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Near Monterey, TN

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Your health and wellbeing are critical to living a productive, normal life. That's why it's so important to have a reliable health care provider that you can call on, who has your best interests at heart, no matter the circumstance. Sometimes, though, change is necessary. You may have decided to switch health care providers for a number of reasons like new insurance coverage, unhappiness with your current provider, or even medical malpractice. Whatever your reasons, choosing a new health care provider is a serious one. An MD may be qualified to practice medicine, but that doesn't mean they're a good match for your needs. They may not have the empathy, experience, or expertise that you need in your life.

If you're like most people, you need a health care provider who is qualified in their field and offers exemplary guidance: an unbiased figure you can lean on for any kind of medical advice. The truth is, however, that not all health care providers go above and beyond the "call of duty" to ensure their patients feel valued, respected, and comfortable.

Fortunately, Chris Archer, ANP-C, has built his career on providing his patients with professional, personalized medical services in Monterey. If you live in Tennessee, and need a trustworthy medical team that specializes medical services like primary care and urgent care, look no further than Primary Care & Occupational Health Center.

What makes our health center stand out from other medical practices? In short, it's all about the quality of care that we provide to our valued patients. We pride ourselves on:

  • Strict Adherence to Medical Guidelines
  • Communication
  • Organization
  • Empathy
  • Collaboration
  • Advocating for Our Patients
  • Personable Care
Testosterone Replacement Monterey, TN

Chris Archer ANP-C

I am excited and honored to join the Primary Care & Occupational Health Center practice and I personally look forward to serving you.

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Service Areas

Service Areas

Primary Care in Monterey, TN

To some, primary care might seem like an ambiguous term. What does primary care actually mean, and what exactly is a primary care provider? In the simplest terms, primary care means general medical care. A primary care provider (or PCP) specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing ailments and conditions that affect a patient's health. Some primary care health care providers focus on specific areas of medicine, like internal and family medicines.

You can think of primary care providers like the quarterbacks of healthcare. Much like a quarterback passing a ball, the PCP makes sure patients get the appropriate care, in the correct setting, by the most qualified care provider. They always do so in a way that aligns with the patient's needs and values. Typically, your primary care health care provider will be your first point of contact in Monterey's medical system.

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Why is Primary Care Important?

Through regular checkups, primary care treatment can prevent serious problems from happening in the first place. Statistically, adults who see their primary care health care providers regularly lower their odds of premature death by 19%, compared to adults that only see specialists. Seeing a PCP isn't just a good idea on the surface - studies show that regular checkups actually prolong your life.

If a longer life weren't enough reason to consider primary care services in Monterey, think about your bank account. According to a study, adults who use their primary care provider save as much as 33% more on medical bills than people who only see specialists. Primary care also helps save money by keeping you out of the emergency room, where medical care can be more than 4x as much as outpatient care. In one North Carolina ER, health care providers found that patients could have saved 700% or more had they received care from a PCP instead of going to the emergency room.

Additionally, primary care providers can catch and treat problems at their outset, which often happens during annual checkups. Catching an illness early is always preferable to catching an advanced illness, from both a health and financial standpoint.

At Primary Care & Occupational Health Center in Monterey, we specialize in several facets of primary care, including:

  • Annual Physical and Wellness Exams
  • Fevers
  • Headaches and Migraines
  • Allergies
  • Bladder Infections
  • Asthma
  • Ear Infections
  • Eye Infections
  • Flu and Colds
  • Viral Illnesses
  • Diarrhea, Vomiting, and Nausea
  • Bronchitis and Pneumonia
  • Sore Throat
  • Skin Conditions
  • Sinus Problems and Infections
  • Urinary Tract Infections
  • Respiratory Infections
  • Respiratory Infections
  • Physicals for Sports and General Wellness

Whether you're ready to switch today or have questions about our primary care services, Chris Archer and his team of professionals are here to help.

 Medical Clinic Monterey, TN

Whether you're ready to switch today or have questions about our primary care services, Chris Archer and his team of professionals are here to help.

