Front Page - Around Town July 2009

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75 Comments

Beth--My MIL went through during that time on her way to work. She said they stopped the 2 vehicles in front of her but waved her through, so I kind of assumed it was probably a safety roadblock. She said the same as you, that there were no Portland officers involved.

Not sure KAJ....it looked all these folks were adults......some with young kids as well. I would think if it was vandalism there would be Portland police involved, but not one Portland officer, all state police. It was rather strange. Heck not even the local newpaper was there. I worked for a newspaper and we had scanners and they would take off if something *exciting* was happening, not so much here Ive noticed.

Not sure but there was some vandalism in the subdivision recently....maybe the 2 are related.

I saw that letter as well, and like you I was quite surprised. All I could reflect on was my prior experiences while working with a local non-profit years back where there seemed to be on going fundraising where the community and businesses were constantly asked for donations. I've also been a business owner and remember the number of times I was solicited by different clubs, organizations, non-profits, sports teams, churches and schools, if you didn't get 3-4 a week you were lucky. Right now times are tuff all over. I'm sure there are many groups and organizations in need, it's hard to determine who and what you give to. Businesses and corporations have budgets too and I'm sure many of them are scraping to get by. But wtg Chick-filet they seem to of been there to help quite a bit lately.

Did any one read the "Letter to the Editor" from Kim Meadows in the papers? This really surprised me. I thought the restaurants around Portland cared more than that. Kudos to Chick-Fil-A in Gallatin.

No. The Progressive being for sale came from more reliable sources than the Leader. I doubt the Leader would welcome a locally owned paper coming in as competition.

Lindsey Jo, I believe Brewsters is opening in the new Comfort Inn near the 65 interchange. Road past it today and saw the sign. Not sure if its open or not.

Anyone have any inside info on what was going on this morning on 52 near the Lyons Crest entrance? I came through there and there were quite a few cars stopped and quite a few state troopers as well *no Portland officers*. None of the cars looked like they had damage on them either. Just wondering if we had quite the chase come through...it was rather odd to see all the lights but no one was out of their cars. When I came back there were still two state troopers and 3 cars parked, but no lights.

Are these rumors coming from The Leader

Anyone besides me heard that the Progressive is for sale? Understand the ownder is ill and the paper isn't profitable. Rumor has it that several former Leader employees are considering making an offer. Having local owners for a local paper would have to be a plus.

Where is Brewster's opening and is it a restaurant or an ice cream place?

I went out to the Inside Scoop the other day and it was really cute and good, inexpensive ice cream. My brother told me that if you brought your own banana out there, you got a half price banana split. I think that's a cute idea!

Also, my family and I went to the Oasis last Sunday after church. They were packed, but it had to be cause people were curious. Cause our service was TERRIBLE and food wasn't worth the money. I realize not everyone was made to wait tables, but the woman that waited on us was not friendly and not a good waitress. We couldn't believe the way she treated us. And from what I could see there was just a bunch of kids waiting the other tables. That's not always bad, but does anyone remember the fate of Ponderosa that employed only kids? The manager didn't even come by our table, so those of you who did see him/her can count yourselves lucky (maybe). There were 7 people in our party and no one was impressed with their food. We won't be going back any time soon.

The Inside Scoop is an Ice cream shop in the little western town built at Bottom View Farm,just off Hwy 76.We serve hand dipped cones,shakes,malts,banana splits,root beer floats and sundaes.It has a country store type theme and is open from 12-8 Tues-Sat and 3-8 on Sunday.We will be having a classic car cruise in on Sat.Aug.1st from 5-8 pm.We invite all of Portland and surrounding towns to come out,tour the town,and enjoy a cool treat.

Anna's Greek Restaurant is on Three Springs Road -- it's a little more upscale -- on Thursday nights, they have Greek dancing, for example. etc....but to go there for lunch is not fancy.....just a nice place to sit down and enjoy a nice leisurely lunch......

Haven't found Ann's in BG, but rivergate across from the mall there is a place in one of the strip stores, mostly take out but their gyro's are excellent!! Hubby stops one day about every other week on his way home from work and gets us some to go.

Congrats on your business, saw it in the paper. I haven't been out there yet for a scoop but plan to visit soon, best of luck to you and wish you great success.

Beth Inside Scoop I believe is out at Bottomview Farms which is off of Hwy76 not far from hwy109. I'm sure Terry will confirm.

