Tennessee Craft–South invites the public to the 2025 Artists’ Holiday Tour 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 7, in Sewanee, Monteagle, Wartrace, and Bell Buckle.

Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, Tennessee Craft–South is the regional chapter of Tennessee Craft, a statewide organization dedicated to supporting and promoting handmade arts and crafts throughout Tennessee.

During the weekend, visitors can explore studios and galleries featuring the work of local and regional artists in a wide variety of media, including textiles, sculpture, jewelry, pottery, painting, metalwork, and woodwork.

Sewanee stops include the studios of Judith Condon, Pippa Browne, Diane Getty, Ben Potter, Claire Reishman, and Merissa Tobler, along with the American Legion Hall, the Spencer Room at St. Andrew’s–Sewanee School, and Frame Gallery Gifts and Art.

In Monteagle, open studios and galleries include those of Cheryl Lankhaar, Jim ClenDening, Linda Kerlin, Terrie Ponder Watch, and The Gallery at Monteagle Assembly. In Bell Buckle, Sherri Warner Hunter will open her studio, and the Wartrace Emporium in nearby Wartrace will also participate. Light refreshments will be available at most locations.

A group exhibition of work by Tennessee Craft–South members, SAS faculty, and students will once again be featured in the St. Andrew’s–Sewanee Art Gallery, located in the Simmonds Building at St. Andrew’s–Sewanee School. The exhibition opens on November 3 and is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.., and will also be open to visitors during the Holiday Studio Tour.

The Empty Tables Project returns this year at the American Legion Hall in Sewanee. This artist-led initiative, sponsored by Tennessee Craft–South, supports the Community Action Committee, Grundy County Food Bank, and Morton Memorial Church by raising awareness about local hunger. Participating artists donate artwork in exchange for contributions, with all proceeds used to purchase food for those in need.

This year’s 2025 Artists’ Holiday Studio Tour sponsors are: Artisan Depot, Big A Marketing, Blue Chair, Cardinal Lake Pottery, Eco E-Bikes, First Choice Storage, Full Circle Candle/Hallelujah Pottery, Frame Gallery Gifts and Art, The Lemon Fair, LUNCH, Montee Tailored Smiles, Mooney’s Market & Emporium, Mountain Goat Market, Phil Ponder Prints, John Runkle Architects, Sewanee Realty LLC, Shull Chiropractic Clinic, PLLC, Sublime Haven, and Woody’s Bicycles.

Bright yellow signs will mark the tour route, and maps are available at all tour and sponsor locations, in the Sewanee Mountain Messenger, and online at <tennesseecraft.org/members/chapters/south>.

Tennessee Craft–South is an active and engaged chapter of Tennessee Craft. South members have year-round opportunities to gather, network, exhibit, and sell work.

In just a few weeks, it will be Christmas. While many are already planning about gifts to buy and food to eat, there are those not so fortunate. In our area, there are children who may not get presents and families that may not have an abundant holiday meal.

Operation Noel is a group that was formed many years ago by Fire Chief David Green to provide help for families in need. They provide food and/or toys during the Christmas season. Local volunteers organize the purchasing and distribution of goods.

To be eligible, everyone must fill out an application. Every family needs to fill out a new application whether you have received from us before or not. An application will ensure that we have all the pertinent information so we can provide for everyone in need.

The deadline for returning applications is Friday, Dec. 12. Families eligible for Chief David Green’s Operation Noel must live on top of Sewanee Mountain in the following communities: Sewanee, Midway, Jump Off and on Sherwood Road.

To donate money, nonperishable food items or new toys, please take items to the Sewanee Police Department located behind duPont Library, Print Services located in the old Beta House, or the CAC located at St. Mark and St. Paul (formerly Otey Memorial Parish). Checks may also be mailed to Sewanee Operation Noel, 138 Lake O’Donnell Rd., Sewanee, TN 37375. Please donate by Monday, Dec. 15.

Food and toys will be available for pickup in the large parking lot beside Cravens Hall, 435 Kentucky Ave., on Saturday, Dec. 20 from 9–11 a.m. Volunteers will be there to assist in loading of the items. Food and toys will not be delivered. You have to pick up your order. No one else may pick it up for you.

If you have any questions, please call (931) 598-0040 and leave a message, or call (931) 308-6534.

Empty Tables seeks local artists to donate pieces for its booth at the upcoming annual Tennessee Craft South Holiday Studio Tour Dec. 6-7.

The studio tour is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST on Saturday, Dec. 6, and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 7. Empty Tables will be at Sewanee’s American Legion Hall.

