Cotton Fest. If you’re from Fayette County those words may drum up images of fields slowly turning white as the season changes from the hot and humid summer to warm days with cooler evenings. It might bring back memories of music on the town square, of cotton candy from a vendor, or hearty hellos from neighbors you haven’t seen all summer. And if you’re not from here, Cotton Fest brings with it an air of intrigue.

   What started as an egg festival many years ago when Cargill and Rus-Dun egg farms made their home here shifted as the industry shifted from eggs, to BBQ, to now Cotton. Fayette County is currently the third largest producer of cotton in the state of Tennessee. That’s something to be celebrated!

   In 1980 the First Annual Egg Festival was held in Somerville.  At the time Fayette County was considered the Egg Capital of Tennessee, producing about 35% of the eggs in the state, so it only seemed right to shine a light on that industry. There were games on the arcade, a parade, egg throwing contests, eggs dropped from airplanes (what an idea this was!), pageants, carnival games bake offs, ice cream eating contests, art contests and even a World Chicken Beauty Pageant; complete with a trophy that rivals anything NASCAR hands out! Visiting with the locals, the chicken that stands out in memories is the one that was dressed up like Dolly Parton. Oh, the creativity that must have gone into that one! You could also find egg packing contests, music on the square, a craft fair and I’ve heard delicious tales of the omelets served at the Methodist church. As with all good things, this too had its end. Though it’s hard to find an exact date, there is no mention of the Egg Festival after 1986 in the papers. Egg production had moved out and with it, the festivities.

   In the early 1990’s Hog Mania became a headlining event for the Fall season here in Fayette County. Some years it was accompanied by the Fayette County Fair which included a carnival and a rodeo. People came for miles around to show off their BBQ and Backyard cooking skills. In 1996, the “Huff ‘N’ Puff Porkers” from Mississippi took home the trophy for Hog Mania. This was no small honor. The winner of Hog Mania moved on to the World Championship Barbecue contest held later in Memphis. Fayette County knows good barbecue!

In 2000, the First Annual Cotton Festival came to fruition. Cotton is as Southern as biscuits and gravy, so it’s no surprise that it has become the star of the show. The first year a fashion show, beauty pageant, Hog Mania cook off, Cotton picking contest, parade, Cotton Gin tours, art show and arts and craft fair were on the agenda. As the years have progressed Horse shows, Agricultural awards, Galas, a dog show, sidewalk art contest, a motorcycle run and more have all made their appearance in the yearly line up.

Today the Cotton Fest is as highly anticipated as it has been for the last 25 years. It’s a time for neighbors to catch up after a flurry of summer activities and responsibilities. If you are a runner, or just want to be one for a day, supporting Fayette Cares in their 5K/1K charity run is a great way to join the festivities. Are cars the thing that makes your heart beat a little faster? There’s a car show from 8am-3pm on the north side of the square. Many local representatives will be making an appearance in the morning, including State Senator Page Walley, Congressman David Kustoff and State Representative Ron Gant. Make sure to come hungry as there will be a pancake breakfast from 7-10am at the Methodist Church plus a variety of Food Trucks to satisfy, no matter the craving. The Tennessee Farm Bureau Women will be hosting a canning and baking contest. Live music will be provided by Volunteer Country Band with different community members performing in the afternoon. And if all that isn’t enough, don’t forget the plethora of art and craft vendors. You can find everything from pottery to earrings to duck calls to hair bows. There is truly something for everyone. Mark your calendars because September 14, 2024 is a day you don’t want to miss. See you at Cotton Fest!

~Written By Karri Buck~

As you drive south on Highway 76 out of Somerville, take a left on La Grange Rd. Follow the road as it twists and turns through the countryside. Just when you think you have completely left civilization the narrow road pops up into what appears to be Mayberry. The town of La Grange sits quaintly between Moscow and Grand Junction, just miles north of the Mississippi state line. Huge magnolia trees flank the town square, lending their sweet fragrance and incomparable beauty to an idyllic scene. Here, amidst the simplicity, sits the former Cogbill Mercantile store now filled with scents and flavors of Sweet Creations and Our Daily Bread café & catering.

For Tim & Cyndi Oliver, life has not always been the sweetest. Job loss, two rounds of cancer, childhood abuse and poor life choices have made for many bumpy years. But through all of that, God has woven a thread of redemption into their story, and they are determined to pass that blessing along. In 2007 after Cyndi had survived her second round and type of cancer, she was free falling, looking for a purpose. She and Tim have always loved entertaining. They hosted all types of showers: baby, wedding, graduation, etc. Their food was well known among their friends and family. That year Cyndi made a birthday cake for a little boy’s birthday. She said, “I had no idea what I was doing decorating it!” But the cake was a success, so she did what so many of us do: she shared it on Facebook. The cake making was the kindling to a bigger flame. Tim soon joined Cyndi and they began catering. It was simple food, but good food. Spaghetti with all the fixings was a popular catering choice. They often catered for weddings after they were chosen to make the cake. They are still making cakes and catering today. Cyndi says the most important part of their job is listening to what the customer wants. It’s their special day, be it wedding, anniversary or birthday, so it needs to be what they want. She and Tim are quick to stress the importance of a budget. “Give us your budget first and we can give you the most bang for your buck.”

