Home Care In Kingston Springs, TN

The Town of Kingston Springs (pop. 2,796) is poised to increase full-time staff salaries in aggregate by 19 percent as part of its proposed 2023-24 budget.

On a singular basis, some salaries are proposed to be increased by 39 percent (City Manager), 60 percent (Public Works Director), 28.21 percent (Financial Director), and 15 percent (Parks Director). The overall top five salaries (out of 17 positions) will total over $426,000, which is an increase of over $92,000 from last year.

The question I have received from many constituents/taxpayers who are aware of these proposed salary increases is simply what increase in services can the people expect in reciprocation, which, including part-time salaries, total a proposed $1.16 million total salary budget for next fiscal year? The proposed budget passed by a majority vote on first reading and is scheduled for second reading on June 15.

The Kingston Springs Farmer’s and Artisan Market is up and running. Many old friends and many newcomers to Kingston Springs made it one of their first summer outings. Folks who stopped by my Commissioner Listening Booth brought up a variety of topics, ranging from a request to increase citizen input and involvement, multiple suggestions for the town to consider installing a pickleball court, organizing community litter pick-up events, folks who, while not excited about the construction mess, were excited about the sidewalks currently being put in place on Harpeth View Trail, implementing an annual Community Flea Market event on the farmer’s market grounds and concerns about a lack of public notification regarding possible dangerous activities in the area.

Stop by to chat this Saturday or just come by to listen to the live music and go home with fresh produce, flowers and baked goods, or a one-of-a-kind handmade work of art.

After many citizens voiced their collective opinion in opposition to the sale of the town’s Wastewater Department, the town took heed. Following the City Commission’s formal rejection of the bid received from an out-of-state utility operating company to purchase the Wastewater Department, plans were set in motion for the purchase and installation of a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA). Such a system would allow real-time flow monitoring and data analysis of leaks, overflows, etc. at each pump station. Once in place, the resultant data analysis can be used to identify any problem areas for mapping, scoping and repair.

The town is still seeking a Wastewater Plant Director and staff person and there have been several candidates who have expressed interest. In the interim, the City Manager has expressed a desire to investigate the possibility and/or benefits of hiring a “wastewater management company” to manage the overall function of the sewer system.

Lastly, some town residents including our household participated last month in “No Mow May,” which is the practice whereby you allow your lawn to grow without mowing or fertilizing to encourage bee-friendly grasses and wildflower plants to grow in your yard. Since 2020, more than 70 towns across the U.S. have signed on to relax maintenance rules for property owners during the month of May as part of a movement meant to “let things grow naturally’ and feed local bee populations for the upcoming growing season. The practice also benefits water quality and soil health.

Closer to home, the Cumberland River Project supported the initiative in Davidson County this year and had over 200 households sign up! Perhaps next year, Kingston Springs can become one of those towns officially supporting our pollinators by supporting “No Mow May 2024.”

As always, thank you to the Cheatham County Exchange for its integral part in helping to keep the citizens of Kingston Springs informed.

Carolyn M. Clark is a city commissioner for the town of Kingston Springs.

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America’s 15^th most populous State, Tennessee is surely one of the key hubs of the Southeastern United States. And with its culturally rich history, splendid rivers and other waterways, warm climate, and a welcoming southern charm, the “Volunteer State”, and its wonderful small towns are great ways to get acquainted with the USA. Though larger cities may continue to be first of mind for many, these adorable and fascinating Tennessee towns contain all the beauty and intrigue of some of the very best of America. So get ready for a memorable trip through these true gems of Tennessee and the southern United States!

Kingston Springs

Just some 22 miles from the city of Nashville, the town of Kingston Springs is a wonderful day trip excursion. Situated along the Harpeth River and with warm winters and hot summers, visitors can expect a destination rich in outdoor activities with splendid natural surroundings. Indeed this community of nearly 3,000 inhabitants charms with its quaint and relaxing atmosphere, and guests can partake in such activities like hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, and jogging. Meanwhile one can even visit the weekly Farmers Market from May to August for some of the best in locally grown food or enjoy an authentic American cheeseburger at the Fillin’ Station restaurant.

