by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

At the Oct. 27 meeting, the Sewanee Community Council grappled with the problem of service truck traffic on Kennerly Road occurring as a result of GPS routing and right-of-way rules. The council revisited the long-debated dog control policy and heard an update on University employee apartments slated for construction.

Kennerly Road resident Chris Barton insisted heavy truck traffic on Kennerly Road had significantly increased in the past year both from construction equipment for home building and from service trucks for Facilities Management and Sewanee Dining. “Kennerly Road was never engineered to handle heavy truck traffic,” Barton stressed. “The road has significantly deteriorated.”

In a statement read to the council, Assistant Vice President of Facilities Management Robert Benton cited two reasons for the difficulty in diverting truck traffic. One, “reasonable access requirements” prescribed by TDOT gave trucks “the right of way on a road from a highway to their place of delivery.” Two, GPS led drivers up Kennerly Road as the shortest route.

Benton suggested a possible remedy was to work with the Franklin County Road Commission and TDOT to reroute traffic. A local agency would need to prepare a rationale for the rerouting and draft an ordinance or resolution, a public review and comment period would be required, and both TDOT and the local government would need to approve the rerouting.

Barton said he had met with some success in reducing heavy truck traffic by contacting Sewanee Dining and Facilities Management. Caroline Thompson with Sewanee Dining agreed to urge food suppliers to divert their delivery trucks to a different route. Benton conceded the location of loading docks on Kennerly Road limited his ability to curtail heavy truck traffic.

Provost Scott Wilson pointed out speed humps were planned for Kennerly Road, although they had not yet been installed. Chief Financial Officer Isabelle Love suggested prioritizing Kennerly Road for repaving.

Taking up the issue of dog control, Police Chief Jeremy Thomas said, “We need a report done to let us know [an incident] took place in a timely fashion. If it takes 30 or 45 minutes to be reported, that dog could be in Monteagle.”

Council member Marilyn Phelps observed in a recent dog bite attack reported to the police, a dog at large citation was issued, but there was no citation for the attack.

Thomas responded, “The citation was written for what happened in the presence of the police officer, the dog at large. There was a report generated for the alleged dog bite. I can’t swear to something that didn’t happen in front of me. We do a report. The [individual attacked] can take the report to the Justice Center and swear a warrant if that’s what they want to do.”

Paraphrasing former district attorney Steve Blount, who spoke at last month’s council meeting, Phelps countered, “[Law enforcement] doesn’t have to see something. They just have to have a reasonable belief that what was reported to them was true.”

“It’s the victim’s responsibility if they want to press charges,” council member Michael Payne argued. “A police officer can’t be a judge and jury. You want them to issue a citation for something they don’t see.”

“We need more clarification,” Phelps maintained.

Following the council meeting, Phelps contacted the Messenger urging Sewanee residents “to not hesitate to report dog issues. If you are afraid of dogs that are loose in your neighborhood or have been threatened or attacked by a dog, please report it to the Sewanee Police Department. They said they will investigate and proceed accordingly.”

Wilson noted proposed changes to the University dog control policy call for changing the language to state what action law enforcement “will” take, not what action law enforcement “can” take.

Vice President for Economic Development and Community Relations David Shipps confirmed “the funding for the University apartments was finalized by the Board of Regents. That will allow the project to restart.” Plans call for two three-story buildings with construction slated to begin in May or earlier. The University is also planning to sell some rental homes, further alleviating the shortage of employee housing, a priority objective of the Strategic Plan.

Revisiting a discussion at the September meeting, Love explained why Claras Point Road residents were not notified of repaving. The directive from Road Commissioner Johnny Hughes called for the repaving to be done “in the next calendar year.” A misunderstanding resulted in the directive being interpreted to mean in the next fiscal year which was three days later. “The directive was acted on so quickly, the necessary communications did not go out,” Love said.

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

Overriding the objections of Mayor Greg Maloof at the Oct. 27 meeting, the Monteagle City Council voted to transfer $500,000 from the operating budget into capital reserves. The council revisited two discussions from the September council meeting: holding a public hearing on a terminated employee and amending ordinance to clarify a developer’s responsibility for infrastructure costs. During the Alderman comment period, Dan Sargent expressed concern about a Monteagle police officer named in a lawsuit brought by Rodney Kilgore.

Alderman Grant Fletcher introduced the motion to transfer $500,000 from the operating budget to capital reserves “to beef up what we’re going to need in the future for deteriorating resources. There are a lot of depreciating assets.”

