The 2025-26 Sewanee Community Chest Fund Drive is underway! We’re halfway to our $118,500 goal to support 19 local organizations providing essential services—quality of life programs, community aid, children’s initiatives, and more.

Your donation makes a real difference. It’s your generosity that fuels the Sewanee Community Chest’s outreach and keeps our local organizations running. Check in with our friends at the Sewanee Children’s Center, Animal Harbor, Folks at Home, the Sewanee Elementary Parent Organization, and many other organizations, and you’ll hear the same story — they couldn’t fulfill their missions without funding from the Sewanee Community Chest.

The Sewanee Community Chest is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and donations are tax-deductible. Send your donation to Sewanee Community Chest, P.O. Box 99, Sewanee, TN 37375. To receive a year end tax deduction, envelopes must be postmarked by Dec 31, 2025.

For more information go to https://sewaneecivic.org/

To give through PayPal Giving go to https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/119597

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

The three candidates scheduled to appear on the ballot for the upcoming Sewanee Utility District Board of Commissioners election are Ronnie Hoosier, Donnie McBee, and Phil White. Two seats are open to be filled. SUD customers can vote Jan. 2 through Jan. 20 at the SUD office during regular business hours. Other prospective candidates who wish to appear on the ballot must submit a petition signed by 10 SUD customers no later than Dec. 30. Read on to learn about the candidates’ qualifications.

Ronnie Hoosier grew up in Sewanee and in 1979 went to work for the University as an electrician, a position he held until his retirement after 43 years. Hoosier also served 40 years as a volunteer fireman with the Sewanee Fire Department. He cites his mechanical skills and knowledge as valuable assets he will bring to the SUD board, as well as the experience gleaned from serving two prior terms as a SUD commissioner. Hoosier was forced to step down because he was term limited by the rules in place at the time. “I want to serve the community as a board member and to continue the great work the Sewanee Utility district is already doing,” Hoosier said. “SUD’s challenges are no different from anyone else’s — high inflation and the cost of doing business. I have confidence SUD can meet these challenges head-on and continue to supply safe, clean drinking water to Sewanee and the surrounding area.”

Current SUD board member Donnie McBee is seeking reelection. Aside from two years in Winchester, McBee has lived in Sewanee his entire life. “I care about SUD customers and their concerns as well as the sound operation of the water department as a whole,” McBee said. “This sometimes requires making tough decisions,” McBee acknowledged, “but I enjoy the challenge.” He has a track record of bringing customer concerns to the table bridging the gap between the customer and administration. In the past year, McBee introduced discussions about water service for Deepwoods residents, scheduling of leak repair, and fire department ISO ratings. “The biggest challenges facing SUD are an aging water and sewer treatment plant that requires regular updates to meet the needs of our current customer base,” McBee said. “Looking forward, potential housing developments — including single-family homes and townhouses — will place an additional load on the existing water and sewer system, creating an even greater need for upgrades as our population grows.”

No stranger to community service, Phil White has served 20 years on the Sewanee Community Council and led the movement to fund and construct the dog park. White came to Sewanee as a University student in 1959 and never left. He taught and coached at Sewanee prep schools for over 40 years, winning recognition at the state level for teaching and coaching. In the 1990s White wrote a computer program for SUD. “I am concerned that if requests for new taps keep increasing at the current rate, SUD resources will be stretched thin. I am also concerned about the number of deteriorating supply lines that need to be replaced. The one on my road is over 100 years old. SUD will need to receive some large grants to take care of these needs,” White said. “I am running for SUD commissioner because I have seen other towns suffer when they did not keep their infrastructure sound. I do not want that to happen to Sewanee.”

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

At the Dec. 16 meeting, the Sewanee Utility District Board of Commissioner approved a slate of three candidates for the upcoming commissioner election. The board also approved the University’s request for availability for water and sewer service for 48 apartments and the purchase of two raw water pumps to replace aging pumps at the water treatment plant.

