Latest Good News

Letter From the Editor
A FAMILY LOADS up their navy blue Jeep in Tennessee and takes a cross-country road trip. It’ll take several days to get to the Sequoia National Park in California. There may be hours when the Jeep...

Vicie and Tim Edwards: Feeding generations
IN 1935, with a dream and $1,200, which she used to purchase her first two incubators, Vicie Mae Brown Edwards started the Edwards Hatchery. Vicie and her husband started out grinding grain and...

Michelle Swart: Helping children find their village with Wilson County CASA
MOST OF us know the saying, “It takes a village.” A well-known African proverb, it’s often used when discussing the care of children. The concept of the phrase is that no individual succeeds or...

Letter From the Editor
WHEN YOU choose a locally owned business over a national chain, you’re not just spending your money, you’re planting it. And the roots of that investment reach deep. Every dollar counts, and it...

J.D. and Lindsie Henry: Serving with Both Hands
GOLF TOURNAMENTS, 5Ks, and auctions are all excellent ways to fundraise for a good cause, but J.D. and Lindsie Henry found another way to raise money by serving with Both Hands. Both Hands is an...

Letter From the Editor
A STUDENT IN our community today will walk the halls of Congress with a pinned American flag on their chest. A student in our community today will pray their knees still hold when their nerves get...

Jenna Jones: Made to dance
JOY AND laughter fill the hallways of Belamour Ballet Dance Academy, bright colors swirling gracefully as dancers of all ages practice their craft. The academy is a beloved location for many...

Dale Buford: A teacher who goes the extra mile
WHEN DALE Buford walks into a classroom at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) in Lebanon, it’s clear that this isn’t just another day at work. For Buford, teaching isn’t simply about...

Joshua Brown: Making legacies possible
LIFE THREW a wrench into Joshua Brown’s plans — ideas of numbers, data, and creation all woven into the career of an electrical engineer fell apart. Instead, the Florida native turned into what he...

Laura Dileonardi: Bring your mess
LAURA DILEONARDI’S life felt like a cluttered room of chaos with no doors. In 2012, she became pregnant for the first time. With the new reality came anxiety, exhaustion, and loneliness. She...

Accelerate Expo: Reviving business connections in Wilson County
AFTER YEARS without a major business expo, the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce is bringing a fresh and exciting event to the local community: the Accelerate Expo. Spearheaded by James...

Matthew Black: Crafting spaces, creating change
CONSTRUCTION CAN be a sweaty, dirty job, and shed manufacturing is no different. But Matthew Black of Blacks Buildings isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty for his business or for the community. As a...

Francis Garcia: Building hope for Lebanon’s youth
MENTAL HEALTH is an issue for people all across the United States, especially for children — but Lebanon has a champion fighting back. Francis Garcia has lived in Middle Tennessee for over 21 years...

Letter From the Editor
THE SOUNDS of the self-checkout registers beep through the entire store. The short lines of people with baskets and carts move across the reflective tile like a conveyor belt and out the door. Uh,...

Mary and Harry Harris: A legacy of love
Sitting side by side on a comfy couch in the cozy living room of their Lebanon home, Mary and Harry Harris were surrounded by a lifetime of memories — old magazine articles, newspaper clippings,...

Tim & Suanne Leeper: Turning tragedy into a better world
Tim Leeper’s son, Kylan, was a funny, mischievous child who led a typical kid’s life — school, church, Little League. When he started exhibiting behavioral issues, his parents obtained counseling...

TJ and Linda Brownlee: A weekly night of service
Some families have a weekly game night, a weekly movie night, or a weekly date night. Lebanon knows the Brownlees, however, for their weekly night of service. Every Tuesday, Linda and TJ Brownlee...

Letter From the Editor
A nurse walked down the hallway his mother walked decades before he did. Beep … beep … he could hear the sounds from patients’ rooms. He kept a small keepsake pinned to his scrubs, a pin his mother...

