Johnson County Courthouse Photo credit: Dennis Shekinah Beautiful Watauga Lake Photo credit: Sheila Stout Caldwell Johnson County Courthouse Photo credit: Dennis Shekinah 1/30 Subscribe for Updates Subscribe Now Thanks for submitting! STAY CONNECTED TODAY! BE IN THE KNOW Welcome to Johnson County TN Today, Tomorrow or a Lifetime! COURTHOUSE HOURS OF OPERATION: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm ​ County Clerks Office Only Saturdays 8:30am-11:45am ​ County Phone Directory Johnson County TN Government Public Notices ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Planning Commission Meeting Monday, Sept. 16 at 6:00pm Upper Courtroom Download Digital Packet ​ Budget Committee Meeting Thursday, Sept. 19 at 6:00pm Upper Courtroom Download Public Notice ​ ​ Johnson County Commission Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024 at 7:00pm Upper Courtroom Johnson County Courthouse Download Public Notice The Johnson County Courthouse will close on Friday, September 6, 2024 at 4:00pm to participate in homecoming festivities. UPCOMING EVENTS Johnson County History Museum Open Monday - Friday Johnson County Welcome Center​ ​ Experience "the Town that Wouldn't Drown" at the Museum of Butler TN Saturdays from 11:00am-4:00pm Sundays from 1:00pm-4:00pm ​ Mountain City Fiddlers Convention ​ ​ Friday, September 6 at 6:0pm Saturday, September 7 at 7:00pm ​ Spur'N Rodeo Championship Rodeo September 6 & 7 at 8:00pm Johnson County Chamber Park ​ 2024 Imagination Library Carnival Tuesday, September 10 at 4:00pm First United Methodist Church - MCTN ​ ​ Lawless Band LIVE Friday, September 13 at 8:00pm Clicker Licker Bar - Trade ​ Live Music with John Sullivan Sully Saturday, September 14 at 5:00pm Watauga Lake Winery - Butler ​ ​ Trade Mill Native Heritage Days September 21 & 22 at 9:00am Trade Community Center - Trade ​ Live Music with Edward Main Saturday, September 21 at 5:00pm Watauga Lake Winery - Butler ​ submit event | calendar of events ADVANCE TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW! turn on volume for more information order tix now turn on volume for full video experience get details here! Follow Johnson County Government Featured COMMUNITY POST

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We are historic Johnson County, located in northeast Tennessee. Our county seat is in Mountain City, where most of our operations and services are situated. We are a designated Three Star Community and strive for excellence in community development. Our history and Appalachian culture is rooted in rural America farming which was followed by mills, timber and mining. ​ We are mountain and lake country with beautiful natural resources that we have protected for the benefit of our residents and those who visit our area. These natural resources have helped our county to become a family vacation destination and a desirable place to live, so we are experiencing growth in our tourism, business and real estate sectors. There are tremendous opportunities to grow and develop your business here in Johnson County, while enjoying a good quality of life. Johnson County Properties There are currently no county properties available for lease. Johnson County Organized Camps (aka Campgrounds) Regulations The Tennessee Division of Environmental Health is responsible for the inspection of organized camps. For more details, please go to https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/eh-program/eh-camps.html Johnson County - Fair Housing Johnson County is committed to affirmatively furthering Fair Housing through raising awareness of Fair Housing Law and the requirement that all citizens are treated fairly in all housing matters, including buying or renting, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability for family size. If you believe you are a victim of housing discrimination, visit www.hud.gov/fairhousing to file a complaint or call HUD’s housing discrimination hotline 1-800-669-9777. Johnson County Subdivision Regulations As amended through October 18, 2012. Download PDF version here . Johnson County Commission Districts, School Board/Constable Districts & Precinct Maps Download PDF version here. Johnson County Map The only incorporated municipality is Mountain City which also serves as the county seat.

