Tena Lee, Bonnie Fussell, Rick Murray, Blaine Kallar, Janet Scott Photography
Tena Lee, Bonnie Fussell, Rick Murray, Janet Scott
Advertising Randy Moore, Ginger McClendon, Nicholas Gould, Pauletta Epley
2024 Main Street Guide to Sumner County
MAIN STREET MEDIA
TENNESSEE PUBLICATION
MEDIA OF TENNESSEE PUBLICATION 2023 Main Street Guide to Sumner County 2024 Main Street Guide to Dickson County
2023-2024 Discover White House Community Guide & Directory presented by the White House Chamber of Commerce
2024 Main Streets of Mt. Juliet presented by the Mt. Juliet Chamber of Commerce
cover photo by RICK MURRAY
Why choose F&M Bank
MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME:
$81,883
– U.S. Census Bureau (2022) AVERAGE HOME SALE PRICE: $512,371 according to Sumner REALTORS (August 2024)
TOTAL EMPLOYER ESTABLISHMENTS: 3,735
– U.S. Census Bureau (2022) LAND AREA OF SUMNER COUNTY: 529.46 square miles
Rich in a history that includes centuries of Native American, and then early European settlers, Sumner County was officially founded in 1789 and named for American Revolutionary War hero Jethro Sumner.
State-protected historic sites like Cragfont, Wynnewood (both in Castalian Springs) and Rock Castle (Hendersonville) help preserve and honor that rich legacy. Other state sites like Bledsoe Creek State Park
ESTIMATED
– U. S. Census Bureau
(Gallatin) and Old Hickory Lock and Dam Wildlife Management Area (Hendersonville) pay homage to the county’s natural beauty.
Located 25 miles northeast of Nashville, Tennessee’s eighth most populous county is comprised of eight cities including Hendersonville, (its largest city) Gallatin, (the county seat) Goodlettsville, Millersville, Mitchellville, Portland, Westmoreland and White House.
POPULATION
JULY 1, 2024
DURHAM FARMS
852 Westchester Circle
Hendersonville, TN 37075
SchellatDurhamFarms.com
Model Home: The Kingfisher
OAK CREEK ESTATES
1414 Stop Thirty Rd
Hendersonville, TN 37075
SchellatOakCreekEstates.com
Future Model Home: The Jameson
WEMBLEY PARK
6280 New Hope Road
Hermitage, TN 37076
SchellatWembleyPark.com
Future Model Home: The Saybrook
THE LANDING AT BRANHAM
204 Branham Mill Road
Gallatin, TN 37066
SchellatBranham.com
Model Home: The Shearwater
SchellatOakHall.com
THE RESERVE AT HORN SPRINGS
1013 Quillen Wy Lebanon, TN 37087
SchellatHornSprings.com
Model Home: The Lilac
THE ESTATES AT WEMBLEY PARK
840 Old Lebanon Dirt Rd
Nashville, TN 37214
SchellatWembleyEstates.com Coming Soon!
MILLSTONE
Hendersonville, TN Coming Soon!
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
AMBULANCE SERVICES: 615-451-0429
ANIMAL CONTROL: 615-452-2400
DRIVER’S LICENSE: 615-230-2995
E-911 OFFICE: 615-451-1200
BOARD OF EDUCATION: 615-451-5200
CHILDREN’S SERVICES: 615-451-5818
COUNTY INFORMATION: 615-442-1160
DISTRICT ATTORNEY GENERAL: 615-451-5810
ELECTIONS: 615-452-1456
LICENSE PLATES: 615-452-4063
SHERIFF’S OFFICE: 615-452-2616
TOURISM: 615-230-8474
VETERAN’S SERVICES: 615-451-6014
GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS
SUMNER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
On Monday, June 3, the new Sumner County Courthouse opened for business.
On the previous Friday morning, four Sumner County judges and County Mayor John Isbell led a media tour through the 230,426-squarefoot building.
Chancery Judge Louis Oliver, Circuit Court Judge Joe Thompson, Sessions Court Judge Ron Blanton, and Juvenile Court Judge David Howard showed visitors their courtrooms along with special features of the new courthouse.
The last week of May was dedicated to moving in, and no court cases were heard during that week—but Monday, June 3, was uppermost in the minds of the judges.
“For the first time, we have all of our county courts in one building,” began Oliver. “And we will open on Monday with full dockets—or actually, since we didn’t hold court last week, we will have two weeks of dockets to be heard next week.”
The tour began on the fifth floor, which is home to four courtrooms: Oliver’s Chancery Court, Thompson’s Circuit Court, and Judge David Gay’s Criminal Court.
“This floor also has the unfinished courtroom, which will house our new judge on Sep. 1,” said Oliver. “And it has a magnificent view from the atrium—because the building is 90 feet high.”
New Sumner Courthouse is open for business
Oliver said his new courtroom was four times the size of his old one.
“All of the courtrooms on this floor are virtually identical,” he added.
Criminal Court will hold the first trial in the new building, according to Oliver.
“I believe that Judge Gay is starting a trial on Monday,” he said. “Unfortunately, we don’t have all the parking we hoped to have by opening day, but we are anticipating that the new parking garage will be opened on June 18.”
Behind the courtrooms is a secured hallway housing offices, elevators for staff, and two prisoner elevators.
“Each prisoner elevator has a small cell inside—so the prisoner will be locked in as he’s brought to court, and the inmates will never see the public except in the courtroom,” said Thompson.
The fourth floor of the courthouse is empty, reserving space for future expansion.
The third floor contains Howard’s Juvenile Court, Juvenile Administration, and Clerk. On this floor, a wall has been set aside to display children’s art.
The courthouse has several noteworthy art displays. Predominant displayed next to the curving staircase going from the first to the second floor is a 10-foot-high stained-glass depiction of Lady Justice. Created by Nashville stained-glass artist Dennis Harmon, the window contains all the requisite elements for an artistic rendering of Lady Justice: a blindfold, a double-edged sword, and the scales of justice. For the Sumner County Courthouse, however, Harmon added a brooch with the three stars of the Tennessee flag.
A point of historic interest is a judge’s bench which came from the Sumner County Courthouse that existed from 1838 to 1938.
“If you asked Ken Thomson, our
county historian, he would tell you that five presidents have spoken from this bench,” commented Thompson. “It had been in Mayor John Isbell’s office, and we asked him if he would allow us to display it here and he graciously said yes.”
Above the bench is a painting donated by noteworthy local artist David Wright—the same painting that has been reproduced for the new book published by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) entitled “Patriots to Pioneers: The First Tennessee Volunteers.”
The second floor, according to Judge Ron Blanton, has the most spacious hallway because it sees the most traffic.
“The General Sessions courts have the most volume,” he said. “We hear around 32,000 cases a year. And we are safer now than we ever have been. With our secured elevators, inmates go from the holding cell in the basement to the secured elevator and straight into our courtroom—with no contact with the public.”
Blanton said they were very happy about the Resolution Center, with its two conference rooms and several meeting rooms.
“This is where defense attorneys can come in and meet with their clients,” he said. “Before, these negotiations took place in the hallway. Now we have options for meetings of many sizes in our resolution center—a good place for good negotiations.”
At one end of the first floor is the Jury Assembly room and at the other end is the Adult Probation room. Thompson said the Jury Assembly room will also be used for his monthly driving improvement classes. To one side of the Jury Assembly Room is the Special Grand Jury Room.
The first floor contains the Jury Assembly room, the Adult Probation
See COURTHOUSE on A11
New parking garage opens - and it’s free
The long-anticipated day has arrived: the new county parking garage in Gallatin is finished.
On Monday morning, June 24, the garage rolled up the doors—and they will stay that way, 24/7.
“Yes, the garage opened this morning,” County Mayor John Isbell confirmed in a phone conversation on Monday, adding there were 344 spaces in the new facility. “And people may not realize this, but it will be open 24 hours a day—and it’s totally free to the public.”
Isbell went on to say that 35 parking spaces had been set aside for the residents of Christian Towers.
“Those spaces are clearly marked, though,” he said.
Isbell went on to say, “We have a few minor things in the building that we’re still working on, but it’s ready for cars. So, everybody should consider this an invitation—the garage is here and it’s free—and there are a whole lot of parking spaces available.”
The driveway going up the five stories is smooth and wide, and each floor has handicap spaces placed next to a set of elevators. There are also stairs from the ground floor to the top.
The view of the courthouse from the garage illustrates how close the two buildings are—it’s a walk of about a block-and-a-half.
COURTHOUSE
From A10
room, and the Special Grand Jury Room. But much of the first-floor space is for the Circuit Court Clerk’s office, which contains the records for five courts. And now, the clerks are behind bullet-proof glass.
“The glass is so thick that if they didn’t have the tiny openings for
passing papers, they wouldn’t be able to hear anything,” Thompson pointed out.
