November 2020 Standing Stone Scribe

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Free Take One

Volume 6 Issue 11

Covering Monterey and Surrounding Communities

Community gathers ‘Round’

November 6, 2020

Monterey granted Bee Rock easement By Rebekah Beeler Scribe publisher

Photo by Rebekah Beeler

In celebration of Monterey’s Cherokee heritage, attendees of the Standing Stone Day celebration gather around for the “Round Dance,” a social dance encouraging everyone to come together into the circleon Standing Stone Day on Oct. 24.

See more photos on 6A & 8A.

After three years of adjudication, delays, dropped and re-filed suits against Monterey, Judge Jonathan Young granted a summary judgment in Monterey’s favor on the easement to Bee Rock on Sept. 25. “This is a great thing for the people of Monterey and the visitors that come to visit the most beautiful view in the entire Upper Cumberland region,” said Monterey Mayor JJ Reels. “We can now proceed to develop Bee Rock into a city park and improve the trail, build bathroom facilities, improve the parking area and place signage up at Highway

70 as well as required markings in the park.” The Kopecs have since appealed the judge’s decision. Bee Rock owner Bobby Walker donated the land to the town of Monterey in 2017. Shortly after, neighboring The Garden Inn owners Michael and Mirtha Kopec filed suit against the town and Walker stating they were given first rights of refusal to purchase the property, that they owned the easement leading to Bee Rock, and visitors to the age-old overlook were trespassing and causing damage to their property.

• See JUDGMENT • Continued on 5A

Whittaker fills vacant Ward 2 alderman seat

By Rebekah Beeler

Scribe publisher

The vacant Ward 2 Alderman seat was filled at the Town of Monterey board meeting on Monday, Nov. 2. Jim Whittaker was voted on the board of alderman by ballot. He and Shannan McGee were nominated for the vacant seat. “Congratulations,” said Mayor JJ Reels. “We can work together.” “I have no doubt,” Whittaker responded. The seat was made vacant when former Ward 2 Alderman JJ Reels was voted in as mayor in the Aug. 6 general election. The board also voted to create

Photo by Rebekah Beeler

Monterey Mayor JJ Reels swears in Jim Whittaker to fill the vacant Ward 2 Alderman seat at the board meeting on Nov. 2.

Halloween blaze

two temporary part-time city positions to catch up on work while employees are on quarantine due to COVID-19, as well as transfers the town’s garbage/sanitation position from full-time to part-time and hire Chad Harris as codes inspector. Monterey stormwater mitigation project contracts have been signed and the project will begin with the installation of box culverts, said to take about six weeks. After the culverts are in place, the construction of phase one of the engineered plan to help divert floodwaters during rain events and alleviate the town’s flooding issues will take

a few more weeks to complete. TDEC will be conducting two traffic studies at Poplar St. and Commercial Ave. intersection and Stratton Ave. and Holly St. to make recommendations. Because the Stratton/ Holly signal light it falls on a state highway, TDEC will be considering the reinstallation or three-way stop sign at the Stratton/Holly signal light at The state will also be bidding out the contracts to replace the signal lights at Holly St./ Commercial Ave. and Chestnut Ave./Commercial Ave. intersections at no cost to the town.

That’s the monster, officer...

Photo by Mike Moser/Chronicle

No injuries were reported after a fire broke out in the Perdue Farms chicken processing plant in Monterey shortly after 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31. Firefighters from Crossville, Monterey and Cookeville responded to the scene. With smoke pouring from the roof area, employees were seen evacuating the building and gathering in the facility’s parking lots.

Perdue fire causes shutdown By Rebekah Beeler Scribe publisher

A fire at Perdue Farms in Monterey on Halloween Saturday, Oct. 31, caused damage and closed the plant until Monday when the plant could resume operations. Perdue has now returned to regular production.

“Our own Monterey Fire Department did a very good job in fighting that,” said Monterey Mayor JJ Reels. According to Monterey Fire Chief Kevin Peters, the fire occurred around 4:12 p.m. Monterey Volunteer Firefighters responded with two engines, two service trucks

and six firefighters. “Mutual aid was requested in route to the scene because of confirmation of an active fire on the roof at Perdue,” Peters said. MVFD kept the blaze contained until mutual aid assistance from neighbor-

• See FIRE • Continued on 5A

Photo by Rebekah Beeler

The monsters are out at Halloween on Commercial, but Owen Freeman has called in Monterey Police and one man dressed in a very convincing Mayor Reels costume for back up.