Schedule Appointment
 Mens Health Monterey, TN

Urgent Care in Monterey, TN

By definition, urgent care gives medical care to individuals who have non-life-threatening illnesses or injuries. The goal of urgent care is to get the patient in the front door of the facility, treated by a health care provider or nurse practitioner, and sent on their way with little to no recovery time. Urgent care is fantastic for busy people who need help when they have minor injuries or illnesses like a cut or a cold.

Urgent care facilities in Monterey are often more convenient for patients who don't have the time to visit their primary care provider or do not have a PCP. Urgent care is also a great choice for people that need attention immediately but know that their situation isn't dire enough to go to the emergency room. With urgent care services, patients can get the treatments they need the most and get them quickly. In fact, according to the Urgent Care Association of America, around 92% of urgent care facilities reported wait times less than 30 minutes

If you have are sick with a cold or have a minor injury that needs to be addressed as soon as possible, our urgent care facility is here to serve you. We specialize in many different urgent care needs, such as:

  • General Injury and Medical Care
  • Colds and Flues
  • Coughs and Sore Throats
  • High Fevers
  • Earaches
  • Eye Infections
  • Sinus Infections
  • Urinary Tract Infections
  • Lab Tests
  • Minor Back Injuries
  • Seasonal Allergies
  • Asthma Episodes
  • Minor Burns
  • Minor Cuts and Lacerations
  • Stitching and Bonding
  • Sports Sprains and Injuries

We go out of our way to deliver the level of care and compassion we would want for our own families.

Schedule Appointment

At Primary Care & Occupational Health Center, your health is our highest priority. When you visit our location, you will be greeted by our personable admin staff, who will help you with the sign-in process and get you set up for treatment. With modern technology and an industry-leading clinical program, we look forward to providing you with an exceptional medical experience.

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Testosterone
Replacement
Therapy in Monterey, TN

As males age, their hormone levels decline naturally, leaving many men with reduced self-confidence, increased body fat, and a decreased sex drive. For millions of males in the United States, the answer to their middle-aged problems begins with testosterone replacement therapy or TRT for short. TRT is used to optimize hormone levels, which are often imbalanced as men age. TRT has been shown to greatly improve the moderate-to-severe symptoms that are common in low-T individuals.

Hormone levels can also be inadequate in men of any age. This is due to genetic interference and abnormalities stemming from hormone receptor action through exposure to chemicals that disrupt the endocrine system. While many TV commercials will tell you low testosterone symptoms begin during middle age, many adult men lose testosterone as early as their mid-20s.

If you're craving more vitality and have noticed a lack of enjoyment in your life, our TRT services in Monterey might be a good fit for your needs. At Primary Care & Occupational Health Center, all prospective TRT patients must qualify for treatment. Qualification includes comprehensive lab tests and consultations with your primary care provider.

 Orthopedic Sports Monterey, TN

Common Signs of Low Testosterone

Chances are, you probably know somebody that is currently on a TRT regimen but wonder yourself if you might qualify for treatment. You're probably also wondering what low T feels like. Keep an eye out for the following symptoms of low testosterone:

BODY

  • Extreme Fatigue
  • Swollen Breasts
  • Reduced Bone and Muscle Mass
  • More Body Fat
  • Hot Flashes

MIND

  • Lack of Self-Confidence
  • Depression
  • Lack of Concentration
  • Lack of Sleep

SEXUAL

  • Difficulty Achieving Erections
  • Less Spontaneous Erections
  • Low Sex Drive

Many men who qualify for TRT in Monterey, TN, can begin treatment soon after they are approved to do so. For most males, healthy testosterone levels are achieved after a couple months of treatment. For the best TRT results, it's important to strive for healthy exercise habits, stress management techniques, and diet choices.

Occupational Care in Monterey, TN

Also called occupational medicine or occupational health, this multidisciplinary healthcare field is dedicated to the wellbeing and safety of workplace employees. The primary focus on occupational care is treating illnesses and injuries that happen in the workplace. Occupational care is also meant to help prevent workplace illnesses and injuries by fostering a safer work environment.