Two seats on the SUD Board of Commissioners will come open in January. As required by regulations, the board nominated a slate of three candidates: Ronnie Hoosier, Donnie McBee, and Phil White. All three expressed an interest in serving prior to the November meeting. Just prior to the Dec. 16 meeting, board President Charlie Smith heard from several other SUD customers interested in being candidates. To appear on the ballot, prospective candidates must submit a petition signed by 10 SUD customers no later than Dec. 30. (See “SUD Commissioner Election” to learn more about the candidates already approved for the ballot.)

SUD commissioners serve four-year terms. New commissioners must complete 12 hours of training the first year and an additional six hours of training in subsequent years.

The proposed University apartment complex is located at the intersection of Hwy. 41A and Kennerly Road. Previous plans for an apartment complex at that location stalled. In May of 2023, the University contacted SUD about constructing a 60-unit complex. Reporting to the Sewanee Community Council in May of 2024, Vice President for Economic Development and Community Relations David Shipps said plans called for six buildings with eight apartments in each. Current plans call for two three-story buildings with a total of 48 units, 12 studio apartments, 12 two-bedroom apartments, and 24 one-bedroom apartments. The projected average daily usage is 10,800 gallons per day.

Smith asked if the projected usage was reasonable. “We have the capacity,” said SUD manager Ben Beavers. “There is no reason we should or could deny the request.” SUD’s guarantee of availability is good for 120 days from the time the letter is issued. Two sewer taps would serve the apartment complex and a single water meter. A monthly minimum service fee would be assessed for all 48 units, totaling $600, even if no water was used. Plans call for a fire hydrant in front of each building and one private hydrant in back, meaning SUD would bill for usage.

Taking up the need to replace the raw water pumps at the water plant, Beavers said, “Originally they were putting out 650 gallons per minute. They’re down to 430 gallons per minute. They’re worn out.” Beavers presented the board with two options: one, pumps that would bolt directly into the system, cost $58,565; two, pumps requiring a plumbing adaptation, cost $47,582 (including adaptation and installation expenses). In addition to the higher cost of the direct bolt-in pumps, Beavers noted that the brand of pump was no longer manufactured. The board took Beavers’ recommendation to go with the less costly solution. He anticipates a 14-weeks lead time with installation in February or March. “This is a good time of year to do the replacement, since usage drops in the winter,” Beavers observed.

The SUD board meets next Jan. 20.

The Tennessee State Parks Conservancy and Friends of South Cumberland State Parks today announced that they have partnered to purchase a critical inholding within the Grundy Lakes area of Fiery Gizzard State Park. The groups intend eventually to transfer ownership to the state park.

Although small – only about an acre – protecting the property has large implications. Particularly because it is completely surrounded by the park, potential private use and development could have disrupted visitors and park management alike. The property has significant recreational, ecological, cultural, and historical value. It contains portions of an important archaeological site (Lone Rock Stockade); a park trail crosses the property; and it is in plain view of Grundy Lake and the beach.

"The Conservancy is thrilled to join forces with the Friends of Parks. Together, we are preserving an acre of ground that preserves such an important part of Tennessee's history," said Alex Wyss, Executive Director of the Tennessee State Parks Conservancy.

The acquisition does not noticeably change anything for current park visitors, but officials note that protecting it now prevents the possibility of future disruptive use or development.

“This is an important milestone for the park, and Friends of the Parks is proud to partner with the State Parks Conservancy to protect this critical site in perpetuity,” said Ned Murray, Friends’ Executive Director, “We are also grateful to the Hales for their vision and willingness to help us protect it.”

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

At the Dec. 15 Monteagle Council meeting, Alderman Nate Wilson reviewed the benefits of receiving Tree City designation by the National Arbor Day Foundation and the steps Monteagle would need to take to qualify. Mayor Greg Maloof championed the idea, “It’s a worthwhile project.” Alderman Grant Fletcher agreed, “It’s a great idea.” Fletcher especially appreciated the ordinance requirement stipulating Monteagle plant only native tree species.

