NASHVILLE — On August 2, 2025, shortly after 2 p.m., the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) received a report from the Metro Nashville Office of Emergency Management (OEM) regarding a possible drowning near the Hamilton Creek area of Percy Priest Reservoir.

Preliminary investigation reveals that David Holcroft, 74, of Nashville, was aboard his sailboat with his wife when the incident occurred. The couple was drifting on the lake while Mr. Holcroft was making adjustments to the vessel near the bow. A series of waves reportedly struck the boat, causing him to lose balance and fall overboard.

Nearby boaters heard calls for help and entered the water to assist. TWRA officers arrived quickly on the scene and pulled Holcroft, who was unresponsive, aboard their patrol vessel, where CPR was immediately administered.

Emergency personnel transported Holcroft to TriStar Summit Medical Center, where he was later pronounced deceased. Holcroft was not wearing a personal flotation device (PFD) at the time of the incident.

TWRA reminds all boaters that wearing a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket is the single most effective way to prevent drowning during boating accidents. This accident raises the number of boating related fatalities on Tennessee waters to 17 for the year. This incident remains under investigation.

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 Wildlife Federation’s 11th annual Wildlife and Nature Photo Contest is now open for submissions through August 31, 2025! The contest invites photographers of all skill levels to capture and share the beauty of Tennessee’s wildlife, wild places, and—new this year—people enjoying the outdoors.

Whether it’s a sweeping landscape, a close-up of native wildlife, or a moment of outdoor recreation, the Federation wants to see your view of the Volunteer State’s great outdoors. Photos can be submitted at tnwf.org/photo-contest.

Photographers may submit up to three photos with a $10 suggested donation or enter unlimited photos for a $25 donation. All donations directly support the Federation’s mission to conserve Tennessee’s wildlife and natural resources. New this year is a “People in Nature” category, with prizes awarded to the top three photos that showcase individuals participating in outdoor activities such as hiking, hunting, fishing, paddling, and birding.

A panel of judges will select standout entries to appear in the 2026 calendar and on the Federation’s digital platforms, which reach hundreds of thousands of outdoor enthusiasts. The public will also help crown a People’s Choice winner through open voting beginning September 5, 2025.

The deadline to submit photos is 11:59 p.m. CT on August 31, 2025. For full contest guidelines and to submit your photos, visit tnwf.org/photo-contest.

About Tennessee Wildlife Federation
Tennessee Wildlife Federation leads the conservation, sound management and wise use of Tennessee’s great outdoors. Since 1946, the Federation has spearheaded the development of the state’s wildlife policy, advanced landmark legislation on air and water quality and other conservation initiatives, helped restore numerous species, and introduced thousands of kids to the great outdoors. To learn more, visit tnwf.org.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is welcoming comments for its 2026-27 fishing regulations, providing an opportunity for the public to share ideas and concerns about fishing regulations with TWRA staff.

The comment period concerning fishing regulations is open from Friday, Aug 1 through Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025. Any proposed fishing regulation changes will be previewed at a meeting of the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission in early 2026.

The public comment period is another opportunity for anglers to provide feedback on TWRA’s Fisheries management. Public comments will be considered with fishery independent assessments to select the best strategies and regulations to manage Tennessee’s resources while accommodating the widest variety of anglers.

TWRA Fisheries personnel use a variety of techniques to manage fish populations and gather data about fish population size structure, recruitment, growth, density, and mortality. In addition, Fisheries personnel work to improve habitat to benefit fish species along with propagating and stocking numerous species of fish to ensure anglers have the best fishing opportunities possible. TWRA also conducts angler surveys to gain a better understanding of fisheries including, effort, catch, preferences, demographics, and economics. All this information is taken into consideration during the regulation process.

There will be a public comment period on the proposed regulations after the TWRA presentation to the commission. Any approved regulations will go into effect Aug. 1, 2026. Please click the link below or scan the QR code to submit your comments. https://stateoftennessee.formstack.com/forms/2026_fishing_reg_public_comment

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 Tech University has been named to the 2025-2026 “Best Colleges in the U.S.” list by Colleges of Distinction, one of only four public universities in the state to earn the elite designation.

This recognition is based on Colleges of Distinction’s unique evaluation criteria, including engaged students, great teaching, vibrant community and successful outcomes. Through extensive research and interviews, Colleges of Distinction identifies institutions that make a meaningful impact on students’ lives.

Altogether, Tech earned a spot on 10 Colleges of Distinction lists for this year, including the best-of lists for Tennessee, public universities, affordability, career development, military support, and for specific programs of study, including business, education, engineering and nursing.

“It is always gratifying to see independent confirmation of what we know to be true: Tennessee Tech offers students a world-class education and a caring, supportive campus community at an affordable cost – all of which is equipping students for success in their careers and in life,” said Tech President Phil Oldham. “We are proud to be recognized across 10 separate lists in this year’s Colleges of Distinction ratings and look forward to carrying this commitment to excellence into the upcoming academic year.”

