« FRONT PAGE - Around the Town Week of August 22nd | Main | Need Help... »
August 29, 2007
FRONT PAGE - Around the Town Week of August 29th
Post your thoughts about News worthy articles, events, happenings, garage sales,
and general information regarding our town.
Want to talk about something specific, post it here and one of the blog authors will start a topic for you!
Happy Posting - Judy
While we welcome and encourage your thoughts and ideas we must ask that you refrain from the use of profanity and/or personal attacks, these are not acceptable and will be deleted by the administrators of this blog.
Posted by judy at August 29, 2007 08:58 AM
Comments
where are you fred? lets talk some more football.it seems like some blogers can't stand for people to be able to voice their opinions or talk about subjects they aren't interested in.but you know, thats just too bad. the 1rst amendment rocks!!!!!
Posted by: digman at September 8, 2007 04:35 PM
Hey GMEaBRK, You don't have a kid on the football team do you? one putting his heart and sole into practicing each week only to have this so called coach who thinks he's so smart leave your kid standing on the sidelines each game while he plays the kids he thinks can get the job done for him, yet week in and week out since week three of last year his choice for starters have failed to bring him a win. The pressure these kids are getting is from bever not bloggers. These kids DESERVE to win, all of them not just the same kids he puts on the field each and every week. As far as "trying and being the best they can be" these kids standing on the sidelines never get the chance to realize their dreams, and further more this coach is discouraging these kids from wanting to play, telling them they are not good enough and even encouraging them to quit. Thta's not Coaching---
Posted by: fred at September 8, 2007 11:41 AM
Would a blog author please start a thread for the current week so we can move on to, hopefully, other topics.......
Posted by: Jenna at September 8, 2007 09:08 AM
OMG, what a bunch of spoiled rotten loosers how about showing a little respect for these kids that put forth their heart and souls into a sport they chose to be a part of. Win or lose it doesn't and shouldn't matter these kids deserve better than this! Portland isn't going to fold up and die just because the High School FOOTBALL team lost another game or broke a record for losing streak.
GET REAL!! Maybe if this town didn't put so much emphasis on football these kids wouldn't have so much pressure on them to perform as YOU EXPECT them to!! Instead appreciate them for trying and being the best they can be.
GIMMEaBREAK
Posted by: GimmeAbreak at September 8, 2007 07:51 AM
Was that the same game plan as last week? I don't know about you, but I'm getting tired of listening to the coaches show each week talking about the great game plan bever has for the upcoming game. They all look the same to me. How about the new record they set last night? a ten game losing streak, the longest in panther history.
Posted by: fred at September 8, 2007 06:17 AM
gollie gee, say hello to wally and eddie.
Posted by: digman at September 8, 2007 05:34 AM
It's RAINING!!!!!!!!!! And I mean POURING!! YIPEE!!!!!!!! (yes, I'm yelling lol)
Posted by: Michelle Hanners at September 7, 2007 08:08 PM
JW
I don't have a clue to what you want to hear, I mean, I answered your question and that still wasn't good enough for you, so go figure. Sounds a little like a Hilary fan there LOL. I skimmed over your posts and I thought I answered your question, but I guess that's not enough for you...as far as being nice here or post somewhere else, get a grip, you might want to practice what you preach, these are your words that you posted towards me
"I notice you didn't answer the question? So I will repeat it....for a 5 year old to understand!"
Now, that sure doesn't sound to nice to me. I will say this, I do agree with you about the trucks coming through Portland, these roads are not made for it, and yes I wish there was another way they could go through (by-pass), however, these roads are not forbidden to trucks so they have just as much right as you and anyone else to drive through Portland. As far as the truckers taking hwy 25, when I asked a couple drivers this, they laughed at me, saying it was worse then going through Portland (sharp curves etc..), so I'm guessing this is why they don't take it. I have tried to keep an open mind here, yet you seem to be very closed minded, why is that?
Posted by: DC-"BUBBA" at September 7, 2007 04:56 PM
Portland, Tennessee Blog
We hope you will use this blog to exchange ideas to make Portland a better place!
Posted by: G.B. at September 7, 2007 02:47 PM
The reason these truckers come through Portland is to get from the factories here to the ones in Gallatin and beyond. The trucks move freight. If they did not move freight, none of the workers in these factories (in Portland and elsewhere) would have jobs. Nor would YOU the consumers have Groceries or anything else that you go to Freds and the Dollar Store to buy. GET A GRIP! Or go live with the Mennonites.
Posted by: bubba # 3 at September 7, 2007 01:14 PM
Cantstandcrybabies,
You know what....you people are some piece of work.......Your kidding with your post right?
I have never read such a ridiculous attempt to be "politically correct" in all of my life.