The basement is a locked-down floor with 21 holding rooms for prisoners and secured cubicles where inmates can meet with public defenders or attorneys before court. The basement is also the location of the security staff locker rooms.
Thompson reflected on the journey to completion—a long one, he said.
“I found an email about the new courthouse which was dated 2016,” he laughed. “I just hope people can see how much human engineering has been included. After all, going to court after being charged with a crime is scary. So, we’ve endeavored to create a place that might make it a little less bad—with lots of places to be with family and advocates. I think we’ll be proud of the work we do in this place— and that’s what matters.”
tncourts.gov/
legaldirectories.com/browse-by-area-of-law.aspx
Louis W. Oliver III (Chancery Court) L. Ray Whitley (District Attorney General)
Judge Dee David Gay (Criminal Court)
David A. Doyle (Public Defender)
Judge David Howard (Juvenile Court)
Judge Ron Blanton (General Sessions I)
Judge Kee BryantMcCormick (General Sessions III)
Judge Joe H. Thompson (Circuit Court)
Judge Jennifer Nichols (Circuit Court)
General Sessions Judge Kee Bryant-McCormick is latest in Sumner County judicial milestones
On Friday afternoon, Aug. 30, history continued to be made in the new Sumner County Courthouse as Kee Bryant-McCormick was sworn in as General Sessions Court, Division III Judge. Standing before a large crowd that overflowed from courtroom 2D to an adjacent courtroom, BryantMcCormick took the oath of office just eight days following the investiture ceremony of Sumner County’s newest circuit court judge, Jennifer Nichols.
The investiture program began a processional by members of the Sumner County judiciary and Tennessee State Representatives William Lamberth and Johnny Garrett. As the dignitaries entered the courtroom, they were greeted with the lofty strands of “America the Beautiful” performed by violinist Kathryn Ask.
Following the processional, Tennessee Administrative Offices of the Courts Director Michelle Long came to the podium to preside over the proceedings. Long offered a few welcoming remarks before asking Pastor Kaylyn Foster of First Baptist Church Gallatin to come forward and deliver the invocation. After Foster had finished and returned to her seat, Long asked the audience to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
Once the pledge was completed, Long returned to the podium to introduce A’Niya Boone, a recent college graduate and Gallatin native, who provided a brief history of African American women trailblazers in Sumner County and Middle Tennessee. During her talk, Boone acknowledged several notables over the years, including Dr. J. Deotha Malone, Dr. Lois Jordan and Bishop Lula Mai Swanson.
Boone was followed at the dais by Gallatin Mayor Paige Brown, who
offered comments recounting her longtime friendship and professional relationship with Bryant-McCormick.
“I have had the privilege of knowing and working with Kee for many years, and I have always been impressed by her dedication and her hard work,” said Brown. “Gallatin and Sumner County are fortunate to have her as a community leader and a judge.”
After the mayor’s talk, Marci Butler Holt delivered a stirring musical tribute to Bryant-McCormick, followed by the presentation of the official election results by Sumner County Director of Elections Lori Atchley. At that point, Long asked Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Sarah Campbell to come to the podium to speak and to administer the oath of office to Bryant-McCormick.
“I have worked with Kee in several roles, including currently serving on the Administrative Office of the Courts Technology Committee,” said Campbell. “She takes her position very seriously, and she is committed to justice. Sumner County citizens, as well as those across the State of Tennessee will be well served by having her as general sessions judge.”
Following her discussion, Campbell introduced Kat and Kelsi Carter, the wife and daughter of late Judge Mike Carter, the seat now held by BryantMcCormick. The Carters had brought the former judge’s Bible with them to use during the swearing-in ceremony. After they came forward, they were joined by Bryant-McCormick and her husband Sjohn for the administration of the oath.
After the oath was completed, a special presentation of the robe ceremony was held. Retired Judge Jane Wheatcraft helped BryantMcCormick don her robe and her signature necklace to a thunderous
round of applause from the audience. Subsequently, Bryant-McCormick came to the podium to thank everyone for their support, and to pledge that she will be fair and firm with everyone who comes into her courtroom. During her talk, she offered special words to the Carter family, including a surprise announcement about one of the late judge’s special causes.
“One of Mike Carter’s nearest and dearest interests was the establishment of the Sumner County Mental Health Court in 2018,” said Bryant-McCormick. “Just this week, I received formal notification that the court has been officially certified by the state, which will help us to continue Mike’s dream going forward.
Following Bryant-McCormick’s remarks, Minister Loria Brooks of First Baptist Church Gallatin delivered a closing prayer and benediction, before dismissing the gathering for a postinvestiture reception in the lobby of the courthouse.
18th Judicial District Circuit Court Judge investiture ceremony is historic Sumner first
On a warm Thursday afternoon, Aug. 22, history was made in Gallatin with the judicial investiture ceremony for Sumner County’s newest circuit court judge. Standing before a large crowd in courtroom 5D of the new Sumner County Courthouse, Jennifer Nichols took the oath of office to officially become a member of the 18th Judicial District bench.
Nichols’ position was created by an act of the Tennessee State Legislature last March, along with similar judgeships in the 22nd and 30th Judicial Districts. Nine local attorneys applied for the new position, and the selection field was eventually narrowed to three applicants – Nichols, Assistant District Attorney Tara Wyllie and Sumner County Circuit Court Clerk Kathryn Strong. All three candidates were recommended for consideration by Governor Bill Lee, who ultimately
selected and appointed Nichols to the new position.
The investiture program began with a call-to-order by Criminal Court Judge Dee Gay, who welcomed all the attendees to his courtroom where the ceremony was being held. Following Gay’s remarks, he asked Dr. Bruce Chesser, senior pastor of First Baptist Church Hendersonville to deliver the invocation. Subsequently, the program continued with the Pledge of Allegiance, which was led by Sullivan Green, a member of Boy Scout Troop 406 of Hendersonville and the son of Assistant District Attorney Andrea Green and TBI Special Agent Bill Green.
After the pledge recitation, Gay asked District Attorney General Ray Whitley to come to the podium to deliver a few remarks about his experience in working with his former assistant district attorney and now judge Nichols.
“I first met Jennifer when she was the Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Children Services,” said Whitley. “A friend and fellow district attorney told me about her and her extensive legal background in Shelby County, and he mentioned that she might be wanting to return to the law. I had an assistant district attorney position come open, so I reached out to her to see if she might be interested, and to my surprise, she was. Since then, I have been so proud to have her on my team, and while I hate to lose her, she will be an excellent judge for Sumner County.”
Following Whitley’s talk, Tennessee State Representative and House Majority Leader William Lamberth came to the podium to introduce
Tennessee Supreme Court Chief Justice Holly Kirby, who was slated to introduce Nichols, and to administer her oath of office.
During her brief discussion, Kirby talked about her longtime friendship with Nichols, and how she always knew that she was destined for great things.
“The path that Jennifer took from Shelby County prosecutor to DCS commissioner and now judge, is not the one that I had thought that she would take when we were younger,” said Kirby. “However, it is the path that God chose for her, and it turned out to be the right path that placed her where she needed to be at just the right time.”
As she concluded her remarks, Kirby turned to Nichols and asked her to join her for her formal investiture. Nichols came to the podium, accompanied by her granddaughter, who held the Bible for her during the swearing-in ceremony.
After completing the oath of office, Kirby assisted Nichols in donning her robe as Sumner County’s newest circuit court judge. Nichols then offered a few brief words about how she will serve as judge.
“I love the law, and I am grateful for this great honor to serve as judge in our county,” said Nichols. “I promise to always follow the law, to treat everyone who comes before me with respect and to always be fair in my judgements.”
After Nichols’ talk, Gay concluded the formal proceedings and invited all attendees to join Judge Nichols and her family at a post-investiture reception on the first floor of the courthouse.
UTILITIES
HENDERSONVILLE UTILITY SERVICES
Hendersonville Utility District – 615-824-3717
White House Utility District – 615-672-4110
Electric Services
(Cumberland Electric Membership Corp.) – 800-987-CEMC
Electric Services
(Nashville Electric Service) - 615-736-6900
Trash Services
(independent contractor through the city) – 615-822-1000
PORTLAND UTILITY SERVICES
Portland Public Works – 615-325-6776
Electric Services
(Cumberland Electric Membership Corp.) – 800-987-CEMC
OLD HICKORY LAKE
One of the state’s most popular recreational lakes, Old Hickory Lake was formed in the early 1950’s by the construction of a lock and dam system in Hendersonville by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The lake that stretches across 22,500 acres and 97 river miles is a favorite destination for those who enjoy fishing, boating, jet skiing, paddle boarding, kayaking, camping and swimming.
The lake boasts four full-service marinas: Safe Harbor-Drakes Creek Marina , Anchor High and Creekwood in Hendersonville, Gallatin Marina in Gallatin, and Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet.
