NASHVILLE — Tennessee’s 2023-24 fishing regulations are now in effect and anglers are encouraged to obtain the new Tennessee Fishing Guide now available at locations throughout the state, on the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website (www.tnwildlife.org) and on the TWRA “On the Go App.”

This year’s guide is in a digest format. The new size is a change from the previous years’ 8 ½ x 11 inches size.

“This new size will allow you to easily store the guide in your tackle box or pack,” said Mark Thurman, TWRA’s Fisheries Chief. “The guide will help you to stay up-to-date with fishing regulations across the state.”

Hard copies of the guide are available wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold and at the TWRA’s four regional offices located in Jackson (Region I), Nashville (Region II), Crossville (Region III), and Morristown (Region IV). This year’s statewide and specific region regulation changes are featured in the “What’s New” section.

The TWRA offers a reminder that hunting and fishing licenses and permits are now valid for one year from the date of purchase. Licenses are available online anytime at www.GoOutdoorsTennessee.com, on the TWRA “On the Go App,” or at one of 474 license agents across the state. You can also select to auto-renew your license and never worry about your license expiring again. Customers can also purchase a new design of the collector’s card for any annual license. This newest waterproof, durable card features a choice of a turkey, crappie, or a racoon, the State of Tennessee’s wild animal.

Press Release from District Attorney General, Jason Lawson’s Office

A Wilson County man has been convicted of Possessing Methamphetamine for Resale in Smith County after a two-day Jury trial. John Hessmer was convicted on February 22 of bringing over 40 grams of Methamphetamine into Smith County with the intent to distribute the drug in June of 2021. Unbeknownst to Hessmer, the purchaser was cooperating with the Smith County Sheriff’s Office and the deputies were monitoring the communications setting up the transaction. Sgt. Junior Fields, Kendra Glover and other officers were waiting for Hessmer at the Alexandria exit of Interstate 40 when Hessmer arrived to deliver the drugs. Hessmer was taken into custody and a search of his vehicle yielded three separate bags of the highly addictive crystal substance.

Judge Dee Gay presided over the trial, and the state was represented by Assistant District Attorneys Jack Bare and Javin Cripps. The jury heard proof from the Smith County Sheriff’s Deputies, the TBI Crime Laboratory who tested the drugs, and the cooperating informant during the trial. In his closing argument, ADA Bare stated “John Hessmer set a time certain, a place certain, and a price certain for this Methamphetamine to be sold. He is the one who had control of this poison. When you retire to the jury room, find this Defendant guilty of what he did, bringing Methamphetamine into this County with the intent to sell it.” The jury deliberated for less than one hour before returning its verdict.

“This is exactly the way that pro-active law enforcement is supposed to work,” commented Jason Lawson, District Attorney General.  “When we find out that someone is selling drugs in our county, and we have the opportunity to set up a delivery and intercept the drugs we catch the defendant red-handed,” said Lawson.

“The Smith County Sheriff’s Office works really hard to combat the dangers of illegal narcotics in our community,” said Lawson.  “Sheriff Hopper and his department work tirelessly on behalf of the citizens of Smith County, and although the public may not always see everything that is going on, my prosecutors see the cases that they are brining to us on nearly a daily basis.  They should absolutely be commended for their commitment to take these drugs off of the streets,” added Lawson.   

Hessmer will be sentenced on May 26, 2023, at 1pm. The Defendant is facing a sentence of up to 20 years due to his prior record of criminal offenses.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee has a record number of companies registered in the state, according to the new Quarterly Business and Economic Indicators report issued by the Secretary of State’s Office.

The approximately 486,000 business entities operating in the Volunteer State represent an astounding 37.5% annual increase.

“Tennessee is proud to have such a robust business environment,” said Secretary Hargett. “Our state leaders are committed to preserving and strengthening our business climate, so Tennessee remains a place where businesses and families can succeed.”

Tennessee also saw the second largest number of new entity filings for a fourth quarter in the 25-year history of data being collected. 

The largest number of fourth quarter new entity filings in history was in 2021, which contributed to the current year-over-year number of filings declining by 2%. However, compared to pre-pandemic filings in the fourth quarter of 2019, filings this quarter are up by 58.2%. 

In the fourth quarter of 2022, 16,780 new entities were filed. A high level of business filings typically leads to growth in jobs, personal income and state revenue. Tennessee’s unemployment in December stayed at 3.5%, the same as the national rate.

