Jonathan Goodwin - The Civic Watchman

06/02/2026

06/02/2026

Happy Tennessee Statehood Day!

Today we celebrate 230 years of the Volunteer State.

Tennessee has always been shaped by hardworking people, strong communities, and a willingness to serve others. The Volunteer Spirit remains one of the greatest strengths of our state.

Proud to call Tennessee home. 🇺🇸

05/30/2026

Starting on Monday June 1st!!

05/20/2026

In Festus, a town of roughly 14,000 people, city leaders approved a proposed $6 billion AI data center project planned for 360 acres north of Highway 67.

But many residents say the process lacked transparency.

Critics accused officials of holding key discussions behind closed doors and releasing documents too late for the public to properly review the project before the vote.

Then came election week.

Voter turnout reportedly surged by 129%, and every city council member who voted in favor of the project lost reelection. In one race, a 70-year-old first-time candidate defeated an eight-year incumbent by nearly 40 points.

Now, residents are circulating a recall petition targeting the mayor, while a lawsuit against the city has already been filed.

Whether people support or oppose the AI project itself, the backlash appears to send a clear message about how strongly communities expect transparency and public input from local government.

Has your local government ever been held accountable like this?

05/19/2026

Former 1,600 cattle ranch is now being coveted into a solar farm in Crossville, Tennessee all thanks to the Vote of their county commissioners.

Construction to begin this summer with completion set in 2027.

05/18/2026

Back on March 7th of this year, I had attended the Ribbon Cutting for the latest Storybook Trail at the Roaring River Park in Gainesboro, TN. This is their second of third Storybook Trail installations that helps connect early childhood literacy with exercise and outdoor adventure.

Multiple partnerships between the Jackson County Imagination Library, with support from The Friends of Cordell Hull Lake, The Governor's Early Literacy Foundation, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

05/18/2026