Monteagle has already met two of the milestones necessary for Tree City designation: host an Arbor Day celebration, which Monteagle did the past two years; and form a tree board, which Monteagle did in May of 2024 as an administrative function of the Beautification Committee. David O’Neill from High Canopy Tree Service has volunteered to serve as the tree board arborist. The third benchmark requires allocating $2 per capita for trees and tree care. For Monteagle, this amounts to $2,400. Wilson noted the $3,000 in the Beautification budget could be used for this purpose. The fourth requirement calls for a “tree ordinance” governing tree planting and tree care.

Wilson drafted an ordinance modeled after that of other municipalities. He pointed out Tullahoma’s tree ordinance, as well as others, regulated planting and care of trees on private land. Wilson removed all references to trees on private land except in the case of diseased, dying, or unsafe trees. A “landmark tree” designation would be available to landowners who chose to pursue recognition. The proposed tree ordinance does not contradict or change the stipulations of Monteagle’s landscaping ordinance for commercial property. The landscaping ordinance already recommends saving existing trees whenever possible and has a formula for replanting trees in the case of tree removal.

The council will vote on the first reading of the ordinance at the Jan. 26 meeting. “Tree City designation means a town cares for and encourages its tree canopy,” Wilson said. “There are several reasons to do this. We all like trees. They provide the town with a lot of benefits. But one of the other things this does is help us qualify for grants.” Wilson observed a grant recently received by the Mountain Goat Trail Alliance for stormwater mitigation will fund tree planting at several Monteagle trailside locations.

In other business, the council approved an ordinance amendment prohibiting the following activities on city managed property: overnight parking, ATVs, fires, camping, loitering, and soliciting. An unchanged section of the ordinance prohibits the following activities at Laurel Lake and other city owned property: gasoline powered boats, trotline fishing, camping, fires, ATVs, and golf carts. The amendment removed swimming from this list.

On a split vote, the council rejected a proposal to update the rate study conducted a year ago. The study recommended that Monteagle implement a graduated rate increase over a five-year period to fund capital improvements to the water and sewer system. Maloof argued a new study was needed to fund capital improvement needs identified since the study: mitigation of inflow and infiltration (I&I) of storm water into the sanitary sewer system, I&I mitigation equipment, and a sewer system lift station at the Waffle House. Wilson argued Tracy City grant funding would pay for a Monteagle rate study and capital improvement plan at no cost to Monteagle. Maloof and Alderman Dan Sargent voted in favor of Monteagle contracting for an update to the rate study conducted a year ago. Alderman Wilson, Fletcher, and Dean Lay voted against Monteagle contracting for an updated study.

Police Chief William Raline urged drivers to use their headlights during fog. Raline said during extremely foggy conditions on Dec. 7 and Dec. 8, nine minor crashes occurred. “People failed to see other cars,” Raline stressed.

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

At the Dec. 15 Monteagle Council meeting, Alderman Nate Wilson reviewed the benefits of receiving Tree City designation by the National Arbor Day Foundation and the steps Monteagle would need to take to qualify. Mayor Greg Maloof championed the idea, “It’s a worthwhile project.” Alderman Grant Fletcher agreed, “It’s a great idea.” Fletcher especially appreciated the ordinance requirement stipulating Monteagle plant only native tree species.

Monteagle has already met two of the milestones necessary for Tree City designation: host an Arbor Day celebration, which Monteagle did the past two years; and form a tree board, which Monteagle did in May of 2024 as an administrative function of the Beautification Committee. David O’Neill from High Canopy Tree Service has volunteered to serve as the tree board arborist. The third benchmark requires allocating $2 per capita for trees and tree care. For Monteagle, this amounts to $2,400. Wilson noted the $3,000 in the Beautification budget could be used for this purpose. The fourth requirement calls for a “tree ordinance” governing tree planting and tree care.

Wilson drafted an ordinance modeled after that of other municipalities. He pointed out Tullahoma’s tree ordinance, as well as others, regulated planting and care of trees on private land. Wilson removed all references to trees on private land except in the case of diseased, dying, or unsafe trees. A “landmark tree” designation would be available to landowners who chose to pursue recognition. The proposed tree ordinance does not contradict or change the stipulations of Monteagle’s landscaping ordinance for commercial property. The landscaping ordinance already recommends saving existing trees whenever possible and has a formula for replanting trees in the case of tree removal.

