Laurie Everett
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Works at Wilson Living Magazine and The Wilson Post, plus other stuff
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Articles by Laurie Everett
Mt. Juliet Mover: Brandy Comer, Lakeview Elementary Principal
Please tell us a little about yourself. “I grew up primarily in Mt. Juliet and graduated from Mt. Juliet High School. Both of my parents were pilots in the U.S. Army and National Guard. Their careers also took our family to Fairfax County, Virginia, for a time. Today, my husband and I live in the Lebanon area of Wilson County. “ Married, children? “I’m married to my husband, Matt.
MT. JULIET ROAD MAP: Lebanon Road sidewalks, Phase 3
LAURIE EVERETT Main Street Media Project: Ongoing construction of six-foot-wide sidewalks on both sides of Lebanon Road from Green Hill High School to Nonaville Road. According to Mt. Juliet Public Works Director Matt White, construction started in September and will take eight months to complete. Architect: Kimley-Horn Contractor: Grade A Construction Project cost: $1.8 million. Grant funding: $1.7 million.
Mt. Juliet residents face Home Rule decision
The City of Mt. Juliet held five public informational meetings about a ballot referendum asking residents to repeal the current Home Rule Charter system of local government adopted in 2006. The intent for adopting Home Rule two decades ago was to give city leaders more freedom over local issues. City Commissioner Jennifer Milele said the Home Rule structure is “handcuffing” the City. “We can’t ask for Private Acts,” she said.
Sandy Elliott of Mt. Juliet is runner-up in national Ms. Senior America Pageant
Mt. Juliet resident Sandy Elliott (left) was named first runner-up in the national Ms. Senior America Pageant in Atlantic City. She stands next to Debbi Miller from Florida, who won the pageant. COURTESY MS. TENNESSEE PAGEANT Ms. Senior Tennessee and Mt. Juliet resident Sandy Elliott secured the first runner-up spot in the national Ms. Senior America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey last week. Elliot, 63, was the choir director at Mt. Juliet High School for 22 years.
MT. JULIET MOVER: Joy Stone, owner of Unity Yoga Room
PHOTO BY SEAN WALSH Please tell us a little about yourself. “I was born in Salisbury, Maryland, to parents who met in Seattle, Washington. They were young hippies in the early 1970s, hitchhiking, living in a school bus they used as an RV and working odd jobs when they unexpectedly became pregnant with me. I lived in Seattle until I was 32, then moved to Los Angeles before moving to Mt. Juliet in 2016.” What brought you to the area? “I was married at the time, and we had recently adopted our son.
MT. JULIET ROAD MAP: S. Rutland Road partial closure
LAURIE EVERETT Chronicle of Mt. Juliet Project: Work on speed bump and drainage issues on S. Rutland Road near Shadow Creek in Belinda City. Timeline: Road will be partially closed on Tuesday, Oct. 13 and possibly Wednesday, Oct. 14 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Road is expected to be completely reopened at 2 p.m. to allow for school traffic. Who: According to District 4 City Commissioner Jennifer Miele this is a developer-funded project to address the drainage issues.
MT. JULIET MOVER: Emma Rowe, 2026 Wilson County Fairest of the Fair
Emma, please tell us a little about yourself. “I was born in a small town in Alabama and moved here my sixth-grade year, about 10 years ago. I now live in Mt. Juliet but attend school in Cookeville. My parents are Jeff and Jenna Keller and I have one little sister who is three years younger than me. I am 20 years old; I’ll be 21 this January.” What was your first-ever job? “My first-ever job was at Nashville Shores when I was 15, scooping ice cream.
MT. JULIET MOVER: Lillian Beretta, Executive Director of Joe Beretta Heart Foundation
Lillian, please tell us a little about yourself. “I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and lived most of my adult and married life in a small town in central New Jersey called Moorestown. I moved to Mt. Juliet 12 years ago.” Children? “I have two grown children. My oldest is Gabrielle who is married to Davey Shepherd and together they have two boys under the age of 5. Joey Beretta is married to Samantha, and they have two boys 6 and under.” Education?