“I’d like to wait until we meet with the accountant,” Maloof objected.

Fletcher pointed out that four months into the fiscal year, there was an excess of $2 million in the operating budget.

“I agree with Grant. I brought this up at the last two budget meetings,” said Alderman Nate Wilson. “We’ve been talking about it for a long time. The accountant says we need between nine and six months of operating capital. That’s between $1 and $1.5 million. We have well over two.”

Maloof voted against transferring the funds.

Revisiting the council’s September decision to have a public hearing to review the termination of an employee fired for falsifying reports, Alderman Dean Lay asked when the hearing would be held. Maloof proposed addressing the issue at a workshop. “We’ll gather the facts and information and present it at a town meeting,” Maloof said. The council approved Lay’s motion for having the hearing at a special called meeting. Maloof again voted, no.

Wilson proposed a second reading vote on an ordinance amendment clarifying the developer’s responsibility for costs when a project called for “extensions and improvements” to water and sewer lines. Unable to determine from the minutes if the vote in September approving the amendment was pending review by the city engineer, the council voted to approve the change on first reading. Wilson noted the ordinance also allowed the town “to waive [holding the developer responsible for costs] if it is in the town’s best interest.”

Referencing a lawsuit against the city brought by Rodney Kilgore, Alderman Dan Sargent said the Monteagle police officer named in the lawsuit had been declared “not eligible to be an officer in the state of Tennessee” by the Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission (POST). “That’s not what POST says,” responded Police Chief William Raline offering clarification. “Sargent [Hafiz] Karteron had accusations brought against him. He was arrested. Everything was dropped. He had a diversion. [According to the court record] it never happened. I called POST. They said there is nothing they can do. He is a certified officer.”

Sargent objected, “The last thing I read from the Rutherford County document releasing this gentleman from the duties he served as a police officer in that county said he was not fit to be an officer in the state of Tennessee.” Raline again stressed, “Once the court case happened, he got a diversion.” According to Raline, POST maintained no waiver was required to hire Kateron who is also employed by the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department. “I’m questioning the authority of this individual,” Sargent said. Raline maintained, “Since he’s been in law enforcement with Grundy and Monteagle, he’s not shown anything [questionable]. He puts the safety of Monteagle citizens before his own.” Heated verbal exchange followed between Raline and a resident. Maloof ended the discussion insisting, “We’ll deal with it.”

In new business, the council approved an amendment to the ordinance regulating fencing, changing the word “opacity” to “transparency.” The Monteagle Planning Commission recommended the change to rectify the ordinance’s inaccurate and misleading use of the word “opacity.”

The council also approved the Beautification Committee’s request to purchase two Voice of the Voiceless communication boards for use with autistic and nonverbal children to help them communicate and play with others in the parks, cost $225. The boards allow children to select image icons representing what they want to say or to select letters to spell words to communicate.

A time-honored tradition returns Nov. 7–9 with the 42nd annual Holiday Open House at Taylor’s Mercantile in downtown Sewanee. Ken and Lynn Taylor have gone all out this year, offering carefully curated holiday gifts, elegant tabletops, and festive decorations for every taste. “There is something for everyone,” Ken said.

The open house transforms the store into a Christmas wonderland, making it a must-visit destination between Nashville and Atlanta, as visitors come to find unique gifts, decorating items, and inspiration for their own homes. “People from all over come to the store to purchase unique gifts and holiday decorating items or to even to get decorating ideas. For many, this event marks the start of their holiday celebrations,” Ken said.

This year’s selection includes classic nutcrackers and Santas, modern woodland décor, and elegant angels. Angels, a beloved part of Sewanee’s traditions, are featured in the advertisement artwork by the late Dick Posan, who also designed the store’s logo and sign. “The angels are fun and a little quirky, but that art helps to herald in the season of joy,” Ken said.

Ken and Lynn see the open house — with refreshments and specials — as a way to thank their supporters for 42 wonderful years. “I believe God has given us all a gift, and it’s our duty to minister to those around us. I am lucky enough to get to feel like that is what I am doing,” Ken said.

Taylor’s Mercantile, located at 10 University Ave., is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Holiday Open House hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7 and Saturday, Nov. 8, and noon to 5 p.m., on Sunday, Nov. 9.