The largest number of filings in the fourth quarter were in Davidson County, followed by Shelby, Knox and Hamilton counties. Together, filings in these four most-populous counties decreased 0.9% compared to Q4 2021, but Knox County filings grew 4.4%. 

In Tennessee’s other 91 counties, filings fell 10.3% from the incredibly strong Q4 2021 when filings in those counties grew an astonishing 72.7%.

“Tennessee continues to be a place where businesses thrive, with nearly a half million now registered in the state—the most since we began tracking in 1993,” said Don Bruce, director of the Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research. “This strengthens the state’s tax revenues and puts Tennesseans in a good position to weather the effects of inflation.”

The Quarterly Business and Economic Indicators report provides a snapshot of the state’s economy based on key indicators, including new business data from the Secretary of State’s Division of Business and Charitable Organizations. It is published through a partnership with the University of Tennessee Knoxville’s Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research and the Secretary of State.

To review the complete Q4 2022 Tennessee Quarterly Business and Economic Indicators report and past reports, please visit sos.tn.gov.

With the fast pace of life, we are usually trying to find faster and easier ways to do chores, especially housework. Sometimes the easier or faster way may not be the safest way.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in the United States clothes dryers cause 15,500 fires annually. This results in an average of 10 deaths, 310 injuries, and over $84 million in property damage. What is the common factor causing these fires? Lint.

The following are some steps you can take to help prevent a dryer fire:

· Do not use the dryer without a lint filter.

· Clean the lint filter before or after each load of laundry.

· Follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions and do not overload your dryer.

· Turn the dryer off if you leave home or go to bed.

· Do not dry any items made of foam, rubber, or plastic. These materials can cause a fire.

· Do not place clothes soiled with a flammable substance, such as gasoline, cooking oils, grease, or oil, in a dryer.

Even though these steps can be taken to prevent lint fire, another important precaution to take is to use a short vent pipe and clean it regularly. Do not restrict airflow. The vent pipe should be vented outside and not to the attic or under the floor.

According to Glen Mayfield, a dryer vent technician, these are signs that it’s time to clean your vent:

· Clothing does not dry completely after a normal drying cycle.

· Drying time for clothing takes longer than 35 to 40 minutes in duration.

· A musty odor is noticed in the clothing following the drying cycle.

· Clothing seems unusually hot to the touch after a complete drying cycle.

· The dryer vent hood flap does not properly open as it is designed to do during the operation of the dryer.

· Debris is noticed within the outside dryer vent opening.

· Excessive heat is noticed within the room in which the dryer is being operated.

· Large amounts of lint accumulate in the lint trap for the dryer during operation.

· A visible sign of lint and debris is noticed around the lint filter for the dryer.

· Excessive odor is noticed from dryer sheets that are used during the drying cycle.

Remember that sometimes the easier or faster way may not be the safest. Watch for signs that lint may be forming, and never leave the dryer on when not home or sleeping.

Sweet and Sour Smoked Sausage

1 package Hillshire Farm smoked sausage (or brand of choice)

2 green or red peppers, cut into strips

1 onion, cut into 1/2 inch pieces

1 can (8 oz) pineapple chunks, drained

1 cup sweet and sour sauce

4 1/2 cups cooked rice

Cut sausage into 1/2 inch slices. Heat skillet on medium-high for 3 minutes. Add sausage, peppers, and onion; cook, stirring constantly 6 to 7 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender. Stir in pineapple and sauce; cook until heated through, about 1 to 2 minutes. Serve over hot, cooked rice. Submitted by Carthage FCE Club.

NASHVILLE – – Livingston Academy junior Dalton Stout and Gordonsville High junior Breanna Boyd were in Nashville March 13-15 for the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association’s annual Youth Leadership Summit. The juniors were chosen and sponsored by Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation.

While in Nashville, delegates visited the State Capitol Building where they were welcomed bySecretary of State Tre Hargett and members of the Tennessee General Assembly. Summit attendees held a mock legislative session in the Senate Chambers, debating and voting on a bill they developed. In addition to lawmakers, students heard from leaders like Miss Tennessee’s Outstanding Teen, Jane Marie Franks, and trooper Shane Moore and K-9 Officer Sumo with the Tennessee Executive Protection Detail.