At Primary Care & Occupational Health Center, our occupational care services can result in:

  • Lower Insurance Premiums
  • Reduced Costs Stemming from Workplace Accidents
  • Improved Safety and Health
  • Proper Regulatory Compliance
  • Better Workplace Morale, Productivity, and Staff Relations

Depending on the industry you're in or the kind of business you own, having an occupational health program can be a great idea. If you already have a plan in place, our occupational care center in Monterey has an extensive array of tests and exams to ensure you meet any necessary criteria.

Some common types of screenings and exams may include:

Occupational Care

Drug & Alcohol Tests

These tests can help ensure that your employees are not operating machinery or working under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

1

Return-to-Work Exams

Also called Fit for Duty Exams, these tests can determine whether your employees are recovered and fit to return to the workplace, after sustaining an injury.

2

Health Screenings

Our team of medical professionals will conduct comprehensive screenings for blood, vision, pulmonary function, and more.

3

At Primary Care & Occupational Health Center, our full range of
occupational care services include:

  • Alcohol/Drug
  • Audiometry
  • Chest and Back X-Rays
  • EKG
  • Hair Follicle Testing
  • Lipids
  • Spirometry
  • Urinalysis
  • 5 & 10 Panel
  • DOT Physical Exam
  • Bus Driver Exam
  • Pre-Employment Exams
  • Vision Exam
  • Return-To-Work Clearance
 Primary Care Monterey, TN

Latest News in Monterey, TN

Visit These 10 Most Beautiful Small Towns In Tennessee

A quintessential state with southern charm and a variety of scenic views to admire, Tennessee is home to some of the most beautiful small towns in the country. From the stunning mountain views in Monterey to the vibrant downtown district in Ripley, there's something for everyone in these lovely small towns....

A quintessential state with southern charm and a variety of scenic views to admire, Tennessee is home to some of the most beautiful small towns in the country. From the stunning mountain views in Monterey to the vibrant downtown district in Ripley, there's something for everyone in these lovely small towns.

Tennessee is a staple of the South and is known for its country music and hospitality. But beyond the fame, there are some of the most beautiful and unique small towns in this great state, perfect for a weekend getaway or a solo trip to explore. Visiting Tennessee will prove to visitors that it's not all about the big cities. In fact, some of the most beautiful gems are found in the small towns.

10 Lynchburg

Located halfway between Nashville and Chattanooga, Lynchburg is widely known for its whiskey production at Jack Daniel's Distillery, in addition to the city's historic homes and churches. Named after Tom Lynch, who, at 17 years old, started a ferry service across the Duck River, Lynchburg offers a unique atmosphere and historic charm. The annual Whiskey Festival in October is a tourist favorite if visiting during the fall months.

Accommodation: The Tolley House

Address: 1253 Main St, Lynchburg, TN 37352-8316

Amenities: Free parking, Free Wifi, Free breakfast, Non-smoking hotel

9 Gatlinburg

A popular tourist destination, Gatlinburg is known for its mountain views and great outdoor activities. There are a variety of hiking trails, fishing opportunities, ski resorts, and even a national park nearby. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is a highly sought-after aquatic experience perfect for trips alone or with the family. Of course, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a must-see for anyone exploring this area, especially hikers looking to take in some of the breathtaking scenery.

Accommodation: Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg

Address: 539 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738-3201

Amenities: Free parking, Free WiFi, Pool, Fitness Center with Gym / Workout Room, Bar/Lounge, Children Activities, Business Center with Internet Access, Conference facilities

Related: How To Drive Up To Ober Gatlinburg & More About Visiting This Tennessee Mountain Park

Monterey

Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Monterey is a small town with stunning views. A visit to Cumberland Mountain State Park is a must for anyone looking to explore the area's natural beauty and take in some of the views. The town's various farmer's markets and craft shops are also popular with visitors looking to shop or pick up some local produce.