Don’t miss out on the merriest event of the year. Gather your friends and family, and join the Taylor’s for a celebration filled with holiday magic. They can’t wait to welcome you. — reported by K.G. Beavers

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) have announced a plan to reintroduce the Red-cockaded Woodpecker (RCW), a species extirpated from Tennessee in 1994.

“The return of the Red-cockaded woodpecker is not just a biological milestone—it’s a triumph of collaboration for all Tennesseans,” said Governor Bill Lee. “From land acquisitions in the 1990s to recent restoration efforts, I am proud this project reflects the power of shared vision and long-term commitment that benefit the Volunteer State. This is conservation at its best, and a promise kept to the land, the people, and future generations of Tennesseans.”

The Red-cockaded Woodpecker, once native to upland mature pine and oak-pine savannas in Tennessee, was extirpated from the state due to fire suppression, logging of old-growth pines, and habitat fragmentation. The last known RCW in Tennessee was observed in 1994 in the Cherokee National Forest.

"The reintroduction of the Red-cockaded Woodpecker is a landmark achievement for our great state,” said Jason Maxedon, Executive Director of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. “This effort reflects our agency’s deep commitment to restoring native species and the ecosystems they depend on. It’s a testament to what’s possible when state and federal partners work together with a shared vision for the future of our natural heritage."

The RCW project started through TDEC’s restoration of land in the Savage Gulf State Natural Area to protect the federally threatened white fringeless orchid. The project quickly expanded to include RCWs after biologists realized the large tracts of land could potentially support the RCW. Federal and state funding were used to initiate habitat restoration on approximately 1,200 acres. The reintroduction process is multifaceted and involves not only land restoration but also the acquisition of RCWs from other states through a federal process. All agencies involved have a completion goal and release of RCWs in 2028.

"Restoring the habitat in the Savage Gulf State Natural Area is another example of Tennessee leading the nation in balancing effective conservation and economic growth,” said TDEC Commissioner David Salyers. "In Tennessee, we care about protecting God’s creation - what is authentically, Tennessee - and people love living here and want to move here because they can enjoy places like Savage Gulf and the creatures that inhabit the land."

Restoring lands and ecosystems reflects the commitment and pride Tennesseans have to the natural world. Reestablishing a species is unprecedented and can only happen through the efforts of those tending to the natural world on behalf of all citizens of Tennessee. Known as one of the most biologically diverse inland states, Tennessee can look forward to adding a species back. Those wishing to support or learn more about the project can visit the partnership webpage.

David Hanni, Bird Conservation Biologist with TWRA, stated, “The goal of bringing back a species is a career highlight for many of us. Typically, when a wildlife species is lost, it is too lofty of a task to restore all the pieces needed to bring it back. This restorative work through unparalleled partnership is something we can all celebrate and find pride in.”

USFWS RCW specialist John Doresky shared, “Some don’t understand the significance of restoration. The analogy of a house that has partially collapsed is a relative comparison. Some things can still thrive in the house, mice, insects, and a cat can find shelter. Flowers can grow through cracks, and water is still available for use. However, a main character meant for the house is missing. This partnership is bringing back the main character in this ecosystem.”

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for protecting, managing, and conserving fish and wildlife species for the benefit of Tennesseans and visitors. The Agency also maintains public safety through law enforcement and safety education on waterways.

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

At the Oct. 21 meeting of the Sewanee Utility District board of commissioners, Board President Charlie Smith read a letter accompanying a certificate of recognition from State Comptroller of the Treasury Jason Mumpower praising SUD for its financial planning practices. In regular business the board selected an auditor for 2026 and discussed the 2026 budget and upcoming commissioner election.

The letter read, in part, “We are pleased to present this certificate recognizing the hard work and commitment to operate [the utility] with a sound financial plan … Thank you for your contribution to making government work better. We recognize the importance of managing public finances in a responsible manner and encourage [the utility] to keep up the good work.”

Turning to the annual task of hiring an auditor, SUD retained the Tullahoma firm, Strategic Vision, formerly the MG Group. The firm reorganized under a new name and leadership when the principal and owner Don Mills died. The fee for the audit increased by more than a third, from $5,500 to $9,000. “They do a good job and they’re thorough,” said SUD manager Ben Beavers. “Because of the time constraints I recommend we hire them for this year, but that next year we start earlier trying to find someone.” SUD prefers not to retain the same auditing firm for more than five years and had exceeded that benchmark with the MG Group. Last year SUD contacted multiple local auditors but received no bids in response to its request for services. Smith pointed out Big Creek Utility used a Nashville firm that charged $10,000. “Perhaps that’s the going rate,” Smith said.