The council will vote on the first reading of the ordinance at the Jan. 26 meeting. “Tree City designation means a town cares for and encourages its tree canopy,” Wilson said. “There are several reasons to do this. We all like trees. They provide the town with a lot of benefits. But one of the other things this does is help us qualify for grants.” Wilson observed a grant recently received by the Mountain Goat Trail Alliance for stormwater mitigation will fund tree planting at several Monteagle trailside locations.

In other business, the council approved an ordinance amendment prohibiting the following activities on city managed property: overnight parking, ATVs, fires, camping, loitering, and soliciting. An unchanged section of the ordinance prohibits the following activities at Laurel Lake and other city owned property: gasoline powered boats, trotline fishing, camping, fires, ATVs, and golf carts. The amendment removed swimming from this list.

On a split vote, the council rejected a proposal to update the rate study conducted a year ago. The study recommended that Monteagle implement a graduated rate increase over a five-year period to fund capital improvements to the water and sewer system. Maloof argued a new study was needed to fund capital improvement needs identified since the study: mitigation of inflow and infiltration (I&I) of storm water into the sanitary sewer system, I&I mitigation equipment, and a sewer system lift station at the Waffle House. Wilson argued Tracy City grant funding would pay for a Monteagle rate study and capital improvement plan at no cost to Monteagle. Maloof and Alderman Dan Sargent voted in favor of Monteagle contracting for an update to the rate study conducted a year ago. Alderman Wilson, Fletcher, and Dean Lay voted against Monteagle contracting for an updated study.

Police Chief William Raline urged drivers to use their headlights during fog. Raline said during extremely foggy conditions on Dec. 7 and Dec. 8, nine minor crashes occurred. “People failed to see other cars,” Raline stressed.

Cumberland Community Dance is putting on an evening of square dancing from 5–7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, at the old gym in the Littell-Partin Center in Tracy City, located at 14399 Hwy 41.

Open to all ages and experience levels, the evening will include traditional dancing such as square dance and contra dance styles along with live old-time music from The Stones River Reelers. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a complete beginner, everyone is encouraged to join in the fun. No partner is required. A live caller will guide dancers through every step.

There will also be a cakewalk which, for $10, will give dancers the opportunity to take home a cake or homemade baked good. If you are interested in donating a baked good to the cakewalk please contact <cumberlandcommunitydance@gmail.com>.

Attendees are encouraged to make a donation of $5-10 to help support Cumberland Community Dance. This event is made possible with support by Grundy Area Arts Council. Refreshments and snacks will be provided.

Please come out and help Cumberland Community Dance in their mission to keep the ever-evolving, living tradition of Southern Appalachian music and dance alive.

For more information, visit the Grundy Area Arts Council webpage: <https://www.grundyarea.art/community-dance>.

The Hospitality Shop Auxiliary Board has completed negotiations with the University to assume the lease of the building at 574 Georgia Ave., that once housed the University Childcare Center.

The present building at 1096 University Ave., is now too small to house all the activities at the Hospitality Shop thrift store. The new location is easy to reach off of Sollace M. Freeman Highway at the Finny Lane turn. Pay close attention to the Messenger in the month of January for the announcements of moving sales. If you would like to help the Shop staff and Board as they work to make the move, stop by the Shop and sign up to volunteer. Folks who can lift boxes or who have trucks and time to share, please let us know. Contact Julia Bates at <jrbates217@gmail.com>.

In January, the Board will host a town meeting to update the community on the move and to recruit eager volunteers. We are also looking for people who would like to serve on the Board for 2026-2029.

Any qualified person interested in applying for the short term contract Project Manager position at the Hospitality Shop can find the application form here <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdRHMNgGzlpOa8Jo3yzPocN5oJBScga9RyH_j2o5ulBHBmJXQ/viewform?usp=dialog>.

