COFFEE COUNTY, Tenn. (Nashville Banner) — The bridge that spans the Duck River in Old Stone Fort State Park is a popular photo backdrop and a uniquely Tennessee landmark. It was built by the Nashville Bridge Company 118 years ago, and is possibly the last such bridge still in existence. The state plans to remove and replace the bridge, citing safety concerns and millions of dollars in potential repair costs. A local preservation group has hired an independent analyst and has gotten repair estimates that are a fraction of the state’s numbers. They hope the bridge can be kept in place.

This is a beautiful story of chosen family, proving a father figure doesn't have to have biology in common to make a difference in a child's life. The story of De'Andre and Alex will remind you that our relationships help determine the course of our lives. And that being supportive of someone - through a meal, a shared experience or even swim lessons can make all the difference.
- Rebecca Schleicher