Paid for by Cameron Sexton for State Representative, Mark Elmore, Treasurer

See more photos on 3A.


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Our Town

Standing Stone Scribe

November 2020

Sandwich Board Meetings may be suspended, canceled or postponed due to COVID-19. Check before you meet.

Monterey FBC offers ESL classes

For those who would like to learn English as a Second Language (ESL), free classes are offered at Monterey First Baptist Church, 106 N. Chestnut Ave., on Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. Call 8392971 for more information.

FCE Club meets fourth Monday

The Monterey Family and Consumer Education Club meets on the fourth Thursday of the month at the Monterey Senior Center at 6:30 p.m.

Civitan Club meets third Tuesdays

The Monterey Civitan holds monthly meetings on the third Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. at the Monterey Methodist Church fellowship hall. Anyone interested in joining the Monterey Civitan Club is welcomed and encouraged to come to the meetings.

Monterey Senior Center

Check out the Monterey Senior Center this month! • Exercise– Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9 a.m. • Bridge– Monday and Thursday at 1 p.m. • Wednesday Socials: 10:30 a.m. • Thursday Extras: 10 a.m. • Friday Art: 10 a.m. If schools are closed due to inclement weather, the Monterey Senior Center will also be closed.The Center is located at 105 N. Elmore, Monterey, TN. Contact the Senior Center by calling 839-8053. Membership is free for those 60 and over. Come and see what we are all about. Please stop by the center to see what new adventures have been added. Regular center hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Farmers Market open

Have you heard the news? Monterey Farmers Market will now be open Thursday evenings 3-6 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. for shoppers to have an opportunity to come for fresh, locally grown produce.

Monterey Branch Library

Come visit with us at the Monterey Branch Library (MBL) this month and stay connected, stay well-read and stay active in the community. There is something for everyone at Monterey Branch Library, whether it’s for family leisure time or homeschooling resources. Book Sale- Friends of the Monterey Library Book Sale on the first Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Used book donations are accepted during normal library hours. Story time Wednesdays 11 a.m. Come visit with us at the Monterey Branch Library (MBL) this month and stay connected, stay well-read and stay active in the community. There is something for everyone at Monterey Branch Library, whether it’s for family leisure time or homeschooling resources.

Scribe Editorial Policy

Standing Stone Scribe is a monthly broadsheet publication covering news features regarding people, churches, schools, clubs, organizations, history, and events in Monterey and surrounding communities from Mayland to Rickman, Calfkiller to Crawford. Editorial Policy: Standing Stone Scribe encourages event and news submissions and letters to the editor. Submissions should not be libelous and must bear the author’s name, complete address and telephone number. Anonymous submissions will not be accepted. The Standing Stone Scribe newspaper reserves the right to accept, reject or edit any and all submissions and advertisements intended for publication. Copy Deadline: All submissions must be received by the Friday before the first Monday of the month. Standing Stone Scribe publications are set to be printed generally on the Thursday following the first Monday of the month with the exception of Monday holidays in which the Scribe will be printed the following Thursday. The Scribe welcomes electronic submissions at editorstandingstonescribe@gmail.com. Advertisements: Get the word out about your business, service or organization, increase traffic, expand your customer base, and communicate directly with the community you serve. Ad rates are $4.50 per column inch and with a monthly publication your advertisements have a longer shelf life. For information email editorstandingstonescribe@gmail.com or cal 931-265-9489.

MBL Book Sale Nov. 7

Book Sale at the Monterey Library Saturday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. There have been many new donations so please come and find a few treasures. Children’s books are $0.25, paper backs are $0.50 and hard backs are only $1. The weather will be nice so MBL may have some tables with books outside.

Monterey Lions Club hosts Saturday Turkey Shoots

Come join the Monterey Lions Club for a good time and win nice cuts of meat and cash prizes. The turkey shoots take place on Hwy. 70 past the Bee Rock entrance at 10 a.m. For more information, call 267-2647 or 839-2350. Turkey Shoot dates are: Nov. 7, Nov. 21, Nov. 28, Dec. 5, Dec. 19, Jan. 2, Jan. 16 and Jan. 30.