I will not elaborate any further on my observations, figure it out for yourself.
I am done with this subject at it gets more silly by the moment.
When the inevitable happens.....don't say you weren't warned.
Posted by: JW at September 7, 2007 12:09 PM
So can you give us any more detail? Was the truck speeding? Did the car in front of the truck stop suddenly? Did they use a turn signal? Would it have been better for the truck to have held his lane and run over the car? Did an accident occur or was one avoided? Did the car that was "run off the road" into the bank parking lot have their turn signal on? Were they going to turn into the bank anyway? (I hear that bank has a lot of customers so it's not out of the realm of possibilities) Did you go check on them to make sure they were okay or did you just continue counting passing trucks?
I don't dispute that the clock is ticking and we are just waiting on the next tragedy. It happens every day all over the US of A. Some will no doubt even involve trucks. But what vehicles do you think accounts for the majority of accidents? Of fatal accidents? I'll give you a hint: it ain't semi's.
Fear engulfs a number of people speaking about this subject, but when was the last time a truck was the cause of an accident here in Portland? This week's paper noted several car accidents, but even with the reported thousands of trucks that has everyone shaking in their boots, not one truck was reported in an accident. Could it happen? Sure. Will it happen? Probably.
Every single vehicle on the road is capable of injuring and killing people. Every single one! All I can suggest is to drive accordingly or stay a shut-in at home.
Posted by: cantstandcrybabies at September 7, 2007 11:10 AM
SC,
I am excited to hear a fellow Christian wanting to attend church here in our town! Congrats on your decision to find a church home for your family, it is an exciting mission :) May I invite you to attend my church,First Baptist. My family and I joined in April and it has been wonderful to feel welcomed at this church. We visited many others, and just felt as if we were strangers, one pastor actually said in his Wednesday night sermon "For all of you new people, don't expect me to remember your names or your faces, It will takes month before I know who you are" Needless to say not really the welcoming message I was looking for! Hehe. Our Pastor, Greg McCoy is very warm, and welcoming. He is a down to earth kind of guy and is a soft spoken preacher. He preaches to us, not AT us, if you know what I mean. We also have an amazing choir and lots of family activities going on constantly, we have great children's ministry programs and offer a "Mom and Me" day every month. We have a gym where we have Aerobics classes along with Upward basketball for the children. I personally invite you to join us this Sunday at either of our services, the 1st is at 8:30am, Sunday School classes are at 9:45am and our 2nd service is at 11am. We will be attending services in the gym this week due to some remodeling projects,so just park in the back near the playground to enter :) I hope to see you there!!!
Posted by: Jessica Escue at September 7, 2007 10:48 AM
I was wondering if a blog author could start a topic for me? My husband and I are looking for a church to go to and with there being so many here in Portland we need some input LOL
I'd like to hear from different people about their churches and what they are like. Kind of a "Why should I choose your church" sort of discussion. I know many people on this blog have a problem with religious discussions but I'm not looking for a debate, i'm looking for a church to attend.I just want some ideas on what kinds of different churches are out there and what they are about. Things like, Is it a casual place? Is it a rigid service? Does it have lots of families? Does it have activities outside the church? Is it a friendly place? Is it a big congregation or a small intimate one?
We are looking mainly non-denominational...maybe baptist. We are christians, but don't want a really formal, strict church experience (We attended one church last year that had people speaking in tongues and lots of shouting...that was just not for us, no offense to anyone though!) We want something casual that has families or couples like ourselves that just want a comfortable place to worship.
Thank you!!
Posted by: SC at September 7, 2007 08:57 AM
About the football team I was told some of the kids leaving was because the coaches was letting kids play that had been in trouble at the school or with the law.But not playing some of the kids that are good in school.I think if you get in trouble at school or with the law you should be kick off th team.There are players this is their third year or two years of playing that don't get to play much,but the trouble makers play alot.And parents are making kids leave the team.Some the other kids or just as good if not better.Notice the coaches mainly play the same kids over and over. I guess it depends who you are and how you know.Thats why some people in town want Mike gone.
Posted by: rrman88 at September 7, 2007 08:53 AM
DC,
You obviously didn't read my enitre post with regard to why I wanted YOU to answer the question..So I will leave that one alone and let you go back and read it again at your own discretion.
I am not sure who you are and frankly don't really care. All I can say is I don't much like the spirit of your post's to people. I'm sure you don't really care what I think, trust me the feeling is mutual. I don't agree with you when it come to who's to blame for trucks coming through Portland, you want to blame bad drivers, mom's driving car's etc...seems you want to blame everyone else but the truckers.