CALL 423-460-6012 FOR INFORMATION OR SERVICE MyRide is a transportation program for the seniors 60+ of Johnson County, TN. We have well trained and background checked volunteer drivers. The transportation can be for anything from grocery shopping to hair dresser or pharmacy etc. Call us if you need rides and can ambulate on your own or using a walker or cane (no wheelchairs). We are always accepting new qualifying riders or volunteer drivers. ​ The funding for this project was provided by a grant awarded by the Davidson County Chancery Court, Part III from the Senior Trust/Elder Trust Settlement (Case No. 11-1548-111) and through a contract administered by the Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability. ​ Follow MyRide Johnson County on Facebook ! Johnson County Senior Center 128 College Street | Mountain City, Tennessee Phone: 423-727-8883 Visit their website here ! Click for Senior Center Facebook Page Hours 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM WATCH OUR VIDEO TO LEARN MORE!

Johnson County Administrative Offices Russell Robinson, Director ACCOUNTS & BUDGETS 423-727-7977 The Director of Accounts and Budgets, is responsible for making sure the county books are kept in compliance with all state and local rules and regulations and in accordance with GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles). The Director of Accounts & Budgets and his staff work closely with the County Mayor in developing financial information for the various county departments, the Budget Committee, and the County Commission regarding all areas of finance. This office plays a key role in making sure the County is and stays in a stable financial position. Melissa Hollaway CIRCUT COURT CLERK 423-727-9012 Website - Pay Civil & Criminal Fines ​ Some of the clerks’ duties include the following: Attending each court session with all the papers for the cases on the docket; Administering oaths to parties and witnesses who testify; Keeping minutes of the court in a well-bound book or in an electronic format so long as certain rules relating to the safekeeping of the records are followed; Maintaining the rule docket and an execution docket in which all court judgments or decrees are entered in order of rendition and all receipts and disbursements in a case are entered; & Maintaining indexes for all books and dockets that are kept by the office. Tammie Fenner JOHNSON COUNTY CLERK 423-727-9633 Website The county clerk has numerous duties, including acting as clerk of the county legislative body, issuing motor vehicle titles and registrations, collecting privilege taxes, and overseeing the issuance of beer permits & marriage licenses. Sherrie Fenner CLERK & MASTER 423-727-7853 423-727-7012 (fax) sfennerclerkandmaster@outlook.com Website Read Bio Here Cheri Lipford, Certified Administrator of Elections ELECTION COMMISSION 423-727-8592 Website ​ The Johnson County Election Commission has the statutory responsibilities of registering voters and conducting elections. VACANT GENERAL SESSIONS/JUVENILE JUDGE 423-727-9486 ​ The criminal wing of the Sessions Court handles all criminal cases charged in the county. It can render disposition on misdemeanors and probable cause hearings on felonies. The civil wing of the Sessions Court handles all damages cases up to $25,000, all detainer summonses, and orders of protection. The Juvenile wing has exclusive jurisdiction of dependent neglect children, truant children, and unruly children. It also legitimates children and collects child support on behalf of the children under its jurisdiction. Jeff Wagner HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT 196 Pleasant Valley Road | Mountain City, TN 37683 423-727-7851 ​ Sandy Hammons, Litter Control Officer LITTER CONTROL Recycling Center Address: Election Avenue | Mountain City, TN 37683 423-501-1005 ​ Matthew Lewis, Assessor PROPERTY ASSESSOR 423-727-7692 ​ The assessor’s duties include two basic functions: appraisal and assessment of taxable real and personal property in the county that is not appraised by the state. Freida May Gwinn, Register of Deeds REGISTER OF DEEDS 423-727-7841 Website ​ Sign up here for Johnson County Register of Deeds Recording Fraud Alert Notifications ​ The primary function of the register is to make and preserve a record of instruments required or allowed by law to be filed or recorded, including but not limited to deeds, powers of attorney, deeds of trust, mortgages, liens, contracts, plats, leases, judgments, wills, court orders, military discharges, records under the Uniform Commercial Code (primarily fixture filings),and other types of documents. T.C.A. § 66-24-101. The records provide public notice of property ownership, liens, contracts, and other transactions that affect the public interest. The register’s office is in the county seat, and the records and papers must remain in the office at all times. T.C.A. §§ 8-13-106, 8-13-107. Leah Charland, Community Coordinator SAFE BABY COURT 423-460-4491 ​ Safe Baby Court is a specialized court program that was established for infants and toddlers (birth through 3 years of age). The program strives to find new ways for families to connect with community service providers and provide a strong foundation for infant mental health. The goal is to reduce maltreatment and traumatic experience during significant brain development of infants and toddlers, while increasing family accountability in conjunction with community program interaction to achieve permanency. Children served are either at risk of entering foster care or currently in care. Mayor Larry Potter SOLID WASTE 423-727-6921 378 Industrial Park Road | Mountain City, TN 37683 ​ TRANSFER STATION HOURS Monday- Friday 8:00am-4:00p m | Saturdays 8:00am-12:00pm Closed on recognized holidays Lisa J. Crowder TRUSTEE 423-727-9062 Johnson County Courthouse | 222 W Main Street | Mountain City, TN Website ​ The county trustee has three major functions among other duties: (1) collecting the county’s property taxes; (2) accounting for and disbursing county funds (including proper apportionment and determination of fund availability); and (3) investing temporarily idle county funds. Bill Caldwell & Karen Manuel VETERAN'S AFFAIRS & SAFETY 423-727-7929 Karen Manuel - email Bill Caldwell, VSO - email ​ The Johnson County Veterans Service Office is available to assist and answer any questions you may have with your veteran benefit claims. They also provide assistance with insurance issues and supplemental policy information, as well as information for low-income veterans, their families and neighbors. OFFICE HOURS: Monday - Thursday 8:00am-4:00pm Closed for lunch 12:00-12:30pm Friday 8:00am-12:00pm Appointments are encouraged. HOLIDAY CLOSING Wednesday, June 19, 2024 Cameron Stanberry YOUTH SERVICES OFFICER 423-727-9486 ​ The Youth Services Officer of the County meets with unruly and delinquent juveniles and their families to counsel the youth, make appropriate referrals to public as well as private agencies, and to provide information for us by the court. Ryan Carroll JOHNSON COUNTY ATTORNEY 423-727-9671 ​ ​