For 16 years cakes and catering were their main focus. Tim worked at Pinecrest using his talents in the kitchen. He joined Cyndi as they baked cakes, cookies, desserts and catered. Early last year Cyndi felt God nudge her to use Cogbill’s store for His purposes. She mentioned it to Tim but was prepared for a solid “No.” To her surprise he said, “Let’s go look at it.” So, they did. Cyndi could see the potential and knew this was where they needed to be. Lucy Cogbill, who owned the building, was all too happy to set the Olivers up. She knew the little town needed something to draw people to it and this was ideal. Tim and Cyndi quickly organized a pop up to gauge interest and it was apparent that wasn’t going to be an issue. People wanted good food. They wanted a welcoming atmosphere. And they wanted to slow down. Our Daily Bread had all that to offer and more.

Today when you visit the café, you won’t even make it through the front door before you’re caught in awe. The building looks like something straight out of a history book. It makes the heart pause in delightful memories of simpler times gone by. In November of 1900 the building was destroyed by a tornado and then rebuilt. It was a General Store at that time. Many years later, in the 1980s, a fire nearly destroyed the store. Lucy reclaimed all that she could and rebuilt the store. Beams and wood from the original store were used in the reconstruction. Inside the store, you’ll find a lighted cabinet from Two Sister’s Notions in Somerville, original wood from the original store used to create the wall behind the counters, a portion of the countertops and the beams down the middle of the store and add to that; the scent of something delicious on the air. Once you order from their extensive menu, take a moment to peruse the vendor offerings within the store. Many items are made locally, and Cyndi is broadening the gift choices in the near future. Take your seat at a table that feels like home. You’re in for a treat. For breakfast you’ll find Southern staples such as Biscuits and Gravy or Grits with Gouda and Bacon in addition to breakfast sandwiches and scramblers. If lunch is on your menu for the day, get the daily hot plate, a Reuben Sandwich, a Meatloaf Sandwich or some smoky BBQ from Loven Fresh. In the mood for something lighter? They have salads including Parmesan Chicken, Buford’s Pulled Pork and Cranberry Pecan available. Recently they introduced Naan Pizzas. You can get pepperoni, chicken and bacon, grilled veggie or BBQ pork or chicken on a light and fluffy Naan crust. Tim and Cyndi are also testing the waters on dinner offerings on Friday nights and hope to have live events in the future.  

I asked Tim and Cyndi what their favorite part of owning the restaurant is. Without skipping a beat, the answer was “serving the people and not just with food”. Cyndi excitedly said, “This is just a happy place! We want guests to come here to just breathe, to slow down.” Tim, who is quiet and soft spoke, nodded in agreement. This is his passion, too. Both love visiting with patrons from far and wide. They’ve had guests from England, Australia, Austria and Germany to name a few. Tourists know how to find the gems. Cyndi also has a tree up year-round in the restaurant that helps raise money for different organizations. This month they’re raising money for Carl Perkins here in Fayette County. Carl Perkins has a special spot in Cyndi’s heart. A heart that’s made of gold, I might add.

If you’re looking for a place to slow down and eat a good bite, come on by Sweet Creations and Our Daily bread Wednesday through Friday from 7am – 3pm and Saturday from 7am to 4pm. They are open for breakfast and lunch, to stay or to go. Tim and Cyndi are glad to serve you home cooked food just like grandma made it in their restaurant or cater it to you at your event. You can find them on Facebook at Sweet Creations & Our Daily Bread or call them at 901-232-5806. Remember to shop local and shop Fayette first!

~Written By Karri Buck~

Hello, my name is Clint Cox. I’m a native son of Fayette County and the owner and head coach of Penance Gym in Oakland. As such I care about the health and wellbeing of the community around me and I’ve been fortunate enough to be asked to contribute information on health and fitness, a topic where many of us are often misled. My goal is to provide practical, applicable information that helps you improve how you live and feel each day, without overwhelming you. I’m not here to demonize carbs or promote extreme diets; instead, I want to offer tools and knowledge that genuinely benefit our community. If you have any questions or topic requests, please feel free to reach out to me directly at Clint@PenanceGym.com.

Today’s Topic: How to Eat Healthy Without Breaking the Bank

I am going to start off by stating that I am not here to give nutritional advice, just how to eat healthier (and feel better) while optimizing your grocery budget. As a small business owner and father of two, I intimately understand the need to work within a budget, so I know firsthand how challenging it can be to balance healthy eating with financial constraints.

There’s a commonly held belief that eating healthier means spending more money at the grocery store, largely due to the marketing strategies of food companies. Walking through the grocery store, you’ll see labels touting terms like “organic,” “cage-free,” and “non-GMO,” which are meant to imply superior quality. These buzzwords often come with a drastically higher price tag, leading us to believe that higher prices equate to better nutrition. However, these labels don’t necessarily guarantee improved quality or better health and can strain your budget without providing real benefits. The marketing industry plays on our desires to make better choices, often creating unnecessary confusion and stress around healthy eating.

