December 2009
SEASONS GREETINGS!
Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season.
Post your thoughts about News worthy articles, events, happenings, questions, garage sales, and general information regarding our town.
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Does anyone know what is different between the Little League Park and Dixie? We just moved here and I would like to get my kids in to ball but I would like to know more about the two before I do. Thanks for the help.
Oh my.... I guess we are :)
Tanya, the best thing to tell you is that your trash will be picked up on Monday or Tuesday when they are running again. My trash is picked up on Mondays normally but it may not be till Wednesday this week due to Christmas. When there is a holiday, I just always set out my trash on the next day they are running, bc you never know what time they will get it. I have seen my trash get picked up as early as 430a after a holiday. They are going to make up time and get us all back on schedule after New Years.
My trash normally picks up on Fridays. Does anyone know when it will be picked up with the Christmas holiday? It goes all over the board, and I can never find a schedule.
redjdog and judy,
I think you are both neighbors of mine as I live right off of old fountain cemetary road.
Talked to one of the city firemen today. They did not respond because it was outside the city and they were not ask to respond, I have no problem with that as there was no possibility of saving the house. However would like to know if there is a fast way to find out where the hydrants are and do we have communication between county and city firefighters? Judy, evidently we are neighbors
My husband brought them some coffee on one of their trips to fill the truck and told them he thought there was a closer hydrant to the house, they said this was the closest one. Like you said must be they couldn't see it. I too thought there was one closer. And you must be somewhat of a neighbor as previously thought. :)
There is a red fire hydrant about two hundred yards from the house that burned, evidently the firefighters did not see it in the dark because the weeds around it have not been disturbed. The flames were shooting thirty to forty yards in the air before the first firefighters got there so there was little they could do other than save the barn.
I have a question and not sure anyone here can answer,
How unusual is it that when there is a house fire that the fire department has to truck water to the fire because there isn't a hydrant close enough to use hoses? And what distance is the normal for hydrants to be placed?
We had a situation this morning that a house down the road from us caught fire and the trucks were pumping the water from the hydrant in front of my house into the truck and then to the fire because it was the closest one, unfortunately the home is gone, burnt to the ground, and fortunately I don't believe it was occupied. The home is aprox 1/4 mile from the hydrant and in the county not the city. Those poor firemen did their best I am sure, but with the circumstances they had to work with (no hydrant)it could of been devistating had the home been occupied. Something to really think about, there are aprox another 25 newer homes down from me, I am wondering if they too don't have a hydrant near by.
So, apparently the Senate has passed the health care bill. And, if I understand it correctly, I have to purchase some form of healthcare insurance or I can suffer a fine and prison time.
What is this? Why is the government so involved in my life?
Do I not know what's best for my own life? If I was a woman, I would be allowed to have an abortion if I wanted. So, why should I have to purchase insurance if I may not want to for some reason???
Cd, I was out that way this morning *what a mess!*, anyway, that was a sign that Portland Primary Care is now accepting new patients.
Today while driving home I saw a sign in front of the old hospital and the only thing I could read on it while I was passing was Now accepting new patients. Does this mean the hospital is back open or was that sign for a doctors office. I also didn't notice or just didn't see the old building for lease sign.
Beth Thanks for the info on the wine and spirits store. Great news
Went to Fred's today and noticed that there is a *Portland Wine and Spirits* going in the same bldg as Papa Johns. Looks as if their display cases are there, but no stock as of yet, just the sign above the door. At least in the future I wont have to drive that ridge down to Gallatin just to get a bottle of wine for dinner :)
"Merry CHRISTmas" to everyone!!!! Give away a "SMILE" to someone today -- it is the best gift you can get or receive!!! A Quote from a sermon at church last week from Bro Greg: "No God --No Peace" -- "KNOW GOD -- KNOW PEACE". Remember the best gifts in Life are Free!! A Smile, a kind word, opening a door for someone, letting them in front of you in the line, or just simply listening to someone's problems for a moment! LIFE IS "GREAT"!!!
The moving of the city limit signs could be because they may have annexed some of that land into the city limits, if you've ever looked at just where the city limits are on a map it's kind of crazy. :)
Speaking of signs, Portland has moved their *city limit* sign once again on 52W. Instead of it being across from the entrance into Lyon Crest, it is now moved out to where the 45 mile per hour sign is near the new elementary school. Does anyone know where exactly the city limits start and stop, since they move the signs around? I have never lived in a place where they just dig up and move signs so much...LOL.
Sure you understand. Where is the prison he is buying to house the inmates? Where will jobs be created when said prison goes into operation? Enough said.
Well, our president has taken another step toward his campaign promise of closing Guantanamo Bay today.
The White House is going to purchase a prison in Illinois and house most of the Gitmo prisoners there.
So, the White House is going to spend money, the country doesn't have, to move prisoners from one place to another????
For all you Obama worshippers, I sure don't understand this move.
Let me take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I hope you get everything you want for Christmas.
My Christmas gift for the city of Portland would be some retail businesses and some restaurants. Since LBTD has passed, I hope some company takes advantage of that.
