Portland, Tennessee Blog

DA, I love you too, but I prefaced my statement with I know it would be way down the road, and just as Mack said, I would want this to be done with private donations and QB Club efforts. I would not be in support of using tax dollars to do it. You should know me better than that...lol.

I mentioned the semipro team because when I was on the Parks Committee, there was actually one looking to play in Portland. They were what in baseball might be considered a Single A semi-pro squad, but it was semipro nonetheless. I don't know what happened to that negotiation, but a nice stadium might help a similar one get off the ground.

I am with Tim. Yes, I know that money is tight in the way of schools, but a high school football stadium can pretty much be built on private donations and the support of the QB Club. The current stadium is so small, and cannot properly hold a large crowd such as the ones you see at the WH-Portland game. Semi-pro games? LOL...don't think that will happen, but a nice new facility, where there is PLENTY of parking (unlike the current field), and plenty of room to move around for the fans (also unlike the current field), would be something to be really proud of!

I love ya, Tim, but come back to Earth. We are desperately trying to provide classrooms and fuel for the buses to get our kids to school. I would say that a new stadium (when the one we have is still in good condition, and is being remodeled at this time) well, my friend, it's just a VERY low priority. Maybe if Portland was the kind of town that had money to spend on luxuries, but come on! People are struggling to pay for neccesities right now.

NO! We don't need a State of the Art football stadium in Portland. If you want to see semi-pro games, go to Nashville.

We drove yesterday out Oakhill Drive, just to see what is going on. My concern, like Judy's, is that appropriate traffic lights are placed, not only at the corner of Oakhill and College, but also where Oakhill comes out on 109 N. That place is terrible now; lots of 109 traffic (including our favorite, semis) and absolutely no visibility, thanks to a privacy hedge that is WAY out of control.

The other concern is that Oakhill itself is nothing but an old farmer's path, winding and curving around what used to be fields. It's got several tight curves, and the road itself is barely two cars wide. I shudder to think of buses full of children whipping around those curves.

Anyone else see the problems?

I know this is a little far fetched and possibly WAY down the road. But with all the building out on College St., has there been any talk of finally building a new stadium for the high school team on their existing campus. I don;t even know if the land is available. Memorial Field has a great atmosphere, and there is a lot of history there, but I still would love to see a nice stadium over there that maybe could host a the team and maybe some semi pro games from time to time?

Of course, you might not be able to build up the support to do it for a few years as the team catches up in their new classification (also heard they are shuffling things around to make it easier on teams geographically, but harder on us competitively).

C'mon Panther, never too early to talk about football!

I can't wait for football season to get going. Is it too early to start some talk about next year's Portland Panther football team?
Just wondering. I am getting anxious!!!

Yes I believe the new school is being built in that area, perhaps people that live on that street believe that life as they've known it won't be the same after the school is complete fearing increased traffic from busses and children being transported to school, or maybe they figure it's time to move on to a new home, not that unusual. My only hope is that there will be a traffic light at that corner, many of the school busses transport elem, middle, and High schoolers on the same bus and I would hate to think of all those busses and cars trying to cross college street to get to the new school without one. There is also a new rental/duplex development being built off that road so there may be more than one factor homeowners in that area are looking at. It wouldn't surprise me to see many of the homes closer to College street and 109 get rezoned to business. Just my thoughts!

The new Portland Middle School is being built on Oak Hill Drive at the corner (sort of) Oak Hill and College.

I had posted something this morning, but I am not sure where my post went :( I have been gone for over two months, and I came back and noticed that some kind of construction has begun on Oak Hill Drive AND most homes on that street are now for sale. Does anyone know what they are building? Thanks!

I had posted something this morning, but I am not sure where my post went :( I have been gone for over two months, and I came back and noticed that some kind of construction has begun on Oak Hill Drive AND most homes on that street are now for sale. Does anyone know what they are building? Thanks!

YARD SALE FRIDAY AND SATURDAY 7AM-2PM
We will be having a yard sale Friday and Saturday from 7am-2pm (Cancel if rain) at 153 Cornerstone Blvd in Portland,Turn left at Subway, Go over RR Tracks and make a LEFT onto NORTH RUSSELL,Turn RIGHT on Delrose,turn LEFT at STOP SIGN onto PORTLAND BLVD., Subdivision on left! We will have lots of boy clothes, Home Interior items (HUGE pictures,wall decor,mirrors,ect.),misc., women's clothes,men's clothes,great toys,ect.!! Please come by! Gotta get this stuff out of here to make room for our baby on the way! PRICED TO SELL!!