Mt. Juliet approves $75K impact fee study
LAURIE EVERETT Main Street Media The Mt. Juliet Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution to amend this year’s budget to use approximately $75,000 for an impact fee study at Monday’s meeting. “This will start the process,” City Manager Kenny Martin said. “This is a new company and it will let us know the cost and is very helpful.” “The City seeks to establish an impact fee for all developments to offset the impacts to the transportation system,” the resolution reads.
Pow Wow maintains Native American culture
LAURIE EVERETT Main Street Media Hundreds of Native American dancers represented their tribe during the Grand Entry Ceremony at the 43rd annual WilCo Pow Wow held at the James E. Ward Ag Center in Lebanon ON Sept. 26-27. LAURIE EVERETT An estimated thousands of attendees came to the 43rd WilCo Pow Wow held at the James E. Ward Ag Center in Lebanon on Sept. 26-27 to help celebrate the pageantry of tribal dance, storytelling, culture, music and crafts.
Stoner Creek Elementary’s career night succeeds with surgical precision from Summit staff
TriStar Summit surgical team members Lindsey Wood and Candice Rose simulate an operation for students at a recent career night at Stoner Creek Elementary School in Mt. Juliet. MEGHAN FUENTES-LAI Meghan Fuentes-Lai said her job is the “coolest job ever,” but very few people know about it. Lai is a Surgical Tech and Surgical First Assistant at TriStar Summit Medical Center in Hermitage. She has worked in the healthcare field for 15 years, the past eight at TriStar Summit.
MT. JULIET MOVER: Pam Mattingly, Green Hill High School ISS Coordinator
Pam Mattingly with her sons Aaron (left) and Justin (right). SUBMITTED Please tell us a little about yourself. “I was born and raised in Versailles, Kentucky. I attended Woodford County High School and graduated many years ago. My family and I moved to Mt. Juliet in 2013.” Married, children? “My husband, Wes, and I have been married 22 years. We have two boys together, Justin and Aaron Mattingly. I have a daughter from a previous marriage. He’s been amazing with and for her.
MT. JULIET ROAD MAP: Stormwater system inventory and assessment
LAURIE EVERETT Main Street Media Project: On Sept. 14, 2026, the Mt. Juliet Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a Stormwater Management contract with Civil and Environmental Consultants for an asset management survey and to create a plan with Geographic Information System components. According to the contract, private and public storm pipe networks within the city’s right-of-way and a condition assessment score will be included in the final survey results.
MT. JULIET MOVER: Dr. Shawn Mountain, surgeon at Hughston Clinic Orthopaedics
Please tell us a little about yourself. “I was born and raised in a small, rural town called Olean in very far western New York state. I currently live in Lebanon.” Married, children? “I am married and I have three daughters –– 8, 6 and 4 years old.” Education? “I did my undergraduate studies at Miami University where I majored in athletic training/sports medicine and exercise science, and then a graduate assistant athletic trainer at St. Bonaventure University.
Ceremonies in Wilson County mark 25 years since 9/11
Ceremonies in Wilson County mark 25 years since 9/11 LAURIE EVERETT Main Street Media Fire Department of Mt. Juliet Chief Mark Foulks (left), FDMJ Deputy Chief Joey Edwards, Everyone’s Wilson Executive Director Pastor Daryl Crouch and Mt. Juliet Police Department Chief Tyler Chandler pray during last Friday’s 9/11 memorial service marking the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks.
MT. JULIET MOVER: Dr. Courtney Johnson, Charis Health Center Executive Director
Please tell us a little about yourself. “I was born and raised in Ventura County, California, and I now call Mt. Juliet, Tennessee home.” Married, children? “I am married, with two daughters — Grayson, a college freshman at UTC, and Emerson, a freshman in high school.” Schooling? “I hold a BA, Master’s, and PsyD — all in clinical psychology — with a specialization in neuropsychology and forensics.” What was your first-ever job?
