State Representative William Slater of Gallatin has been appointed by House Speaker Cameron Sexton to two critical education task forces shaping Tennessee’s future schooling policies.

Slater, a seasoned educator and the House Education Administration Subcommittee chair, will serve on the seven-member Federal Education Deregulation Cooperation Task Force and the ten-member Advisory Committee on Innovations in K-12 Education.

Both groups will create recommendations to address federal policy shifts and boost student outcomes statewide.

The deregulation task force, established through Slater’s own legislation, will review federal K-12 funding and ensure Tennessee is ready for any dramatic federal changes.

The advisory committee will evaluate education standards, teacher supports, and innovative pathways for students, reporting findings by January 2026.

Slater’s involvement highlights his ongoing commitment to advancing Tennessee’s schools and supporting local youth in Sumner and Trousdale counties.

Tier One Plumbing Solutions, a family-owned company based in Sumner County, Tennessee, is earning local praise after launching in August 2023.

Brothers Will and Mike Ferrell carry on the plumbing tradition of their father, Todd Ferrell, who retired in July 2025 after decades of service.

Will’s 12 years of hands-on experience, paired with a genuine care for the community, set the tone for the business’s values.

The team prioritizes flat-rate, transparent pricing and backs their work with guarantees, offering Sumner County residents and local businesses peace of mind.

Tier One’s reputation for reliable, personal service is spreading through word-of-mouth, fueling steady growth in both new construction and service jobs.

Serving communities from Gallatin to Bethpage, their blend of skill, affordability, and heart makes Tier One Plumbing Solutions a trusted choice for those seeking quality and integrity close to home.

United Church has emerged as a vibrant spiritual hub in Gallatin, offering genuine connections for newcomers and locals exploring Sumner County’s diverse faith landscape.

After moving to the area, many families, including mine, have found United’s welcoming atmosphere and authentic relationships truly stand out.

Warm greetings and sincere care extend beyond routine, quickly turning visitors into regulars.

Services are thoughtfully scheduled for busy lives, with Sunday mornings and a Wednesday evening option providing spiritual nourishment that fits real-world commitments.

Pastor Dan Smith’s insightful messages blend contemporary worship and everyday relevance, resonating with all ages.

Ministries for children, youth, and adults foster deep bonds and community impact.

From convenient giving options to active outreach programs, United Church emphasizes both belonging and purpose while honoring Gallatin’s rich heritage.

It’s a place where imperfections are accepted, faith feels accessible, and caring relationships make all the difference.

Lieutenant Ricky Ellis was honored at Portland City Hall for his 20 years of devoted service to the Portland Police Department.

Mayor Mike Callis and Chief Jason Arnold presented him with a plaque, thanking him for his impact and strong community ties.

Known for his outstanding leadership and genuine care, Lt. Ellis supports both his colleagues and Portland residents alike.

His current responsibilities include managing department logistics, overseeing compliance training, and leading emergency response efforts in Sumner County.

Chief Arnold praised his expertise and dedication during the department’s recent remodel, citing Lt. Ellis’s role as essential to its success.

After starting his career with the Watertown Police Department, Lt. Ellis moved quickly through the ranks after joining Portland Police in 2005.

He is also a respected trainer at the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy, setting a standard for excellence across the region.

Hendersonville’s Deer Monitoring and Control Committee will host an educational workshop on Saturday, August 9, from 8 a.m. to noon at City Hall.

This event is designed to help residents tackle the rising deer population in local neighborhoods.

Jerald Barrett, committee chair, highlights this as a chance for the community to learn hands-on methods for controlling deer activity nearby.

Experts from both the USDA and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) will lead presentations, offer demonstrations, and answer questions.

Topics include bow hunting safety and updated tactics for managing deer, with sessions available throughout the morning.

Recent efforts have reduced local deer numbers and related accidents, but Mayor Jamie Clary stresses ongoing vigilance is needed.

New proposals include a “deer dashboard” for tracking, a list of approved hunters, and a feeding ban to prevent overpopulation.

Residents are urged to join the workshop and support Hendersonville’s commitment to safer, healthier community living.

August 5, 2025 (Tuesday)

• Condition: Partly Sunny
• High: 89°F
• Low: 69°F
• Chance of Rain: Slight chance of showers and thunderstorms later in the day.

August 6, 2025 (Wednesday)

• Condition: Partly Sunny with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms.
• High: 90°F
• Low: 70°F

August 7, 2025 (Thursday)

• Condition: Partly Sunny with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms.
• High: 92°F
• Low: 70°F

August 8, 2025 (Friday)

• Condition: Sunny with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms.
• High: 92°F
• Low: 70°F

August 9, 2025 (Saturday)

• Condition: Mostly Sunny with a chance of showers and thunderstorms.
• High: 92°F
• Low: 71°F

August 10, 2025 (Sunday)

• Condition: Mostly Sunny with a chance of showers and thunderstorms.
• High: 93°F
• Low: 73°F

August 11, 2025 (Monday)

• Condition: Mostly Sunny with a chance of showers and thunderstorms.
• High: 93°F
• Low: 73°F

Historical Events in Sumner County, Tennessee: August 5 - August 11

After examining the historical record for Sumner County, Tennessee, during the week of August 5–11, two significant anniversaries emerge that reflect the county's evolution from frontier battleground to established community. These events span nearly a century of development, from desperate pleas for military protection against Native American raids to the establishment of local journalism that would document the county's progress.