High on the list of questions about the 2026 budget is the $400,000-$500,000 cost of repainting the farm water tank. “We could put it off another year, but it’s not a good idea,” Beavers said. “We could borrow the money, but the board has been adverse to that in the past.” Paying cash “would use up half of our cash reserves,” Smith observed. “We would still maintain our required reserves,” Beavers said. “It depends on your tolerance for letting the reserves drop.” At the Nov. 18 meeting, Beavers will provide the board with firm figures on the cost, borrowing costs, and cash flow demands. Smith asked what cash demands SUD faced in the next few years. Beavers listed a new service truck, estimated cost $50,000, and painting the St. Andrew’s-Sewanee water tank, estimated cost $200,000. Beavers explained the significantly higher cost of repainting the farm tank was due to lead paint on the exterior which required sandblasting to remove.

Two commissioner seats are open for election in January. Donnie McBee will seek re-election. Johnny Hughes was not present and has not declared his intentions. Commissioners serve a four-year term and receive a $50 stipend for each meeting. Both newly elected and re-elected commissioners must participate in Tennessee Association of Utility Districts commissioner training. All SUD customers are eligible to serve on the board. The board must compile a slate of at least three candidates. Those interested in serving on the board should contact a SUD commissioner or the SUD office before the November meeting.

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and Tennessee State Parks today celebrated the dedication of Head of the Crow State Park at a ceremony with local leaders from Franklin County and nearby University of the South.

Once part of South Cumberland State Park, Head of the Crow is now a standalone state park, named after the area of Franklin County containing the headwaters of Crow Creek. The park joins together four state natural areas to provide better and more outdoor recreation opportunities. Separating Head of the Crow into its own dedicated park will help preserve, protect, and share Tennessee's natural and cultural resources while providing safe and quality outdoor experiences.

“From Memphis to Mountain City, Tennessee is blessed with unparalleled natural resources and beauty, and by making strategic investments in conservation, we can preserve those resources for generations to come,” said Gov. Bill Lee. “This park will help drive tourism and the economy in a rural area of our state, and we welcome Tennesseans and visitors alike to enjoy all that Head of the Crow State Park has to offer.”

The Lee administration is establishing 14 new Tennessee State Parks, setting the Tennessee record for the most state parks created by one administration. The new parks are part of the governor’s conservation strategy, which combines protection of the state’s natural resources with robust economic growth.

Head of the Crow State Park encompasses the Sherwood Forest State Natural Area, the Mr. and Mrs. Harry Lee Carter State Natural Area, the Natural Bridge State Natural Area, and the Hawkins Cove State Natural Area. It provides unique hiking opportunities and cave tours.

The park reflects a collaboration between Tennessee State Parks, The Conservation Land Trust, The Land Trust for Tennessee, Forest Legacy Grant, The Franklin State Forest and the Tennessee Division of Forestry, and the University of the South.

More information about the park can be found on the park’s webpage at <https://tnstateparks.com/parks/info/head-of-the-crow;.

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

“We have witnessed a miracle,” said South Cumberland State Park Manager George Shinn lauding the transformation of South Cumberland into three state parks, a “dream big” project 10 years in the making. Assuming management of TVA property and acquiring new land led to South Cumberland doubling in size to a 30,000-acre park that was a two-hour journey from one end to the other travelling by car. Savage Gulf Natural Area split off from South Cumberland as a separate park in 2022, and just last year Head of the Crow State Park was formed from Buggy Top Cave and the Carter State, Natural Bridge, Hawkins Cove, and Sherwood Forest natural areas. Grundy Lakes, Denny Cove, and the Fiery Gizzard Trail continued to be grouped under the monicker, South Cumberland State Park. On Oct. 20, at an unveiling ceremony at the Foster Falls trailhead, that changed: South Cumberland was christened with a new name inspired by the internationally renowned trail: Fiery Gizzard State Park.

Commending the name choice, Marion County Mayor David Jackson observed he had met trail visitors from as far away as Australia and on weekends the trailhead parking lot was crowded with license plates from all over the country. Park Manager Jacob Young who oversees the Fiery Gizzard Trail celebrated Shinn as the “powerhouse” behind “the vision.”