I happened to be sitting at Food Lion yesterday while my wife was inside getting groceries. She was in the store for nearly an hour, so while I was sitting there I decided to count how many 18 wheelers came through in that 1 hour period......I counted 89..in 1 hour. 89 big trucks traveling through our small town, on streets that are not designed to accomodate these trucks, I saw several of these trucks traveling VERY close to the cars or vehicles in front of them..one had to smoke his tires getting slowed down so he wouldn't hit the car in front of him...while he was doing this he also swerved in to the lane next to him to avoid hitting this car and ran the car in that lane off the road in to the Volunteer bank parking lot.
These trucks need to have a different way to get through Portland. If they are going through to get to Gallatin of Lebanon, (Gallatin being more believable than Lebanon), why don't htey use 31W down to Highway 25, or better yet why don't they use 31W down through White House his tyree springs road to Long Hollow Pike over to Gallatin....there are 100 different way to these places rather than Portland. I still believe a big part of it has to do with the scales.
One redeeming thing I saw the other day was 2 police cars sitting at the intersection of 31w and 109 (where 109 ends) stopping trucks that were coming through and checking them out. I am sure word got out quickly that this was happening and the area was avoided.
Nevertheless, it needs to be dealt with before some huge tragedy happens. If left alone....tragedy will happen and the clock continues to tick until it does.
Posted by: JW at September 7, 2007 08:08 AM
Daniel,
Is it possible to get someone from TDEC on your show, or one the the "they" that you refer to on your show.......We (the public) would like a crack at them on the air.
Posted by: JW at September 7, 2007 07:48 AM
I have read some of the things posted about the coaching of the high school football team. I am wondering why there is so many kids leaving the team last year as well as this year. Maybe some one (the parent of one of these kids) may be able to shed some light on what is happening to make these kids stop playing a sport they enjoy.
Posted by: fred at September 7, 2007 05:31 AM
Terry George posted "Maybe if the police were to apply pressure to the truckers who DO speed by stopping every truck that is speeding through town and writing tickets,then maybe the volume of truck traffic will be lessened and as a byproduct,more revenue for more and better equipped police officers." That is what you posted, you didn't say speeders in general, you said truckers that are speeding, why not the Mom in the minivan or cars that are zipping around town like they are in the movie "Fast and Furious", so yes it is profiling if you are out to target Truckers only.
Jessica Escue
True, I don't live here anymore, however, my office is still here (that is until I find a new place in White House). I used to live in Portland for many years, and have just moved to White House about 9 months ago, so I do know what it's like here. I'm here 7 days a week, sometimes 8 days a week..LOL I agree with you Jessica, that the roads here are very poor, and that it's a real tight fit on the S part, everyone needs to be very careful, I've seen truckers who are and who are not, as well as cars too. I would love to see a bypass put in for sure.
JW
I really didn't think you needed another answer from me about why they drive through Portland since everyone else has already done that, but what ever tickles your funny bone here goes my answer. True there are some bad truckers out there trying to hide from the scales, but the ones I've spoken with many use Portland to either get to Gallatin or Lebannon, or West Moreland, Red Boiling, or name it. Some use 52 while other use 109, or even to get to 31E. Some use it to get to 40, or 840 to 24, many to avoid Nashville traffic and a change of pace of the same old interstate..common sense should have already told yourself this. Can I speak for every trucker that comes through Portland? Nope, sure can't. I have also heard very scary stories from other truckers about other truckers, as a matter of fact, a little road rage thing went on in Kentucky today between two truckers on the south side of 65 by mile marker 15 that I was called to today, no one was seriously hurt, and it was like talking to two little kids when I interviewed both of them, two silly bad tempered boys, and some idiot put those two little boys into big trucks. I know it's really hard to judge how someones tone is just by reading their words they've typed out, so I'm guessing you're not really trying to be a smarty pants to me...right? Now, I'm not sure why you wanted me to explain to you the same thing everyone else has already done, but go figure. Now what?
Posted by: DC-"BUBBA" at September 6, 2007 11:38 PM
JW-Mike and Diane were at the news conference today and they both seemed pretty furious. I know Mike has worked on water for Sumner County for a long time.
I think what's happening is our government agencies, like TDEC, have too much control and aren't listening to the people anymore. They passed the pipeline through even though there was a crowded room speaking against it at both public hearings, including Diane and Mike. On the other side, they deny this dam even though most were in support of it. Big business is taking over everywhere, and that's the biggest danger for us in the future. Money means more than you and me apparently, and that is sad, no matter if you are a dem or a republican.
Posted by: Daniel Suddeath at September 6, 2007 10:29 PM
What do we need a dam for? There ain't no water!
All joking aside, wouldn't it have been smarter to do studies on potential property before making purchases? Real Estate is sold every day on contingencies. We can be mad at the state, but I think that our city "leaders" have some responsibility to share. They are the one's who are supposed to be good stewards of our money. Dang, that much money would have paid for a real city hall!