Ok, we got Brewsters and Inside Scoop opening......where are these places and what does Brewsters serve? *I kind of get the jist of Inside Scoop......lol*

I know that we shouldn't toot our own horn here, but I'm wondering if you guys have heard about the ice cream shop,The Inside Scoop at Bottom view farm.Cones shakes,Malts and banana splits.12-8 tuesday thru saturday 3-8 on sunday.Let the flaming begin.

The reason I said Denny's or I-Hop is that they are open all night... and family oriented...thought that would be good, esp. for travelers from the interstate. Greek food ? Ever been to Anna's Greek restaurant ...in Bowling Green ?? It's great.

I think a wing place will work there especially if they keep the lbtd, nothing close to that anywhere near by and the two (lbtd & wings) go hand in hand. The Bistro was ok, it just seemed too standard, you know foods that you can get at like a meat & 3, or cracker barrell who they had no chance to compete with plus the lbtd really didn't compliment their menu. But I do think a wing place will do good there, now if I can get a good greek gyro somewhere that would be great!

I-Hop.... Denny's.... add to that, Perkins, Sonny's BBQ, Ryan's Oh yes!! would love one of them near by, maybe one will open at the portland exit some day. Then they can build a Cost-co near by and start a new little town by the interstate.

Just my opinion, but I don't think a World of Wings will do any better there. Wish it could be an I-Hop or Denny's...........

I heard that American Bistro would soon become a World of Wings restaurant. I think its going to be similar to Buffalo Wild Wings. But if their service doesnt get better it wont matter what they change to, it'll be closing too.

I went to the Oasis with my husband for a rare lunch date. We were pleased with the service, but sorely disappointed with the food. It's pretty hard to mess up chicken fingers, but theirs were flatter than pancakes. I could have microwaved the pre-breaded chicken fingers I keep in the freezer for the kids and been more satisfied. We spent $27 and both walked away disappointed.

I can't wait for Brewster's to open. I understand they open on Aug 3. I'd love a peek at their menu! :)

All that said, you still can't beat the Panther Den for a great Cheeseburger!

The closing of the plant in Portland, Tenn., is the result of the continuing consolidation of customers in the U.S. and Canada, accelerated by the economic recession, and the need to balance the company's paper machine clothing manufacturing capacity in North America with anticipated paper mill demand, the firm said.

I heard today that Albany International/Appleton Wire is shutting it's doors and moving out of state. This is not good news :( This is one of the very few factories in this town that pays good wages and benefits to their employees. My thoughts go out to all those affected.

I was just by there about an hour ago... ( I ate at Cracker Barrel ), but they didn't appear to be open. There was one car in the entire parking lot --there weren't any other cars.....I wonder, too, what is going on there.


If you're upset about the schools' latest ratings, you should know there is a lot that goes into those ratings that don't necessarily come out.
A school could graduate 85.7 percent of their student body, but get a failing report if the state's expected graduation rate is, say, 86.1 percent. It is a matter of percent points many times and those percentage points can be, literally, 3 or 4 students.
Also, according to state law, if a student is 18 years old and they want to quit school, they can. There is nothing the school can do about that. And the bad thing is, the school is marked down for the kid quitting.

Oasis is between McDonalds and Cracker Barrell in Franklin, KY. Hadn't been yet ourselves. Did hear that American Bistro would be closing down for a few weeks to 'revamp' and join a 'restaurant chain.' Didn't hear when or who though. Has anyone been to Brewster's yet?

Took some stuff to Cares the other day and made that very suggestion to them about leaving the truck open. They just said that wasn't needed and they only parked it there til the gate was up. One would think with that grand fine building and lot they would have purchased some drop off bins. I was only able to drop stuff off cause I happened to be off work that day, otherwise the hours haven't been very convienient for us to use. We usually wind up taking it to Goodwill in Rivergate or BG.

Just wondering? Where is The Oasis?

let's get to the meat of the matter. athletics......

Portland Schools need improvement.

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20090722/MICRO060101/307220032/1154/COUNTY08/6+Sumner+schools+fall+short+of+federal+performance+goals

Shame that Oasis was not the spot to be today. The ribs were awful, the service was slow and the manager was not the least bit interested in fixing the problem. Not even sure if lunch is going to stay down now. Hate to be descriptive, but after the good reviews, we had a terrible experience. Maybe in a year or two we will go back. Could also be that the dinner chef is more experienced. But will NOT go back for lunch.

I have my moments. :)

Tim S. - What a GREAT idea for the CARES truck! Brilliant!!