Empty Tables, launched by Claire Reischman on behalf of Tennessee Craft South five years ago, shares all proceeds with organizations that address food insecurity on the South Cumberland Plateau. Funds raised this year will be distributed to the Grundy County Food Bank in Coalmont, the Community Action Committee in Sewanee, and Morton Memorial United Methodist Church in Monteagle.

Artists interested in donating pieces to the Empty Tables Project should contact Lee Limbird by text/phone (615) 630-9196 or <llimbird95@gmail.com>. Set-up will begin at 4 p.m., Friday, Dec. 5, at the American Legion Hall, Sewanee, but arrangements can be made to pick up art in advance. To see all the studios on tour, and a map for the entire event, go to <https://tennesseecraft.org/members/chapters/south/>.

Vivid and inspiring creative work fills the SAS Gallery in the 2025 TN-Craft Holiday Tour Exhibition. Running through Dec. 7, 2025, the show provides a broad sampling of the pieces to be found in the 2025 TN-Craft South Studio Tour on Dec. 6-7, 2025.

The annual exhibition features works by TN-Craft South member artists and SAS faculty and staff. This year’s show features textiles, ceramics, sculpture, photography, painting, and more. The 2025 Holiday Tour exhibition was juried by fiber artist and storyteller Zak Foster. Works by artists Merissa Tobler, Diane Getty, and Linda Kerlin were chosen for awards of merit.

During the weekend of the studio tour, Dec. 6-7, SAS students and community members will join the celebration by offering their ceramics, jewelry, textiles, and original artwork for sale. All can be found in the classroom adjoining the SAS Gallery.

The SAS Art Gallery and all of the Holiday Studio Tour locations will be open to the public on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 7, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.

The detailed map will guide you to the SAS Art Gallery and other tour locations. Hard-copy maps are available in the SAS Gallery. Follow the bright yellow signs across the mountain to see the unique variety of artists and artwork on the tour.

The SAS Art Gallery is located in the center of the Simmonds Building on the St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School campus at 290 Quintard Rd., Sewanee. Follow signs to the Academic Complex/Gallery. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and by appointment. Contact Gallery Director Kinion Asmus at <sasgallery@sasweb.org> for more information.

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

At the Nov. 18 meeting of the Sewanee Utility District board of commissioner, the board approved a 2026 budget calling for an increase of 2 percent in the base rate and usage charges for water and sewer. The rate increase will cover operating expenses, but not critical capital improvement needs. “The proposed net income will be insufficient to fund all of the proposed Capital Improvement Plan for the coming year,” said SUD Manager Ben Beavers. “A decision will have to be made to borrow funds to close the gap, use current District cash reserves, or to modify and/or delay some of the proposed projects until a later date.” Beavers provided an overview of the cost increases driving the rate increase and the priority capital improvement demands confronting the utility.

The expense budget reflects an 8 percent increase in health care costs and a 2.8 percent cost of living increase for SUD employees, matching the 2026 Social Security cost of living increase. Also on the operating expense side, the cost of lab chemicals used for testing samples has increased, Beavers noted.

After operating expenses are met will leave SUD with $17,210 to pay for necessary capital improvements estimated to cost $739,637. The list of critical capital improvements includes SUD’s share of the cost for American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) projects currently underway; painting the farm water tank; purchase of a new service truck; and rehabilitation of the Bob Stewman Road pump station. “Painting the farm tanks is the biggest chunk of the capital improvements needed,” Beavers said, cost $450,000. “Most everything else can be put off one year, but the farm tank painting shouldn’t be.” Beavers explained delaying painting the tank could result in rust with costly repairs adding to the expense. Beavers is researching grants to cover the cost of painting the tank.

Beavers said the capital improvements could be paid for out of cash reserves, but cautioned that depreciation rules would require SUD to show the replacement cost of ARPA projects as expenses beginning in 2027. Asked about the grinder pump fee SUD began charging grinder pump customers in January of 2025, Beavers said the revenue from the fee only covered 60 percent of grinder-pump repair and replacement costs this past year.

Except for the base rate and usage charge, no other SUD fees will increase in 2026. In June of 2025, SUD contracted for the firm RateStudies to analyze the utilities growth, revenue, and the amount of cash needed for operation, maintenance, debt service, funding of capital improvements, and maintaining a reasonable amount for cash reserves. Beavers will provide RateStudies with the 2026 budget data.