The Portland Football team has a website! Check out portlandpantherfootball.com for more information on the stadium.

I read in the paper several weeks ago that they're hoping to have the visitors section rebuilt in time for the first scrimmage in August (end of August?). That's a short deadline and I hope they meet it.

I saw that they had finally torn out the visitors side of the football stadium. Anyone know if they are going to rebuild it or leave it like it is and just sew grass seed on it.

portland panther whats the difrence if we talk about the vote on budget. City employes get a raise. last time voted for council people raise. every ones happy right?

Well put DA.

I just want to know, I have noticed throughout previous comment's that some of the same people talking about the progressive now have been against them from the get go and yet you guy's still support them by buying and reading their paper's. I personally read it b/c I want to and apparently you guy's do to. We have too many other thing's in life to worry about other than a newspaper printing.

I don't understand why this is such a big deal. Why aren't we talking about the city's voye on Thursday concerningg the city budget

I don't understand why this is such a big deal. Why aren't we talking about the city's voye on Thursday concerningg the city budget

Hate to get off this topic, but wanted to comment on "BEST DONUTS"

The name certainly fits the description. I stopped in at BEST DONUTS this morning (against my diet) and oh my word..... awesome, fresh, tasty, and definately something I don't need to eat very often, but they were by far the best donuts I have tasted in years, and years and years!! Now the trick is to stay away... but I definately know where I'll be visiting on my diet cheat day once a month!

Gotta Get Cha Some, they're awesome!

I'm not surprised by the paper including the report in their paper. They wanted a shock factor and they got one.

What has surprised me is the fact that some people on here thinks it's okay. It's NOT!!!

One thing that comes to my mind every time I read through this thread -- Of course I wouldn't want my child to read anything that contains vulgar language. However, the point that has not yet been brought up is, I don't want to read it either. Yes, there are adults who are offended by coarse, dirty language. The person in the article may have used bad language, but personally, I don't want to read the actual words used. Freedom of Speech doesn't mean you can force me to read or use this kind of language. I can choose not to read a publication that offends me.

There seems to be a new attitude toward this topic, and it is too bad. TV shows have become filled with words that were totally taboo a generation ago. When every other word in a TV show is bleeped out, I turn it off. Don't care to watch it.

And can someone explain to me why it's ok to use the name of God as a trite expression of suprise, but they bleep out the "S" word that describes something dirty? I would call that an upside down priority!!

Well I finally broke down and bought the progressive to see what everyone is talking about. I understand their point that they print the facts to the story, and the reference was as documented on the police report which they published a copy of that report. However, I do feel there are some times when the facts should be bleeped!! They could of easily placed a little star over those two words prior to photocopying the report. Honestly I think it was a poor decision to publish it as it was. I can guarantee you if one wrote a letter to the editor about the color of the sky being blue and used those words in the description it would not of been published as written. Truthful and accurate publishing should not come at the cost of disrespecting readers.

My question is, why did they feel it necessary to publish a copy of the police report in the first place and justify or provide proof of accuracy of their prior story just because someone questioned their article as not being accurate? Can you imagine how large the newspapers would be if everyone stepped up and questioned accuracy of every story they read.... must of been a slow media week! but..... they got what they wanted "attention"

One thing is a absolutely true about the use of pseudonyms on the blog--if you use your real name, you can certainly easily toss your professional credibility out the window.

Thanks Portland fan for saying what so many of us are thinking. What could anyone have said about the story that would justify what they printed? I don't think I have ever seen any thing like that in any news paper no matter the size. Those of you trying to compare it to the Examiner fiasco a few years back are forgetting that was a mistake which they paid dearly for. Someone at The Progressive made a concientious decision to not edit out the profanity. Even the blog administrators have asked us to "refrain from the use of vulgar language" as it will be edited out. As for you Mr. Ruckle, even in your feeble attempt to defend them you're asking bloggers to change the rules to fit your agenda. You might try googling ethics and morals.

That's your opinion. I read blog comments and decide for myself how credible they are without regard to who's writing them. The exclusion of a poster's name does not bring their credibility into question. As for printing what I believe is the lowest form of profanity, I believe that was purely unnecessary. Do I want my young children reading that in their local newspaper? Absolutely not. No matter if it validates the accuracy of the story (which I never questioned in the first place).

