Sherry Mitchell
- Sr. Director, Communications, Atticus
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Articles by Sherry Mitchell
Haynes receives DAR Conservation Award
From left: Committee Chair Jane Mankin, Chapter Regent Cindy Rouch and award winner Michelle Haynes. SUBMITTED General Jethro Sumner Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution recently presented its 2024 Conservation Award to Michelle Haynes. She is Tennessee’s first licensed female auctioneer and first female real estate broker in Sumner County, and has been an exemplary conservationist in our community for over 50 years.
Business reopens after renovations
Business reopens after renovations Gold’s Gym Hendersonville kicked-off their recent reopening with a ribbon cutting event with the Hendersonville Chamber. SUBMITTED
Carter’s Liquidation Finds opens Portland storefront
Michael Carter stands behind the counter of Carter’s Liquidation Finds, which he and his father, Ray Carter recently opened. SUBMITTED Michael Carter and his father, Ray Carter opened Carter’s Liquidation Finds a few days before Christmas. The Carters had been running a similar online store from their home, and it had become a bit chaotic, according to Michael. In addition, they had set up at flea markets and sold on Facebook Marketplace.
‘Sweetheart’ event scheduled for Feb. 14
BY BONNIE FUSSELL The Portland Sun Dinner Temple Theatre will host the upcoming Sweetheart Dinner and Show. FILE Couples looking for a special place to celebrate Valentine’s Day won’t have to look far. The Portland Preservation Foundation (PPF) has just the event, and it’s downtown at the Temple Theatre. The Sweetheart Dinner and Show will be held on Feb.14 at 6 p.m. Guests will have a delicious dinner followed by a concert by Davis and Davidson featuring classical love songs.
Rippy named new children’s librarian
Lauren Rippy (l) with Linda Ackerman (r), outgoing children’s librarian. SUBMITTED Lauren Rippy has been named children’s librarian at the Portland Library of Sumner County. She replaces Linda Ackerman who retired after 29 years in that position, Rippy is currently the library director at Westmoreland Public Library. She joined the library in 2021. She described her three years as director as a wild three years, as she learned the ins and outs of running a library.
Liberty Creek Elementary traffic sparks safety concerns
Traffic congestion at 3:30 p.m. on a school day after turning onto Latimer Lane from Hunters Lane, approaching the intersection with Long Hollow Pike. SUBMITTED Even before Liberty Creek Elementary School, High School and Middle School were built, Hunters Lane resident Noreen Gibbens and her neighbors had their concerns about the traffic the schools would generate. She describes her road as a typical, two-lane country road, where a hill creates a blind spot for her driveway and others nearby.
County wants parking garage payment
The new downtown parking garage opened in 2024 and provides parking for courthouse patrons, as well as those doing business in the city. JANET SCOTT In the Sumner County Commission Budget Committee meeting on Monday, Jan. 13, a discussion ensued concerning a payment due from the City of Gallatin for $907,496—the final amount Gallatin owes for its share of the construction costs for the parking garage located on Franklin Street in Gallatin.
Hendersonville celebrates life of fallen hero
A contingent of firefighters escort Hendersonville Engine 5 as it transports the coffin bearing late Fire Captain Don Dallenbach on Jan. 17. RICK MURRAY The Dallenbach family (L-R) Dylan, Sierah, Drew, Emily and Denise, touch the coffin of their late father and husband, Hendersonville Fire Captain Don Dallenbach, during a graveside service on Jan. 17. RICK MURRAY On Friday Jan.
Local man charged with animal cruelty after family pet dies
BY ABBEY NUTTER Hendersonville Standard Richard Coomes A man has been arrested in Hendersonville after a family’s pet cat was shot with an arrow. On Jan. 12, a resident of Allen Court in Hendersonville reported that someone had shot their cat with an arrow. The cat was taken to an emergency veterinary clinic, where it passed away. An investigation by the Hendersonville Police Department led officers to a neighbor, Richard Coomes, 61.
House Republicans call on NCAA to reverse policy allowing men to compete against women
Johnny Garrett Tennessee House Republicans recently called on the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to protect the integrity of women’s sports by immediately reversing its controversial decision to allow male athletes to compete as females. The request, signed by all 75 members of the Tennessee House of Representative’s Republican Caucus, coincides with the NCAA’s annual convention that kicked off Jan. 14 in Nashville.