Hope they win the appeal or I have a feeling that some local political heads are gonna roll as well.
Posted by: cantstandcrybabies at September 6, 2007 09:51 PM
Daniel,
Can't we hold our state rep's accountable to answer these questions....would love to hear that on your show. Let's get the state officals on the air and let the public call them about it.....
Let's all remember this when the next re-election campaign begins....someone may have just put their political career in jeopardy.
Posted by: JW at September 6, 2007 05:06 PM
I know this is a little off topic, but I was a witness to the car wreck at 109 and 52 Tues. night. I want to comment on the good job the police dept. did in directing traffic, despite the fact that people were doing U-turns in the middle of 52. I was in the left turn lane to turn onto 52 coming from Gallatin. We did have to sit a few minutes, and the officer apologized for keeping us so long.
My only complaint is the woman who was taking pictures of the accident who just stood in the way as the officer was trying to direct us around the accident. I and the cars behind me had to drive right through glass that we could have avoided if she had moved out of the way.
Posted by: cs at September 6, 2007 04:18 PM
I thought State Rep Mike McDonald and the governor were best friends, I cant believe this happend.
Posted by: Jason at September 6, 2007 02:36 PM
Bad news guys...the state has turned down our permit for building a dam for water. This could potentially set Portland back at least five years in securing a water source. The state has basically screwed us for no reason. They allowed a pipeline to be built against everyone's will and while everyone was in support of this dam, they turned it down. Doesn't make any sense. This fact should get you very mad---over 2.5 million of taxdollars money has now be waisted unless the city can win an appeal. That money was used for property purchases and studies for the dam that now will never be used. I'll have a complete story about this next week in The Progressive plus I'm going to talk about this on my show tomorrow at 3. It's a disgrace to taxpayers and water users across northern Sumner County.
Posted by: Daniel Suddeath at September 6, 2007 01:57 PM
What?? Since when was enforcing the law considered "profiling? Trucks speed thru this town on a daily basis and you hardly ever see one pulled over by the cops.
You talk about respecting the trucks, give them room and be patient? Well, I want the same from the truck drivers. I don't like driving behind them, beside them, and sure not in front of them.
I want them to respect the fact that it's not ok to come over into my lane or to ride my bumper. It's not ok to pull out in front of me and it's not ok to cut me off.
They don't own the roads and they should have to follow the laws like everyone else.
If they want respect they need to give it.
I want to earn a living and get home safely to my family every night also.
Posted by: dontmakemelaugh at September 6, 2007 08:36 AM
DC,
First off let's get something clear here....I did not recieve my drivers license in TN. I am originally from Illinois and Yes we do have to take classes to get our license. So your constant harping on not getting training doesn't fly with me. I have never had an accident. I have an uncle that is a truck driver and my best friend is also a truck driver for a trucking company out of Lebanon. Some of the stories I have heard from these people with regard to some of their fellow truckers is scary at best.
I see you are a fact based individual, at least you want to make it look that way. Given your desire for facts....I have asked you a question 3 times now that you still have not answered. Maybe the facts are a little blurred and you just can't bring yourself to answer the question...so I will ask it again. (and yes I am aware that others have attempted to answer this question for you...I want your answer...after all your the alledged expert).
These trucks are coming through for a reason. If they don't have a delivery in Portland....what would be the other reason for coming through Portland. There are many ways to get to I-40 without coming through Portland. In fact it is faster to stay on I-65 down to I-40, so I can't believe that would be a reason...so what would be the other reason?
Instead of trying to deflect the issue to drivers of cars and how people aren't trained to drive...why don't you answer the question. The issue here is not how Portland people drive...the issue is why are there so many trucks coming through Portland and how do they place people at risk. Lets keep our eyes on the ball here shall we?
Posted by: JW at September 6, 2007 08:21 AM
Bubba #2,
Give me a break..no one was implying that others could not drive through our town...but there are real issues here and with such comments as stated by Mr. DC Bubba #1, it is very apparent that he is not experiencing the situations that we, as locals, are on a daily basis and I am certainly not afraid to make it clear that he is not aware of what Portland roads are like on a day to day basis and if you, or he, or anyone else were to live here for more than a day and have to travel back and forth on 109 for any period of time, you would see the whole picture we are trying to get across. Portland's road are NOT equipped for the semi traffic that passes through here, no matter where the heck they are heading or what their purpose. Reguardless of any drivers experience or training, when the roads can not provide enough space for a semi truck to stay completely in his/her lane without coming over the line on either side, then there is a problem. Now if we could all use our annoyance with each other and put it toward making a difference, then I think we could find a solution.