Accommodation: The Garden Inn

Address: 1400 Bee Rock Rd, Monterey, TN 38574-3253

Amenities: Free parking, Free WiFi, Free breakfast, Special diet menus, Baggage storage, Non-smoking hotel, Outdoor furniture

Townsend

Located in Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Townsend is a tranquil mountain village known for its peaceful atmosphere and stunning views. Visitors can kayak and fish along the Little River, go horseback riding on nearby trails or take a scenic drive through Cades Cove. The popular Tuckaleechee Caverns are a great spot to explore, and the Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center is a must-visit for its unique history.

Accommodation: Townsend River Breeze Inn

Address: 8242 State Highway 73, Townsend, TN 37882-4302

Amenities: Free parking, Free Wifi, Pool, Children's television networks, Pets Allowed, 24-hour security, BBQ facilities

Related: 10 Most Beautiful Small Towns In The Tennessee Mountains

6 Jonesborough

The oldest town in Tennessee, Jonesborough is a unique spot located on the banks of the Nolichucky River. The town is home to a variety of historic buildings, including the International Storytelling Center, which celebrates the Appalachian storytelling tradition. The Chester Inn Museum is known for its historical artifacts, and the town's annual Tennessee Apple Festival is a favorite for visitors. Visitors can explore Jonesborough's beautiful downtown area or visit the town's annual Storytelling Festival in October.

Accommodation: Jonesborough Bed and Breakfast

Address: 232 E Main St, Jonesborough, TN 37659-1335

Amenities: Free parking, Free breakfast, Canoeing, Hiking, Pets Allowed, Full body massage, BBQ facilities, Concierge

5 Signal Mountain

Just outside of Chattanooga, Signal Mountain is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore its stunning views. In addition to its natural beauty, the town is home to a variety of popular attractions, including Rainbow Lake and Signal Point. The town's variety of shops and restaurants make this a great spot to explore.

Accommodation: The Read House

Address: 107 W MLK Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37402-2507

Amenities: Valet parking, Free WiFi, Pool, Bar/Lounge, Pets Allowed, Business Center with Internet Access, Conference facilities, 24-hour security

4 Rossville

Located in the heart of Fayette County, Rossville is known for its small-town charm and sense of community. Its downtown area is full of antique shops, art galleries, and boutiques, perfect for exploring. Visitors can also take in the stunning views from Lookout Mountain or explore one of the many area parks.

Accommodation: Hampton Inn Memphis Collierville

Address: 1280 West Poplar Avenue, Collierville, TN 38017

Amenities: Free parking, Free WiFi, Pool, Fitness Center with Gym / Workout Room, Free Breakfast, Pets Allowed, Business Center with Internet Access, Conference facilities

3 Lynnville

Located in Giles County, Lynnville is a small town with plenty of outdoor activities. The town's hiking trails are popular with visitors looking to explore the area's natural beauty, and the nearby Lynnville Lake is perfect for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. The town's historic downtown area is also great for a leisurely stroll or a bite to eat.

Accommodation: Hampton Inn Pulaski

Address: 180 Bre Avenue, Pulaski, TN 38478

Amenities: Free parking, Free WiFi, Pool, Fitness Center with Gym / Workout Room, Free breakfast, Children Activities, Pets Allowed, Business Center with Internet Access

2 Gainesboro

Located in Jackson County, Gainesboro is a charming small town full of historic buildings and cultural attractions. Visitors can explore the town's downtown area, visit the Gainesboro City Hall or take a walk through Lover's Leap Park. The nearby Tennessee Tech University provides plenty of entertainment, and the town's annual Heritage Festival is a must-see.

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Cookeville, an IHG hotel

Address: 1091 S Willow Ave, Cookeville, TN 38501-4106

Amenities: Free parking, Free WiFi, Pool, Fitness Center with Gym / Workout Room, Bar/Lounge, Children Activities, Meeting rooms, Non-smoking hotel

1

Home to one of the oldest settlements in Tennessee, Selmer is full of historic sites and museums. The ancient mound Fort Pillow State Park is a great spot for visitors looking to explore the area's history and take in some stunning views. The town is also home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and boutiques.

