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Wawa isn’t your typical gas and convenience store. And, Dickson is poised to find out in the next few years.

Plans were presented Tuesday for a new Wawa at a prominent location in the city on Highway 46 where a hotel and restaurant has existed for over 50 years. The site plan and design were approved by the Dickson Planning Commission.

"I think it's a vast improvement to the site,” said Planning Commissioner Kyle Sanders about the property, which is currently a Quality Inn.

Wawa is a gas and convenience market named after the Philadelphia-area town where it originated. The franchise enjoys a following similar to Bucc-ee’s.

Representatives from Hutton, the Chattanooga-based developer of Wawa stores, and engineering firm Kimley-Horn, presented the plans.

The Wawa location in Dickson is not yet finalized. More approvals will be required by city officials going forward and the property ownership is still listed as Georgia-based MEGA, Inc. in state records.

What is WaWa? More than gas, snacks and fan tattoos

Wawa is more than a traditional gas station and quick snacks in that it serves up popular East Coast-style hoagies. If you’re wondering if people have been married at Wawa’s or had Wawa ink on their body – they have.

The Hutton representatives said the Dickson location won't be the first in Tennessee. A preliminary proposal for a Bellevue location was presented earlier this month. The two sites could be among the earliest Wawa locations as part of plans to open several Tennessee storefronts in the next several years. According to the expansion announcement, originally released in June last year, Wawa plans to open up to 40 store locations in the Nashville area.

The first Tennessee Wawa stores are not targeted for opening until 2025.

Community feedback on the issue

Nashville’s District 35 Metro Council Member Dave Rosenberg let his constituents know about the proposal with a Facebook post on April 8. Rosenberg asked for feedback on the plan and hundreds responded.

The Dickson Wawa would open at the site of the current Quality Inn hotel, which has also been home to various restaurants over the years. Currently, Koto Asian Cuisine is located at the hotel, which is located near Interstate 40 at the 172 exit.

Wawa officials wouldn’t specifically comment on the Dickson location. Lori Bruce, public relations manager, stated that Wawa looks forward to “serving new communities with our quality fresh food and beverages and, as always, our deep commitment to the communities in which we operate.”

“As a privately held, family and associate-owned company, we are most excited to share our unique culture and store experience, which has resulted in family-like bonds with our associates, our customers and our communities,” Bruce added.

An updated vaccine is recommended for adults and most children. Statewide, 2% of vaccinations did not specify a home county.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Notes: The hospitals map shows the average I.C.U. occupancy at nearby hospitals in the most recent week with data reported. The data is self-reported to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services by individual hospitals. It excludes counts from hospitals operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Indian Health Service. Numbers for hospitalized patients are based on inpatient beds and include I.C.U. beds. Hospitalized Covid-19 patients include both confirmed and suspected Covid-19 patients. The C.D.C. stopped reporting data on cases in May 2023.

How trends have changed in Dickson County

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Notes: Weekly county death data prior to Jan. 2021 was not reported by the C.D.C. and is sourced from reporting by The New York Times. Hospitalization data is a weekly average of Covid-19 patients in hospital service areas that intersect with Dickson County. Hospitalization numbers early in the pandemic are undercounts due to incomplete reporting by hospitals to the federal government.

Historical trends in Dickson County

The data in these charts has been archived and they are no longer being updated.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The data in these charts has been archived and they are no longer being updated. Weekly county case data prior to Jan. 2021 was not reported by the C.D.C. and is sourced from reporting by The New York Times. The C.D.C. stopped reporting data on cases in May 2023. Test positivity data is based only on test results reported to the federal government and is a seven-day average.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - People in Dickson County have the chance to weigh in about the 32-mile natural gas pipeline that would run through three Midstate counties.

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation is scheduled to hold a public hearing and information session for a permit needed for the project.

People who live in Dickson County have told WSMV4 they are afraid they are in a potential explosion zone.

On Thursday, July 6, the Tennessee Division of Water Resources will hold an informational meeting with a public hearing for one of those permits. They are discussing a water quality certification for the proposed 32-mile natural gas pipeline.

