Nancy Phillips Stephens
Verified- Editor, Main Street Media of Tennessee
- Editor, Cheatham County Exchange
- Editor, Dickson Post
- Editor, Hickman County Times (Centerville, TN)
Nashville
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Articles by Nancy Phillips Stephens
Dickson Chamber Welcomes New Dog Camp and Retreat
Stay Golden Dog Camp & Retreat recently celebrated its ribbon cutting with the Dickson County Chamber. SUBMITTED Stay Golden Dog Camp & Retreat recently celebrated its ribbon cutting with the Dickson County Chamber, marking an exciting milestone for the locally owned dog care and enrichment facility.
Bayou Belle Celebrates Anniversary at Ribbon Cutting
Bayou Belle Restaurant and Bar recently celebrated their one year anniversary and ribbon cutting with the Dickson County Chamber. COURTESY DICKSON COUNTY CHAMBER Located at 103 S. Main St. in downtown Dickson, Bayou Belle Restaurant and Bar brings authentic Cajun flavor and Southern hospitality to Middle Tennessee. The recently celebrated their one year anniversary and ribbon cutting with the Dickson County Chamber.
Dickson County Schools First in State to adopt Leader in Me District-wide
Dickson County Schools first in State to adopt Leader in Me district-wide. DCSD In July 2026, the Dickson County School Board unanimously approved using Franklin Covey’s Leader in Me curriculum districtwide. That decision makes Dickson County Schools the first district in Tennessee to use the program districtwide, though other individual schools implement it.
Duplicate addresses on Dry Hollow Road prompt renaming proposal
At their Oct. 5 work session, the Dickson County Commission discussed renaming West Dry Hollow Road to eliminate duplicate addresses that may confuse 911 dispatchers on emergency calls. Dickson County Highway Chief Administrative Officer Jackie Hodges said duplicate addresses are listed for West Dry Hollow Road in Dickson near its intersection with Thompson Road.
Mayor Weiss Signs Proclamation For Lions Club White Cane Day
Shirley Hartford, White Cane Day Chairman (left) and Theresa Chandler, Lions
Club President, look on while Mayor Donnie Weiss signs the White Cane Day Proclamation. PHOTO BY PHILIP CHADWICK Dickson Mayor Donnie Weiss recently signed a proclamation making Wednesday, October 15th White Cane Day for the Dickson Lions Club. October 15th is also known as Lion’s International White Cane Day.
Spring Hill considers wastewater agreement with Columbia
Proposed Pact Will Not End Moratorium By MALLORY GAINES For Main Street Maury Spring Hill officials are considering a proposed wastewater agreement with Columbia that could provide 1.5 million gallons per day of treatment capacity, but the city’s sewer moratorium will remain in place until mid-2030. Spring Hill Mayor Matt Fitterer clarified the city’s position in a Facebook post before the Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen discussed the proposed interconnection agreement at its Monday, Oct.
Nashville State, TCAT Dickson Celebrate New Shared Campus
The Dickson Center of Higher Education held its official ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening on Oct. 12. SUBMITTED Nashville State Community College and the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Dickson celebrated the grand opening of the Dickson Center of Higher Education with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 12. The ceremony was well-attended by local officials, Tennessee Board of Regents leaders, healthcare and educational partners, employees, and community members.
Booby Bolt Draws 463 Runners Raising Breast Cancer Awareness, Honoring Survivors
NANCY STEPHENS Cheatham County Exchange The 13th annual Booby Bolt attracted 463 participants to Pleasant View Community Park in support of breast cancer awareness on Oct. 3. VIRGINIA HUDSON PHOTOGRAPHY Pink Out for Hope’s 13th annual Booby Bolt 5K and Kids Fun Run on Oct. 3 in Pleasant View Community Park was a huge success, according to event organizers.
Women in Business Holiday Happiness! Happening Thursday
As the holiday season approaches, Cheatham County Chamber of Commerce believes it is important to pause, focus on our own well-being, and find happiness amid life’s busy schedule. To accomplish this, the Chamber is hosting the next Women in Business meeting: Holiday Happiness! this Thursday, Oct. 15 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Stone Bridge Books in Ashland City. This meeting will focus on maintaining joy, balance, and connection as we head into a busy time of year.
Medacta, Enterprise plans reviewed by Spring Hill Planning Commission
The Spring Hill Planning Commission reviewed site plans for Medacta and Enterprise Rent-A-Car during its Sept. 28 non-voting work session, with one proposal involving design changes to an approved headquarters and the other seeking to relocate an existing business to North Old Port Royal Road. Medacta submitted a design modification for its headquarters at 3446 Jim Warren Road.
