NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) appeared before the Joint Government Operations Committee June 18 to present the license fee increase previously approved by the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission (TFWC). After hearing numerous verbal commitments from members of the committee to seek alternative funding for wildlife conservation, TWRA Executive Director Jason Maxedon decided to withdraw the license increase.

Unlike other Tennessee state government departments, the TWRA has been primarily funded by hunting and fishing licenses since its creation in 1949. In 2004, the Tennessee General Assembly authorized the TFWC to set license fees through the rule making process, rather than fees being set by the legislature. The legislation established that any increase in fees could not exceed the amount of Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase. After the TFWC fee setting process, the rules are reviewed by the General Assembly’s Joint Government Operations for either approval or denial.

Due to a more than 30 percent increase in CPI since the agency’s last license fee increase in 2015, the agency has been operating in a significant deficit from increased expenses. The proposed package of license fee increases represented $12 million dollars of additional revenue needed to correct the deficit.

During the committee meeting, many members acknowledged the need for additional funding but expressed concerns about placing further financial burdens on their constituents — concerns the agency understands and shares. Importantly, a majority of Committee members verbally committed to work collaboratively with the agency to identify alternative long-term funding sources, with several offering to carry legislation. This commitment represents a meaningful step forward in laying the groundwork for a viable funding strategy.

Speaking during the Committee Rule Review, Rep. Monty Fritts said, “I don’t know why we wouldn’t take care of something that takes care of all Tennessee. Shifting the additional cost to citizen taxpayers in a time when there are those other options, I don’t think it’s the right thing to do… I think that changing to a more sustainable model, especially on the law enforcement side of things, is going to warm the public, and I think it’d be a good thing.”

“I support TWRA 100 percent, but I cannot support a fee increase on this, and I’ll be willing to carry the bill next year to help transfer part of what you generate back over to you in sales tax,” said Sen. Steve Southerland.

Sen. Janice Bowling added, “We’ve got to pledge to get in there and actually come up with the correct solution that comes from the almost $60 billion budget we have that we can help fund those things that are critical to who we are as Tennessee.”

Thanks to this commitment to cooperatively seek funding mechanisms through other avenues, TWRA withdrew the rule. With the rule withdrawn, the current license fees will continue to be effective and there will be no increase to hunting and fishing licenses in July.

“I stand by the hard work the Commission invested over the past year to develop this license fee package, but we also support Director Maxedon’s decision to withdraw it,” said TFWC Chairman Chris Devaney. “Commission members are appointed by the Governor, Speaker of the House, and Speaker of the Senate to serve on the TFWC. We look forward to working with them and other members of the General Assembly to put conservation funding back on track.”

“State wildlife agencies from across the country are dealing with this issue and have created different funding models that serve as potential inspiration for how Tennessee can solve this challenge. We are grateful for the support expressed and look forward to working with the General Assembly to keep prices affordable for hunters and anglers,” said TWRA Executive Director Jason Maxedon. “In the meantime, agency leadership will work to minimize the impact the budget deficit will have on constituents who benefit from the services provided by the agency.”

To reduce expenses, the agency has already made cuts to agency operations including holding more than 20 staff positions vacant, reducing printing and distribution of agency publications, canceling additional funding for wildlife conservation research, and deferring maintenance on access areas and other infrastructure. The agency remains committed to an appropriate balance of fiscal responsibility and sourcing additional revenue to protect, manage, and conserve fish and wildlife populations for the benefit of Tennesseans.

A separate rule to increase boat registration prices did pass in committee and will take effect July 1.

—TWRA—

The application period for the 2025-26 season long Waterfowl WMA hunts is open June 25 through July 16. The successful applicants will be notified by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) through email (sent to the email on their account) when the drawing is finalized. The online application is available at www.gooutdoorstennessee.com. All hunters who are successfully chosen for a blind must claim their permit by Aug. 11. If there are any leftover permits by the application deadline, there will be a leftover drawing Aug. 21.