Short-term vacation rental controversy reignites
BY ABBEY NUTTER Hendersonville Standard Jamie Clary Controversy regarding two short-term rental properties in Hendersonville is stirring back up after an injunction was issued last fall. A permanent injunction was issued by Sumner County Circuit Court Judge Joe Thompson on Oct. 7, 2024, after former State Legislature Jeremy Durham continued to operate two short-term/vacation rental properties in Hendersonville despite a city ordinance not allowing short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods.
City looks into the future of transportation
The city is looking at several potential capital projects to help with traffic. SUBMITTED Hendersonville is looking ahead at the next 10 years with the final draft of its transportation improvement plan. “Everybody claims that we need more infrastructure and this is an opportunity for BOMA to put on the table a plan,” Capital Projects Committee Chair Eddie Roberson said.
Stay Warm Shelter opens its doors for 10th year
Deborah Alston-Barr prepares for the opening the Stay Warm Shelter. JANET SCOTT The Stay Warm Shelter, housed in the gymnasium of the First Baptist Church on Winchester Street Gallatin, was open for business last Friday night, just in time for the snow. The shelter is entering its 10th year of existence. Since its inception, the Stay Warm Shelter has been run by Deborah Alston-Barr. On Thursday—ahead of the year’s first predicted snowfall—Barr was preparing to make sure the shelter would be open.
Snow blankets city, provides fun day for kids
An aerial view of last week’s snowstorm. RICK MURRAYLet’s go sledding! Honey McCloudlAl bundled up for the weather. JENNIFER CASTILONHeading back uphill for another sled ride! GINGER McCLENDONCounty Commissioner Don Schmit and his pup enjoyed the snow. DON SCHMITWill someone play with me? JACKIE BRINSONA perfect snowman. Irish DerrickA perfect family snow outing. ALEX SEXTON Residents across Sumner County kicked off the weekend last Friday with a snow day.
Hendersonville police investigating teen’s death, suspect sought
BY ABBEY NUTTER Hendersonville Standard Amani Jordan A 16-year-old was killed in a shooting Sunday on Vulco Drive in Hendersonville. According to information released by the Hendersonville Police Department, a warrant for 2nd degree homicide has been obtained for 18-year-old Amani Jordan, who was identified as a suspect in the department’s homicide investigation. As of Monday, the department is actively looking for Jordan.
Friday’s snow was a fluffy frosting
Ori Cunningham, 4 enjoys the snow. RANDY MOOREJonathan Scott’s first solo snowman. Janet ScottJamie Cunningham, 6, covered in snow. RANDY MOOREThese two made a small snowman. STEPHANIE AUSBROOKSSurrounded by snow. Manee MossThese guys made chairs out of snow. JANET SCOTTWhat a beautiful snowman! JAN ESCUESo excited for a snow day! HAILEY WARRENNow that’s a snowman! BRITTANY ROBERTS Gallatin appeared to be covered in fluffy white frosting by mid-afternoon on Friday after receiving a blanketing of snow.
City looking at traffic calming solutions for several intersections
BY BONNIE FUSSELL The Portland Sun Carlton Cobb Members of the Portland Board and Mayor and Aldermen expressed concerns with traffic calming and safety at several intersections in Portland during last week’s council meeting. Recently stop signs were installed at Academy Road/Old Brush, Airport Road/Jim Courtney, Center Street/Richland, and Center Street/Dollar Street. The study for these intersections cost $2,100 each.
Alderman suggests allowing public comments for non-agenda items
BY BONNIE FUSSELL The Portland Sun Charles Cole The City of Portland Board of Mayor and Alderman held its first meeting of 2025 on Jan. 6. It was the second meeting for the council members elected in November. Jody McDowell and Brian Woodall were reelected with Charles Cole and Vince Ellis elected for their first term. Cole addressed Resolution 24-21, which explains the guidelines for public comments.
Portland band, choir students bring home the gold
BY BONNIE FUSSELL The Portland Sun PHS Juniors Maddie Lassiter and Jeanna Sando made the All-State Choir and will perform at Opryland Hotel in April. SUBMITTEDThe PHS Mid-State Band. SUBMITTED The Portland High School (PHS) Band students competed in Mid-State Band auditions before the Christmas break. Hector Colon (clarinet) made the 11th and 12th Grade Mid-State Gold Band. Diana Rodriquez (clarinet) made the 9th and 10th Grade Gold Band.
Sumner County Property Transfers November 14-20, 2024
Bethpage Music City Holdings LLC to TNT Home Buyers LLC, 1222 Smith Thompson Rd., Bethpage, $216,000. Castalian Springs Virginia Hudson to Olivia Rederrin, 0 Greenfield Ln., Castalian Springs, $165,000. Cottontown Scott and Tammy Baldocchi to Marshall and Rebecca Ray, 372 Lee Rd., Cottontown, $463,100. Ruth Moran to Tennessee Construction Assoc. LLC, 3955 Hwy 76, Cottontown, $112,000.