Dickson Farm to Table Dinner Raises $18,000 for Ag Programs
Over 200 people attended the 12th Farm to Table Dinner in downtown Dickson on Sept. 10 to showcase Dickson County local agriculture. DICKSON COUNTY SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT The Dickson County Chamber Agriculture Committee raised more than $18,000 at its 12th Farm to Table Dinner on Sept. 10 in downtown Dickson, with more than 200 people attending.
Maury County Community Calendar of Upcoming Events
Maury County Public Library Chair Yoga takes place Tuesday, Oct. 20 and 27 from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. at 201 E 6th Street in Columbia. Chair yoga for 18 and up is a gentle form of yoga that involves doing traditional yoga poses while seated or using a chair for balance. Genealogy at Maury County Public Library will be offered on Tuesday, Oct, 20 from 4 - 6 p.m. Learn how to research your family history, including how to find and interpret records, and how to use technology to assist in your research.
Cheatham County & City eWaste team up to offer residents free & secure electronics recycling
Erin Westrich, City eWaste’s Head of Operations, and Cheatham County Solid Waste Director Mike Russell are excited to partner in the new program to recycle old electronics. SUBMITTED Cheatham County residents now have a free and secure way to divert the old electronics piling up in their closets, garages, and junk drawers. Cheatham County has partnered with City eWaste, the first e-waste collection franchise in America.
Historic Ship Brings World War II history to Riverbluff Park
HOLLY SPANN For Cheatham County Exchange The World War II ship USS LST-325 will complete a six-day exhibition at Riverbluff Park in Ashland City on Tuesday, Oct. 6, after drawing large crowds to tour the last fully operational landing ship from the war. World War II ship USS LST-325 passes Sydney’s Bluff as it arrives at Riverbluff Park in Ashland City. HOLLY SPANN Ashland City Mayor Gerald Greer welcomed the ship at an opening ceremony Oct.
Spring Hill Considers Grease Trap Exemption for Small Food Businesses
MALLORY GAINES for Main Street Maury The Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved the first reading of an ordinance creating exemptions from the city’s grease-control requirements for certain home-based and small-scale commercial food businesses. The proposed “Low-Impact/FOG Exempt Food Preparation” ordinance would establish standards for qualifying businesses whose food preparation produces minimal fats, oils, grease (FOG) or food solids.
CA Alumnus, NASA Engineer Returns for Science Night
Dr. Phillip Allen, deputy chief engineer for NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS), will speak at Columbia Academy on Oct. 13. COURTESY COLUMBIA ACADEMY Columbia Academy alumnus Dr. Phillip Allen is returning to campus on Tuesday, Oct. 13 as guest speaker for CA’s Science Night – and the community is invited to attend. NASA and space travel enthusiasts can attend to learn more about the recent Artemis II launch and trip around the moon.
Disability Matters, Young and Old Conference Enlightens, Educates on Important Issues
Speakers at the Disabilities Matters conference (l-r) Dr. Robbie Faulkner, Dr. Megan Schwalm, Danielle Branch, and Dr. Cynthia George. GLENDA SULLIVAN The Disability Matters Young and Old Conference, hosted by the People with Disabilities Caucus on Sept. 13, was deemed a huge success with at least 65 Tennesseans from a number of counties in attendance – all eager to learn more about how disability matters.
Spring Hill considers one-year extension for Waste Management contract
By MALLORY GAINES For Main Street Maury Spring Hill’s contract with Waste Management is nearing its expiration, leaving city staff and the Board of Mayor and Aldermen to determine the best path forward for the city’s residential trash and recycling services. The city has worked with Waste Management since 2019, with the current contract set to expire May 31, 2027. City staff is recommending a one-year extension that would move the contract’s expiration date to May 31, 2028.
Kiwanis Club of Columbia Honors Jan McKeel and Lucas Burt
The Kiwanis Club of Columbia honored former club presidents, Jan McKeel (right) and Lucas Burt (left)
with the prestigious George F. Hixson Fellowship. McKeel and Burt are pictured with Club
president Stephen Webb. SUBMITTED The Kiwanis Club of Columbia honored two former Club Presidents, Jan McKeel and Lucas Burt, with the George F. Hixson Fellowship. The George F. Hixson Fellowship was established by the Kiwanis Children’s Fund in 1983.