Shinn credits the transformation from “one into three” to Tennessee Governor Bill Lee. “I’ve never seen anything like what’s happening under Governor Lee,” said Shinn who claims a 30-year career with Tennessee State Parks. Under Lee, Tennessee established 14 new parks and funded capital improvement projects and much needed deferred maintenance. “Our cup runneth over,” said Shinn. Head of the Crow received $25 million in funding and Savage Gulf received $100 million.

For Shinn, the division into three parks translated into three times as many staff, three times the amount of equipment and number of computers, and a threefold increase in the operations budget which includes funds for everything from trail markers to toilet paper. Acknowledging financial struggles in the past, Shinn recounted asking to “borrow” a used park-service truck earmarked with an uncertain future when a park service employee retired. The financial impetus coupled with the passion of “conservation minded folks” sparked “a capacity to dream big” about the future, Shinn stressed. He expressed special gratitude to nongovernmental organizations such as the Rock Climbers Association and the Friends of South Cumberland “not only for their leadership, but those they in turn inspired.”

Department of Tourism Director Jenni Veal called the unveiling ceremony a “celebration of the shared commitment of recreation, conservation, and rural vitality through tourism. Tennessee state parks are not just places of natural beauty. They are economic engines that power tourism.” In 2023 outdoor recreation generated $13 billion in revenue for the state, ranking Tennessee second in the southeast for outdoor recreation’s economic impact, with visitors also spending money on dining, lodging, and cultural attractions. “We’re blessed to have the parks in our community” insisted Mayor Jackson. “Folks spend money and leave, and we don’t have to educate them and provide services.”

Diverse legends have evolved to explain the name of the creek that lends its name to the Fiery Gizzard Trail. One ascribes the name to a gizzard shaped blast furnace, a precursor to the Tracy City coke-ovens operation. Commenting on the name, Shinn cited a quintessential Tennessee legend from the past, Davy Crockett. “I like to go with the Davy Crockett story. He was with a hunting party down on the Little Gizzard Creek, and they were cooking a turkey, and he grabbed a gizzard out of the pan and took a bite. But it burned his mouth, and he spit it out and said, ‘Dang that gizzard is fiery.’”

Commenting on the future of Tennessee, TDEC Commissioner David Salyers paraphrased Governor Lee. “We’re growing more Tennesseans, but we’re not growing more Tennessee. The next generations of Tennesseans should be able to enjoy the same beautiful environment and natural resources that we enjoy today.”

The difficult decision to close the Blue Chair Café, Bakery and Tavern came on Oct. 12. The majority partner in the business called the minority partner, Jimmy Wilson, to tell him the news. “He said, ‘I can’t get anyone to work, and I am shutting it down,’” Wilson said. The employees were notified on Oct. 13.

Wilson said the business decision to close was amicable and there is no animosity.

Wilson said last November, he welcomed a new partner who is an experienced restaurant business owner with the hope of taking the Village Tavern to new heights. “We started fixing stuff and renovating the Tavern side. Plus, we got a wine and liquor license and added new options to the Tavern menu.”

“What we lost sight of was, while we were focused on the Tavern, we forgot where we originated from — the culture at the Blue Chair Café, where the community gathers. We lost some of our vibe,” said Wilson.

Wilson said the writing was on the wall as they had some employee turnover. “Some people were driving 45 minutes to get to work. And it was hard to compete with other salaries offered by other restaurants and establishments. Getting qualified, dependable help for a small business is part of the problem on the mountain,” Wilson said.

Another hurdle was “Monday through Friday, we didn’t make enough money to pay our staff,” said Wilson. Offering daily breakfast was the first to go, followed by closing on Mondays. Lunch was next, only being offered on certain days.

Then, a disastrous service during Family Weekend where they were short on staff turned out to be the final nail, based on the Yelp reviews and the amount of comped meals they had to do because of the one-hour-plus-more wait-time to get food. Wilson said they were all embarrassed by that.

Wilson said since the announcement to the public of the temporary closing, the feedback has been positive. “I am humbled by that, the community’s outpouring of support for my wife and I, and for the staff of the Blue Chair,” said Wilson.

Since Oct. 13, Wilson said he has been getting inquiries to help get the Blue Chair back open. Wilson said they hope to be back open by the first quarter of 2026, after renovating the café side.

“Everyone who I have talked with is focusing on getting the right kind of culture and the vibe back on the café side. We are known as a café, bakery and bar. We are going to replace our majority shareholder with someone who understands this, and that we are a little clearer about what we want to do with the café side. Sarah and I are not ready to sell the whole thing. But we do not want to be the full-time operators either. We hope that the new partner would want our advice and presence. We are going to have a comeback and are confident that we can do that,” Wilson said.