It would run through Dickson, Houston, and Stewart counties. It’s expected to affect a portion of wetlands and streams.

The information session starts at 5:30 p.m. The public hearing will start at 6:30 p.m. It’s going to be held in the Dickson County Government Building located at 303 Henslee Drive.

If you are unable to attend, you can send your comment to [email protected] until Jul 16.

After the Division makes a final certification decision, an appeal may be filed by the applicant or by any person who participated in the public comment period whose appeal is based on comments given to the Division in writing during the public comment period or in testimony at a formal public hearing.

Dickson County residents like Scott Corlew said this project is bringing up memories from 1992 when a natural gas pipeline broke in Dickson County. It caused a fire that burned nearly five acres.

Corlew said the fire happened near his family’s farm in Dull, Tennessee. He is afraid this will happen closer to home.

“I don’t want to be burned up in my house and we are considered in the explosion zone,” Corlew said.

The plans, designed by energy company Kinder Morgan, have the pipeline running through the Corlew family’s farm.

The company hopes to start construction in 2024 but needs permits to be approved first. They are aiming to have the pipeline complete by 2025. This way, the Tennessee Valley Authority can transition its Cumberland City plant from coal to natural gas.

The plan is to shut down the Cumberland Fossil Plant in two stages, the first in 2026 followed by the next one in 2028.

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DICKSON, Tenn. (WTVF) — It's a mystery that has haunted Dickson County for 36 years, but investigators are still working to find out what happened to a teenager who mysteriously disappeared.

"I think about it a lot," said Lt. Sarah Humphreys with the Dickson County Sheriff's Office. "Another year has gone by and we still don’t know anything 36 years later. We don’t know what happened to Leanne."

Martha Leanne Green, who went by Leanne, was last seen on Highway 46 near Fabric Road on April 15, 1987. According to the Dickson County Sheriff's Office, Leanne was picked up from her job at the Holiday Inn by her twin brother. While on their way home, they ran out of gas.

A family coming home from church stopped to help them and took her brother to a nearby gas station. Leanne decided to stay in the car, but after about ten minutes they came back and she was gone. Her purse and wallet were still in the car, as well as the car keys, and there was no sign of a struggle.

Leanne was a junior at Dickson County High School and was planning to go to prom the following night. Her pink prom dress and shoes were on the bed at her home the night she disappeared.

The search was launched by the Dickson County Sheriff's Office. It grew into a large investigation involving multiple agencies including the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the FBI. Hundreds of searches have been conducted, and investigators have followed up on thousands of tips through the years.

A Florida inmate, Robert Richards, confessed to murdering Leanne, but no evidence connected him to the scene. He was never charged, and was later stabbed to death in his prison cell.

Investigators said they still review the case on a regular basis in hopes they find a piece to the puzzle they missed. They also continue to follow up on any new leads that come in. They also say tips from the public can help heat up the investigation.

"I just think it's possible that there is still somebody out there who knows something that they never came forward with," said Lt. Humphreys. "Even if it's something small, please tell us."

If you have any information on Leanne Green's disappearance, you can reach out to the Dickson County Sheriff’s Office, Criminal Investigation Division at 615-789-4130 or [email protected]. You can also call the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation at 1-800-TBI-FIND.

Copyright 2023 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Douglas Strong believes Dickson citizens would embrace new recreational and family activities.

A water park. Glamping (a more luxurious version of traditional camping). Cabins. River access. RV connections.

Strong wants to provide these outdoor getaways, and he believes he has the best location to do so. He co-owns nearly 100 acres in southern Dickson County on Piney Road near Interstate 40

"It's a beautiful part of the county,” Strong said.

The concept is currently called Vacay on the Piney. It was developed by Strong and his business partner as part of a larger business plan called Vacay Resorts. Strong hopes the Dickson property is the first of multiple outdoor vacation resorts.

Strong said his development team is discussing franchise opportunities with Jellystone Park Camp & Resorts. The goal, he added, would be to create “a higher-end branded park.”