“Tennessee Tech has crafted a campus culture where students are empowered to take ownership of their learning,” said Tyson Schritter, chief operating officer at Colleges of Distinction. “Its programs reflect the kind of innovation and intentionality that prepare students for life after graduation.”

The recognition marks the latest in a series of high-profile honors for Tech. In recent months, Money.com named Tech the top public university in Tennessee, while SmartAsset ranked Tech as the number-one “best value” public university in the state and the Tennessee Higher Education Commission highlighted Tech for holding the highest freshmen retention rate, highest four-year graduation rate and highest incoming student ACT scores among all Locally Governed Institutions (LGIs) in the state in its 2025 Fact Book.

Tech offers more than 225 programs of study, and its graduates leave with the least debt of all public universities in the state. In fact, based on total cost and alumni earnings, Tech provides students with the highest return on investment for any public university in Tennessee, according to PayScale.

Learn more about Tech’s recognition from Colleges of Distinction at https://collegesofdistinction.com/school/tennessee-technological-university/.

The Storage Unit Clean-Out Sale is back and will take place August 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day at the Smith County Agricultural Center, located at 159 Ag Center Lane in South Carthage, TN.

Shoppers can browse through treasures from storage units as well as explore booths from other local vendors set up throughout the event. On Monday, August 5th, Helen’s Restaurant Food Truck will be on site serving up delicious favorites.

In addition to great deals, there will be silent auctions, exciting giveaways, a chance to win a beautiful quilt, and plenty of other surprises. Whether you’re hunting for a bargain, looking for unique finds, or just want to enjoy some good food and community fun, this sale is the place to be.

August 3 through August 9 celebrates National Health Center week. The annual event highlights the essential role Community Health Centers (CHCs) play in improving public health and providing affordable access to critical healthcare services. With a mission to make high-quality, affordable care available to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay or insurance status, CHCs reduce healthcare costs through addressing our nation’s most pressing public health challenges.

In Smith County, the Smith County Health Department is also a Health Center. Health Centers are federally designated sites in medically underserved communities meant to increase access to affordable, quality care. Smith County Health Department provides primary care and dental services for patients who are uninsured, underinsured and privately insured.

Primary care services include treatment of acute illness and chronic disease management and are provided by a nurse practitioner or physician. Services can also include telehealth, wellness exams, laboratory tests, and health education.

Dental services are provided by Dentists, Registered Dental Hygienist and Registered Dental Assistants. Dental services available at Smith County Health Center is comprehensive, including exams, x-rays, cleanings, fillings, extractions and emergency care for adults and children.

For more information on primary care, dental care or telehealth, please contact the Smith County Health Department at 615-735-0242. For a list of all services offered at local health departments go to: http://health.tn.gov/local.

Smith County now have a trusted choice for garage door installation and repair — Tri-Star Garage Doors, owned and operated by Ronnie Hughes and Matt Callaway. With over 25 years of combined experience, Ronnie and Matt are dedicated to providing top-quality work and exceptional customer service.

The duo began their careers working for Matt’s father, Richard Callaway, at Smith Co. Door right out of high school. Following Richard’s passing last May, they took over the business and rebranded as Tri-Star Garage Doors. Since then, they’ve been committed to meeting and exceeding customer expectations with every job.

Tri-Star Garage Doors offers installation of new garage doors as well as servicing and repairs, and they are available anytime to meet customer needs. Ronnie says the best part of running the business is getting to work alongside his best friend every day while serving the community they love.

For more information or to schedule service, contact Tri-Star Garage Doors at 615-779-3565 or 615-603-2988, email tristargaragedoors@gmail.com, or visit their Facebook page at Tri-Star Garage Doors.

The Smith County Misdemeanor Recovery Court, often referred to as the Drug Court Program, is designed to break the cycle of repeated arrests driven by substance abuse. Instead of focusing solely on punishment, the program works to address addiction as the root cause of many misdemeanor offenses.

The program’s mission is to identify eligible non-violent offenders early in the legal process and provide them with treatment and support while maintaining public safety. Participants enter a structured plan that includes frequent check-ins with the Recovery Court judge, case managers, and probation officers. They undergo a mix of inpatient and outpatient treatment, regular drug screenings, and ongoing court supervision.

In addition to sobriety monitoring, the program offers guidance in finding employment, pursuing education, budgeting, restoring driver’s licenses, and securing stable housing. Recovery Court provides assistance to mothers and fathers to help restore their relationships with children and family members. This holistic approach is meant to help participants not only avoid further legal trouble but also build a sustainable and healthy life.

The Recovery Court is overseen by Judge Branden Bellar and supported by a team that includes the district attorney, the public defender, a dedicated case manager, probation officers, treatment providers, the jail administrator, and several community volunteers. Together, they coordinate services and provide a network of accountability and encouragement for those in the program.