Sure it is common to use pseudonyms on blogs. I'm not questioning one's right to use them. Using pseudonyms do however detract from a commentator's credibility, especially when they go on the attack. Using pseudonyms also call into question a person's motives and agenda.
Regarding my affiliation with the Progressive, it is one of friendship and nostalgia. I was the editor of the Progressive for 1 1/2 years and I desire to see it continue to prosper.

Said it many times before, but it is very common for blog posters to use pseudonyms rather than formal names. Look at other blogs. in fact it is quite unusual for folks to use their actual names; doesn't really make the opinion any more or less valuable.

I think it's funny how Brian use the terms "our" and "we" when referring to the Progressive staff. Sure sounds like he works for them...or wants to.

Reader,
You have strong feelings about the Progressive. I've always found it curious that our most outspoken and invested critics seem to hide in the shadows behind false names and pseudonyms. I personally know the owner and the people who work for the Progressive. They were merely setting the record straight. If they had blacked out the curse words, you would be on here questioning whether we were trying to hide something.
The new staff at the Progressive have been doing an incredible job. Candy and Scott have been doing between 15 and 20 stories individually each week. The newspaper continues with the main news section, community, business, and sports. They printed two in each section. I don't work there anymore, but I do know that when you have more than two sections you have much earlier deadlines to meet. I assure you "Reader" that the Progressive is doing well.

not surprised that the F word was put in the paper. KNOWING the owner and the people who work there I'm sure it was intentionally left in there for shock factor. They know even bad news is still publicity for them. The column was also just their attempt at saying they decided to say the police record was fact and that's all they need to print something as being true instead of properly researching an event from witnesses.

I'm not sure anyone noticed but the progressive was printing 4 sections in each paper. Now they have only printed two sections in the paper the last two weeks.

We went today also, nice selection and friendly service. Looks like they have breakfast and lunch items also, not just donuts! Yum!

Tried the donuts this morning.Pretty good with a huge selection.But then again,I've never met a donut i didn't like.

Yes, that is good for people who are up early and have to commute...I'm glad for that.

I'm glad to know the hours....Thanks !

I did go by there today....noticed they are going to be open on the 4th of July from 5:30 a.m till 11 a.m.

I hope to get up there again and try some donuts soon.........

Yes, the donut place opens at 4:30 a.m. And for those of us who work out of Portland and are on the road early in the morning it's handy. Not a whole heck of a lot (pretty much NOTHING) is open for the early commuters. They are open M-Sa 4:30a.m.-6p.m. and Sunday 5a.m.-6p.m. I think is what the sign said.

WHEW !!

Thanks....the legal lingo is intimidating especially when some of it is in another language !

do not worry....
by law we must set the rate each year.
we are simply stating what it already is.
no new taxes; just following guidelines.
it is done each and every year.

Question for any City Councilman ----

I was just reading the agenda for the special call Council meeting for June 26.

Can you explain the meaning of Ordinance 08-26 -
"providing for the levy on all property, personal, and ad valorem taxes for the City of Portland, Tennessee"

Is is another levy or tax on our property ???
We already pay property taxes...what is this ???
It sounds like a tax on the tax....

Soooo....I have to get up 4:30...is that A.M. to get a donut in Porltand ??? That's ridiculous.

What time did he close when he ran out of donuts...6 o'clock ??? LOL

Apparently, according to the sign today, they had to close early cause they sold out of donuts! I would think it would do well since there isn't a bakery around here really. Especially with them opening at 4:30 a.m. Now if only they would put in a drive thru......

Hey, I saw where Best Donuts officially opened their doors on Friday on Broadway Street across from Jr. Foods.
I know it is always good when business comes to town.
However, is a specialty shop that sales donuts really going to be successful in Portland?

Why didn't the paper simply state that they stand by their story as printed.

Thanks for that information, Councilman Callis.

yes, the city is a member of TML.

"The Tennessee Municipal League (TML) is a voluntary, cooperative organization established by the cities and towns of the state for mutual assistance and improvement. The League's primary function is to work with the Tennessee General Assembly on behalf of city governments. The staff includes a team of full-time, professional lobbyists who work with the General Assembly promoting legislation helpful to cities, and opposing legislation harmful to cities. Two extensions of the League include the TML Risk Management Pool and the Tennessee Municipal Bond Fund."
for more info, go to www.TML1.org

Councilman Callis -

Sounds like this is a very benefical conference, both to you personally, and as a Councilman.