GALLATIN UTILITY SERVICES
Gallatin Public Utilities – 615-451-5922
Electric Services
(Cumberland Electric Membership Corp.) – 800-987-CEMC
WESTMORELAND UTILITY SERVICES
City of Westmoreland – 615-644-5171
Electric Services
(Cumberland Electric Membership Corp.) – 800-987-CEMC
Tri-County Electric – 800-369-2111
WHITE HOUSE UTILITY SERVICES
White House Utility District – 615-672-4110
Electric Services
(Cumberland Electric Membership Corp.) 800-987-CEMC
HISTORICAL SITES SUMNER COUNTY
ROCK CASTLE:
Built in 1784 for the family of Daniel Smith, a surveyor, politician and military officer, Rock Castle has stood Hendersonville for over 200 years. The limestone home and its grounds are open to the public and often hosts events such as music series and weddings. Recently the venue for The Nashville symphony by the Lake and a production of Henry V, Rock Castle also serves as the site for many seasonal events such as the Wonderland Egg Hunt in the Spring and Castle of Villains in the Fall.
TROUSDALE PLACE:
William Trousdale served as governor of Tennessee from 1849 to 1851. In 1870, portions of Sumner, Wilson, Smith and Macon counties were pulled to form Trousdale county in his honor. After Trousdale’s death in 1872, the family continued to live in the home until 1900, when his widow handed over the deed to the Clark Chapter #13 of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. In 1900, the town home purchased by the Trousdale family in 1836 became known as it is today as Trousdale Place. It stills stands in Gallatin, Tennessee and its grounds remain open to the public for a $5.00 admission fee.
ROSE MONT:
Rose Mont was built by Joesphus Conn Guild from 1836 to 1842. Guild, who served in the Seminole War of 1836, was a practicing lawyer and a passionate supporter of the South during the American Civil War until his brief incarceration in Michigan in 1862, after which he swore to not assist the confederacy. Guild’s home remains in Gallatin today and often serves as a venue for exhibits, weddings, events and tours.
CRAGFRONT:
Construction for Cragfront began in 1798 and was completed by General James Winchester in 1802. The Winchester family lived in the mansion until 1864 and are buried behind the home. The limestone structure remains in Castalian Springs, Tennessee and is open to the public from the fifteenth of April to the first of November each year. Cragfront
regularly hosts events such as the Cragefront Gala, the Handmade Harvest, Halloween at Cragfront and the Christmas open house.
BRIDAL HOUSE:
The historic home known as the Bridal House was built by Moore Cotton, who was the son of Thomas Cotton, one of the first settlers of Sumner County. The log home stands on the west bank of Station Camp Creek and was built in 1819 as a wedding gift to his only daughter Elizabeth, who married Richard Hobdy, an apprentice who worked in Mr. Cotton’s blacksmith shop. Moore was the oldest son of Thomas Cotton, the founder of Cottontown.
DOUGLASS-CLARK HOUSE:
The Douglass-Clark House was established as a home in 1786, when Tennessee was still part of North Carolina, by Elmore Douglass and Elmore's home was used as an early courthouse for the young county. Future president Andrew Jackson made several trips to the house to practice law during court hearings from 1788-1790. The house and land were eventually purchased by Elmore's brother Reuben and given to Reuben's daughter, Emma (Douglass) Clark. The Clark family witnessed four Clark sons enlisted to fight in the Civil War for the Confederacy as well as a self-emancipated enslaved man, formerly owned by Emma, who enlisted for the North to fight against Confederacy. The Douglass-Clark House sits on Station Camp Creek and its greenway that is several miles in length is available to walk next to the property. The Douglass-Clark House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
WYNNEWOOD:
Standing two stories tall and 142 feet long, Wynnewood State Historic Site is likely one of the largest nineteenth century log structure ever built in Tennessee. Erected in 1828, it served as a mineral springs resort and has a storied history throughout the centuries under the Wynne family, who was related by marriage to the nearby Winchester family at Cragfont State Historic Site. Wynnewood is a Registered National Historic Landmark.
CITY OF GALLATIN
132 W. Main St.
Gallatin, TN 37066
615-451-5961
gallatintn.gov
GALLATIN POLICE DEPARTMENT
130 W. Franklin St.
615-452-1313
GALLATIN FIRE DEPARTMENT
615-452-2771
GALLATIN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
118 W. Main St. Gallatin, TN 37066
615-452-4000
gallatintn.org
An energetic small city set in the idyllic countryside only 30 miles north of Nashville, Gallatin offers the rich variety of recreational, educational and economic activities you’d expect to find in a bigger city. Recognized as one of the top “power suburbs” in the United States, Gallatin boasts high-paying jobs and low taxes. Economic health, a thriving arts scene and a vibrant retail environment make Gallatin a hub for family life.
EDA receives $500k grant to expand childcare options
A grand collaboration is taking place in Gallatin.
Two non-profit organizations— Gallatin’s Shalom Zone and Gallatin Daycare—are partnering in an expansive project that will substantially increase the number of affordable childcare slots in the city, along with renovating one wing of Gallatin’s Shalom Zone.
The project is being funded by a $500K Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD), a $110K grant from Shalom Zone, and another $550K contributed by Gallatin’s Industrial Development Board (IDB).
Rosemary Bates, director of Gallatin’s Economic Development Agency (EDA), said the process began in late 2021 when TNECD reached out to agencies in Middle Tennessee to inform them that remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds were being provided to states specifically to create daycare slots.
“Affordable daycare has risen on the list of what manufacturing/ industrial site searchers look for when a company wants to relocate,” Bates said. “Companies need workers, and families need childcare if the parents are going to work.”
She continued, “In Tennessee, the ARPA money was distributed by the TNEDC, with each region being allocated $1 million. The largest amount we could apply for was $500,000— and that’s what they awarded us.”
The EDA received the grant in August of 2022.
“Then it took several months to go through the approval process to put the project out to bid. All of that finished up in December of 2023,” Bates said. “We received bids at the end of January 2024, and we awarded the bid and signed a contract with Olympian Construction.”
According to Linda Boyers, executive director of Gallatin Daycare, the grant
had specific stipulations.
“The grant had to go to a fully operational and Tennessee-licensed daycare, which of course, we are,” Boyers said. “Gallatin Daycare has been open since 1969. And we are certainly in need of more space—we’re bursting at the seams.”
The grant also required that the expanded daycare be placed in an existing building—such as Gallatin’s Shalom Zone.
Expanding the Gallatin Daycare by renovating an empty wing of Shalom Zone makes perfect sense to Shalom Zone Executive Director Bethany Sullivan.
“We’re unique because we’re in a very large building—most of which is not being used,” Sullivan said. “After all, it once housed Union High School— Gallatin’s black high school—until there was court-ordered desegregation in 1970. When this building was taken over by Shalom Zone in the early 2000s, it was on the verge of being condemned.”
At that time, the Shalom Zone board raised money for a threephase renovation project, but so far, only one phase has been completed. All programs run by Shalom Zone— including Head Start—are free of charge. However, Shalom Zone is not a full-service daycare.
“We run after-school programs, camps, Head Start, Toys for Tots, English Language Learners classes—all sorts of programs, all free of charge,” Sullivan said. “We get our funding from local philanthropies such as United Way and the Memorial Foundation. The Shalom Zone model is to involve and educate the community—for instance, we require our parents to take parenting classes and volunteer for activities. But we are not a full-service daycare.”
Gallatin Daycare, on the other hand, is exactly that—a full-service daycare program providing childcare for lowincome and/or minority children.
“We serve foster care children, abused children, and children who are enrolled for the prevention of abuse,” Boyers said. “We operate our daycare on a sliding scale, and we receive both local grants—like Memorial Foundation and United Way—as well
as federal and state funding. Our food program is a federal grant that is run through Tennessee’s US Department of Agriculture (USDA), for instance. We are currently serving about 100 children, and we’re open from 6 a.m. until 5 p.m.”
Chelsea Hoskins, who has been named site director for the new facility, said the new location will offer even more expanded hours.
“We will be open until 11:30 p.m., which will help those who work the 3 to 11 p.m. shift,” Hoskins added. “There will be slots for 60 to 90 children, and we’ll be employing about 16 people.”
Hoskins worked as an administrative assistant at Gallatin Day Care and has since received her Child Development Associate’s accreditation.
“Chelsea was my first choice for this project, because she is always calm, no matter what storm is going on around her,” Boyers said, who has been the director of Gallatin Daycare since 1989.
The Gallatin EDA was cognizant from the start that $500K would not cover the cost of the entire project.
“But Shalom Zone’s Board of Directors committed $110,000, which encouraged us to proceed,” said Bates.
However, costs went up more than expected due to the length of time between receiving the grant and soliciting bids.