In other business, the board approved a request for water service from Merchant Management Group, Inc., for 22 lots in the Deep Woods development, with a projected peak demand of 6,615 gallons per day. Commissioner Clay Yeatman asked if SUD was required to provide water service. Beavers replied, “Yes, unless we can prove we don’t have the water available.” The infrastructure cost falls entirely to the developer. After one-year warranty period, SUD assumes ownership of the new infrastructure.

In the past few years, SUD received applications for and granted water service to a project for University apartments and for a development in the vicinity of St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School. “Those applications are no longer valid,” Beavers said. “One year is the policy on availability.” Board President Charlie Smith asked what the demands would be on SUD’s water supply if all the stalled projects again requested water service. “Running out of water is still roughly 1,000 units away,” Beavers said. “Last time we had a study done it showed 1,200 units and I don’t think we’ve added 200 since.”

The commissioner seats currently held by Johnny Hughes and Donnie McBee will come open for election in January. McBee will seek reelection. Hughes will not. SUD customers Ronnie Hoosier and Phil White have expressed an interest in being added to the slate of candidates. In December, the board will nominate an official slate. Voting will begin the first business day of 2026 at the SUD office during regular business hours.

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

Jurors recently selected the Sewanee restaurants Judith and LUNCH for inclusion in the 2025 MICHELIN Guide to the American South. At a Nov. 3 ceremony at the Peace Center in Greenville, S.C., Michelin revealed the names of the 228 honorees, selected from restaurants in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Tennessee claimed 36 celebrity restaurants with 20 of those from Nashville, making the significance of the accolade earned by Judith and LUNCH all the more impressive. In addition to bringing fame to Sewanee, Judith and LUNCH share another distinction: origin stories that hark back to Sewanee long before Judith’s Julia Sullivan and LUNCH’s Mallory Tubbs ever dreamed of hanging out a shingle there.

Michelin inspectors base their recommendations on anonymous visits. Neither Tubbs or Sullivan were aware their restaurants had attracted attention of the Michelin inspectors until receiving email invitations to the Nov. 3 ceremony. “Being invited indicated to us we were included in some something,” Tubbs said. “It was shocking and exciting.” “It was amazing to be considered and visited by them,” Sullivan said. “For a destination restaurant in a destination like Sewanee, it’s really cool to be included in a guide like that.” Sullivan determined investigators visited Judith at least twice because the menu selections mentioned in the Michelin listing were from two different seasons.

Tubbs graduated from Sewanee as an environmental studies major in 2015. “I loved cooking since I was a young child,” Tubbs said. “That was my passion and what I wanted to do as a career. Being an environmental studies major, I made a lot of connections between sustainable agriculture, food traditions, and food anthropology. My major was really informative to my food ethic and approach to cooking and sourcing from local farmers.”

During a Sewanee summer break, Tubbs worked in a kitchen at a ranch in Wyoming and after graduation returned to the ranch as head chef for two years. Her food career took her to kitchens in Washington, D.C., and a few years later to Nashville, where she and her husband Trapp Tubbs, also a Sewanee grad, started a catering business, Hen of the Woods. A favorite venue was selling prepared foods at the East Nashville Farmers Market. “I found a sense of community by having a booth at the farmers market,” Mallory said. “During COVID, just like everyone, I felted limited in terms of my interaction and lacking community. I was inspired to move back to Sewanee in search of more of that small community and to make a difference in a small place and support local farmers.”

LUNCH opened in February of 2023. The “flexible” constantly changing menu is based on what’s available from the more than 20 local farms in LUNCH’s stable. “I plan our menu on a weekly basis,” Mallory said. “That allows us to be flexible and be ready for whatever proteins and produce farmers have an abundance of.” The week the Messenger spoke with LUNCH, the menu featured cabbage soup with lamb meatballs, with lamb from two local farms, and lots of vegetables.

Born and raised in Nashville, Sullivan credits studying abroad with spawning her interest in food. After graduating from Tulane University, the Culinary Institute of America in New York City became Sullivan’s destination. After nine years in New York working at several Michelin starred restaurants, Sullivan decided to move home. “I always wanted to open a place and do it in Nashville,” she said. Henrietta Red, an oyster bar also specializing in woodfire seafood and vegetables, soon garnered fame, named one of America’s 50 Best New Restaurants by Bon Appetit in 2017 and one of GQ Magazine’s Best New Restaurants in America 2018. Forty-nine weeks of meal delivery during COVID taught Sullivan, “I did not want to run a catering business.”