Only current Tennessee residents, Lifetime Sportsman License holders, and native Tennesseans (with an approved application) are eligible for the season long blinds. There is no application fee, but applicants must have a valid license to hunt waterfowl to apply.

Hunters can select up to 48 hunt choices. No person may apply more than once. Only parties of 4 to 8 members may apply for the drawing.

The next available application period will be Sept. 24-Oct. 14 for early segment duck quota hunts. The mid application dates are Oct. 22-Nov. 12 and the late application dates are Nov. 13-Dec. 3.

June is National Migraine and Headache Awareness month. A primary headache is not due to a core disease. The most common primary headaches are Migraine, Tension, and Cluster headaches. Primary headaches happen more often than secondary headaches, and while painful or even restricting, primary headaches are rarely dangerous in themselves.

Lifestyle can trigger some primary headaches. Examples of these factors include:

· Certain foods, such as processed meats that contain nitrates

· Changes in sleep pattern or lack of sleep

· Poor posture

· Skipped meals

· Stress

· Alcohol, particularly red wine

Secondary headaches are signs of a disease that can activate the pain-sensitive nerves of the head. Possible causes of a secondary headaches include:

· Brain tumor

· Concussion

· Dehydration

· Hangovers

· High blood pressure

· Panic attacks

· Stroke

· Medications to treat other disorders

You should seek emergency care if:

· Your headaches worsen

· Your headache is sudden and severe

· Fainting, trouble seeing, speaking, or walking, nausea or vomiting, stiff neck, numbness or weakness, or high fever accompanies your headache.

Sausage Balls

1lb hot or mild sausage, room temperature

4 cups Bisquick

8 oz grated cheddar cheese

Melt cheese and slightly mix in Bisquick with a fork. Add sausage, mix, and form small balls. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet at 250 degrees for 30 minutes or until slightly brown.

Submitted by: Linda Lankford, Elmwood/Chestnut Mound FCE Club

The Smith County Commission held its meeting on the evening of Monday, June 9, 2025

You can watch the full meeting below.

Thanks to Powell & Meadows Insurance Agency for sponsoring the live broadcast of this meeting.

Subscribe to Smith County Insider’s YouTube channel to stay up-to-date on meeting coverage, business spotlights, video features, and more!

Commission meetings are held in the Smith County Agricultural Center, 159 Ag Center Lane, Carthage, TN.

All meetings are open to the public and are streamed live at https://www.facebook.com/smithcountyinsider/.

The Trousdale County Grand Jury met earlier this week and returned indictments for crimes occurring at Trousdale Turner Correctional Center. The Grand Jury returned forty-one total indictments relating to the prison. Twelve of these indictments were in connection with the riot occurring on June 8, 2025.

“These are only the first round of indictments relating to the riot occurring on June 8, 2025, and was really all of the cases that could be prepared in the short-time of one week,” said Lawson. “Investigators continue to review footage and identify those involved, and I expect many more indictments to be forthcoming at future sessions of the Grand Jury,” explained Lawson. “The indictments returned do include the key leadership group responsible for the riot,” added Lawson.

Of the twelve indicted for offenses relating to the riot, each received multiple charges. Some of the charges included were Aggravated Riot, Inciting a Riot, Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Kidnapping, Vandalism, and Contraband in a Penal Institution.

“Aggravated Riot is a charge that involves participation in a riot, while inciting a riot involves those who have promoted or caused a riot to occur,” said Jason Lawson, District Attorney. “Aggravated Assault involves threating to harm someone with a weapon, which can be a homemade weapon or any article that is used as a weapon,” said Lawson. “Robbery is when something is taken from a person by force or threatening violence, and can include things such as keys, radios, or pepper spray. Aggravated Kidnapping is when a weapon is used by a person or by a group of people working to together to force someone against their will to either be trapped or restrained or moved to a different location,” Lawson explained. “Vandalism is obviously the destruction of property, and Contraband in a Penal Institution is possession of a prohibited item, such as any weapon, while inside of a place where prisoners are kept.”

