The Sewanee Department of Theatre & Dance presents “The Oresteia” by Ellen McLaughlin, adapted from the trilogy by Aeschylus. It is directed by Assistant Professor Sarah Lacy Hamilton.

“The Oresteia” is based on the three plays by Aeschylus — “Agamemnon,” “The Libation Bearers” and “The Eumenides.” They are among the oldest plays in the Western canon and are the only surviving trilogy from the ancient Greek theatre. “The Oresteia” concerns the House of Atreus. Through 10 years of war, grief, and rage, Clytemnestra lies in wait for her husband Agamemnon’s return, determined to avenge one child, only to doom the others. The community, haunted by the sins of the present and the past, must then decide how to cleanse the royal house and balance both the need for justice and the desire for absolution.What does history demand? What is justice? What do we owe each other? The Greeks ask all the toughest questions.

Performances will be at the Proctor Hill Theatre at the Tennessee Williams Center, 390 Kentucky Ave., at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 8–11, and at 2 p.m., Oct. 12. For tickets, go to <https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-oresteia-tickets-1670077549909?aff=ebdssbdestsearch;.

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

“Things are happening in the world today that are not normal,” said Police Chief William Raline explaining the decision to wand scan those attending the Sept. 30 Monteagle Council meeting to detect metal objects. Only law enforcement officers are allowed to carry firearms at public meetings, Raline stressed, citing Tennessee state law. “I don’t have the luxury of not taking these steps. I have to ask myself, ‘What if?’” Raline said. “This [wand scan] is less invasive than touching people.” Going forward, police will scan all attendees at Monteagle City Hall public meetings. Raline intended to begin the scan procedure at the August council meeting, but the wand device had not yet been delivered.

“If it’s something we need to do on a regular basis, we might consider having a remote people walk through,” suggested Alderman Nate Wilson. Raline said grant money was available.

Revisiting another security issue, Alderman Wilson said the Mountain Goat Trail Alliance had signed a contract for a cloud-based camera system that will use AI to automatically send [law enforcement] a message when it detects something illegal on the trail.

During regular business, the council took up several water-utility issues.

“The wastewater treatment plant is not designed with solids removal equipment and that’s what it’s going to take to meet limits and not violate,” said Monteagle engineer Travis Wilson explaining the need for undertaking a $500,000-$700,000 project at the sewer plant.

Last year Monteagle received a notice of violation from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). Engineer Wilson recommended screw press pumping equipment to bring Monteagle into compliance with TDEC regulations. Currently Monteagle is paying an outside vendor to haul off the solid waste. T. Wilson projected a four-to-six-year payoff for the new equipment. Monteagle could pursue receiving a State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan or a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) or could finance the project with a 20-30 year bond, Wilson said. But he pointed out the SRF and CDBG options would not yield funds until 2027. Wilson will submit the proposed screw-press solution to TDEC. Monteagle will need to wait to see if TDEC will allow delaying the project until 2027.

The council approved the recent emergency purchase of a sewer plant pump, cost $40,000. “A new pump was strongly recommended,” said Mayor Greg Maloof. “You never know what the rebuilds do and how long they last.”

Alderman Nate Wilson proposed, and the council approved on first reading, a change to the ordinance governing the developer’s responsibility when a project required changes to water lines. N. Wilson cited a current case where the project called for increasing the size of water lines. At present the ordinance stipulates the developer must pay for extending service lines, but does discuss the cost of upgrades to the system. The new language assigns the cost of “extensions and improvements” to the developer.

The council also voted to adopt a resolution indicating support of and willingness to supply data to a Tracy City Economic Enhancement Grant project that will investigate the feasibility of a regional water authority.

Alderman and Imagine Monteagle coordinator Grant Fletcher introduced the new Monteagle logo designed under the direction of the Imagine Monteagle steering committee. The council approved the logo and a policy governing its use. Big A Design will act as the “storefront” for acquiring the electronic file for the logo. There will be no fee for use of the logo by representatives of the town. Non-affiliated interests wanting to use the logo will be vetted by Big A Design, the Imagine Monteagle steering committee, and, if deemed necessary, by the council as well. Proceeds from the 5 percent use fee will go to a special fund established by the city.

Fletcher also updated the council on Imagine Monteagle tourism and beautification projects. The council approved $3,500 for landscaping downtown public buildings (e.g., city hall, the police department, the fire department) and $8,000 for the purchase of new planters for the greenway. Imagine Monteagle, a community led long-term planning initiative, will pursue grant funding for the seven other projects identified.

The council also approved the purchase of four computers for city hall with a five-year warranty and support, cost $13,062, Monteagle could purchase the computers it currently leases for $1,000, but there would be no warranty or software support, said city recorder Debbie Taylor.

During the alderman comment period, Alderman Dean Law made a motion requesting, and the council approved, holding a public hearing for an employee terminated for falsifying reports. “I was disappointed we were not briefed [about the decision],” said Alderman Wilson in support of a hearing. “It’s important to hear the other side of the story,” Lay insisted.

St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School invites families on the mountain and in the region to attend one of the school’s four preview days.

Preview days are scheduled for Monday, Oct. 6, Monday, Oct. 13; Tuesday, Nov. 11; and Monday, Feb. 16. Recognizing that not all schools are closed on these days, families are welcome to visit with or without their student.

“St. Andrew’s-Sewanee has a long, successful history of providing secondary education on the mountain, and we are grateful for the families in the surrounding communities who choose to send their children to us,” said Karl Sjolund, head of school. “We value our relationships with the University and the entire plateau region, and we encourage all families to explore SAS as an educational option for their children on the mountain.”

Families can contact <admission@sasweb.org> or call (931) 598-5651 to reserve a spot for a Preview Day or schedule a visit on a different date. The school also offers coffee and tours on Thursdays at 10 a.m. with no RSVP required.

SAS offers generous tuition assistance and is a partner with the state of Tennessee’s Education Freedom Scholarship Program.

Angel Park is excited to announce the return of its annual fall festival, AngelFest, on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025. The event promises an evening of fun for the whole family, with activities kicking off at 5 p.m. University Avenue will be closed from the highway to Regions Bank for the event.

This year’s festival will feature a full lineup of activities for all ages. The early evening is dedicated to family-friendly entertainment, beginning at 5 p.m.

The highlight of the night will be a performance by Pink Houses, a premier tribute band celebrating the music of rock legend John Cougar Mellencamp. They will take the stage at 7 p.m.

In addition to the live music, attendees can enjoy a variety of offerings from local food trucks and a selection of beer will be available. AngelFest is the perfect opportunity to welcome the fall season with great food, refreshing drinks, and memorable music.

Admission is free and open to the public. Come on out and celebrate the arrival of autumn with your friends, family, and neighbors at AngelFest.