Pets of the Week – Meet Tazz and Cashmere - Main Street Media of Tennessee
Pets of the Week – Meet Tazz and Cashmere Tazz Cashmere Tazz is a senior male Chihuahua and Terrier mix. He is house trained, neutered, and up to date on vaccinations. His adoption fee is $250. Cashmere is a 2-year-old domestic short hair weighing 11 pounds. He is house trained, neutered, and up to date on vaccinations. His adoption fee is $125. If you would like to meet these or other adoptable pets at Safe Place for Animals, visit safeplaceforanimals.com/ or call 615- 451-7342.
Hendersonville prepares for mid-year budget adjustments
Jamie ClaryEddie Roberson As the city approaches the mid-year budget cycle, Hendersonville Mayor Jamie Clary and other members of the board of mayor and alderman are looking to make adjustments. Mid-year adjustments to the 2025 Fiscal Year budget will begin to appear on committee agendas in February before being reviewed by BOMA.
Work starts on Sanders Ferry Park boat ramp and courtesy docks
Reconstruction of the Sanders Ferry boat ramp and courtesy docks is expected to take two months. RICK MURRAY Demolition and reconstruction of the Sanders Ferry Park boat ramp and courtesy docks begins this week. The Hendersonville Parks Department expects construction on the parks new main boat ramp and three new courtesy docks to last around two months. Crews from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and their contractors will be mobilizing at the park for construction.
Two new Gallatin councilmen sworn in
BY JANET SCOTT Main Street Media Todd AlexanderPaul JonesShawn Fennell Two new council members—Paul T. Jones and Todd Alexander—were sworn in during the first city council meeting of 2025 in a ceremony conducted by General Sessions Judge Ron Blanton. Jones was elected in November as alderman for District 1 and Alexander as alderman for District 2. Incumbent Shawn Fennell, who ran unopposed, was reelected to his council-at-large seat as well.
Six arrested after businesses undergo alcohol and compliance checks
Six individuals are facing charges following alcohol and tobacco business compliance checks performed by the Hendersonville Police Department in December. Of the 27 businesses checked, 21 complied with state laws regarding the sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors. An Exxon location at 1082 W.
Off-duty officer arrested on DUI charges
Steven Wilson An off-duty Hendersonville Police officer faces charges of driving under the influence, assault on a first responder, speeding and resisting arrest after an incident Monday morning. The Sumner County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) made the arrest and identified the officer as Steven Wilson, 36.
Residents get early start on 2025 fitness goals
For over 20 years, the annual Frostbite 10K/5K races and polar plunge have been staples of the holiday season for thousands of people from across Middle Tennessee. This year’s event took place at the Sumner County YMCA on Saturday, Dec. 28 under cloudy skies and unseasonably mild temperatures. Over 300 runners and walkers participated in the races, with some vying for medals, some looking for a little family fun and still others looking to burn off a few yuletide calories.
Candy canes, Christmas carols adorn annual parade
Jolly St. Nicholas made his regular appearance at the end of the 2024 Hendersonville Christmas Parade. RICK MURRAY The LifeCycle TN entry that featured a team of spin workout enthusiasts in action, adorned in holiday elf attire. RICK MURRAY Volunteers from Stone Creek Memory Care dressed as a snowman and a candy cane. RICK MURRAY The Hendersonville High School Band of Gold performs a medley of Christmas music. RICK MURRAY The Station Camp High School Thundering Herd Marching Band performs.
Beech High stadium project to move forward as planned
Additional space for cheer, dance teams sparks debate ABBEY NUTTER Main Street Media Scott Langford Construction will move forward as planned on a new stadium at Beech High School amidst concerns from parents regarding the design. Parents of Beech High School cheerleaders and dance team members attended the Sumner County School Board meeting on Nov. 19 to voice concerns, which included not being able to see their children from the stands with the current design.
Decking the halls at Memorial Park
The 2024 Hendersonville Christmas tree glows brightly after being lit on Dec. 8. RICK MURRAY The Burrus Elementary School Choir performs during the 2024 Hendersonville Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. RICK MURRAY Hendersonville Mayor Jamie Clary, Sumner County Mayor John Isbell, Co-emcee and Fox 17 Morning Anchor Jennifer Waddell, Mix 92.9’s Hannah and Sean Cash and HolidayFest Board President Larry Phillips count down the Hendersonville Christmas tree lighting on Dec. 8.