Megan Gill drops corporate job, now paints stress-free
Megan Bailey Gill is a painter and art teacher. She said he loves to paint dresses, flowers and pets. She also teaches painting each week at The Basement Marketplace in Mt. Juliet. Gill previously built medical websites. ASHLEE VALLETT OF ASHLEE V PHOTOGRAPHY Megan Bailey Gill’s segue to her second career was a bit unexpected, but a necessary “road less taken” nudge that has her now empowering and teaching others and fulfilling her artistic dream. Gill is a full-time artist and teacher.
MT. JULIET MOVER: Kylie Ferguson, Mt. Juliet Help Center Fundraising and Outreach Coordinator
Kylie, please tell us a little about yourself. “I spent my early childhood in Tennessee. I was 5 when we moved to Arizona, where I grew up. My husband and I moved to Tennessee 13 years ago and have spent the last 12 in Mt. Juliet.” Married, children? “My husband, Matt, and I have been married for 13 years and have two children.” Education? “I have a bachelor of arts in political science with a minor in philosophy from the University of Arizona.” What was your first-ever job?
Lebanon Road might replace Emeraude Bakery in Mt. Juliet
LAURIE EVERETT Main Street Media Emeraude Bakery owner Hunter Briley said he has plans for his popular sourdough bread in the Lebanon Road widening project forces him to move in the next few years. FILE Emeraude Bakery owners Hunter and Wendy Briley said the planned widening of Lebanon Road in front of their business may affect only their current location in Mt. Juliet. Emeraude Bakery – known for its sourdough breads and pastries — opened at 9904 Lebanon Rd. in 2024.
MT. JULIET ROAD MAP: New U-turn law
LAURIE EVERETT Main Street Media Project: On Aug. 24 the Board of Commissioners approved an ordinance that allows U-turns anywhere in the city unless a specific sign prohibits them. The City previously outlawed all U-turns within the City. State law: Mt. Juliet was one of just a few cities in Tennessee where U-turns were banned. What happens now: The ordinance authorizes the City public works director or city engineer to designate sign locations where U-turns are prohibited.
MT. JULIET MOVER: Michelle Swart, Executive Director of CASA, Wilson County
Michelle, please tell us a little about yourself. “I was born in Jackson, TN and raised in Arkansas. Mt. Juliet has been our home since 2017.” Married, children? “I have been married to my best friend, Josh, for 11 years. We have two daughters. Aviana is 21 years old and Saylor is 8.” Schooling? “I have a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Arkansas.” What was your first ever job? “DJ/Snack Bar attendant at a roller-skating rink.” What about your career before CASA?
Mt. Juliet approves two developments for nearly 400 homes
LAURIE EVERETT Main Street Media The Mt. Juliet Board of Commissioners unanimously gave final approval of two single-family residential developments at its meeting Monday night, adding nearly 400 homes combined. District 3 Commissioner Scott Hefner was absent. Commissioners approved a development called Aveline to be built on property located at 10495 Central Pike. It came to the BOC with a positive recommendation from the Mt. Juliet Planning Commission last June.
Basement Marketplace turns 10 years old
The Basement Marketplace owner Julie Ruesewald (left) and vendor Kathleen Walker celebrated the business’ 10th anniversary last weekend. Walker makes wooden signs and home décor out of old book pages. She’s been there the entire decade. LAURIE EVERETT Sandy Lee joined the Basement Marketplace “maker” family six years ago and so she stopped by last Saturday to congratulate owner Julie Ruesewald on the artisan boutique’s 10th anniversary at the Lebanon Road location.
MT. JULIET ROAD MAP: Will Sellers Dog Park
LAURIE EVERETT Main Street Media Project: Temporary closure of Will Sellers Dog Park starting Aug. 19 until a to-be-determined date in the fall. The park is closed for safety during the installation of a sidewalk connecting the dog park to Rutland Elementary School because the parking lot will be unavailable. The sidewalk will be 630 feet long and six feet wide and run along the east side of SE Springdale Drive. Total project cost: $20,000.