Tiptonville

The seat of Lake County, Tiptonville lies right on the border with Missouri and Kentucky and is beautifully situated on both Reelfoot Lake and the mighty Mississippi River. Founded in the 1850s, this charming town is a popular retreat for outdoor lovers where many fun activities can be enjoyed. Try one’s hand at fishing, hiking, and cycling along the waterway, while at the Reelfoot Lake State Park or the Lake Isom National Wildlife Refuge, special views of local animals and plants are the highlight of any day. Meanwhile the history lover can appreciate Tiptonville’s role during the Civil War and visit the Battle of Island No. 10 Monument, commemorating an 1862 Union victory.

Germantown

Considered a suburb of Memphis, Germantown traces its roots to the 1820s when German pioneers settled in the area. Today the home to a population of just over 41,000 residents, this charming place is a great mix of modern living and traditional culture. Visitors can enjoy such events like the Germantown Festival (which celebrates local craftworkers and their art), and the Charity Horse Show, amongst other local festivals. And with Germantown’s beautiful green spaces and parks, even just a casual stroll through the downtown is always a scenic delight. Meanwhile visiting the historic Fort Germantown sheds insightful light on Tennessee’s role during the Civil War and the efforts of the Union Army to defend the nearby Memphis railroad.

Waverly

Established in the 1830s, the town of Waverly is one of Tennessee’s oldest and today is home to a modest population of just over 4,000 residents. Seat of Humphreys County and located along the Tennessee River, this charming place is full of natural allure and historic intrigue. A former hub of the Confederacy during the Civil War, visitors can explore such places like the Civil War Fort and Humphreys County Museum and the Johnson State Historic Park that explores not only the Civil War but other pivotal conflicts in American history. In addition nature enthusiasts can visit the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge or even spend an afternoon at the Loretta Lynn Ranch and Campground where hiking, fishing, camping, canoeing and more can be enjoyed in a quaint and rustic atmosphere.

Dover

Dover is situated right on the Cumberland River and is just some 82 miles from the city of Nashville. A great day trip outing and with its hot summer and warm winter temperatures, visitors will be sure to find an exciting atmosphere in this charming small town. Enjoy time on the River, while at the nearby Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge opportunities to view waterfowl and marine plant life in their natural habitat make for a special outing. Meanwhile for the American history lover, visiting Fort Donelson and the National Battlefield Historic site is a must. Here the restored Fort and an array of preserved artillery canons bring guests back to the early days of the Civil War and Tennessee’s role as a part of the Confederacy.

Surgoinsville

Established by French Huguenot missionaries in the early 1800s, the small town of Surgoinsville continues to be a most charming and welcoming destination steeped in history and natural beauty. Located a short 90 minute drive from the city of Knoxville and situated along the Holston River, this eastern Tennessee town is a great place to enjoy quiet contemplation and welcoming hospitality. Enjoy opportunities for quiet walks, canoeing, jogging, and biking along the water’s edge, while a tour of several 19^th century buildings is always a time travelling delight. And do not forget the fun and historic Fudge Farm for an authentic look into farming life in the 1800s. Built in 1812, this classic Colonial style building and museum is an informative and interactive excursion for the whole family.

Greeneville

Tennessee’s second oldest town (after Jonesborough), Greeneville was formally established in the 1780s. Today the home of nearly 15,500 residents, this historic locale near the Appalachian Mountains serves as the seat of Greene County and visitors can expect plenty of direct links to America’s past. Visit the fascinating historic district where several 18^th and 19^th century buildings still stand including the Hotel Brumley (1884), the Antrium Log Cabin (1800), and the Andrew Johnson Home (1851). In addition a number of splendid parks can be enjoyed in Greeneville, while festivals like the Greene County Fair or the Street Dance on Davis are fun outings for the young and old alike.

