Kim Rafferty

The Sumner County School Board approved a $424 million budget for the upcoming school year, but the county commission has not yet approved it, forcing the district to operate under last year's spending limits. Disagreement among commissioners centers on the appropriate budget increase, with some advocating for maintenance of effort and others supporting a 2-2.5% adjustment. The budget is expected to be revisited on July 21, with leaders confident it will ultimately pass before state restrictions take effect in August.

Tennessee allows certain fireworks like sparklers to be sold year-round, but Gallatin maintains existing restrictions, permitting sparkler sales from June 15 through July 5 and use from July 1 to July 4. Gallatin Fire Chief Jeff Beaman clarified the city is not banning sparklers but aligning their sale and use with established fireworks rules, while also allowing sparkler use on New Year's Eve and Day under specific timeframes.

A bear was spotted in the Millersville neighborhood after overturning trash cans, confirmed by resident Sabrina Abbott who described the unexpected encounter. Abbott and her husband have since taken precautions, including securing trash and increasing vigilance due to the undeveloped wooded area near their home.