“I was waiting for the next thing, I wasn’t even sure it was going to be a restaurant,” Sullivan said. “A friend of mine sent me a listing for that building. I brushed it aside for six months, then she sent it again in February of 2024.” ‘That building’ was the former Steam Laundry and most recently home to the French restaurant Lumière. Sullivan’s father, a 1969 alum, linked her to Sewanee along with childhood visits to her father’s favorite professor and her godfather, author Andrew Lytle. Still, the remoteness of Sewanee troubled Sullivan, and she found herself asking, “Where is a person even going to live up there.” The precision and artistry of gourmet cuisine is what Sullivan knows and what she likes to cook, and a visit convinced her that was what the community wanted, “something that was elevated and very good quality but not unapproachable or inaccessible.” Judith opened in November 2024. The restaurant bills itself as “an American Tavern.” Illustrative is a favorite autumn entrée, a hanger steak with sweet potato, caramelized shallots, caramelized onion puree and hazelnuts.

Sullivan credits the first woman to matriculate from Sewanee, Judith Ward Lineback, with lending the establishment its name. After contacting Lineback to ask permission to name Judith after her, Sullivan later learned Lineback’s brother Tom Ward, former University Chaplain, had baptized her in a Nashville church decades before. “It feels very synchronistic,” Sullivan observed.

For both Sullivan and Tubbs, their Sewanee restaurants speak of coming home. Asked why she chose to open a restaurant focusing on breakfast and lunch, Tubbs said, “I wanted to open something that would be sustainable for me long term and allow me to accomplish other goals in life like having a family and being able to spend time with loved ones while staying passionate about and happy with my career.” Still the majority owner and chef partner of Henrietta Red, Sullivan splits her time between Nashville and Sewanee. “It’s really nice to get up and go for a hike, then go to work, and come home and go to bed instead of dealing with Nashville traffic,” Sullivan insisted.

LUNCH, located at 24 University Ave., is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday and also serves a monthly dinner with tickets available on the website. The next LUNCH dinner is Dec. 13. Judith, located at 36 Ballpark Rd., is open 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday through Monday. The Michelin sleuths got it right! Pay LUNCH and Judith a visit. You’ll be glad you did.

On Friday, Dec. 5, members of the Sewanee community and beyond are invited to join in the Greening of All Saints’ Chapel in preparation for the 66th annual Festival of Lessons and Carols, which takes place Dec. 6 and 7.

Greening of the Chapel begins at 9 a.m. All levels of experience are welcomed and very much needed. Bring any treasures from your garden, which can be used to decorate wreaths and garlands. Food and beverages will be supplied throughout the day which are provided by the Chapel. Come anytime and stay as long as your schedule allows.

Directing the days’ activities is guided by Ken Taylor of Taylor’s Mercantile. He started volunteering for the flower guild, which is part of St. Augustine’s Guild at All Saints’ Chapel, in 1982, He volunteered for a couple of years when the members of the Guild said, “why don’t you let us help you,” Ken said. He has been in charge of the Greening since, going on for 40 years now.

Taylor is known for his hands-on artistry, transforming ordinary objects into beautiful decorations. For example, he created the signature Gingko rose from leaves collected in his mother’s yard, a unique touch that now adorns every decoration in the Chapel during Lessons and Carols.

Reflecting on his lifelong love of gardening, Taylor recalls, “When I was growing up, I loved to garden and play around with flowers and greenery. I would pick weeds and make bouquets out of them.” His passion and generosity have helped the Greening grow into a beloved event, with 100–150 people now gathering each year to decorate the Chapel.

He continues to volunteer his time for this annual event because “it is the right thing to do for the community. The community makes Taylor’s my favorite part of being in business. You get to share good news with people, such as their weddings or other special occasions,” said Taylor.

“And, we always hear how we have made their day special,” he said.

Taylor said people start looking for items to use to decorate the Chapel in the fall, like dried hydrangea blooms, seed pods and nandina berries. Folks will add magnolia, pine clippings, laurel, holly, hemlock and other evergreen trimmings. Facilities Management rakes up the fallen Gingko leaves on campus, and the University Forestry Department brings in an additional two trailer loads of greenery. Taylor’s Mercantile adds poinsettias.

Team leaders help volunteers with the day’s activities to create wreaths and garlands to adorn windows, altars, lecterns, rails, columns and other parts of the church, including two wreaths each for the 14 sets of doors, and the pillars in the church. The festivities also include an Advent wreath for the large steel ring that sits overhead, and the Gingko roses. Taylor and his wife, Lynn, wait until the last minute to decorate the lectern and pulpit with fresh flowers and greenery themselves.

The Greening of the Chapel has become a tradition for many — many expressing that it begins, for them, the Advent season.

