Local News

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology Nashville — Portland Campus was a part of the National CTE Letter of Intent Signing Day.  The ceremony was to allow high school seniors to formally commit to enrolling in technical education. Seniors from 10 area high schools including Portland, Springfield, East Robertson, White House, and White House Heritage High Schools, were among those signing their Letters of Intent.

Governor Bill Lee’s education funding plan is getting closer to becoming law.  The Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement would replace the current Basic Education Program.  The new formula would provide a base allocation of nearly seven thousand dollars per student but additional funding for students who require more instruction.  Governor Lee’s plan passed the finance committees in both the House and Senate yesterday.

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation will collect household hazardous waste in two Mid-State counties on Saturday.  In Franklin County, the drop-off will be at the Joyce Lane Recycle Center from 8 o’clock in the morning until 1 in the afternoon.  At the same time, the drop-off in Williamson County will be held at the County Administrative Complex.  Alkaline batteries, paint, oil, antifreeze, and electronics won’t be accepted.

It’s almost time for one of the most popular events in the state gets underway.  The lottery to claim 800 vehicle passes for the 2022 synchronous firefly viewing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park opens this week.  The lottery goes live Friday morning at 9:00 central time and will close on Tuesday, May 3rd.  The viewing opportunity will run from Friday, June 3rd through Friday, June 10th.  Elkmont Campground will host 100 vehicles each night.