Growing Pains: Exploring The Challenges in a Thriving Sumner County

In this episode of Growing Pains, host Deanne DeWitt sits down with Wade and Liz Evans for an honest conversation about public service, education, and what it means to raise a family in a fast-growing Sumner County. From serving on the school board to working on the front lines as a teacher, the Evans share a unique dual perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing local schools and communities.They tackle complex issues like teacher pay, affordability, standardized testing, and the growing pressures on public education systems, all while grounding the conversation in a shared commitment to community and service. This episode is a thoughtful look at how local leadership, education, and civic engagement intersect in shaping the future of Sumner County.==========Hosted by Deanne DeWitt, Growing Pains is the official podcast of the Sumner County Republican Freedom Caucus, featuring candid, in-depth conversations with the leaders, movers, and shakers shaping our local government and community.From business development and public policy to education, infrastructure, and responsible growth. Each episode dives into how decisions made today impact the future of Sumner County. Guests include elected officials, policy experts, business owners, law enforcement leaders, educators, and citizens who are actively working to keep our county strong, accountable, and forward-thinking.Whether you’re a resident, business owner, or simply passionate about your community, Growing Pains offers insight into how local leadership, conservative principles, and collaborative problem-solving can help Gallatin and Sumner County grow the right way, preserving our legacy while protecting our future.

In this episode of Growing Pains, host Deanne DeWitt sits down with Portland Mayor Mike Callis to unpack the realities of leading a city through growth. From long-term decision-making to the challenges of balancing community expectations, Callis shares a grounded perspective on what it takes to plan for the future while serving the present.The conversation highlights the critical role of infrastructure and public safety, and why cities must prioritize essentials like water, sewer, and roads before chasing new amenities. Mayor Callis also breaks down Portland’s major water project, years in the making, and what it means for the city’s long-term stability and growth.If you’ve ever wondered what growth really costs—and what it takes to do it right—this episode offers a clear, practical look at the decisions shaping a community’s future.==========Hosted by Deanne DeWitt, Growing Pains is the official podcast of the Sumner County Republican Freedom Caucus, featuring candid, in-depth conversations with the leaders, movers, and shakers shaping our local government and community.From business development and public policy to education, infrastructure, and responsible growth. Each episode dives into how decisions made today impact the future of Sumner County. Guests include elected officials, policy experts, business owners, law enforcement leaders, educators, and citizens who are actively working to keep our county strong, accountable, and forward-thinking.Whether you’re a resident, business owner, or simply passionate about your community, Growing Pains offers insight into how local leadership, conservative principles, and collaborative problem-solving can help Gallatin and Sumner County grow the right way, preserving our legacy while protecting our future.

In this episode of Growing Pains, host Diane DeWitt sits down with former Sumner County Planning Director Josh Suddath to go inside the decisions shaping Sumner County and how communities actually plan for growth. From zoning rules and subdivision approvals to long-term comprehensive plans, the conversation explores the often misunderstood process that shapes the future of fast-growing counties like Sumner County. Josh also discusses major policy shifts in the county, including changes to rural lot sizes, the role of urban growth boundaries, and how infrastructure, development, and community character all intersect in local decision-making. Now serving as executive director of the University of Tennessee’s Center for Local Planning, he shares broader insights into how communities across Tennessee are navigating rapid growth and the challenges that come with it. If you’ve ever wondered why certain developments get approved and how local planning decisions are made, this conversation offers a clear look at the people and policies shaping the future of Tennessee communities.==========Hosted by Deanne DeWitt, Growing Pains is the official podcast of the Sumner County Republican Freedom Caucus, featuring candid, in-depth conversations with the leaders, movers, and shakers shaping our local government and community.From business development and public policy to education, infrastructure, and responsible growth. Each episode dives into how decisions made today impact the future of Sumner County. Guests include elected officials, policy experts, business owners, law enforcement leaders, educators, and citizens who are actively working to keep our county strong, accountable, and forward-thinking.Whether you’re a resident, business owner, or simply passionate about your community, Growing Pains offers insight into how local leadership, conservative principles, and collaborative problem-solving can help Gallatin and Sumner County grow the right way, preserving our legacy while protecting our future.

In this episode of Growing Pains, host Deanne DeWitt sits down with Sumner County Chancellor Louis Oliver for a wide-ranging conversation about the role of Chancery Court, the history that shaped it, and what decades of public service reveal about growth and leadership in Sumner County. Beyond the courtroom, Judge Oliver reflects on his time as Hendersonville’s city manager, the explosive population growth from 600 residents to 60,000, and the tension that often accompanies annexation, zoning, and infrastructure expansion. He shares firsthand stories of Hendersonville’s first city election, early civic leadership, and how growth can either strain a community or strengthen it depending on whether leaders plan ahead.Blending history, law, and civic philosophy, this episode offers listeners a thoughtful perspective on how institutions evolve, why engagement matters, and what it takes to steward a growing community with integrity.==========Hosted by Deanne DeWitt, Growing Pains is the official podcast of the Sumner County Republican Freedom Caucus, featuring candid, in-depth conversations with the leaders, movers, and shakers shaping our local government and community.From business development and public policy to education, infrastructure, and responsible growth. Each episode dives into how decisions made today impact the future of Sumner County. Guests include elected officials, policy experts, business owners, law enforcement leaders, educators, and citizens who are actively working to keep our county strong, accountable, and forward-thinking.Whether you’re a resident, business owner, or simply passionate about your community, Growing Pains offers insight into how local leadership, conservative principles, and collaborative problem-solving can help Gallatin and Sumner County grow the right way, preserving our legacy while protecting our future.

Inside Sumner County’s Most Candid Leadership Conversations with Tammy and Jonathan HayesIn this episode of Growing Pains, host Deanne DeWitt sits down with Tammy and Jonathan Hayes, two longtime servant leaders who have helped shape education and local government in Sumner County. Tammy, a soon-to-retire School Board member, and Jonathan, a former Hendersonville alderman, reflect on decades of service guided by the principle of “service above self.”They discuss the realities of leading public schools in a fast-growing county, the impact of social media narratives, and why strong public education, career and technical pathways, and innovation are essential to a healthy community. Jonathan shares insights from city leadership, explaining how growth, infrastructure, development, and public safety must be balanced if cities are going to thrive.With warmth, humor, and gratitude, the Hayes also talk about serving together as a husband-and-wife team, encouraging the next generation to step into leadership, and why kindness, communication, and civic engagement still matter most at the local level.==========Hosted by Deanne DeWitt, Growing Pains is the official podcast of the Sumner County Republican Freedom Caucus, featuring candid, in-depth conversations with the leaders, movers, and shakers shaping our local government and community.From business development and public policy to education, infrastructure, and responsible growth. Each episode dives into how decisions made today impact the future of Sumner County. Guests include elected officials, policy experts, business owners, law enforcement leaders, educators, and citizens who are actively working to keep our county strong, accountable, and forward-thinking.Whether you’re a resident, business owner, or simply passionate about your community, Growing Pains offers insight into how local leadership, conservative principles, and collaborative problem-solving can help Gallatin and Sumner County grow the right way, preserving our legacy while protecting our future.