Johnson County Attractions Johnson County has become a popular family vacation destination offering many outdoor adventures and a great variety of family attractions. We have a great county Welcome Center located on Hwy 421 in Mountain City offering travelers all the information they need to enjoy these adventures and attractions. ​ Find Places to Stay | Visit our Calendar of Events | Discover Things to Do Our Log Cabin Welcome Center warmly welcomes visitors to Johnson County. It is conveniently located on Hwy 421, in the middle of Mountain City, which is our county seat. Here you will find a small history museum with exhibits that present our history and showcases original artifacts and pictures from the past. The Welcome Center is staffed with knowledgeable and friendly people who can answer your questions, give you information about local businesses and provide tourism information about the many activities, attractions and adventures available in our area. ​ Johnson County Welcome Center 716 S Shady St, Mountain City, TN 37683 (423) 727-5800 Tennessee's Best Kept Secret Johnson County is home to many types of attractions including historical sites, museums, theater, parks and music. There are also several nature based attractions such as Watauga Lake, Doe Mountain Recreation Area, and the Snake Motorcycle and Sports Car Route. ​ Continue to scroll down for more videos and links to more to do! In April of 2023, Governor Bill Lee and the Tennessee Legislative Body designated the iconic rock anthem, Copperhead Road by Steve Earle, as the 12th State song. In honor of this recognition, Johnson County Tourism partnered with The Waterfront Group to create a very unique landmark to capture the musical history and moonshine legends of this area of Tennessee. The landmark is free to visit and we encourage photos! The unveiling of the Copperhead Road Landmark in 2024 also kicked off the Copperhead Road Music Fest held over Memorial Day! Antiquing In Johnson County, you will find small and large antique shops for those searching for new treasures during their visit here. Appalachian Trail The famous 2,100 mile hiking trail meanders through our area offering some of the best hiking in the world. In our area this trail will take you along mountain ridges overlooking Shady Valley around pristine Watauga Lake and actually across the Watauga Dam and by incredible Laurel Falls. Backbone Rock Our county is home to Backbone Rock which is a natural wonder located in the Cherokee National Forest. It is known as the shortest railroad tunnel in the world. This unique rock formation hovers over Hwy 91 and provides a lasting memory. There is also a picnic area and hiking trails for your enjoyment. Doe Mountain State and local governments purchased Doe Mountain to keep it from being commercially developed and to provide an outdoor recreation area for this part of Northeast Tennessee. This 8,600 acre family wilderness area provides over 50 miles of blazed adventure trails for ATV riders, hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. Eco-Agriculture The history of Johnson County is rooted in rural American farming, the timber industry and mining industry. The county has transformed into a tourism destination with some eco-agriculture attractions such as Harbin Hills Farm, an organic farming operation with the Mountain Music Stage venue featuring music performances by some talented local musicians. Our county is also part of an American Viticulture Area which is a designation for areas that have the right geographic features to produce high quality wine grapes. We have a thriving vineyard and two local wineries serving award winning wines. The Watauga Lake Winery is located in a restored historic school building where you can participate in tours of the winery facilities and enjoy wine tastings. The vineyard offers a touch of Tuscany where you can dine while enjoying incredible views and attend some of the many scheduled events during the year. Heritage Hall This theater is a quality venue showcasing some great theatrical productions and musical performances. The theater venue is actually located in a restored turn of the century building and features an active calendar of events. Johnson County Farmer's Market The main work of the Johnson County Farmers Market is to help strengthen a sustainable local agricultural and food economy. Follow us on Facebook for current schedules and locations: @johnsoncountyfarmersmarket Johnson County Museum of History The Johnson County Welcome Center houses a small History Museum that presents the history of our area, our rural Appalachian culture and our long musical heritage. There are some nice exhibits to view as you learn about our history There is no cost to tour this museum. Johnson County Veterans Memorial Wall Located in Ralph Stout Park in Mountain City Tennessee, the Johnson County Veterans Memorial Wall commemorates our local hometown heroes that have served our great nation proudly. As they have stood for us, so shall we stand for them. Our Veterans Memorial Wall honors our brave service men and women and their sacrifice to protect our freedom and their courage to uphold their oaths to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America. Museum of Butler TN This first rate museum will amaze you with its quality exhibits and original photographs that bring to life the relocation of the town of Butler to make way for the creation of Watauga Lake. This museum is open on weekends between Memorial Day and late October. Guided tours are available by appointment. The Johnson County Center for the Arts The Art Center is located in Heritage Square in downtown Mountain City, Tennessee. This non-profit art center showcases Appalachian crafts, art and products produced by local artisans. They also offer a very active art class schedule, so be sure to check out the schedule to find a class in which you would like to participate. The Snake The famous Snake 421 Motorcycle and Sports Car Route runs through our county providing some of the best motorcycle touring in the southeastern United States. The Shady Valley Country Store is the hub for this ride and is located at the intersection of US Hwy 421 and TN Hwy 91 in Shady Valley, Tennessee. You are invited to come and ride the 489 curves over two mountains and through one valley. Trade Grist Mill The mill is located on the east side of US 421 in the village of Trade, on the TN/NC border. While the mill is located at the back of the road, it can easily be seen from the highway. Originally known as the Jones, May, Snyder Mill, it is now called the Trade Grist Mill. The mill was built around 1802 by Thomas Jones who migrated from North Carolina and homesteaded land on Roan Creek in an area known as Key Station, near Trade. Watauga Lake Johnson County is on the north side of Watauga Lake in the southern Appalachian Mountains. This is one of the cleanest lakes in America making it a choice family lake destination. There are public beach areas, picnic areas, campgrounds and boat ramps. Here you can enjoy a variety of water sports such as skiing, sailing, pontoon boats, canoeing and kayaking in a cool clean mountain lake. Watauga Lake Winery Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, our Watauga Lake Winery revives a 40s-era school house rich in lore against a stunning mountain backdrop. Our Annual Festivals MOUNTAIN CITY SUNFLOWER FESTIVAL JULY LONG JOURNEY HOME LABOR DAY WEEKEND SEPTEMBER COPPERHEAD ROAD MUSIC FEST MAY MOUNTAIN CITY FIDDLERS CONVENTION SEPTEMBER TRADE MILL & NATIVE HERITAGE DAYS SEPTEMBER OLD BUTLER DAYS 4TH SATURDAY AUGUST CRANBERRY FESTIVAL SHADY ROCK SCHOOL OCTOBER CHRISTMAS ON MAIN FIRST SATURDAY DECEMBER

