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Sumner County Pulse - Issue 8
Sumner County Pulse - Issue 8
Controversial Laws, Boozy Checkpoint, and Secret Speakeasy: This Week's Buzz in Hendersonville!
Paul Graden, Senior Editor
Jul 1, 2025
Black Bear Sightings Increase in Sumner County, Tennessee |
Residents Urged to Exercise Caution Amid Recent Bear Encounters |
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In recent weeks, Sumner County, Tennessee, has experienced a notable uptick in black bear sightings, particularly in areas like Cottontown and Gallatin. This marks a significant change, as such occurrences were rare in the region until now.
On June 24, 2025, a trail camera in Cottontown captured images of a black bear near a family's home along Bugg Hollow Road, which traverses both Cottontown and Gallatin.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) confirmed the sighting and has notified the Sumner County Sheriff's Office as a precautionary measure.
This recent sighting follows a series of bear encounters in the area. In late May, residents reported a black bear in the Bethpage-Gallatin vicinity, marking the first such sighting in nearly a decade. Tragically, on June 1, a juvenile black bear was struck and killed by a vehicle on Vietnam Veterans Parkway in Gallatin.
TWRA Public Relations Director Emily Buck views the return of black bears to Middle Tennessee as a conservation success. She explained that as the bear population grows in East Tennessee, it's natural for them to expand their range westward.
Buck emphasized that young bears often embark on exploratory journeys to establish their own territories, which can lead them into suburban areas.
To ensure both human and bear safety, residents are advised to take the following precautions:
The TWRA also recommends keeping small pets indoors if a bear is known to be nearby. If a bear is spotted, it's crucial to give it space and report the sighting to local wildlife authorities.
As black bears continue to reclaim parts of their historical range in Tennessee, community awareness and proactive measures are essential to foster peaceful coexistence. |
Economic and Cultural Impact Analysis Of Sumner County's Local Events |
Community Cohesion Through Strategic Programming |
Sumner County’s event ecosystem generates measurable economic benefits. Tourism analytics indicate that festivals like Freedom Festival attract 40% out-of-county visitors, translating to $ 2.3 million in local revenue per major event.
Hospitality partners report 85% occupancy rates during event weekends, with restaurants seeing 50% revenue spikes. Culturally, these gatherings preserve regional traditions—such as the Rock Castle Summer Songwriter Series (August 16, 2025)—while innovating through digital integration.
The county’s strategic focus on free admission ensures socioeconomic inclusivity, though transportation barriers persist for rural residents.
Future recommendations include expanding shuttle routes and creating a county-wide event accessibility fund |
The Hendersonville Police Department will conduct a roadside sobriety checkpoint on Cherokee Road in Hendersonville on July 3, 2025, through early July 4. Impaired driving is a major public safety concern, causing thousands of fatalities and injuries each year in the US. Working with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office, officers will assess drivers for signs of impairment from alcohol or drugs, as well as monitor for other violations like speeding and seat belt use. Roadside checkpoints are an effective way to decrease impaired driving incidents. The department urges responsible choices during the upcoming Independence Day holiday. |
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Starting on July 1st, 177 new laws will go into effect in Tennessee.
Another significant law is the "Constitutional Carry" bill, which allows most adults over the age of 21 to carry a handgun without needing a permit or training.
Additionally, the "Daylight Saving Time" bill aims to make Daylight Saving Time permanent in Tennessee by following the lead of neighboring states that have already passed similar legislation.
Other notable laws going into effect include the "COVID-19 Liability Protection Act," which provides legal protection for businesses, schools, healthcare providers, and other organizations from lawsuits related to COVID-19 exposure unless there was gross negligence.
The "Brianna Taylor Act" mandates that law enforcement officers must knock and announce themselves before entering a home with a search warrant, in response to the controversial police shooting of Breonna Taylor.
The "Truth in Sentencing Act" requires inmates convicted of the most serious offenses to serve at least 85% of their sentences before being eligible for parole. This aims to address concerns over early release policies for violent offenders.
Additionally, Tennessee has expanded restrictions on laser pointer use: a new law now criminalizes aiming them at cars, boats, or aircraft. This broadens previous legislation that only prohibited targeting law enforcement or emergency personnel with lasers.
Overall, these new laws cover a wide range of issues from gun rights and education to criminal justice and public safety.
Learn more about all of these new laws here. |
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Almira's Book Club at Cragfont State Historic Site |
Hidden History Passport: An Ongoing Journey Through Time |
Running from May through July 2025, this self-guided program invites participants to explore Sumner County's overlooked historical sites, including pioneer cemeteries, Native American mounds, and reconstructed forts.
The "passport" functions as a physical booklet, available at the Sumner County Museum, where visitors collect stamps from each site visited.
Key locations include the prehistoric Native American mounds at Bledsoe's Fort Historical Park—evidence of indigenous settlements dating to 6,000 B.C.—and the Henley Family Cemetery, where Julia Rice's 1866 steamboat tragedy is memorialized.