“I love doing it and I love that the community is involved,” Taylor said. “Members of flower guilds as far as Mobile, Ala., have come to help and learn how to do these decorations at their church.”

There will be a tour of the decorations for Lessons and Carols at 1:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 7. Meet Ken Taylor in the narthex of All Saints’ Chapel. — reported by K.G. Beavers

The Monteagle Christmas Tree Trail returns this year, and will be located in the Monteagle Greenway between Main Street and College Street. Anyone who wants to decorate a tree for the tree trail may sign up to do so. There is no fee to participate. Sign up forms are available at Monteagle Town Hall, 16 Dixie Lee Ave., Monteagle, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on the town website <www.townofmonteagle-tn.com> under “Mayor’s Memos.”

Last day to register is Tuesday, Nov. 18. Trees must be decorated and delivered by Monday, Nov. 24. There will be a “Lighting of the Christmas Trees” on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 29, at 5:30 p.m. A $100 cash prize for the Best Decorated Tree will be awarded. Winner must be present to win. You must provide your own: tree, live or artificial; one outdoor extension cord; LED lights on the tree; a sturdy tree stand. Town staff will stake each tree securely into the ground.

For more information contact the Monteagle Town Hall at (931) 924-2265.

The Community Action Committee aims to provide 100 Thanksgiving Food Boxes to our neighbors in need this season, and we need your help to make it happen. Use the shopping list below to purchase the needed items to assemble food boxes. If you would like, please include a $25 donation with your food items to help purchase turkey and rolls.

Shopping List: Stuffing mix (one box); green beans (two cans); yams (two cans); cream style corn (two cans); instant mashed potatoes (one box); fruit cocktail (two cans); gravy (one jar); cranberry sauce (one can); shelf stable pie crust (one crust); pie filling (one can); hot chocolate packets (one box).

Please deliver food items to the CAC by Monday, Nov. 17, located at 216 University Ave., Sewanee. Monetary donations accepted at Community Action Committee, PO Box 267, Sewanee, TN 37375. Volunteers are welcome.

Editor’s Note: The Piggly Wiggly in Monteagle has a table set up in the front of the store with these items already bagged and ready for purchase at $30 plus tax, for the CAC or the Morton Memorial Food Ministry.

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

“Franklin County schools removed 58 books from their libraries. This was not in response to complaints from parents or the community, but because of a fear of being in compliance with Tennessee state law,” explained Christina Soontornvat, Franklin County resident and children’s books author, at the Nov. 10 Franklin County School Board meeting. Soontornvat learned about the books being removed from an article in The Tennessean and spoke with school librarians who, by board policy, have the authority to remove books from the library shelves, unless challenged by the board. Clarification of the Library Materials policy was among the policy changes subsequently voted on at the meeting.

The Tennessee legislature recently amended the Age Appropriate Materials Act, Soontornvat said. The law’s language prohibits schools from having any books that have sexual content, nudity, or excess violence. “It really hard to determine what that is,” Soontornvat insisted. “This language could even apply to books like the Bible. In Franklin County a librarian took out any art history books because she was afraid there would be nudity in those books.” Other counties removed large numbers of books from the shelves, as well: Knox County 49, Rutherford County 150, Monroe County 574. According to Soontornvat, the Wilson County High School principal advised his teachers, “Get rid of your classroom libraries. We don’t want you to run afoul of the law.”

Human Resources Supervisor Roger Alsup observed many of the books “quarantined” in Franklin County were the same books removed by other school districts. Alsup stressed the books were taken from the shelves, not discarded, in the event the law changed and the books could be returned to circulation. “We spent a lot of money on these books,” Alsup pointed out.

“There has been some miscommunication in that you had some schools calling it a ‘quarantine,’ but reporters deemed it a ‘ban,’” said Director of Schools Cary Holman. “The books were not discarded. They are still on site.”

The 58 titles removed from the Franklin County School library shelves include “Ancient Egypt;” “Ancient Rome;” “Ancient Greece;” “Greek Mythology;” “An Introduction to Drawing for Kids;” “13 Artists Children Should Know;” “Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You;” “Five, Six, Seven, Nate!,” a novel about a teenage boy who wants to star in a Broadway show; “You Should See Me in a Crown” named by TIME magazine one of the best 100 young adult books of all time about a Midwestern teenage girl who feels “too black, too poor, and too awkward;” and “The Moon Within,” a coming of age novel for girls written in verse.

Soontornvat appealed to the board to contact state legislators and urge them to realize, “You’re making it hard to spread the love of reading.” The legislature will revisit the Age Appropriate Materials Act in 2026. Soontornvat also asked the board to publish the list of removed books.