August 5, 1787: Anthony Bledsoe's Desperate Letter to Governor Sevier

On August 5, 1787, Colonel Anthony Bledsoe penned one of the most urgent and historically significant letters in Sumner County's early history. Writing from his frontier settlement to John Sevier, Governor of the State of Franklin, Bledsoe documented the escalating violence that was devastating the Cumberland settlements. His letter, preserved in historical archives, provides a stark window into the brutal realities of frontier life during the Indian Wars.

Bledsoe's correspondence revealed the systematic nature of Native American resistance to white settlement. He reported that the "perfidious Chickamaugahs" in combination with Creek warriors had "done this Country very Great Spoil by Murdering numbers of our peaceful inhabitants, stealing of our horses, Killing of Cattle, Hoggs, & Burning our Buildings through Wantonness".

The colonel's spelling and capitalization, typical of 18th-century writing, conveyed both urgency and desperation as he described a frontier under siege.

The letter's most poignant detail concerned the recent death of Major Hall and his eldest son, who had "fell a sacrifice to their savage Cruelty two days ago near Bledsoes lick". This reference to events occurring on August 3, 1787, demonstrates how quickly violence could strike even prominent frontier families.

Bledsoe reported that approximately 24 settlers had been killed "in this Country in its settlements in a few months," creating a climate of terror that forced inhabitants to remain "shut Up in Stations".

Bledsoe's strategic analysis proved prescient when he argued that "the distress of the Chickamaugah Tribe is the only Way that this defenceless Country will Have Quiet".

His call for preemptive military action reflected the harsh calculus of frontier survival, where defensive measures alone proved insufficient against determined Native American resistance. The letter's formal diplomatic language masked the underlying desperation of isolated settlements facing an existential threat.

This correspondence holds particular significance because it came from Anthony Bledsoe, who ranked among the most important figures in Middle Tennessee's early settlement. Described as "the most valuable member of the Cumberland settlement" after James Robertson, Bledsoe possessed education, military experience, and political connections that made his assessments particularly credible.

His intimate relationship with prominent leaders like John Sevier and Governor Caswell gave weight to his recommendations for military intervention.

The August 5th letter ultimately contributed to the military campaigns that ended the Indian Wars in Middle Tennessee by 1795. Bledsoe's detailed documentation of Native American tactics and settlement vulnerabilities provided crucial intelligence for subsequent military operations, including the eventual strike against the Chickamauga base at Nickajack that finally secured the region for white settlement.

August 6, 1871: Birth of the Sumner County Herald

Exactly 84 years after Bledsoe's desperate wartime correspondence, August 6, 1871, marked a milestone in Sumner County's peaceful development with the first publication of the Sumner County Herald.

This seven-column folio newspaper, established under the management of William Nixon, represented the county's transformation from a violent frontier to a stable community capable of supporting independent journalism.

The Herald's founding occurred during a period of significant growth and recovery in Sumner County following the disruptions of the Civil War. By 1871, the county had largely overcome the devastation of Union occupation under the General Eleazer A. Paine. The establishment of a local newspaper symbolized the return of normal civic life and community discourse.

William Nixon's venture into Sumner County journalism proved short-lived, as he sold the Herald after only six months of operation. This rapid turnover reflected the challenges facing small-town newspapers in the post-Civil War South, where economic instability and limited literacy rates made publishing ventures risky enterprises. Nevertheless, the Herald's establishment demonstrated the county's growing prosperity and desire for local news coverage.

The newspaper's seven-column format followed standard practices of 19th-century journalism, providing space for local news, advertisements, and political commentary that would have been essential for connecting Sumner County's scattered communities.

During this era, local newspapers served as vital communication networks, announcing everything from court proceedings and land sales to social events and agricultural prices.

The Herald's founding coincided with broader trends in Tennessee journalism during Reconstruction, as communities throughout the state reestablished local newspapers that had been suspended during wartime.

These publications played crucial roles in rebuilding civic engagement and promoting economic recovery by advertising local businesses and providing forums for political debate.

Historical Context and Legacy

These two August anniversaries, separated by 84 years, illustrate Sumner County's remarkable transformation from a besieged frontier outpost to a thriving agricultural community.

Bledsoe's 1787 letter documented a society under existential threat, where survival depended on military intervention and mutual defense. By contrast, the Herald's 1871 establishment reflected a stable community confident enough to support independent journalism and public discourse.

The progression from Bledsoe's military correspondence to Nixon's newspaper venture demonstrates how Sumner County evolved from a region where communication served primarily defensive purposes to one where information exchange fostered economic and social development.

Where Bledsoe had written to request military protection, Nixon published to inform and connect a peaceful community. Both events share common themes of communication and community building, though under vastly different circumstances.

Bledsoe's letter represented communication as a tool of survival, seeking external military assistance to preserve white settlement. The Herald represented communication as a tool of prosperity, fostering internal dialogue and economic growth within an established community.