Ive been to the Oasis 3 times already, and with the exception of the 1st time, which just their 2nd day open, the service has been great. It wasn't bad the 1st night, just a little slow. The food was pretty good too. Ive not heard a lot of bad comments about them yet. Friday night was the 1st time that Mike, I'm assuming hes the manager, didn't come to talk to me personally. But they were slammed! There were only 2 parking places open when I got there @ 7:45!

As for the situation at the new cares building: if they're gonna park the truck beside the road, why not turn it around and raise the door? Maybe people would get a clue and load their stuff in there.

I may be all alone here, but isn't it ironic that the "Discount" beer store here in town is like the most expensive place to buy beer in Portland? Well, besides XMart. Anyways, anyone else noticed this?

Had a date with my husband at Oasis. GREAT food...that was about it. It's very loud inside, our waiter hovered, and we didn't even get our appetizer until AFTER our meal arrived. However, the two tables next to us (arrived AFTER us) got their appetizers. We all ordered the same appetizer. Third to arrive got theirs first. The manager did give it to us for free, but who wants to eat a cold blooming onion?

But the food was excellent. Better than O'Charley's, IMO.

I agree with you 100%. But... some feel it is dumping. I wonder how CARES might think if another thrift store came to town that had an after hours drop site and the "dumping/donations" stopped at cares because it was welcomed and provided for elsewhere. Competition can be healthy and a rude awakening!

It's very easy to say that "people would just dump stuff even if Cares provided a place" when Cares has never made an effort to provide a place for people to leave donations after hours. Apparently not everyone is able to get to Cares to drop off their donations during thrift store hours. This has been a serious problem for a very long time. Without the donations in the first place Cares wouldn't be able to continue to offer goods to the public to reduce the economic suffering and provide funds for their other outreach. It just seems that the people in charge could have met folks halfway and provided an after hours donation area in with the planning of the new building. This isn't a problem they have had that just started happening so it should have been a consideration from the get go with the planning. They are set farther back from the road and have plenty of space to offer an after hours donation area, other thrift stores have them, DAV, Salvation Army, Goodwill... maybe the city should have done something to facilitate this when they were off of 109.

People would still dump stuff at the road even if they had a covered area. Some people just have no respect for what Cares stands for and what they try to do to help those in need.

Portland Cares has put a gate up at the end of their road. Now people will be dumping on Hwy.52 E. I don't know why Portland Cares did not build a covered shelter at the rear of the building for donations. This would keep the front of their building looking decent when closed.

Yes...I've eaten at the Oasis several times....it's great !

A friend of mine shared pics on Facebook of the menu for "Iside Scoop", but it doesn't open to the public until noon on Saturday :)

has anyone been to the "Inside Scoope" a new ice cream shop at Bottom View Farms just off highway 76 Understand it opens at noon

Beth, I myself haven't tried it yet.... waiting for all the hoopla to settle, I understand they wern't quite prepared to handle the bombardment of patrons and are a bit out of sorts. I did take a look at their menu, looks good! I'm sure I'll find out pretty soon.

Just wondering if anyone has tried the Oasis since its been open???

My road was flooded because the ditch couldn't handle the water and it flooded half of my yard. It sure didn't stop people from driving down the street like maniacs. I just knew someone was going to run off the road and hit another car or a tree.

I guess the trash pick up was just a fluke...they never came back (I'm assuming because they were behind due to the 4th of July). They got it all this week though. I just hate it had to sit there for those extra days. Oh well...no harm done.

The recent violence in this town is a shame, however it is a reminder to us all that just because we are a small town in comparison to other areas with higher crime rates there is no halo around Portland that shields us. We are just as vulnerable as our neighboring cities and occurrences such as these tend to have a stronger impact on our citizens when we see them in the news. Personally I believe that it is worse and will continue to climb in today's day because of the economy, murders, thefts, domestic violence, break-ins will all spike during hard times as is the case in any community big or small. It's times like this that neighborhood crime watches are so beneficial, anyone interested in starting one of these groups for their neighborhood can find information here.

http://www.sumnersheriff.com/ContentPage.aspx?WebPageId=5049&GroupId=1364

Our trash collectors here in town have always done a great job taking most things we put out. I think they do a great job.

One more thing, I wish we had a Verizon hub/ store here in town. You know with accessories and such. Anyone interested in opening one?

Also, who is leading the race to open a liquor store in town? Just curious.


Did anyone else read the story in the newspaper about the store clerk being charged with sexual battery?
What is going on in this town? Are people crazy!