Posted by: Jessica Escue at September 6, 2007 08:07 AM
Pulling over SPEEDERS is not profiling.If they are breaking the law then THEY have brought the consequences on themselves.
Posted by: Terry George at September 6, 2007 07:51 AM
Car drivers are the danger. Have you seen some of the people around here drive?? I have been in NYC, DC and Boston - and have never seen people drive there like they do here. I'm not just talking about Portland, but the south in general. Little bitty cars going at breakneck speed to get in front of a semi, only to slow down to a crawl once they're in front. Ummm hello...those big trucks can't slow down as fast as cars do. Kind of sounds like there is a lot of intolerance for trucks/truck drivers in this area period. Interesting. And back to the local thing- It's like you have to be a member of some secret club to be privileged enough to drive through Portland. What's next; just because you guys don't like cars that are say... blue? Older than a 2000? -you'll start fussing about those going through town and cluttering up the ambience?
*Snort*
Posted by: Bubba # 2 at September 6, 2007 12:19 AM
JW, no I'm not a truck driver, but I have had to do work for Trucking Companies, and I do have a respect for most of them, and NO I don't live in Portland anymore, but it's nice to come here and post just like anyone else, right? My attack? Come on, I just stated the facts, and where do you have room to talk, did you just not do that to me on the last topic? I'm starting to get it with you now, "do as I say, not as I do", is that the type of person you are. Don't attack me because you can't stand the facts. Truck drivers have just as much right to drive on any road they choose (as long as it's not marked), and does the state of Tennessee require any form of education of driving skills before getting your driver license...NO! They give you a book, read it, take a driving test (unless it's raining LOL, sad but true)...so JW, where have I said anything false. How can you consider it an attack when all I said was facts.
Jessica Escue
Like I said before....most accidents between a car and a truck....90% of the time it's the driver of the cars fault, due to lack of training, either by Bubba, or the book they give you, doesn't matter. Yes I agree with you, it's not a pretty site, no accident ever is. If it wasn't for the truck drivers training, the accident on I-24 last night, there would have been a lot of people hurt if not killed(Metro is still looking for the CAR that cut the truck off, had he not did what he did, he would have hurt or killed that driver)also, Metro is not cracking down on cars that are following to close to a truck and cutting off a truck. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not as dumb as JW thinks I am, I do know about the "bad truck drivers" that have killed and hurt others, not just in cars, but also other truckers. I've had to testify for and against Truck Drivers, so I know the good, the bad and the ugly (ok, corny, but I just had to put that in). As far as people running into each other because a truck came over on them, no the truck driver is not at fault, it is the person driving his or her car that has to be in control at all times, and in most cases it's this little thing called "panic" and they lose control over their car. I am sorry Jessica if I came across harsh, but what I do for a living, I see this stuff everyday and I know and have seen the pictures of bodies of little children because Mommy didn't know how to drive, no disrespect intended. Tennessee needs to make it a law that everyone getting a license has to complete a 4 week driving class.
Terry George
um, that's called profiling, a major NO NO!
Posted by: DC-"BUBBA" at September 5, 2007 09:20 PM
Dearest DC,
Well,well..did we get up on the wrong side of the bed today? I enjoy hearing other town members points of view, but honestly, yours is a bunch of a bull. You have no earthly idea what you are talking about...apparently you have never driven in Portland or enjoy being run off the road or slammed into by another vehicle..either way, you need to reevaluate your point and if you were to see the prospective of someone who has been injuried from wreck caused by a semi truck, you would have some sense to realize there is cause for fear for ourself and our families as we travel our town's road. And as for your "bubba" comment..it is people like you who make debating on this blog miserable because of your sarcastic comments of nonsense. Next time you have a reply, try to find a new attitude,BUBBA. Have a great day :)
Posted by: Jessica Escue at September 5, 2007 08:47 PM
Whether or not the trucks are trying to avoid the scales is irrelevant.They are a dangerous entity in our town(because of the narrow streets)and something needs to be done about the number of trucks passing through.Maybe if the police were to apply pressure to the truckers who DO speed by stopping every truck that is speeding through town and writing tickets,then maybe the volume of truck traffic will be lessened and as a byproduct,more revenue for more and better equipped police officers.My 2 cents,probably not worth that.
Posted by: Terry George at September 5, 2007 07:12 PM
I read this on another thread- same basic subject. Just thought I'd share it here. Michelle Hanners wrote:
"OK. This argument is not making sense to me.