The program's timing during late June coincides with the anniversary of pivotal 19th-century events, such as the 1795 Battle of Bluff Station, which ended Native American resistance in the region.
By engaging with these sites, participants gain insight into the county's complex layers of history, from pre-colonial times to the Civil War era.
The passport's design encourages reflective observation, asking participants to journal about themes like conflict, resilience, and cultural exchange, thus transforming passive tourism into active historical inquiry. |
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Sumner Night for School Supplies (July 1, 2025) |
Veterans Park, Gallatin |
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This initiative addresses educational equity by distributing school supplies to families in need. Organized by local community leaders, the event operates through a streamlined donation system where businesses and residents contribute backpacks, notebooks, and technology accessories. Educators from Sumner County Schools volunteer to manage distribution stations, ensuring resources reach students across all grade levels. The timing—weeks before the academic year—maximizes accessibility for working families. Historically, this event has served over 1,200 students annually, with 2025 projections indicating increased participation due to rising enrollment. The park’s central location and extended evening hours (5:00 PM–8:00 PM) facilitate broad attendance. Community partners like United Way of Sumner County and local rotary clubs provide logistical support, demonstrating cross-sector collaboration for educational advancement |
Eating Smart and Moving More Workshop Series (July 2 & 9 2025) |
Portland Senior Center |
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UT Extension’s evidence-based program promotes lifelong health through nutrition education and physical activity. This session—part of a five-week curriculum—focuses on metabolic health for seniors, incorporating Mediterranean diet principles and low-impact exercise demonstrations. Registered dietitians lead interactive modules on deciphering nutrition labels and portion control, while physical therapists guide seated yoga routines adaptable for mobility limitations. The series addresses Sumner County’s specific health challenges, where 32% of adults report sedentary lifestyles according to county health data. Unique to this iteration is a "Farm-to-Fork" component showcasing seasonal produce from Sumner Farmers Cooperative, reinforcing local agriculture connections. With classes capped at 25 participants, the program maintains an optimal facilitator-to-attendee ratio for personalized guidance |
Brauer’s Freedom Festival (July 3, 2025) |
Drakes Creek Park, Hendersonville |
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As Sumner County’s largest Independence Day celebration, this festival exemplifies strategic public-private partnerships. Schell Brothers’ title sponsorship enables free admission, while the Hendersonville Area Chamber of Commerce coordinates vendor logistics.
The 2025 edition features two entertainment zones: a main stage hosting L’80s Nite (a 1980s tribute band) and a family zone with STEM-based activities sponsored by First Baptist Church. Culinary offerings include 15 food trucks emphasizing regional specialties like hot chicken and fried catfish.
The fireworks finale, funded by Hendersonville Parks & Recreation, utilizes synchronized drone technology for enhanced visual storytelling. Notably, proceeds support the Golden Apple Grant Program, which has allocated $ 400,000+ to local classrooms since 2004.
Anticipated attendance exceeds 15,000, with shuttle services from five satellite parking locations easing traffic congestion |
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 |
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Fourth of July Celebration |
Date: July 4, 2025
Food vendors are strategically positioned near the park’s amphitheater, featuring hyperlocal concepts like The Pink Truck’s bourbon-glazed barbecue.
The city’s Parks Department collaborates with the Gallatin Fire Department for safety protocols, including weather-monitoring drones and designated cooling stations.
Unique to 2025 is a "Founding Families" recognition ceremony honoring descendants of Revolutionary War veterans buried in Sumner County cemeteries.
Attendance projections estimate 8,000+ visitors, with live-streaming options available for homebound residents
More Info: Gallatin Fourth of July |
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Speakeasy on the Square is an annual event taking place on July 11th, 2025, from 6-10 pm at Emerald Union in Gallatin, TN. The event aims to raise funds for Historic Downtown Gallatin, Inc., Gallatin's Main Street Program, dedicated to preserving the charm and vitality of the historic downtown area. Attendees will enjoy a casino, silent auction, VIP whiskey and cigar tasting, dinner, and a free drink ticket with their ticket purchase. The event offers a chance to have a fun night out while supporting a good cause. Historic Downtown Gallatin, Inc. works to bring people downtown and create a vibrant community where businesses can thrive. The organization also owns and operates the Historic Palace Theater, preserving its legacy for future generations. Sponsorship opportunities are available for those interested in supporting the event. For more information and to stay updated on local events like Speakeasy on the Square, visit the website or subscribe to the newsletter. |
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Celebrate National Wine & Cheese Day at Graham's Estate in Gallatin, Tennessee on July 26th, 2025 from 4-8 pm. Enjoy wine tastings, cheese samples, and a variety of vendors in a beautiful estate setting. Whether it's a girls' night, date night, or just a relaxing evening, this event offers good vibes, great company, and stunning views. For more information and similar local events, visit the Graham's Estate Facebook page. Don't miss out on this unforgettable summer experience! |
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If you would like your business featured in this section, please contact me at here. Dr. Paul Graden |
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