My family has found that focusing on minimal ingredients is a much more cost-effective and genuinely healthier approach. For example, relatively recently, we let the weekend get away from us and were looking for an inexpensive and quick meal that we could throw together. I had stopped at Kroger on our way home and was comparing spaghetti noodles. I could buy the “whole grain, high protein” noodles for $9 a box (with endless ingredients, some I could not pronounce) or the Barilla noodles for $2 with only 3 ingredients. This was actually the transaction that caused me to realize that we are being misled by the marketing of the food industry.

Another example is our switch from overly processed and expensive protein bars to simple whole foods like boiled eggs. Obviously, grabbing a dessert-flavored protein bar from the shelf is more convenient, but you pay for convenience in dollars now and health later. Initially, we too were drawn to the convenience and health claims of protein bars. However, we soon realized that boiled eggs were not only more nutritious but also significantly cheaper—and provide high-quality protein, support gut health, and reduce bloating compared to the highly processed ingredients often found in protein bars.You don’t need to chase after every trendy label to eat well. Instead, look for foods with minimal ingredients. No matter your nutritional goals, choosing whole foods over ultra-processed, nutrient-deficient options is always a better choice. The convenience of fast food may be tempting, but it comes at the cost of your health.

Practical Tips for Affordable Healthy Eating

● Read Labels Wisely: And know where to look on the label—focus on the ingredient list rather than the marketing claims. Choose products with fewer, recognizable ingredients. ● Shop Smart: Look for discounts and specials on fruits and meats. Buying in bulk can also save money, especially for staples like meats. ● Cook at Home: Preparing meals at home is usually cheaper and healthier than eating out. It also gives you full control over the ingredients. ● Meal Planning: This is a big one—plan your meals for the week and create a shopping list. This helps avoid impulse purchases and ensures you have everything you need for balanced meals. ● Buy Seasonal Produce: Seasonal fruits are often less expensive and more nutritious than out-of-season produce.

Budget-Friendly Ideas

Here are a few simple, healthy, and affordable ideas: ● Trail Mix: Mix nuts, dried fruits, and a bit of dark chocolate for a quick, nutritious snack. ● Baked Chicken and Vegetables: Season chicken breasts and bake with your favorite vegetables. Serve with a side of fresh fruit. ● Simple Meat and Fruit Salad: Combine grilled meat slices with a variety of fresh fruits. ● Boiled Eggs: Boil a batch of eggs for a convenient, protein-packed snack or addition to salads and meals.

Different Approaches to Healthy Eating: Finding Common Ground

When it comes to healthy eating, opinions vary—some prefer low-carb diets, others focus on plant-based eating, and many advocate for a balanced approach. Despite these differences, nearly everyone agrees that nutrient-dense whole foods—like fresh fruits, vegetables, quality meats, and healthy fats—are far superior to fast food and overly processed items. To simplify your choices, shop the perimeter of the grocery store, where you’ll find minimally processed, nutrient-rich foods that support both your health and your wallet. Healthy eating doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. By making smarter choices and avoiding marketing traps, you’re investing in better health, increased energy, and long-term savings.

*Editor’s note: Penance Gym is a member of the Fayette County Chamber and is a great example of how a business can contribute to our community in a variety of ways. If you have an idea you’d like to share that improves our community and benefits the residents who live here, reach out to me at karri@fayettecountychamber.com

September 14, 2024 kicks off the 25^th annual Cotton Fest in Somerville. If you’ve been here for this highly anticipated event, you know it’s no small affair. Vendors come from miles around, car enthusiasts drool over the vast array of classic and unique cars, music plays on the square and couch potatoes become runners for one morning to support Fayette Cares. It’s an event you just can’t afford to miss. As with all good things, it comes with a cost. Rather than pass that down to the community, some incredible folks step up each year to donate their time and money to make this happen. This week I want to highlight those sponsors and give you just a taste of who they are.

The City of Somerville is proud to support each business in Somerville. Mayor Ronnie Neill and his staff are invested in the future of the residents of Somerville, the businesses that are here and to come, and in playing an integral role in Fayette County’s continued growth. Somerville is the heart of Fayette County and welcomes everyone to the 25^th Annual Cotton Fest.

Allied Pest “For over 48 years, we’ve made it our mission to provide the Memphis TN Metro Area and the surrounding cities with effective, trustworthy, year-round pest control services. Allied’s pest control technicians can help with wildlife removal, rodent control, and additional pest control-related services.”

Wilder LP is Fayette County’s only locally owned propane company. They have been in business for 38 years and service all of Southwest Tennessee.

The UT Martin Somerville Center offers an opportunity to those in our community to get a University of Tennessee degree without having to leave home. They offer a variety of bachelor degree programs that can be completed here in Somerville. As our county grows, our residents will have the degrees necessary for future jobs.

Chickasaw Electric is a member owned, local power company. Currently there are 22,432 members in the cooperative. Chickasaw Electric’s board is made up of residents from the area it serves. They have 71 employees totaling over 720 years of experience.