The South Cumberland Farmer’s Market is hosting a Winter Solstice Market Party and Potluck from noon to 3 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 21, at the Sewanee Community Center, 39 Ballpark Rd., Sewanee.

Vendors will be set up indoors and along the sidewalk with everything from the last of the season’s veggies, teas and tinctures, juices and prepared meals, meats and cheeses, craft and gift items, to sourdough, French pastries, cookies, cakes, and more. Pre-ordering is not required, but will take place online from 9 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 17 until noon, Saturday, Dec. 20, if customers would like to secure holiday items in advance.

Bring a dish or a drink to share and come enjoy mingling with other customers and meeting all the people that produce the food sold online at the market all year.

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

Franklin County School Board Chair CleiJo Walker, Vice Chair Lance Williams, and board member Sarah Marhevsky recently attended the Nov. 15 Tennessee School Board Association (TSBA) Convention to weigh in on selecting a legislative agenda for 2026. At the Dec. 8 Franklin County School Board meeting, Marhevsky detailed highlights of the agenda approved by the TSBA, with resolution topics ranging from drones to school nurses. Marhevsky also updated the board on proposed state legislation and new federal legislation impacting Tennessee children.

As was the case in 2025, the TSBA agenda will again lobby for the General Assembly to pass legislation providing funding for special education preschool students. Additions to the TSBA legislative agenda for 2026 include requesting legislation criminalizing the use of drones to record images or video of school property or students without permission; to create a task force to evaluate and reduce the number of legislative regulation for schools; to make all Tennessee school system employees eligible for the public higher education fee discount program for their children pursuing post-secondary education; and to provide funding for adequate school nurse staffing levels. Marhevsky observed Franklin County was fortunate in having “a nurse for every school which exceeds what is required.”

Both the Franklin County schools and Hamilton County schools passed local resolutions during the 2024-2025 school year opposing proposed state legislation that “excluded students who could not prove their legal status” from receiving a free public education. “There was a lot of discussion [at the conference] about free public education for all,” Marhevsky said. What passed was a motion that there would be “no action. Not a ‘no’ vote, not a ‘put it off’ vote, just ‘no action.’” Weighing in, Williams said, “the rationale was this was being handled at the federal level and to wait until it was addressed there.”

At the federal level, Marhevsky called attention to the government transferring oversight of Title I funds to the Labor Department. The $18.4 billion Title I program is the Education Department’s single largest grant program, providing funds to 95 percent of school districts to support students from low-income families. The Labor Department is now also in charge of funds that pay for teacher professional development (Title II), services for English learners (Title III), after-school programs (Title IV-B), and student support and in-school enrichment activities (Title IV-A).

Also, with possible implication at the national level, the International Dyslexia Association has revised the definition of reading disability and deleted language from its definition of dyslexia. “This may affect the screening processes used [by schools] in some states,” Marhevsky said.

At the state level, Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton has proposed increasing the allocation to the state voucher program from $25,000 to $40,000 for the next school year, drawing more funding from public education to support students’ enrollment in private schools. Other legislation proposed by Sexton would lower education requirements for elementary school teachers, creating a two-years associate degree pathway to certification. Marhevsky questioned reducing the qualification for elementary school teachers, but approved of another proposal by Sexton to pay student teachers a stipend. Marhevsky also sees as encouraging a partnership between the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development and Lipscomb University. The new Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship Hub will offer a tuition-free pathway to a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education while providing aspiring teachers with hands-on training.

Board member Sara Liechty commended Marhevsky for providing the board and community with legislative updates. “As we look at all the changes and possible impact on students in publication in Tennessee that are possibly on the horizon, we’re encouraged at the beginning of Sarah’s report and at the end to contact our legislators,” Liechty stressed.

The board hopes to meet with Franklin County Tennessee legislators Senator Janice Bowling and House Representative Iris Rudder on Jan. 8. Walker encouraged county residents to contact board members with questions for Bowling and Rudder to address.