The Youth Leadership Summit also included a day of leadership training at the Joe C. Davis YMCA Outdoor Center and a behind-the-scenes tour of Bridgestone Arena prior to a Nashville Predators game.

Delegates to the Youth Leadership Summit are encouraged to be leaders in their hometowns and use their talents to improve rural Tennessee. “The Youth Leadership Summit gives the brightest students in rural and suburban Tennessee the opportunity to expand their leadership skills,” says Todd Blocker, Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association vice president of member relations and director of the Youth Leadership Summit. “These young people will be the next generation of leaders in rural Tennessee, and I commend electric co-ops for supporting this effort to prepare young people for the future.”

“These students will soon be our community leaders — and electric cooperative member owners,” says UCEMC General Manager and CEO Jennifer Brogdon. “We want them to share our passion for the Upper Cumberland, so it is an honor for UCEMC to help prepare them for the opportunities that are ahead. The future of our rural communities depends on a new generation of strong leaders like these.”

Central Tennessee Heat & Air is a family business owned by Monika and Justin Stewart of Smith County.  They have operated the business in Smith County for 11 years. They service all brands of equipment in existing homes and have several system options for new construction.

Central Tennessee Heat & Air offers yearly preventative maintenance, system replacements, air balance and quality control, ductwork repair and replacement. New systems including mini split systems, zone systems and HMH systems are available.  Additionally they sell and  replace UV lights, dehumidifiers, hot water heaters and wifi thermostats. They offer free proposals and free second opinions for existing home needs or new construction.  Financing is also available for those who qualify.

Justin studied HVAC in high school in Kentucky.  After graduating in 1986, Justin moved to Florida and began his HVAC career.  He met and married his wife, Monika.  They worked for several of the largest HVAC companies in Florida.  In 2005 they opened their own HVAC business in Orange County, FL.  They moved to Smith County in 2012.  Justin has over 37 years of experience in the HVAC trade.

Central Tennessee Heat& Air strives to offer prompt, courteous and professional service. After working for the larger HVAC companies, they hope to bring a large company level of service and quality to their neighbors in Smith County at a fair rate. “We love the small town atmosphere and level or personal connection here.  It is different from our experience in Florida”  Monika and Justin shared.

Central Tennessee Heat & Air is a State Licensed CMC-66367, fully insured and Bonded Company. There is never a charge a trip/diagnosis fee for Smith County residents.  Monika said when you call the office you will always get either her or their daughter Rachel Ball.  They believe in giving the customer what they pay for and most importantly being there when there is an issue.  Central Tennessee Heat & Air will  stand behind their work when others may leave you hot or cold. “What sets us apart from other companies is Justin is not a salesman…he is a Service man. He will design a system to fit YOUR family needs, give you the cleanest air with the most efficient unit for your money” Monika said.

Central Tennessee Heat & Air is available Monday-Friday 7 a.m. -4 p.m.  They also have emergency after-hours services.  You can email them at ctheatandair@gmail.com or call them at  615-897-6511 or 615-486-4657 or check them out on their Facebook page.

Contact Central Tennessee Heat & Air by April 1^st  for you next HVAC service need and mention seeing this article and receive a FREE Preventative Maintenance (value $75) with any service call.

The Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation (UCEMC) has an opening for a Journeyman Lineman. The successful applicant for the position will be assigned to UCEMC’s Gainesboro District Office. All Applicants should note that this position includes a residency requirement. The standard maximum distance employees hired shall be no more than twenty (20) miles or the service area perimeter of the Gainesboro Office to which assigned. UCEMC offers a competitive salary and benefits package together with a working environment conducive to personal and professional growth. UCEMC is a Tennessee Drug-Free Workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Applicants must be presently legally authorized to work in the United States. UCEMC will exercise its right to select an applicant for hire. Persons interested in applying for the position may read the Notice of Position Open and the position’s description at www.ucemc.com; www.JOBS4TN.GOV; or the local Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development Office. Apply on UCEMC’s website www.ucemc.com through March 24, 2023. No application will be accepted after 4:30 p.m. Friday March 24, 2023. For more information on this position contact UCEMC’s Human Resources Department at 800-261-2940 ext.122 or 123.

UCEMC is an EEO employer and an affirmative action employer. UCEMC is committed to guaranteeing to its employees and all applicants for employment equal employment opportunities regardless of race, gender, age, religion, national origin, genetic information, disability or veteran status, or any other protected status, except where such status is a bona fide occupational qualification.

