An acquaintance recently berated me, declaring “You are always telling people they should get busy and write their memories [as the late Margaret Poe Trotter did so nicely], but when are you going to write yours!” “Well,” I protested, “I thought I had!” I thought that was what I had done in more than a hundred pieces in the POLK COUNTY NEWS, 3 January through 31 July, 1996. I began that writing project with a carefully planned series of twenty-six articles covering what I consider the major aspects of my life as I recalled it in Benton, 1931 into the 1950s. The title of the series was “Never Far Away,” indicating that wherever I had gone and whatever I had done between the 1950s and 1990s, my memories kept my growing-up years close to my heart. Then, in this century, still alive(!), in a nostalgic moment, I began “Now and Then,” in which—over a period of three or four years—following the ups and downs of my life, I ruminated on the past and present. It is true that I occasionally have stray thoughts and memories that could contribute to a more extensive personal memoir, but short of being hypnotized and spirited back into mid-century Polk County I don’t think I could come up with much more significant content. Since “Never Far Away” now seems so far away, during the next few months I plan to revisit that series, revising and bringing up-to-date certain items when needed. This project should take up most of 2013, for I expect to intersperse fresh columns of immediate interest when appropriate. benharrismcclary@comcast.net; 812 La Lane, Chattanooga, TN 37412
Polk County’s road committee met last Tuesday to go over the list of county roads in an attempt to have an updated list that includes all county roads with their proper names as well as the mileage for the roads.
People who have heard things or have knowledge of documents or records that mention Cherokees passing through are asked to contact the TOHA office at 423-263-7232.
The Polk County Chamber of Commerce will have a Grand Opening of its new facility at 1697 Hwy 64, Benton, next to the Ocoee Express on Saturday, March 16th from 10 am- 3 pm.
Congressman Chuck Fleischmann held a round table meeting with County Executive Hoyt Firestone, Benton Mayor Jerry Stephens, Copperhill Mayor Eric Waters and Ducktown Mayor James Talley.
West Polk Fire & Rescue was paged out Thursday morning to a structure fire at the corner of Old Federal Road and Horns Creek Road between Ocoee and Old Fort.
Did you know that except for some small quirk of fate, I could now be the official historian for Kennedy County and living in the county seat of Ocoee?
Copper Basin’s base ballers used a big 4 run first inning and rode the 3 hit pitching of Austin Starnes to defeat the home standing South Pittsburg Pirates 7-4.
Justin Brown epitomized the successful lead-off batter by reaching base three times and scoring a run every time in the Wildcats’ heartbreaking nine inning 7-6 loss to the home standing Chiefs.
Boyd Buchanan’s Buccaneers swept the 2013 regular season series with the Copper Basin Cougars, winning twice in District 5-A games played on two consecutive days.
The descendants of James Monroe and Mattie Goforth Maynor gathered for a reunion at the Benton Municipal Building April 13th with around 60 people in attendance.
Jason Bell successfully defended his doctorial dissertation titled “The Role of an Afterschool Program on Students Graduating High School: A Focus on Lived Experiences” in February at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Take Charge of Your Diabetes, a program developed by Stanford University, is a six-week course designed to help those with diabetes build skills to improve their health one step at a time.
Greg Paxton snapped this picture of a Rose-breasted Grosbeak a couple weeks ago at Camp McCroy (4H Camp) in Greasy Creek. He said he’d never seen one before, but it waited patiently on the branch for him to get his camera.
As Tennesseans pack up and head out to their favorite campsites, the State Fire Marshal's Office urges campers to be aware of carbon monoxide dangers in and around tents and RVs.
The Tennessee State Parks system has lifted a temporary ban on backcountry campfires in state parks, which was put into place June 29, 2012, due to dry weather conditions and the potential for wildfire hazards.
The Tennessee State Parks system is issuing a temporary ban on backcountry campfires in all state parks due to dry weather conditions that could increase the potential for wildfire hazards.
“Providing real time traffic information can help motorists avoid delays and in turn, reduce congestion on our roadways,” said TDOT Commissioner John Schroer.
f you are planning to do any outdoor burning from October 15 through May 15 you will need to check with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Division of Forestry first.
Coon hunters will be able to enjoy their sport in the Ocoee and Tellico Bear Reserves next year – but only for a month and only with two dogs per truck.
The county commission has voiced opposition to a proposed change in the coon hunting season, which was just approved in the Bear Reserve for this year.
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