Dynamix Physical Therapy– “Our secret to success? We stretch beyond expectations— literally and figuratively! Dynamix Physical Therapy is recognized at the Nation’s Top Physical Therapy company. Go Beyond with Dynamix!”

Aeneas Internet & Telephone is providing high speed internet through fiber optic connections. They were founded in 1995 and have grown steadily to over 45,000 members currently. They are continually expanding, most recently to Somerville, West Somerville and Rossville.

Blue Oval City is the first of its kind automotive manufacturing plant for Ford Electric Vehicles. When it is fully operational it will provide 6,000 jobs here in west Tennessee. Ford was first incorporated in 1903 and has been continuously family owned for over 120 years.

Rosser Law Firm– For over 45 years Richard Rosser has been practicing law. He is an advocate for residents in Fayette County representing them through a full range of legal services including Real Estate, Last Will & Testament, Trusts, Lawsuits and more. He also handles Family Law matters from Conservatorship to Child support and beyond. He is proud to have served as the Fayette County Attorney for the last 24 years.

TA Beefmasters is providing top quality genetics for top quality beef raised right here in Fayette County.

Laurie Scott has been a realtor for over 20 years, currently with John Green Realty. She is invested in her community including being part of the Fayette County Chamber for over 10 years. She is also an 11-year cancer survivor.

Fayette Sanitation– Their motto is “We make it easy. You don’t need to drag your trash can to the curb. We pick up right at your house.” They are locally owned and operated.

Wolf River Café has been in business for 35 years. It is renowned for fried catfish on Friday & Saturday nights, but while you’re there, make sure you grab a slice of caramel cake!

Oak Grove Gin is located on Highway 222 providing storage and ginning services for Fayette County and beyond. They are family owned and operated.

Chris Nordin State Farm is more than an insurance agency. They are locally owned and committed to their community. With involvement in the Rotary Club and Fayette County Chamber Board, Chris in involved with making Fayette County a place people want to live. Chris’ agency and staff support many community events and organizations, including Carl Perkins.

G&G Repair is a diesel repair shop owned by Jay Glover. He has been serving Fayette County for 15 years and is part of a family legacy of 65 years.

SIC Project Management partners with design professionals in engineering, architecture, landscape architecture, surveying, and the various roles of construction and contract management, project management, community planning, grant application preparation, program management, and environmental assessments for Federal and State programs, industrial, and commercial projects. Shannon Cotter has your every need covered. She is active in her community including serving as a member of the Fayette County Chamber.

Fayette Cares Sixteen years ago, Fayette Cares launched the High Cotton 5/1k charity race as a way to help fund critical services for those facing poverty and abuse. The race not only brought hundreds of enthusiastic runners and walkers to the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce’s Cotton Festival, with winners announced from the stage, but also strengthened their ability to serve the community. Thanks to their incredible community support, they’ve been able to provide a 31-bed shelter for the homeless and abuse victims, distribute nearly two tons of food monthly to over 400 families, and offer hotline services that connect police and advocates to domestic violence victims in danger. The race and festival are a victory for our community, but the real winners are the struggling families who find help and hope at Fayette Cares.

Main Street Eatery is where Somerville goes for breakfast all day on Friday and Saturday. Rachel, Zach, Steve, Sue and the rest of the crew are ready to fill your stomach with yummy goodness ranging from monthly specialty pancakes to their famous chicken salad. Family friendly atmosphere mixed with home cooked food and smiling faces makes dining at Main St. Eatery an experience to brighten your day.

Make sure to support our sponsors that work so hard to keep our community growing. Remember to shop local and shop Fayette first!

Small town grit is a real thing. No matter who says it can’t be done, if the task is given to someone from a small town you can bet your bottom dollar, it’s going to get done. That’s just the attitude that catapulted Betty Knox Morrison Salmon’s restaurant to the infamous status it has today.

In 1989 Betty was looking to make a career change. She had spent 13 years working for Rossville Academy, and though she loved it there, she needed to make a change. She looked around the community, listened to her neighbors and realized the one thing her community needed was a café. She put pen to paper and opened Wolf River Café. She had never dreamed of owning a restaurant, but she loved Home Ec in school and with the excellent help she hired, the café took off. Carl has been her right-hand man from the beginning. He would prove to be integral to the success of the café.

A few years into owning Wolf River Café, Betty was called to care for family in another state. She put the restaurant up for sale and assumed she was closing a well-loved chapter of her life.  Fast forward a couple of years to when Carl called her. “Betty, when are you coming back?” he asked. It didn’t take long to realize the café was back in her hands or Rossville would lose its beloved lunch and dinner spot. Betty got the call on Monday. On Friday the doors were reopened with a big banner out front that read, “BETTY’S BACK!” The locals were all too happy to support Betty in her renewed venture.

Betty says the restaurant’s success boils down to good food and good employees. When she first opened in 1989, she bought 1 box of catfish totaling 40 pounds. She told me, “I thought, ‘We’ll never eat all of this!’”. Now Wolf River Café easily sails through 40-45 boxes, over 1600 pounds, every weekend. If you think that’s crazy, you should know Vickie is pumping out 400-500 hushpuppies to accompany that fish. Detra is responsible for the sauce and Carl is crafting BBQ. These three might be keystones to the kitchen, but without the rest of Betty’s outstanding staff, so many that have been so loyal over the years; that mouth-watering food wouldn’t make it out of the kitchen. They keep the Mason jar cups filled with iced tea and deliver the food piping hot to your table.

