NASHVILLE — The application period for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) 2026 Spring Turkey Quota Hunts will be open Dec. 17 through Jan. 7, 2026. Applications can be submitted online at gooutdoorstennessee.com, through the TWRA On The Go mobile app, at TWRA regional offices, or at any TWRA license agent.

Detailed application instructions, WMA locations, and general quota hunt information are available on the TWRA Quota Hunts webpage. The deadline for submitting applications is Jan.7 at 11:59 p.m. (CST). Additionally, the areas available for the hunts are listed on the Turkey Quota Hunt webpage. There are 10 sites that include 78 hunts and three other sites for five youth-only hunts. Applicants may choose to apply for one or two drawings. No person may apply more than once.

A computer drawing will be held to determine the successful applications based on the priority drawing system. Permits are not transferable. Youth hunters (ages 6-16 by the date of the hunt) may submit one application for the regular quota hunt and one application for the youth-only quota hunt. Parties may have up to five applicants, including the party leader. Applicants, or the party leader, may select up to 24 choices on their application. Youth spring turkey applicants may select up to five choices.

A $12 application fee and a vendor fee are assessed to each application. Hunters possessing a valid Annual, Lifetime, or Senior Sportsman License are exempt from application fees.

The 2026 statewide spring turkey season is April 11-May 24. The statewide Young Sportsman Hunt is April 4-5. Information on the 2026 Spring Turkey Hunting season can be found in the 2025-26 Tennessee Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping Guide.

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—

NASHVILLE —- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is reminding hunters to remain vigilant and take appropriate precautions for possible cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) among wild birds, backyard domestic flocks, and commercial poultry flocks in the Southeast. HPAI is highly contagious among bird populations and is known to be deadly for domestic fowl.

“I am hearing reports out of Arkansas and Mississippi of snow geese infected with HPAI,” said Jamie Feddersen, TWRA Migratory Gamebird Coordinator. “I would recommend anyone handling a wild duck or goose to be mindful and use safety precautions. Anyone seeing sick or dying birds should report them through TWRA’s sick bird reporting system.”

Recommendations for Hunters:

• Hunters who handle wild birds should dress game birds in the field when possible and any remains from processed birds can be buried where the animal was harvested or double bagged and disposed of along with normal household waste.
• Waterfowl hunters who raise poultry, work on poultry farms, or visit poultry farms should change all outer layers of their hunting clothing, including boots, before entering any poultry facilities.
• Clothing should be laundered as soon as possible to prevent contamination, and boots should be treated with a 10 percent bleach solution before and after entering commercial or backyard poultry facilities to prevent the virus from being transferred to new locations.

Recommendations for Homeowners:

• Watchable wildlife, including songbirds, can also be affected by HPAI. Homeowners should stop feeding birds and cover bird baths, if dead birds are found, until this wildlife mortality event subsides.
• Clean up any excess feed that has spilled or was placed onto the ground, and clean feeders and bird baths with a 10 percent bleach solution.
• Avoid contact with any dead or dying bird. If contact occurs, wash your hands with soap and water and change clothing before having any contact with healthy domestic poultry and other birds.
• Dead or dying bird sightings may be reported to TWRA on the TWRA website. Community-based reporting supports the early detection of disease and bird health monitoring.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) monitors for the disease in commercial poultry operations, live bird markets, and migratory wild bird populations. TWRA submits wild bird test results to USDA for monitoring purposes and coordinates with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Veterinarians for disease management.

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—

U.S. Representative John Rose (TN-06) announced his support of United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) $38.1 million grant agreement with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) to cover losses from Hurricane Helene. The grant will target infrastructure and timber losses in addition to future economic losses and market losses.

In the 4-H world, fall always means it’s public speaking time! All throughout the month of November, close to 700 4-H’ers gave a 4-H speech in their classroom. 1st and 2nd place classroom winners were given the opportunity to advance to the county-wide Public Speaking Contest, which was held at Smith County Middle School on Tuesday, December 9, 2025.

Public speaking is no easy feat, but 62 brave and talented 4th-11th grade 4-H’ers from all across Smith County competed by giving a prepared speech, ranging from 1-7 minutes depending on grade level.

We are so proud of each and every student who gave a speech this fall and especially proud of those who chose to move on to the next level of competition! Public speaking is an essential life skill that we hope these 4-H’ers will continue to cultivate and use throughout their lives.

Awards for the 2025 Smith County 4-H Public Speaking Contest went to:

4th Grade

· 1st Place – Vega Blair, CES

· 2nd Place – Marcus Razafinjatovo, FRS

· 3rd Place – Sarah Kenny, GES

Also competing in the 4th Grade Division were Grace Binkley, Peter Chartier, Bristol Gentry, Peyton Green, Rylee Jones, Madlyn Keltner, Kellan Kemp, J Allen Kemp, Kaelyn Malone, Katherine Swann, Jolie Whited, Christina Wilson, and Luna Wright.

