The final major weekend of the 2026 summer boating season is approaching with the upcoming Labor Day holiday, Sept. 5-7. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is reminding all Tennesseans and its visitors to wear life jackets and boat safely and responsibly.

The TWRA aims to ensure that everyone who visits the waterways has an enjoyable experience. Labor Day weekend often brings heavy boat traffic to the state’s lakes and rivers. TWRA game wardens will be present on the waterways, monitoring dangerous boating behavior, such as boating under the influence (BUI) and other reckless operations.

Labor Day is regarded as the third major holiday weekend of the summer boating season. The TWRA is pleased to report there were no boating-related fatalities during the previous major holiday weekends of this summer season, including Memorial Day and the July 4th holiday. So far this year, there have been 15 boating-related fatalities on state waters, compared to 17 at this same time in 2025.

Key Safety Reminders:

• Wear Your Life Jacket: Ensure you have a properly fitted life jacket accessible onboard the vessel for each person. Children under age 12 are required to wear a life jacket while the vessel is underway.
• BUI is Illegal: Operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs is dangerous and strictly enforced. BUI = DUI
• Monitor the Weather: Conditions can change quickly, so check local forecasts.
• Maintain Safe Speeds: Be mindful of your wake and respect other boaters, swimmers, and paddleboarders.

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.

Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation highlights the statewide partnership behind Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and calls on Tennesseans to support the program in their own communities

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In the days following the passing of Dolly Parton, Tennesseans have reflected on the countless ways her generosity changed lives. In homes across the state, one part of her legacy continues every day as children open books delivered especially for them through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Since 2004, more than 60 million Imagination Library books have been delivered to Tennessee children, helping generations of families build home libraries and make reading part of everyday life. Today, approximately 270,000 Tennessee children are enrolled and receive a high-quality, age-appropriate book in the mail each month at no cost to their families.

Dolly launched the Imagination Library in Sevier County in 1995, inspired by her father’s inability to read and write and a simple but powerful idea: give young children books of their own and inspire them to dream more, learn more, care more and be more.

Tennessee would go on to play a historic role in the program’s growth. Founded in 2004 by former Governor Phil Bredesen, Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation helped expand Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to all 95 Tennessee counties, making Tennessee the first state in the nation to offer the program statewide. That first-in-the-nation public-private partnership helped pave the way for similar models across the country. Over the past two decades, GELF has built on that foundation, expanding its work to serve Tennessee children from birth through third grade and create more opportunities to read and learn at home, in the classroom and throughout their communities.

“Dolly showed us what is possible when you put a book in a child’s hands and believe in what is possible for them,” said James Pond, President & CEO of Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation. “More than 60 million books later, generations of Tennessee children have grown up with books in their homes because of that simple idea. One of the most meaningful ways we can honor Dolly is to keep reading with our children and keep investing in this partnership so it can reach Tennessee families for generations to come.”

How the Partnership Works in Tennessee

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is available to all Tennessee children from birth to age five through a unique public-private partnership between the Dollywood Foundation, GELF, the State of Tennessee and local program partners in all 95 counties.

The Dollywood Foundation provides the program infrastructure, coordinating book selection, purchasing and fulfillment. With financial support from the State of Tennessee, GELF funds 50% of book and mailing costs statewide and provides local program partners with resources and support to strengthen the program in their communities. Local program partners raise the remaining 50% in their communities, enroll children and build local awareness of the program.

Together, the partnership makes it possible for children to receive books each month at no cost to their families.

“The strength of the Tennessee model has always been its partnership,” Pond said. “It takes all of us to put books into the hands and homes of Tennessee children. Our local program partners are essential to this work, and every gift made in a community helps sustain the Imagination Library for the children and families who call that community home.”

Honor Dolly’s Legacy by Supporting Children in Your Community

Tennesseans can honor Dolly’s extraordinary legacy of inspiring a love of reading and continue her impact on children and families across the state: · Give. Donate to help provide books to children across Tennessee and support the continued success of Imagination Library in communities statewide. · Enroll a child. Eligible Tennessee children from birth to age five can receive a high-quality, age-appropriate book in the mail each month at no cost to their families. · Read together. Share the joy of reading with a child and discover more ways to support literacy across Tennessee.

About GELF

Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation (GELF) is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to strengthen early literacy in Tennessee by building home libraries and fostering literacy-rich communities. GELF’s Home Library work delivers books and resources directly to families and educators through programs like Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, K–3 Home Library, OWL Fest, and Tenn Under 10. GELF’s Community Through Literacy work brings reading beyond the classroom through Storybook Trails, Book Buses, and SELECT, a statewide network uniting partners to expand literacy access and impact. Founded in 2004 by former Governor Phil Bredesen, GELF champions early literacy as the foundation for lifelong learning and success. Learn more at www.GovernorsFoundation.org.