How about that rain storm? wow!! in all the years I've lived here I've never seen Fowler Ford flooding/washing over like it did this evening, I wonder how many driveways got washed away? There was actually lakes where there never was.. hope all's well in the morning.

We've never had any trouble with trash pick up whether it's in the city green or one of our own extra from outback, not even when we've exceeded those and had bags sitting next to our trash cans. The guys that pick up our trash are always friendly and helpful. They've even been nice enough to wait with me while my son brings the cans around when we have forgotten to put them out at night. They are just a great bunch of guys.
There is a different group that usually picks up our downed tree limbs and bagged leaves and even larger things that have been put out. We've never even had to call anyone extra to pick these things up either.

Mommy,
I've never had them not pick up anything we set out, in the can or not, but they may have intended for the brush truck to come and get that stuff later and maybe the brush truck didn't get the message. I have to say that actually I have had better service and more convenient service here in Portland with brush pickup, large object pickup, and garbage pickup than any place I've ever lived.

When I used to live in Donelson, they only picked up brush twice per year, and I think maybe they've cut that back to once per year now, so if you have tree limbs down from a storm, they lay along the curb until that time rolls around, and also they absolutely do not pick up any garbage not in the official garbage container because they have automated trucks, and if you didn't have your container in the right position close enough for the truck to pick up they wouldn't pick it up at all. So having lived with those limitations, I consider us blessed with the very good service we have here. Based on how well they have done for us, I feel pretty certain yours may have fallen through the crack somehow and is not the norm.

Does anyone know why the trash pick-up workers won't take anything that isn't in a trash can? I had 6 trash bags of bush trimmings and grass from my yard sitting beside my cans, and they didn't pick them up. They emptied the cans and went on. I've never had to call and make arrangements before. Now those bags have sat there all week, because just 3 of them will fill up my can. Then I can't throw my regular trash in there and animals will get in them. What's the deal?

We have found lost dog in the Glen Haven Drive/ North Harris St area. If you are missing a boxer/pit bull mix, please call 615-388-2666 and describe. We really don't want the dogcatcher to pick the dog up as they will more than likely put her to sleep.However, we can't afford to keep her past the weekend so unless someone claims her, we will have to try and find her a home or call the pound. The dog is very friendly and has not shown the least bit of agression.

Just so you all know: There is a curfew for fireworks. It was 11 pm last night (the 5th) and no fireworks are allowed to be set off from toady on - personally checked with police dept last night @ 10 pm after listening to what sounded like a war zone outside my bedroom window for an hour while my poor husband tried to sleep. I do not want everyone's fun to be disrupted, however, I agree with a few of the posts that people have to work and other's should be considerate when it is a work day the next day. Also, pick up your mess! Walked my dog this afternoon and the streets were a mess with blown up fireworks in front of numerous houses in my subdivision.

you guys sound like a whole lot of "Hey stupid kid GET OFF MY LAWN!!"

I know for some it is very hard because they have to work the next day. We get irritated about the excessive use of fireworks by our neighbors, but it only last a few nights and goes away. It's a lot better than their stupid dog that barks all night.

seems like you could just suck up one night a year of excessive fireworks. I do.

debbie as confused said I never said anything about kids shoting fireworks. It is the adult's i'm talking about. I'm also not talking about little firecrackers either I'm talking about the big artillery shell's.


I use to help someone sell fireworks and we closed up around 9:30 or 10:00 on the forth. These stand's MIGHT be breaking the law by selling firework's the day after the forth. I know they use to get a two week licence to sell back when i helped and were not supposed to sell after the forth but the laws could haved changed in the past few years.


Maybe one of our new council members can do something to get this problem fixed.

I agree KAJ. It is right at 10pm here on this SUNDAY night, and they are still going off in our subdivision. No doubt we will here a random one or two over the course of our night's sleep.

One more thing, city leaders, PLEASE don't raise our taxes. Many in Portland are out of work, or working 2-3 days a week and hanging by a thread onto their homes. Please don't do this to us....

It's not shooting off the fireworks that is the issue. It is the fact that they shoot them off all night. There should be some sort of curfew. I mean it is the day after the 4th and fireworks are going off as I type....at almost 10pm. People should be respectful and shut the fireworks down at 9pm.

In reference to having wine sent to your home.....great idea since the only place you can buy it is at the Winery which is kind of pricey. I can't believe I live somewhere that allows guns in a bar (if you have a license of course)but you can't buy wine in a grocery store.

