Written & multimedia pieces

In my current role as a reporter for the Williamson Herald weekly newspaper in Williamson County, Tn. I cover everything from business to city government, to school boards, to non-profits and local features. Prior to joining the Herald, I gravitated towards solutions journalism, climate and environment, poverty and food systems stories. My favorite thing about being a journalist is getting to learn new things everyday and I’m excited to explore new beats and topics as I grow my craft.

Find an extensive collection of my articles for the Williamson Herald Newspaper here.

Party Divide: Hickey wins chair of Williamson County GOP amid record-setting convention crowd

On Tuesday, more than 1,500 Williamson County Republicans filled the convention center at the Franklin Marriott Cool Springs to cast their votes for new party leadership. Two groups within the party spent months running heated campaigns centered around Republican primary elections, but Steve Hickey and his “Elevate 2025” team came out just ahead of Brian Clifford’s “Williamson County Conservatives” at the end of the night.

What to know about Brentwood’s racquet facility debate

When the Maryland Farms YMCA announced in 2020 its plans to close, Brentwood citizens and officials began investigating options to replace the 23 tennis courts that would be lost.  Nearly two years after the facility’s closure in 2023, the Brentwood City Commission is still divided over the best solution. 

AAHS and Heritage Foundation highlight Black stories with joint Black History event

On Tuesday, Williamson County’s Heritage Foundation and African American Heritage Society held a joint Black history event at the Moore-Morris History and Culture Center in Franklin. The second annual event focused on “Black History Heroes,” honoring Williamson County’s only Medal of Honor recipient and other decorated local veterans. 

A perfect match: Woman’s life saved by her friend’s kidney donation

When Catherine Terry’s doctor suggested she be put on the kidney transplant list last summer, her faith went into overdrive. Within a few months, her prayers were answered by her friend and colleague Carrie Riddle. 

MARS Petcare collaborates with Boys and Girls Club to change lives

MARS Petcare is setting the standard for how corporations can meaningfully give back to their communities through its principled approach to donating time, talent and treasure to support the causes that matter most to its employees. One example of this is MARS’ partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Middle Tennessee, which provides impactful programing and opportunities for children in Davidson and Williamson counties.

Governor’s State of the State addresses innovation; Democrats stand in opposition

On Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, Gov. Bill Lee delivered his seventh State of the State address at the Tennessee State Capitol. While the governor touted the accomplishments of the recent special session and called on Tennessee to be an innovative force, Democratic legislators expressed their opposition to his agenda through a walkout and rebuttal press conference. 

Arrington Special Area Plan comes full circle

Almost exactly one year ago, Williamson County planning staff held the first public meeting to kick off work on the Arrington Special Area Plan. On Monday, Feb. 3, citizens gathered to review the final draft of the plan they spent months ideating and refining before it is presented for an adoption vote by the county’s Planning Commission. 

Brentwood commissioners spar over indoor racquet facility, ask Mayor Gorman to take action

On Monday, Brentwood City Commissioners clashed in a debate over placing a bond referendum regarding a possible indoor racquet facility on the May 6 general municipal election ballot. 

Local nonprofits collaborate to distribute shoes

A handful of organizations came together last week at a church in downtown Franklin to give new shoes to underserved children in the community. The collaboration, involving Darrell Waltrip Subaru, GraceWorks, Franktown Open Hearts, Operation Warm and Path United, exemplified how organizations with different strengths can partner to create change outside of their individual scopes.

First Missionary Baptist celebrates MLK Day with music, call to action

On the same day as President Trump’s inauguration, First Missionary Baptist Church in Franklin welcomed the community into its sanctuary to remember the legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Moving sermons and songs encouraged visitors to learn from history and to move toward progress through faith. 

Fairview citizens oppose police facility, height regulation changes affecting Bowie Park

Fairview citizens clashed with city staff and officials over the intentions behind a proposed change to height regulations within the city’s zoning code at the Thursday, Jan. 2, city commission meeting. After a heated public hearing, the commission voted unanimously to defer its decision on the ordinance. 

Eagle Scout builds clothing storage for Ty’s House Community Center

It was while volunteering in the Hard Bargain neighborhood in December 2023 that Trevor Abruzzo, an Eagle Scout from Troop 135, learned of the organization’s need for a community closet. 

School board removes 3 books from libraries, restricts 2 others

On Monday, Dec. 9, the Williamson County Board of Education held a specially called meeting to determine whether five books meet the standards of the state’s Age-Appropriate Materials Act or if they should be removed from schools across the district. 