If you’re hankering for the best fried catfish in the county, you need to get to the Wolf River Café on Friday or Saturday nights and get there early. You’re going to wait, but it’ll be worth it. For every meal that’s being served inside, the staff is working just as hard to fill the orders going out the door. While you wait feel free to take a stroll over to the park across the street or sit awhile on the bench out front. The cedars that make up Wolf River Café come from Betty’s childhood farm.

The café is open Wednesday & Thursday from 7 am to 7:30 pm and Friday & Saturday from 7 am to 8:30 pm. You can get your fill of home-cooked food for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Pancakes, eggs & biscuits will fill you for breakfast. A burger or deep friend chicken sandwich shared with friends makes lunch even more enjoyable. Dinner can be pizza, BBQ plate, Pig salad or the famous Catfish. And after all of that, if you still have room, you do not want to miss dessert. Betty’s incredible dessert offerings include chess pie, chocolate cobbler, hot fudge, carrot, banana, strawberry or caramel cake, blueberry, blackberry & peach cobbler, pecan pie, key lime pie, banana pudding and of course, ice cream.

Betty has served her community for many years, but not just in the restaurant. She is also a County Commissioner and serves on the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce board. She is an advocate for small business, and she loves the community she gets to provide for. She attributes her success to her employees and the community that supports her. Stop by the café at 470 Highway 194 in Rossville, look for “The Original Wolf River Café” on Facebook or call ahead, 901-853-2586, to place your order. Remember to shop local and shop Fayette first!

~Written By Karri Buck~

Farmers Hardware has stood proudly on the north side of the town square for over 179 years watching history march past. The original building has been a hardware store since its inception but the additional buildings that have subsequently become part of the business have housed things such as funeral parlors, switchboards and a dance studio. Farmers came into the lineage of Allen & Audrey Sanders when they formed a partnership with Mr. Buck Hamner and Mr. Farley in 1947.  In 1951 it became the sole property of Mr. & Mrs. Sanders and has remained in the family since. Their son, John, tells of wagon wheels and mule harnesses still hanging on the walls, telling tales of days gone by. When we picture a hardware store in the current time, we picture hammers, paint and screws. It’s easy to forget that the items used to forge our county required much of the men and women who used them. John showed me bullets found within the store with paper casings. Technology and safety have come a long way, yet the integrity that built Farmers remains the same.

The original building that housed Farmers is still in use today but has expanded 3 times its original space. The first two buildings to the west were most recently a general store and a grocery store. Each building now houses an amazing selection of furniture, rugs, fabric swatches, candles and other home décor. At one time these buildings housed lawnmowers and appliances, but as the big box stores moved in, Farmers pivoted to offer their customers more things for the home that were in demand. In 1999 Angela Dycus became involved in the venture alongside her dad, her mother, her grandmother and grandfather. This was nothing new for her, though. She’d been involved since before she could see over the counter. When customers came in, the young Angela would guide them to whatever they needed. Though her expertise was questioned occasionally, the customers were quick to learn she was an expert in all things related to Farmers Hardware. Upon joining the daily business, she began looking for a way to provide Fayette County residents with furniture options such as those in Memphis for a comparable price. 25 years later she’s doing just that and doing it well. Around 2012 it was mentioned to her that she should start carrying clothing. She headed to Market that weekend. Initially she put one small rack inside the furniture store. The clothing sold fast. When the next building to the west, a former sewing notions store, came available the Farmers’ team was quick to snap it up. Another doorway between buildings was created and now the store, 4 buildings in size, flowed easily from hammers, nails and plumbing supplies to couches, rugs and ladies’ apparel.

Walking into Farmers is a unique experience. As you push open the antique, solid-wood, double doors the original wood flooring squeaks and groans to announce your arrival. A hearty hello is hollered from somewhere within the depths of the tools, cast iron and hardware supplies. It could be a local teenager working the counter or a seasoned Somerville resident, but either way you’re in good hands. As you cross into the next building the room becomes bright and filled with furniture. You are sure to find the latest trends in quality home furnishings at an affordable price. You’ll find more of the same in the third building, which has an original pressed tin ceiling that was put in after electricity came to Somerville.  By this point you will probably have your eye on a piece or two, but just in case you haven’t found exactly what you are looking for, don’t worry. John and Angela have remodeled the upstairs into a magazine worthy show room filled with popular furniture choices. Back downstairs in the 4^th building you will find the latest in women’s fashion apparel. You can find trendy tops, slimming bottoms, dresses for every occasion and jewelry to compliment whatever your purchase.  Men, take note, the lady in your life would love a little something special from this section of the store. Farmers has all the bases covered for your home.