Accommodation: Star Plus Inn & Suites

Address: 644 Mulberry Ave, Selmer, TN 38375-3241

Amenities: Free parking, Free WiFi, Pool, Free Breakfast, Pets Allowed, Newspaper, 24-hour front desk, Laundry service

AHRMA: Tickets Now Available For Classic MotoFest Of Monterey

Tickets Now Available for AHRMA Classic MotoFest™ of Monterey (January 3, 2023, Knoxville, Tennessee) Spectator tickets are now on sale for one of the most exciting vintage motorcycle events of 2023.The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) announces the return of the Classic MotoFest of Monterey™ July 14-16, 2023. This third iteration of the event promises an even bigger and better family vintage motorcycle experience.This year’s event will spotlight ...

Tickets Now Available for AHRMA Classic MotoFest™ of Monterey

(January 3, 2023, Knoxville, Tennessee) Spectator tickets are now on sale for one of the most exciting vintage motorcycle events of 2023.

The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) announces the return of the Classic MotoFest of Monterey™ July 14-16, 2023. This third iteration of the event promises an even bigger and better family vintage motorcycle experience.

This year’s event will spotlight the amazing vintage racing sidecars, their history at Laguna Seca, and the personalities past and present that make this unique part of two-wheeled racing so exciting.

Along with sidecar racing, the fans will experience almost all disciplines of vintage AHRMA motorcycle racing on and around the historic WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Included will be vintage road racing, flat track Racing, vintage motocross, vintage observed trials, and cross-country racing on some of the best vintage machinery in the country.

AHRMA once again partners with Laroque Motorsports to provide the exciting festival portion of the weekend. Attractions this year include a premier classic motorcycle show, a vintage swap meet along with vintage-themed vendors and attractions, plus much more to be announced.

Laroque Motorsports is in partnership with All Kids Bike®, a national movement, led by the Strider Education Foundation, to place Kindergarten PE Learn-To-Ride programs into public schools for free, using donations from individuals, businesses, and organizations.

Along with this partnership and new to this year’s event is the inclusion of more family-oriented activities including Mimi and Moto – The Motorcycle Monkeys, Kid’s Strider Bike flat track racing, and also a kid’s custom bicycle class in the vintage bike show. Included in the festival area will also be great food and entertainment with something for everyone.

Visit www.ahrma.org for details. Spectator tickets are available at WeatherTechRaceway.com.

About AHRMA:

The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to competing on fantastic classic and true vintage along with a wide range of modern motorcycles. With about 3,300 members, AHRMA is the largest vintage racing group in North America and one of the biggest in the world. The association has grown steadily over the years, reflecting the increasing interest in classic bikes.

TN Traveler: Eight siblings, one bakery and truckloads of bread

MONTEREY – As I arrived at the Laurel Mountain Bakery, I knew my 90-mile drive was a good decision before I opened the car door. The sweet, alluring aroma of cookies right out of the oven filled the air outside this family-owned business.“Family-owned” is almost an understatement. Laurel Mountain Bakery, whose products are on shelves here and in almost 20 Middle Tennessee communities, is the work of eight siblings – five sisters and three brothers.The eldest is Jessica Willis, whom you&r...

MONTEREY – As I arrived at the Laurel Mountain Bakery, I knew my 90-mile drive was a good decision before I opened the car door. The sweet, alluring aroma of cookies right out of the oven filled the air outside this family-owned business.

“Family-owned” is almost an understatement. Laurel Mountain Bakery, whose products are on shelves here and in almost 20 Middle Tennessee communities, is the work of eight siblings – five sisters and three brothers.

The eldest is Jessica Willis, whom you’ll often find behind the sales counter at the bakery, now located in a century-old building accented with Crab Orchard stone and shaded by a towering tulip poplar.

Her products are numerous – sourdough breads of many varieties, pies aplenty, cinnamon rolls and cookies of several types.

Willis said the business began quite small in 2013, selling farm products such as vegetables, jams, jellies, goat milk soap and brownies at farmers’ markets.