Still, some residents say they mostly like things the way they are. They include neighbors of the site, many of whom posted signs nearby reading "Stop Piney River RV Park." They also are opposed to Vacay on the Piney.

Among them is Jeff Chase, the county's planning commissioner.

Chase recently made a motion against recommending rezoning the site. The Planning Commission later voted to not recommend that the site be rezoned for C-2 commercial use.

Next, the County Commission will have a final vote to determine if the site is rezoned to allow the project to move forward.

“This is a very important time in Dickson County,” Chase said.

He described the project as "by far the big dog" for proposed developments in his district. Chase also said the developers did a great job.

“But I have some issues with some of the things … that are happening here,” he said.

More:A surf club in rural Tennessee? Golf, homes and waves part of ‘monster’ plan

Planning commissioners' concerns

Chase and other planning commissioners said many citizens had contacted them in opposition to the project. The commissioners considered that public opposition, and also expressed concerns about the following:

Planning Commissioner R.J. Comer described the traffic study as potentially “dangerous,” stating it didn’t include some necessary data. Comer said the study should have taken into account the size of hundreds of RVs navigating the rural road. The traffic study also didn’t count additional visitors seeking public access to the Piney River and the water park.

What the developer has to say

Strong, who lives in Williamson County and purchased the property last year, said the original idea for the land was different.

"We originally bought the property with the intent of keeping it for ourselves,” he said.

They have private recreational land in Hickman County, he said.

But after spending time on the property, the Vacay Resorts idea formed.

Strong said it’s the first outdoor resort his group has considered.

In addition to the RVs, water park and lodging, the group also plans to build basketball and pickleball courts, as well as an events center with up to 250 seats.

Strong emphasized the RV lots were not for long-term stays.

He also touted the potential river access.

“Currently there is no public access to the river anywhere in Dickson County,” Strong said. "There's no parks or anything like that. That's going to be part of this property project. Enjoy the Piney River as well.”

Vacay Resorts developer statement

Strong provided the following statement about the development:

The proposed Outdoor Vacation Resort on the Piney is to invest over $16 million to create jobs, generate commerce at area small businesses, and contribute additional taxes to attract young families to vacation in Dickson County. Our project will provide access to a private river and transform it into a unique destination unlike any other in Middle Tennessee.

Young families in Dickson County are seeking more job opportunities, affordable options, and sustainable recreational activities for their families. By providing environmentally friendly amenities like picnic areas, playgrounds, water parks, and many other outdoor activities, we can attract vacationing and area families to shop, dine, and spend money in all of Dickson County.

We are committed to working with County Commissioners and local opposition to find common, mutually beneficial ground that enhances tourism and creates jobs for Dickson County without threatening its rural charm. We believe that by rezoning the property at 660 Piney Rd to C-2, we can create a thriving destination in Dickson County that benefits both its residents and visitors.

DICKSON, Tenn. (WTVF) — It's a mystery that has haunted Dickson County for 36 years, but investigators are still working to find out what happened to a teenager who mysteriously disappeared.

"I think about it a lot," said Lt. Sarah Humphreys with the Dickson County Sheriff's Office. "Another year has gone by and we still don’t know anything 36 years later. We don’t know what happened to Leanne."

Martha Leanne Green, who went by Leanne, was last seen on Highway 46 near Fabric Road on April 15, 1987. According to the Dickson County Sheriff's Office, Leanne was picked up from her job at the Holiday Inn by her twin brother. While on their way home, they ran out of gas.

A family coming home from church stopped to help them and took her brother to a nearby gas station. Leanne decided to stay in the car, but after about ten minutes they came back and she was gone. Her purse and wallet were still in the car, as well as the car keys, and there was no sign of a struggle.

Leanne was a junior at Dickson County High School and was planning to go to prom the following night. Her pink prom dress and shoes were on the bed at her home the night she disappeared.

