Jinifer Rae

During a recent Watauga Lake cleanup, the Litter Chicks and about twenty volunteers removed over two tons of trash from the waterway.Watauga Lake is considered a preferred destination by many who visit to enjoy all the lake offers.From fishing, boating, hiking, camping, or just watching the sunrise, visitors come from all over to enjoy the pristine scenery.For the last fifteen years, The Watauga Watershed Alliance have spent considerable effort in organizing cleanup campaigns, most recently removing over 14,000 pounds from the waterway.

For over thirty years the Christmas Craft Show sponsored by the Johnson County Arts Council has become a tradition providing the opportunity for folks to get an early start on holiday shopping.When the show was relocated to Johnson County High School last year a record number of vendors and a large crowd attended the event.The recent Helene that caused so much devastation around the county and almost put a halt to the beloved event.“We thought really hard if we should even have it since everyone is struggling with something,” said Andy Wright , board member.The effects of the storm decreased the number of vendors this year.Organizers explained some of the normal participants were unable to attend due to roads and not wanting to traverse all the detours, and others lost much of their products due to flood damage.

Although the one-day event named Small Business Saturday is over for this year, residents are encouraged to keep the momentum going throughout the year.“It may be hard to see sometimes, but the dollars we spend locally come back to us in several ways. The sales taxes we pay benefit our parks, roads, and sidewalks,” said Cristy Dunn Director of Johnson County Center for the Arts.“Small businesses give back to the community by creating jobs and supporting community events, by partnering with other businesses. They make our community stronger in so many ways. When you shop local, you can also find gifts that are hand made in small batches or even one of a kind. And when you buy something from an artisan, you not only make our day, but you also help support our families.”

The VFW is a proud supporter of patriotism and one way to encourage future patriots is the essay contest.“This promotes patriotism, especially regarding children. That’s what it is all about. They are our future,” said Parsons.The Patriot's Pen essays submitted by middle school students followed the theme of democracy, how it is defined, and how democracy provides citizens with respect as individuals.

This annual Festival of Trees located at 716 South Shady, Mountain City in the Johnson County Welcome Center is off to a great start thanks to a recent surprise visitor, Santa.The annual event is a fundraiser for the Johnson County Historical Society and this year is expected to be the biggest yet.In an effort to kick off the season, the Welcome Center was decked with almost forty trees each decorated by a local organization or business.Although the whole log cabin was arrayed in the holiday cheer, perhaps the coziest seat in the house was the one reserved for Santa.Snuggled next to the fireplace, and covered in red, Santa sat welcoming visitors to come and visit awhile.

A record crowd filled Main Street Mountain City on Saturday to celebrate the popular annual Christmas on Main. The weather may have been cold, but on the streets, the sun

The cold weather could not diminish the warm community spirit felt during the Barks and Bubbles celebration of Santa Day last Saturday. Local Events

Ralph Stout Park is one of the most popular recreation areas in Johnson County attracting visitors of all ages to take a walk, play on the new skatepark, or just sit on a bench and enjoy the view.For people with children perhaps one of the most used areas of the park is the playground equipment providing parents a safe place to let their children exercise.Although a beloved favorite the playground equipment came under scrutiny in recent years, with town’s council deciding in August 2023 the outdated metal equipment posed a burn threat and needed removed.Thanks to the diligent efforts of Hometown Service Coalition’s push for new equipment including fundraising and grants, Ralph Stout Park is slated to receive new equipment.It appeared that the equipment was on a fast track to becoming a reality when Helene devastated much of Johnson County.

Shady Valley’s Rock School was the center of attention this weekend as the community kicked off Christmas Extravaganza.For three days visitors were invited to get into the Christmas spirit and enjoy all the festivities the season has to offer.“If you are not yet in the Christmas spirit this will stick it to you,” said Mandy Hartman, volunteer.Mandy had volunteered to spend the day inviting guests to enter the winter wonderland.

The holidays are the highlight of the year for many folks in Johnson County. This year is bittersweet for many residents thanks to Helene.After much of the county was devastated during the storm residents have spent the last few months picking up the pieces.The holidays have provided residents a semblance of the return to normalcy and some cheer so badly lacking in recent months.From recovery efforts to the loss of jobs, many in Johnson County have suffered financial losses recently.Debt may seem unavoidable in a time marked by high inflation, when the cost of everything from groceries to entertainment has increased significantly.With the desire to make this the best holiday yet some will use lines of credit to put gifts under the tree.In an effort to help lessen debt officials have offered some financial advice to make sure the holiday fun doesn’t make the rest of the year stressful.