LA VERGNE, Tenn. -
It's a unique problem faced by a growing Middle Tennessee city.
At nearly 35,000 residents and growing, La Vergne does not have its own newspaper or radio station and finds communicating with residents can be difficult.
A large electronic billboard may be the city's answer.
The billboard is located on the side of Murfreesboro Road, across from the La Vergne library.
Tom Broeker, a La Vergne alderman, told Nashville's News 2, one of the best parts of the billboard is they can update the information in real time.
Officials said they believe the billboard updates is the best way to keep residents informed, especially since 98,000 motorists travel on the roadway each day.
"Anything that happens during the day, people can see immediately, see it right away," said Broeker, adding, "It's a way of letting the public know the information that we would otherwise have a very difficult time getting to them."
Beyond offering information about public meetings, road closures and community events, the billboard is also helping police.
Detective Hayes with the La Vergne police department said they used the billboard to post pictures of an unidentified woman from a cold case a few weeks ago.
"We want to bring closure to the family," said Detective Bob Hayes, "There is a family, friends out there who have lost contact of where this person is."
"Hopefully someone will see the billboard and recognize her or spark a memory of someone they know or a family member they haven't seen in a long time." Since the pictures have been up, the police department has received three tips on a case that is nearly five years old.
"I think sky's the limit on different things we could come up with on here and get positive results," added Broeker.
