Tena Lee
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Articles by Tena Lee
26 years and never a dull moment
Tena Lee RICK MURRAY It was 26 years ago this month that I waltzed into the now defunct Hendersonville Star News with a binder full of news clippings and a desire to make a difference in my new hometown. My husband and I had made a couple of moves related to his career and were eager to experience the splendors of suburbia with our towheaded toddler. Shortly after buying our first home near Hendersonville Hospital, I secured a part-time feature writing job at Hendersonville’s only local newspaper.
Best Buy to lease former Stein Mart building in Glenbrook
TENA LEE Main Street Media Best Buy plans to open in the Glenbrook Shopping Center in mid-2025, according to Glenbrook representativies. TENA LEE Electronics retailer Best Buy has signed a long-term lease in Hendersonville’s Glenbrook Shopping Center, according to Glenbrook developer, Vastland Company. The shopping center at 1050 Glenbrook Way has been a part of the local landscape since 2003, and features national retailers like Target, Kohl’s, Kroger, Petco and Staples.
County budget passes with $5.4M ask from Sumner County Schools
It was standing-room-only in the Sumner County Commission chambers on Monday as commissioners debated giving the school district an additional $5.4 million for capital projects. TENA LEE After months of back-and-forth and in front of a standing-room-only crowd, Sumner County Commissioners approved on Monday a 2024-2025 fiscal year county budget that includes an additional $5.4 million for school capital projects.
Committee rejects Sumner Schools budget a second time
Sumner County Director of Schools Scott Langford presented the school board’s nearly $400 million 2024-25 fiscal year budget during a joint meeting of the county’s Budget and Education committees on Monday.
Hendersonville mother charged in daughter’s drowning death
TENA LEE Main Street Media Brandi Elliott HENDERSONVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT A Hendersonville mother has been charged with first-degree murder after police say they were notified of a child’s drowning in Drakes Creek on Saturday. Detectives responded to investigate the incident that occurred near 200 Sanders Ferry Road, according to an HPD media release. Police determined that 33-year-old Brandi Elliott, the child’s mother, was responsible for the child’s death, according to the release.
New plans approved for Hendersonville’s Music City Studios site
A new developer is interested in the property on Molly Walton Drive that was approved in 2021 for Music City Studios. FILE Nearly three years after approving a rezoning and Comprehensive Development Plan for the $100 million, 47-acre Music City Studios, Hendersonville planners recently approved a new plan that allows light manufacturing on the site.
Bonsall’s boundless energy, perpetual smile integral to Oaks’ legacy
Joe Bonsall of the Oak Ridge Boys died July 9 from complications related to ALS. DANIEL TOMMASINO Joe Bonsall, the Oak Ridge Boys’ beloved tenor for 50 years, died July 9 from complications related to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The Hendersonville resident of more than 40 years was 76. A native of Philadelphia, Penn., Mr. Bonsall started singing at the age of 4.
Nichols named Sumner County’s new circuit court judge
TENA LEE Main Street Media Jennifer Nichols SUBMITTED Jennifer Nichols, an assistant district attorney for the 18th Judicial District, was named the district’s newest circuit court judge by Gov. Bill Lee on Tuesday. Lee also announced the appointment of Jessica Parrish as circuit court judge in the 22nd Judicial District and Jim Newsom as chancery court judge in the 30th Judicial District.
Westmoreland teen charged in death of girl found in Hendersonville
TENA LEE Main Street Media Trinity Bostic Sumner County District Attorney General Ray Whitley said on Monday that he’ll petition a juvenile court judge to order a Westmoreland teen charged in the death of 17-year-old Trinity Bostic to be tried as an adult. Bostic’s remains were discovered in a small wood line near Vietnam Veterans Boulevard and New Shackle Island Road on July 3 by a Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) subcontractor who was picking up trash along the roadway.
HPD investigates female remains found near bypass
TENA LEE Main Street Media Hendersonville police opened an investigation into the discovery of human remains found near Vietnam Veterans Boulevard and New Shackle Island Road on July 3. FILE Hendersonville police are investigating the death of a female whose remains were found in a small wood line near Vietnam Veterans Boulevard (State Route 386) and New Shackle Island Road.
