Local News

The CMA MusicFest numbers are in. About 90,000 festival goers per day attended this weekend’s CMA Fest. The Country Music Association says those numbers are consistent with the crowds seen in recent years. The fans came from from all 50 states and 46 countries and the festival hosted more than 300 performers, often for capacity crowds.

Yesterday, just two weeks after a crash in Wilson County, those who knew 38-year-old Brooke Smith and her 12-year-old daughter August Brashier, gathered inside the Winfree Bryant Middle School to honor both of their lives. The Tennessee Highway Patrol said a 2021 Hyundai Palisade was traveling westbound in the 4000 block of East Division Street, while a commercial vehicle was traveling eastbound. At approximately 8:53 a.m., the Hyundai driver lost control slightly and ran off the right side of the road, but then the driver reportedly overcorrected, crossed the center line, and collided with the other vehicle head-on in the eastbound lane. Authorities said the Hyundai’s driver and passenger — confirmed to be Smith and Brashier — were killed in the crash.

The city of Hendersonville is on track to become the first Tennessee city to lower its grocery sales tax. This follows new state legislation that gives cities the power to amend or eliminate their part of the grocery tax. Mayor Jamie Clary says if approved, Hendersonville’s portion of the grocery tax would drop from 2.75 percent to 2.25 percent, saving residents a total of about $800,000 a year.

A Gallatin city councilman is threatening legal action after a fellow councilwoman accused him of bullying. Eileen George unexpectedly resigned from the council after claiming Councilman Pascal Jouvence and his supporters of bullying, forcing her to step down. Yesterday an attorney filed a cease-and-desist order against George on behalf of Jouvence and his wife. The order says allegations and implications made by George are untrue and/or portray the Jouvences in a false light.

A Middle Tennessee auto parts manufacturer will permanently close next year, laying off almost 100 employees. Tachi-S Automotive Seating USA in Mt. Juliet has filed an official WARN Notice with the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, notifying the agency of a permanent closure. According to the WARN Notice, employment separations will begin on Sept. 15, 2024, and end on or around March 31, 2025. The total number of affected workers is 90 employees.

Ruby’s Happy Farm in Cross Plains presents its annual Feel-Good Fest on Saturday, June 22nd from 1 p.m.-7 p.m. Local craftsmen and vendors will be present, showcasing their distinctive offerings to ensure every visitor discovers something unique to take home! An array of culinary treats, courtesy of premier food trucks will be on site. For tickets and more information, visit the event website at feelgoodfesttn.com.