The question is why would truck drivers cut through Portland if they don't have a delivery in Portland? If they are running up Hwy 109 from I-40 to I-65, I contend that for MOST it would be to avoid Nashville construction and traffic. Not to mention that it knocks off 22 miles. With trucks getting an average of 6-7mpg the savings would be approx. $10.00 each way. Depending on how many trucks a company has going that route and how often they run it, that is a considerable savings over the course of a year. Not to mention that truck tires cost around $900.00 EACH. In other words, I think it has to do with a companies "bottom line" moreso than avoiding scales. Which doesn't hold water since they have to go through KY's scales less than a mile after they enter I-65."
"Anyway, the trucking industry is highly regulated and they are subject to random inspections at ANY TIME. They don't have to be at a scale or have done anything wrong to be stopped, searched, log books audited, safety inspection, load inspection, etc., and if something isn't right, they can be shut down on the spot!"
"I think that a by-pass will benefit everyone and I look forward to the day that it is completed, but I take exception to some of the blanket comments made about truck drivers. Most are out there trying to make an honest living and want to make it safely back home to their families."
Posted by: Michelle Hanners at September 5, 2007 12:53 PM
Posted by: cantstandcrybabies at September 5, 2007 05:50 PM
I think the roads are a big part of the problem in Portland. Most are not meant for so many commercial trucks when there are no turning lanes. I think JW's point is not that truck drivers are bad drivers, but their vehicles are too big for many areas of town for several reasons. The s curves around downtown are too narrow for multiple trucks to be passing down. Such big trucks block the vision of other drivers as well. Also, the speeding driver does not worry as much as the one who does not pay attention. I care not what speed you go, as long as it is at least the speed limit. You should not speed in a place where kids are present, but I get behind people on the ridge all the time who ride their brakes and get traffic backed up for half a mile. This is even more dangerous than driving too fast because everyone is bunched up. Look at Nascar, most wrecks don't come when everybody is going 200mph...they happen when everybody is bunched up and there's no room for mistake.
Posted by: Daniel Suddeath at September 5, 2007 02:43 PM
DC,
Alright, typically I would leave Mrs. Escue to defend herself, trust me she is quite capable.....but as I read your post I can't help but wonder......Do You even live in or near Portland?
Your little attack is a bit harsh don't you think. We are all entitled to our opinion. But attacking is not acceptable.
I am guessing you are one of the truck drivers that is the subject of this thread. Yes, there are certain industries here in Portland that require trucks to bring in shipments....mostly on the North side of town.
Your never going to convince me that all the trucks that come through Portland are coming through against their own will. They are coming through for a reason. If they don't have a delivery in Portland....what would be the other reason for coming through Portland. There are many ways to get to I-40 without coming through Portland. In fact it is faster to stay on I-65 down to I-40, so I can't believe that would be a reason...so what would be the other reason?
Let's keep the rhetoric respectful shall we....if you can't do that.....then find somewhere else to post!
Posted by: JW at September 5, 2007 08:12 AM
Jessica Escue,
I also didn't seen any Truck Drivers interviewed. So where are you in the "truth" at? Because people like yourself can't drive, and get scared because a truck is beside them and start to panic because you have no special training except from your cousin "bubba" who was never taught either and get your mirror broken. Please people, most of the people in Portland can't drive. Just look around you, it's not just kids speeding up and down 52 or 109, it's grown adults with their families running 20 about the speed limit and not using their turn signals etc... If you don't want the trucks coming through your town, then get on the city folks and TDOT and get a bypass put in. Like I said before, most Truck Drivers would rather pull their own teeth then to drive along side of a Portland driver that has no skills in driving. Why oh why can't these simple minded Portlanders see that.
Posted by: DC at September 5, 2007 12:23 AM
Actually, all I heard was the mayor speculating on why so many trucks come through. The "study" only provided a count and I didn't see even one truck driver interviewed. A little one sided if you ask me.
Maybe they should also do a count at 109 & Kirby Drive and 109 & Freedom Drive to compare the numbers that they have from this study they just completed to the number of trucks that have local business taking note of the traffic patterns in vs. out. Even the mayor said that "growth" may be a contributing factor.
And to be completely honest, I would rather drive behind a semi than a combine (tractor). . . now THAT is a traffic hold-up.
Posted by: Michelle Hanners at September 4, 2007 11:44 AM
I would like to point out something that was on that web link for the story on the semis here in Portland for the previous poster who claimed the truckers wouldn't come through here to avoid the weigh stations.. I quote "Some days, residents said, they can see as many as 2,000 tractor-trailers using Highway 109 and Highway 52 in Portland as a short cut between Interstates 65 and Interstate 40. Truckers said it's a way to avoid traffic and a weigh station, but the city wants it stopped."
Well, well..looks like the truth is revealed,eh?