Icing Smiles brightens families’ darkest days

For kids and families fighting childhood illnesses, something as simple as a birthday cake can return some joy and a sense of normalcy to their lives during a challenging time. That’s the mission behind Icing Smiles, a nonprofit that helps provide beautiful and delicious cakes to children dealing with cancer or other medical conditions. When Elliana Richardson was diagnosed with leukemia just two months before her 5th birthday, her team at Vanderbilt Medical suggested that an Icing Smiles cake could be the perfect way to make her birthday celebration special. 

Despite losses, Democrats hopeful for the future

Election Day 2024 did not bear the fruits many federal and state Democratic candidates had hoped for, but in the Republican stronghold of Tennessee, some Democrats felt their numbers were a sign of progress. 

Petty wins County District 10; local leaders chosen

Williamson County District 10 voters elected Bill Petty on Election Day to represent them on the county commission while voters in Nolensville, Fairview and Thompson’s Station selected new leaders for their cities. 

Judge rules on lawsuit against Williamson County Board of Education

Last week, the chancery court of Williamson County ruled on a lawsuit filed in August 2023 on behalf of a group of parents against the school board for  Williamson County Schools because of the board’s decision at the time to retain five books that were challenged under the state’s Age-Appropriate Materials Act. 

Humane League protests CKE and Hardee’s

Last week, activists with the Humane League held a series of protests at local Hardee’s restaurants and CKE headquarters in Franklin to speak out against Hardee’s alleged lack of transparency and its animal welfare practices. 

Williamson County Board of Education rescinds anti-voucher resolution

On Monday, Oct. 21, members of the Williamson County Schools board revisited a battle from March over Gov. Bill Lee’s continued proposal for a universal school voucher program. The board, with five new members, voted to rescind a resolution sent to state legislators in March opposing vouchers in Williamson County. 

Residents push to preserve Williamson County heritage with new horse trails, facilities

A group of equestrians and horse owners based in the Triune and Arrington areas have set out on a mission to incorporate multimodal trails and equestrian facilities into the county’s development plan. Through a petition that has gained over 800 signatures and ongoing conversations with the Williamson County Board of Commissioners, planning commission and Parks and Recreation department, resident Penny Kemle is leading the charge to make her voice and others heard. 

District 10 County Commission race could see ‘David and Goliath’ story

As the Nov. 5 election quickly approaches, the race for the open County Commission District 10 seat is heating up. Bill Petty secured the Republican nomination for the ballot in a caucus vote in August, but was quickly challenged by Joe Williams, who filed to run as an independent. 

Williamson County Election Commission completes first election performance audit in Tennessee

On Friday, Oct. 4, Williamson County’s Election Commission became the first in the state to complete a new form of post-election audit mandated by the Tennessee General Assembly in 2022. The commission was joined by former chair Bob Brown, who has worked with the state to create and now oversee the completion of these new “performance audits.” 

County Commission approves funding, moves forward on jail and justice center project

Monday’s Williamson County Commission meeting lasted over five hours, with much of that time spent on discussions around the adult jail and juvenile justice center project that has been in the works since 2017. Ultimately, the commission approved up to $280 million in bonds to be used for the joint project and rejected a proposal to study the possibility of moving the juvenile facilities to a commercial building in Cool Springs. 

Incumbent school board member upset in Thursday election

The race for odd numbered seats on the Williamson County Schools Board of Education Thursday night, unofficially, with a couple surprises. In District 7, independent candidate Melissa Wyatt beat Republican Angela Beaton. However, the District 5 independent candidate and incumbent, Jennifer Aprea, was upset by Republican Margie Johnson. 

Williamson County GOP announces convention for District 10 commissioner

After the resignation of David Landrum in June from his District 10 seat on the Williamson County Board of Commissioners, the Williamson County Republican Party (WCRP) is holding a convention to nominate its candidate for the election on Nov. 5. The deadline to file as a nominee is Aug. 6 and the party will choose its candidate on Aug. 13 at 6 p.m.

‘The Waving Man’ makes morning commutes a little less lonely

On any given morning, drivers on Carothers Parkway south of Murfreesboro Road are likely to spot a smiling face waving boldly from the sidewalk. Jim Harris, colloquially known as “the Waving Man,” or “the Waver,” has been greeting strangers like this on his morning walks for four years. In that time, Harris garnered a community of strangers spreading some positivity on their morning commutes. 

Williamson County school board ‘finds a way’ to budget teacher raises

Over the last few months, the Williamson County Board of Education has been preparing its budgets for the 2024-25 fiscal year. Despite some conflicts with its funding body, Williamson County government, the board voted on Monday to approve a tight budget that includes a pay raise for teachers and staff across the district.

County renews contract with Williamson, Inc., approves UGB

Williamson County residents and community members packed the gallery at Monday’s County Commission meeting to voice their opinions and hear decisions on several highly debated resolutions. Close to 30 citizens spoke during comments on topics ranging from the county’s economic development contract with Williamson, Inc. to the most recent Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) plan to teacher pay.