Hey everyone there is another new LOWER speed limit On 109 coming into town through the construction zone. The 40 mhp sign is gone and a new 35 mph sign is up.
Watch your speed.
Hey Judy, have you noticed the little house across from my business has came up for rent? I can smell sandwiches already! :o)
In today's society, if you are married, stay married, don't cheat, you are really in the minority, it seems. To expect celebrities to have morals is to expect the impossible. Too much is made of those folks - they are put on a pedestal simply because they excel at a sport - we have no idea how they really live, until their scandals make the news. Really, it's hard to find anyone these days who takes anything serious. Everything is entertainment, sports, games, and money. It's a sad state of affairs...pardon the pun !
I was listening to talk radio recently and they were speaking about the Tiger Woods issue concerning possible messing around with other women.
That is so wrong. I can't stomach men who cheat on their wives because it is a slap in the face to men everywhere.
Most of the callers on the talk shows were bashing Tiger for what he allegedly did. And I agree! But let's not forget that if it is true that he messed around with all of these other women, they're just as guilty for messing around with a married man! They knew he was married.
The women need to be held accountable, just like Woods.
I guess i am a little taken a back by the fact there isn't much talk on these talk shows about the institution of marriage and how adultry hurts a lot of people, including children. Where are the morals?
Portland's not really good about preventative signage.....they sure do need to be more attentive to these things before it's too late.
They need to get on the ball and be proactive instead of dragging their feet like they do. No signs out at the school, either...:(
It's really so aggravating.
I noticed this today as well Des. Lots of folks driving without headlights on. I guess officers dont want to get out in the rain to enforce the law. *sigh*
Why doesn't everyone turn their lights on the car when it rains or gets dark at night? I thought this was against the law but I never hear or see anyone getting a ticket for this. It is really bad when you can't see someone because they don't have the lights on. Please crack down on this Portland. It is a dangerous problem.
It seems that in the last few weeks, every road leading into (or out of) Portland has been reduced to 45 mph. Yet there is NOWHERE an attention-getting sign that something has been changed. I travel North on 109 to Franklin, and the traffic there is worse than ever.
Let's face it -- when you drive a road all the time, you know what the speed limit is. If that changes, and your attention is not drawn to the change, you don't realize it. I try to go 45 along that stretch, and have been yelled at, flipped off, and passed on a double line by people who don't know or care that the speed limit has changed. It's really fun to have a semi bearing down on you at 55-60 mph when you are obeying the law and going 45.
A simple solution -- put those little orange flags on any new signs to let people know it's there. Or ask the county to bring one of those machines that flash your speed, and let you know that you're going too fast. Do you need permission from the State Highway Dept to do that??
And yet, I haven't seen any evidence of a patrol car on this part of 109 since the speed limit has been changed. What good is a law if it isn't being enforced? If every car that exceeded the speed limit on 52 and 109 was given a ticket, we could probably pay for a lot of things that the City Council says we can't afford....
well, hasn't this been just wonderfully productive!
Thanks !!
Portland Watcher, we do not disagree that this is not something that needs to be addressed, however Portland does not control State Highways nor do they run Sumner County Schools. The solution will need to be a joint effort and if we do not get conversation from our State Representative (Mike), School Board Members (Glen and David) and City Officials (all of them), then they need to be replaced in our next elections. In the meantime, if it is not illegal to set up memorials for people killed on our state highways, then it should not be illegal for citizens to put up signs warning of the school traffic. I'll meet you out there and help put them up.
Sorry to change the subject, but we're in basketball season now. Does anyone keep up with how the PHS basketball teams are doing?
You're right, Jaws. It's not rocket science at all, it's just typical Portland business as usual. I think it's negligent of them to not provide signage of some sort. Guess they will wait till there's enough accidents out there or someone gets hit, to jolt them into doing something about it.
this should have all been taken care of a thought out prior to construction of this school. It isn't rocket science!
If YOU had read my comments, you would have seen that I DO know about the State requirements. In the last Council Meeting, I heard Mayor Wilber say that even though the State could not put up a sign because the property line and all that did not adjoin the highway, that did not prevent the City from putting up it's own sign...at its own expense, and he said that was something that they would be thinking about. My point was that they knew a school would be out there, and a school zone type sign should have been put up. I am just wondering how long it will take them to do that. I believe he said something like a flashing sign would cost about 8,500 dollars or something like that. There needs to be some type sign put up or the police need to go out and help direct the traffic in the mornings and afternoons to help in the busy times. The police have been there sometimes, but it's not everyday.
I hope a Council member would correct me if I am wrong or mis-heard that about the City being about to provide a sign at their own expense.
The national unemployment rate was released today. Unemployment fell from 10.2 percent to 10 percent and, listening to the president, would think .2 percent is something to get excited about?
Let's get excited when REAL progress is made
Portland Watcher, if you had read about it in the paper or even talked to a council member or Chief West, the city cannot put up a sign for the school zone. Hwy 52 is state owned and TDOT is the one who decides what signs go on the road way. You cannot just put one up because you feel it needs one. It all has to be approved through TDOT. TDOT has already said the school is too far off Hwy 52 to warrant a sign. The speed limit has already been lowered, by TDOT, for the area to 45. We need a police officer or crossing gaurd to assist with getting cars and buses in and out but it all cost money.
