City Applies for CDBG Grant To Rehab Sewer Lines

February 7, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

The City of Smithville is making application for a $525,000 Community Development Block Grant to upgrade sewer lines.

The aldermen adopted a resolution authorizing the grant application Monday night. Funding is available under the CDBG Water/Sewer category including the three-star bonus administered by the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.

For years the city has had issues with excessive surface water entering the waste water treatment plant through porous sewer lines especially during heavy rains.

If approved, this grant, with a local match from the city, will help fund improvements to the existing wastewater system lines. The Upper Cumberland Development District will be the grant administrator for the city.

Two years ago work was completed on a $2.8 million upgrade at the Smithville Waste Water Treatment Plant partly funded with a CDBG grant but mostly with city reserves.

February 6, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

A Dowelltown man escaped serious injury in a rollover crash Wednesday afternoon on Highway 70 at Liberty.

According to Trooper Richard Teachout of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, 27 year old Michael Highers was traveling west on Highway 70 in a 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer when his vehicle hydroplaned during the rain, went out of control, and overturned coming to rest on its side.

Highers, who suffered cuts and bruises, was treated at the scene by DeKalb EMS but he refused transport to the hospital.

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department and County Volunteer Fire Department were also on the scene.

February 6, 2019
By:

Reservations are now open for the March 23rd Annual Waterfall Tour by Friends of Edgar Evins State Park. The fee is $15 per person, Visa or Mastercard accepted. Reservations may be made though the website at www.foeesp.com/waterfall-tour This is a fundraiser by the all-volunteer Friends group and the proceeds will benefit the park. For help making reservations you may phone the park office at (931) 646-3080 or toll free1-800-250-8619 for contact information for a member of the Friends group who will be able to assist you.

Meet at Edgar Evins State Park’s office by 8 A.M. Ride a school bus from Edgar Evins State Park to Rock Island State Park to visit Great Falls and Twin Falls, then on to Cumberland Mountain State Park for lunch before going on to Ozone Falls State Natural Area. Walks will be short and will not be strenuous but will be on rocky and uneven ground. You may wish to take a cane or hiking stick as well as a camera. The total distance traveled will be about 200 miles with an expected return to Edgar Evins State Park by 4:00 P.M. In addition to the $15 tour fee, attendees will pay for their own lunch from the buffet in the restaurant at Cumberland Mountain State Park (approximately $10.) There will be an opportunity to shop in the park’s gift store as well as touring the small new museum. Details as they develop will be posted on the Friends website at www.foeesp.com/waterfall-tour and www.facebook.com/friendsofeesp

If you wish to make this an overnight or weekend outing please phone the park office at (931) 646-3080 or toll free1-800-250-8619 to inquire about cabins or camping.