Hundreds help clean up Percy Priest Lake

Hundreds help clean up Percy Priest Lake Wkrn Channel 2 News Volunteers waited in line Saturday morning, eager to get their hands on the miles of garbage polluting the islands on Percy Priest Lake. Ronnie Baugus said the lake is more polluted now than in the past. "I've been here for about 30 years and it used to be pristine and perfectly clean and nice and wooded," Baugus said. Mark Thien, who helped organize the Nashville Clean Water Project, said, "It just looks like the entrance to a landfill." On one of the islands, you can't walk more than a few inches without running into garbage, some of which has been here for years. Everything from tires to plastic bottles and old Styrofoam coolers litter the beach area. Thien says most of the 213 miles of shoreline are the same. "It feels not so great that we have such a problem that it takes 800 people have to do it. But it feels good that people care. They do care," Thien said. "It's just amazing how somebody can just leave stuff here that's recyclable or can be taken home," Nick Ritchie said. Boatloads of trash were filled up and transported back to the shore. By midday, the five dumpsters were almost already full -- and more people lined up and boarded boats to begin the process all over again. Peg McNab, also a volunteer, said, "I'm glad to see such a big crowd. It gives me hope." Organizers say they hope to make this clean up effort an annual kick off to boating season.

Captain D's writes correction

We would love to have all of you visit Captain D's this Saturday and try one of our great grilled dinners. Unfortunately, the only restaurant in the metro area that does NOT have a grill is the restaurant on 1133 Murfreesboro Road. Internally, we refer to that restaurant as Bell Road, because it is at the corner of Murfreesboro Road and Bell Rd (and some of you history buffs might remember there used to be another Captain D's on Murfreesboro Road, closer to town). I was the one who wrote this invitation that you so kindly posted to the blog - and I apologize for that error. However, our restaurant at the corner of Bell Rd and Murfreesboro Road will be offering 50% off your meal this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Any other area Captain D's would LOVE to serve you a FREE great tasting grilled dinner this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. So please - come on by! Sandy Smith SVP - Marketing Captain D's