Wilson, C’73, and his wife, Sarah, C’89, have owned the Blue Chair since 2010, buying it from Susan Binkley when her responsibilities at the nonprofit Blue Monarch took up all of her time. Binkley opened the Blue Chair Bakery and Café in 2000. Wilson was on the Blue Monarch board and saw an opportunity to get more involved in Sewanee. In 2012, the Wilsons purchased the adjacent building and created the Tavern with its connecting staircase to the Blue Chair’s Café. See more about the history of the building at <https://omeka.sewanee.edu/exhi...;. — reported by K.G. Beavers

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

“Local elected officials’ authority is being threatened by state preemption,” cautioned Shelby White, alerting Tennessee residents to a campaign by lobbyists, corporations, and their legislative partners to abolish the 1989 Jackson Law which gives local residents the final say on whether a proposed landfill is allowed to locate in their community. Statewide Organizing for Community eMpowerment (SOCM) has launched a counter campaign, “Let Our Communities Act Locally.” During an Oct. 14 webinar, participants heard from Tennessee residents battling efforts by corporate interests to circumvent the Jackson law and establish landfills and battling, as well, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s (TDEC) failure to enforce rules to prevent landfills from contributing to air and water pollution. “Some [government and corporate] entities are saying we’re in a [landfill shortage] crisis, and the local jurisdiction has created this crisis,” said Murfreesboro City Manager Darren Gore. “But the cause of the crisis is you’ve got people who don’t run landfills well and a regulatory agency that doesn’t regulate landfills well.”

If a corporation requests TDEC permitting for a landfill, in a county or municipality with the Jackson Law, the decision is deferred to the local governmental authority, explained Mac Nolan, Williamson County Solid Waste Director. Only if the local government gives the project a nod of approval does the TDEC permitting process begin. In counties and municipalities with no zoning that have not adopted the Jackson Law, the project moves forward with no input whatsoever from the community.

Murray County residents are battling a 1,300-acre landfill at a site located only 1,000 feet from the Duck River, the drinking water supply for many Murray countians. “The Jackson Law is the only protection we have to fight these things,” said resident Gayle Moore quoting the county mayor. “The Jackson Law is what is going to save us, we hope.”

“The area around the Middle Point Landfill looks like a moonscape,” said Gore commenting on an existing landfill in Rutherford County, the largest in the state. “Every bit of soil and clay has been extracted from around that landfill to provide cover for it.” Rutherford County is fighting two landfill battles, air and water pollution from Middle Point and efforts to locate another landfill next door.

Middle Point Landfill leaches runoff into the Stones River and emits noxious, foul smelling gas fumes containing PFAS, cancer causing synthetic “forever chemicals.” “When you can’t get TDEC even to investigate, you have to file a federal lawsuit,” Gore said. Results are pending.

In Rutherford County’s other battle, the local government sought to block creation of a landfill next door to Middle Point, arguing the Jackson Law adopted by the county government gave officials the right to review the project and reject it. TDEC countered the project was an “expansion,” and the Jackson Law did not apply. A court battle followed. “We were able to keep it from being expanded, but if the Jackson Law goes away, they will expand [Middle Point] into other properties around there,” said Rutherford County resident Candida Lane. “We will be the largest super dump on this side of the east coast.”

According to Gore, proponents of abolishing the Jackson Law argue Tennessee “is a state where we’ve been given too much local authority.”

SOCM offers a toolkit to aid communities who want to see the Jackson Law adopted in their county or municipality. Just over half of Tennessee’s 95 counties have adopted the Jackson Law, as well as several cities.

Monteagle passed the Jackson Law in May of 2023, giving the town authority to approve or block the creation or enlargement of landfills and solid waste processing facilities within one mile of the city limits. The counties Monteagle resides within do not need to adopt the law for Monteagle to enforce it [See Messenger, June 3, 2023].

SOCM Executive Director Austin Sauerbrei urged counties and municipalities that had adopted the Jackson Law to pass resolutions urging the state legislature not to abolish it.

“This is a local campaign,” White said. “It was named ‘Let Our Communities Act Locally’ because it’s going to be the local communities that are either going to protect themselves or wind up with things they might not want in their backyard.”

