Main Street Media joins community in mourning loss of ‘Newt’

The community was shaken Thursday by news of the death of local figure and BBQ legend Newton “Newt” Rowland. A 1970 graduate from Tennessee Tech, he opened Newt's Barbecue in 2024, inspired by culinary legends Pope Taylor, Powell and Ina Rowland and Dinty Moore.

Main Street Media owners Chad Graves, Scot MacDonald and Mark Mabry all held a great affection for Newt, and Newt returned the feeling. Newt was counted as one of the first supporters of the efforts of Graves and MacDonald in their mission to return the “local” to local radio when they bought the radio stations almost one year ago. In fact, a cooking show featuring Newt and co-hosted by Main Street Media’s Kayden Paine was in the works at the time of his passing.

"When we bought the radio station, Newt was the first customer who supported us," Graves said. "From the beginning, Newt believed in what we were building — not just in words, but through his constant support and partnership. As we worked to take the torch and run with it in radio and digital media, he stood with us every step of the way. His encouragement, friendship and quiet advocacy meant more to us than we can fully express. He was a true champion of our work, and his steady presence helped shape the path we walk today. This is a loss felt deeply across our team and throughout the community he loved. We’ll carry his memory forward — in our work, in our friendships and in the community he helped us believe in.

"He was so excited about his food truck that he just launched at the gas station next to Sonic. I stopped in and it was delicious. It was just like eating at his restaurant in Rock Island."

According to a Facebook post, Newt's BBQ will be temporarily closed due to the unexpected loss.

"I always enjoyed listening to Newt's stories," MacDonald added. "He led an interesting life, and I was truly looking forward to capturing those stories with his planned show. He was a unique character and will be missed."

"He was in the middle of planning a radio show which was aimed at teaching the new generation how to cook from scratch," Mabry said. "He was so focused and excited to pass along the knowledge he had."

Newt was part of the Main Street Media family both figuratively and literally, as he was the grandfather of Main Street Media intern Elena Rowland. The entire team at Main Street Media and the Main Street Journal extends its heartfelt prayers to Newt’s family and loved ones, and stand with all who are grieving the passing of someone who gave so much to others.

A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Monday, June 9 in High’s Chapel with Phillip Rowland and Jackie Matheny, Sr. officiating. Visitation will be Sunday from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. and Monday from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at High’s. Mr. Rowland will be entombed at Mt. View Cemetery in McMinnville at a later date. 

The full obituary can be found here.