AAA: Many Tennessee Children Move to Seat Belts Too Soon
Children can lose important crash protection when they move to the next restraint stage before they’re ready. AAA Many Tennessee children may be riding less safely than their parents realize, according to new research released by AAA for Child Passenger Safety Week. AAA found that many children are moving to booster seats and seat belts before they’re ready, while many child restraints are not being used correctly.
Riverside Academy Working to Reduce Student Vaping
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SHARON LURIE Cheatham County Exchange The Cheatham County School Board met Sept. 3 and heard a school improvement update from Dr. Jordan Reed, principal of Riverside Academy which included school efforts to reduce student vaping. Reed said students disciplined for vaping now must take a class about the dangers of the habit, in partnership with the Cheatham County Community Enhancement Coalition. “They started a class yesterday for students with those that are remanded for that reason.
By Nancy Phillips Stephens Verified, Sharon Lurie Verified
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Main Street Media of Tennessee
Verified
Spring Hill Considers $99K Contract for New Parks Master Plan
By MALLORY GAINES For Main Street Maury Spring Hill city staff is recommending that the Board of Mayor and Aldermen approve a $99,435 contract with Hodgson Douglas Landscape Architects to develop a new Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The plan would serve as a 10-year roadmap for Spring Hill's park and recreation system, guiding future decisions about park development, land purchases, recreational programs, facilities and capital investments.
Spring Hill approves $3M contract to address sewer moratorium
By MALLORY GAINES For Main Street Maury Spring Hill’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen unanimously approved a $3 million contract Tuesday night with Black & Veatch Corporation to oversee planning and design for the city’s SPARTAN Capital Program, a collection of major infrastructure projects to expand water and wastewater capacity. The sewer moratorium, in effect since August 2025, has halted or limited development projects as the city works to address wastewater capacity.
Tennessee Watercolor Society Juried Biennial Exhibition Opens at Pryor Art Gallery
CSCC “Living Waters – John 8:38” by Mary Lehner will be among the exhibit pieces at the Pryor Art Gallery. SUBMITTED The Columbia State Community College Pryor Art Gallery will host the Tennessee Watercolor Society’s Juried Biennial Exhibition in mid-September. The focus of the exhibition is celebrating the beauty in Tennessee artists’ water media paintings on paper. Pieces on display will feature art hand-selected from the traveling exhibition.
Two Arrested in Columbia During Statewide Prostitution, Trafficking Investigation
The Columbia Police Department made two arrests as part of an illegal massage parlor investigation. COURTESY CPD The Columbia Police Department, working in partnership with local, state, and federal agencies, executed two search warrants Wednesday as part of a months-long investigation into suspected prostitution and human trafficking connected to massage parlors in Columbia.
Free QPR Training Thursday in Dickson
September is Suicide Awareness Month, and the community is invited to participate in QPR Training, hosted by Drug Free Dickson Coalition, Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network, and UT Extension. The free training is happening this Thursday, Sept. 17 and registration is required. QPR stands for Question, Persuade and Refer, and when used, offers hope through positive action to those who are considering suicide. By attending, guests can learn simple skills to help prevent suicide.
Secretary of State Shows Record Business Filings
Increase Helping Stabilize Tennessee Home Prices TN SEC. OF STATE New business filings in the second quarter of 2026 were the second highest of any quarter in the 33-year history of the data, surpassed only by the first quarter of 2026. The new Quarterly Business and Economic Indicators report issued by Secretary of State Tre Hargett’s office also examines housing prices, noting that prices have stabilized in Tennessee since 2024 after rapid increases coming out of the pandemic.
Disabilities Matter Young and Old Event This Sunday in Dickson
Navigating the world of health services and caregiving for seniors and disabled persons of any age can be difficult. It can also be challenging to find helpful resources and information for the disabled and the elderly. One Dickson County group has risen to the challenge by hosting an event bringing people together to find solutions and sail through difficult or confusing developments in legislation, regulations and required paperwork.
Introducing Maury County Fair’s 2026 Fairest of the Fair
Maury County Fair’s 2026 Fairest of the Fair – Miss Fairest of the Fair Lilly Alderson, Teen Fairest of the Fair Teegan Huls, Jr. Miss Fairest of the Fair Grace Quigley, Little Miss Fairest of the Fair Addie McWilliams, Tiny Miss Fairest of the Fair Natalie Sanders and Teeny Miss Fairest of the Fair Jasira Gant. COURTESY MAURY COUNTY FAIR
Join the inaugural Ag & Arts Tour fun coming up Sept. 26
The inaugural Cheatham County Ag & Arts Tour is coming up Sept. 26 – and now is the time for local farms, artisans and performers to sign up! Citizens and county visitors will embark on a one-of-a-kind, self-guided adventure through scenic farms, roadside markets, and artisan showcases as a part of the Ag & Arts Tour which is designed to celebrate the best of local agriculture, art and music.