Williamson Memorial places flags in remembrance of fallen heroes

Nearly 20 years ago, Pam Stephens walked out of Williamson Memorial Funeral Home to find a few ladies placing American flags on the graves of veterans and soldiers. The funeral director’s first response was, “we can help you with that!” Since then, Williamson Memorial has invited the VFW, Elks Lodge members and the community to their grounds each Memorial Day weekend to recognize those who served. 

WCS, FSSD officials react to new state ‘teacher carry’ law

Last week, the Tennessee General Assembly passed a flurry of bills on their way out the door to end the 2024 legislative session — including HB1202, which authorizes some K-12 public school teachers and staff to carry weapons on campus. While parents, schools and law enforcement across the state debate the potential impact of this law, Williamson County Schools (WCS) and the Franklin Special School District have decided not to opt in, for now. 

Citizens conceptualize the future of Arrington at special area plan meeting

Arrington community members gathered last week for the second of a series of meetings to discuss a special area plan with county government. More than 50 attendees spent the night of March 27 brainstorming what they hope to see in the future of Arrington and what they don’t want the area to become. 

‘Education freedom’ in Williamson County: the pros and cons of statewide vouchers

Williamson County has long been a champion for excellent public education — Williamson County Schools (WCS) and the Franklin Special School District (FSSD) consistently rank among the top in the state, largely because of the county’s 40-plus years’ commitment to funding and supporting local education. But some parents, educators and elected officials in the county worry decades of work could be threatened by Gov. Bill Lee’s “Education Freedom Scholarships Act,” which would offer $7,000 each to 20,000 students across the state to attend a school of their choice. 

WCS board passes resolution against school vouchers

On Monday, Mar. 18, 2024, the Williamson County Board of Education passed a resolution in opposition to Gov. Bill Lee’s Education Freedom Scholarship Act (or vouchers), joining Franklin Special School District and close to 50 other districts in the state. The board has debated the issue for several weeks and the final vote was 7-5. 

Bulso faces heat from constituents at town hall

A palpable tension filled the meeting room of the John P. Holt Brentwood Library Friday evening as State Rep. Gino Bulso (R-District 61) faced a slew of questions and comments from constituents at his town hall meeting to discuss his work in the General Assembly. 

Hard Bargain Association breaks ground on 4 new affordable homes

Consistent rain and a muddy construction site couldn’t dampen the spirit of the crowd that turned out for Hard Bargain Association’s (HBA) latest step toward affordable housing in Franklin. 

On March 8, 2024, HBA broke ground on the future site of four homes built in partnership with the Tennessee Housing Development Association (THDA) to serve low- and medium-income families or individuals. 

Interim sheriff, judge upset in Republican primary

With few choices on the Democratic ballot this primary election, Williamson County Republican candidates for sheriff, circuit judge and school board stole the show in their battle for nomination. Despite low voter turnout, a couple of “underdog” candidates came out on top Tuesday night. 

Bringing light to Tennessee’s forgotten WWII history: Magill introduces ‘Maneuvers’ docuseries

Between 1941 and 1944, the United States sent 850,000 soldiers to Tennessee to prepare for combat in Europe. These troops essentially practiced war in the backyards and farmlands of countless Tennesseans, yet stories from this time in state history are hard to come by. Kelly Magill, founder of KGV Studios, spoke to the Franklin Noon Rotary Club about her documentary project “Maneuvers: War Games in the Heartland,” which tells the story of the state’s role in training young American soldiers.

School boards discuss upcoming legislation with state representatives

State representatives met with Williamson County School (WCS) and Franklin Special School District (FSSD) board members held their annual meeting to discuss the upcoming legislative session and its potential effects on local schools. Hot topics included proposed legislation to expand school voucher programs, legislation that would ban most flags in schools, and the continued effects of the third-grade retention laws and partisan school boards.

Tennessee Republican Party makes last-minute changes to school board ballot

As the county prepares for primary elections in March, the Williamson County School Board ballot has received an overhaul. The Tennessee Republican Party (TRP) removed Michael Carter, Donald Fischer, Claire Reeves and Rick Wimberly from the ballot after the candidates’ bona fide Republican statuses were challenged.  

Local high schoolers raise thousands for donations to Light the World Giving Machines

On the last day of the Light the World Giving Machines’ 10 days in Franklin, two Nolensville High School students made history by raising enough funds to purchase not one, but two of every donatable item in the machines.

Turner Theater and Studio Tenn create a home for performing arts in The Factory at Franklin

The Factory at Franklin got a little brighter with the unveiling of the new Turner Theater and its dazzling marquee at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Studio Tenn’s permanent home. 