“Our lowest bid for construction came in at $1,082,100,” Bates elaborated. “To complete the project, the Gallatin IDB voted to donate nearly $550,000.”
See SCHOOLS on A21
Target shopping center planned for Gallatin
A Target store may soon be coming to Gallatin.
City Planner Brian Rose presented a Preliminary Master Development Plan (PMDP) to the City Council Committee last week in connection with an ordinance that would change 47.51 acres from SP (Specific Plan District) to Multiple Residential and Office (MRO) Planned Unit Development (PUD). The zoning change matches 47.5 acres in the parcel with nine adjacent acres that are already zoned MRO, creating unified zoning for the development.
The shopping center will sit adjacent to the southwestern corner of Volunteer State Community College, east of Greenlea Boulevard, and will extend north from Nashville Pike. It will face Nashville Pike.
The rezone request was originated by Green & Little, owners of the property, and the Development Management Group, LLC (DMG), which represents Green & Little.
The property sits on what was formerly Greenfield Station, which has a long approval history dating back to the 1980s. The current Zoning Ordinance was approved in July of 1998. Over the years, the PUD has been extended and amended several times but has always maintained a mixture of commercial and residential uses as originally planned.
“The property is part of the Greensboro North Transit Ready Development (TRD),” said Rose, “which is a development that proposes a mix of commercial office and higher-density residential options. With the rezone
SCHOOLS
From A20
Gallatin’s Industrial Board is a nonprofit business allowed under the Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA).
The funding allocated for the daycare project is coming from the IDB’s PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) fees. The PILOT program allows eligible companies to receive property tax reductions for a specified number of years—but some payments are made
to MRO, they will be relinquishing their rights to quite a few residential dwellings—because with this shopping center, of course, there won’t be any residential dwellings on that lot.”
Rose explained that the development is split into two phases, with two lots in Phase One: Lot 1 of Phase One includes Target and its parking lot, and Lot 2 includes other retail stores and stormwater areas.
Rose said that additional access roads are planned and are shown on the developer’s maps.
“There will also be a 10-foot-wide greenway trail, which will encircle three sides and connect up with existing greenway trails on the west side,” he said.
DMG Vice President and Principal Ken Knuckles came before the council to provide more details about the plan.
“We’ve got 56 and a half acres, which we are subdividing into three lots and three out parcels,” he said. “Lot 1 and Lot 2 are included in the first phase of construction— and the out parcels are a part of Phase 1 as well. Phase 2 will be retail development as well, but that’s far in the future.”
Knuckles told the council that the amount of brick in the development was at least 70% and the rest consisted of cementitious panels.
“Our design is a new prototype for Target,” he added. “They submitted a copy of what they wanted, and we’ve made modifications to break up the vertical and horizontal lines. The Planning Commission thought the designs were suitable, but they did ask us for cross access—some additional
in place of those taxes.
“PILOT fees are not taxes,” Bates emphasized. “Each qualifying company has a PILOT assessed based on the value and expansion the company will bring to the city. Because childcare has become so integral in attracting new businesses, the IDB was prepared to contribute to the completion of this project.”
The Shalom Zone and Gallatin Daycare executive directors both anticipate the opening date might be as soon as Jan. 1, 2025.
“I would never promise that date, but
driveways along Greenlea. We will have three of those, which we show in the site plan that we submitted today.”
The Gallatin Planning Commission’s recommendation came with 19 conditions.
“We didn’t have objections to any of those and have addressed them all in the adjusted plan we submitted today,” said Knuckles.
Councilman Pascal Jouvence said he wanted to make sure the shopping center was set back from the road.
“I think that would make it more appealing,” he said.
Knuckles agreed but explained that the property had a surprising number of encumbrances.
“You’ve got Raskin Branch that runs along Greenlea, crosses north and south, and runs back up behind the Target building,” he said. “Then there’s a flood zone and wetlands—and a huge TVA easement. You would think with a property that size, we could put our structure anywhere, but that is not the case. We have had to make our plans around existing encumbrances.”
Rose pointed out some major evolutions the design had gone through, showing the council an earlier map. “The two out parcels will also have greenery that will block visibility of the parking lot from Nashville Pike, which will help,” he said. “And the Target parking lot has been placed on the inside—away from the road, which will also make it look nicer.”
The council voted unanimously to send the ordinance forward to Aug. 20 City Council meeting for a first reading, where it was also passed unanimously.
the process of construction has begun,” Sullivan pointed out. “And almost none of the construction will take place outside, which will reduce delays.”
In a tour of the site, the three individuals intricately involved— Sullivan, Boyers, and Hoskins—pointed out the large pile of pallets and the shining industrial-sized refrigerator sitting in the center of an otherwise empty room.
“We’re receiving deliveries every day—so get ready,” concluded Hoskins. “It’s going to be great.”
CITY OF HENDERSONVILLE
101 Maple Drive North Hendersonville, TN 37075
615-822-1000 hvilletn.org
HENDERSONVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT
3 Executive Park Drive
615-822-1111
HENDERSONVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT
615-822-1119
HENDERSONVILLE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
100 Country Club Drive
615-824-2818
hendersonvillechamber.com
Settled in the late 1790’s by surveyor and statesman Daniel Smith, Hendersonville didn’t become an official city until 1969. Situated on the shores of Old Hickory Lake, the city has become a recreational haven for water enthusiasts. The opening in 2024 of a new greenway along Drake’s Creek (which feeds into the lake) only solidified the city’s claim as the “City by the Lake.” Hendersonville is governed by a full-time mayor (currently Mayor Jamie Clary) and 12 aldermen/women who represent each of the city’s six wards. Chief of Operations Jesse Eckenroth manages the city’s day-to-day operations.
Rachel
Eddie Roberson
‘Nothing short of a miracle’ Grace Places breaks ground on campus for homeless mothers
Supporters of a Hendersonville nonprofit that enables single mothers and their children to transition from homelessness to independence recently broke ground on a unique residential community aimed at impacting even more lives for years to come.
Grace Place Amplified (formerly Grace Place Ministries, Inc.) has been helping local mothers break the cycle of homelessness and poverty through an intensive residential program since July of 2015.
Located in a home on Walton Ferry Road, the non-profit allows single mothers and their children to stay free of charge while obtaining the life skills needed to live successfully on their own.
Led by founder and CEO Desneige Van Cleve and a board of directors of community leaders, the nonprofit initiated a feasibility study for a campus community in 2020.
With the opportunity to buy 4.5 acres on New Shackle Island Road in 2022 came the hurdle of convincing Hendersonville’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen to rezone the property from general commercial and industrial to multi-family housing.
The BOMA unanimously approved the rezoning after hearing from dozens of Grace Place supporters.
An amended “pocket neighborhood” plan that calls for 43 cottagestyle homes, a 4,500-square-feet education/office facility, sport courts, playgrounds and gathering spaces throughout the development, was approved in November.
“For us to get this site purchased and then approved for what we want to do here is really unheard of in our city,” Board Chairman Amanda Foster told those who attended the groundbreaking on Aug. 28. “This is truly going to do God’s work for years and years to come in this great community.”
Project manager Cal Gentry of Civil Land Company said that he couldn’t say no to the project when approached by Van Cleve and Foster.
Van Cleve first showed Gentry her vision of affordable homes in a closeknit, walkable community in a sketch on a piece of notebook paper, he recalled.
“Her vision was to provide this community with these individual homes for these moms and their kids where when they come out of this homeless situation, they have a place to go and recharge and reconnect,” he said.
Gentry explained the design that incorporates sidewalks, green spaces and trails to both connect and give
independence to those in the program.
“We really tried to put this thing together from the ground up to get these families back on their feet,” he added.
Van Cleve thanked everyone involved in the project from board members and those building the project to volunteers, donors, partner agencies like the United Way of Sumner County and the Memorial Foundation, and Grace Place employees and moms.
“What we have experienced on this journey together is nothing short of a miracle,” she said. “You moms are why we’re here. You kiddos are why we’re here. Your character, your courage, your strength, your perseverance is why Grace Place exists.”
With the expansion, the non-profit is trailblazing a model that could change the way the community views those in need, she noted.
“All of you all of us together - we are trailblazing hope; we are trailblazing love; we are trailblazing equality; we are trailblazing justice; we are trailblazing opportunity,” said Van Cleve.
“And we are trailblazing behind a risen king who is the ultimate trailblazer who set a fire in our hearts right here in the heart of Hendersonville, Tennessee to do something extraordinary to help more families. To do something that’s never been done before. That is who we are and that is who he is and that is Grace Place Amplified.”
The groundbreaking signaled the start of Phase I of the project which includes the education center and 10 to 13 three-bedroom homes, according to Van Cleve. The expected timeline is 12 to 18 months.
“How fast the whole campus gets built depends on the generosity of the community,” she added.