Lauren Smith: Compassion in Action
Imagine this: You wake up feeling a sharp pain in your chest, a gnawing worry growing with every breath. You know something is wrong, but the thought of seeking medical care fills you with dread —...

Sara Cooper: Fighting Pet Overpopulation, One Surgery at a Time
As a young girl living in the country near the local dump, Sara Cooper encountered many abandoned pets. Her family took many of them in, and Cooper quickly bonded with those animals. She loved...

Kelsey Mires: Tooth or Consequences
Kelsey Mires is the lead registered dental assistant (RDA) at Serenity Dental, helmed by Dr. Teresa K. Larkins, who also happens to be Wilson County’s first female dentist. Mires joined Serenity...

Speedy Burrito Exceeds Expectations
For a quick lunch, my family and I stopped at Speedy Burrito. The restaurant is a neighborhood favorite. Its worn brick walls and mural add to the charm of the place. The decor was simple, with an...

Gaye Lynn Wilson: Preserving Community, Enhancing Life
A community is often judged by how it treats its older adults, and the staff and volunteers of Wilson Rides Inc. work hard to make sure Lebanon and Wilson County rise above all expectations. Founded...

Making Lebanon Shine: The Story of Terry Wright
Every morning, as the sun begins to peak through the clouds across the quiet streets of downtown Lebanon, the rhythmic swish of a broom and the creak of a well-worn cart signal the start of Terry...

Chris Crowell: Rooted in Service
It might be at a city council meeting, at a Rotary Club fish fry, or at Liberty State Bank’s veteran’s breakfast, but you will always see Chris Crowell involved with the community. Crowell’s roots...

Letter From the Editor
The people of the year 1000 faced division, uncertainty, and fear for the future. They didn’t know it then, but they stood at the edge of change, transitioning from the Dark Ages to the Middle Ages....

Letter From The Editor
AUTUMN SETTLES into our town like a puppy in a warm bed. There’s a magic in the air that only this season can bring. Golden leaves drift gently from the trees, painting the sidewalks in shades of...

Help Is a Click Away
WILSONHELPS.ORG IS a large-scale, comprehensive, and user-friendly guide to Wilson County’s broad array of available aid. This is the most general way to describe what is an enormous,...

Neighbors Helping Neighbors
PAYING IT forward describes the beneficiary of a good deed repaying the kindness to others rather than paying it back to the original benefactor. It has also been referred to as serial reciprocity....

A Story of Faith & Peace
IN 2020, less than 6,000 people across the United States became living organ donors, according to the United Network for Organ Sharing. Lebanon is proud to be home to one of those brave donors:...

Generations of Grit: George McDonald, Tennessee’s Farmer of the Year
SITTING ON his great-grandfather’s land, George McDonald surveyed the fields he’s tended since he graduated high school in 1978. The roots of his farming legacy run deep, stretching back to 1927...

Los Compadres: A Lebanon Favorite
WHEN I’M in the mood for an authentic Mexican dinner, one of my go-to restaurants in Lebanon is Los Compadres. It always hits the spot, and my most recent visit was no exception. Our server, Manny,...

Letter From The Editor
SHE FLASHES her lights and pushes the gas pedal a little harder. The walkie-talkie is too quiet, so she spins the dial and makes her bulletproof vest a little more comfortable. She worked hard to...

A Safe Haven
HEROES COME in many shapes and sizes, but at the end of the day, each has the same important quality: they are willing to do difficult things to help people in need. A hero might rescue someone from...

Officer Abigail Jones: A Hero In Blue
THE NIGHT began like any other for Lorah McCarter and her husband as they fed their precious baby girl, Rhylee — one of their newborn twins. Having just returned from the NICU days earlier, life was...

David Ashley: Pick Up Your Cross
WITH EVERY heavy step down the road, Pastor David Ashley’s rugged hands grip the weight of a wooden cross — a symbol of strength and sacrifice — carried not for himself but for the countless victims...