Groups sign conservation easement to protect historic Indigenous site at Westhaven

Nestled in the trees between Westhaven Golf Club and Highway 96 hides a significant piece of ancient history: the remains of two 1,800-year-old Indigenous mound formations. On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, members of the Alliance for Native American Indian Rights (ANAIR), the Tennessee Ancient Sites Conservancy (TASC), the Tennessee Division of Archeology (TDOA), and Southern Land Company, the developer of Westhaven, gathered to sign a conservation easement agreement for the mound sites.

 Grant funds fresh locally sourced meals in FSSD schools

On Fridays, the Johnson Elementary School cafeteria transforms into a pizzeria. Or at least that’s what the students think as they follow the scent of freshly made pizza down the halls. The switch from pre-made and packaged to made-from-scratch pizza is just one way a new Healthy Meals Incentive grant from Action for Healthy Kids has helped Franklin Special School District (FSSD) spice up its culinary program.

Racquet facility partnership between Brentwood and Williamson County seems out of the question

Since the YMCA at Maryland Farms announced its closing, and consequentially the closure of its indoor tennis courts, in 2022, Brentwood city officials have been looking for a solution for its tennis-playing residents. After months of discussion, a vote to begin a potential partnership with Williamson County Parks and Rec failed in a 4 – 3 vote at a Brentwood City Commission meeting.

Youth-led organization Tunes for Kidz pairs children with musical instruments

In 2019, Manavi Bajpai went looking for a place to donate an old guitar she didn’t use anymore. Bajpai, a music lover who has grown up just outside Music City, was shocked when she could not find any organization taking instrument donations. So, when COVID-19 shut her high school and all other plans down, Bajpai used her free time to build Tunes for Kidz, a nonprofit organization that gives donated musical instruments to children who don’t have access to their own. 

Concrete Jungle aims to reduce food insecurity with weekly harvest

Concrete Jungle hosts weekly produce and fruit harvests around Athens that benefit local organizations fighting food-insecurity. The hundreds of pounds of zucchini harvested are donated to the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia. Covered on assignment for the Red & Black.

Grant helps kick-start restoration

Evelyn Reece and the Lexington Historic Preservation Commission received grants to restore the windows of the old Lexington Presbyterian Church. Now that work is complete, they can dive into restoring the entire building to create a gathering space for the community. Covered on assignment for The Oglethorpe Echo.

Maria Dondero promotes community amongst Athens artist

Local ceramist, Maria Dondero runs a pottery studio and gallery in Athens, Ga. Her community studio space gives local potters a place to work and connect with other artists. Published through the Red & Black.

The future of forestland ownership is female

Forestry has long been a male-dominated field, but an increasing number of women are beginning to inherit their husbands’, fathers’ and families’ lands. This story explores this phenomenon and the impacts it has on Georgia’s forest industry. Written for credit for GradyNewsource.

Pollinator garden at solar field borne out of partnership

Members from the Tennessee Environmental Council (TEC) and Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE) gathered to break ground and spread wildflower seeds to commemorate the creation of a native pollinator garden at MTE’s College Grove solar field. The one-acre plot will be the newest project in TEC’s Generate Some Buzz program which has already established over 160,000 square feet of native pollinator habitat in Tennessee since its inception in 2019. Covered on assignment for the Williamson Herald.

Mary McKean uses art as therapy to combat climate anxiety

Pam Knox educates farmers on the impacts of climate change

Unpublished projects

Community support through a pandemic

Despite restrictions caused by COVID-19 individuals and organizations in Athens continue to find innovative ways to fight food insecurity within their community. This multimedia piece includes, still images, graphics, audio and video elements.

Fridays for Future climate strike

Mark McConnell has led Fridays for Future climate strikes in Athens for more than two years. A climate activist and Director of the Georgia Climate Coalition, McConnell has been an active member of climate change movements in the city. This written story accompanied by photos has also been adapted into a video showcasing images and audio together.

UGA Research Studies Relationships between Wind Damage and Destructive Beetle Populations in Southern US

Inevitable and unstoppable, hurricanes, windstorms and tornadoes can devastate Southern U.S. forests. But these trees can become prey to another danger, bark beetles, that can become deadly infestations. UGA researcher Kamal Gandhi, Ph.D. is finding how these two adversaries affect each other and what it means for tree farmers.

COVID-19 is Changing Our Relationship with Nature

The COVID-19 pandemic is changing how people everywhere interact with the natural environment. From outdoor enthusiasts to climate activists to garden and nature center employees, global stay-at-home orders and restricted travel and business are creating new challenges and opportunities for everyone with a soft spot for the great outdoors