Anyone who would like to donate to Grace Place may do so online at www. graceplaceministryinc.org or by mail to Grace Place Ministry, Inc., P. O. Box 1771, Hendersonville, TN 37077.
930 LONG HOLLOW PIKE GALLATIN, TN CHURCH OF CHRIST
YOU ARE INVITED! YOU ARE Come, worship God, and study His word with us.
SUNDAYS SUNDAYS Worship 9:00 AM Bible Study10:00 AM Worship 11:00 AM
WHAT TO EXPECT: WHAT TO EXPECT: WHAT TO EXPECT: WHAT TO EXPECT:
A warm welcome (Romans 16:16)
People who love God, love one another, and love you (Matthew 22:36-40; 1 John 4:7)
Bible teaching (2 Timothy 3:16-4:2)
Simple worship in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24)
Hendersonville’s Heritage Park was recently awarded a $3.3 million grant through the state’s Local Parks and Recreation Fund (LPRF).
Sumner County lawmakers recently announced Hendersonville’s Heritage Park, formerly known as the Batey Farm, will receive $3,380,000 in state funding.
House Majority Leader William Lamberth,R-Portland, Majority Whip Johnny Garrett,R-Goodlettsville, State Rep. William Slater, and Senate Speaker Pro Tempore Ferrell Haile, R-Gallatin, voted to approve the funds in the Tennessee General Assembly’s 2024-2025 state budget.
The city of Hendersonville applied for the grant earlier this year. It will be administered by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) through the Local Parks and Recreation Fund (LPRF).
“The conservation of this land has been a tremendous community effort,” the lawmakers said in a joint statement. “Heritage Park will be a wonderful new addition to our community that will feature a variety of recreational opportunities for residents of all ages. We congratulate the citizens of Hendersonville and eagerly await the park’s opening.”
The city purchased 35 acres on the Indian Lake peninsula from a developer in 2018 for $3 million. At the same time, the grass roots, nonprofit group Friends of the Indian Lake Peninsula (FOFILP), purchased an adjoining 38-acre tract, known as “the hill” for $1 million with the intention of eventually deeding the land over to the city.
City leaders approved a masterplan for both portions of the park in 2019. Key components include hiking and
biking trails, a nature center and a barn/event center. There are currently several trails on the property, but it’s not “officially” open to the public because it doesn’t have bathroom or parking facilities.
After public input and a two-year process, a city naming committee recommended the park be named Heritage Park. The recommendation was approved by the Parks Board and the BOMA in 2022.
Hendersonville Parks Director Andy Gilley said securing the grant is a big win for the city.
“I personally am really excited for this,” he said. “It’s a great thing for our city.”
Before being named parks director, Gilley voted to purchase the property
as a city alderman representing the district the park lies in.
“Since the city did buy the property, it was important to me to try to spend as little in city funds as possible to develop it,” he said. “We have so many other needs throughout the city, it’s always a balancing act.”
The grant is a matching grant with the city’s share coming from its purchase of the land, Gilley noted.
“Our hope is to do a $3.38 million project,” he noted. He expects work to start in early 2025.
The project, that includes pavilions, trails, an event barn, a welcome center, a playground and parking, is estimated to take two to three years to complete.
6 8 3 N a s h v i l l e P i k e , G a l l a t i n ( 6 1 5 ) 2 3 0 - 7 9 4 2 | S i n c e 1 9 1 9
CITY OF WHITE HOUSE
105 College Street
White House, TN 37188
615-672-4350
whitehousetn.gov
WHITE HOUSE POLICE DEPARTMENT
615-672-4903
WHITE HOUSE FIRE DEPARTMENT
615-672-5338
WHITE HOUSE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
412 Hwy. 76
White House, TN 37188
615-672-3937
whitehousechamber.org
Straddling both Robertson and Sumner counties, the city of White House is a 30-minute drive north of Nashville and is conveniently located off of Interstate 65. The charming suburban town offers several amenities and outdoor recreation opportunities including a picturesque greenway, a community pool and splash pad during the summer months, and events throughout the year including the Americana Celebration and Fireworks Show held every Fourth of July at White House City Park.
CITY OF PORTLAND
100 Russell Street Portland, TN 37148
615-325-6776
cityofportlandtn.gov
PORTLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT 433 North Broadway
615-325-3434
PORTLAND FIRE DEPARTMENT
615-325-5649
PORTLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
106 Main Street
Portland, TN 37148
615-325-9032
portlandcofc.com
During its 100-plus year history, Portland has grown from a railroad town to a hometown community to more than 12,000 residents. Agriculture still plays a part in the city’s economy, but the city has grown to offer many exciting businesses and entertainment options just miles from the Kentucky state line.
Mike Callis Mayor
Brian Woodall Alderman
Jody McDowell Alderman
Penny Barnes Alderwoman
Mike Hall Alderman
Latoya Holcomb Alderwoman
Drew Jennings Alderman Megann Thompson Alderwoman
MAYOR GIVES STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS
Portland Mayor Mike Callis gave his State of the City address at the Portland Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Aug. 8 at the city’s public library. According to the chamber staff, there was a full house for the program.
Callis focused on the progress of infrastructure, public safety, technology, planning, and community during the past year. He complimented the city workers and the city council for their
“amazing contributions.” He added that both groups are looking toward the future, as well.
The number one priority for the city has been and continues to be the securing of more safe drinking water for Portland and the rural areas of Robertson County and Sumner County.
He encouraged each one there to realize that they are all called to solve the problems of our day and not pass them on to our children and
grandchildren.
“As a blessed community, we should endeavor to instill the qualities of compassion and dedication in those who come after us, and in doing so we will rest easy knowing that our work is not in vain,” Callis said. “I am very thankful for the wonderful support and efforts of all our citizens, and community partners, as each one strives to make Portland better each day.”
1001 Park Street Westmoreland, TN 37186
Over the decades, Westmoreland has been shaped by its notable beginning. Capturing the attention of those with the “westward-ho” spirit, Westmoreland found its place on the map. Permanent settlers began to arrive in the area between 1805 and 1820 in search of new land or having received land grants of various types. The history of the area centers on the establishment of the railroad and ancillary business services. This history is the basis for road names and important business nodes in the community CITY OF
615-644-3382
David Leath Mayor david.leath@ westmorelandtn.gov
Doug Brown Vice Mayor doug.brown@ westmorelandtn.gov
Sumner County Schools still first in the state for STEM education
The Tennessee Department of Education and the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network (TSIN) announced in May that Sumner County Schools (SCS) continue to lead the state in the number of STEM/ STEAM schools. The term STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math and the STEAM acronym adds Art.
The announcement was made because Liberty Creek Elementary received the STEAM designation. Also, Union Elementary, Jack Anderson Elementary, Oakmont Elementary, and Dr. William Burrus Elementary
completed the requirements for redesignation for the next five years.
SCS STEM coordinator Ben Bruce acknowledged that qualifying as a STEM or STEAM school is a difficult process.
“However, doing it all again after five years is equally daunting,” he said. “So, we are extraordinarily proud of our schools that received re-designation.”
According to SCS Communications Coordinator Kelly Flood, only 15 schools in the state have received the STEM/STEAM designation twice.”
Completing the application process takes around three years, according to
Bruce. The first step is deciding between the STEM and STEAM designations. Then the school administration works with Bruce to create a team.
“The school has to demonstrate 19 attributes falling into five headings: infrastructure, curriculum, professional development, achievement, and community and postsecondary partnerships,” he elaborated.
Bruce says there are another 12 Sumner County schools that have expressed interest in becoming STEM or STEAM designated.
See SCHOOLS on A40
SCHOOLS
From A39
“We have four schools that could be ready for designation next year or the following year if they decide to pursue the application process,” he said.
Bruce has held the position of District STEM Coordinator for about eight years.
“Before coming to Sumner County, I worked at TSIN evaluating schools for STEM accreditation— which gave me a comprehensive understanding of the rubric,” he said. “But Sumner County Schools are completely committed to the STEM approach. Our teachers and administrators understand that it’s best for our students. There are so many STEM-based occupations now, we would be doing our students a disservice if we did not prepare them for that.”
STEM education utilizes Project Based Learning (PBL)—having students deal with real-world situations.
“Students will be asked, for example, what they would do with an eighth of an acre that would benefit their school and community,” Bruce said. “To answer the question, the students have to figure out what an eighth of an acre is, what kind of soil there is, what the water and runoff conditions are, and what the community needs are. Many areas of study come into play. And each STEM school is required to have four PBL units per year for each grade.”
Sumner County Schools Career and Technical Education (CTE) and STEM Supervisor, Chase Moore explained that STEM education in grades K-8 prepares students for CTE courses in high school.
“STEM gives the students experiences— especially in Middle School—that help them know if a particular CTE path is a good fit,” he said.
Moore pointed out that technical
education in high school is advantageous for careers across the spectrum.
