Former Tennessee Titans Ola Adeniyi announced his retirement on his Instagram on Wednesday.

“Today, I can finally say that the journey is over,” Adeniyi wrote. “God has a way of showing you when it’s time to pivot and start anew. The 26-year-old me is grateful for what the 20-year-old me accomplished. Now, it’s time for a new chapter. I will forever be grateful to the game that changed not just my life, but my family’s as well. Thank you to the Pittsburgh Steelers for taking a chance on a young Nigerian kid, and to the Tennessee Titans for allowing that kid to grow and develop into a young man. I’m truly excited for what’s next.”

Adeniyi spent the first three seasons of his NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers after they signed him as an undrafted free agent out of Toledo in 2018. Across his time in the Steel City, he appeared in 32 games and had three forced fumbles.

Adeniyi enjoyed the best year of his career in his first season with Tennessee in 2021. The 6-foot-1 defensive end set career highs with 21 tackles, including two for a loss, 2.5 sacks and eight quarterback hits.

Adeniyi saw his playing time cut down significantly in his final season in the NFL, as he only appeared in three games for Tennessee in 2022.

“Football has taken me places I never imagined,” Adeniyi wrote. “From earning a full-ride scholarship to playing multiple years in the league, I can walk this earth knowing I’m part of the one percent.”

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The Impact of Litter on Tennessee’s Water Quality

Tennessee is home to numerous rivers, lakes, and aquifers. However, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) has estimated that about 30 percent of the state’s streams are of such poor water quality that they cannot support a healthy population of fish and other aquatic wildlife, and almost 40 percent are not fit for human recreation.

Litter in waterways has severe environmental consequences. Plastics, bottles, and other debris can break down into harmful microplastics and threaten water quality. Marine life ingests these microplastics, which then move up the food chain.

This endangers marine life and the wildlife that relies on these water sources. Litter also disrupts natural habitats and contributes to harmful algal blooms. These blooms choke out native species creating an even larger problem.

Litter also negatively impacts tourism and local businesses who rely on clean, attractive waterways to draw tourists. When litter accumulates, tourism drops, leading to lost revenue for the state and local communities. Cleaning up litter and restoring the health of waterways demands financial resources that could serve other essential projects.

Identifying the Sources of Litter

When trash is thrown away improperly, it causes a big problem. Items tossed from vehicles get carried by rainwater runoff into storm drains, eventually reaching rivers and lakes. Common issues include littering on streets, leaving trash in public spaces, and dumping waste in unauthorized areas. Even small items like cigarette butts, food wrappers, beverage containers, and plastic bags can severely harm aquatic ecosystems.

These lightweight items easily travel by wind and water and end up in our rivers, streams and lakes. Aquatic life can get tangled in it or ingest it. They also break down into microplastics, threatening aquatic life and water quality.

Be Part of the Solution

Everyone can help reduce litter by cutting back on single-use plastics. A stylish stainless-steel water bottle not only keeps you hydrated in style but also helps cut down on plastic waste. And those eco-friendly bags? They’re perfect for grocery runs and shopping sprees, all while reducing our impact on the environment. It’s a win-win for both you and our beautiful waters!

Ensure you dispose of waste in designated trash bins. Doing so prevents litter from being carried into waterways through storm drains. And when you can, recycle. It’s a fantastic way to breathe new life into materials and reduce the demand for fresh resources. When we take the extra step to sort our waste and recycling, we’re doing our part to keep Tennessee clean.
 
Volunteering for community clean-up events actively contributes to the restoration and preservation of Tennessee’s waters. These events not only remove trash but help foster a sense of togetherness. By participating in these events, you show that as Tennesseans, we care deeply about our state, it’s waters and the legacy we leave behind for future generations.

Continuing the Movement

Sometimes, the most powerful way to spread a message is through personal connections. Talk to friends, family, coworkers and neighbors about the importance of clean waters and the simple steps they can take to prevent littering. Share stories and facts that highlight the positive changes that collective action can achieve. By fostering a culture of environmental consciousness, we cultivate a generation that cherishes and protects our waters.

Social media also plays a powerful role in spreading the message. Share posts from accounts like Nobody Trashes Tennessee and encourage others to do the same. Creating a ripple effect of awareness can help turn the tide for Tennessee’s waters and ensure a sustainable future.

As we celebrate National Water Quality Month this August, let’s commit to keeping Tennessee’s waters clean and free from litter. By reducing single-use plastics, practicing proper waste disposal, recycling, participating in clean-up events and promoting education and awareness, we can make a real difference. Even the smallest actions count. When we join forces, we create a wave of positive change.

Sources:

www.tectn.org/stateofwater.html

www.tenngreen.org/national-water-quality-month-tennessees-water-quality/

www.epa.gov/trash-free-waters/learn-about-aquatic-trash

www.tnstormwater.org

LEBANON, Tenn. (WSMV) – The Tennessee State Fair kicks off in Wilson County on Thursday night and organizers are expecting more than 700,000 people over the 10-day festival again this year.

The final touches were put on the fairgrounds on Wednesday with the final competition judging and exhibition space setup.

Executive director Helen McPeak said they’re focused on making sure everyone can have a safe and fun time with their family at the fair.

Multiple agencies are working together to keep watch both inside and outside the gates, McPeak said. That includes police officers directing traffic to lots on land the county just purchased this year.

“We have an emergency management team that starts getting together in April and going through all of the emergency operations plans,” McPeak said. “Then, when the rides get here, there are three different inspections they have to go through.”

The fair added new air-conditioned buildings this year so people can keep cool while experiencing the best of Tennessee. Lebanon police also installed new light towers in parking lots to help prevent break-ins and other crime.

McPeak said her staff and volunteers are committed to making sure families are able to have fun, which is her favorite part of the fair magic.

“The laughter, people with families bringing children and making memories to last a lifetime,” McPeak said.

They are recommending people park for free in one of three satellite parking areas, at Cumberland University’s football lot, First Baptist Church and the Wilson County Courthouse, to help avoid traffic around the fairgrounds.

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