Participants must meet specific eligibility criteria to enter the program, which focuses on non-violent misdemeanor offenses. Once accepted, they are closely supervised, given access to treatment, and monitored through regular court appearances and progress evaluations.

Smith County reports that its Recovery Court has produced strong results, including higher-than-average statewide outcomes for employment and housing stability among graduates. Many participants leave the program not only sober but also with jobs, safe housing, and a renewed ability to contribute positively to their community.

The Recovery Court works in close connection with the county’s misdemeanor probation office. That office oversees community service, random drug testing, and compliance with court orders while also linking probationers with recovery services, educational resources, and treatment programs.

The program is based at 322 Justice Drive in Carthage and operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Under the leadership of program director Mary Bush, along with officers Chris Flatt and Crystal Morgan, the Recovery Court continues to grow as a model of rehabilitation and second chances in Smith County.

For more information about the Smith County Misdemeanor Recovery Court, visit smithcotn.com.

On Tuesday, July 22, 2025, the Harville Family from Smith County was recognized for their involvement and commitment to 4-H youth with the W.M. and Ruth Hale Master 4-H Family Recognition Award. The Harville Family includes Jason and Lisa, Grace, and Gabe.

The purpose of the Hale Master 4-H Family Recognition Award is to recognize 4-H families for their consistent leadership and exceptional involvement on the county, region, and state levels of 4-H work.

A regional plaque and state medallion plaque was presented to the Harvilles on behalf of the Hale family during the 2025 State 4-H Roundup Awards Banquet, which was held at the Rothchild Event Center in Knoxville.

Jason and Lisa were both active 4-H members, with Jason involved with demonstration contests, and Lisa involved with judging contests, 4-H Roundup, camp, and many other activities. Grace, who currently serves as a 4-H Extension Agent in Wilson County, was also a highly involved 4-H member. Grace served as President of the Smith County 4-H Community Club and accomplished many things during her 4-H career, including being a state winner at 4-H Congress and a national winner in public speaking. Gabe currently serves as the Tennessee 4-H State Council President. He is also a national champion in public speaking, has competed in numerous other state and national 4-H contests, and was recently the high individual at the state 4-H wildlife judging contest this summer.

The Harville family has been active at the local, county, region, state and national level of 4-H. Lisa, who currently serves as the Central Region Representative on the State 4-H VOLS committee, is also a member of the state 4-H Strategic Planning Committee on Volunteerism. Grace is highly involved in TAE4-HW as a Central Region Junior Director and is a recipient of the George Foster Outstanding Agent award. Gabe, in addition to his state and national competition achievements, has also been on the national design team for National 4-H Congress.

One tradition that runs through this family is their involvement in Collegiate 4-H. Lisa was involved in Collegiate 4-H at Tennessee Tech and Grace at UT Knoxville. In the fall, Gabe will be the newest member of Collegiate 4-H at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.

The entire family serves their community even beyond 4-H, whether it is Jason serving as a football coach for the Smith County Owls, or Lisa serving as President of the Smith County FCE Council. The Harville family’s commitment to service and the 4-H program is a model for others to follow, and they have done so much to help “make the best better” in so many ways!

We cannot think of a 4-H family that is more deserving. Please join us in congratulating Lisa, Jason, Grace, and Gabe for their leadership and service to Smith County and Tennessee 4-H! You all have made such a positive impact and built a lasting legacy across generations.

If you would like to learn more about becoming a volunteer for the Smith County 4-H program at the local level or beyond, please email rpetty@utk.edu or give our office a call at 615-735-2900.

Congratulations again to the Harville family!

If you all are anything like me, it’s about time for some cooler weather. We have had some big weather extremes this summer. It seemed as if the whole month of June consisted of rainfall. Now, in July, we just can’t seem to escape the heat and I believe hot temperatures are here to stay for a little longer.

This got me thinking about how this heat could affect our herds that are out there exposed to it every day and what we can do to ensure that they are as protected as they can be. First, cattle do not have an effective way to sweat, so during those hot days, cows drink 2 gallons per 100 pounds of body weight. This makes it imperative to supply plenty of high-quality drinking water to meet the needs of your herd. Second, make sure that pest control measures, such as applying fly tags and pest control feed supplements, have been taken since hot temperatures only intensify these problems. Third, make sure that there is an adequate amount of shade for your whole herd to fit under. I know it might seem obvious, but having enough for the whole herd to fit under at once can make a huge difference. Lastly, right now is a good time to evaluate those individuals in your herd as well. Use this time to observe their reaction to the rising temperatures to select those who handle the heat better. It might be good to consider keeping those who perform better in the heat for reproduction.

Those cattle that are in heat stress are going to experience decreased reproductive performance, decreased feed conversion, and an increased susceptibility to illness. If you’re hot out there in this heat, then those cattle are too. So, be proactive in these management practices and make sure that your herd beats this heat for the rest of the summer.