MT. JULIET MOVER: Nathan Thomas, Fire Department of Mt. Juliet EMS Captain
Please tell us a little about yourself. “I was born and raised in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and moved to Lebanon in July of 2021.” Married, children? “My wonderful wife Amy and I have 10 children and a constantly growing number of grandchildren.” Education? “My undergrad is in emergency management and I recently graduated from Cumberland University with my master’s in public service management. “ When were you appointed/hired as EMS Captain? “I received my promotion to Captain in May of this year.
Dance studio in Mt. Juliet shakes to some hip-hopping exercises
Rachel Sanders, who grew up as an Irish dance performer, now teaches exercise classes in Mt. Juliet with hip-hop music. SUBMITTED Rachel Sanders’ formative years revolved around conquering the rigid, precise Irish dance genre, but now as an adult, she’s let loose her upper body and embraced the world of hip-hop dance with the opening of Fly Dance Fitness in Mt. Juliet. It’s for anyone who just wants to get fit with hip-hop music.
MT. JULIET MOVER: Von Barr, Cracker Barrel Dispute Resolution Manager
Von, please tell us a little about yourself. “I was born in Wilson County and raised between Dowelltown and Watertown. I graduated from Watertown High School and now call Lebanon home.” Married, children?” “I am divorced and the proud parent of two beautiful children — my daughter, Aliyah, and my son, Darius. Being their mother has been one of the greatest blessings of my life, and they continue to inspire me through their unique talents, accomplishments and character.” Education?
Mt. Juliet voters to decide Home Rule system
Voters in Mt. Juliet will now be able to decide on the Nov. 3 general election ballot if they would like to repeal the city’s Home Rule municipal government system. The Mt. Juliet Board of Commissioners in a 4-0 vote approved on final reading at their Monday meeting the use of the referendum. District 3 Commissioner Scott Hefner was absent. The primary purpose of repealing Home Rule would be on impact fees paid by residential and commercial developers, Mt. Juliet officials said.
Mt. Juliet Police Department adds third K9 officer, Eleanor
LAURIE EVERETT Main Street Media MJPD K9 Officer Chase Hale has been training his new partner Eleanor to become the third K9 for the police department. SUBMITTED Don’t let this dog’s gorgeous face with amber eyes and black ears fool you. Eleanor, the first female member of the Mt. Juliet Police Department’s K9 unit, can take down a suspect in seconds.
MT. JULIET MOVER: Scott Lively, Fire Department of Mt. Juliet Assistant Chief of Training and Safety
Scott, please tell us a little about yourself. “My father was a veteran of both the Army and Air Force and worked for the federal government after his service, which caused my family to move often. I was born in Huntsville, Alabama, but spent most of my younger life through high school in Hermitage, Tennessee. I got married and moved to Wilson County 31 years ago. We now reside in Gladeville.” Married, children?
MT. JULIET MOVER: Michelle Shoemake, Director of Membership and Operations, Mt. Juliet Chamber of Commerce
Michelle, please tell us a little about yourself. “I was born in Hyden, a small town in Eastern Kentucky, and moved to Bowling Green when I was 1 year old. I grew up there, graduated from high school, and attended Western Kentucky University. I moved to the Nashville area in 1997 and have called Mt. Juliet home since 2003.” Married, children? “I’m married to the love of my life, Jere, who is a Nashville native, and we have one daughter, Colleen, who currently lives in Seattle.” Schooling?
MT. JULIET MOVER: Lanee Young, Realtor at Keller Williams
Lanee, please tell us a little about yourself. “I’m from Alexandria, TN, but have lived in Mt. Juliet for the past 44 years.” Married, children? “I’m married to Terry Young, who was my high school sweetheart and we have two children. Our son is Lincoln Young, who is married to Amy and they have twin boys. Our daughter is Whitney, who is married to Hunter Wharton and they have three children.” Education?
MT. JULIET MOVER: Misty Neeley, Special Olympics coach
Please tell us a little about yourself. “I was born in Nashville but moved to Ohio at around the age of 6. I returned to Tennessee in 2003 to support my grandparents at their end of life. I have lived in the same home in Mt. Juliet since 2003.” Married, children? “I am married and have adopted eight children total. We have three adult children and one 4-year-old that currently live in our home.” Education? “I have a master’s degree in sociology and a master’s degree in social work.” Current job?
