A noteworthy event happened Tuesday, Jan.17 at the Portland Public Library when two World War II Navy veterans met for the first time and reminisced about their experiences in the war.

History buffs and other locals wanting a weekend getaway without the long drive, can now enjoy a relaxing stay in a well-known historic home with all of the 19th century furnishings.

The Portland Senior Center moved to their location for their December luncheon to The Farmers Bank at 108 Main Street in Portland.

The City of Portland Parks and Recreation Master Plan was approved by the city council at the Jan. 9, 2023 meeting.

Richard and Kelli Simpson were very thankful when they heard sirens coming toward their house answering their 911 call.

The Portland Chamber of Commerce held a luncheon at the Portland Public Library of Sumner County on Jan. 12.

Portland High School has become unique among schools in Sumner County.

Local churches in Portland, large and small, worked with schools, Portland C.A.R.E.S, Hands of Hope, and other non-profits to see that no family was left out during the Christmas season. Each group did what they could to show the love of Christ.

United Ways of Sumner County (UWSC) is pleased to launch, in partnership with United Ways of Tennessee (an association of 30 United Ways in our state), the Tennessee Benefit Kitchen.

We are all living our best lives, giving thousands of kisses (or hugs and smiles), and then there comes a point when many people need a way to let others know they are hurting. 

My late mother, Mary Helen Brim McCall, was a phenomenal person. I suppose every boy who had a nurturing mother felt her to be phenomenal. Mine was not only very intelligent, but she also had loads of “common sense.” You know what they say about common sense – “common sense is not so common.”

Resolutions, resolutions and more resolutions. That is all we wanted to talk about as we left 2022 and entered a new year. We conjured up all these great things we wanted to do — but by mid-February, that list will be the same as my hairline: gone.

I surely wish I had started buying Forever Stamps when they first came out for 41 cents each in 2007.

Portland C.A.R.E.S. Director Penny Martin did not expect to get a call from the Portland Fire Department on Christmas Eve telling her that a sprinkler head had frozen and flooded the building during the extremely cold weather.

The National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators (NAESPA) is pleased to announce that Oakmont Elementary has been named a National ESEA Distinguished School by the state education agency in Tennessee.

Volunteer State Bank recently celebrated its 45th anniversary with its 45 Angels for 45 Years initiative. Through a partnership with The Salvation Army, the bank adopted 45 angels to commemorate serving the community for 45 years.

Well-known former Sumner County resident Buzzy Neil has published a book of short stories titled, The Free Range Life of Buzzy Neil.

The Portland Police Department recognized this year’s graduates of its Citizens Police Academy (CPA) on Dec. 1.

Eric Long, also known as The Quilting Trucker, donated six hand made quilts to Hands of Hope before Christmas to draw attention to the food pantry and its efforts to feed those in need.

It seems like 2022 flew by with so many events happening in and around Portland.

The Ronnie McDowell Children’s Christmas shopping trip returned to Portland this year after an absence due to the COVID pandemic.

The Portland High School Band presented its 2022 Christmas Concert on Monday, Dec. 12. Several groups presented special music selections before the Concert Band performed.