As the inmates indicted have not yet been served with a copy of their charges, their names have not been released at this time.

Other charges indicted by the Grand Jury which were not related to the June 8 riot include other charges of Contraband in a Penal Institution relating to drugs or weapons, Attempted Murder, Aggravated Assault, Vandalism, Indecent Exposure by inmates to prison staff. Of the forty-one cases indicted, one indictment charged a staff member for introducing drugs into a penal facility and for official misconduct.

The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) is reminding families across the state that now is the time to make immunizations a priority. With students on summer break and families enjoying camps, pools, and outdoor fun, this is an ideal time for parents to ensure their children are fully vaccinated before heading back to school in August.

What Parents Should Know :

Kindergarteners and other children enrolling in a Tennessee school for the first time must provide schools with a complete, official Tennessee Immunization Certificate before classes begin. The certificate must be signed by a qualified health care provider or verified by the state’s Immunization Information System.

All current students entering seventh grade must provide schools with a limited official Tennessee Immunization Certificate showing they have received a Tdap booster (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis).

College-bound students should check with their school for specific requirements. However, teens who are fully vaccinated, including having received a meningitis booster after age 16, will meet requirements for all Tennessee state-run colleges.

The full list of Tennessee child care and school immunization requirements is available at tn.gov/health/cedep/immunization-program/ip/vfc.

Routine Immunizations for All Ages :

In addition to school-required shots, local health departments provide vaccines for infants, children, teens, and adults. These include protection against hepatitis A and B, HPV, meningococcal disease, and more. Staying current on recommended immunizations helps reduce the spread of disease in families, schools, and communities.

Fight Flu Event – October 21, 2025 :

To help protect Tennesseans from seasonal flu, TDH offers the influenza vaccine in all health departments across the state. Please call your local health department for times and availability. If you can join us, on October 21st, all 95 county health departments will offer free flu shots to the public as part of the Fight Flu statewide campaign. The flu shot is safe, effective, and your best defense against serious flu illness.

To schedule an appointment or learn more about available immunizations, contact your local health department or visit www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/localdepartments.html

The mission of the Tennessee Department of Health is to protect, promote, and improve the health and well-being of all people in Tennessee.

Smith County Family and Community Education (FCE) Clubs are a non-profit organization made up of local men and women who meet monthly. They work to improve home life, their community, and learn leadership skills. Smith County currently has seven clubs and a mailbox membership with 130 members!

The clubs do a lot of noteworthy projects in the community. Some of the projects the clubs are involved in include the following:

All the club have donated and volunteered to help with the Jamie Evitts Scholarship benefit. Throughout the pandemic, the clubs made thousands of face masks for not only Smith County but also surrounding counties. They rotate clubs that decorate and maintain the flower pots in front of the historic courthouse. The Smith County Fair benefits greatly from FCE volunteers. They help with set up and taking entries before the fair, watch exhibits during the fair, and help with returning entries after the fair. Most recently in May, Smith County FCE celebrated the hard work of local teachers. They made desserts and snacks and worked to deliver the goodies to the teachers in their respective areas to show appreciation for educating the youth in Smith County.

We invite everyone to join one of the seven FCE clubs around the county or become a mailbox member. The University of Tennessee/Tennessee State University Extension of Smith County offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability or veteran status and is an equal opportunity employer. For more information contact Mary Parker Draper at the Extension Office at (615) 735-2900, or email Mary at mparke33@utk.edu.