Unfortunately Portlandwatcher, attitude reflects leadership!
Just wanted to invite everyone to the Christmas Open House at Sumner Crest Winery on Dec 5th from 2 until 6. We will have refreshments and from 2 until 5 for your entertainment there will be strolling Victorian Christmas Carolers. I think Santa may even show up. Please come and join us. Even if you are not a wine drinker- the gift shop has many food products and gift ideas.
Merry Christmas to everyone out there in blog land!
Merry Christmas !!
Just wanted to say Merry Christmas Ya'll!!!
I'm upset about that the city did not have a " School Zone " sign where Gateview is, too........it's not like they didn't know there was going to be a school there. Looks to me like the City just is too slow in acting on a LOT of things. I understand about the legal issues with the state putting up one and how the property does not qualify for a state provided sign, BUT....the city can put up one and for the safety issues here, I can't believe they haven't got a sign out there, letting people know to slow down, that there's a school entrance there ! The police were there for a few days, but haven't seen them there this week......PUT UP A SIGN, at least !!!
If you shop at CVS be sure you check the expiration dates.
http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/12/02/cvs-in-court-again-for-even-more-expired-drugs-milk-eggs/?icid=main|htmlws-main-w|dl3|link4|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailyfinance.com%2F2009%2F12%2F02%2Fcvs-in-court-again-for-even-more-expired-drugs-milk-eggs%2F
There have been stories in both newspapers about the parade and that there was a deadline for the parade. The Christmas parade happens each year, well except for this one lol. Its not like the parade just sneaked up on everyone.
East Middle:
I am upset about the crossing of the street for our children. The police are normally there, but when they aren't kids have to cross the street on their own.
The police should at least put the 15 mile sign on! Maybe as a community we could get volunteers when they couldn't be there.
Didn't we have a pedestrian killed not to long ago? It would be a tragedy for one of our precious children to get hit.
Everyone speeds, even when the sign is up. where are the police to pull these people over. I think there should be a high penalty for speeders in a school zone.
What do you think?
From the ads in the paper on the parade I didn't see a deadline date. If there weren't enough entries last week they could have put that in the paper & I know they would have had enough participation. All options need to be weighed out before cancelling an event that has been here for so long. Another thing taken away from Portland this year.
On Sunday Dec. 6th,@ 5:00pm there will be a candlelight vigil in honor of Jimmie Seabolt and in memory of Jacob Barretta at the house on Hill Creek Ct in Portland. Please pass this along to anyone that might want to attend.
There's a deadline to register the "floats". That deadline passed and there were only 12 entries. After they cancelled, THEN people start saying "Oh, I was going to be in the parade." You can't procrastinate when the there's a dealine given up front. You're either in it or not.
Chris
I always say the same thing about the parade. Portland always lets everyone that had a child in a pagent drive their car and put that poster on that say's 32nd runner up, or 5th runner up age 61 days 8 hours 45 minutes, next car says 6th runner up age 61 days 8 hours 57 minutes. I'll stop there i'm sure everyone knows what we mean. Portland needs to get someone different to run the parade maybe someone that cares enough to say enough cars already and that will recruit businesses to participate again and take pride in Portland. Would also be nice to get more bands from area schools to come and play like the old days.
Just a thought.
Portland just has no sense of community ---- I'm having a hard time believing everyone just bailed out on the parade..and why did they wait till the very last minute to announce it ?
What about the High School bands, the veterans, the company floats, the FFA,the churches, the fire truck, Santa, the politicians, sorta looks like a decision was made by everyone at some point... hard to believe that everyone just decided not to participate at the last minute.
Well me and my Family are extemely disappointed that the parade is cancelled. This has been somehting that I have taken my kids to since they were born. Well you know what,Chamber maybe if you had told people that there was lack of participation more people would have stepped up. Oh wait that is a good idea that would not be something to even consider. I am not sure that was a smart move people. Oh well I guess we will have to go to another city Christmas parade.
I have heard that most of the 12 entries were paegent winners and runner-ups. Right now a lot of people don't have the extra money to spend on making floats. I actually believe the Chamber made the right decision to not have the parade.
A Christmas parade in my opinion should have nice floats, marching bands, and Santa. Putting a poster board with your childs name and third runner-up isn't exactly an exciting parade to me.
Just read the paper....looks like lack of participation. That's too bad. I know there's going to be a lot of disappointed children who had planned to be in it, as well as people who have spent time and money on their floats. Oh, well...........maybe next year things will go better.
I just heard that Portland will not be having a Christmas Parade this Sunday. I hate to hear that the Chamber had to cancel this event. Not enough entries for the parade? How many do you need to have a parade? Just curious?
Well, President Obama's speech didn't really make me feel much better about things. We're sending in more troops, but we already have a withdraw date.
How's that happen? We don't know if our work will be completed by this withdraw date, but we're leaving anyway. And how about we tell the enemy they can rest of up for the next 18 months and then when the U.S. leaves, you guys can come back into Afghanistan and runs things.
Wow?