I am going to be telling about the meeting 4 H today, Jan. 11, 2022. We did some speeches today.

Portland Gateview Elementary teacher Janet Serrano, was named the Portland Sun January Teacher of the Month. Pictured (l-r) Randy Moore (Portland Sun), Janet Serrano, Principal Karen Jarratt. SUBMITTED

Today there is only one notable Tennessee city or town along the Mississippi River, but that didn’t used to be the case. In fact, I would argue that Tennessee’s most important “ghost town” is the Tipton County community of Randolph.

Long time Farmers Bank employee David Hayes has resigned his position to become pastor at First Baptist Church of Portland.

On Dec 21. 1970, a White House photographer snapped a photograph of Elvis Presley and Richard Nixon together in the Oval Office. Today, that photograph is the most requested image in the National Archives.

Last year was filled with many major events in Portland from the city opening its newly renovated city hall to the Strawberry Festival drawing its biggest crowd.

Congratulations to the recently selected fifth-grade 4-H officers at Merrol Hyde Magnet School. From the left - President, Carson Fortenberry; Vice President, Lexi Griffies; Secretary,Tali Kellogg; Reporter, Carter Howard; Record Keeper, Bronwynn Wofford; Activity Leader, Kenley Reeder. SUBMITTED

Caring for a loved one is difficult. Caring for someone you don’t like is an even greater challenge. Perhaps it’s a parent or stepparent who was abusive. Or a brother who was never there for you. You can love someone but not like them.

Clyde Riggs Elementary Teacher Debbie Greer was named the Portland Sun December Teacher of the Month. Pictured (l-r) Randy Moore (Portland Sun), Debbie Greer, and Principal Melissa Robbins. SUBMITTED

Tennessee’s eighth grade students learn about the Erie Canal—the artificial body of water that connected the Hudson River to the Great Lakes. They also learn that the Erie Canal is largely responsible for making New York the largest city in America.

The Preservation Foundation for The Temple Theatre held “A Quiet Christmas Dinner & Show” including a silent auction recetnly at the banquet room of the theatre. The event was sold-out.

The Ministers Network of Portland met earlier this month at 109 Family Restaurant for their monthly meeting. Fifteen people attended this special December breakfast.

During the pandemic, we’ve watched women step up in tremendous ways. We all know a strong woman who is putting others before herself and her own health and wellbeing. We see this too often, especially when it comes to reproductive health.

Tis the season to be merry, to shop, to eat special treats and meals, and to visit family and friends.

The Sumner County Highway Department announced the retirement of longtime employee David Schell, who served the county for nearly four decades.

After taking a year off in 2020 due to the effects COVID-19, the Christmas 4 Kids annual Tour Bus Show returned to Hendersonville on Monday, Dec. 13.

Brent Kibbey and Ariel Chen were married Dec. 19 at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in Cottontown, Tenn., with family and friends in attendance.

My wife and I were newlyweds and we decided to splurge on a date night. Like most newlyweds, we didn’t have a lot of money so this was big deal. At the restaurant we happened to run into an elderly couple we knew quite well.

Congratulations to Napa Auto and Truck Parts on their recent Portland Chamber of Commerce ribbin cutting. SUBMITTED

You may not have heard of the late Nashville businessman Jack Massey. But if it weren’t for Massey, you probably never would have heard of Kentucky Fried Chicken.

As the year comes to a close there are still plenty of 5Ks happening that are raising money for good causes.

North Sumner Elementary Teacher, Brittney Brown was named the Portland Sun November Teacher of the Month. Pictured (l-r) Principal Terry Herndon, Brittney Brown, and Randy Moore (Portland Sun). SUBMITTED

Tennessee likes to boast about old structures it has preserved and historical markers it has erected. However, in terms of remembering migration routes, our state could do a much better job.