County’s education chair replaced ahead of schools’ budget vote
Sumner County Education Committee members Shannon Burgdorf and Jerry Becker share a light moment after Monday’s tense meeting. TENA LEE Following an unprecedented removal of its chairman in June and just ahead of a vote to approve Sumner County Schools’ $400M fiscal year budget, the Sumner County Education Committee appointed a new chairman on Monday.
HPD charges Illinois teen with sex crimes involving minor
TENA LEE Main Street Media Matthew Moklak HENDERSONVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT An Illinois teen has been charged by Hendersonville police for sex crimes involving a minor, according to an HPD media release. Matthew Moklak, 19 of Villa Park, Ill., was arrested at his home on June 20. The charges against him include 20 counts of Especially Aggravated Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, one count of Solicitation of a Minor, and one count of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, according to police.
New curbside trash service begins July 1
Although many Hendersonville residents already take their trash to the curb, the city will officially no longer offer backdoor service free of charge beginning July 1. FILE Hendersonville residents are reminded that beginning July 1 they’ll need to take their trash to the curb for pick up unless they pay extra for backdoor service or submit a medical waiver to the city. The city of Hendersonville has provided backdoor trash pick-up through third party waste management companies for decades.
Hendersonville man charged with lying to police about being kidnapped
TENA LEE Main Street Media Jorge Najera HENDERSONVILLE POLICE A Hendersonville man who showed up at police headquarters wearing zip-ties and a bloody shirt has been charged with False Reports, a Class D felony, after police say he lied about being kidnapped. Hendersonville police received a complaint of a possible kidnapping/missing adult at around 9 a.m. on June 20, according to a police affidavit filed in Sumner County General Sessions Court.
Sumner Board of Education approves $20M high school stadiums bid
Hendersonville High’s new football stadium will have all of the football facilities in one complex beneath the bleachers. The facility is expected to be completed in time for the 2025-2026 school year. SUMNER COUNTY SCHOOLS Construction bids for three high school stadiums came back 65% higher than expected last week with the Sumner County Board of Education approving a little more than $20 million for athletic facilities at Portland, Hendersonville and Beech High Schools.
Hendersonville hosts deer workshop with TWRA and USDA officials
With 81.3 deer/square mile, Hendersonville’s Indian Lake peninsula has four times as many deer as the state average of 19.6 deer/square mile. TENA LEE Hendersonville residents frustrated with the city’s growing deer population have an opportunity to hear from and speak with state and federal deer management experts at a workshop this Saturday at Hendersonville City Hall.
Demoted principal vows to shed light on schools’ plight
Dr. Kathy Vinson When the 700 or so students at Benny Bills Elementary return to school in August, a familiar face won’t be there to greet them. Principal Kathy Vinson led the Gallatin school for six years until she was notified by Director of Schools Scott Langford on May 24 that she would not be returning. Vinson, who spent 29 years with Sumner County Schools as a teacher, teacher leader, lead educator, assistant principal and principal, could only express shock.
Sumner School Board requests still exceed county offer by $5.3M
The Sumner County Board of Education approved a revised budget on Tuesday that requests more than $12 million in additional revenue from Sumner County. It’s uncertain if county leaders will fund the request. FILE The Sumner County Board of Education approved a revised 2024-2025 fiscal year budget on Tuesday that still exceeds the amount of new revenue county leaders have said they are willing to give the local school district by $5.3 million.
Bond set at $1M for Hendersonville man charged with child rape
TENA LEE Main Street Media Matthew Cody Ball/ SUMNER COUNTY JAIL The bond of a Hendersonville man arrested and charged with child rape in May has been raised to $1 million after prosecutors say six more victims have come forward. Matthew Cody Ball, 34, was charged May 2 with rape of a child and three counts of aggravated sexual battery after a 10-year-old girl and her mother met with a police officer at Hendersonville police headquarters on May 1.
Hendersonville’s budget includes $7M for paving, sign-on bonuses for police
Hendersonville’s 2025 fiscal year budget includes money for several paving projects across the city. FILE Hendersonville’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved on Tuesday a $62 million operating budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1 that includes merit pay and cost-of-living increases for most city employees, an 18% increase in employee health benefits, sign-on bonuses for new police officers, and creates no new positions at City Hall.
Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, AutoZone plans approved for city’s east side
Hendersonville planning commission members recently approved a site plan for a Chick-fil-A to be built on East Main Street. FILE The Hendersonville Planning Commission recently approved site plans for four new businesses along East Main Street including a second Chick-fil-A location in front of the historic Bradford-Berry House.
Appeals court orders Lindsey Lowe back to prison
Lindsey Lowe SUMNER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE Lindsey Lowe, who was convicted of first-degree murder in the 2011 deaths of her newborn twins, has been ordered back to prison by the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals. Lowe, 37, had served nearly a decade of her 56-year prison sentence when she was granted a new trial by Sumner County Criminal Court Judge Dee David Gay in October of 2022.
Hendersonville man charged with rape, burglary and theft
TENA LEE Main Street Media Frank Cabrera A Hendersonville man faces rape, burglary and theft charges after assaulting a woman he met at a bar in Nashville, according to Metro Nashville police. Frank Cabrera, 41, was arrested June 6 at his home on Gatone Drive through a coordinated effort between the Hendersonville Police Department and MNPD violent crimes detectives, according to an MNPD news release.
Hendersonville mulls deeding library over to Sumner County
Currently the Hendersonville Public Library is jointly owned by the city of Hendersonville and Sumner County. TENA LEE Ownership of the Hendersonville Public Library could land solely in the hands of Sumner County government if an agreement making its way through the city and county legislative bodies can be reached. Currently the city of Hendersonville and Sumner County share joint ownership of the facility and the three or so acres it sits on along Saundersville Road in Indian Lake Village.
County rejects Sumner Schools budget
Sumner County Director of Schools Scott Langford was told to cut his fy 2024-2025 budget by about $7.5 million last week. TENA LEE Sumner County Schools’ 2024-2025 fiscal year budget was rejected by the county’s Budget Committee last week after the committee’s chairman said the county can’t afford to give the school district the $15.2 million it requested in new, recurring revenue.
Rock Castle breaks ground on state-of-the-art visitor and event center
State and local officials, including Secretary of State Tre Hargett (far right), Sen. Ferrell Haile, Reps. William Slater, William Lamberth and Johnny Garrett, and Hendersonville Mayor Jamie Clary (fourth from left) broke ground on a new visitor center at Historic Rock Castle on Friday, May 31.
HPD: Man bought boat with bad checks
TENA LEE Main Street Media Chase Brown HENDERSONVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT Hendersonville police have charged a local man with theft and criminal simulation after they say the man bought a boat from a local business with bogus checks. TNT Watersports reported to police on May 23 that 24-year-old Chase Brodie Brown stole a boat from their business through multiple fraudulent actions.
3 local health care pros celebrate retirements
TENA LEE Main Street Media Several former and present Hendersonville OB/GYN employees helped celebrate the retirements of Dr. Jill Steier (back, third from left) and Teresa Puckett (second from right) recently. DON CLAUSSEN Three local women who helped meet the health care needs of countless Hendersonville women and their babies over the years were celebrated at a retirement reception on May 21 at Safari’s restaurant.
Three women recommended to be new Sumner judge
Three Sumner County attorneys have been recommended by the state’s Trial Court Vacancy Commission to become the newest circuit court judge for the 18th Judicial District. The Tennessee General Assembly created the new position in March. Applicants were required to be an attorney licensed in Tennessee, at least 30 years of age, a Tennessee resident for five years, and a resident of the 18th Judicial District, which encompasses Sumner County.
Rockland boat ramp reopens
TENA LEE Main Street Media The boat ramp in the Rockland Recreation Area has reopened in time for boating season, but Rockland Park remains closed. U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS Five months after Rockland Park took a direct hit from a tornado, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has reopened the recreation area’s launch ramp for summer boaters, but says the park won’t reopen for at least another year. The EF-2 twister was one of several to hit Middle Tennessee on Dec. 9.