MT. JULIET ROAD MAP: Town Center Trail
Project: Town Center Trail Phase 3 to install a 10-foot-wide greenway from S. Greenhill Road to Mt. Juliet Elementary School. A trailhead will be constructed across the street from the school to allow students from Willoughby Station and other neighborhoods to walk to school. Status: Five percent of construction completed. Construction is expected to take about one year. Architect/engineer: Kimley-Horn Contractor: Adams Contracting Total cost for Phase 3: $2,912,720 Grant amount: $2,330,176.
Mt. Juliet supports emergency room plans
LAURIE EVERETT Main Street Media On the heels of the announcement that TriStar Summit Medical Center plans to build a freestanding emergency room in Lebanon, the Mt. Juliet Board of Commissioners unanimously approved at Monday’s meeting a resolution to support more of the emergency room facilities to be built in Mt. Juliet.
MT. JULIET MOVER: Alex Jeffries, MJHS teacher, Innovative Educator Award winner
Alex, please tell us a little about yourself. “I was born on an Air Force base in Germany and moved around quite a bit when I was younger. I was raised in Tucson, Arizona, and now live in Mt. Juliet.” Current career position? “I am the Comprehensive Intervention Pathways (CIP) teacher at Mt. Juliet High School.” Married, children? “I’m married to my beautiful wife, Kelly, and we have two children: a daughter, Savannah, and a son, Emmitt.” Education?
MT. JULIET ROAD MAP: Old Lebanon Dirt Road project groundbreaking
LAURIE EVERETT Main Street Media Project: Groundbreaking on June 29 to start the widening project for Old Lebanon Dirt Road on a two-mile section from Moreland Drive to Chandler Road located west of N. Mt. Juliet Road. The expected construction time is two years.
Shop Springs Creamery’s ice cream now on the menu at Mt. Juliet’s Circle P Ranch
Jen Billeaud scoops chocolate ice cream into a waffle cone at the recently opened Shop Springs Creamery location at Circle P Ranch in Mt. Juliet. LAURIE EVERETT Hot summer days and scoops of homemade ice cream go hand in hand and now Mt. Juliet connoisseurs of that sweet treat can sidle up to the window for scoops and cones of the popular Shop Springs Creamery’s coolest flavors. The creamery’s owners, Jeffrey and Elizabeth Turner, have spread their scoops to West Wilson County.
MT. JULIET MOVER: Jason Lawson, District Attorney General, 15th Judicial District
Please tell us a little about yourself. “I am a lifelong Wilson County resident. I grew up in Watertown and have lived in Mt. Juliet since 2003.” Married, children? “I have been married for 23 years to my wonderful wife, Christy (Weathers) Lawson of Smyrna. I have two sons, Avery (19), who is a pre-med student at ETSU, and Everett (17), a rising senior at Green Hill High School.” Education? “I graduated from Watertown High School in 1995 and attended MTSU on a Presidential Academic Scholarship.
MT. JULIET MOVER: Sandy Elliott, Ms. Tennessee Senior America 2026
Sandy, please tell us a little about yourself. “I was born in Charlottesville, Virginia. I grew up in Braham, Minnesota, and in Maryville, Tennessee. After grad school, I settled in Nashville with my best friend from Cumberland University and met my husband. We built our home in Mt. Juliet and have lived here for 28 years.” Married, children? “I have been married to my husband, Scott, for 34 years. I have two adult children: Kelsey (Dustin) and Kyle.
Mt. Juliet senior center bringing new name to its new site
Mt. Juliet 55-plus Activity Center Executive Director Valissa Saindon (left) and Activities Director Jennifer Pinto look at the progress of the main room of the center’s new facility on Charlie Daniels Parkway last week. The center is planning a June 15 date to move into the former MJPD building. LAURIE EVERETT The Mt. Juliet senior center is starting its move and transition to its new location with a new name.