The Carthage Junction Depot invites you to visit our Second Annual Youth Art Show. School age children across the county were invited to submit work for consideration and a beautiful array of work is now assembled in the gallery. We hope you will join us in celebrating the talent, creativity, and hard work of our county’s youth.  This exhibit is free to attend and will be open to the public March 18 from 10am-4pm.  Special thanks to Matt Gentry of Heartland Real Estate for sponsoring this event.

Congratulations to the young artists included in this event!

Defeated Elementary

Jossy Stewart

Presley Thornton

Hannah Massey

Brooke Preston

Dakoda Burris

Forks River School

Elizabeth Taylor

Marshall Taylor

Dustin Evans

Cecilia Cowan

Lauren Vivas

Jessa Cowell

Sunnie Antle

Union Heights School

Russell Hodges

Cecelia Dunn

Logan Gohlke

Elijah Mock

Amelia Hodges

Haley McDonald

Bellah Guin

Chloe Watson

Gordonsville Elementary

Nicole Peoples

Olivia Messenger

Jamie Harbison

Trevor Bucher

Rylea George

Kylee Allmon

Greer Sykes

New Middleton School

Harlan Hensley

Gus Taylor

Hannah Dixon

Carthage Elementary

Vincent Johnson

Betsy Ellenberg

Smith County Middle School

Kadence Poindexter

Gordonsville High School

Sophie Shoemake

Kaylea Keen

Brady Gentry

Macayla Moss

Kittie Antle

Bradley Hurst

Zachary Smiljanic

Alex Meador

Scarlett Wilson

The Carthage Junction Depot is located at 185 Gordonsville Highway. The Youth Art Show will be held Saturday, March 18th from 10 a.m. 4 p.m. Each month the Depot features local art and artists. Check out the the Carthage Junction Facebook page for information regarding this and other upcoming art exhibits.

Check out the March 2023 edition of “An Ounce of Prevention”, the monthly newsletter from the Smith County Drug Prevention Coalition!

Read this month’s newsletter to learn more about the Smith County Drug Prevention Coalition.

For more information about the Smith County Drug Prevention Coalition or how you can get involved, visit their website or follow them on Facebook.

The Smith County Fine Arts Center has received $1,500.00 from The Tennessee Valley Authority’s Community Care Fund program in partnership with UCEMC Cares, Inc. The funds will be used to purchase costumes and rights for plays for the coming season. Theatre was the passion of actor, director, and set designer Bill Reece, who recently passed. Evelyn Lawson
of the Smith County Fine Arts board says this season, there are big shoes to fill. “Bill was so artistic! He could act, sing, direct, and design the sets,” Evelyn explains. “It will take three or four people to replace him and tackle the tasks required to produce a play. Bill will be missed!”

Funding for UCEMC Cares, Inc., is provided by generous co-op members who choose to round up their electric bill to the nearest dollar. Since UCEMC Cares, Inc. began in 2014, more than $1.7 million has been given back to community organizations. Upper Cumberland EMC General Manager and CEO Jennifer Brogdon thanked TVA for making these matching funds available. “I appreciate TVA, not only as a power provider but as a community partner, helping us match our
members’ UCEMC Cares donations for worthy causes.”

TVA’s Community Care Fund was initially established to support communities across the Valley during the COVID-19 pandemic but was expanded recently to continue through 2023. “TVA and local power companies are continuing their partnership by extending the Community Care Fund program,” said Jeannette Mills, TVA Executive Vice President, and Chief External Relations
Officer. “This program continues to help amplify vital work being done by non-profit organizations and is intended to help sustain and improve the quality of life in the Valley.”

One local Smith County teenager will have the opportunity of a lifetime. Daycee Bane is a senior at Gordonsville High School and has been chosen as one of ten girls in her age group across the nation to compete in volleyball as a part of ¨America’s team.¨ The team will travel to Spain for nine days in a tournament with many other countries. If you would like to support Daycee in her adventure to Spain, click the button below.

Daycee is not just an extremely talented volleyball player. Daycee has an extraordinary  transcript of accomplishments that are listed below:

• Accepted into an Early Admissions College Program
• 3.76 GPA- honors student
• Will graduate high school with 36 college credits (over half of an associates degree completed)
• Accepted into 12 colleges/universities (so far) including RIT (a prestigious school in upstate New York)
• Has played multiple sports: travel softball, GHS softball, club volleyball, GHS volleyball
• Received the following accolades: all-tournament player, first-team all-district player, all-academic player 
• Offered volleyball and merit-based scholarships

On top of all of the above, Daycee also works two jobs at Sonic and Dollar General respectively.