In response to a recommendation by Board Vice Chair Lance Williams, the list will be linked to the Board Docs webpage.

Alsup expects going forward only one or two titles will be removed each year, if any. “They [librarians] now know to look at those books [for controversial material] prior to even ordering them,” he said.

The amended Library Materials policy approved by the board stipulates the list of removed books must include the reason for removing a book.

Taking up other policy decisions, the board opted for adopting a highly detailed version of the amended School District Goals policy. Board members Sarah Marhevsky and Caycee Roberts thanked Alsup for incorporating the suggestions made at a recent board workshop. Speaking in favor of the more detailed policy, Holman emphasized having detailed policy was a useful tool in grant writing. “The more you can show the alignment to your district goals [by having detailed policy], you have a greater evidential piece to support that grant.”

The amended Compensation policy approved by the board provides for a “deceased teacher’s estate or designated beneficiary [to] be paid 50 percent of [the teacher’s] daily rate at the time of death for any unused accumulated leave.” A recent change in state law made it possible for the board to compensate deceased teachers’ beneficiaries, Williams said. He expressed regret that the provision was not “retroactive.”

In the update on projects, Holman reported the field house at the Franklin County Annex would be “revitalized” and the bathrooms at the annex field would be relocated to the former visitor concession stand.

In January 2026, the Sewanee Utility District of Franklin and Marion Counties customers will elect two commissioners for four-year terms. Commissioner Donnie McBee will seek reelection. Commissioner Johnny Hughes will not seek reelection. All SUD customers are eligible to serve on the board. Customers wishing to be added to the ballot should contact a commissioner or phone the SUD office. The deadline for application is 5 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 16. The SUD board will approve a slate of nominees at the December meeting. Voting will begin at 8 a.m., Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, at the SUD office during regular business hours and continue until 4 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2025. Final selection will be by the vote of SUD customers.

Wednesday, November 12, 2025 | 08:35am

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) announced today that the department will begin processing partial SNAP payments, following updated guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service to issue 65% of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November 2025. If directed, upon the reopening of the federal government, TDHS will work quickly with USDA to process remaining benefits for SNAP customers.

SNAP customers who were originally scheduled to receive their benefits between November 1–12 will begin to see benefits on November 12th. SNAP customers scheduled to receive SNAP benefits after November 12th can expect to receive their partial November SNAP benefit payment on their regularly scheduled date.

Tennessee SNAP recipients can use the One DHS Customer Portal to view the latest case details at https://onedhs.tn.gov/csp.

SNAP customers can also use the ebtEDGE app or Cardholder Portal to check their benefit amounts by visiting https://www.fisglobal.com/ebtedgemobile to download the app or log into the Cardholder Portal at https://www.ebtedge.com/gov/portal/PortalHome.do.

For continued updates and additional information, customers are encouraged to visit the TDHS website here: https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/federal-shutdown.html.

ABOUT THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES (TDHS)

The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) consists of multiple divisions with a unified mission to strengthen Tennessee by strengthening Tennesseans. Led by governor-appointed Commissioner Clarence H. Carter, TDHS serves nearly two million Tennesseans to ensure that all state residents have an opportunity to reach their full potential as contributing members of their community. Among the many services and programs provided by TDHS, some of the leading programs include the Child Support Program, Child and Adult Day Services and Licensing, Families First (the state’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Rehabilitation Services for people with disabilities, and Adult Protective Services, along with many others. TDHS is an organization committed to connecting people with resources that help individuals, families and communities with the support they need to overcome any social, economic and developmental vulnerabilities. For more information, please visit: Tennessee Department of Human Services.

Wednesday, November 05, 2025 | 08:03pm

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – On Tuesday, November 4, a rockslide occurred on I-24 West near mile marker 137, resulting in lane closures. TDOT crews responded quickly to assess the site, clear debris, and reopen travel lanes. While the middle and left lanes were restored, the right lane remained closed due to unstable rock that remained on the mountain.

Crews monitored conditions overnight, and today, it was determined that additional rockfall mitigation measures are necessary.

A contractor will need to install stronger concrete barriers and remove the remaining compromised rock. Beginning tomorrow, November 6, at 7:30 a.m. local time, I-24 West will be reduced to one lane for several hours to complete barrier installation. Afterward, the roadway will be reopened to two lanes, while crews work in the right lane and outside shoulder to perform the necessary scaling work. During this operation, rolling roadblocks may be used as needed, depending on site conditions.