Tellico Plains

The town of Tellico Plains is situated within the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains and along the Tellico River, making it a most picturesque and quaint community. Home to just under 800 permanent residents (according to the 2020 census), this town near the Cherokee National Forest is an ideal place for those looking for a quiet and charming slice of small town USA. Enjoy such activities like fishing, hiking, strolling along the water’s edge, or even a game of golf in a leisurely and welcoming setting. Meanwhile tourists can spend an informative afternoon at the Charles Hall Museum, where the history of Native Americans and colonial pioneers are highlighted. With an extensive collection of artifacts and other memorabilia, this is surely one place no history lover will not want to miss out on.

Copperhill

Situated in southern Tennessee’s Polk County, Copperhill was founded in the 1890s in a region known as the Copper Basin. Home to a small populace of just under 500 inhabitants, this once important copper and acid production centre continues to be a charming place to enjoy small town life and the outdoors. Spend time at the nearby Ocoee River, where activities like biking, hiking, and even whitewater rafting can all be enjoyed. Meanwhile an afternoon at the Gee Creek Wilderness (which forms part of the Cherokee National Forest) is a great way to encounter a beautiful variety of mountain plants and wildlife. And at the end of the day why not cool off with a stop at Buck Bald Brewing? Here some of the best in American and other local beers can be sampled.

Also known as the “Volunteer State”, Tennessee is one of the southeastern United States’ most beautiful places to discover. Full of rich history and stunning natural wonders, a visit to the State and its adorable small towns are indeed a must for anyone with an interest in true Americana. From the historic streets of Greeneville to the relaxing vibe of Kingston Springs and beyond, these wonderful small Tennessee towns stand out as some of the very best in the region. And with loads of charming hospitality, fascinating stories of the past, and wondrous waterways to explore, there is always a reason to want to experience Tennessee and its towns first hand.

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The 2020 tornadoes gave Middle Tennessee a firsthand look at just how powerful and destructive the wind can be. With tornado season now underway, should residents expect one of these strong storms every year?

That’s a difficult question to answer for even the top meteorologists in the region.

The average number of tornadoes that touch down in Middle Tennessee per year is 17. However, that number can be misleading.

“It does vary year to year,” said Caroline Adcock, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Nashville, on Monday’s episode of This Is Nashville. “Pretty much 2021 and 2022 were complete opposites of one another. So in 2021, Middle Tennessee actually saw 46 tornadoes, whereas in 2022, we only saw one.”

Instead of predicting a certain number of tornadoes, meteorologists look at overall trends.

“It’s difficult to predict each year to year. I know there’s overall trends we can look at just thinking maybe this year might be more active. But, they’re just trends. It doesn’t necessarily mean that year’s going to 100% be more active,” Adcock said.

More: Preparing for Middle Tennessee’s next tornado

However, the trends do indicate that there’s been an increase in the number of recorded tornadoes touching down in Middle Tennessee.

“In the past 30 years, we’ve seen more tornadoes across Middle Tennessee,” Adcock said. “But I want to put a big asterisk next to that because, while we’ve seen more tornadoes, we’re not saying that there’s actually been more tornadoes. … So while we have seen this trend of more tornadoes, it could be simply related to having better technology to identify tornadoes and also more people that can be impacted by them.”

The question of climate change

When asked if climate change could be contributing to the increase in tornadoes, Adcock noted that it’s impossible to blame any one tornado on climate change by itself.

“But what we do know with climate change is that we are seeing more extreme weather events across the U.S,” she said.

Meteorologists and climate scientists have seen tornadoes change over the last few decades. Tornado outbreaks are more frequent, and tornado alley is shifting eastward to include parts of Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee and other southern states. However, because tornadoes are brief and localized, they’re “difficult to link to global climate trends,” according to Yale Climate Connections.

Tennessee is currently experiencing the La Niña pattern, which means warmer and wetter weather.

“We’ll usually have an earlier and more active severe weather season,” Adcock said.

La Niña doesn’t guarantee a busy tornado season, however.

“When it comes to forecasting tornadoes, we need a lot of variables to come together. We need moisture. We need something called instability — so how fast the air is moving aloft and different things like that. Usually, we need a cold front and different things like that,” Adcock said. “But the really interesting thing with tornadoes is we need all of these variables to come together pretty much perfectly. So even if there’s one little thing off, a tornado might not happen.”

