
Merle Norman Inspires the Manchester Community With Glamour and Grace.
BEAUTY PRODUCTS fill the shelves, setting the stage for the captivating world of Merle Norman Cosmetics, a California-based company with franchise studio locations in Manchester and Decherd. Upon...

Out of the Blue Granola Instills Confidence Through Skills Development.
SUSAN BINKLEY, founder of Blue Monarch and Out of the Blue Granola, immersed herself in the bakery business seemingly overnight. Running that bakery introduced her to a population that she never...

Bakehouse Exemplifies Community and Sweetening up Every Tooth in Town.
FOLLOWING MY feet and my appetite, I let my senses carry me past the beautiful pink doorway and toward the source of freshly baked goods. Brianne Melcher, owner of and baker for bakehouse, was as...

Unearthing Coffee County’s Stories Since 1836
WE ARE still uncovering hundreds of years of history in Coffee County. At the Joanna Lewis Memorial Museum of Coffee County History, we travel back as far as 1836 — the year the county was founded....

Softball Coach and Full-Time Nurse Builds Bonds and Instills Passion in Local Youth.
A SUN-DRENCHED FIELD shimmers in the morning light, crisp air crackles with anticipation, and a joyous symphony of cheers erupt as a young girl rounds the bases, pure triumph etched on her face....

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...

Nurse-Turned-Educator Inspires Students to Reach New Heights
“ NEVER SAY never.” If you had asked nurse education teacher Deana Crosslin 21 years ago if she would end up being a teacher, she would have simply told you, “No way.” Four years as a school nurse...

Partnerships Fuel Real-World Learning at North Coffee Elementary
NORTH COFFEE Elementary is a living legacy. Its weathered brick walls reverberate with the voices of generations past, each footstep leaving an imprint on the path to the future. Children walk the...

Recipes: Unleash Potential in Every Bite
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...

Shaping Future Leaders at Hillsboro Elementary
ENTER THE doors of Hillsboro Elementary, and you’ll find more than mere classrooms. You’ll discover a lively and inviting oasis crafted by the hands of remarkable educators like Julie Bobo. As an...

Explore a Taste of Mexico at El Molcajete.
NOTING THE comfortable thrum of chatter behind the veil of sizzling meats and spices, I walked through the doorway and was greeted by multiple cheery hosts who led me to a well-lit booth on the left...

College Street Elementary Is Hitting the Mark.
THE AIR crackles with a mix of nervous anticipation and focused determination as a line of fifth graders stand at the ready, bows drawn, arrows notched. Each release unleashes a glimmer of...

The Ripple Effect of an Educator’s Love for Children’s Education
A YOUNG GIRL named Lesli Yates eagerly steps into her first day of kindergarten. The air is warm, the sun is shining, and Westwood Elementary School is buzzing with excitement as young Yates, with...

Letter From the Editor: Charity Spotlight
IN THE quiet corners around us, away from negativity, thrive the true heartbeats of our community — the local charities and the selfless individuals who support them. It’s in these spaces, often...

A Behind-The-Scenes Ministry Transforms Lives Through Art.
TheHeARTStudio serves as a sanctuary of healing, a sacred haven where paintbrushes dance, and colors knit tales that defy verbal expression. Founded by the visionary Selina Hyzer, this unassuming...

Recipes: Nourishing Communities, One Casserole at a Time
THE ACT of preparing a homemade meal transcends the boundaries of sustenance; it becomes a gesture of empathy, a tangible expression of care that resonates deeply with those facing adversity. Amidst...

Food Truck Owner Lisa Womack Works for Herself and the Public
COFFEE COUNTY is home to many great places to eat, and not all of them can be found in the same place every day. Local food trucks sell everything from burgers and tacos to barbecue and...

A Lifeline for the Innocent
SITTING AT 104 North Spring St., this unassuming building is more than just bricks and mortar; it’s a haven. The Children’s Advocacy Center in Coffee County is a sanctuary where an unyielding sense...

Mosaic Men’s Recovery Program Rebuilds Lives One Mosaic Piece at a Time.
THE SUBSTANCE Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration designates Aug. 27 to Sept. 2 as Overdose Awareness Week. However, the pervasive threat of overdose confronts many local community...

Manchester Community Member Revived Manchester Old Timers Day
STEP INTO the square on a particular day in October. The air is alive with the nostalgic hum of laughter and the unmistakable aroma of sizzling treats whirling through the breeze. The sun, casting a...

A Heartwarming Mission That Enriches Lives Through Furry Companionship
PEOPLE ALL over Manchester are experiencing the joys of animal therapy without owning a pet. There’s nothing like taking a break to pet a fur baby, their snuggles providing you with the comfort you...

Building a Life Together Through Love, Hard Work, and a Strong Sense of Community.
CALEB AND Alexandria’s story began during their high school years. They attended different local high schools, but fate brought them together one evening at a Sonic Drive-In. “The thing to do...

Michael Young’s Love-Filled Quest for Unity and Redemption
THERE ARE specific individuals in our society who stand out as symbols of hope, love, and steadfast faith. Michael Young, a native of Murfreesboro, is undoubtedly one of these remarkable...

Uncovering the Weaver Family’s Journey as a Farming Family.
RAY AND Elaine’s story began long before their own time. Their families had known each other for generations, but a twist of fate truly brought them together. As Elaine’s father worked a public job,...

Letter From the Editor: From the Heart
IT’S HOLDING the door open for the person behind you. It’s sending a sweet text when they cross your mind. It’s stopping by to say “hi” when they’ve had a bad day. Showing up and showing love is...
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