“For instance, the field of medicine has always involved science and math, but now there’s a huge amount of technology in the field—and CTE and STEM education prepare for that,” he added.
Bruce also said, “It has been estimated that 3.5 million STEM jobs will open up in the United States by 2025. Out of those jobs, more than two million positions will go unfilled because of lack of qualified candidates.”
The school district has been addressing that issue for quite a while, per Moore.
“A few years ago, they announced that META was building a data center in Gallatin, and at that same time, Oracle announced 9.000 jobs coming to Nashville,” Moore said. “We looked around and saw that we didn’t have enough computer science or coding classes in our high schools, and we immediately doubled the number of teachers able to teach coding and IT. The goal of CTE is to make sure we’re preparing our students for success in the jobs around us when they graduate.”
Both say they believe that CTE and STEM are educational pathways to great careers and jobs.
“Our SCS students are already becoming known for their exceptional work,” Bruce said. “Peter Buchanan, the STEM teacher at White House High School, was contacted by instructors in the engineering department at Tennessee Tech, asking if they could adopt the White House engineering design notebook the students had put together.”
STEM education is universally valued for its role in preparing students for future careers, fostering creativity, and developing critical skills, and for having an engaging approach to teaching. “K-12 education in science, technology, engineering,
and math (STEM) is the foundation of the nation’s future science and engineering (S&E) workforce and, in turn, U.S. prosperity and security,” according to the board of the National Science Foundation.
“STEM involves students and teachers in what has been coined 21st Century Learning,” Bruce concluded, “And that’s what we’re offering in Sumner County’s public schools.”
Bruce is retiring this year and the position of SCS District STEM coordinator will be filled by Cara Wade.
With most elementary schools and every middle school in Sumner County having a STEM teacher, alongside the emphasis on CTE at the high school level, SCS’s dedication to STEM education is unwavering.
You deserve quality care. You deserve compassion. You deserve specialty treatment and innovation right here, close to home. Highpoint Health with Ascension Saint Thomas brings nationally recognized clinical expertise and talented caregivers together to improve healthcare for all of us who call Gallatin home.
As your caregivers, we’re dedicated to putting patients’ needs first. This is the care you’ve trusted for generations, now with a new name. Together we make our communities healthier. Together we care. See what we can do together at HighpointHealthSystem.com
The Place to Be!
SHOPPING • DINING • EVENTS • ENTERTAINMENT
SHOPPING:
Bath & Body Works
Bink’s Outfitters
Chico’s
Fleet Feet
francesca’s
Gingerbean
Lane Bryant
Lila’s Maternity
LOFT
Replay Toys
The Soap Factory
Sunglass Hut
Talbots
Torrid
Twirls Bridal & Formal
Victoria’s Secret
BEAUTY, HEALTH & WELLNESS:
5th Avenue Salon
Giggles & Glam
Pure Barre
SkinWorks Wellness
Medical Spa
Salon Boutique
Tutu School
UFC GYM
Hendersonville
Venetian Nail Spa
DINING:
Birdie Brothers
Brixx Wood Fired Pizza
CATCH Land & Sea
Restaurant
EDIT Café & Cocktail Bar
The Local Hendersonville
Maru Iyagi Sushi & Grill
Sam’s Bar & Grill
DESSERT:
EVERBOWL
Craft Superfood
Handel’s Ice Cream
BUSINESS SERVICES:
Humbol Event Center
EDUCATION:
Mathnasium School of Rock
ENTERTAINMENT:
Regal Cinemas
WHIN Radio
PET SERVICES:
Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming
U.S. Properties Group Development Office
AnnualEvents
NYJE Jazz Festival
Magnolia Market
Hendersonville Farmers & Artisan Market
Summer Concert Series
Taste of Hendersonville
Pumpkin Patch Festival
Sparkle Night/Santa Land
VOLUNTEER STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Founded in 1971, Volunteer State Community College is a public two-year community college with a main campus located along Nashville Pike in Gallatin, and three satellite campuses in Springfield, Cookeville and Livingston.
Popularly known as Vol State, the college is part of the Tennessee Board of Regents system and services an 11-county area. It offers more than 100 areas of study in five divisions: Humanities, Social Science and Education, Health Sciences, Business and Technology, and Math and Science.
Vol State is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the AA, AS, and AAS degrees, and has a diverse mix of students ranging in age from teens to senior adults.
For more information, visit volstate.edu.
HIGHER EDUCATION
UNION UNIVERSITY HENDERSONVILLE
Located on Hendersonville’s bustling Indian Lake Boulevard, Union University Hendersonville opened as a satellite campus of the private, four-year Union University a little more than a decade ago.
Nationally recognized for integrating top-tier academics and the Christian faith, Union University Hendersonville offers graduate degrees in Education and Nursing. Other degrees include an associate’s of science degree in Professional Studies; a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership, a bachelor’s degree in Christian Leadership and an accelerated bachelor of science degree in Nursing.
The university also offers a dual enrollment program for Sumner County and home-educated high school students called the University Experience.
For more information, visit uu.edu/ Hendersonville.
WELCH COLLEGE
Originally founded in Nashville in 1942 as a bible college to train pastors and missionaries, Welch College moved to Gallatin in 2017.
The regionally accredited Christian college offers associate’s, master’s and bachelor’s degrees in several areas including Pre-Nursing, Business, Education, Biology, Early Childhood, Economics, English, Exercise Science, History, Humanities, Intercultural Studies, Music, Physical Education, Pre-Law, PreMedical/Health, Psychology, Recreation Leadership, Sports Management, Theology, Worship, and ROTC.
Boasting a tight-knit community, the university’s small student-to-faculty ratio provide students with personalized attention and mentorship from dedicated professors. The college is consistently ranked as one of the best colleges in the South by U. S. News & World Report.
For more information, visit welch.edu.
GALLATIN PUBLIC LIBRARY
123 E. Main St. (615) 452-1722
SUMNER COUNTY ARCHIVES
365 Belvedere Dr N (615) 452-0037
HENDERSONVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
140 Saundersville Rd (615) 824-0656
MILLERSVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY OF SUMNER COUNTY
1174 Louisville Hwy (615) 448-6959
WESTMORELAND PUBLIC LIBRARY
2305 Epperson Springs Rd (615) 644-2026
PORTLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY
301 Portland Blvd (615) 325-2279
WHITE HOUSE CITY LIBRARY
105 B College St (615) 672-0239
2023-2024
ALL-SUMNER COUNTY SPORTS TEAMS
2023 ALL-SUMNER COUNTY FOOTBALL
Player of the Year: Mason Baker, Hendersonville senior quarterback
Offensive Player of the Year: Jackson Stroup, Gallatin sophomore quarterback
Defensive Player of the Year: Logan Whisenant, Hendersonville senior defensive lineman
Two-Way Player of the Year: Sanders Ellis, Station Camp senior
Breakout Player of the Year: Kaden Powell, Beech sophomore quarterback
Team of the Year: Liberty Creek
Coach of the Year: Michael Stroup, Gallatin
All-County First Team Offense:
QB: Brian Rager, Liberty Creek senior
RB: Elijah Robb, Pope Prep senior
RB: Za’kyian Brinkley, Gallatin senior
WR: Riley Jordan, Hendersonville junior
WR: KaJuan Harris, Beech junior
WR: Jeremiah Williams, Gallatin junior
ATH: Cooper Jordan, Hendersonville junior
OL: Will Johnson, Pope Prep junior
OL: Garrett Releford, Station Camp senior
OL: Mason Duke, Gallatin senior
OL: Caden Parizek, Hendersonville senior
OL: Brady Graves, Westmoreland senior
All-County First Team Defense:
DL: Ocoee Ellis, Station Camp junior
DL: Dawson Carson, White House junior
DL: Andrae Lunsford, Beech senior
DL: Abe Goolsby, Gallatin senior
LB: Dale Payne, Hendersonville senior
LB: Gunnar Clary, Beech junior
LB: Luke Kelton, White House senior
LB: Nick Sullivan, Station Camp senior
DB: Dylan Mitchell, Liberty Creek senior
DB: Ladanian McMurry, Gallatin senior
DB: Brice Howden, Hendersonville senior
DB: Jordan Lee, Beech senior
All-County First Team Special Teams:
K: Nick Krall, Beech senior
P: Max Kelley, Gallatin junior
2023 ALL-SUMNER COUNTY GIRLS SOCCER