Tuna Steaks

4 Tuna Steaks

Marinade for steaks:

¼ cup soy sauce

2 Tablespoons olive oil

2 Tablespoons parsley, fresh or dried

1 Tablespoon lemon juice

1 garlic clove

½ teaspoon oregano

½ teaspoon pepper

Mix all ingredients together for marinade. Put in a container and marinate steaks at least 20 minutes. Get your grill hot. Remove steaks from marinade, place on grill and cook 2 minutes on each side. Recommended internal temperature of doneness is 145 degrees. Quick & Easy

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

State Representative Michael Hale

I’m deeply concerned about the recent incident and ongoing issues at Trousdale Turner Correctional Facility. For the safety of inmates, staff, and the public, the state must intervene. I’m joining District Attorney General Jason Lawson in calling for the Tennessee Department of Corrections to take over the facility. I’m ready to work with state leaders to E ensure TTCC is managed safely, efficiently, and responsibly. Thank you to the law enforcement agencies, including the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, who responded quickly and supported TTCC staff as they resolved the situation.

“I am grateful for the leadership shown by Representative Hale in calling for the transfer of management of the Trousdale Turner Correctional Center to the Tennessee Department of Corrections. The problems at Trousdale Turner have persisted for far too long, and only a change in management will cause a change in direction. I ask other state leaders to join Representative Hale in taking this commonsense step for the safety of the employees, inmates, and the Trousdale, Smith, and Macon County communities.”—District Attorney Jason Lawson, 15th Judicial District

June 12, 2025

I fully support District Attorney General Jason Lawson’s call for state intervention at Trousdale Turner Correctional Center. The situation is deeply troubling, and I stand ready to support efforts to bring the facility under control.
Given the persistent issues at Trousdale Turner Correctional Center, it’s clear that safety is being compromised. I’ve heard from multiple constituents whose incarcerated family members report extortion, widespread access to cell phones and drugs, and unsafe conditions. These are unacceptable realities, and I take them seriously.
We cannot continue to rely on incomplete or unclear information from CoreCivic. We must hold them to a higher standard of transparency and accountability. Those who commit crimes must be held fully accountable and serve their time. It is a nonnegotiable part of justice for criminal behavior, but that time should be served in a facility that maintains order, enforces the rules, and provides the structure needed to reduce the chance of reoffending upon release.
Thank you to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Smith County Sheriff’s Office, and all agencies involved for their swift response to secure the facility. I am committed to supporting policy changes, collaborating with state and local officials, and advocating for stronger oversight wherever needed.

Republican candidate for Governor of Tennessee,Congressman John Rose, has named veteran GOP strategist Chris Devaney as Campaign Chair. Devaney brings decades of experience in Tennessee politics, including serving as Campaign Manager for now-Governor Bill Lee’s successful 2018 race and as former Chair of the Tennessee Republican Party. Under his leadership, Republicans secured a working majority in the State House and later achieved supermajorities in both chambers of the General Assembly. He also led the Tennessee GOP’s Red to the Roots program, which helped elect a record number of Republican local officeholders across the state.

Devaney’s leadership will guide strategic decisions and ensure the campaign is positioned for success from day one. The Rose campaign has built critical early momentum in the 2026 race for Governor as the only Republican candidate currently in the field. Since announcing his candidacy more than three months ago, Rose has boxed out potential opponents by steadily assembling a strong grassroots coalition of party leaders, farmers, business owners, and local officials.

“The landscape of this race is very favorable for John Rose to fulfill his goal of serving the people of Tennessee,” said Chairman Devaney. “The significance of being the only Republican in the race at this point cannot be overstated. It takes an early start to truly connect with voters in all 95 counties — and they like the man they’re meeting: a humble Tennessee farmer and proven conservative.”

In both the 2010 and 2018 Republican primaries for Governor, the first- and second-place finishers were already formally announced and actively campaigning at this point in the race. With this team in place, the Rose for Governor campaign is poised to run an aggressive, grassroots-driven efforts across all 95 counties — and deliver on Rose’s promise to defend Tennessee values from outside influence.

Rose, an eighth-generation Tennessee farmer, announced his candidacy for Governor on March 20, 2025, at the site of the Tennessee State Fair in Wilson County. His conservative record in Congress,mutual support with President Trump, and deep roots in Tennessee agriculture have helped him gain strong early support from voters across the state.

To learn more about the campaign, visit JohnRose.com.