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A couple in Middle Tennessee has found their lost wedding ring after nearly five decades of searching. They lost it on a Massachusetts Army base, and with the help of strangers, they got it back.

“We had an argument about something. We had an argument and the ring got thrown into the woods across from our house. He went and looked for it, but he could never find it.” said Phillip and Skyla Carmona of Kingston Springs.

For years, the parents of eight children would occasionally travel to the base where they last had the ring. They even used a metal detector to try and find it, but had no luck. Now living in Tennessee, and despite 49 years without it, they never lost hope that one day they’d be reunited with the ring they used to exchange vows.

“I have always known it could be found if somebody who knew what they were doing could look for it,” said Skyla.

“Agreed,” said Philip.

After reaching out for the community’s help, History Discovered, a hobby metal detection group including military members with metal detection skillsets, set out to find it. They were armed with a sketch of Philip’s last memory of the area where it could be.

“That’s the sketch I sent him,” said Philip.

To Philip and Skyla’s surprise, the ring was found in just 15 minutes. The search team sent back a photo to the couple so they could verify it.

“I said, ‘That’s the ring,'” said Philip. “It was just amazing. I was like, I am now sort of speechless, overwhelmed.”

Now reunited with the ring, the couple said it’s a perfect example of faith and love at work in their marriage over nearly the last 50 years.

“In life things happen and they leave a void, and that’s what this was. It was like there was a void there because my ring wasn’t with me, and so when I found out, it filled that void,” said Skyla.

The couple is set to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in February; that’s when Skyla will put the ring on again for the first time in almost five decades. The search team has also been invited to that celebration.

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KINGSTON SPRINGS, Tenn. (WTVF) — Tornado cleanup continues in Kingston Springs after an EF2 tornado caused significant damage there.

A portion of Highway 70 was shut down because of the damage, but it’s officially back open.

Cheatham County Sherriff's deputies will continue patrolling the area and are asking drivers to be careful in the more heavily damaged spots.

A good portion of the damage in Kingston Springs was along Highway 70 and on Sneed Road.

Mayor Tony Gross posted on social media the response from the community and state has been tremendous. He said what they need the most are volunteers to help storm victims clear the property of downed trees.

Mayor Gross said there are so many first responders and volunteers doing a great job to help. He feels blessed to be part of his community.

People are still meeting at the corner of Cedar Hill Road and Highway 70 to assemble a cleanup plan.

With rain in the forecast, Mayor Gross is encouraging everyone to make sure to tarp their roof. They have all sizes at the Datco shop available to residents.

On Wednesday, Gov. Bill Lee announced nine counties including Cheatham County are eligible for federal funding to cover emergency measures taken in response to the tornadoes.

The State Emergency Operations Center also remains activated as State of Tennessee personnel and non-governmental organizations support response and recovery efforts in all areas impacted by the weekend’s severe weather and tornadoes.

The Ark here in town has been helping collect donations and there are several ways to support the people in Kingston Springs.

How to help families in Kentucky and Tennessee impacted by deadly tornadoes

These are the victims of the Kentucky tornado outbreak

Photos: Damage across Middle Tennessee, Southern Kentucky in severe December storms

NWS confirms 15 tornadoes touched down in Middle Tennessee

Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office, a division of the Department of Commerce and Insurance, presented grant checks to the Kingston Springs and Pleasant View Volunteer Fire Departments on Friday, June 9.

The funds came from Gov. Bill Lee’s Volunteer Firefighter Equipment and Training Grant Program, with $27,290 going to Kingston Springs and $54,525 going to Pleasant View.

According to a press release from the SFMO, the VFETGP was created through legislation headed by Gov. Lee and passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to provide volunteer fire departments help with purchasing firefighting equipment and meeting matching requirements for federal equipment grants. In the three years of the program’s existence, $6.5 million has been awarded to purchase firefighting equipment.