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

At the Nov. 24 meeting, the Monteagle Council approved a flow study, cost $99,350, to continue ongoing work to reduce inflow and infiltration (I&I) of groundwater into the sanitary sewer system. The council also approved the purchase of eight automatic rifles, cost $17,976, for use by the police department. The council deferred a decision on an ordinance amendment that stipulated projects under 1,000 square feet did not require a site plan or planning commission approval.

The three-month flow study will measure I&I entering the sewer system from the Monteagle Sunday School Assembly and two satellite areas Monteagle treats sewage for, Tracy City and the Grundy County Housing Authority. I&I puts an unnecessary burden on the city’s wastewater treatment system, taxing its capacity. The cost of the study “will be reimbursable,” said Mayor Greg Maloof who anticipates receiving grant money for the I&I reduction project. In conjunction with the flow study, the council approved the purchase of a flow meter to measure I&I entering the system from the Grundy Housing Authority, cost $9,031. Flow meters to measure I&I from the Assembly and Tracy City have already been installed.

Asked about the purchase of the automatic rifles, Monteagle Police Officer Gus Raby explained, “They are rifles, not fully automatic machine guns. Us not having them puts us at a disadvantage.” The department currently owns three nonfunctional automatic rifles. “A few officers carry our own personal ones,” Raby said. The rifles are equipped with suppressors to “quiet the noise down,” a benefit to bystanders and officers not wearing ear protection and an aid in helping officers distinguish enemy fire, Raby maintained. He stressed the suppressors are not silencers. The cost of the rifles will be drawn from the drug fund. Alderman Dean Lay “passed” on the vote.

In other police business, Sargent Hafiz Karteron addressed a question about why Monteagle police responded to a call outside the Monteagle city limits. Karteron said Grundy County requested Monteagle’s assistance. “It was a domestic call, so a priority call,” Karteron insisted. “Whoever can get there fastest.” Monteagle arrived first. The arrest for false imprisonment was made by Grundy County. “Mutual aid is common practice,” Karteron said. “We have had 69 other mutual aids this year.”

The proposed ordinance amendment excluding projects less than 1,000 square feet from requiring a site plan and planning commission approval only applied to commercial, multifamily, and industrial developments, Alderman Nate Wilson pointed out. Only a sketch plan would be required. Alderman Grant Fletcher took issue with the amendment. “If a new business comes in and it’s going to be 800 square feet in one of those skinnies along the frontage [greenway], they would not need a site plan, and I don’t think that’s a good idea. It has utility implications, all kinds of drainage implications, even though it’s a small building. I want to see the sketch plan definition so we know it includes all the things needed for a new building,” Fletcher said. “I think you’re onto something,” Wilson agreed. The council deferred a decision on the amendment pending receiving more detailed information on sketch plan requirements.

Going against Maloof’s recommendation, the council approved transferring $500,000 from the operations budget to the capital reserves account. Maloof argued for waiting until the end of the fiscal year in June before transferring projected excess from the operations budget. “I do not see the urgency. I think we can add to the balance at the appropriate time. No one can predict what the future holds between now and June 30.”

Reporting on the Imagine Monteagle planning initiative, Fletcher said Monteagle received a $20,000 Brownfields grant to hire an environmental engineer to identify possible contaminated sites. The town also received a $97,000 Brownfields grant for assessment of a privately owned site to determine remediation possibilities. For the assessment to move forward the owners would need to temporarily transfer ownership to the town via a quit-claim deed, Fletcher noted. Following the assessment the property would be deeded back to the current owners.

Building inspector Travis Lawyer updated the council on the Mountain Inn which burned nearly a year ago. By law, the owners had six months to clean up the property. “I’m going to serve them a notice for condemnation of the building and seek demolition. It’s the first time Monteagle has had to deal with this. I’m seeking a lien on the property for the city to be reimbursed on the demolition.”

Monteagle’s holiday calendar includes a parade at 3:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6, lineup at the flea market at 2:30 p.m.; and the Christmas Bazaar 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6, at City Hall.

The council will meet next on Monday, Dec. 15 instead of the regular meeting day on the last Monday of the month.