Letter From the Editor
OUR FOOD nourishes us, from the soil beneath our feet to the table where we gather with family and friends. The hot sun beams from the sky into the field of sprouting seeds. Farmers rise early,...

Kansha Japanese Express
KANSHA JAPANESE Express was an excellent choice for a quick lunch date. It’s a charming restaurant with a nice variety of Japanese cuisine. The atmosphere was laid-back, with a few subtle touches to...

Demeter’s Common: Celebrating The Seasons of The Earth
APEACH SO juicy it drips down to your elbows, fresh and creamy pimento cheese, crisp yellow squash — all of this can be found at Demeter’s Common, lovingly gathered from growers and artisans across...

Kelly Orlowski: Planting Imperishable Seeds
WOMEN WHO have experienced trauma — suffering from the aftermath of human trafficking, addictions, assault, domestic violence, and more — are the people to whom Kelly Orlowski is dedicating her life...

The Meyers Family: Sowing the Seeds of Generosity
KRISTEN AND Shane Meyers have made a life out of giving for well over a decade by being a vital part of the farming community in both Lebanon and Watertown. From Shane’s managing a 1,000-acre...

Vintage Vibes & Delicious Eats at Town Square Social
ON A nice day, it’s always a treat to walk around Lebanon’s square and check out the stores and restaurants. If you are looking for a great place to eat, Town Square Social is a must. My husband and...

Christy Mock Opens the Prom Doors
THE PROM is an American rite of passage that has, through cultural ups and downs, become an enshrined part of adolescence for almost a century. Yet the costs associated with the prom — costs that...

Sherry’s Run
FOR NEARLY 20 years now, in August and September, green bows have been found all around Wilson County, Tennessee. Some people pass by the vibrant bows not knowing what they represent, while others...

Ryan and Kristi Scott: Meeting a Need
SPORTS ARE vitally important to any community, especially those geared toward youth, teaching responsibility, teamwork, commitment, personal drive, and any number of other values. Sports provide a...

Mark Sandoval: Uniting the Community Through Basketball
EVERY SATURDAY in the spring, the gym of First Baptist Lebanon is filled with the sound of sneakers squeaking on glossy floors, balls swishing through hoops, and rousing cheers as members of...

Letter From the Editor; Where Champions are Made
THE CROWD fills the stands, row after row, of people in our high school’s colors. The family in front of you sits down with a fresh hot dog from the concession stand. It’s still steaming with a...

A Perfect Blend of Taste and Service
A FRIEND AND I recently visited a local favorite in Lebanon, Sake Japanese Grill, for the first time. The menu features hibachi, teriyaki, sushi, and various Japanese dishes. It has a cozy...

Leslie Copeland: Rooted in Values, Reaching for Progress
GROWING UP on a farm teaches you a lot about life — hard work, commitment, respect, and the resilience to get back up when you fall. For Leslie Copeland, these lessons have profoundly shaped her...

Letter From the Editor: Dreams Come True
WHEN I was 8, I wanted to be a teacher. I remember my third grade teacher clicking the chalk on the green board on the wall. And when I was 9, I wanted to be a director. My parents bought me a...

Joeleen Davis: Cultivating Community Through Generosity
ON SIX acres tucked into the countryside of Lebanon, Joeleen Davis’ garden is a lush oasis. With her hands covered in rich soil and a spirit as generous as the summer sun, she cultivates an...

From Humble Beginnings to a Roaring Success
DOWNTOWN LEBANON is a vibrant place full of food, entertainment, and various locally-owned shops. Among those on the public square is Poppie’s Boutique, which recently celebrated 10 years of serving...

The Sherry’s Run Event Benefits Sherry’s Hope
The Sherry’s Run 5K Run/Walk event is one of the largest community events in Lebanon, TN! The 5K run/walk is a fundraiser that benefits Sherry’s Hope, a local nonprofit. Sherry’s Hope assists...

Teresa Lackey: Daily Doses of Courage
IN A world where endless worries can sometimes press in from every side, it’s comforting to lean into the encouragement of a dear friend — or even a stranger on Facebook. To dozens of people across...

