The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is now accepting entries for its 2026-27 photo contest for publication in the Tennessee Wildlife magazine annual calendar and license cards. All interested photographers are invited to submit up to 10 of their best photos of wildlife species native to the Volunteer State. Hunting, fishing, and boating photos may also be considered.

The selected winning entries will appear in the 2026-27 calendar, which begins in August and runs through July. Photo submissions must be received by March 20, 2026.

Photos must be horizontal (landscape) in JPEG format, sized to print no smaller than 8 1/2 by 11 inches, and have a resolution of at least 300 pixels/inch. Visit tnwildlife.org and click the calendar contest button to submit an entry. If a photo is selected for the calendar edition, the photographer will receive a cash stipend of $60. Photos will also be considered for use in other TWRA publications, on the TWRA website, and on social media. Tennessee Wildlife is the official magazine for TWRA. Subscription rates are $10 for one year, $17 for two years, and $25 for three years. Subscriptions may be purchased on the TWRA website.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for protecting, managing, and conserving fish and wildlife species for the benefit of Tennesseans and visitors. The Agency also maintains public safety through law enforcement and safety education on waterways.

Tennessee remains a national leader in the specialized nuclear industry sector. To ensure our state continues to lead America’s renewed push for energy independence, Tennessee College of Applied Technology Hartsville reminds students about programs currently available as pathways into the nuclear energy industry.

Through programs such as building construction technology, electrical maintenance, machine tool technology, trucking and welding, all 23 Tennessee colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs) will play a role in further solidifying the highly skilled, highly motivated workforce required to meet the growing demands of the nuclear energy industry in Tennessee.

“At TCAT Hartsville, we are committed to preparing students for the highdemand careers that power Tennessee’s future. Our programs in welding, electrical, maintenance, and machine tool technology provide the hands-on skills that the nuclear energy industry needs today and for decades to come. By training a workforce ready to meet these challenges, we’re helping ensure that Tennessee remains a leader in clean energy and economic growth.” — Mae Wright, President, TCAT Hartsville.

The nuclear industry sector is a top workforce priority for TBR – The College System of Tennessee in 2026. This industry generates a $9 billion economic
impact in Tennessee. Since 2019, the state has landed 11 industry projects, creating 2,232 new jobs with a capital investment of over $6.96 billion. More than 40,000 direct and indirect nuclear jobs are already here, with additional announcements anticipated in the years ahead.

“The development of a robust nuclear workforce to fill the highly skilled nuclear-related jobs available across our state is essential to Tennessee’s
current and future economic success,” said Tennessee Board of Regents Chancellor Flora W. Tydings. “Our technical colleges provide critical skills and
training to strengthen the state’s existing nuclear workforce pipeline, and to address immediate, emerging and long-term needs of nuclear companies
looking to establish operations in our great state.”

For more information on programs offered at TCAT Hartsville leading to jobs in the nuclear energy field, visit the TCAT Hartsville website.
About TCAT Hartsville The Tennessee College of Applied Technology Hartsville is at the forefront of technical education, offering a diverse range of programs that equip students with the skills needed for today’s workforce. As part of the Tennessee Board of Regents system and accredited by the COE, TCAT Hartsville ensures a
high-quality educational experience focused on student success and job placement. TCAT Hartsville is led by President Mae Wright

A graduating senior celebrates at Tennessee Tech’s fall 2025 “senior salute” pre-graduation event, held on Oct. 9.

• Candyce Clifft, a 1995 Tech graduate and Emmy Award-winning morning anchor for WDRB-TV, the FOX affiliate for Louisville, Ky.
• Melinda Mott Leftwich, a 1991 Tech graduate serving as founder and executive director of Game On Accessible Tennis, a nonprofit offering free tennis programming to children and adults of all disabilities and skill levels.
• Matthew McClanahan, a 2011 Tech graduate and Crossville-based attorney who also serves as an adjunct instructor in the School of Agriculture and received the Alumni Association’s 2025 Outstanding Young Alumnus award.

U.S. Representative John Rose’s (TN-6) district staff will hold a series of local office hours for constituents to connect directly with caseworkers and receive assistance with federal agencies throughout the month of December.

During the local office hours, district staff will be available to answer questions and assist constituents with federal casework, such as social security and veterans’ benefits, steps for obtaining a passport, and more. Local office hours occur monthly. If you have questions, please contact one of Representative Rose’s offices so a staff member may help you.

“We are ready to assist constituents with federal casework and welcome anyone with questions to sit down with staff,” said Representative Rose. “My goal is to make the expertise of my staff and the resources of this office easily accessible to every person I represent.”