Posted by: Jessica Escue at September 4, 2007 08:48 AM
I really like the comment about the people who claim to be "fans". It is very true. I support them completely, win or lose..those are young members of our highschool that are putting their lives in danger for a game to support our town and give us entertainment..so what if they don't always win? They get out there and try and I certainly couldn't do what those boys do out there...they have been through 100+ degree practices,they train hard and they commit their lives to play for our team..I am proud to have Portland as our team, win or lose..this isn't the NFL folks...its called small town football..you can't expect a bunch of pros out there on that field.
Posted by: Jessica Escue at September 4, 2007 08:40 AM
Did everyone see this on channel 4 news.
http://www.wsmv.com/news/14037055/detail.html
Posted by: DebraP at September 4, 2007 08:27 AM
Waa Waa Waa again!!!
I thought Cladd was making a good point until he got to the part about the referees being horrible. What baloney!!!
You say White House was getting all the calls? Don't you remember.........
WHITE HOUSE HAD TWO TOUCHDOWNS CALLED BACK BY PENALTIES!!!! That was 12-14 points taken away from WH by the officials right there!
...so how can you say Portland were the only ones called for penalties? PUH-LEEZE!
Portland definitely outplayed WH, but turnovers, three of which were interceptions, were hardly the fault of the referees. Typical Portland excuse. Blame the referees.
Also, WH took a knee at the end when they could have easily scored again.
Posted by: Quitwhiningyougotbeat at September 3, 2007 11:26 PM
WELL SAID!!!!!!
Looking back at my last comment it sounded like I was complaining about the players, but that's not how I meant it. I was just pointing out things that Mike had no control over. Sure, I wish we were state champions every year, but that's just not gonna happen. The Titans aren't contenders for the Super Bowl every year either.
Ever heard of a fair weathered friend? Sounds like we have some fair weather fans. It's easy to stick by someone when they're winning and it's even easier to bail on them when things ain't so great.
Posted by: cantstandcrybabies at September 3, 2007 10:33 AM
I just wanted to respond to the last few comments.
1. This Panther squad is very young with a lot of sophomores and juniors playing. Younger teams make mistakes and im sure Coach Bever and his staff will work hard on holding onto the football this week in practice.
2. The Panthers definately outplayed White House and should have won the game. If the team plays like this without the mistakes, the team could have a good season.
3. Coach Bever and staff cant block, pass, run, tackle, and make penalties.
4. The staff had a good game plan going into the game and was well executed. The starting quarterback and do it all Colton Williamson was injured on the fourth play of the game and that really hurt the team at times.
5. The refs were absoultely horrible in this game from the touchdown that was called a fumble and the one fumble in the first half where the runner was down. Also the non calls on White House moving before the snap on offense during cruical times of the game, and I cant forget the second quarter on third down when the WHite House player went helmet to helmet on the Portland player and the ref was standing there.
6. Im not trying to take anything away from Coach Roger Perry because he is one of the best coaches in the state, but when he was the coach there was six built in wins on the schedule. With White House, Franklin Simpson, and Trousdale County being the tough games.
In closing dont be so hard on the coaches and players. Remember these are high school kids and they do make mistakes. This is coach Bever's second season as the coach and this staff and team will grow nicely together.
Posted by: Cladd at September 2, 2007 11:07 PM
sorry about my spelling in my previous post. Had a late night last night and my brain is a bit mushy right now.
I think you all can figure out what I was trying to say, but just is case here is the post again with corrections.
I will say that I certainly noticed the lack of variety with regard to plays last year when the Panthers suffered Loss after Loss.
Seems they spend more time running side to side than they do north and south where the goal lines are.
I agree, I believe the current coach is not a good match for Portland. We need a coach with a bit more of an imagination who understands that the goal lines are at the end of the field not on the sides. It was the same last year. This is something that is hard for Panther loyalists to accept. This town is used to winning football. Since this new coach came along, this has not been happening. It appears we probably could get beat by Red Boiling Springs at this point.
This is not all the fault of the players. I believe it is mostly the fault of the coach, his lack of experience, lack of imagination with regard to offense and lack of preperation.
Seems for now, what we have is what we have. We all know that change comes VEEERRRRYYYY slowly in Portland.
Posted by: JW at September 2, 2007 12:01 PM
I will say that I certainly noticed the lack of variety with regard to plays last year when the Panthers suffered Loss after Loss.
Seems they spend more time running side to side than they do north and south where the goal lines are.
I agree, I believe the current coach is not a good match for Portland. We need a caich with a bit more of an imagination who understands that the goal lines are at the end of the field not on the sides. It was the same last year. This sin something that is hard for Panther loyalists to accept. This town is sued to winning football. Since this new caish came along, this has not been happening. It appears we probably could get beat by Red Boiling Springs at this point.
This is not all the fault of the players. I believe it is mostly the fault of the coach, his lack of experience, lack of imagination with regard to offense and lack of preperation.