Daycee intends to pursue a career in forensic psychology and work in a sex crimes unit. She hopes to rescue and help women and children that have been trafficked. She also has many hobbies including training her k9 dog, reading, swimming, hiking, giving volleyball and softball lessons, and hanging out with friends/boyfriend. Her mom is her biggest inspiration to work hard and achieve her dreams. 

If you would like to help make Daycees’ dream come true please consider donating to the link below. There is no fee for giving and there is not a percent held back; anything contributed goes straight to her once-of-a-lifetime trip. 

https://webapp.acis.com/fundraising/landing_public/HPNNHTRW-E5QH-085R-ZO34BJL7BK1C8T1X

Everything in life seems much harder when you’re constantly tired and rundown. Luckily, chiropractic treatment can boost your energy level, in addition to providing benefits for your joints and muscles.

How Joint and Muscle Problems Affect Energy and Health

Constant fatigue is a sign that something isn’t quite right with your body. Fatigue can be due to illness and stress, but may also occur when your body becomes imbalanced.

Muscles and tissues that become too tight may pull on joints and vertebrae or press on nerves. Although nerve pressure may cause pain, that’s not always the case. You could suffer from a slight nerve impingement without being aware of the problem.

In addition to causing pain, pressure on nerves may interfere with the normal functioning of organs and your immune system. Do you recall feeling more tired than usual when you were hurt or sick? Repairing and healing your body takes a lot of energy, which can leave you feeling tired and worn out.

Unfortunately, if you’re sick or in pain, it may be difficult to get the sleep you desperately need to rebuild your energy reserves. Fatigue could even worsen your symptoms or even lengthen healing time.

Chronic pain, a symptom that affects more than 20% of Americans, according to the 2019 National Health Interview Survey, can be a factor in fatigue. Authors note that prioritizing early treatment of musculoskeletal pain might reduce fatigue and make it easier for patients to participate in rehab activities and treatments.

If you don’t do anything to correct imbalances, fatigue may not be the only problem you’ll experience. In some cases, you may increase your risk of developing a variety of health problems, including:

• Headaches and Migraines
• Trouble Sleeping
• Stiff, Painful Muscles and Joints
• Digestive Problems
• Back Pain
• Frequent Illnesses
• Depression or Anxiety
• Weight Gain
• Sprains, Strains and Other Injuries

Improving Energy with Chiropractic

Although medication can be very effective in treating pain, symptoms often return soon after you stop taking the drug. Chiropractic treatments focus on the cause of your pain and fatigue, in addition to easing pain.

Chiropractors use several approaches to treat the underlying causes of fatigue, including spinal manipulation. Also referred to as “adjustments,” spinal manipulation realigns vertebrae, the small bones in your back that protect your spinal cord.

In addition to relieving pain, spinal manipulation treatment reduces pressure on nerves, which may decrease fatigue and improve organ and immune system function. The treatment may also ease muscle tension and decrease inflammation, a condition that can play a role in a range of health problems, including chronic fatigue, asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure and depression.

Treatments like massage and soft tissue mobilization loosen tight muscles and tissues. Whether the tissues tightened due to a subluxation, poor posture, injury or stress, muscle tension can cause pain, headaches and fatigue. These therapies relieve pain and also increase the production of endorphins, hormones that treat pain naturally and also help you feel relaxed.

Have you been feeling lethargic lately? Recharging your energy level could be as simple as paying a visit to the chiropractor. Contact us to schedule a convenient appointment.

Sources:

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders: The Temporal Relationship Between Pain and Fatigue in Individuals Receiving Treatment for Chronic Pain, 3/7/2022

https://bmcmusculoskeletdisord.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12891-022-05162-7

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Chronic Pain and High-Impact Chronic Pain Among U.S. Adults, 2019, 11/2020

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db390.htm

National Safety Council: Who is at Risk for Fatigue?

https://www.nsc.org/workplace/safety-topics/fatigue/fatigue-whos-at-risk

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences: Inflammation, 4/8/2021

https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/conditions/inflammation/index.cfm