The search was launched by the Dickson County Sheriff's Office. It grew into a large investigation involving multiple agencies including the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the FBI. Hundreds of searches have been conducted, and investigators have followed up on thousands of tips through the years.

A Florida inmate, Robert Richards, confessed to murdering Leanne, but no evidence connected him to the scene. He was never charged, and was later stabbed to death in his prison cell.

Investigators said they still review the case on a regular basis in hopes they find a piece to the puzzle they missed. They also continue to follow up on any new leads that come in. They also say tips from the public can help heat up the investigation.

"I just think it's possible that there is still somebody out there who knows something that they never came forward with," said Lt. Humphreys. "Even if it's something small, please tell us."

If you have any information on Leanne Green's disappearance, you can reach out to the Dickson County Sheriff’s Office, Criminal Investigation Division at 615-789-4130 or [email protected]. You can also call the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation at 1-800-TBI-FIND.

Copyright 2023 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Latest trends

Higher test positivity rates are a sign that many infections are not reported — even if they are tested for at home. This results in a more severe undercount of cases. The number of hospitalized patients with Covid is a more reliable measure because testing is more consistent in hospitals. Read more about the data.

In data for Tennessee, The Times primarily relies on reports from the state, as well as health districts or county governments that often report ahead of the state. The state releases new county data once a week. Prior to Jan. 4, 2022, it released new data on weekdays, and prior to March 13, 2021, it released new data daily. The state reports cases and deaths based on a person’s permanent or usual residence. The state also includes nonresidents diagnosed in the state, but The Times excludes this category since nonresidents are likely also counted in their home state.

The Times has identified reporting anomalies or methodology changes in the data.

The tallies on this page include probable and confirmed cases and deaths.

Confirmed cases and deaths, which are widely considered to be an undercount of the true toll, are counts of individuals whose coronavirus infections were confirmed by a molecular laboratory test. Probable cases and deaths count individuals who meet criteria for other types of testing, symptoms and exposure, as developed by national and local governments.

Governments often revise data or report a single-day large increase in cases or deaths from unspecified days without historical revisions, which can cause an irregular pattern in the daily reported figures. The Times is excluding these anomalies from seven-day averages when possible. For agencies that do not report data every day, variation in the schedule on which cases or deaths are reported, such as around holidays, can also cause an irregular pattern in averages. The Times uses an adjustment method to vary the number of days included in an average to remove these irregularities.

Katie’s Ice Cream is at 106 Church Street in Dickson.

DICKSON – There’s respite from the heat of late summer near the corner of Church Street and E. College Street in downtown Dickson.

It’s Katie’s Ice Cream, where the motto is “Enjoy life . . . eat more ice cream.” There are 32 tasty temptations inside the 49-seat emporium that has been scooping up 14-percent butterfat treats since 2019.

Orange chocolate chip is the signature flavor that owner Tom Costa loves to promote, but the freezer features everything from traditional chocolate, vanilla and mint chocolate chip to taste-tempters such as lavender honey, Granny Lay’s Blueberry Pie, peanut butter and Nutella, and Chocolate Symphony (a concoction of milk chocolate, pieces of toffee, chocolate chips and salted almonds).

There’s even a caramel cashew flavor with reduced sugar content, and just so no one gets left out in the heat, Katie’s also has four to eight non-dairy selections. One is made with coconut milk.

Bonus attractions include made-in-the-store waffle cones, bottled root beers to use in ice cream floats and a kiddies’ playground just outside the back door. Costa’s wife, Lisa, makes the shop’s chocolate fudge.

Costa’s path to being an ice cream mogul wasn’t so much circuitous as it was a straight line between where he grew up near Fresno, Calif., and Dickson. He came close to opening an ice cream store in California, but a solid prospect melted away, and Costa decided to move closer to family on this side of the country.

He found a storage building in downtown Dickson and somehow envisioned an airy, inviting and colorful ice cream shop in that space. He said the building dates to 1932 and probably was a railroad warehouse originally. It’s more fun as an ice cream shop.

