JOHN COFFELTEditor

The Save Our Stone Fort Bridge award winning float was recently moved into the foyer at the Coffee County Administrative Plaza where it will stay until the Manchester Christmas Parade, Nov. 24.

Coffee County Mayor Judd Matheny said the county is pleased to show its support.

“We look forward to having the replica display there as a show of support for the county’s advocacy in support of the bridge,” he said.

“The Commission voted unanimously for an option to keep the bridge and I believe it’s appropriate for the community to use space at CCAP for anything that has such broad and confirmed support,” Matheny added.

Matheny said the float’s presence there will not inhibit county operations in any way.

The float will be in place during the Tennessee State parks’ public comment meeting scheduled for Nov. 6.

State officials will hold an open meeting at 5:30 p.m., Nov. 6 to hear public comments on a proposed new bridge for Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park. The meeting will be at the Coffee County Administrative Plaza located at 1329 McArthur St., Manchester.

Comments concerning the bridge can be submitted at https://stateoftennessee.formstack.com/forms/osfsap_suvey.

According to the state, the proposed bridge would be for vehicles and pedestrians and would replace a current bridge at the park. The new bridge would allow access to the recreational vehicle campground from the park’s main entrance. Anyone may attend, and comments on the proposal are welcome. The public may also make comments online at this link until Nov. 15.

“We encourage anyone interested to attend the meeting to learn more about the proposed project and provide input,” Mike Robertson, director of operations for Tennessee State Parks said. “We always want to improve visitor experience at the park, and understanding the perspectives of our guests is critical to success.”

John has been with the Manchester Times since May 2011. John has won Tennessee Press Association awards for Best News Photo and placed in numerous other categories. John is a 1994 graduate of Tullahoma High School, a graduate of Motlow State Community College and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Middle Tennessee State University. He lives in Tullahoma, enjoys painting, dancing and exploring the outdoors.