NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry (TDF) invites Tennesseans to participate in the Tennessee White Oak Initiative, a statewide acorn collection program through Nov. 15, 2026. The partnership, which includes TDF’s East Tennessee Nursery, the University of Tennessee Extension and the Tennessee Forestry Association, supports white oak forest regeneration efforts across the state.
“White oak regrowth has declined in Tennessee’s forests,” State Forester Heather Slayton said. “This initiative is part of a large-scale effort to restore white oak populations in forests across our state. We welcome the public to participate in this initiative, whether they own wooded land or not, and help collect acorns that will grow the future giants of our forests.”
Each year, the East Tennessee Nursery in Polk County grows a large crop of white oak seedlings, which are critical to white oak restoration efforts statewide. In recent years, seed suppliers have been unable to meet the nursery’s seed volume needs. Now in its sixth year, the white oak acorn collection program is designed to supplement the nursery’s seed supply to boost seedling production. This type of wild seed collection also tends to yield higher quality, larger and stronger seedlings.
Individuals, civic organizations, forestry groups, landowners and youth organizations who would like to participate can learn how to collect, store and deliver acorns for inclusion in the program at the Tennessee Forestry Association acorn collection webpage.
Interested parties may also reach out to their local TDF area forester for assistance in identifying the correct tree species. The TDF staff directory is online.
TDF protects and promotes the responsible use of forest resources in Tennessee. Focus areas include assisting landowners with a variety of services, providing quality tree seedlings, supporting forest health programs, collecting forest inventory data, assisting forest industries and fighting wildland fires.
Visit the Division of Forestry webpage for more information.
Translation and interpretation services for this press release are available free of charge. Please contact Kim.Doddridge@tn.gov.

COLUMBIA, Tenn. — Maury Regional Health, in partnership with the Maury County Sheriff’s Office and Maury County Prevention Coalition, will host a free drug take-back event Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering community members a safe and anonymous way to dispose of expired, unused or unneeded prescription medications.

A drive-thru drop-off will be available in the Building B parking lot on the Maury Regional Medical Center (MRMC) campus at 1222 Trotwood Ave. in Columbia. Members of MRMC’s security team and the Maury County Sheriff’s Office will collect medications directly from vehicles for proper disposal. The service is free and anonymous, with no personal information required.

The event will also feature family-friendly activities hosted by the Maury County Prevention Coalition and Maury County Sheriff’s Office, including face painting, a slide and a free lunch of grilled hot dogs.

The drug take-back will be held rain or shine. Family activities will be available weather permitting.

“We are pleased to once again offer our community a convenient and safe way to dispose of unused, expired or unneeded medications,” said Scott Nations, MRMC security director. “We encourage residents to take advantage of this important opportunity.”
Proper disposal of unused or unwanted medications can help prevent accidental poisoning and misuse while also helping protect the environment.

Only medications in pill or patch form will be accepted. Items should remain in their original containers, if possible. Liquids, needles and sharps cannot be accepted.

For more information, contact the Maury Regional Medical Center Security Department at 931.381.1111, ext. 4327.

The Marshall County Board of Education will meet on Monday, October 19, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in the Roy D. Dukes Board Room, 700 Jones Circle.

The agenda is as follows:

• Agenda
• Recognitions
• Public Comment
• Virtual Academy Update
• Transportation Update
• Communities in Schools
• Committee Reports/Schedule Committee Meetings
• Consent Agenda
• TISA Accountability Report
• Approval of Spot Lowe Technology Equipment
• Resolutions
• Federal Original Budget
• New Business
• Director’s Report
• Adjourn

Individuals who wish to address the Board during the public comment period for actionable items on the agenda see Board Policy 1.404 Appeals and Appearances Before the Board.

NASHVILLE —The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) is accepting proposals for projects to address nonpoint source pollution (NPS) and improve or protect water quality across Tennessee. The deadline to submit proposals is Dec. 1, 2026.

Funding is available through the Tennessee Nonpoint Source Program and is supported by a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under Section 319(h) of the Clean Water Act.

Eligible applicants include local governments, interstate agencies, nonprofit organizations and institutions, colleges and universities, and state government agencies.

The highest priority will be given to projects targeting waters identified as impaired by NPS on Tennessee’s most recent list of impaired waters. Projects should identify specific sources of pollution and work to address them. Preference is given to projects targeting small, simple watersheds where measurable water quality improvements are most likely.

Watershed restoration projects must be based on an approved watershed-based plan. The second funding priority is projects that protect high-quality surface water designations. Such projects require a watershed-based plan. The third priority is projects focused on education and training to raise public awareness of practical steps to eliminate NPS.

The program typically provides up to 60% of total project costs, with the remaining 40% provided through matching funds. Proposals should be planned for a three-year project period.

For proposal requirements and application information, visit the Nonpoint Source Grant Program webpage.

The City of Lewisburg Public Works Department is transitioning to a new process for scheduling the pickup of brush, debris, and scrap metal as of January 1, 2027. The brush truck will no longer be running routes unless requested for pickup. Residents requesting a pickup should visit the City of Lewisburg website at www.lewisburgtn.gov. From the main page, select Public Works, then click BRUSH PICK UP to submit a pickup request. Residents who need assistance using the website may contact the Public Works Department at 931-359-6383. The City of Lewisburg appreciates the public’s cooperation as we transition to this new process.