“We found our niche with breads,” she said, pointing to a chalkboard that lists original sourdough, savory herb, jalapeno cheddar, rosemary thyme and blueberry varieties.

All of the breads are sourdough, using a starter that years ago came from a friend. Two 8- to 12-hour risings are required, making bread production a two-day process. The bakery is open Monday through Saturday, so that means loaves are fresh every week starting on Tuesday. (What’s available Monday was baked Saturday.)

The selection of pies is enough to drive you to distraction – Southern pecan, fudge, peanut butter fudge, country cherry, farmhouse apple, peach, triple berry, blueberry and, yes, pumpkin every autumn.

Count on finding chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin and peanut butter chocolate chip cookies all the time, but look for seasonal offerings, too. Willis said a cranberry and white chocolate chip cookie is coming soon, plus another she chose not to disclose.

As demand grew, so did the need for more production space. The siblings shifted from their farmhouse facilities in rural Fentress County to their current commercial kitchen in Monterey in 2018.

“Starting a business is very challenging. There have been times when each of us wanted to throw in the towel, but we always end up encouraging each other,” Willis said, noting that each sibling either had or acquired the necessary skills to fill an organizational chart.

Willis, for instance, is quick to say she thrives on marketing and public relations and leaves accounting, production, distribution and other business disciplines to her brothers and sisters.

Laurel Mountain Bakery is in a prime location to be part of a daytrip to the Cumberland Plateau.

Because the bakery is just off I-40, you can pack part of a picnic at home, knowing you can get bread, cookies and a pie at the bakery before continuing to destinations such as Cumberland Mountain State Park, Pickett State Park and Burgess Falls State Park for some hiking and justification for consuming the bakery’s delicious carbs.

If you can’t wait long enough to get to a state park, there’s a picnic table a half-mile away at the Monterey Depot Museum, and Monterey’s 300-acre Meadow Creek Park is only five miles away.

Enjoy Tom Adkinson’s Tennessee Traveler destination articles the second and fourth Friday every month. Adkinson, author of “100 Things To Do in Nashville Before You Die,” is a Marco Polo member of SATW, the Society of American Travel Writers.

Laurel Mountain Bakery is at 708 S. Holly St., Monterey, Tenn., 38574, 12 miles east of Cookeville and 92 miles from downtown Nashville. Exit 300 on I-40 puts you onto Holly Street. Bakery information is at LaurelMountainBakery.com, and area travel information is at ExploreMontereyTN.com and TNvacation.com.

Family credits their kids for alerting them of Monterey house fire, saving lives

Copy This Embed Code: Ad After our hardest days, we need as much support as we can get. A family in Monterey understands that after what they've just lived through. This is one grateful family.MONTEREY, Tenn. (WTVF) — After our hardest days, we need as much support as we can get. A family in Monterey understands that after what they've just lived through. This is one grateful family. They see just how differently this could have played out."We've worked really hard to be here," said Terry Kennedy, ...

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After our hardest days, we need as much support as we can get. A family in Monterey understands that after what they've just lived through. This is one grateful family.

MONTEREY, Tenn. (WTVF) — After our hardest days, we need as much support as we can get. A family in Monterey understands that after what they've just lived through. This is one grateful family. They see just how differently this could have played out.

"We've worked really hard to be here," said Terry Kennedy, standing next to husband Mark.

The couple loved the home they shared with eight kids on West Hoyt Avenue in Monterey.

"I was actually born and raised here," Mark said. "This house has been in the family a very long time."

In the earliest hours of Tuesday morning, 14-year-old daughter Maddie felt something was wrong.

"I smelled burning wood," she said. "I thought something was burning."

She told 19-year-old brother Izzy.

"I get up and start walking around the house," Izzy continued.

"He was screaming for us to get out of bed," Terry remembered. "We got the kids out."

"Smoke was just pouring out," Izzy said. "It was just insane."

"We watched for four hours as our house burned down," Terry said.