NASHVILLE — The application period for the 2026-27 Sandhill Crane quota hunt, the 2026-27 Bobwhite Quail quota hunt, and the Game Warden Deer Hunt will be open Sept. 2-30.

Information can be found on the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) quota hunts webpage. Applications can be made online at gooutdoorstennessee.com, through the TWRA mobile app, in person at any TWRA license agent, or at a TWRA regional office. No mailed applications will be accepted.

SANDHILL CRANE QUOTA HUNT:

Applicants must be at least 13 years of age by the end of the application period to enter the drawing. This hunt utilizes priority points. If applying as a party, priority points are averaged and rounded to the nearest number. Parties may have up to five applicants, including the party leader. When applying for the Sandhill Crane Quota Hunt as a party, all party members’ points will be averaged to determine the point value of the party.

A total of 1,250 permits will be issued for this hunt. A total of 2,500 tags (two tags/hunter) will be issued through a computerized drawing. The tags are valid statewide and in the Southeast Crane Zone. All sandhill crane hunters must pass an internet-based crane test each year before hunting. The sandhill crane hunting season is Dec. 3-Jan. 31, 2027, with the exception of Jan. 15-17 in the Southeast Zone.

BOBWHITE QUAIL QUOTA HUNT:

For the third year, a Bobwhite Quail quota hunt will be held on four dates at Bridgestone Firestone Wildlife Management Area (WMA) on Dec. 17, and on Jan. 14, 20, and 21 in 2027. There will be one permit per hunt, and applicants may create or join a party or apply as an individual. The maximum party size is three, and there are no priority points associated with this hunt.

If drawn, applicants may choose to alter their party or bring additional hunters (not to exceed a party of three) up until check-in at the WMA, the day of the hunt. Non-hunting individuals may not go on the hunt.

Applicants must be at least six years old by the date of the hunt. There can be no more than two youth (16 years old or younger) in a party. Youth hunters must be accompanied by an adult who may hunt as a member of the party, not to exceed a party of three.

GAME WARDEN YOUTH HUNT:

A TWRA Game Warden Youth Deer Hunt will be held on Jan. 9, 2027, in Montgomery, Robertson, and Stewart counties. An area game warden will contact the individual following notification, and Jan. 8 will be a preparation day with the game warden. Youth ages 6-16 are eligible to participate.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR EACH OF THE HUNTS

Customers can apply by using any one of the following methods:

1. www.gooutdoorstennessee.com
2. Via the TWRA mobile app
3. At one of the TWRA regional offices
4. At any TWRA license agent

There is no application fee for current Annual Sportsman License holders or Lifetime Sportsman License holders. For all other applicants, there is a non-refundable $12 application fee, and a vendor fee. When applying at a license agent, hunters must remain at the location while the application is processed to verify the information is correct on the receipt.

All applicants should have a valid and accurate email address on their GoOutdoorsTennessee.com account. A receipt, which serves as proof of application, will be sent to the email address on the account.

Applicants may review their application (including party members) by logging in at GoOutdoorsTennessee.com. Applications may be edited by the applicants until the deadline. Successful applicants will be notified by email.

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.

—TWRA—

Tennessee’s 2026-27 mourning dove season opens on Tuesday, Sept. 1 at noon (local time), and is one of the state’s longest-standing hunting traditions. The season opener is the start of three hunting segments for the popular game bird.

Doves are found throughout various regions in the state, with the highest concentration in farming areas. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) manages dove hunting fields in each of the four regions. Hunters must have a valid state hunting license and a Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit while hunting. Before hunting on private lands, hunters are required to ask for permission. In Tennessee, an estimated 28,000 hunters harvest approximately 399,000 mourning doves each year.

The daily bag limit for mourning doves is 15, and there is no limit on collared doves. Doves not readily identifiable as collared doves will be considered mourning doves and will count toward the mourning dove daily bag limit. No person shall take migratory game birds by the aid of baiting, or on any baited area. Any auto-loading or repeating shotgun must be incapable of holding more than three shells while being used for dove hunting.

The first segment of dove season closes Sept. 28. The second segment is Oct. 10-Nov. 1 and the final segment runs Dec. 8-Jan. 15, 2027.