Mecum Auctions Expands into Tennessee with Inaugural Event at Nashville Superspeedway
Nashville Superspeedway is set to host the Mercum Auctions collectable cars festivial on Sept. 23-26. SUBMITTED GLADEVILLE – An eventful 2026 season for Nashville Superspeedway got even more jam-packed recently when the track announced it will host the inaugural Mecum Nashville Collector Car Auction Festival Sept. 23-26, the first appearance in Tennessee in the 39-year history of the internationally acclaimed event.
Dickson County Schools Add Online Tool to Close Algebra I Gaps
KAREN STEVENSON For Dickson Post To help narrow gaps identified in Algebra I end of course results, this fall, educators in Dickson County Schools’ (DCS) Algebra I classes are introducing a new online platform called IXL Learning. Oftentimes, math is a subject that may intimidate students or seem difficult, and this new program is designed to help give students more confidence in math.
Three Titles, Three Skills: DCHS FFA Shines at State
Schroeder, McMeen, Littleton score state championships SUBMITTED Three Dickson County High School students earned Tennessee FFA state championships on Aug. 17 in three very different areas—public speaking, tractor driving and welding—bringing home top honors and putting Dickson County agriculture in the spotlight.
Maury County Fair Returns Sept. 3-7
Maury County Fair returns Sept. 3-7 with carnival rides. COURTESY MAURY COUNTY FAIR The 2026 Maury County Fair & Exposition returns Sept. 3-7 to the Maury County Park fairgrounds for five “Starry Nights & Midway Lights” themed fun. This year’s Maury County Fair combines traditional attractions with new thrilling action. Fairgoers can enjoy carnival rides, live entertainment, livestock shows, agricultural exhibits, blue ribbons, fair food favorites, plus, rodeo and motocross competitions.
Preserve State’s Military History with Tennessee Wars Commission Grant
The Tennessee Wars Commission, the Tennessee Historical Commission division responsible for preserving the state’s significant military history, has announced the August 31, 2026 opening of this year’s grant cycle for the Tennessee Wars Commission Grant Fund (TWCGF). A total $94,000 in funding will be available from the TWCGF this year. Last year, the Wars Commission awarded $73,806 in grant funding for projects ranging from interpretive signage to documenting artifacts.
Dickson County Family Hosts Exchange Program Chaperone Over Summer
Sakae Nakamura poses with a mural in downtown Dickson. SUBMITTED Dickson County is serving as a cultural crossroads this summer, hosting twenty-four Japanese exchange students and three adult chaperones through a partnership between the state’s 4-H International Programs and the LABO International Exchange Foundation.
Spring Hill High’s MacKay Elected SkillsUSA State Secretary
Robert MacKay, a student at Spring Hill High School in Maury County Public Schools, has been elected to serve as a State Officer for SkillsUSA Tennessee, a Career and Technical Student Organization focused on bridging the gap between Students and the Workforce.
Maury County Community Calendar of Upcoming Events
Maury County Public Library Chair Yoga takes place Tuesday, Oct. 6, 13, 20 and 27 from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. at 201 E 6th Street in Columbia. Chair yoga for 18 and up is a gentle form of yoga that involves doing traditional yoga poses while seated or using a chair for balance. Genealogy at Maury County Public Library will be offered on Tuesday, Oct. 6 and Oct.
Maury County Community Calendar of Upcoming Events
Maury County Animal Shelter Paws to Read is held every second and fourth Thursday. Go by the animal shelter and read a book to a shelter dog on Thursday, Sept, 10 and 24 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. at 1233 Mapleash Ave., Columbia. Cruisin’ The Co-op is coming up Friday, Sept. 11 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at United Co-op – Columbia at 975 Riverview Lane in Columbia. Keep the summer rolling with another great night of cars, community and food trucks.
