The Lebanon Democrat

2 days ago | lebanondemocrat.com | Andy Reed

Lebanon forward Rolandria Dowell signs to play basketball for Cumberland on Monday. Seated with her are (from left) aunt Damonica Starks, grandfather Jo Dowell, father Rolando Dowell, mother Tenekia Neal and grandmother Hazel Burns. Other family members stand with Cumberland assistant coach Ryan Stanley (wearing cap), head coach Mark Vaughn (second from right) and Lebanon coach Cory Barrett. Lebanon’s Dowell signs with Cumberland

2 days ago | lebanondemocrat.com | Andy Reed

Lebanon guard TK Hastings signs to play basketball for Pellissippi State Community College on Monday. Seated with her are (from left) uncle DeMarco Hastings, grandmother Tina High and mother Chimere High. Other friends and family members join Devilette coach Cory Barrett (far right) on the back row. Hastings bound for Pellissippi

4 days ago | lebanondemocrat.com | Jon Shonebarger

I was privileged to have officiated the funeral of a dear friend recently. As an ordained minister of the gospel, I have preached innumerable funerals for over 40 years. While the protocols of a funeral service have remained typically unchanged over the years, the preparation and delivery of the message have changed, at least for me. Over time, my pastoral services to the family of the deceased have also been for those for whom I have known personally.

6 days ago | lebanondemocrat.com | Andy Reed

With Nico Iamaleava’s departure from Tennessee, Vol fans are getting an up- close look at the transfer portal and NIL. But the transfer portal is hitting even closer to Lebanon High School as two recent graduates have entered the portal, with one already finding a new destination. Former basketball star Meioshe Mason has committed to Eastern Illinois after two seasons of riding the bench at Middle Tennessee State.

1 week ago | lebanondemocrat.com | Becky Andrews

It always starts off innocently enough. A few friends or family members send a group text — usually to share something like a change of plans, a photo of a perfectly plated quiche, or a link to an article about menopause. (Yes, apparently I’m that age now.)At first, it’s fine. You reply. You’re engaged. You’re contributing to the community of conversation. Then suddenly — ping, ding, vibrate — your phone begins to perform what I can only describe as a one-woman off-Broadway percussion show.