A Wilson County jury has convicted a man of first-degree murder in the slaying of an innocent motorist at a Mt. Juliet marina last year. Adrian McLean, 40, of Jamaica was arrested and charged with first-degree murder of Bailey Gardner and three counts of aggravated robbery relating to an armed robbery of Cedar Creek Marina restaurant which occurred on June 29, 2024. After an extensive investigation involving multiple agencies, police determined that McLean and his two counterparts chose to rob the restaurant as it closed that night. Upon leaving the restaurant after the robbery, the men discovered that Gardner had arrived in the parking lot towing a boat and was sitting in his vehicle. One of the men approached Gardner’s vehicle and shot and killed Gardner while he sat in the driver’s seat.

During the investigation, a surveillance video from a local gas station connected McLean to the vehicle that was seen on the Cedar Creek Marina restaurant video as being used in the commission of the crime. The gas station video was recorded shortly before the robbery and murder, and given the distances travelled and GPS data investigators proved that McClean was one of the men involved in the robbery and homicide. McLean was arrested on July 17, 2024, in Nashville. At the time of his arrest, McLean was in the United States on an expired temporary visa. McLean remained in jail until his trial and will be transferred to the Department of Correction for service of his life sentence.

The trial began on Monday morning progressed for four days. Late Thursday afternoon, the jury returned the verdict finding McLean guilty on all counts. The homicide carries a mandatory life sentence, and a separate sentencing hearing will be held where prosecutors intend to seek additional sentences for the aggravated robbery convictions. The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorneys Justin Harris and Tom Swink.

“This was a coordinated investigation by the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office and the Mt. Juliet Police Department, both of which did an outstanding job. Having two different police agencies working on a case together led to tremendous resources and a vast number of witnesses to testify at trial, all of which played an important role in the investigation,” said Jason Lawson, District Attorney. “It is our hope that this conviction brings some measure of justice for the family and friends of Bailey Gardner.”

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is highlighting Gov. Bill Lee’s proclamation recognizing National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHFD), which is observed on Saturday, Sept. 27. NHFD also coincides with the launch of the statewide fall archery season for deer and the fall archery season for turkey in select counties. Check the 2025-26 Tennessee Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping Guide for specific season regulations and visit TNWildlife.org for more information on events and opportunities to get involved.

TWRA’s Executive Director Jason Maxedon presented the proclamation at the August Commission Meeting. “We are thankful for Gov. Lee, who, as a sportsman, recognizes what hunting and fishing has meant to generations of Tennesseans and their importance as we move forward. We are grateful to the hunters, anglers, and boaters in the state of Tennessee who purchase licenses supporting wildlife conservation programs, habitat acquisitions, and outdoor recreational opportunities. We invite all Tennesseans and visitors to go outdoors and experience our beautiful natural resources.”

The proclamation notes that “Tennessee has a rich and storied tradition of hunting and angling that dates further than the state itself. Tennessee fishing and hunting enthusiasts were among the first conservationists to support the establishment of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, and together we have strengthened the focus on conservation sustainability and its habitat.”

NHFD was established by the U.S. Congress in 1972 to recognize hunters and anglers for their financial contributions to wildlife conservation. The event is celebrated in all 50 states annually on the fourth Saturday in September. This special day recognizes generations of sportsmen and women for their contributions to the rich tradition of wildlife conservation funded by hunting, fishing, and boating license sales.

In 2024, Tennessee’s sportsmen and women generated more than $78 million through the American System of Conservation Funding, a “user pays-public benefits” approach that is widely recognized as the most successful model for funding fish and wildlife management. Last year alone, more than 910,00 hunters and anglers supported Tennessee’s economy through their spending of $13 billion on outdoor activities in the state.

Wildlife and fisheries conservation in Tennessee is primarily funded by the sales of hunting and fishing licenses, boating registrations, and a portion of the Real Estate Transfer Tax. In addition to license sales, TWRA also receives federal grant funding from excise taxes on the sale and manufacturing of certain outdoor recreation gear, firearms, ammunition, and fishing equipment.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) reminds hunters that the archery-only deer season and the fall turkey season open on Saturday, Sept. 27.

The archery deer season dates are Sept. 27-Oct. 24 and Oct. 27-Nov. 7. For the fall turkey season, the archery season is Sept. 27-Oct. 24, Oct. 27-Nov. 7, and the shotgun/archery season is Oct. 11-24. Turkey season is open in all counties except Crockett, Dyer, Giles, Haywood, Lake, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lincoln, Shelby, Tipton, and Wayne.