Lions Building for event rental

Starting in July, the Monterey Lions Club will be renting out the Club’s building for parties, events and gatherings. The cost is $50 for a 3-hour slot and $100 for an all day event. For those who would like to rent the Monterey Lions Club building for their event, call 931-839-2350. Contact Mike Callahan at 839-2350 for more information. Forms are available at 108 E. Commercial Ave.

Suicide prevention resources available

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800273-8255) is one such free resource that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for anyone who is in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.

Join Monterey Disaster Response Team

The Monterey Lions Club Disaster Relief is a non-profit organization meeting the needs of those faced with natural disasters. The team needs donations of water, canned goods and money to make trips to and from disaster areas and also welcomes volunteers to help in relief missions. Contact Ken Hall at 239-3318 to help.

Monterey Board meets on first Mondays

The Town of Monterey holds monthly board meetings open to the public every first Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Monterey Municiple Building. It is important for residents to see how the city is being managed and to take advantage of the opportunity use their voices. Everyone who has a vested interest in the town, its direction and prospects, as well as the necessity to understand city processes, programs and issues is encouraged to attend. The town hall meeting will have a signin sheet for those who wish to speak and give time for them to bring up important issues for discussion.

Garden Club meets second Tuesdays

Join the Monterey Garden Club. All are welcome! Please join us! The Monterey Garden Club meets at the Monterey Methodist Church Fellowship Hall every second Tuesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. The Garden Club welcomes new members and visitors to come listen to guest speakers and demonstrators, get tips and develop a successful green thumb. For more information, contact Monterey Garden Club President Deborah Wolfe by calling 839-6756 or emailing dcwolfe52@ yahoo.com.

SSHS/Monterey Hometown Project meets

The Standing Stone Historical Society/Monterey Hometown Project meets at 6 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month at the Monterey Depot Museum. Standing Stone Day is a local holiday that is observed annually on the second Saturday in October. Monterey Hometown Project meets diretly following the Standing Stone Historical Society meeting. Monterey Hometown Project is a group organized under the Standing Stone Historical Society to raise funds to make improvements to the Town of Monterey. All are welcome!

UCDD offers assistance

Are you raising a relative child or need housing assistance? For more information on assistance and support, please contact Melissa Allison at the Upper Cumberland Developments District toll free at 1-877-275-8233. A support group meeting will be held for relatives that are caring for relative children, during the month of November. Please contact Melissa Allison at 931-476-4127, if you are interested in attending this meeting. For housing assistance while caring for minor child, contact Myra Walker at 931-432-4111.

Imagine Foundry to host free Make’N Take Christmas event

The Imagine Foundry is hosting a Make’N Take Christmas free community event on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., located at 580 S. Jefferson Ave., Ste. 20 in Cookeville. The non-profit educational youth organizatio¬n welcomes attendees to make, wrap and take their own unique handcrafted gifts for their loved ones. There will be refreshments fit for the giving season. Santa and his elves will also be there to make merry and take photos with the children. For those who would like to donate toward this special holiday event, become a sponsor or vendor, contact the Imagine Foundry executive director at jessa@imaginefoundry.org or 615784-3332. Like their Facebook page and visit their website at www.imaginefoundry.org.

Monterey VFW meet first Thursdays

VFW Post 6277 meetings are the first Thursday of every month starting at 6 p.m. VFW Post 6277 is located at 101 South Poplar St., Monterey, TN, and is open to all veterans who have served in a war or conflict.

The Cottage to reopen

The Cottage thrift store at the Monterey United Methodist Church will be reopening on Saturday, July 10, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. They offer new inventory and new pricing and have so missed their friends and patrons. They ask for everyone to exercise precautions, use gloves and masks and will have some available for their shoppers’ safety. Note: if there is a spike in local COVID-19 cases, The Cottage will remain closed.