It’s Christmas time in the city
Mark Rice, also known as Big Poppa Corn, lights the Christmas tree at the Portland Christmas Tree Lighting, as a group of excited children look on. The annual lighting of the Christmas Tree officially opens the Christmas season in Portland. WANDA ROGERS Portland West Middle School seventh grader Kole Donica sang at the City of Portland Christmas Tree Lighting.
New, returning aldermen sworn in
BONNIE FUSSELL Main Street Media Aldermen Brian Woodall, Charles Cole, and Vince Ellis were recently sworn into office. BONNIE FUSSELL The City of Portland held its Oath of Office Ceremony Monday Dec. 2 for the newly elected members of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen. Four aldermen were elected in November. The ceremony began at 4 p.m. in the council chamber at city hall. A large group of family and friends attended the ceremony.
Sumner County Property Transfers October 17-23, 2024
Cottontown Tania Lebel Personal Representative for the Estate of Edwin Kaler to James and Sherry Mallinger, 117 Hickory Hill Dr., Cottontown, $350,000. Leanna Miller to Nathanial Smith, Lindsay Smith, Joseph Rollins, Jr., 1054 Maxwell Branch Rd., Cottontown, $415,000. Roger Heinrich to Sumner Heritage Building LLC, 233 Shun Pike, Cottontown, $137,000. Gallatin Jeffrey and Angela Brimm to Allen and Rachael Wade, 1161 Potter Ln., Gallatin, $1,535,000.
Frosty temps, snow set mood for tree-lighting
Santa holds a book for Gallatin Poet Laureate Kevin Chopson. JANET SCOTT‘Snow flurries’ on the square provided a festive feel. JANET SCOTTVice Mayor Lynda Love with Kaylee Swindle and Santa Claus. JANET SCOTT The City of Gallatin hosted its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony Tuesday, Dec. 3 on the public square. With Vice Mayor Lynda Love serving as emcee, the crowd was entertained with music and poetry while waiting for the tree to be lit.
Former state rep speaks at French Lick DAR meeting
Pictured are Cindy Stricklin, First Vice Regent, Mrs. Breske, and Regent Nancy Corridon. SUBMITTED The French Lick Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution were recently honored to have Deborah Maggart Breske speak at the November meeting. Mrs. Breske is a former state representative who represented Sumner County and a member of the Jethro Sumner Chapter in Gallatin.
Jethro Sumner DAR presents outstanding veteran award
General Jethro Sumner Chapter, NSDAR Veterans Committee Chair Nancy Bales and Chapter Regent Cindy Rouch present the 2024 Outstanding Veteran Volunteer Award to Bob Schricker. SUBMITTED General Jethro Sumner Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution presented its 2024 Outstanding Veteran Volunteer Award to Bob Schricker at its Nov. 16 meeting. Mr. Schricker served in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1969.
A miracle shot – Dulany produces 50th community calendar - Main Street Media of Tennessee
The 2025 edition of Bob Dulany’s calendar will mark its 50th iteration. ABBEY NUTTER For the last 50 years, producing an annual calendar has been a way for former Hendersonville City Alderman Bob Dulany to connect with his community and to document the natural beauty he’s found around the city. The calendar began as a way of promoting Dulany’s printing business in the 1970s. “Then people began to anticipate it through the years,” Dulany said.
BOMA swears in new aldermen, elects vice mayor
Mark EvansDon Ward Two new aldermen were sworn in during the Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting last week. Don Ward, Ward 2, and Mark Evans, Ward 6 marked the start of their terms on the board, alongside returning members Mark Burgdorf (Ward 1), Mark Skidmore (Ward 1), Jeff Sasse (Ward 3), Karen Dixon (Ward 4), Rachel Collins (Ward 5) and Hendersonville Mayor Jamie Clary.
Local non-profit helps put gifts under the tree
Foster Families Assistance Network founder Anthony Poteet shows off the gift-wrapping station in the network’s Hendersonville store. ABBEY NUTTER The Foster Families Assistance Network’s annual holiday drive is in full swing in Hendersonville as December rolls in. “The holidays are a stressful time for most people,” Foster Families Assistance Network founder Anthony Poteet said.
City staff on plowing, potholes, and paving
Richard Depriest Gallatin’s City Engineer Nick Tuttle and Public Works Superintendent Richard Depriest were the guest speakers for the Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Good Morning, Gallatin event on Friday, Nov. 22. The pair were there to talk about Gallatin infrastructure—and a lot of questions came forth about snowplows, potholes, and paving. Emcee Jordan Woodruff of Cumberland Capital Partners started things off by asking each speaker to provide some personal background.