At a Glance School Directory Johnson County High School 290 Fairground Hill Mountain City, TN 37683 (423) 727-2620 website Johnson County Middle School 278 Fairground Hill Mountain City, TN 37683 Phone: (423)727-2600 website Doe Elementary School 7164 Highway 67 Mountain City, TN 37683 Phone: 423-727-2682 website Laurel Elementary School 300 Gentry Creek Road Laurel Bloomery, TN 37680 Phone: 423-727-2685 website Mountain City Elementary School 301 Donnelly Street Mountain City, TN 37683 Phone: (423) 727-2621 website Roan Creek Elementary School 2410 Roan Creek Road Mountain City, TN 37683 Phone: (423) 727-4964 website Johnson County Board of Education Director of Schools Dr. Mischelle Simcox 211 North Church St. Mountain City, TN 37683 (423) 727-2640 School Board 1st District Mr. Russell G. Robinson rrobinson@jocoed.net School Board 2nd District Chair Mr. Michael P. Payne mike.payne@embarqmail.com School Board 2nd District Vice Chair Ms. JoAnne Reece jreece3@jocoed.net School Board ​ 3rd District Mr. Gary Matheson glmatheson51@gmail.com School Board ​ 3rd District Mr. John L. Hollaway hollawayjh62@yahoo.com Contact Information Johnson County Board of Education 211 North Church Street Mountain City, TN 37683 Phone: 423-727-2640 Fax: 423-727-2663 website | facebook ​