Seems for now, what we have is what we have. We all know that change comes VEEERRRRYYYY slowly in Portland.
Posted by: JW at September 2, 2007 11:57 AM
waa, waa, waa
We have a young team that has problems holding on to the ball. If you had gone to the game last night you would have seen fumble after fumble, a missed field goal, and two injuries. Even if Mike had 25 different plays, he can't get out the field and run it for them. It's easy to be a Monday morning quarterback but obviously you aren't qualified to be the real deal or you would have the job.
Posted by: cantstandcrybabies at September 1, 2007 11:03 AM
I am writing about our football team at PHS.I feel that we have a great team this year,but our coaching staff needs some work.As for Head Coach
many in this town feels that Mike is not right for the job.We feel something needs to be done.When you run the same plays over and over your not going to win much.Sorry Mike to us your just not a Head Coach.Your a great guy and have a nice family.I have talk to teachers,ex-players,QBclub members and local people they feel the same. GOOD LUCK TO THE TEAM
Posted by: rrman88 at August 31, 2007 09:37 PM
1. I agree that the mayor has no control over what the news stations report.
2.I don't think that the mayor was trying to hide anything, nor did he need to. It was stated in original order that restrictions were for residential customers only.
3. I think it was wrong for the restrictions to only apply to residential customers. I understand the use of water for business purposes, but if it isn't ESSENTIAL for the OPERATION of their business, I think they should have abide by the same restrictions as everyone else.
4. I didn't know that restrictions had been imposed on air conditioning. Did I miss something? Besides keeping cool, I am using it to manufacture my own water supply.
5. I could care less about any problems they are having with the gas pipeline . . . I didn't want it anyway. Let them choke on the dust THEY are creating, fine them for any problems THEY are causing for the nearby residents and the city, and make them IMPORT water from an area that isn't experiencing a shortage.
6. I hope everyone has a SAFE and enjoyable holiday weekend!
Posted by: Michelle Hanners at August 31, 2007 03:16 PM
I agree wholeheartedly!! I get tired of being asked to turn up the thermostat, flush only when neccessary, and cook at night to conserve a teaspoon's worth of energy when the big corporations are allowed to use as much as they want, and waste tons of it!!
Does it bother anyone else that corporations (such as banks and big medical centers) build huge multi-storied lobbies and "empty areas" for asthetics, and keep the spaces so cold in the summer that they could be used for meat storage? (and in the winter, they are kept entirely too hot!!) Why can't they build reasonably sized buildings and sweat a little like the rest of us peons?
Yes, something is backwards, and I think we have a responsibility to speak up, whether we think it will help or not.
Posted by: DA at August 31, 2007 09:22 AM
I was told the dust was causing many problems and that their has been many complaints; also I heard the water they sold them [gas company] happen to be helpful to the city, because the tank they took the water out of has to have some draining on a regular basis to keep the chlorine levels right. The gas company will soon have to buy from whitehouse as they move that way.
Go look at the stream that feeds us and you will see we have a water shortage, the city is pumping out of the lake because of it.
If the drought holds they will have to enforce even stricter rules and many companys may be forced to curb production and that means people going home with out pay.
Portland really needs that new lake built soon.
P.S.
I do not think the mayor has any control over TV news.
Posted by: G.B. at August 31, 2007 09:18 AM
I'm sure this has pi**ed alot of people off. It has me.
If there really is a water shortage in Portland, and that's a big if, where are they getting the water to sell to the pipeline that some have fought so hard against?
I'm really surprised that the mayor let the TV station air this bit of news.
Posted by: DebraP at August 31, 2007 08:53 AM
RE-POST, COPIED FROM WATER RESTRICTIONS TOPIC
I sent this e-mail to the Mayor and Council Members....
Dear Mayor and City Council Members – as a citizen of Portland I am compelled to express my sentiments in regard to the current water restrictions…..
In light of the recent news about selling water to the construction company for the gas pipeline, I am extremely resentful of this action. I have invested money into my lawn and garden, i.e. trees, vegetables, flowers, shrubs, etc. and have been asked to curb my water usage. Now I find out that a “for profit” company is buying “my” water to keep down dust, something that I am not allowed to do – please tell me what is not right about this picture???
I, personally, feel that commercial companies should be restricted before citizens….seems to me that things are backwards….
weilerge@aol.com
Posted by: weilerge at August 30, 2007 09:36 AM
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I saw this on News4 last night and I too was not happy!
Judy
Posted by: Judy at August 30, 2007 12:37 PM
glad to see the rain last night!!!!
Posted by: hello at August 30, 2007 09:17 AM
Have a GREAT Holiday Weekend everyone & enjoy the cooler weather!
Posted by: Judy at August 29, 2007 09:01 AM