The LOCAL campaign is organized by local community groups, river conservancies, neighborhood organizations, solid waste managers, and elected officials working to preserve local control over landfill siting decisions. Coordinating organizations include SOCM, Sierra Club Tennessee and Rutherford Forward. Go to <https://linktr.ee/localcampaigntn; to get involved.

The University of the South announced today that plans for its long-planned employee apartments project have been approved by the University’s Board of Regents, marking a major step forward in addressing the need for quality, affordable housing for Sewanee employees and seminarians.

Following extensive due diligence and financial planning since the project was first discussed in 2024, the University will now move into the design and permitting phase, with civil engineering and related work set to resume immediately. Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2026, with completion targeted for the summer of 2027.

“This initiative represents an important investment in our people and our community,” says Vice-Chancellor Rob Pearigen. “Providing more opportunities for faculty and staff to live and thrive on the Domain strengthens both the University and the Sewanee community as a whole.”

The project will be funded through a combination of endowment investment and the sale of select University-owned rental homes to employees over the next five years. This funding model not only supports the construction of the new apartments but also provides employees with additional opportunities for homeownership and reduces the University’s long-term maintenance costs.

Expanding employee housing is a key priority of Sewanee’s strategic plan, Elevating Mind, Heart, and Place. By increasing the number of University-affiliated homes and apartments in Sewanee, the initiative seeks to reverse the decades-long trend of faculty and staff living farther from campus—fostering deeper connections among employees, students, and the wider community.

Additional details, including architectural renderings and construction timelines, will be shared as they become available.

Dear Sewanee Community:

This notice is to inform you of an upcoming obstruction removal project at the Franklin County Airport. The work will include tree trimming, tree removal, and selective clearing in the vicinity of Lake O’Donnell Road, US 41A, and Finney Lane, and along portions of the Mountain Goat Trail. Please be on the lookout for temporary road closures in this area. The Mountain Goat Trail between Airport Road and Hawkins Lane may be closed for several days.

This clearing work is a regular maintenance operation last done in this area approximately 10 years ago. The flight path leading to the airport must be maintained according to Federal Aviation Administration guidelines. The FAA and the Tennessee Department of Transportation have identified the trees that will need to be removed. WestCo Land Services, LLC will begin clearing the obstructions starting on Oct. 27, 2025. The work is expected to take approximately 40 days to complete.

We want to make all University personnel and University leaseholders aware that this project will be taking place during this period.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this project, please contact the Business Services Office at (931) 598-1133 or by email at <jldavis@sewanee.edu> for additional information.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we complete this project.

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

“There are programs we want to implement not just for the school system, but for our citizens, lifeline coordinators and recovery,” said Franklin County Mayor Chris Guess at the Oct. 13 meeting of the Franklin County School Board, explaining his request to transfer oversight for the Franklin County Prevention Coalition from the schools to county government. The county received a broadband grant for the portion of the Townsend building owned by the county. Part of the money funded repair of the gym roof. “The rest will go for programming,” Guess said. “The Prevention Coalition program already operates out of the part of the building owned by the county.”

Guess hopes the South Shepherd Street building will become a hub for “community services.” The building will continue to house the Townsend Cultural Center and Campora Family Resources Center. Broadband expansion, education, and telehealth are among the programs the county intends to implement with the grant money. “We started looking at that along with the function of the Drug Prevention Coalition. It’s cleaner and flows better if it’s all under one entity, county government,” Guess stressed. He expressed confidence in the financial security of the grant funded Prevention Coalition program. “That money is not going away, and even if it did, there is county Opioid Abatement money that will fund most of it.” In addition to increased emphasis on adult services, plans call for “accelerating” youth drug prevention programming. “For prevention for the young people, you have to go where the young people are, coordinating with the teachers and principals to deliver your programs. We need to do a better job of that.”

The board voted unanimously to transfer oversight of the Prevention Coalition to the county.

The board also approved amending the “Emergency Preparedness Plan” policy. The plan currently calls for all schools to conduct a fire drill every 30 days. Tennessee School Board Association recommendations call for fire drills every two months. The revised policy adopts the two-month standard.

The board discussed board member Erik Cole’s proposal to establish an Athletic Committee to develop programs, retain student athletes, foster community and alumni engagement, and increase college exposure. “The committee would have no special power. All it is allowed to do is make a recommendation,” Cole said. Board member Casey Roberts pointed out the 11-member committee proposed by Cole had only one woman representative. “I see a disproportionate amount of males,” Roberts said. “I’d like to see more female representation. [Women] might have a different perspective.” The board deferred voting on the proposal until Cole conferred with other suggested committee members about their willingness to participate.