Conclusion

The anniversaries of August 5–11 in Sumner County history, while limited in number, reveal profound themes of survival, transformation, and community development. From Anthony Bledsoe's desperate plea for military protection in 1787 to William Nixon's entrepreneurial journalism venture in 1871, these events chronicle a frontier society's evolution into a stable agricultural community.

Today, visitors can explore this heritage through the Sumner County Museum's exhibits and archives, which preserve both military artifacts from the Indian Wars and examples of 19th-century local journalism that documented the region's peaceful development.

Cakey Peach Cobbler

Here's a delicious summer recipe for Peach Cobbler that's cakey and not mushy. It's perfect for warm evenings and showcases fresh peaches beautifully!

The Sumner County Museum will host its first Traveling Trunk Homeschool Day on Thursday, September 25, at 10:00 AM, inviting local families to step into history at The Station on West Main Street in Gallatin.

This immersive program brings Sumner County’s vibrant past to life through hands-on exploration of unique artifacts and storytelling designed especially for homeschoolers.

Space is limited, and pre-registration is required.

Admission is free for children aged 3 and under, while tickets are needed for everyone age 4 and up.

Families eager to join should contact the Sumner County Museum to reserve a spot or learn more about the Traveling Trunk and other educational events.

This is a unique opportunity to connect with local heritage while enjoying a fun, interactive day together.

Gallatin, TN is set for a special evening as Pinot & Purses returns to the EPIC Event Centre on September 18, 2025, at 5:30 PM.

This annual gathering, hosted by Habitat for Humanity of Sumner County, inspires women to make a difference locally.

Guests will enjoy designer purse auctions, luxury vacation packages, delicious food, music, and a variety of auctions featuring unique items and unforgettable experiences.

Funds raised support Habitat’s mission to build affordable homes, provide essential home repairs, and help families achieve homeownership through education and volunteerism.

Over 166 families have benefited from these efforts, reflecting the community’s dedication.

Meanwhile, Gap Inc. is investing $58 million in Gallatin, adding 100 jobs and fueling local economic growth.

As excitement builds, look for tickets to go on sale June 1, 2025, and join a night that truly strengthens Sumner County.

Summer in Sumner County is packed with engaging events for locals and visitors, running from late July into early September.

Don’t miss Boots & BBQ supporting veteran arts, and the Volunteer State Athletic Association Golf Classic on August 4.

Music fans can celebrate "A Century of Pickin" at Historic Stonewall on August 16 and enjoy gospel at the Stout Family Singing, August 31.

Ongoing, local churches and food pantries continue to offer vital resources for families.

Experience the thrill as the Gallatin Sertoma Club brings its annual Truck & Tractor Pull to Triple Creek Park in Gallatin, TN on September 19th and 20th, 2025.

The excitement begins at 7:00 PM each night, promising fierce competition among top drivers from Sumner County and beyond.

Motorsport fans of all ages will be captivated by a diverse lineup of powerful trucks and tractors battling for victory.

Admission is just $15 per person, with children 10 and under admitted free.

Enjoy tasty concessions on-site and grab your tickets easily through Eventbrite for hassle-free entry.

Proceeds benefit the Gallatin Sertoma Club’s community causes, including their beloved Christmas Caravan for Kids.

Join the fun and help make a difference in Sumner County.

The Boots & BBQ Fundraiser returns to Sumner County on Saturday, August 2, 2025, starting at 5 p.m.

This festive event will unfold at the scenic Bagsby Ranch in Gallatin, offering an interactive arts experience guided by Between the Lines facilitators.

Guests can enjoy delicious BBQ from the Bryson McCarley Good Neighbor Foundation and sip from an open bar as they mingle and explore a lively auction of art from local creators.

The night’s highlight features a performance from Grammy Award winner John Berry, promising soulful music under the stars.

Proceeds will benefit The MACC’s Between the Lines: Healing Arts for Military Veterans, supporting therapeutic creative programs for veterans.

Come for the food, art, and music—and help support a powerful cause in your community.

The Portland Chamber of Commerce is hosting two free Music on Main concerts this summer on August 28, featuring The Home Wreckers and Bitty Ladd, respectively.

The event offers entertainment and food trucks such as Brucey’s BBQ and The Pink Truck.

Brucey’s BBQ offers classic Southern fare and unique items, while The Pink Truck provides delicious treats like hand-scooped ice cream and brownie sundaes.

The concerts will be held on Main Street in Portland, Tennessee from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with guests encouraged to bring their own chairs or rent one onsite.

Sponsor booths will offer snacks and local businesses will be open late.

The Chamber of Commerce thanked sponsors on social media and encouraged attendees to bring their family and friends for a night of music, food, and fun.

Summer Concert Series at The Streets

FREE concert on the plaza every Thursday, 6:30 - 9:00 pm, June 6 - September 5, 2024

More Info: Summer Concert Series at the Streets

If you would like your business featured in this section, please contact me at here.

Dr. Paul Graden
Founder & Editor, Sumner County Pulse

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Founder & Editor, Sumner County Pulse