Titus House wants to help

Need clothes? We can help! Titus House, 306 W. Crawford Avenue in Monterey, provides free clothing to anyone in need. Titus Hous is open the second Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to noon except for September and October when it is open the third Saturday. Titus House accepts donations of clean, dry clothing in bags or boxes. These may be dropped off at Titus House. Please put donations underneath the carport at the end of the Titus House driveway. Titus House appreciates your donations! Titus House is an outreach program of the Monterey Church of Christ. Questions regarding Titus House please call (931) 2527676.

SCV active in community

The Champ Ferguson- Standing Stone Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV) Post 2014 Help preserve Southern Heritage and join in the Capt. Champ Ferguson-Standing Stone #2014 Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV). For more information, contact Jack Looper at 445-2050 or Rooster Barnes at 510-2211. God Save the South!


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3A

November 2020

Halloween on Commercial Photos by Rebekah Beeler

Cota Bear the chicken dog befriends everyone at Halloween on Commercial.

Anthony and Doreen Sherrill hoist their favorite monsters, grandsons River (Sully) and Ryder (Mike), onto the pumpkin truck for a photo op at Monterey’s Halloween on Commercial event.

Nova Atkinson is the cutest pineapple that ever walked down Commercial Ave.

Frederick Murray and Sway Swallows take bumblekitty Paityn to Halloween on Commercial.

There’s no place like home. Above, Melissa LaFever and grandlion Maddox LaFever have a ton of fun at Halloween on Commercial with cop Jonathan LaFever and Savannah LaFever as Dorothy, right. Amber Patterson flies around Comercial Ave. with her beautiful and magical unicorn, Layla.

Do you want a bank with that small town feeling?

Under the light of the full moon and the streetlamps along Commercial Ave., Michael Myers haunts Monterey on All Hallows Eve.

Member FDIC

2 offices in Putnam County 2 offices in Fentress County

931-646-5501 firstvolunteer.com


4A

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Grapevine

How to stop living paycheck to paycheck I know how hard it is to succeed financially when you’re barely getting by and living paycheck to paycheck. I’ve been there. The truth is, there will always be factors that are out of your control. But it is possible to take control of your finances and change your life—even if it seems like the odds are stacked against you. Here are four ways to break the cycle of living paycheck to paycheck so you can start winning with money: Shift your mindset Good money habits start in your mind. Right now, you’re probably in survival mode. But I want you to go from surviving to thriving. Make the decision that you won’t be a victim to your circumstances, and that you’ll do whatever it takes to handle money the right way. Start having a winning mindset! Increase your income I don’t know all the details of your current situation. But I do know if money is tight, and you’re already doing everything you can to live on less than you make, you need to earn more money. That’s just the simple, basic truth. This could mean applying for a higher-paying job, or picking up a side hustle or part-time job on week-

Anthony ONeal ends or at night. I understand it can be really hard to take on more work, but I promise your sacrifice will pay off. Get out of debt (and stay out) If you have any debt right now, you need to know that debt is stopping you from breaking free of the paycheck-topaycheck life and reaching your financial goals. Just think about what you could do with the money you normally spend on those monthly payments. That’s why I want you to get out of debt as fast as possible, and never look back. First, save up a $1,000 starter emergency fund so you can have a buffer while you’re paying off debt. You can do this by going through all your stuff and figuring out what you can sell, working some overtime, or

• See LIVING • Continued on 7A

3 ways to make more money in your business If this year has taught us anything, it’s how to be resourceful in both life and business. So many people have had to learn new skills and really dig in to how they can keep their businesses up and running (and the doors open). But what happens when you’re at the end of your creative rope, and you don’t know how to increase that bottom line? You’ve probably heard the old saying: You have to spend money to make money. Who hasn’t? But what I want you to know is that it’s not true. Friend, you don’t actually have to spend money to make money. All you need to do is maximize what you already have. Here are three ways to make more money in your business (without going into debt): Maximize what you already have One key to maximizing your profits is by maximizing your mind. Yep,

Christy Wright I’m talking about brainstorming. By using the skills, knowledge, and experience you have, come up with a list of additional sources of income for your business in this season. Look at your inventory, try selling your products in bundles, or give out samples. Maximize your money There’s a big difference between a hobby and a business. A hobby costs you money, but a business makes you money. I want you to look at your numbers, because if you don’t

