Effective date: June 10, 2026
The Muletowner (“we,” “us,” or “our”) publishes a free local newsletter and website covering Columbia, Tennessee and Maury County at themuletowner.com (the “Service”). This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have.
Information we collect
Information you give us. When you subscribe, we collect your first name, email address, and mobile phone number. If you reply to a newsletter, submit a news tip or event, or contact us through the site, we collect whatever you choose to share with us. If you inquire about advertising, we collect your business contact details.
Information collected automatically. Like most websites, we and our service providers collect standard technical data — IP address, browser and device type, pages visited, and how you found us — using cookies and similar technologies. Our email provider also records whether newsletters are opened and which links are clicked, which helps us understand what readers find useful.
How we use your information
- To send you our weekly email newsletter and occasional text messages you signed up for.
- To respond when you reply, send a tip, or submit an event.
- To understand what our readers enjoy and improve the newsletter and website.
- To work with advertisers and sponsors (in aggregate — for example, total subscriber counts; we do not give advertisers your personal information).
- To maintain the security of the Service and comply with the law.
Text messages (SMS)
By providing your mobile number when you subscribe, you consent to receive occasional informational and promotional text messages from The Muletowner — for example, weekend event reminders or time-sensitive local updates. Message frequency varies and will be occasional. Message and data rates may apply, depending on your carrier and plan.
- Reply STOP at any time to opt out of texts. You will receive a final message confirming your opt-out.
- Reply HELP for assistance.
- Consent to receive texts is not a condition of receiving the email newsletter.
- Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.
We do not share your mobile number or SMS opt-in consent with third parties or affiliates for their own marketing purposes.
How we share information
We do not sell your personal information. We share it only with:
- Service providers who help us operate — our email and SMS platform, website hosting, and analytics providers — and who may use it only to provide services to us.
- Legal authorities, if required by law or to protect our rights or the safety of others.
- A successor, if The Muletowner is ever acquired or merged, in which case this policy will continue to apply to your information.
Cookies and analytics
We use cookies and similar technologies for basic site functionality and analytics. You can control cookies through your browser settings; the site will still work with cookies disabled, though some features may be limited.
Data retention
We keep subscriber information for as long as you remain subscribed. If you unsubscribe, we retain the minimum needed to honor your opt-out (so we don’t accidentally message you again) and delete or anonymize the rest within a reasonable period.
Your choices
- Every email we send includes an unsubscribe link.
- Reply STOP to any text to stop receiving texts.
- To request access to or deletion of your information, reply to any of our emails or use the contact form — we read every message.
Children
The Service is intended for a general audience and is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13; if you believe a child has provided us information, contact us and we will delete it.
Security
We use reputable providers and reasonable safeguards to protect your information. No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure, so we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Links to other sites
The newsletter and website link to local businesses, venues, and event pages we don’t control. Their privacy practices are their own — check their policies.
Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time. We’ll post the new version here and update the effective date; material changes will be noted in the newsletter.
Contact us
Questions about this policy? Reply to any newsletter or reach us through the contact form.