awarded three nonprofit organizations each a $10,000 social innovation grant. “We are so excited to announce that United Way invested $30,000 to help our local nonprofits think outside the box and find innovative ways to solve our community’s most pressing needs,” Leslie Salling, president and CEO of the local United Way, said in a statement on Thursday.

A group of fans cheering on the Johnson County High School softball team on its way to a district playoff game against South Green last Thursday afternoon. While the game did not go as well as hoped, the girls have no doubt about the community’s unshakable support and ongoing encouragement. Please read more about the JCHS softball team’s current season on page B1. Photo by Tamas Mondovics.

- New cases per 100k in the past week: 39 (7 new cases, +75% change from previous week) - Cumulative cases per 100k: 29,126 (5,181 total cases) --- 2.7% less cases per 100k residents than Tennessee - Cumulative deaths per 100k: 534 (95 total deaths) --- 38.7% more deaths per 100k residents than Tennessee - Population that is fully vaccinated: 37.4% (6,649 fully vaccinated)

MOUNTAIN CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee continued a series of school tours across the state, making a stop in Johnson County Wednesday. Lee visited Johnson County High School, which marks one of the last few stops in the Tennessee 225 tour initiative. Lee stopped at the school’s Career Technical Education (CTE) facilities, […]

Johnson County Schools spoke out on Saturday, May 15, concerning a recent article circulating about incoming funding for the school district. The report focuses on the recently passed Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) Act and its effect on Johnson County. Although the data was technically correct, officials report there is more nuance the public should know on the subject.

County and state government representatives spoke highly of a recent grant benefitting local outdoor recreational facilities. The news came last week from officials with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), who were pleased to announce a $70,000 parks and recreation grant last week for Johnson County ADA-compliant facilities at the Doe Mountain Recreation Area.