Hendersonville mulls paramedic pay increase
Daniel Bush, one of the Hendersonville Fire Department’s eight firefighter/paramedics, demonstrates the intubation procedure used to clear a patient’s airway. SUBMITTED Hendersonville firefighters who earn their paramedic license could be rewarded with a $2,400 annual pay increase beginning July 1.
Hendersonville remembers five fallen officers
TENA LEE Main Street Media HPD Lt. Kevin Folsom lights a candle in memory of Sgt. Richard Bandy, one of five Hendersonville police officers who have died in the line of duty. TENA LEE Of the 193 police officers across the U.S. who have died in the line of duty within the last year, 11 were from Tennessee, noted Hendersonville Police Chief Jim Jones. Jones shared the somber statistic during the city’s Police Memorial Service on May 16 at Hendersonville Church of Christ.
Congratulations 2024 Sumner graduates
Beech High President Jada Noelle Gardner speaks to the Class of 2024. SUBMITTED Sumner County Schools graduated a little more than 1,700 students at its 12 area high schools over the weekend. The ceremonies, held May 16-18, were Dr. Scott Langford’s first as Director of Schools. Langford attended six graduations, including at Hendersonville High School where Dr. Mel Sawyers presided over his first commencement as a Commando.
Goodlettsville man’s body recovered from Old Hickory Lake
TENA LEE Main Street Media A man drowned in Hendersonville on Wednesday, May 15 after attempting to recover his boat. May 15. FILE Rescue crews in Hendersonville recovered the body of a man from Old Hickory Lake on Wednesday, according to Hendersonville Fire Chief Scotty Bush. Bush said the man, identified by Hendersonville police as 76-year-old Mervin Johnson of Goodlettsville, was tying his boat to a dock at the Saundersville boat ramp at 106 Caudill Drive when he noticed the boat was drifting.
Isbell’s planning commission picks get a positive nod following delays
Sumner County Committee on Committee members recommended two new planning commission members on Monday after turning down several picks by Sumner County Mayor John Isbell. TENA LEE An 18-month impasse between Sumner County Mayor John Isbell and a committee charged with recommending members to the county’s planning commission may soon be resolved amid allegations that the planning body has been out of compliance with state law for nearly a year.
Schools budget includes teacher raises, jump in classified pay
ESumner County Director of Schools Scott Langford’s first fiscal year budget as director includes salary raises for classified employees and teachers.
Hendersonville man charged with child rape
TENA LEE Main Street Media Matthew Ball SUBMITTED Hendersonville police have charged a local man with child rape and three counts of aggravated sexual battery. Matthew Cody Ball, 34, was arrested and charged May 2 after a 10-year-old girl and her mother met with a police officer at HPD headquarters on May 1, according to a police affidavit filed in Sumner County General Sessions Court. The child recounted incidents of a sexual nature that occurred on May 1 and April 15, according to the affidavit.
Storms prompt flash flooding, water rescues across Sumner County
Sumner County EMA Director Ken Weidner estimates 35 people were rescued across the county Wednesday and early Thursday. SUBMITTED A damaging storm front rolled through Sumner County earlier than expected on Wednesday, flooding roadways, parks, and parts of White House High School.
Sanders Ferry boat ramp to close for repairs June 3
The boat ramp at Sanders Ferry Park will be closed for renovations June 3 through mid-to-late-August. TENA LEE Thousands of boaters who access Old Hickory Lake from the boat ramp at Sanders Ferry Park will have to look for another launching spot this summer beginning June 3. The ramp as well as three courtesy docks will be replaced as part of a state project announced in December of 2021 to improve and enhance many of the state’s lakes.
Officials debunk latest lead in Sebastian Rogers case
TENA LEE Main Street Media Sebastian Rogers TBI The child in a photo snapped in North Carolina and posted on several social media sites last week is not missing Hendersonville teen Sebastian Rogers, local law enforcement officials confirmed on Tuesday. The photo of a boy who resembles the 15-year-old was posted April 29 by a woman who said her friend, a Hendersonville resident, took the photo at a visitor center off the Blue Ridge parkway the previous weekend.