Business Development There are tremendous opportunities to grow and develop your business here in Johnson County. For information or questions regarding business, industry, and or economic development; entrepreneurial endeavors; tourism; media relations; or for official RFI (request for information) requests, please contact: Johnson County Mayor Larry Potter 222 West Main Street Mountain City, TN. 37683 (423) 727-9696 Email us! ​ Online Business Development Resources Johnson County Chamber of Commerce MainStreet Tenneessee Tennessee Valley Authority The First Tennessee Development TN 3 Star Community ​

Johnson County Sheriff Clifton Worley, Jr. 216 Honeysuckle St. Mountain City, TN 37683 Phone: 423-727-7761 Fax: 423-727-5794 Email: sheriffcw@johnsoncountysd.org Visit Website

Johnson County Mayor Mr. Larry Potter Johnson County Courthouse 222 West Main Street | Mountain City, TN 37683 423-727-9696 County Mission Statement Our Mission is to set forth the means for a high quality of life, provide a safe environment for raising a family or a comfortable place for retirement. Message From the Mayor I will strive to provide an office of efficient fiscal responsibility while promoting meaningful opportunities for all stakeholders.

County/City Community Center The Johnson County/Mountain City Community Center offers after school and summer programming to the students of Johnson County. These services are made possible through County/City funding, grants, and contributions. The center is also used by several local organizations as a meeting place. For more information about the center please follow us on Facebook ! Johnson County/Mountain City Community Center 214 College St Mountain City, TN 37683 (423) 727-2942 Email: fbellamy201@gmail.com

Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday | 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Johnson County Department of Human Services Dist. 1, Cty. #46 370 Cold Springs Road Mountain City, Tennessee 37683-4022 Office Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Phone: (423) 727-7704 FAX: (423) 727-4404 FIELD MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR 1 - Colene Conover Services: Food Stamp; Families First; Child Care Certificate; Medicaid; and TennCare - Click here for more information and to apply. ​