My favorite part of writing these articles is talking with the owners about why they do what they do. As each interview has come about, I’ve seen firsthand the dedication the owners have to their community. John and Angela are no different. Angela’s son, Ian has recently joined the team in the summer months. 4 generations have had the honor of serving their community and they assure me that’s their favorite part. When I asked Angela why her family chooses to own Farmers, her face lit up as she replied, “What else would we do?!” She went on to say, “We enjoy the people we get to serve and are thankful for our loyal customers.” Her family’s desire is to bring more to the community; whatever it is that is needed. Another great example of a selfless business supporting our community and why you should always shop local and shop Fayette first!

~Written By Karri Buck~

“Kindred Spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. It’s splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world.” Patti Yancey took those words, from Anne of Green Gables, to heart in 2010 to launch not just a business but a mission and a movement. When she started Kindred Spirit Style, she began by designing handbags and totes in her home. Her grandkids were involved, making it a family affair. She took her homemade bags to dozens of trade shows across the country. She was happily picturing her future making and selling her unique bags, when in 2013 a lady by the name of June Taylor, owner of Loudean’s, called her. “You need to sell your bags next door to me.” June stated plainly. It wasn’t a suggestion. Patti did just as June said and in 2013 she opened her first brick & mortar in Mid-town on Cooper-Young. She sold her purses along with soap, lip balm, and jewelry. The items were locally made, and Patti was excited to showcase that talent. Local products and items made in the USA have always been and continue to be especially important to Patti. Her time in that location was well spent. June mentored her and was a catalyst to Patti’s success.

In 2014 Patti moved her store to Oakland. It was a small store, but she was determined to fill it with good quality products and give locals a place to shop where they felt welcome. Even if they never bought a single item. In the new store Patti once again featured her bags along with other locally made items, but she also added a small rack of clothing. The purses were her biggest attraction, with organizations such as St. Jude taking notice and purchasing 3000 of her purses for their fund raisers. At one point Patti was employing 20+ seamstresses. Her purses were sold in her store, but also sold wholesale in over 250 other stores across the US. As the years went on Patti continued to grow the store. She added more clothing, shoes, jeans and gift items. Life seemed to be moving along smoothly. Each year new things were added. New lives were touched coming into the store. It was unfolding in ways Patti longed for but could never have dreamt. Then 2020 happened.

Those first few days after the world shut down were upsetting for most and terrifying for business owners. Patti, like others, took a day or two to contemplate her future. Then she called Stephanie, her trusty assistant. They met at the store, did a Facebook live so their customers could shop and started curbside service. They had over 27, 000 people watching their Facebook lives. They began working 18 hour days delivering product curbside, doing Facebook live events and daily shipping hundreds of packages. Marilyn Kain, Stephanie Langston, Joy Smith, Cherie Fowler, Allison Canale and Patti were running the show while each of their families pitched in as well. They knew this was the only way to move forward. And they did. On a nudge from Joy, Patti called the owner of the building on the north side of her store. To her surprise and amazement, the man told her he’d bring her the key that night. Patti and Joy rallied their husbands and some tools and began tearing a hole in the wall to expand the store. The rest is history, you might say.

Today you’ll find twice the space, hundreds of new items changing regularly and many new staff members. Though some things have changed, Patti’s motto has not. “Freedom, Fellowship and Fearless living” is still what you’ll find when you walk through the doors. The soft perfume scent of one of their products brings a feel of home to the store. At Kindred Spirit Style their goal is to make each visit a memorable experience. A friendly face greets you the minute you walk in. Each staff member is knowledgeable and accommodating. Speaking of her employees, she hasn’t had to go find one to hire yet. God has intervened in every instance and each employee has landed on her doorstep in a Mary Poppins-esque way.    

Currently the store hours are Monday-Saturday from 10-6. You can also find Kindred Spirit Style online at www.kindredspiritstyle.com and they have an app as well. If you’re looking for ready-made meals, they’ve got it. Painting parties are a regular and community connecting event. Custom made t-shirts, trending fashion styles in regular and plus sizes, baby clothes, wedding gifts, sauces & seasonings, gifts for the home and men’s clothing are also available at Kindred Spirit Style. With all that Fayette County has available, you should never have to go to Memphis to shop. If you don’t think she has what you’re looking for, ask her, she knows what business does.  She humbly said during our interview, “It’s not about making money. It’s about making a difference.” Another business whose long goal is the betterment of the community. What more could we ask for? Remember, shop local and shop Fayette first!

It seems odd to be writing about the very paper that is publishing the article I’m writing, but what better way to celebrate a business that’s been in operation for 187 years?  The Fayette Falcon has had several names over the years; however, it’s run has been continuous save for a year or two during the Civil War. 39 presidents have come onto the scene and 38 have gone during the Falcon’s tenure. It has been printed a single letter at a time, improving with each new advent of technology including a linotype that used liquid lead! Thankfully technology has continued to improve, so much so that you may not even be reading this paper in hand, but instead reading it on your computer screen with the digital version.