Does Portland pay for an Associate Membership for this ? I really didn't know what this was, but did see the prices of the memberships and wondered if that was a part of it and whether it was public knowledge or not. Just curious.

The TML conference is a yearly event in different parts of the state; Memphis (this year), Knoxville, Nashville, etc.
This event is extremely helpful to the city and to myself. The training helps the city plan for the future and handle current situations, and it helps me be more informed.
I will be taking elected official classes Saturday and then multiple workshops over the next couple of days.
Some take their family and some do not.
As for me, my wife will be with me. I already have a room, so she will stay with me; simple.
Training is very beneficial and something we should take advantage of.
This is planned for and budgeted for each year.
The Tennessee Municipal League keeps us informed on current legislation that cities should be aware of and provides us with educational courses that help us be more efective as a city.

It's my opinion that official documents or testimony should not be censored.

I think it's important for people to know exactly what was said in the incident that occurred.

I don't feel the need for the paper to have to censor things for me.

Do you think children are going to read the paper ???? LOL Most adults don't even read papers.....

Media blots out stuff all the time, for example, the name of juvenile. On TV, they bleep out curse words in interviews, it's a common practive and very legal as long as it doesn't give a false meaning.

I just saw the Progressive and read the article.

The infamous F words were contained in the police affidavit of complaint that the Progressive printed a copy of in the paper.

They were not written by the Progressive in their article.

I don't see how they could edit out an official document.

Do you think they should not have printed the affidavit for people to read ???

The f word thing is funny, it definitely wasn't in there on purpose, somebody forgot to edit it. They were too busy trying to say the police screwed up to realize their own error. In fairness, something like that happened in the Examiner a couple of years ago in a headline.

Forget about the progressive. I heard there is nothing illegal about what they did and I read the column and they were defending themselves.
I think it is more important for everyone to know that our city officials are screwing us over.
I heard that our mayor and city council members are going to the Tennessee Municipal League convention this weekend and the city is paying for them to take their spouses with them.
Is that fair? I thought I read the mayor say that money was tight and that he was going to have cut the city budget?
Where did they get the money to take their wives on the trip?

Did anyone see the F word in the Portland Progressive? It was in there twice.

We go to the drive in just about every weekend, haven't had a bad time yet, thankfully. I have to admit I like that they have the guy patrolling the lot cause there are tons of rude people who park their huge truck/SUV/minivan in front, open their hatches and spread out all around. I haven't seen him be ill with anyone (thankfully) but I can imagine the rudeness he encounters too. We've never gotten anything from the concession stand, we usually stop and get something on the way. As for the $12 right now for certain movies, you still can't beat that price. But from the email they sent out (if you're signed up) Paramount wanted them to charge 'per person in car that's over 5yr' for their movies, but they refused and came to the agreement of $12 instead of the usual $9 a carload for those movies only plus a free popcorn (which we still haven't used as of yet). Go to their website and email them directly your experience. I've done that before and they are very receptive and thankful for the input.

Let's talk about the Franklin Drive-in. Has anyone else had a bad time there recently?
We went to the drive-in last weekend and I was very surprised at the way it has went downhill. First the price went up to $12 when they are playing certain movies. Which can't be helped I guess and they give a free popcorn to make up for it. But the second you get in the gate and find a parking spot, there is an older gentleman that walks around enforcing the 1 spot rule and shutting your trunk lid if you are in a van. My lid wasn't up so that wasn't the issue. But our chair's were just a little over the space we had our van in. It was 1 hour before the movie and noone was even between our van and the fence (9 spaces). He proceded to yell, not ask politely for us to move our chairs. So I politely told him that unless he was going to ask the car on the other side to stop smoking and blowing it in our direction, I was contemplating moving spots. Needless to say the spots next to us were never filled, seems it was a very slow night for the drive-in. But he was rude, I don't want to be treated that way when I am trying to relax. Then next to the concession stand is a funnel cake place. My husband bought one brought it back and it was AWFUL. I took it back to them and they were incredibly rude. They just looked at me like what do you want us to do. They tried to give me another cake without even an apology or asking me what I wanted. I declined and told them I wanted my money back. I proceded to take my money in the concession stand and try to get something and their "friendly personalities" were even better. It seems that most of the employees up there would rather be anywhere but working there. There is no smiles, thank you's, what can I get for you. Only bad moods and rude attitudes.
This is all beside the point that the car next to us had a screaming baby in it, and the mom kept walking in front of our view rocking the baby while he screamed his head off (I have children and I would have left if that was my child), and the semi's that are driving by that are loud, and the hillbilly's that drive by and think they must hoot and hollar and blow their horn.
I can only hope that someone that works there or knows someone that works there or owns the place will see this and realize that going to the drive-in is already a step down from a nice airconditioned movie theater with surround sound. Service and friendly employees are very important to business, and the way the economy is now it is important to put your best foot forward. My family will not be returning up there for a while. And I will certainly not be recommending it to anyone who ask's about it in the future.