I have to agree. I'm not opposed to fireworks in general and we in fact sat and enjoyed fireworks in our neighborhood on and off for 2 hours last night, even during the rain showers. But...there are rules of good taste and good sense that don't take a holiday on the 4th of July. I heard fireworks up until at least 2:00 a.m. No one wants to take away the privilege, but if you use good sense and stop with the fireworks by 11:00 or so, you can still have your fun AND be a good neighbor. You can always finish shooting your fireworks the next evening.

I do believe the fireworks that are available now for purchase in the tents are better than most of the small town firework displays I have watched through the years, and they may seem inexpensive but are certainly not cheap. Wonder how many people spent more money than they could afford on entertainment that literally went up in smoke?

This comment is to debbie:
I don't see where CD referenced "kids" in their comment, it's the adults/neighbors of some that are not conscious of the fact some have to get up and work for a living.

As for the others regarding Fireworks:
I don't have a problem with it during the 4th of July week, but unfortunately it goes far beyond that time frame and that's where they need to make it illegal to shoot off fireworks more than 1 hour after sunset. Some simple regulations would eliminate frustration for many and still allow for celebration.

As for City Council ties to these sales, I think maybe we should be more concerned with the Councilman/City Leaders that are wanting to raise the City Taxes at this time than who is or isn't selling fireworks! I think we'll soon be told we have to open our pockets and dig deeper!

this comment is to cd, You are fusing about kids shouting fireworks on the 4th of july? come on now, where you never a kid? i'm 35 years old and i had fun when i was a kid, i never got into trouble. now kids can't even be kids, next kids won't be allow to get dressed up to go trick or treating on halloween. things should be like it used to be. LET KIDS BE KIDS. why take everything away from them?

I was so shocked and saddened to see this news, I thought the world of Steve McNair and hoped some day he would return to the Titans in some form of a coaching position, he was a true leader and one that will be missed by so many, my heart and prayers go out to his family. This was a BIG loss!!

I agree on the fireworks issue, but we have been down this road before. It is all about WHO is operating these firework stands. Close ties to the city leaders, and some ARE the city leaders (at least they were in the past)! Sooo....good luck getting a good night's sleep. Fireworks are here to stay in the good ole city of Portland.

I wish we could get a law passed that would stop the sale of fireworks at 9 or 10 pm on the forth. It is hard to sleep when your neighbors keep running to the firework stands well after 11 and 12 and come home and start shooting firework's til 1 or 2 in the morning. Some of us have to work the next day and the sound is annoying.


RIP Steve McNair. I have great memories of him with the Titans. Curious to know how this happened.

Happy Independence Day everyone!!

I concur some are needed. But yea some are just micromanagement.

Add to that list
If you text while driving in TN you can be ticketed, it's now against the law!

I just looked at Channel 5's website and saw some of the new laws that took effect today. A few are just silly, but some are needed...

·Allowing Tennessee consumers to have wine shipped directly to their homes. SB0166.
·Requiring increased energy efficiency in state buildings and vehicles. SB2300.
·Prohibiting sex offenders from being within 1,000 feet of certain places where children are likely to gather. HB1120.
·Ending a requirement for Tennessee firearms dealers to take the thumbprints of people buying guns. HB0254.
·Forbidding aiming a laser pointer at firefighters and emergency medical technicians. HB0815.
·Creating an offense for falsely wearing military decorations. SB1168
·Printing larger dates of birth on Tennessee driver's licenses to make them easier for retailers to read.
·Making it a criminal offense for a person to disseminate autopsy images without consent from the deceased's family. SB1517.
·Allowing school districts to sell color advertising on school buses. SB0073.
·Requiring vending machines installed on state property after July 1 use energy efficient lighting, and mandates that vending machines needing repair must have the new lighting installed if they are on state property. SB0395.

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Recent Comments

  • mg62: Beth--My MIL went through during that time on her way read more
  • Beth: Not sure KAJ....it looked all these folks were adults......some with read more
  • KAJ: Not sure but there was some vandalism in the subdivision read more
  • Judy: I saw that letter as well, and like you I read more
  • DebraP: Did any one read the "Letter to the Editor" from read more
  • Pooh Bear: No. The Progressive being for sale came from more reliable read more
  • Beth: Lindsey Jo, I believe Brewsters is opening in the new read more
  • Beth: Anyone have any inside info on what was going on read more
  • redjdog: Are these rumors coming from The Leader read more
  • Pooh Bear: Anyone besides me heard that the Progressive is for sale? read more
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