Player of the Year: Katie Shea Collins, Pope Prep senior
Offensive Player of the Year: Ayden Wood, Station Camp junior
Defensive Player of the Year: Mackenzie Brown, Hendersonville sophomore
Midfielder of the Year: Elle Lassiter, Station Camp junior
Goalkeeper of the Year: Baylee Kingrey, Gallatin senior
Coach of the Year: Andrew Fish, Liberty Creek
Team of the Year: Liberty Creek
All-County First Team:
GK: Linden Perry, Station Camp junior
F: Emma Johnson, Liberty Creek senior
F: Molly Johnson, Hendersonville sophomore
F: Addie Medina, Liberty Creek freshman
MF: Sydney Arezza, Merrol Hyde junior
MF: Lilly Filler, Hendersonville sophomore
MF: Aubrie Bollenberg, Gallatin junior
D: Ansley Rice, Pope Prep junior
D: Bella Henderson, Merrol Hyde senior
D: Maddie Morris, Station Camp junior
D: Hannah Dyer, Gallatin junior
2023 ALL-SUMNER COUNTY VOLLEYBALL
Co-Players of the Year: Alley and Gracie Hibdon, Gallatin
Coach of the Year: Emily Ingham, Gallatin
Team of the Year: Gallatin
All-County First Team:
OH: Lily Specht, Pope Prep senior
OH: Sarah Grace Slusher, Gallatin sophomore
L: Kenley Jones, Gallatin senior
L: Abby Alfeldt, Station Camp junior
MH: Caitlyn Chaney, Gallatin senior
MH: Carly Mueller, Beech junior
S: Amelia Gaby, Beech senior
S: Katie Titus, Station Camp junior
2024 ALL-SUMNER COUNTY GIRLS BASKETBALL
Player of the Year: Bailey Ford, Beech senior forward
Defensive Player of the Year: Areya Rice, Hendersonville senior guard
Coach of the Year: Kendra Jackson, Station Camp Team of the Year: Hendersonville
All-County First Team:
G: Lindsey Aleridge, Hendersonville senior
G: Bethany Howard, Pope Prep senior
F: Taya Totten, Portland junior
F: Anu Richards, Station Camp senior
F: Marley Hyde, White House senior
2024 ALL-SUMNER COUNTY BOYS BASKETBALL
Player of the Year: Fred Bailey, Pope Prep senior guard
Defensive Player of the Year: Cooper Jordan, Hendersonville junior guard
Coach of the Year: Charles Wade, Pope Prep
Team of the Year: Beech
All-County First Team:
G: Odell Bradley, Beech senior
G: Trey Pearson, Pope Prep sophomore
G: De’Costa Ricks, Gallatin senior
F: Chase Runyon, Portland senior
F: Cooper Abner, Westmoreland senior
2024 ALL-SUMNER COUNTY WRESTLING
All-County First Team:
106: Aiden Oswald, Station Camp freshman
113: Nate Graham, Station Camp sophomore
120: Jacob Hammond, Beech senior
126: Aaron Carpenter, White House junior
132: Ian Miller, Hendersonville junior
138: Andrew Sanders, Gallatin sophomore
144: Andrew Connow, Pope Prep junior
150: Cohen Oswald, Station Camp senior
157: Jackson Vonderharr, Pope Prep junior
165: Kyron Fielder, Station Camp senior
175: Calvin Rickard, Station Camp senior
190: Fletcher Beck, Station Camp junior
215: Logan Whisenant, Hendersonville senior
285: Logan Duncan, Station Camp senior
2024 ALL-SUMNER COUNTY BASEBALL
Position Player of the Year: Kaden Powell, Beech sophomore
Two-Way Player of the Year: Carter Casabella, Station Camp
senior
Pitcher of the Year: Cooper Johnson, Beech senior
Coach of the Year: Kris McWhirter, Beech
Team of the Year: Station Camp
All-County First Team:
C: Danny Simmons, Beech senior
INF: Tucker Smith, Station Camp senior
INF: Landon Taylor, White House sophomore
INF: Cooper White, Westmoreland junior
INF: Abe Goolsby, Gallatin senior
OF: Mason Baker, Hendersonville senior
OF: Noah Rice, Station Camp senior
OF: Vinny Parker, Portland senior
P: Lake Morris, Hendersonville senior
P: Tanner Hayes, White House senior
2024 ALL-SUMNER COUNTY SOFTBALL
Position Player of the Year: Kaitlyn Graham, Beech senior
Two-Way Player of the Year: LeighAnn Sanders, White House senior
Pitcher of the Year: Kaylor West, Liberty Creek sophomore
Coach of the Year: Kelsey Cartwright, Liberty Creek
Team of the Year: Liberty Creek
All-County First Team:
C: Kenslee Gregory, Liberty Creek sophomore
INF: Kam Radley, Gallatin senior
INF: Maddie Floyd, Liberty Creek junior
INF: Katelyn Wenzel, Hendersonville sophomore
INF: Hayleigh Deering, Beech junior
OF: Ellie Essary, White House senior
OF: Emerson Fitzwilson, Liberty Creek sophomore
OF: Ce’Mya Gregory, Beech freshman
P: Aidan Hughes, Portland junior
P: Lanie Parkhurst, Westmoreland sophomore
2024 ALL-SUMNER COUNTY SOCCER
Co-Offensive Player of the Year: Nick Krall, Beech senior, and Ryan Hendon, Station Camp sophomore
Defensive Player of the Year: Dasan Borror, Hendersonville senior
Midfielder of the Year: Sonny French, Hendersonville junior
Goalkeeper of the Year: Asher Good, Hendersonville senior
Coach of the Year: Alex Tummons, Hendersonville
Team of the Year: Hendersonville
All-County First Team:
GK: Ali Varona, Gallatin senior
F: Brayan Figueroa, Portland junior
F: Landon Socha, Liberty Creek sophomore
F: Jonathan Case, Gallatin junior
MF: Nate Krall, Beech sophomore
MF: Ryan Bertotti, Hendersonville junior
MF: Deacon Tuttle, Portland senior
MF: Chayse Manfred, Liberty Creek sophomore
D: Will Williams, Station Camp junior
D: Isaac Painter, Hendersonville junior
D: Alex Wilson, Beech senior
2024 ALL-SUMNER COUNTY TRACK AND FIELD
Boys Athlete of the Year: Thomas Arender, Pope Prep junior
Girls Athlete of the Year: Emrie Springs, Station Camp senior
Girls Sprinter of the Year: Emrie Springs, Station Camp senior
Boys Sprinter of the Year: JaZarius Ellis, Gallatin senior
Boys Distance Runner of the Year: Thomas Arender, Pope Prep junior
Girls Distance Runner of the Year: Brynn Balturshot, Station Camp sophomore
Boys Hurdler of the Year: Will Hester, Portland senior
Girls Hurdler and Jumper of the Year: Charlotte Freewalt, Station Camp junior
Boys Jumper of the Year: Zeke Rowland, Station Camp junior
Boys Thrower of the Year: Seth Rippy, Portland senior
Girls Throwers of the Year: Amanda Bourk, Hendersonville sophomore, and Melody Keith, Liberty Creek senior
Boys Relay Team of the Year: Station Camp 4x800
Girls Relay Team of the Year: Station Camp 4x100
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Beyond the Yellow Brick Road –“American Resurrection” at Monthaven
Sumner County has of one of the most vibrant arts scenes around Middle Tennessee, and its reputation as an artistic hub continues to spread across the nation. That continued this past summer with the arrival of Bernie Taupin’s “American Resurrection” exhibit at Monthaven Arts & Cultural Center. (the MACC).
Music lovers worldwide immediately recognize the name Bernie Taupin. Since the late 1960s, Taupin has been superstar entertainer Elton John’s lyricist. Working collaboratively, the duo has penned such notable hits as “Rocket Man, “Crocodile Rock,” “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me,” “Bennie And The Jets,” “Candle In The Wind,” and, of course, “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.”
Taupin immigrated from England to the United States during the mid-
1970s, and he soon developed a deep love for the history and frontier culture of the American West. Although he continued to write many more charttopping songs, he soon found himself yearning to do more, and he began hearing the call of the visual arts.
“Music and art is an inevitable collision,” says Taupin. “I personally gravitated from one to the other because I desired to create on a different topical level, and simply because visceral visual art exerts an almost narcotic drive in me.”
Taupin’s artwork draws from his love of all-things American, such as the majestic splendor of the Great Wild West and soul-stirring sounds of the Blues. In addition, most of his pieces incorporate elements of the American
See YELLOW BRICK ROAD on A60
PARKS & TRAILS
GALLATIN:
Station Camp Greenway
Town Creek Greenway
Bledsoe Creek State Park
Triple Creek Park
Municipal Park
Lock 4 Park
Nat Caldwell Park
Thompson Park
Clearview Park
Cages Bend Recreation Area
Rotary Park at Liberty Branch
Miracle Park (all-inclusive park located in Triple Creek Park)
HENDERSONVILLE:
Hendersonville Greenway
Old Hickory Dam Greenway
Veterans Park
Volunteer Park at Arrowhead
Drakes Creek Park
Memorial Park
Rockland Park
Sanders Ferry Park
Heritage Park (formerly the Batey Farm)
Mary’s Magical Place (all-inclusive playground located in Veterans Park)
PORTLAND: Richland Park
Meadowbrook Park
WESTMORELAND: Dr. Thomas F. Carter Midtown Park
WHITE HOUSE: White House Greenway
Michael L. Arnold Municipal Park
CASTALIAN SPRINGS: Sumner County RC Flyers
DOG PARKS: GALLATIN: Dog Park at Triple Creek Park
GOODLETTSVILLE:
Fenway Dog Park (in Moss Wright Park)
HENDERSONVILLE: Memorial Park Dog Park
PORTLAND:
Meadowbrook Dog Park
WHITE HOUSE: Rover’s Ridge Dog Park
YELLOW BRICK ROAD
From A56
flag – a symbol for which Taupin bears deep reverence.