President Stumb
AS THE president of Cumberland University for the last nine years, Dr. Paul Stumb has become an important figure both on campus and within the broader Lebanon community. President Stumb recently...

Sherry Whitaker: Running Toward Hope
In September of 2004, many in the Lebanon community gathered together for an event called Sherry’s Run 5K to honor the life of Sherry Whitaker — a 44-year-old wife and mother who passed away from...

Unexpected Delight
LET ME start by saying that I’m not a fan of bar food, so I wouldn’t choose a sports bar for lunch. However, I recently met a business associate for lunch at Coach’s Eastgate Grille off Highway 109...

Jody Aulds: ‘Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained’
THE FAMILY is one of the most important foundations of any community, especially when it comes to caring for the next generation. Not every child begins life with a family, but many people in...

Letter From the Editor: The colors between the oceans
IF YOU took a snapshot of any moment in our country’s history, there is a hurt we were trying to heal. The same is true today. It’s our independence that lets us correct our wrongs, to heal, and to...

Letter From the Editor: Vacation in Lebanon
SUMMER IS coming. And surely your home will sit empty for a week in this heat. The playful cheers of the kids on summer break go missing for a week that was planned for a year. The dishes sit in the...

Emerging From a Decade of Silence to Victory Laps
FROM 2011 to 2021, the Nashville Superspeedway stood silent but not forgotten. For a solid decade, the gates remained locked, its track untouched by the thrill of race day, and the roar of cheering...

Ben Graham: Preacher Producer Podcast Host
BEN GRAHAM is a man who wears many hats. He’s a husband, father of four, grandfather, actor, film producer, podcast creator, speaker, radio program host — the list goes on. As a fifth-generation...

Reclaimed Relics: Digging up the Past
EXCEPT FOR four years spent at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UT-K) and two and a half years living in Murfreesboro, veteran relic hunter Quindy Robertson has always lived in Trousdale...

Vanilla Moose Coffee: Fresh Brew and Tailored Bites
VANILLA MOOSE Coffee is a brand-new coffee cafe in Lebanon. It began as a coffee truck and added a physical location in the Hamilton Station area. I had the pleasure of eating lunch. The shop serves...

Letter From the Editor: The Impact of ‘Shop Local’
THE ECONOMIC Policy Institute reports that for every dollar spent at a locally owned business, 68 cents of it stays in the local economy. Compare this to 32 cents staying in a local community when...

Savoring Nostalgia at RSVP at the Club
ARE YOU familiar with the saying, “The best memories are made around the table?” In the South, you will find that most of our memories include food. Some of my best memories were made around the...

Exploring Lebanon’s Vibrant Wine Scene
LEBANON BOASTS many attractions, including Working Man Winery, which is run by the husband-and-wife team of Will and Connie Johnston. Like many proprietors of small businesses, the Johnstons came to...

From Katrina to Compassion
THOSE WHO lived along the Gulf Coast braced for impact or fled further inland despite gasoline shortages and lanes of traffic that steadily crept north. As a nation, we held our collective breaths,...

The Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce Continues to Serve the Community.
TO TRULY understand what an organization does, you have to look at its impact. What does it do for the community? What does it do for entrepreneurs, educators, and families? How has the world...

Letter From the Editor: The Learning Curve
THE METAL beams tick, tick, tick with every inch the cart climbs to the top of the hill. The experienced thrill-seekers in the front cart raise their hands as the coaster inches toward the climax of...

Cornerstone Christian Academy: Orchestrating an Oasis of Opportunity
MARY BESSE craved opportunities for her four home-schooled children to delve deeper into a wider variety of subjects that interested them. Ten years ago, she founded the home-school tutorial...

Recipes: Fuel for Focus
RISE AND shine to breakfasts that fuel minds and bodies alike! Celebrate the power of wholesome, delicious meals to kickstart learning and energize young students. We’ll dish up recipes packed with...