Once the slope is deemed stable, TDOT Geotechnical engineers will design a permanent repair solution. The right lane will remain closed until that permanent repair is in place.

TDOT remains focused on safety and efficiency, aiming to restore full access as quickly as possible. Drivers should expect delays and use caution in the work zone. This work is weather-dependent and may be rescheduled in case of inclement weather or other unforeseen conditions.

As always, motorists are reminded to use TDOT’s motorist information tools and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before departure. Drivers should never tweet, text, or use their phone while driving. For the latest updates, visit the TDOT SmartWay Map or dial 511 for statewide travel information.

Tennessee’s Move Over Law requires drivers to move over for highway workers and emergency vehicles. Violation of this law can result in up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.

Prestigious Culinary Guide Expands to the South for the First Time
Thursday, November 06, 2025 | 08:25am

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Nov. 3, 2025) – 36 Tennessee restaurants have been recognized in the first-ever MICHELIN Guide American South, marking a milestone moment for the state’s culinary scene. The globally renowned guide debuted tonight in Greenville, South Carolina, honoring chefs and restaurants that define the South’s distinctive flavors and creativity.

“This is a proud moment for Tennessee, our cities and for the entire South,” said Mark Ezell, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. “Our state is rooted in tradition, community and celebrated for its world-class hospitality. Every meal here tells a story. We’re honored to celebrate the talented chefs and restaurants behind these experiences as part of the first MICHELIN Guide American South.”

Tennessee restaurants recognized in the MICHELIN Guide American South:

One MICHELIN Star (3)

• Bastion (Nashville)
• The Catbird Seat (Nashville)
• Locust (Nashville)

MICHELIN Green Star (1)

• January (Franklin)

Bib Gourmand (9)

• Hog & Hominy (Memphis)
• Kisser (Nashville)
• Little Coyote (Chattanooga)
• Peninsula (Nashville)
• Redheaded Stranger (Nashville)
• Sho Pizza Bar (Nashville)
• S.S. Gai (Nashville)
• St. Vito (Nashville)
• Uzbegim (Nashville)

MICHELIN Special Award: Sommelier (1)

• Bad Idea (Nashville)

Recommended Restaurants (24)

• Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen (Memphis)
• Arnold’s Country Kitchen (Nashville)
• Audrey (Nashville)
• Bad Idea (Nashville)
• Café Roze (Nashville)
• Easy Bistro (Chattanooga)
• Felicia Suzanne’s (Memphis)
• Folk (Nashville)
• Hattie B’s Hot Chicken (Nashville)
• iggy’s (Nashville)
• International Market (Nashvile)
• January (Franklin)
• J.C. Holdway (Knoxville)
• Judith (Sewanee)
• Lunch (Sewanee)
• Main Street Meats (Chattanooga)
• Petals of a Peony (Cordova)
• Potchke (Knoxville)
• Rolf & Daughters (Nashville)
• Shotgun Willie’s (Madison)
• Tailor (Nashville)
• The Lobbyist (Memphis)
• The Restaurant at RT Lodge (Maryville)
• The Rosecomb (Chattanooga)

Tennessee is one of six states included in the MICHELIN Guide American South, a first-of-its-kind regional edition made possible through a collaborative partnership between Travel South USA, the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development(TDTD), destination marketing organizations across Tennessee and participating states including Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina, along with the pre-existing Atlanta Guide. Together, these partners helped bring the globally recognized MICHELIN Guide to the South, spotlighting the region’s flavors and culinary innovation on an international stage.

About the MICHELIN Guide

Recognized globally for excellence and quality, the MICHELIN Guide offers a selection of world-class restaurants.

• The famous one, two and three MICHELIN Stars identify establishments serving exceptional cuisine that’s rich in flavor, remarkably executed and infused with the personality of a talented chef.
• The Bib Gourmand is a designation given to select restaurants that offer good quality food for a good value – often known as personal favorites among the inspectors when dining on their own time.
• The MICHELIN Green Star honors restaurants that are pioneers in sustainable practices.
• Recommended restaurants and special professional awards are also highlighted by the MICHELIN Guide inspectors.

The MICHELIN Guide remains a reliable companion for any traveler seeking an unforgettable meal and hospitality experience. The Guide was first published in France at the turn of the 20th century to encourage the development of car mobility as well as tire sales by giving practical advice to motorists. Progressively, the Guide has specialized in restaurant and hotel recommendations. Michelin’s inspectors still use the same criteria and manner of selection that were used by the inspectors in the very beginning.

Thanks to the rigorous MICHELIN Guide selection process that is applied independently and consistently in more than 45 destinations, the MICHELIN Guide has become an international benchmark in fine dining.