Hemmrich warns against scams requesting money for property deed
TENA LEE Main Street Media Holly Hemmrich Sumner County Register of Deeds Holly Hemmrich is telling homeowners to disregard any letters they receive offering to provide the deed to their home for a charge.
HPD seeks help in locating missing teen
TENA LEE Main Street Media Sophia Sarcona SUBMITTED Hendersonville police are asking for the public’s help in locating a 17-year-old female they say ran away from the Winston Hills area early Wednesday. Sophia Sarcona was last seen at around 11 p.m. on April 30. She was wearing faded blue jeans with rips in the front and a tie-dye T shirt with Scooby Doo’s van (The Mystery Machine) on the front. Police say she usually wears pink/clear glasses and her hair up in a bun.
Care-A-Lot closes doors after 40 years in Hendersonville
A Care-A-Lot graduate poses for a photo with Donna Ohning, who has owned and taught at the day care for 40 years. TENA LEE At first glance, Care-A-Lot’s Pre-K graduation ceremony seemed like so many others the Hendersonville institution has held over the years. There was the usual parade of pint-sized proteges – proudly donning their white caps and gowns.
One person killed in Nashville Pike crash
TENA LEE Main Street Media A one-car crash on Nashville Pike on Tuesday claimed the life of the driver. DALTON MELTON A crash on Nashville Pike near Shute Lane claimed the life of one person on Tuesday. Gallatin Fire Department crews were dispatched to the scene of an accident in the 2300 block of Nashville Pike under the Vietnam Veterans Boulevard overpass just before 10 a.m., according to GFD Chief Jeff Beaman.
Hendersonville building inspector placed on paid leave after Millersville-related arrest
Timothy Lassiter The city of Hendersonville has placed a codes department employee, who is also the former mayor of Millersville, on paid administrative leave following his arrest last week on charges of tampering with government records and criminal simulation. Timothy Lassiter, 58, was arrested April 23 after a Millersville city commission meeting in which Assistant Police Chief Shawn Taylor announced his department had opened a criminal investigation into previous city business activity.
Hendersonville Home Bound Meals volunteers honored at inaugural event
TENA LEE Main Street Media Jamie Davenport (right) of the Mid-Cumberland Human Resource Agency recognized Buddy Burkett for his many hours of volunteering for the Hendersonville Home Bound Meals Program. SUBMITTED More than 125 Hendersonville Home Bound Meals volunteers were recognized for their service to the organization during an inaugural volunteer appreciation dinner on April 26 in First Baptist Church of Hendersonville’s fellowship hall.
Couple charged with neglect after infant found in locked car
TENA LEE Main Street Media Luis Suarez Hendersonville police have charged a couple with Aggravated Child Abuse and Neglect and Leaving a Child Unattended in a Motor Vehicle after their infant was discovered in a locked car in the Costco parking lot. Police were notified of a child left unattended inside a car in the 1100 block of Forest Retreat Road on April 28. An officer arrived to find an infant in its car seat inside a locked vehicle that wasn’t running.
County’s legal bills at $138K and counting in election commission dispute
Attorneys in the lawsuit involving the Sumner County Commission and the Sumner County Election Commission made their arguments before Chancery Court Judge Louis Oliver in a hearing in November. TENA LEE A legal dispute between the Sumner County Commission and the Sumner County Election Commission about where the county’s election office should be located has cost the county more than $138K in legal fees, according to invoices obtained by the Hendersonville Standard.
County commissioner proposes marriage during monthly meeting
Last week’s Sumner County Commission meeting ended on a happy note last week when District 2 Commissioner Terry Wright proposed to Suzi Graham. SUBMITTED When Terry Wright stepped to the podium near the end of a two-hour Sumner County Commission meeting last week, his fellow commissioners didn’t know what to expect. Suzi Graham, who has been dating Wright for the last year, looked on.
Services set for Café Rakka owner, two family members killed in crash
Café Rakka co-owner Linda Alkasem (far right) is pictured with her mother Evelyn Hnott (second from left), her sister Deborah Wall (far left), and another family member while on a recent vacation to Destin, Fla. SUBMITTED A memorial service will be held on Friday for three Hendersonville family members who died in a car wreck on April 21 while returning from a vacation in Destin, Fla.
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