Next came Scoop School in St. Louis. Yes, there really is an institution of professional learning called Scoop School, whose website says its originator has helped open more than 900 ice cream and frozen dessert businesses in the U.S.

Costa somewhat downplays the skills and techniques of making top-quality ice cream.

“It’s not hard. If you make bad ice cream, shame on you,” he said.

Pressed a bit, however, Costa will talk about the hours of experimentation to make new flavors, his Emery Thompson ice cream machine that can deliver a 12-gallon batch in 10 minutes, the thousand-gallon hardening freezer that holds steady at minus 20 degrees and the smaller tempering freezer that brings ice cream up to serving temperature.

“Ice cream is happy at about minus 10 degrees, and it’s served from the display case at about 3 degrees,” he said, pointing to the array of flavors so colorful that they resemble an artist’s palette.

Costa knows that few people really care about the science behind ice cream. They just want a treat, and that’s where customer service comes into play.

“We’re in the entertainment business. Happiness is our product. You can buy ice cream anywhere,” Costa said, noting that the atmosphere in the shop and the friendliness of the employees elevate the experience at Katie’s.

Most of the front-line employees are teens in their first paying job. Costa said the shop has about 18 employees at peak season, making Katie’s a significant employer of young people in a small town.

Costa, himself the epitome of an outgoing host, leads by example, and he posts a sign that all employees see daily: “Be the reason somebody smiles today.”

On one recent afternoon, Costa spoke to practically everyone who entered the store.

“Thank you for coming in,” he said to one middle-aged customer. “If I didn’t have customers like you, this would just be a dumb hobby.”

Enjoy Tom Adkinson’s Tennessee Traveler destination articles the second and fourth Friday every month. Adkinson, author of “100 Things To Do in Nashville Before You Die,” is a Marco Polo member of SATW, the Society of American Travel Writers.

TRIP BASICS

Katie’s Ice Cream, named for the owner’s middle school daughter, is at 106 Church Street in Dickson, approximately 40 miles west of downtown Nashville via I-40 and TN 46. Shop information is at KatiesIceCream.com. Area visitor information is at DicksonCountyChamber.com and TNvacation.com

Will Hendricks hands a double scoop of mint chocolate chip to a repeat customer at Katie’s Ice Cream. Tom Adkinson/Main Street Nashville

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DICKSON, Tenn. (WSMV) - More than half of the third graders at Dickson County Schools did not pass the English Language Arts portion of the TCAP, according to officials.

Officials with Dickson County Schools said elementary principals have documents they are prepared to send home on Monday regarding retakes and appeals.

While some counties are releasing score information, others are waiting until next week to send out the results.

In Franklin, officials with the Franklin Special School District, said that 70% of their third-grade students were “proficient” on the TCAP ELA test. However, only 7% of the total 3rd graders will need to retake.

“The others who fell below proficiency met one of the state’s exclusion criteria,” Susannah Gentry with the Franklin Special School District explained.

Franklin Special School District parents who do not want their child retested will need to opt. their child out before the school’s retake date. Officials said the retake dates vary by school and will happen sometime between May 22 and May 24.

“While we can let parents know whether their child is above or below the state’s proficiency cut score, the individual TCAP scores will not be available from the state until August,” Gentry added.

For parents and students in Maury County, scores were released to school administrators on Friday. The school estimated that around 40% of third graders did not pass the test, according to a MCS spokesperson. Parents will be notified if their child needs to retake the exam after administrators look through the numbers, but a specific date and time were not released.

Officials with Cheatham County Schools said they will notify their third-grade families on Monday if their child qualifies for the ELA retake test. They added that the retake test will be given on Tuesday.

Officials with Williamson County Schools released a letter to parents saying they will receive an email generated in Skyward by noon on Monday, May 22 with details about how to access their child’s ELA score. In addition to the score results, the email - which will be sent by [email protected] - will also have information about when to retest or interventions or anything that would be appropriate or necessary prior to the fourth grade.

As more scores come in, WSMV4 will keep you updated.

Copyright 2023 WSMV. All rights reserved.