In addition to the start of dove season, the early season for Canada geese, brant, blue, snow, and Ross’ Geese (light geese) also starts on Sept. 1 and runs through Sept. 20. Other hunting seasons that open Sept. 1 are moorhens, gallinules, and rails (Virginia and sora), with a closure on Nov. 9. The Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit is also required to hunt these species.

A short crow hunting season overlaps with the opening week of dove season, Sept. 1-7. It will resume from Sept. 11 through Dec. 20, and hunting is allowed only on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during this segment. Refer to the 2026-27 Tennessee Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Guide for daily bag limits and more information.

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.

Labor Day 2026 is Monday, September 7th. What is the celebration all about? I think of Labor Day as being the last holiday of summer. With this in mind, I try to work in a little family fun in this three-day weekend.

Actually, Labor Day is to honor America’s workers. It is the result of a labor movement pushing for better working conditions. During the 1800’s there were no laws to protect workers. Workers were often required to work 12 hours per day for 7 day a week. Young children were often required to work in mines and mills with unsafe conditions.

It is unclear who first suggested the holiday for workers, but two workers can make a substantial claim to the Founder of Labor Day title. Some records show that in 1882, Peter McGuire suggested setting a day aside for labor workers. Others believe that machinist Matthew Maguire founded the holiday. Recent research seems to support the contention that Matthew Maguire, proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York.

In 1894 Labor Day became a legal holiday. Later in 1916 congress passed an eight-hour work day law and overtime pay for certain workers. For more information on Labor Day Holiday, check out dol.gov.

Easy Cream Cheese Fruit Cobbler

1 box yellow cake mix

1 can fruit pie filling – cherry, peach, or blueberry

1 package 8 oz cream cheese, softened

½ cup sugar

1 egg

½ teaspoon vanilla

½ cup butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Spread pie filling evenly over 9 x 13 greased baking dish.

In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Drop by spoonsful onto fruit filling. Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over everything.

Drizzle melted butter over cake mix and cover as much as possible.

Bake 40-50 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Let it cool for 15 minutes before serving. Great with ice cream!

Submitted by: Jan Knowles, Elmwood/Chestnut Mound FCE Club

(pictured above) 2026 Smith County 4-H Forestry Judging Competitors L to R: Russell Hodges, Ameila Hodges, Kyler Yerge, Luke Chartier, and Colten Yerge

On Friday, August 21, 2026, five Smith County 4-H’ers competed in the 2026 Central Region 4-H Forestry Judging Contest, which was held at the Wilson County Fair – Tennessee State Fair as part of the Year of Forestry celebration. Each of our 4-H’ers placed in the Top 10 in their age division!

In the Junior Division, Colten Yerge placed 2nd individually, and Russell Hodges placed 5th.

In the Junior High Division, Kyler Yerge placed 3rd individually, and Amelia Hodges placed 10th.

In the Senior High Division, Luke Chartier placed 2nd individually.

During the 4-H Forestry Judging competition, 4-H’ers are asked to correctly identify 20 different species of trees, 10 common insects or examples of their damage, and 10 diseases that can affect trees and the health of our forests. Competitors are also required to measure trees using a Biltmore stick, accurately estimate distances by pacing, and know how to use a compass.

We are so proud of these 4-H members for their dedication and commitment to learning more about the world around them and embracing the great outdoors as a classroom! 4-H Forestry Judging helps students learn about nature and practice their critical thinking and decision-making skills. It can also expose them to and prepare them for future careers in the natural resources sector.

Special thanks to former National 4-H Forestry Judging competitors Emmy Bibbings and Owen Meeks for helping with practices this year. It is so special to see our more experienced 4-H’ers give back and pass their knowledge on to the next generation!

If you would like to learn more about the 4-H Forestry Judging program or any of the many exciting opportunities that 4-H can offer our local youth, please contact Rachel Petty at 615-735-2900 or rpetty@utk.edu.

Smith County 4-H’ers Colten Yerge and Luke Chartier carefully examine a leaf sample during the 2026 Central Region 4-H Forestry Judging Competition.

A Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) investigation into illegal hunting has resulted in the lifetime revocation of hunting privileges for a Smith County man.

The investigation began March 28, 2026, after a concerned citizen reported that two wild turkeys had been illegally harvested near Alexandria. Information provided by the caller, including a photograph of the suspect vehicle, helped game wardens identify the vehicle and its owner.

As the investigation continued, TWRA game wardens uncovered evidence of additional wildlife violations dating back to at least 2023. Investigators found that deer had allegedly been harvested outside of legal hunting seasons and later reported during open seasons.