Christmas Craft Show starts the season
RosaRaquel Crochet items were a big hit. JANET SCOTTJamie Sisco with Rusticks Designs. JANET SCOTTTumblers by Brits Tees & Things. JANET SCOTT For some Gallatin residents, the holiday season begins with the Christmas Harvest Craft Show—a tradition that continued on Saturday, Nov. 23, when more than 70 vendors displayed and sold creative Christmas wares and homemade food items all day long at the Gallatin Civic Center.
Sumner County man found guilty of child sexual abuse
JANET SCOTT Main Street Media Alvarez-Bermudez In a case that originated in Portland but has significant Gallatin connections as well, Sergio Alvarez-Bermudez was found guilty as charged of two counts of continuous sexual abuse of a child, 10 counts of aggravated sexual battery, and seven counts of sexual battery by an authority figure.
Congratulations Gallatin News Teacher of the Month!
Congratulations Gallatin News Teacher of the Month! Howard Elementary School Teacher, Julie Strickland was named the Gallatin News Teacher of the Month for November. Pictured (l-r) Principal Thomas Spears, Randy Moore (Gallatin News) Julie Strickland, Skyler Richardson (daughter), Brooks Richardson (grandson) and Assistant Principal Sarah Barie. SUBMITTED
Bank of Tennessee welcomes new relationship manager
Jared Powelson Bank of Tennessee announces the appointment of Jared Powelson as the new relationship manager in Hendersonville. Jared brings over 17 years of banking experience to the team, predominantly in business banking roles that have honed his skills in client acquisition, portfolio growth, and team leadership.
Bates: Collaboration credited for thriving business, industry
Simpson Strong-Tie Rosemary Bates, the executive director of Gallatin’s Economic Development Agency (EDA), has been with the EDA for nine years and served as special projects director under two mayors for nine years before that. In her 18 years with the City of Gallatin, she has seen an amazing amount of expansion—and she gives the credit to one major factor: Collaboration. “2024 was a good year for successful conclusions of projects we’ve worked on for years,” she said.
Merrol Hyde students lend helping hand to hurricane victims
Three truckloads of supplies were taken to North Carolina to aid those in need after the hurricane. SUBMITTED A Category 4 hurricane with 140 mph winds, Helene made landfall on Sept. 26 near Perry, Fla. The downpour, winds, and storm surge did not stop in Florida’s Big Bend region; the catastrophic hurricane continued northeast devastating parts of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee.
Pets of the Week – Meet Sassy and Moose Ann - Main Street Media of Tennessee
Pets of the Week – Meet Sassy and Moose Ann Sassy Moose Ann Sassy is a 1-year-old domestic short hair. She is polydactyl on all four paws! She is house trained, spayed, and up to date on vaccinations. Her adoption fee is $125. Moose Ann is a young female Whippet mix. She is spayed and up to date on vaccinations. Her adoption fee is $250. If you would like to meet these or other adoptable pets at Safe Place for Animals, visit safeplaceforanimals.com/ or call 615- 451-7342.
Sumner County Property Transfers October 10-16, 2024
Bethpage Larissa and Travis Pelletier to Christian Luisi, 430 Mutton Hollow Rd., Bethpage, $330,000. Atsey Wright Executrix of the Betty Case Estate to Stephanie Lischke, 738 Rock Bridge Rd., Bethpage, $479,900. Cottontown Melinda and James finch to Amanda and Cody Williams, 0 Garrison Branch Rd., Lot 5, Cottontown, $195,000. Gallatin Meritage Homes of Tennessee Inc. to Laruen and Eric Blevins, 204 Douglas Bend Rd., Gallatin, $383,140. Clayton Properties Group Inc.
Happy Thursday, chamber member!
It’s that time of year! Your Gallatin Chamber membership renewal should be arriving in your mailbox tomorrow, Friday, or first of next week, and we’re thrilled to share some exciting updates designed to enhance your member experience. Here’s what’s new for 2025: Marketing Maximized Previously, marketing benefits were limited by your membership level and included specific items like e-blasts, member spotlights, newcomer packets, and mailing labels on a use-it-or-lose-it basis.
Gallatin takes first place in public relations campaign
Valerie Suddarth in one of the Parks and Rec golf cart for the local PR campaign. SUBMITTEDJenna Landstrom, Gallatin Director of Tourism, displays the four-star award. SUBMITTED Gallatin received a four-star award at the Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association (TRPA) convention held in Murfreesboro on Nov. 4-7.
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