To qualify for the competitive grants, the fire departments must have valid recognitions from the SMFO and be composed of less than 51 percent full-time firefighters.

According to TDCI Communications Director Kevin Walters, “Applications received during the submission period will be scored internally and submitted to a seven-member committee who will oversee the award selection. Application criteria is based on a number of factors including whether the requested monies would be used for a federal grant matching requirements for firefighting equipment and training or for local purchases for firefighting equipment. Fire departments are asked to describe the need they have for the equipment and how the purchase will help protect firefighters as well as lives and property in communities.”

Approximately 70 percent of Tennessee firefighters are volunteers, and with aging equipment putting firefighters at risk, new equipment is a big need, according to Walters. The grant program came about after meeting with volunteer firefighters statewide to assess the biggest challenges and needs they face.

“We undertook visiting volunteer departments across the state in a multi-year, boots-on-the-ground process. I then took that to the governor. For some of them, you don’t have a new fire hall. Some have turnout (protective) gear that’s 40 years old, because the manufacturer says it should be replaced every 10 years. The governor is very evidence-driven, so we were able to gather evidence for needs,” TDCI Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Carter Lawrence said.

Members of both fire departments expressed gratitude for the grant money and the time the governor’s team took to understand their needs.

Jarrod Chandler, PVVFD Community Risk Reduction Coordinator and firefighter, said, “This gear is life-changing for some of our guys because of the safety it provides them. The older gear we have can fail. They’ve got the firefighters in mind.”

KSVFD Deputy Chief Jeremy Vaughan said, “We feel like we were heard.”

PVVFD Fire Marshal Ricky Read said the grant money will be used to purchase new self-contained breathing apparatus and turnout gear. Read, who has been a volunteer firefighter for the last 38 years, said it’s important to ensure the safety of those who give their time without asking for anything in return, especially in a time when he says recruitment and retention of volunteers are down.

“Back in the day, it was guys that got off a tractor. These guys are trained as much as the guys in Nashville. It’s a lot of school and takes a lot of time, and the more the economy gets messed up, the harder it gets to have the time to get trained. We’re blessed in that most of our firefighters are career firefighters someplace else,” Read said.

The Cheatham County Fire Tax funds the volunteer fire departments’ annual budgets, so the state and federal grants help supplement needs such as equipment.

For more information about the VFETGP, visit www.tn.gov/commerce/fire/departments/grant-opportunities.html

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Neighborhoods

Watch Savannah Conley

She performs outside of the cabin where she wrote much of her debut album, Playing the Part of You is Me.

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Courting, New Last Name

Last month, Nashville-based singer-songwriter Savannah Conley released her album Playing the Part of You is Me, an impressive debut rich with songs on love, heartache, and personal growth. It's clear music is in her blood; unsurprisingly, her mother was a professional back-up singer and her father was an accomplished studio musician.

For her "Neighborhoods" session, Conley ventured out to the rural community of Kingston Springs where she was raised, about 30 minutes outside of Nashville. She performs one of the album's stand-out tracks "Don't Make Me Reach" on the steps of the cabin where she wrote much of the album's material.

‘Don't Make Me Reach’ was written really quickly," she revealed. "I think I wrote it in 10 minutes in a pretty desperate feeling moment. I felt very defeated and had nothing else to give to the situation I was in. The only guitar I had in the house at the time was an old acoustic that was missing a string that I tuned to some dumb alternate tuning and that song was the result.”

Watch her "Neighborhoods" session below, and check out her debut album here.

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KINGSTON SPRINGS, Tenn. (WTVF) — Damage beneath Interstate 40 in Kingston Springs has some people across Middle Tennessee concerned that the bridge near exit 188 could fail.

Ed Mason first brought it to NewsChannel 5's attention after someone posted a picture of the damaged concrete to the Hip Kingston Springs Facebook page that Mason manages. Mason said he could tell something was wrong almost as soon as he saw the picture.

“I’m no engineer, but the alarm bells go off,” Mason said.