There are ample opportunities for deer hunters looking for public land to hunt. More than 100 wildlife management areas and refuges across the state are open at various times for hunting. Find area-specific regulations at tnwildlife.org. Hunters are reminded that they must possess the appropriate licenses and permits. Specific regulations and license requirements do apply. Private lands are also open for hunting. Before accessing private land, hunters must obtain permission from the landowner.

The 2025-26 Tennessee Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping Guide is the ultimate guide for hunting in Tennessee. Guides are available where hunting and fishing licenses are sold, online at tnwildlife.org, or through the TWRA On the Go app.

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.

WASHINGTON, DC—U.S. Representative John Rose (TN-06) voted ‘Yes’ on H.R. 5371, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, which will fund the federal government through Nov. 21.

The short-term funding will prevent harmful disruptions to national security and vital programs on which many Tennesseans rely. The bill also allows the House of Representatives to continue its efforts to restore regular order to the budget process in the weeks ahead.

Rep. Rose released the following statement:

“The vast majority of Tennesseans want to see Washington pass a budget the right way, through what is known as regular order,” Rep. Rose said. “This continuing resolution (CR) gives the House a few more weeks to make that happen. This short-term funding also prevents any disruptions to President Trump’s efforts to deport criminal illegal aliens and restore safety to our nation’s crime-ridden cities, including Memphis.”

Background:
The House Appropriations Committee has successfully passed all 12 appropriations bills out of committee, three of which have already been passed by the full House.

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.

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) reminds hunters that the archery-only deer season and the fall turkey season open on Saturday, Sept. 27.

The archery deer season dates are Sept. 27-Oct. 24 and Oct. 27-Nov. 7. For the fall turkey season, the archery season is Sept. 27-Oct. 24, Oct. 27-Nov. 7, and the shotgun/archery season is Oct. 11-24. Turkey season is open in all counties except Crockett, Dyer, Giles, Haywood, Lake, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lincoln, Shelby, Tipton, and Wayne.

There are ample opportunities for deer hunters looking for public land to hunt. More than 100 wildlife management areas and refuges across the state are open at various times for hunting. Find area-specific regulations at tnwildlife.org. Hunters are reminded that they must possess the appropriate licenses and permits. Specific regulations and license requirements do apply. Private lands are also open for hunting. Before accessing private land, hunters must obtain permission from the landowner.

The 2025-26 Tennessee Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping Guide is the ultimate guide for hunting in Tennessee. Guides are available where hunting and fishing licenses are sold, online at tnwildlife.org, or through the TWRA On the Go app.

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.

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is highlighting Gov. Bill Lee’s proclamation recognizing National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHFD), which is observed on Saturday, Sept. 27. NHFD also coincides with the launch of the statewide fall archery season for deer and the fall archery season for turkey in select counties. Check the 2025-26 Tennessee Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping Guide for specific season regulations and visit TNWildlife.org for more information on events and opportunities to get involved.

TWRA’s Executive Director Jason Maxedon presented the proclamation at the August Commission Meeting. “We are thankful for Gov. Lee, who, as a sportsman, recognizes what hunting and fishing has meant to generations of Tennesseans and their importance as we move forward. We are grateful to the hunters, anglers, and boaters in the state of Tennessee who purchase licenses supporting wildlife conservation programs, habitat acquisitions, and outdoor recreational opportunities. We invite all Tennesseans and visitors to go outdoors and experience our beautiful natural resources.”

The proclamation notes that “Tennessee has a rich and storied tradition of hunting and angling that dates further than the state itself. Tennessee fishing and hunting enthusiasts were among the first conservationists to support the establishment of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, and together we have strengthened the focus on conservation sustainability and its habitat.”

NHFD was established by the U.S. Congress in 1972 to recognize hunters and anglers for their financial contributions to wildlife conservation. The event is celebrated in all 50 states annually on the fourth Saturday in September. This special day recognizes generations of sportsmen and women for their contributions to the rich tradition of wildlife conservation funded by hunting, fishing, and boating license sales.