Needham’s Nursery sponsors drone show in Mt. Juliet on Memorial Day
LAURIE EVERETT Main Street Media Needham’s Nursery will sponsor its third annual patriotic drone show Memorial Day in Mt. Juliet at 8:45 p.m. The parking lot at First Baptist Church (735 N. Mt. Juliet Rd.) will open for spectators at 7 p.m. on Monday, May 25. There is no admission charge. The drone show will last approximately 15-20 minutes.
MT. JULIET MOVER: Ross Hudson, City of Mt. Juliet Parks Director
Please tell us a little about yourself. “I was born and raised in Mt. Juliet and currently live in Tuckers Crossroads.” Married, children? “I am married to my wife, Hanna, and have one daughter.” Education? “I graduated from Wilson Central High School and received a bachelor’s degree from Cumberland University in Criminal Justice and Public Administration.” Your first-ever job?
New Mt. Juliet salon hits nail on the head for relaxation
Aria Nail Salon brand creator Jackie Pham stands in front of just a few of the nail colors available at the recently opened salon’s location in Mt. Juliet near Sprouts Farmers Market. LAURIE EVERETT There’s a new relaxing business in the middle of Mt. Juliet as Aria Nail Lounge held a grand opening this past Saturday. The Mt. Juliet location is the first one in Wilson County. There’s one in Gallatin and hundreds across Tennessee, said brand creator Jackie Pham.
MT. JULIET ROAD MAP: Pavilion at Veterans Park
LAURIE EVERETT Main Street Media Project: A pavilion is scheduled to be built at Veterans Park, the location of the city’s clock tower at the intersection of N. Mt. Juliet Road and E. Division Street. The slab has been built for the pavilion located at the northwest corner of the park. The plans include a 12-foot by 25-foot pavilion with a metal roof and four picnic tables.
MT. JULIET MOVER: Dr. Jared McKinney, Fire Department of Mt. Juliet Medical Director
Tell us a little about yourself. “Born in Nashville, raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, and now live in Nolensville.” Married, children? “Married with three girls.” Education? “Went to undergrad at Purdue University where I was an engineering major. Did not plan on a medical career however I volunteered at a children’s hospital the summer after my freshman year at Purdue and fell in love with it.
MT. JULIET MOVER: Col. Jeff Rice, (Ret.) Air National Guard
Colonel, please tell us a little about yourself. “I was born and raised in and around Decatur, Illinois. I moved to St. Louis for a job not too long after college and spent 10 years there. After 09/11 happened, I was called to active duty and we found that we had no family to help out in the St. Louis area. We had a 2-year-old at the time and I knew there would likely be more deployments coming so our choices to be closer to family were Central Illinois or Tennessee.
MT. JULIET MOVER: Heather Slater, Mt. Juliet Middle School band teacher
Heather, please tell us a little about yourself. “I was born in Nashville and raised between Mt. Juliet and Donelson. I now live in Lebanon with my husband and three children.” Married, children? “Yes, my husband’s name is Austin and we have three kids. We have an 8-year-old (Elliot) and twin 4-year-olds (Miles and Ryann).” Schooling? “I actually went to Mt. Juliet Middle School when I was younger, but I graduated high school from McGavock High School.
MT. JULIET MOVER: Kenzi Hambrick, MJCA Cheer Coach
Kenzi, please tell us a little about yourself. “I was born at UMC in Lebanon and raised right here in Wilson County. I have lived both in Mt. Juliet and Lebanon over my life. My mother built and flipped houses so we moved a lot. I have moved a total of 23 times in my life. Currently I live in Farmington Woods in Lebanon.” Current career position? “I am currently a working stylist and the salon account manager at Stylemasters.
MT. JULIET MOVER: Sarah Baines, RN, Wilson Central High School nurse
Sarah, please tell us a little about yourself. “I was born and raised in Smith County. After living several years in Wilson County, I moved back to my home in Smith County.” Married, children? “Tony and I have five children: Charley, Ava, Parker, Sydney Jo and Jack and two four-legged children, Pablo and Scout. This year I will welcome my first grandbaby, and I am super excited about that.” Education? “Bachelor’s degree through our wonderful Cumberland University.” What was your first-ever job?
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