Fire crews are still investigating what caused this. There's a lot that's difficult about this day. Terry's wedding dress is damaged. Then there's 8-year-old son Jaxon who'd raised more than $300 for Jump Rope for Heart. It's now gone.

Despite everything Tuesday, the kids are still playing and smiling. Because of what Maddie noticed and Izzy jumping into action, everyone in that house is okay.

"I think we had a couple angels watching over us," said Terry.

"We've gotta kinda look into each other and find the good you can take out of it," said Izzy. "Yeah, we're alive. That's the best thing we can ask for today."

There is a GoFundMe to help out this family.

Watch the live stream below, and download our apps on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and more. Click here to learn more.

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Copyright 2023 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Sewage, storms and public health: How aging infrastructure hurts small Tennessee towns

MONTEREY, Tenn. — This town has never fully recovered since the last coal mine shut down in 1983.The population has stagnated. Even large swaths of commercial real estate — prime for restaurants and truck stops — sit empty by Interstate 40 exits.But it was not only the loss of a major industry that crippled the local economy. For more than 15 years, Monterey city leaders haven’t been able to perform the most basic of government functions: lay the sewer pipe they need.Because of thre...

MONTEREY, Tenn. — This town has never fully recovered since the last coal mine shut down in 1983.

The population has stagnated. Even large swaths of commercial real estate — prime for restaurants and truck stops — sit empty by Interstate 40 exits.

But it was not only the loss of a major industry that crippled the local economy. For more than 15 years, Monterey city leaders haven’t been able to perform the most basic of government functions: lay the sewer pipe they need.

Because of threats to public health, Monterey, like dozens of other small towns across Tennessee, has been hamstrung by a state moratorium on new sewer connections, blocking business development. The conflict comes as Tennessee is seeing more potent storms, possibly fueled by climate change.

"(Sewer) overflows are ... a continuous battle,” said Bill Wiggins, the mayor.

Across the state, roughly one in five municipal systems are under some form of moratorium because of excess overflows, state officials said.

Heavy rains inundate aging wastewater systems, causing them to spill bacterial-laden raw sewage into streets and streams. Nutrients can run into rivers, leading to low oxygen levels that starve fish. And toxic algae can flourish in waters flooded by excess nitrogen and phosphorus.

For those and other reasons, state environmental regulators limit new taps when sewers in communities can’t handle their loads.

Monterey made some progress on stemming overflows, and in March the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation lifted a complete moratorium. But key parts of the city are still off-limits because of repeat overflows.

“We are continuing to work with our municipalities and utilities to help them understand the environmental, human health and economic impact of overflows,” said Jennifer Dodd, deputy director of TDEC.

Increasing demand on community sewer systems

Pressures are now mounting on these towns, including Pulaski, Ashland City and Signal Mountain. Tennessee has seen more heavy rainstorms in the past seven years compared with the previous seven; the average number of extreme rain events annually increased fivefold.

Many of the systems have exceeded their useful life, which experts say is roughly 50 years. Some cities also are booming, adding residents and hardened surfaces that boost stormwater runoff, further taxing old sewer pipes. Experts warn that these overflows may be worsening as the climate continues to change.

“The systems weren’t designed to handle some of the extreme precipitation events we are having,” said Janey Camp, professor of civil and environmental engineering at Vanderbilt University.

To stem overflows, municipalities can replace old corroded sewer lines, seal manholes and expand or build new sewer treatment plants. A 2016 scorecard by the American Society of Civil Engineers gave Tennessee’s wastewater infrastructure a D-plus and identified a total of $2.6 billion in projects needed to rehabilitate aging sewer systems.

“The real challenge is funding and investment,” Camp said. “The small towns have limited resources.”

Funding the improvements

Monterey, population 2,900, needs $10.5 million to build a new sewer treatment plant — more than double the city’s annual budget. For now, officials are repairing lines built in the 1960s and have cobbled together loans and grants from the federal government. But the new plant is still uncertain as officials negotiate a contract with the town’s largest industrial customer.