His store Pencils is just down the road from exit 188. It’s a road he takes every day, that he says may all change after what he’s seen. We managed to get a closer look at the bridge ourselves, after speaking with the property owner where the bridge is located.

The property owner didn’t want to go on camera, but he said the Tennessee Department of Transportation has done some work to brace the beams. He said how after every storm, TDOT makes a trip to see if floodwaters have made the erosion any worse. Mason says this is the damage worth another look.

“Let’s take a hard look at this and try to get this fixed. Make sure that there’s no structural damage there that could put people’s lives in danger,” Mason said.

NewsChannel 5 reached out to TDOT who explained that they reviewed the pictures we sent their way. They claim the image shows a “minor defect.” They say the concrete helps protect the steel pile from rust “due to normal wet/dry conditions.”

“It has no bearing on the structural integrity of the bridge. This bridge has been inspected and evaluated including additional site visits of the issue. There is no danger to the traveling public and no loss of capacity for this bridge. The structure is safe for all vehicles and will continue to be monitored during future inspections.”

In the same email from TDOT, they said there seems to be some confusion with the aforementioned bridge in that there currently is no weight limit on this bridge. “There is, however, a weight limit on a separate, nearby bridge along I-40 over the Harpeth River at mile marker 198. The weight limit is 40 tons due to deck (or surface) deterioration. The limit only affects oversized/overweight loads. All oversized/overweight loads that exceed 40 tons must take a detour accessible from the Kingston Springs exit. As for the bridge itself, deck deterioration is not uncommon in concrete structures, but it’s important to be aware, take precautions as needed and make repairs as necessary. The structure at this location is safe for standard traffic loads (excluding oversized loads), and will continue to be monitored until deck repairs can be made.”

TDOT said repair plans are in the works, but likely won't take place until next year. Due to the structure and location near the river, TDOT's bridge teams and maintenance crews will not be able to make the repairs. TDOT said the work will go through the traditional letting process, such as contractor bidding, and because the bridge is structurally sound, other projects will take priority.

It’s not to say we haven’t seen precautions taken before on the same interstate, just three hours west. One stretch of I-40 in Memphis has been closed since May after a break was discovered in one of their beams. If that was enough to close down one bridge, Mason expects TDOT to once again put safety first.

"Eleven years later from the flood of 2010 and we're still looking at damage from this bridge. So they've known about this for quite some time. It's time to get this fixed," Mason said.

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KINGSTON SPRINGS, Tenn. (WTVF) — Some parents get on child care wait-lists the moment they find out they're pregnant.

In Middle Tennessee, there are far more kids than child care spots.

In child care deserts, the state is trying to make what's available more accessible to low-income families.

As of October 1, any child care agency in Tennessee that accepts families in the child care payment assistance program is receiving increased reimbursement rates.

Parents in the Smart Steps program are eligible for the reimbursement. To be accepted into the program, there are a few criteria. Income needs to be below the 85th percentile of State Median Income. They must have children six weeks to five-years-old or children who go to school (or both), and work 30 hours or more a week.

Reimbursement is only an option if the child's child care provider is part of the child care assistance program.

"If they've done that and they're contracted with us to accept those subsidy payments, then as low-income families get enrolled with those providers we can provide our rates directly to that provider on behalf of the families," said Jude White, the Assistant Commissioner of Child Care and Community Services for the Tennessee Department of Human Services.

Recently, TDHS published this map. It shows the child care deserts in the state. After taking a look, it's clear the demand outweighs the supply.

Just in Kingston Springs, there is a need for 280 more child care spots.

Sycamore Trails Nature School and Child Care has been open for 20 years. There is a two year waitlist.

"Since Friday, I've had nine messages for child care from part time to full-time, from infants to four-year-olds," said Judy Richards, owner. "It is crazy."

According to Tennesseans for Quality Early Education, the average annual price of center-based care is $11,068 for infants and $10,184 for toddlers.

If you're thinking about starting or expanding a child care agency, there is grant money available. Through the Establishment and Expansion Grants program, you can apply for dollars for things like furniture, equipment, and curriculum costs.

Copyright 2023 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.