“There is a bond between the American people and their flag that cannot be duplicated anywhere else in the world,” says Taupin. “It has forged heroes and inspired poets, painters and authors.”
Along with the American flag, Taupin’s art incorporates pieces of everyday elements, which he calls “found materials.” He skillfully blends such common components such as fabrics, chicken wire, wood, gauze, album covers, book pages and corrugated cardboard. In addition, several pieces contain elements that pay homage to his musical heritage, such as guitars and piano keyboards.
“I enjoy being able to craft meaningful art from the everyday materials that are all around us,” said Taupin. “Over the years, I have gathered so many different odds and ends that at times my studio has looked like a chop shop.”
Taupin’s exhibit at the MACC came about due largely to the efforts of Executive Director Cheryl Stritchik. Despite competing against several high-profile galleries for the rights to the display, Stritchik was able to convince the show promoters and curators that Monthaven and Hendersonville were the perfect place to showcase Taupin’s work.
“Just think about it for a minute. Can you imagine all the lyrics that have been written in Hendersonville – around fire pits, living rooms and barns?”, said Stritchik. “Taupin, partnering with Elton John, has written the lyrics to many of the greatest songs of our time that have created a soundtrack for the ages. It’s an honor to have his exhibit, American Resurrection, at the MACC, and I encourage everyone to enjoy it while it is in our backyard.”
The exhibition began on Friday evening, June 7, with a private meet-and-greet session with Taupin sponsored by ASCAP, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. Dozens of Music Row movers and shakers attended the event, which concluded with an evening of live music.
The following day, the celebration continued with a ticketed brunch session that featured an in-person interview session with Taupin conducted by Stritchik. During the interview, Taupin spoke at length about his visual art, his creative process and his sources of inspiration. He repeatedly stressed the importance of every artists finding his or her own style.
“During my early music days, I tried to make my mark by emulating other popular artists’ styles. However, I eventually realized that such an approach was neither satisfying nor successful,” says Taupin. “Eventually, I started to follow my own path and to write my own kind of music. Only then did I find success and fulfillment, and I apply what I learned every time that I create a new piece of visual art.”
Throughout the weekend, Taupin signed hundreds of copies of his memoir
“Scattershot: Life, Music, Elton, and Me,” which was available to purchase at the MACC. All of the books were soon snatched up by enthusiastic fans who were eager to own an item personally autographed by a living artistic legend.
After two days of private events, “American Resurrection” officially opened to the public on June 9. Throughout the afternoon, a steady stream of music and art aficionados streamed through the historic rooms of Monthaven to meet Taupin and to appreciate some of his visual masterpieces. There are 22 pieces of art on display, and all of them were available for sale with prices ranging from $16,500 to $125,000.
Along with Taupin, the grand opening was also graced by the rival of another living legend, world famous fashion designer, Manuel Cuevas. Cuevas is widely renowned for his ornate designs which have been worn by iconic movie and music superstars for over 70 years. During the 1970s, Cuevas became friends with Taupin after he crafted several outfits for him and his cohort, Elton John. Cuevas’ appearance at the exhibition was a surprise to Taupin, who was visibly moved to reunite with his old friend.
Hunter continues recovery court work after retirement
Jim Hunter retired as General Sessions I Judge on Aug. 31, 2022—but by January of 2023, he was ready to get back to work. He joined the board of the Recovery Court of Sumner County, Inc., and now serves as the board’s president.
Hunter sat down to talk about Recovery Court and why he believes so wholeheartedly in its work.
“All the studies on drug rehabilitation—studies by government agencies, universities, and professional organizations—have concluded time and time again that Recovery Court is the very best treatment there is for drug addiction,” he said.
Hunter was appointed to the bench in 2003, taking over after the retirement of General Sessions Judge Johnny Jones. One of his roles was to help preside over the Recovery Court.
“Jane Wheatcraft, a Criminal Court Judge, and Johnny Jones, a General Sessions Judge, began Recovery Court in Sumner County in the early 2000s,” he said. “Recovery Court was still a fairly new concept nationally—but it was a model that changed everything.”
Before the Recovery Court existed, according to Hunter, a person with drug problems would just go to jail.
“That does not treat the addiction or help the addict—it just gets him off the street for a while,” he said.
There are 82 Recovery Courts in Tennessee, and Sumner County’s is set up somewhat differently, per Hunter.
“We have participants from both General Sessions Court, which is a misdemeanor court, and Criminal Court, which deals with criminal charges,” he said. “The participants are combined, and they all go to the same classes.”
The program can last from 18 months to two years—or even more.
“It just depends on how well they do,” Hunter said, adding that it was possible to complete the program in 12 months—but it’s practically unheard of.
“That really would require perfection,” he said. “In other words, not missing any classes, staying employed, not failing any drug tests—which are given three times a
week. Also, making every meeting with case managers, which happen three or four times a week, and picking up no new charges. And then completing all their reports. This is a serious program and a major lifestyle change.”
He added, “However, it is almost impossible to be kicked out of the program. You’d have to run out or pick up serious new charges to be kicked out. We give our participants lots and lots of chances.”
Hunter explained that infractions were handled through suspensions.
“We might give them a few days in jail or start them over at an earlier phase in the four-phase program,” he said. “We try to make the punishment fit the crime.”
In Sumner County, Recovery Court meets once a week and is presided over by Criminal Court Judge Dee Gay and General Sessions Court Judge Ron Blanton.
“At these hearings, all the participants in the program stand up and talk about how they’ve done,” Hunter explained. “We celebrate the accomplishments and address any issues. And that’s when we make decisions about possible entrants into the program. The total number fluctuates between about 60 to 70, and we have two graduations each year.”
Sumner County’s Recovery Court was certified by the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) in 2008.
“We were one of the first in the state to be certified,” said Hunter. “It means that the program met 10 key components established by the NADCP. And we are audited every year to be recertified.”
In 2015, a second General Sessions Court was established in Sumner County, with Mike Carter becoming General Sessions Judge II.
“Mike started our Behavioral Health Court,” Hunter said, “which falls under the umbrella of Recovery Court. It’s set up the same way the Recovery Court is, with two judges presiding—Criminal Court Judge Dee Gay and General Sessions Judge II Kee Bryant-McCormick, who became the General Sessions II Judge after Mike Carter’s death. She has done a great job of keeping Behavioral Health Court going. Participants in that program take classes and have their medications monitored by three mental health providers in Gallatin, who report
to the court.”
The Behavioral Court is one of the few in Tennessee and received its first certification last month—a huge accomplishment, in Hunter’s opinion.
The non-profit supports both the Recovery Court and Behavioral Health Court through grants.
“Recovery Court of Sumner County, Inc. was begun in 2012 when a group who graduated from the 2012 Leadership Sumner class wanted to take on a project,” he said. “They chose Recovery Court, formed a board and became a 501c3,” he said. “I joined the board after I retired.”
Hunter is excited about the grants obtained by the non-profit.
“Last year we got a grant from the Tennessee Department of Mental Health, which oversees all Tennessee Recovery Courts,” he said. “With that grant, we bought a house and did some add-ons. Now it’s a two-bedroom house for the ladies. It’s a completed project that the state is very happy with. This year we’re applying for a grant to build some apartments— which I think will be for men.”
Hunter says the success rate is much higher when participants live in program housing.
“It’s a different ballgame,” he said. “Our staff is there every day, we provide transportation to work if they need it, and make sure they’re drug tested. Also, they’re learning a lot in class. After a while, the students start to like the discipline.”
Recovery Court will be having its 40th graduation this November.
“Our graduations are held in the Sumner County Schools Administration gymnasium,” Hunter said. “We usually have a full house. The Beached Pig from Hendersonville is catering—and they’re fantastic.”
Hunter sees Recovery Court as a redemption program.
“So many participants start out thinking there’s no help out there,” he said. “But through our program, they’re able to start a new life. It’s fulfilling just to be a part of it.”
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Thanks to the great vision and support of the State of Tennessee and Gallatin Economic Development Agency, who welcomed and supported us along the way, this has been a story of continuous growth.”
