Road closures. Data centers. County projects. You name it, you have probably heard a rumor about it.

Some rumors start innocently enough. Somebody hears part of something, misunderstands what was said, and before long the story takes on a life of its own. That’s going to happen.

TDOT is planning improvements to Westel Road and the I-40 interchange. The work will extend to the intersection with Pig Path Road.

Likely because of that, one rumor I have heard lately is that Pig Path Road is going to be closed. I can understand how someone could hear about the improvements and wonder what they mean for Pig Path Road, so I want to clear it up. Pig Path Road is not being closed. No one has asked to close it, and closing it has never been proposed or discussed. In fact, closing the road would be extremely difficult to do even if someone wanted to.

I confirmed this directly with the State of Tennessee today. Their response was clear: “This project will not be closing Pig Path Rd.” TDOT’s project limits stop at the Pig Path Road intersection, and there are no plans to close the road.

If you hear something that concerns you, please ask. That’s why I’m here.

A good example is the recent T-Mobile issue in Grassy Cove. Residents brought their concerns to us about their cell service. I contacted the FCC and received a response. The County Commission passed a resolution addressing the issue. Staff from both Congressman John Rose’s office and Senator Marsha Blackburn’s office reached out to help. Early indications are that those efforts are producing results for the area.  Thanks to Commissioner Wilson for leading the charge on this!

That’s how the process should work. Bring us your questions and concerns. Let’s find out what is actually happening, and then see what we can do about it.

Sometimes rumors aren’t misunderstandings. Sometimes people take a little bit of information and intentionally turn it into something that isn’t true.

You may have heard a rumor that a data center is coming to the Westel area. I recently found out how that one got started. A landowner apparently said that if things didn’t change in the area, he might sell his property to a data center. Someone took that comment and turned it into a rumor that a data center was coming.

There is a big difference between misunderstanding something and deliberately taking a statement out of context to stir people up.

If you hear something that concerns you, ask. I would much rather you ask me about something you’ve heard than worry about it or assume that it’s true.

Cumberland County Commission Meeting
The monthly meeting of the Cumberland County Commission began with all in attendance except Commissioners Potter, Threet, Davis, and Holbrook.

Cumberland County 4-H members had an outstanding year in horse and livestock judging, earning top honors while representing our county at regional and state competitions.

The Senior High Horse Judging Team of Madalyn Lanzilotta, Macy Tomamichel, and Jack Tomamichel earned Overall Senior High Team honors at the Open Horse Judging Contest. Individually, Madalyn Lanzilotta placed 2nd Overall, and Jack Tomamichel placed 3rd Overall. At the Eastern Region Horse Judging Contest, Jack earned 6th Overall and 6th in Senior Reasons, while Macy Tomamichel placed 8th in Senior Reasons.

Our livestock judging team also had an exceptional season. At the Eastern Region Livestock Judging Contest, the Senior High Team of Seth Troglin, Brylyn Bruce, Madalyn Lanzilotta, and Jack Tomamichel placed 4th Overall, with Seth earning 3rd Overall individually.

The team advanced to the Tennessee 4-H State Livestock Judging Contest, where they placed 3rd as a team in Oral Reasons and were named the High Team in Swine. Oral Reasons requires competitors to explain and defend how they ranked a class of animals, testing not only their livestock knowledge, but also their critical thinking and communication skills.

Seth Troglin had an outstanding performance at the state contest, earning High Individual Overall, High Individual in Swine, and High Individual in Reasons. He also placed 6th in Beef, Sheep, and Goats. Brylyn Bruce earned 4th Overall in Swine.

Congratulations to Madalyn Lanzilotta, Macy Tomamichel, Jack Tomamichel, Seth Troglin, and Brylyn Bruce. We are proud of their hard work and the way they represented Cumberland County!

Resolutions
The following resolutions were considered by the Cumberland County Commission.  The sponsor of each resolution is in parentheses. Detailed information for each resolution can be found here.

RESOLUTION 08-2026-1 – AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY TO SIGN A PROPOSAL WITH THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR STATE PROJECT NOS. 18S299-S1-004, 18S299-S3-005, AND 18S299-S2-005 (FOSTER). This resolution authorizes an agreement with the Tennessee Department of Transportation for major improvements to SR 299 (Westel Road), from near Pig Path Road to the I-40 interchange.  The agreement was reviewed by the road superintendent and the county attorney, and was approved/failed in a 13-0 vote.

The project includes widening and turn lanes, drainage improvements, sidewalks, and significant improvements to the I-40 interchange, ramps, and bridge. The project plans do not call for the closure of Pig Path Road.

RESOLUTION 08-2026-2 – TO APPROVE THE HIRING OF ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES FOR CUMBERLAND COUNTY COMMUNITY COMPLEX (FOSTER). This resolution authorized the County to enter into an agreement with Upland Design Group for architectural and engineering services related to improvements at the Cumberland County Community Complex. The project includes covering the arena, lighting, restrooms, concessions, and the design of a possible convention center.  The resolution was approved in an 11-2 vote, with Commissioners Lowe and Seiber voting against.

Financial Update
In July 2026, the Cumberland County Codes Department issued 35 residential and 0 commercial building permits, 34 general mechanical permits, and 45 general plumbing permits.  A total of $47,142 in fees were collected, compared to $56,365 during the same month a year ago.

The EMS service collected $379,875 which is below the estimated monthly income of $433,333.  There are no additional financial reports this month due to the closing out of the fiscal year.

Thank you for being part of the solution and for the opportunity to serve as your County Mayor.  If you are interested in hearing my thoughts and views on news, events, and activities in Cumberland County, please subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).

Thank you.

Allen Foster
Cumberland County Mayor
http://allenfoster.com