In 2024, Tennessee’s sportsmen and women generated more than $78 million through the American System of Conservation Funding, a “user pays-public benefits” approach that is widely recognized as the most successful model for funding fish and wildlife management. Last year alone, more than 910,00 hunters and anglers supported Tennessee’s economy through their spending of $13 billion on outdoor activities in the state.

Wildlife and fisheries conservation in Tennessee is primarily funded by the sales of hunting and fishing licenses, boating registrations, and a portion of the Real Estate Transfer Tax. In addition to license sales, TWRA also receives federal grant funding from excise taxes on the sale and manufacturing of certain outdoor recreation gear, firearms, ammunition, and fishing equipment.

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.

Carthage will soon welcome a new resource for pet owners as Baker Veterinary Services prepares to open its doors on October 1, 2025. Located at 334 Lebanon Highway, the clinic is dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care for pets throughout Smith County.

Baker Veterinary Services will offer a wide range of services, including routine wellness visits, sick visits, prescriptions, spay/neuter, dentistry, surgery, house calls, and both daytime and after-hours emergency care. The clinic is committed to creating a welcoming, low-stress environment where both clients and their pets feel comfortable.

Dr. Hannah Baker, the clinic’s founder, grew up in Leesburg, Florida, and attended the University of Florida before completing her veterinary degree at Lincoln Memorial University. After moving to Smith County with her husband Nicholas—who attended Tennessee Tech—the couple decided to make the community their home. Along with their two children, dogs, horses, and chickens, the Bakers are excited to build their future in the area.

“I’ve always known I wanted to be a veterinarian, and owning my own clinic was part of that goal,” Dr. Baker shared. “I felt the time was right to pursue my goal. I hope to fill a gap in veterinary care here and help the animals in this area.”

The clinic’s hours will be:

• Monday: Closed
• Tuesday: 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
• Wednesday & Thursday: 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
• Friday: 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
• Saturday: 9 a.m.–12 p.m.

Dr. Baker hopes to expand the clinic in the future by hiring additional veterinarians and staff, utilizing the extra space at the location to grow and offer even more services.

For more information, visit www.bakerveterinary.com, call 615-706-3111, or email bakervetinfo@gmail.com.

NASHVILLE — White-tailed deer populations in portions of Middle and West Tennessee are currently experiencing an increase in hemorrhagic disease (HD) activity based on TWRA monitoring efforts. HD is a naturally occurring disease in deer, typical of southeastern states, that can be caused by epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) and bluetongue (BT) viruses. These viruses are transmitted by a biting midge (known as no-see-ums), not directly between deer. HD is not known to cause disease in humans either through insect bites or through handling or consuming meat from infected deer.

HD occurs seasonally, but the severity is highly variable year-to-year, ranging from a few infrequent cases to highly visible outbreaks. Outbreaks are known to be linked to environmental conditions that impact the midge life cycle. Midges breed in the mud around water sources such as stump holes and small puddles. Years of excessive rain in the spring and early summer, followed by dry conditions in the late summer (as much of Tennessee has experienced this year), create favorable conditions for midge reproduction and elevated abundance, increasing the risk of HD outbreaks. 

The disease can cause fatigue, respiratory distress, swollen tongue, sores in the mouth, fever, and sloughing of hooves that may cause lameness in deer. The deer may become thin, the tongue may hang from the mouth, accompanied by drooling, a lack of fear, and the whites of the eye may appear red. Usually, sick, dying, or dead deer are found in or near water as they try to relieve fever symptoms. However, not all deer that succumb to HD will look sick. Midges will die off with the first hard frost, but already infected deer may exhibit symptoms for several weeks after.

Deer can recover from this disease and develop immunity that can be passed on to the next generation. Therefore, the severity of outbreaks also depends on the level of herd immunity to circulating viruses. Some of these survivors may look thin and could suffer from lameness until their condition improves. Deer populations in the Southeast have evolved with these viruses and show long-term resiliency. Developed immunity often prevents consecutive outbreaks, allowing time for natural population recovery.

Thus far, HD has been lab confirmed in eight white-tailed deer in Franklin, Giles, Humphreys, Lewis, Shelby, Sumner, Wayne, and Williamson counties, with additional sick and dead deer reports coming in that are consistent with HD. TWRA officials will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary. If you find a sick or dead deer, please submit a report at https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/twra/sickdeer.html. TWRA staff may reach out to you if there is an opportunity to collect a viable sample for HD testing. Testing can only occur within 24 hours of death.

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.