The story of Chattanooga's kudzu-eating goats is going round the world.
A New York Times story today ran beneath the banner "In Tennessee, Goats Eat the 'Vine That Ate the South.'"
And the BBC in London was set to interview city "goat dude" Jerry Jeansonne tonight about the goats, who are rapidly stripping Missionary Ridge of the pesky, fast-growing vine.
"Our goats are making the news," Lee Norris, director of citywide services for city public works, told the City Council on Tuesday afternoon.
He said Fox News' Channel 5 out of Atlanta is coming up for a goat story.
Mr. Norris said, "The goats are doing exactly what we expected. Every time a little sprig of kudzu pokes its head up, they eat it."
He said the city has plans to expand the unique kudzu-eradication program to a nearby seven-acre tract on the kudzu-infested Ridge.
The city currently has 10 goats, along with guard llamas, at work on the Ridge.
Mr. Norris also said the recent "Goat Academy" was a big hit - drawing 25 students of the goat-training art who paid $125 each.
He said the city plans to put out a new Request for Proposals for goat-browsing services.
He said he expects to have "a lot of bidders" this time as word of the success of the program has gotten out.
Mr. Norris said, "Sitting down the first time and writing an RFP for goat browsing was quite an experience.