The Land Trust for Tennessee has partnered with Jan and Ed Routon to permanently protect 15 acres of forest and stream along Jumpoff Creek in Marion County. The property sits just southeast of Sewanee, within the South Cumberland Plateau region, and features one of the area’s most striking natural landmarks: Jumpoff Falls.

The Routons’ land includes oak-hickory and pine forest and the meandering Jumpoff Creek, which drops nearly 90 feet in a series of falls before flowing into Jumpoff Cove Branch. The protection of this land helps maintain forest habitat and water quality in a region known for its steep slopes, clean streams, and scenic bluffs.

“We want to ensure that the whole of this unique and unspoiled property remains ‘magical’ and is not destroyed by subdividing, overdevelopment, or forest clearing,” said Jan and Ed Routon in a statement. “We want to pass the property along to future owners who, like us, want to enjoy the special beauty of this natural area.”

The property has long been admired locally for its history and geology. Jumpoff Falls and nearby Jumpoff Rock overlook Jumpoff Cove, a site once referenced by Mark Twain in “Life on the Mississippi” when writing about 19th-century bandit John Murrell. The land also holds traces of early settlements, a Civil War-era homestead, and a small exploratory coal mine believed to date back more than a century.

“The Routons’ decision to protect this remarkable piece of the Cumberland Plateau ensures that its forest, waterfall, and stories will remain part of Tennessee’s landscape forever,” said Emily Parish, Vice President at The Land Trust for Tennessee. “Their commitment helps keep this region’s natural and cultural history intact for future generations.”

The conservation easement allows the Routons to continue using the property for recreation and as a family retreat, while ensuring that its forest and stream remain protected from subdivision or intensive development in perpetuity.

The Land Trust for Tennessee will continue to visit the property annually to ensure its forest and stream remain protected in the years ahead.

The Land Trust for Tennessee is a nonprofit conservation organization working statewide to protect land important to the people of Tennessee. From family farms and historic landscapes to public parks and forests, the work of The Land Trust has a lasting impact on people and places from Memphis to Mountain City. The organization has conserved over 137,000 acres of land since its founding in 1999, and is recognized for meeting the highest standards for excellence and conservation permanence. Learn more at <https://www.landtrusttn.org>;.

Congratulations to Kat Carpenter, semifinalist, and Micah Moody, commended scholar, on their National Merit recognition. “More than 1.3 million juniors entered the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2024 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which served as an initial screen of program entrants," according to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Representing less than 1 percent of seniors nationwide, semifinalists are chosen from the highest scorers in each state and have the opportunity to continue in the competition. Commended scholars, although not able to continue in the competition, placed among the top 50,000 students from across the U.S. and are recognized for “exceptional academic promise.”

“We are incredibly proud of these outstanding students,” said Karl Sjolund, Head of School. “Being recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program — whether as a Semifinalist or a Commended Scholar — is a reflection of years of hard work, intellectual curiosity, and a genuine love of learning. These honors celebrate not only their individual achievements but also the strength of their families and our academic community that supports and inspires them.”

After receiving submissions from across the South Cumberland Region, three talented vocalists have been selected as finalists for Christmas in The Caverns: Symphony & Sing Off. Louise Block, a student at Sewanee, Julie Nickell from Tracy City, and Rachel Swerske from Monteagle will perform live with the Sewanee Symphony Orchestra during the free community holiday concert on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, in The Caverns’ underground concert hall.

Free tickets for the concert are available to residents of the South Cumberland region at

https://www.thecaverns.com/

. Doors open at 6 p.m. CT, and the concert begins at 7 p.m. CT. Seating is limited, and RSVP is required.

In addition to performing with the Sewanee Symphony Orchestra, all three singers will compete for prizes, including cash awards of $1,000, $500, or $250, along with concert tickets, merchandise, and a professional video of their performance. A panel of judges at the event will determine first, second, and third place among the finalists, while the audience will select a crowd favorite, who will also receive a special package of goods and services donated by local and regional businesses.

This special evening offers a rare opportunity to experience live orchestral holiday music deep underground while celebrating the region’s finest local singers.

Christmas in The Caverns: Symphony & Sing Off is presented in partnership by The Caverns, the University of the South, and the South Cumberland Community Fund.