I think that is the hotel. Was in Franklin yesterday and heard they are soon breaking ground for Kroger; Goody's; and Mighty Dollar. There were about three other stores to also be in the same mall area, but I can't remember the names. And Peebles opens in September too!

Is that the new hotel they are digging a foundation for across from shell at the interstate exit

To all the dad's out there...HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!
Hope you have a great day & relize how important you are to all in your life.

anyone notice in recent issues the goof up on the progressive about how they portrayed the lady in their story about her being off her meds? No disrespect to the lady it happened to but from what I read out of both papers it seems the progressive labeled her a drunk and crazy. Then a family member wrote the truth in a letter to both papers. I wonder sometimes where papers get their information from and do they bother to really research a story before it goes to print. It's nice getting the most up to date news but not at the expense of running someone's name in the mud. Just another strike on the list of mistakes from the progressive if you ask me.

Coker Coker Coker I think the city should just tax us for 90% of our checks and stop trying to get all of our money through speed traps and property taxes.

Anyone notice the new sign at the Food Lion Plaza? Mr WOK'S, perhaps a new Chinese eatery, must be going in next to Charlie Biggs Chicken.

Tim,that's a good idea you have about the radar.You should run again and get that passed.(hint,hint)

You know, it's funny. On a thread about the high price of oil, you can't discuss why it is so high without discussing politics. This is not a perfect world, and this is not a perfect blog. if we have to listen to your namecalling and insults from time to time, then you have to listen to our political debate form time to time. Sorry, but thems the breaks.

If you want to get hometown, here is something for you on the topic you are discussing. Sometime ago, i brought up the idea of getting a mobile radar unit. You know, the kind that usually sets up at stop lights that takes pictures of the speeder. This one though could be set anywhere inside an unmanned police cruiser. That way, it does not take away from the force's manpower, and you hopefully get some of these speeders tickted so they will slow down.

When I didn't run for reelection, I think the idea kind of ran out of steam. I am just curious of the people on here think something like this is worth persuing.

Oh, by the way DC, Corncobb was my older brother Chris' nickname in school. You must have went to school with him. Don't feel bad, we get mistaken for each other all the time. You can't help that you're both WWAAAAYYYYY older than me. They say the memory is the first thing to go.

mg62 --
What a riot!! I love the rustic, western look of the cow skull that has replaced the missing head of the Farm Bureau Cow. The poor thing stood there for months, unable to see what was going on, just because someone decided it would be fun to steal it's head. The black wreath stayed in place for a respectable length of time, but now I think the cow is ready to get on with life, and you have to admit, the skull is one way of starting from scratch. Maybe someday it will grow muscles, hide, hair, and maybe even eyes and ears. Now, if they could just figure out a way for it to give milk!

One thing for sure, it's always an adventure to drive through Portland!

mg62 - LOL, ;) Can't say that I've seen it!

Upon driving to Franklin yesterday I noticed up next to the Dollar Store it seems the trucking co across the street is/had several of their semi's in the empty lot next to the dollar store, they seem to be spreading out everywhere....... such a wonderful site to see!! now on both sides of the road!

Well, those political postings were so long and rambling...it was mainly just boring and he just seemed a bit of a know it all as well.

It's a lot more fun to discuss Portland issues..and the things going on around here, that's for sure.

Thanks for changing the topic !!!

Well, can we talk about something really serious and overwhelmingly important then?? Does anyone else get weirded out by the skeletal steer head that has replaced the original head on the cow at the Farm Bureau office on S 109?? The headless cow was pretty disturbing, but I'm not really sure that the skeletal head is less disturbing.

Amen DC, there are PLENTY of other chatrooms and boards to discuss NATIONAL politics. I'd prefer personally to only talk about my hometown on here.

We need more Portland topics and less Chuck and Corncobb coker. I also think that all politics should be banned completely from this site. I'm sure I'm not the only one that feels this way.