5th Grade

· 1st Place – Lizzy Taylor, FRS

· 2nd Place – Ainsley Hassler, GMU

· 3rd Place – Colton Hackett, GMU

Also competing in the 5th Grade Division were Katherine Bass, Chloe Beechboard, Agnes “Aggie” Gentry, Daniel Johnson, Willow Lawrence, CJ Lawson, Jonah Mauldin, Chance Medley, Jake Myers, Ava Slatton, Kynadee Smith, Sebastian Strifler, and Kayenslie Woodard.

6th Grade

· 1st Place – Scarlett Hicks, FRS

· 2nd Place – Paisley Jernigan, UHS

· 3rd Place – McCall Kemp, DES

Also competing in the 6th Grade Division were Laikin Bush, Colleen Dula, Isaac Ferrell, Brooklyn Gasnik, Josie Harville, Kyla Jackson, Dexter Manners, Jax Mason, Adley Myers, Katie Wilson, and Everett Silcox.

7th Grade

· 1st Place – Oakley Lawrence, Homeschool

· 2nd Place – Aubrey Hicks, FRS

· 3rd Place – Cecelia Cowan, SCMS

Also competing in the 7th Grade Division were Katie Belle Butler, Jorja Flynt, Rose Hughes, Tripp Medley, and Evie Wilson.

8th Grade

· 1st Place – Avery Myers, FRS

· 2nd Place – Luke Chartier, Homeschool

· 3rd Place – Lexie DeJulio, SCMS

Alija Rosenfelt also competed in the 8th Grade Division.

9th Grade

· 1st Place – Tana Harville, Homeschool

· 2nd Place – Makenna Hassler, GMU

10th Grade

· 1st Place – Turner Harville, Homeschool

11th Grade

· 1st Place – Carolyn Jones, SCHS

The top two contestants in each division will have the opportunity to compete again at the sub-regional public speaking contest which will be held in Cookeville in January 2026.

Smith County 4-H would like to thank the administrators, faculty, and staff at Smith County Middle School for allowing us to host our event there.

Thank you also to following individuals who graciously volunteered their time and expertise to serve as judges: Hannah Maddle, Courtney Dickens, Matt Inyart, Diann Bussell, Tristan Pope, JR Smith, Mary Draper, Lisa Harville, and Holly Harper.

Finally, thank you to all of the family members, teachers, principals, and others who have encouraged and assisted these 4-H’ers with their speeches. Your support and their hard work is evident and appreciated!

The 4-H Youth Development Program delivers programs through cooperative efforts of the University of Tennessee, Tennessee State University, and public and private sector volunteers. 4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. 4-H educational programs are offered to all youth, grades 4-12, on an age-appropriate basis, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or disability.

Please call 615-735-2900 for further information regarding the many 4-H activities and events available for our great young people in Smith County.

Washington, DC—Today, U.S. Representative John Rose (TN-06) proposed an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026, the bill that sets policies and authorizes programs for the United States’ national defense, Department of War, and related programs.

The amendment would repeal a provision of the government funding bill, signed into law on Nov. 12, that permits eight U.S. Senators to sue taxpayers $500,000 or more following subpoenas of their phone data executed by the Biden-era FBI.

Rep. Rose released the following statement:

“The House passed a bill repealing this unconstitutional money grab 20 days ago – 426 to 0 – and Leader Thune has yet to bring it to a vote,” Rep. Rose said. “Since the Senate sees fit to shove a self-serving money grab into a must-pass funding bill to reopen the government, then the House should do the same and shove a repeal into the must-pass NDAA.”

The amendment is co-sponsored by Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-PA).

Background:

Congressman Rose signed onto a letter, sent Oct. 22, to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi requesting a criminal investigation into the activities of Biden Administration Special Counsel Jack Smith, for potential Fourth Amendment violations during Operation Arctic Frost. He has consistently criticized the previous administration for overreach and the censorship of conservative Americans.

U.S. Representative John Rose is currently serving his fourth term representing Tennessee’s Sixth Congressional District and resides on his family farm in Lancaster with his wife, Chelsea, and their two sons, Guy and Sam. The Sixth District includes Cannon, Clay, Cumberland, DeKalb, Fentress, Jackson, Macon, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, Smith, Sumner, Trousdale, Van Buren, and White counties as well as portions of Davidson, Scott, Warren, and Wilson counties. Representative Rose is an eighth-generation farmer, small business owner, and attorney.

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.