Details for local office hours can be found below and on Representative Rose’s website.

Tuesday, December 16, 2025

TIME: 1:00pm-2:00pm

WHAT: Smith County Local Office Hours

LOCATION: Smith Co. Chamber of Commerce, 939 Upper Ferry Rd., Carthage, TN 37030

WHO: Representative Rose will be represented by Field Representative Lou Nave during this visit.

Are you ready to grow as a leader and make a lasting impact in your community? The Smith County Chamber of Commerce invites you to apply for the Leadership Opportunity Smith County Adult Program, a transformative experience designed to develop strong, informed, and engaged leaders.

Since its founding in 1998, this program has empowered over 215 graduates to lead with confidence and vision. Participants gain hands-on exposure to the key sectors shaping Smith County—government, business, education, health, agriculture, and more—while building lifelong connections.

Why Join?

· Engage with local and state leaders through interactive sessions, tours, and panels.

· Develop leadership skills that make a real difference in your career and community.

· Collaborate on projects that address real issues in Smith County.

· Network with peers and influencers who share your passion for progress.

Program Highlights

· Kickoff Retreat: A dynamic 1½-day retreat in February sets the tone for the year.

· Monthly Sessions: Seven full-day sessions from March through September, each focused on a vital community topic.

· Graduation Celebration: Recognize your achievement and join the ranks of Smith County’s leadership alumni.

2026 Adult Leadership Schedule

· Orientation: January 22, 2026 – Chamber of Commerce, 5:30 PM

· Overnight Retreat: February 18–19, 2026 – Beersheba Springs, TN

· Government: March 19, 2026 – TN State Capitol Visit

· Annual Chamber Banquet: TBA, 2026 – Smith County Ag Center, 6–8 PM

· History & Tourism: April 23, 2026 – Chamber of Commerce

· Business, Labor & Technology: May 21, 2026 – Chamber of Commerce

· Agriculture: June 25, 2026 – Chamber of Commerce

· Health & Social Services: July 23, 2026 – Chamber of Commerce

· Law & Order: August 27, 2026 – Chamber of Commerce

· William Walton Harvest Festival: September 26, 2026 – Leaders Help Host

· Education: October 22, 2026 – Chamber of Commerce

· Graduation: Date & Location TBA

(Sessions are typically the fourth Thursday of each month, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM.)

How to Apply

Applications open January 2026, and the class begins in February 2026. Space is limited, so don’t wait! Contact the Smith County Chamber of Commerce at 615-735-2093 or email bwoodard@smithcountychamber.org for details.

Community Members, Smith County Board Members and local mayors gather with Cedar City Title owners Danielle Imbaratto and AJ Stafford

Cedar City Title, a trusted name in real estate title services, is continuing its expansion with the opening of its newest office in Carthage. Known for strong communication, professionalism, and a commitment to community, the company aims to make every real estate transaction smooth and stress-free for clients across Middle Tennessee.

The company opened its first office in Lebanon in May 2022 with the goal of offering the kind of personal, attentive service that was missing in the local market. Cedar City Title provides full real estate title services, including closings, deed preparation, and property transfers. The team focuses on clarity, accuracy, and keeping everyone—buyers, sellers, agents, and lenders—well informed throughout the process. “Whether someone is buying, selling, or transferring property, they can count on us to guide them with clarity from start to finish,” the team said.

Clients visiting Cedar City Title can expect a friendly, professional atmosphere and consistent communication. The company places a strong emphasis on keeping all parties updated so the closing process stays efficient and stress-free.

After seeing steady growth in its Lebanon office, Cedar City Title expanded to Cookeville in April 2024 to meet rising demand in the Upper Cumberland region. Most recently, in November 2025, the company opened its Carthage office in response to increasing real estate activity in Smith County. According to the team, the welcoming nature of the community made the decision even easier. “Our favorite thing about doing business in Smith County is the strong sense of family and community,” they shared.

Cedar City Title was founded on the idea that clients deserve better communication and more personal service than what they were receiving from other title companies. That mission is reflected in the company’s motto: “Guiding You With Clarity, Securing You Beyond The Deal.”

Looking ahead, Cedar City Title plans to continue building its presence in Carthage while staying closely connected to the community. The team looks forward to supporting local realtors, serving Smith County residents, and growing alongside the area.

For more information, Cedar City Title can be reached at 615-470-8700 or frontdesk@cedarcitytitle.com, or by visiting www.cedarcitytitle.com. The office is open Monday–Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.