Meanwhile, TDEC in September awarded $98.5 million to Franklin, one of Tennessee’s wealthiest and fastest-growing cities, for a new sewer treatment plant. That was more than half of the total clean water fund awarded statewide during the fiscal year. Some environmentalists questioned the fairness of that loan, considering Franklin could access the public bond market and use other funding sources.

“Franklin, you’re rich,” said Scott Banbury, conservation coordinator for the Tennessee chapter of the Sierra Club. “Go sell your own bonds and go build your own treatment plant. Let the poor communities have that.”

FRANKLIN:City will start $132 million upgrades to sewer plant

State officials said they offer especially low-interest loans to small communities, and sometimes forgive their loan principal.

“We are looking at additional ways to help more small communities take part in the program,” TDEC spokesman Eric Ward said.

The problem is not unique to Tennessee. Towns across the country are struggling to fund upgrades to sewer systems. Leaders of cities in Minnesota, for instance, call it a crisis and banded together to push the legislature for more funding. The city council president of Jeffersonville, Indiana, said her town doesn't have the $44 million needed to stem overflows, according to news reports. At the University of Iowa, engineers were testing new wastewater treatment technologies, hoping to defray costs for aging small-town sewer systems.

Heavy rain infiltrates old pipes

One of the main causes of overflows is groundwater infiltration. Old pipes crack over time. When heavy rains saturate the ground and the water table rises, the pressure forces clean water through the cracks into the sewer lines.

“As those storms increase in quantity and volume, then that’s going to very likely influence the frequency and volume of overflows,” said George Kurz, an engineer who consults for municipal wastewater systems.

The added water rushes through the network and overloads pumps, backing up sewage through manhole covers and other openings. Wastewater treatment plants also open bypass valves, sending untreated sewage into creeks and streams. Without the releases and overflows, sewage could back up into residents’ basements.

In the tiny town of Pulaski, about an hour south of Nashville, heavy rains in February caused more than 30 million gallons of sewage to overflow, according to a federal lawsuit filed by Tennessee Riverkeeper, an Alabama-based environmental group.

The Pulaski wastewater treatment plant discharges to Richland Creek, a tributary of the Elk River, which is popular with kayakers and canoers. State regulators were pursuing formal enforcement this summer, according to a TDEC letter.

Pulaski officials did not return calls seeking comment.

“Sewage pollution is one of the biggest threats to the Cumberland and the Tennessee rivers,” said David Whiteside, executive director of Tennessee Riverkeeper. "And it doesn't matter how far left or right on the political spectrum people are. They're all uniformly disgusted by raw sewage.”

Scientists weigh link between climate change and large storms

While many people may associate heat waves and drought with climate change, scientists also suspect that human activity could be producing heavier downpours. That's because warmer air can contain more water vapor than cooler air, giving storm systems an added punch.

Studies show there is “high confidence that extreme rainfall has become more common over North America and the United States," said Jonathan Gilligan, professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Vanderbilt. Scientists have "medium confidence that the change is because of human influence on climate,” he added.

Indeed, Tennessee has seen an increase in heavy rainfall events over the past 15 years, according to National Weather Service records. Throughout most of the 2000s, the state saw fewer than five heavy rain events a year. From 2010 to 2017, however, the state averaged 16 such storms annually. 2018 has been a relatively inactive year, with just three.

When it pours in Ashland City, a growing town northwest of Nashville, sewage overflows onto streets, said Clint Biggers, director of the Public Works Department. The city inspected its sewer lines with video cameras and is working on some repairs, but the problem is daunting, Biggers said.

At more than 5,000 residents, Ashland City’s population has grown by 15 percent since 2010, and the sewer system is now at capacity, Biggers said. He expects a new treatment plant, double in size, would cost about $15 million.

“We’re trying to get ahead,” Biggers said. “You don’t want to have to shut down building because you don’t have capacity. But it’s hard on small towns, when they don’t have the money.”

Reach Mike Reicher at mreicher@tennessean.com or 615-259-8228 and on Twitter @mreicher.

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