The Fayette Falcon has changed and grown over the years just like the community it sits in. The current location is its third known location. It has drifted across the town square to ultimately end up across from City Hall. When Butch and Carolyn purchased the paper in 2002, they became the 23^rd and 24^th owners. The newspaper industry was nothing new to them, though. Purchasing it was the next logical step because Butch had been in the industry since 1965. He took a small hiatus to serve and defend our country in Vietnam from 1968-1969. He returned home to marry the love of his life, Carolyn, and his job at the Fayette Falcon. Carolyn joined him at the paper in 1995 while the Jones’ still owned it. They ran the paper together from 2002 until Butch passed in 2020. Butch had served the community by dedicating 50 years of his life to the Fayette Falcon. As with all things, there is a time for change and the following year Carolyn decided to move the paper to its current location.

The office is just as you might suspect a newspaper office to be. The scent of paper is on the air when you enter. The quiet of the office is broken only by the click of a mouse or the clatter of keys. Debra works on ads, Randy sets copy, and Carolyn is often busy listening to a recorded meeting while she types the outcome for the current week’s issue. Somewhere in the office lurks a cat who is happy to have been rescued but refuses to show her gratitude. Patches lives the high life of a cat in the publishing industry. In the back of the office, you’ll see this week’s paper being pieced together physically like it was in days gone by. It’s not necessary because the paper hasn’t been pieced together and delivered to the printer since 2004. It’s sent digitally and immediately on Monday mornings. However, Carolyn finds she can deliver a better quality product when she can see the product in real time and in real size. It’s her personal touch that guarantees the reader a great experience.

It’s no small job being the only newspaper in a county of nearly 42,000 people. It’s a big responsibility to report accurately on Commissioner meetings, City Hall meetings for 10 different cities and towns, births, deaths, sporting events and the daily happenings within the county. With a current staff of 3; Carolyn, her son Randy and Debra Joyner, this is an epic task. Sometimes this leaves a gap in the reporting. The Fayette Falcon recognizes this and welcomes reports from all local schools, including Buckley-Carpenter, West Junior High, Fayette Christian School, East Junior High, Rossville Academy, Fayette-Ware High School and Fayette Academy on sports, awards, honors and activities. It takes a village to raise a child, but it takes volunteers to recognize and report on those kids in our community.

Community is what brings the newspaper to life. Carolyn is quick to support the community that has supported her and her family all of these years. She doesn’t charge for benefits, obituaries or school information printed in the paper. It’s one of many ways she gives back to the community that continues to purchase its news from her paper. If you aren’t a subscriber to this paper you’re reading right now, you should be. Stop by the office to start a subscription or go online to www.fayttefalcon.com . You can start your subscription there and receive your weekly edition of the paper a day early online.  It’s hard to estimate the impact of community newspaper, but this quote by Michael Connelly makes his thoughts on it clear, “A newspaper is the center of a community, it’s one of the tent poles of the community…”  Remember to shop local and shop Fayette first!  

Written by Karri Buck

~Originally published in the Fayette Falcon July 22, 2024~

Food is often the thread that brings a community together. Gathered around tables conversations occur that are missed in passing on the street. It takes a special location to foster those conversations and by all appearances Steve & Sue Seamon and their daughter Rachel Bing have that location. Located on North Main St. in Somerville, it’s hard to miss the Main St. Eatery sign hanging at an angle, inviting you to come inside. As you step in, a woodsy scent mixed with coffee and something homey (might be biscuits!) fills your senses. The tables are scattered throughout the restaurant in such a way as to dispel an air of pretense. A hearty hello is hollered from somewhere within the restaurant by more than one waitress. On a good day you might even get a hello from the sweetest hostesses you can find, Hazel and Shoshanna Bing, daughters of Rachel & Zach. Pull up a seat at any table and you’ll find you aren’t in a regular restaurant, no, you’re almost home.

8 years ago, Rachel Bing approached her folks, Steve & Sue Seamon, about buying “The Main Street Eatery” operated at that time by Patricia Yager. It was a thriving restaurant and Rachel felt God calling her to open a restaurant for people who needed to be loved. Though her dad had never had interest in owning a restaurant, he knew this was Rachel’s dream so with his support the family went all in. With Rachel’s 7 siblings and her soon-to-be husband, there was no shortage of creative help within the Seamon family. Her husband-to-be, Zach, helped with electrical, her brothers built her one-of-a-kind pallet wall and her sister Grace rounded out the team by photographing the food and providing creative ideas. A breakfast menu was created and within 2 short months of purchase, Main Street Eatery was open for business.

It’s hard to be a café without having that special something that brings people in. Rachel knew what that special something had to be:  filling people both physically and soulfully. Rachel, and her staff are passionate about loving on every patron that comes through the door. This might be the only place a guest sees a smile all day, so the Main Street Eatery staff makes it their goal to be that one smile. Coffee and tea cups are never empty. The food is southern comfort with a twist because it’s all made with real ingredients. It’s farm-fresh whenever possible. Though the restaurant serves some incredible biscuits & gravy and burritos, it’s the specialty pancakes that make breakfast extra memorable. Sue Seamon is the designer of these culinary wonders. Where else can you find Double Delicious Turtle Truffle or Southern Banana Pudding or Stellar Strawberry Cheesecake? These pancakes will most decidedly elevate your breakfast experience! When it’s time for lunch, a wrap, their famous Chicken Salad or a hard-to-pass-up daily special hot plate are worth stopping in for. In a hurry? You can order online or call your order in. Gluten free? They’ve got you covered. The majority of items on their menu have a Gluten Free option, including the mouth-watering pancakes. No matter what, your meal is delivered with a smile and a thank you.