All restaurants in the Guide are recommended by Michelin’s anonymous inspectors, who are trained to apply the same time-tested methods used by Michelin inspectors for many decades throughout the world. This ensures a uniform, international standard of excellence. As a further guarantee of complete objectivity, Michelin inspectors pay all their bills in full, and only the quality of the cuisine is evaluated.

To fully assess the quality of a restaurant, the inspectors apply five criteria defined by Michelin: product quality; mastery of cooking techniques; harmony of flavors; the personality of the chef as reflected in the cuisine; and consistency over time and across the entire menu. These criteria guarantee a consistent and fair selection so a Starred restaurant has the same value regardless of whether it is in Paris, New York or anywhere else in the world.

Learn more about the MICHELIN Guide by visiting guide.michelin.com.

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

Answer: “Without the painted tiger snail, we probably wouldn’t have a park,” Head of Crow Park Manager Bill Loewer told members and guests at the Nov. 3 Sewanee Civic Association dinner meeting. The Tennessee General Assembly has allocated $25 million dollars to the new park, designated as separate from the South Cumberland park system just over a year ago. The painted tiger snail is only found in a limited 10-mile radius within the park. Loewer shared highlights of the park’s features and plans for the four natural areas, Buggytop Cave, the Natural Bridge, Hawkins Cove, and the Sherwood Forest. “Building the park is going to be a long process,” Loewer acknowledged. “We have 20 years of trail construction ahead of us, 10 years to have all the parking lots and picnic areas finished, and five years for the visitors center to be fully operational.”

The challenges of managing a large park prompted the division of South Cumberland State Park into three parks, Savage Gulf, Head of the Crow, and Fiery Gizzard, Loewer explained. “South Cumberland as a park is no more. This is the South Cumberland area of parks now.” The park service is acquiring land to connect the four natural areas in Head of the Crow. Plans also call for trails connecting Crow to trail systems in the Franklin Forest and on the Domain — 45,000-acres combined, offering a two-week backpacking trip adventure. Connecting to the Mountain Goat Trail is also a possibility. The new Sewanee Welcome Center, the official Sewanee trailhead for the Mountain Goat, will serve as the Crow visitor center until a facility is constructed.

“The geology and terrain are the biggest challenges to trail building,” Loewer said. “We can construct 15 feet of trail on a good day.” Watch the Messenger for opportunities to volunteer to help with trail building.

A new trail to Buggy Top Cave will create a loop, with the new segment cutting the elevation gain in half, making for a less demanding hiking experience. The 80’ by 100’ cave entrance is one of the largest in the nation. The name of the water course in Lost Cove changes from Lost Creek to Crow Creek when it exits Buggy Top Cave, thus the park’s name, Head of the Crow. Caves are also a prominent feature in the Pack Hollow area of the park, with more than a dozen on record, according to Loewer. Park caves are closed Sept. 1 to April 30 to accommodate bat hibernation.

Another outstanding feature of the park are the trail overlooks. From one, Shelbyville is visible on a clear day. From another overlook, hikers can see the Tennessee River in Alabama. The park service embraces three goals: to conserve both the culture and pristine natural beauty of the parks; to increase resource-based recreation to stimulate stewardship and appreciation of the parks to help the park service protect them; and to help build up the rural areas of the state. “We want to conserve this property and manage it as close to natural as possible,” Loewer said. “None of us know exactly what this would have been like 200-plus years ago. We don’t know what the cultures were that were here then, but we know they left behind, and we can share that.”

Reporting on SCA business, President Kiki Beavers said the Community Chest fund drive had reached 30 percent of the $118,500 goal. The membership approved bylaws changes authorizing the SCA to manage the Welcome Center and a staff title change from Director of Sewanee Classifieds to Sewanee Classifieds Administrator.

Beavers called for nominations to serve on the Board of Directors. Nominations are due by Feb. 16. Area residents interested in serving on the board should email <sewaneecommunitychest@gmail.com>.

Beavers also called for nominations for the Community Service Award, recognizing those who have made outstanding contributions to the community, making Sewanee a better place to live and improving the quality of life. Send nominations to <sewaneecommunitychest@gmail.com> or SCC, P.O. Box 99, Sewanee, TN 37375. The deadline for submitting nominations is March 12. The awards ceremony is scheduled for May 4.

Beavers urged community members to make donations to the Community Action Committee’s food ministry, “Stock the Pantry.” Online contributions can be made through the Amazon Wish List https://a.co/f6TXKX4;.