LOCAL NEWS

Tennessee’s Lieutenant Governor is criticizing the state’s new tourism campaign.  The Tennessee on Me campaign offers 250-dollar airline vouchers to the first ten-thousand people who book a minimum two-night stay in a participating hotel in Knoxville, Chattanooga, Nashville or Memphis.  Randy McNally said yesterday it’s disappointing that the promotion is limited to the state’s major cities.  McNally added that those cities weren’t the only places in Tennessee where the coronavirus outbreak negatively impacted the tourism industry.

The Robertson County Players are gearing up to perform Robert Harling’s Steel Magnolias.  The production, directed by Danny Atchley and Connie Smith, will be this weekend and next at the Springfield Middle School Historic Auditorium, 715 5th Ave. West. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased for $15 in advance for adults and $10 for children at www.robertsoncountyplayers.org.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency says there were no deaths on the state’s waterways over the Fourth of July weekend.  However, TWRA says over 20 people were arrested for boating under the influence.  The arrests were part of the agency’s Operation Dry Water.  There were also six serious injury situations and several property damage incidents.  

A Clarksville farmer will be part of the cast for the 23rd season of the CBS reality TV show Big Brother.  Brandon “Frenchie” French is originally from Camden, but currently lives in Clarksville where he farms with his family.  The 34-year-old former U.S. Army soldier is one of 16 cast members for this season.  The new season premieres tonight.

Springfield’s Highland Rim AgResearch and Education Center recently hosted its Tobacco, Beef & More Field Day and Trade Show. The field day provided information and education for Robertson County’s tobacco and cattle producers, and introduced additional learning opportunities through a new partnership with Robertson County’s Master Gardeners. Last year ecent was COVID cancelled

Nissan Stadium will host the first home World Cup qualifier for the United States.  The U.S. will welcome Canada for a match on September 5th.  The United States will open World Cup qualifying at El Salvador September 2nd.  The team will train in Nashville beginning at the end of August.  The United States had its streak of seven straight World Cup appearances snapped in 2018.