Maury County Community Calendar of Upcoming Events
Maury County Animal Shelter Paws to Read is held every second and fourth Thursday. Go by the animal shelter and read a book to a shelter dog on Thursday, Sept, 10 and 24 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. at 1233 Mapleash Ave., Columbia. Cruisin’ The Co-op is coming up Friday, Sept. 11 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at United Co-op – Columbia at 975 Riverview Lane in Columbia. Keep the summer rolling with another great night of cars, community and food trucks. Columbia, Cars & Coffee returns on Saturday, Sept.
Maury County Community Calendar of Upcoming Events
Genealogy at Maury County Public Library will be offered on Tuesday, Sept. 15 from 4 - 6 p.m. Learn how to research your family history, including how to find and interpret records, and how to use technology to assist in your research. Offered every first and third Tuesday at the Maury Co. Archives for ages 18 and up. Spring Hill Public Library Craft Crew session for September is Watercolor Painting on Thursday, Sept.
Patton receives Ascend Federal Credit Union scholarship
Ascend Federal Credit Union recently awarded $25,000 in individual academic scholarships to 10 Middle Tennessee students and an additional $18,500 in scholarship funding to Fisk University and Middle Tennessee State University. Ashlyn Patton, of Columbia, was among the 2026 individual member scholarship recipients. Patton is continuing her education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Brashears named Tennessee JROTC Cadet of the Year
Hickman County High School graduate Emma Brashears accepts the Soaring Eagle Award after being named Colonel Frederick B. Bowling JROTC Cadet of the Year. COURTESY HCHS JROTC Emma Brashears, a Hickman County High School Class of 2026 graduate, has been named the 2026 Colonel Frederick B. Bowling JROTC Cadet of the Year for the state of Tennessee — the top honor for a Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps cadet in the state. “It was very surreal and surprising.
MLEC classroom grant application deadline Aug. 31
Meriwether Lewis is accepting applications for its annual Adopt-A-School Grant program now through Monday, Aug. 31. The cooperative will award $1,000 classroom grants to three educators in each county served by MLEC to support classroom needs and educational projects. Kindergarten through 12th-grade teachers and principals are eligible to apply.
Dickson Post Earns Three State Press Association Awards
STAFF REPORT Dickson Post Cheatham County Exchange editor Nancy Stephens accepts a first place award from Keith Carver, senior vice chancellor and senior vice president of the UT Institute of Agriculture at the 2026 Tennessee State Press Awards. DONN JONES The Dickson Post is excited to announce earning three awards in the 2026 Tennessee Press Association’s annual State Press Contest – including one first place award.
Capt. Osman receives Public Fire Educator of the Year Award
City of Dickson Fire Marshal, Capt. Mike Osman was recently presented with the Bruce Womack Public Fire Educator of the Year Award. There are only 11 of these prestigious awards given throughout the United States and Canada each year. Additionally, Capt. Osman was also voted in as the president of the Tennessee Public Fire Educator’s Association. COURTESY CITY OF DICKSON
119 Years of Faith: Wayman Chapel A.M.E. Continues Building Legacy in Columbia
Wayman Chapel A.M.E. MALLORY GAINES For 119 years, a small church in the heart of Columbia has opened its doors to generations of families, welcoming them with faith, fellowship and a place to call home. Wayman Chapel A.M.E Church, located at 105 South Jackson Street, has stood as a steady presence in the community since 1907. Through generations of change, challenges and growth, the church has remained rooted in its mission to serve Christ and extend that service beyond its walls.
Columbia honors 8U American All Stars for State Title, Undefeated Season
ANDREW PEARSON Main Street Maury The Columbia City Council recently recognized the 2026 8U All Star Baseball Team in the city’s American Little League for winning its first state championship in eight years with an undefeated 7-0 season. The 8U All Stars of Columbia’s American Little League celebrate their state championship and undefeated season with their coaches and the Columbia City Council.
African American Heritage Society of Maury County receives $9K preservation grant
Grant to fun A.J. Morton & Son Funeral Home foundation restoration STAFF REPORT The Tennessee Historical Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, recently awarded 28 matching grants totaling over $1.1 million from the Federal Historic Preservation Fund to non-profits, local governments, universities, and civic organizations across the state to support the preservation of historic and archaeological resources.
Five Decades of Faith, Service and Ministry
Pastor Mike Brown with his Main Street Award in his office. MALLORY GAINES For Pastor Mike Brown, the road to 50 years of ministry did not begin with certainty. It began with a question. After answering what he believed was God’s call to preach, Brown spent the first six months of his ministry wondering if he had made a mistake. “For the first six months, I might have preached three or four messages,” Brown said.
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