I asked Rachel what it was she wanted people to know the most about Main Street Eatery. She said, “We love the community and appreciate the locals. We are trying to bring love and joy to Fayette County, to be the light in a dark world. It’s our ministry.”  For the last eight years that’s been the goal. Sometimes that means pivoting and selling food curbside hours after the world shut down in 2020. Sometimes walking that out looks like taking an abused woman from drug court under your wing. She came to life in the kitchen, Rachel tells me, she just needed someone to believe in her and offer her love. Sometimes it’s sharing the story of how God met their needs to the dime while they were trying to care for others during Covid. It’s always about doing the best for their customer.

If you’re looking for a family and budget friendly breakfast or place to relax at lunch, Main Street Eatery is where to find that. They are open Monday through Friday from 8-3 and on Saturday from 7-1. They have just begun offering breakfast all day on Friday and Saturday. It’s a great way to start the weekend! You can find them on Facebook and online at www.mseatery.com Remember to shop local and shop Fayette first!

Written By: Karri Buck

If you were born 119 years ago you would have witnessed the first mass produced car, the first antibiotic, two world wars, the assassination of JFK, the first man on the moon, the invention of the internet and two world-wide pandemics to name a few historic events. No one currently alive is able to have witnessed all of these events, but The Bank, which originated as Moscow Savings Bank, has been here through all of this and more. In 1905 seven local businessmen started the first of what have now grown to be 13 branches in John Steger’s General Store in Moscow, TN. In case you’re not from here; you’re to read that town with a long o sound because, as I’ve been educated by the locals, “There is no cow in Moscow.”

Moscow sits in the south-central part of Fayette County. The first public road in Fayette County originated there. It was home to the 1980 Moscow Olympics that started as a way to support our US Olympians and carried on for 10 years. It has also been a part of great tragedy when the Great Moscow fire swept through in 1937 followed by a devastating tornado in 1952. Moscow has shown tremendous resilience in the face of adversity.

A bank is so much more than money and The Bank is set on proving that. For one reason or another many other banks have sold out to corporate banks of different varieties. Not The Bank. They keep their banks local. Local employees, local branches, local involvement. Their main branch is in Piperton and their newest branch is in Henderson.  You can also find branches in Oakland, Somerville, Bolivar, Arlington, Collierville, Grand Junction, Hickory Withe, Mason, Selmer, and Whiteville. The current president is Mr. H. McCall Wilson. He’s been in this role for 23 years. I had the pleasure of visiting with Tonya Lessel, Branch Manager and Beverly Curland, Assistant Branch Manager at the Somerville Branch. When asked about the bank’s dreams for Fayette County, the response was, “To stay community minded.” Biggest success? “Growth but maintaining the small community bank.” I asked what their favorite story was about their bank. I expected an answer like “how we serve the community” and perhaps in a self-promoting way. I couldn’t have been more wrong. These ladies told me stories that make you proud to be from this rural area of Tennessee. There have been times when an elderly patron has come in and something was amiss, but since this is a local bank where everyone knows your name (Cheers was certainly on to something!) the bank staff noticed and were able to alert family members. Or when a customer has the same question, over and over; they take the time to help them understand. No customer at The Bank is just a number. Each one is a valuable person and treated as such. It should be no surprise then, when I asked what makes The Bank different the response was, “Great customer service.” In a world where people are passed over or counted as a metric, The Bank is doing their part to change that. Their motto is “We live here, we work here, we worship here, we serve here.”

If you’re looking to buy a home, a car, land or to invest in a CD or savings account; you can call The Bank’s main branch at 901-854-2265 or visit them online at www.thebank1905.com You’ll find a friendly voice welcoming you from the other end of the line.

This year is the bicentennial of Fayette County. It is the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce’s desire to highlight some of the longest running businesses in Fayette County. In the course of 200 years, being a business of 119 years is something worth celebrating. We hope that you will call or visit The Bank and see how they can help you. Remember to shop local and shop Fayette first!

Editor’s Note* I had the great pleasure of visiting with Mr. McCall Wilson after this article was originally published. Five minutes into our conversation I understood why The Bank is as successful as it is. It’s the leadership. McCall is leading an incredible group of folks with an attitude of humility, generosity and loyalty. He is as passionate about taking care of the young couple buying their first home as he is about helping businesses obtain funding. He recognizes that small town America will only succeed if there is support available that understands what small town America needs. McCall said they don’t do a lot of advertising because their loyalty to their customers and their customers’ loyalty to them spreads by word of mouth better than any advertisement ever will. Each bank branch is involved in their community and that is of the utmost importance. Knowing their customers and their needs is what keeps the bank thriving and in turn, the community. McCall said, “I have the best job in the world. I get to make dreams come true.” What an incredible attitude to have. The Bank is a great example for us all.

Written By Karri Buck