A search of digital devices and a subsequent search of the suspect’s residence led to the discovery of a substantial amount of wildlife parts. TWRA seized 18 deer mounts, 52 turkey beards, 84 turkey spurs and one turkey fan mount. Officials said the vast majority of the items were obtained illegally.

On July 24, 2026, Austin Hale pleaded guilty to six counts of illegal possession of wildlife. As part of the plea agreement, the court ordered the lifetime revocation of his hunting privileges, forfeiture of the seized wildlife parts and six years of supervised probation. Hale also agreed to make a $1,000 donation to the Tennessee Hunter Education Fund in lieu of forfeiting two deer mounts.

The hunting privilege revocation will also be recognized by participating states through the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact.

Illegal hunting and wildlife violations not only harm Tennessee’s natural resources, but also undermine the efforts of hunters who follow the law and regulations designed to protect wildlife populations.

TWRA encourages anyone who witnesses suspected wildlife violations to report them to a local game warden or through the agency’s poaching hotline.

The search for a missing boater on Percy Priest Lake ended Wednesday, Aug. 19, shortly after 3:20 p.m., when search crews located a man’s body following a three-day search effort. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) resumed search operations on Wednesday at 8 a.m. with assistance from CAM-SAR, a volunteer emergency response organization equipped with remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and Tow-fish sonar scanning technology designed to support open-water search operations.

The search began Monday Aug. 17, shortly after 4 p.m. when TWRA, Nashville Office of Emergency Management, Nashville Fire Department, and the Metro Nashville Police Department responded to a report of a missing person on Percy Priest Lake.

Preliminary information indicated 72-year-old Phillip Green of Nashville was boating on Percy Priest with a female companion. The couple exited the pontoon boat they were on to swim with the use of a single pool noodle as flotation. While the couple swam, winds caused the boat to drift away and Green, without a personal flotation device, attempted to swim to the vessel. Green went underwater and did not resurface according to the female witness.

The female drifted on the pool noodle for over an hour before a passing boat rescued her. Because first responders didn’t know exactly where Mr. Green disappeared, they had to search a wide area of open water.

Over the next two days, crews searched multiple locations in a 200-300 acre area of Percy Priest Lake to locate the missing boater.

On Wednesday, CAM-SAR personnel provided a target location using the TOW-fish sonar and TWRA investigators deployed a ROV to the target area. At approximately 3:20 p.m., the body of Mr. Green was located and divers with Nashville Office of Emergency Management made the recovery.

Smith County property owners will not see an increase in the county property tax rate this year following action taken by county commissioners during a special called meeting Monday night, August 10.

Commissioners approved the county’s 2026-27 fiscal year budget along with a state-certified property tax rate of $1.3023.

During the meeting, commissioners also approved a $35 million budget for the Smith County school system.

Budget and Finance Committee Chairman Connor McDonald said the $35 million figure falls between the Smith County Board of Education’s projected revenue of approximately $33 million and its proposed expenditures of about $37 million.

In addition to approving the budget, commissioners agreed to call for a referendum on a proposed increase in the county sales tax rate in areas where the county rate is currently 2 percent.

If approved by voters, the referendum would increase the sales tax rate from 2 percent to 2.75 percent in unincorporated areas of the county and South Carthage. The cities of Carthage and Gordonsville already have a 2.75 percent sales tax rate, meaning the proposed increase would not change the rate within those city limits.

Residents are expected to vote on the proposed increase in November, with the referendum taking place in conjunction with the State General Election and city elections in Carthage and Gordonsville.

McDonald emphasized that the proposed increase would apply only to South Carthage and areas outside the incorporated city limits.

“South Carthage, which has a two percent sales tax rate, would be affected by the rate change,” McDonald explained. “Carthage and Gordonsville are already at the 2.75 percent rate, so nothing changes there, meaning no change to grocery bills at SavWay or Walmart inside those city limits.”

According to McDonald, figures provided by the state indicate that the proposed change would not negatively affect sales tax revenue received by the cities of Carthage or Gordonsville.

County Attorney Jeremy Hassler also addressed the issue during Monday night’s meeting. McDonald noted that sales tax revenue is the only source of county tax revenue collected from non-residents who make purchases in the county.

The idea of pursuing the sales tax increase was initially raised by a member of the Smith County Board of Education during the school board’s previous meeting. County commissioners and school officials subsequently worked together on the proposal.

If voters approve the increase in November,,at least half of the additional sales tax revenue would be directed to the school system. McDonald estimates that amount could generate approximately $450,000 to $500,000 for local schools.