July 15, 2026
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RenFest back for 40th season
The Tennessee Renaissance Festival launched its 40th anniversary season in Williamson County near Triune during the month of May and has already showed strong momentum— ticket sales were up 66% over opening weekend last year, with more than 19,500 attendees.
The Buzz at GCHS
First and foremost, I want to thank everyone who made The Buzz possible. Freshman year, I would have never thought I would be doing something that I am so passionate about.
Education Notes
Lucie Watch set to graduate from University of Georgia
obits
Hill Community Church will host a Bible Study on May 15 at 6:30 p.m. Come grow in God’s Word and fellowship with others in a welcoming environment. On May 16 at 6 p.m., the church will host a Women’s Discipleship. Building stronger faith and friendship as we walk together in Christ. The church is located at 1128 Hobbs Hill Road in Tracy City.
Student Spotlight
Swiss Memorial Elementary School fifth grade student Aryia Smith. Aryia is a wonderful student who quietly excels behind the scenes. She doesn’t seek attention for her intelligence or her kindness, yet both shine through in everything she does. Aryia has a unique personality–she is sassy yet sweet, smart yet humble, and funny yet gracious. She brings a positive presence to those around her and consistently demonstrates strong character. Overall, Aryia is an exceptional student and a valued member of her class.
Trio of Lady Jackets sign college athletic offers
Grundy County basketball’s Gracie Panter, volleyball’s Scarlet Walkden, and track and field’s Lillian Winton each recently signed to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level.
Parker, Walkden set to compete in TSSAA Track and Field State Championships
Abby Parker and Scarlet Walkden will become the first track and field athletes to represent Grundy County High School at the TSSAA State Championships when they travel to Knoxville for next week’s Class A competitions.
Ruehling lands on Test Pilots summer baseball roster
Grundy County’s Jaden Ruehling is set to join the Tullahoma Test Pilots on their maiden flight this summer when the collegiate summer baseball team takes the field for the first time.
Highlander Folk School subject at Heritage Center
A symposium of those in attendance will be held on Saturday, May 16, at 2 p.m. in the teaching center of the Heritage Center located at 465 Railroad Avenue in Tracy City. Oliver W. Jervis, JD, Museum Chair, Director of Exhibits and Historian will initiate the symposium with a summary of Highlander in Grundy County from 1932 to 1962. After revocation of its charter by the state of Tennessee, the school secured a new charter as Highlander Research and Education Center to be located in Knoxville. After 10 years it relocated in New Market, Tenn., where it now thrives.
Rudman named head coach
The Sewanee Tigersharks are excited to welcome Lucy Rudman as the new head coach for the 2026 summer swim season. An alum of the University swim program with 10 years of lessons and coaching under her belt, this is Rudman’s first summer stepping into the head coach role after three seasons of assistant and volunteer coaching with the Tigersharks.