• See MONEY• Continued on 5A

Standing Stone Scribe

An inkling... Friends, veterans, countrymen

Friends, veterans, countrymen Veterans Day is a most appropriate doorway which opens to the thankful and giving seasons. Our veterans have given all, and I am so incredibly thankful. While I am ever mindful of our nation’s keepers every day, Veterans Day is a day for me- an average civilian enjoying average civilian freedoms- to re-

Rebekah Beeler Scribe publisher

flect on those who sacrificed themselves to protect me and forward my ability to enjoy those freedoms. It is a remarkable gift offered by those who have served. It weighs heavily on me the gift of their sacrifice. They are the elite. They

Dave Says Try to help him, but move slowly Dear Dave, My boyfriend lives in a different state, and I’m planning to move there when we get married. I know I love him, but sometimes he is not what I consider to be responsible with money. There have been times in the past when he has taken out small loans or paid bills late in order to buy something he wanted. How can I talk to him about this? Heather Dear Heather, If it were me, I think I’d make sure thingsmovea little more slowly in the relationship until hegets his spending under control. Sometimes when things like this happen it’s just a situation where a person needs to learn the benefits of budgeting and handling money in a mature, responsible way. You can’t do something if you haven’t been taught how to do it, and hopefully this is the case with your boyfriend. You mentioned marriage, so that tells me you’re both taking this relationship seriously—that you’re in the process of making sure you want to spend the rest of your lives with each other. Bring it up gently, and tell him why you’re concerned. Share your hopes and dreams for the future with him. You might even offer to help him make out a monthly budget. That way, once he understands the process and value of spending money on paper before the month begins, it will be easier for him to stick to it. Good luck, Heather! —Dave Idea behind the legacy drawer Dear Dave, A friend recently told me about you and your teach-

Dave Ramsey ings about money. While we were talking, she mentioned something called a “legacy drawer” for important papers. Can you explain more about this? Anna Dear Anna, Simply put, a legacy drawer is a collection of your essential documents in a safe place where your family and loved ones can find them when you die, or if you’re sick or disabled.It doesn’t have to be a drawer, specifically, just a safe, secure place where you keep all the pieces of your financial life—your will, living will, estate plan, investment statements, insurance policies, and property deeds. You should also include stuff like power of attorney documents, bank and lock box access information, and any other instructions for and information about your last wishes and what you leave behind. The stress and grief when someone becomes seriously ill or dies is bad enough. Don’t make it any harder than it has to be by leaving your finances and other essentials in a mess! —Dave Jump in! Dear Dave, I recently received my master’s degree in finance, and for the last four years I’ve had a job as a social worker. I love my job and have a decent income, but

November 2020

are patriots. They are the givers. The honor of having that gift bestowed upon me and my fellow countrymen moves me; sways my heart weary for their losses, my eyes stinging with gratefulness, triumphant for their successes. They are heroes who need no capes. They are superhuman in their sheer fortitude, patriotism, bravery, moxie, confidence, abilities, and willingness to serve. They are our guardians. They selflessly set themselves aside as they leave their families, their comforts, their time, their prospects, their welfare, and the lives they could have forged otherwise as

they bear the brunt, forming the frontlines of defense and shielding our nation and her citizens. There is no greater love. While Veterans Day is a day set aside to honor them as they should be, it has also become a day for me- not because I served or would attempt to take anything away from them- to be reminded and let myself feel the gravity of what they have given to me. They went so I wouldn’t have to. Thank you, veterans.

I know I could make more money and come closer to reaching my full potential in the finance industry. I’m on Baby Step 2, and I have lots of debt. On top of this, my dad lives with me and needs transplant surgery. I’ll have to take six weeks off work when he has this done, and my current job has always been very supportive of his healthcare needs. Should I wait until after the procedure to look for a job in the finance field? Will the fact that I won’t be a brand new graduate at that point make finding something difficult? Rachel Dear Rachel, Not at all. You can seek employment in anything you want anytime you want. But I think you’re putting the cart before the horse a little bit here. It sounds like you’re assuming you won’t be able to find an employer in the finance world that will understand your situation and work with you where you dad is concerned. If you were interviewing at my company, and we determined you were an amazing personand a perfect fit for the job, we’d take a look at things and do what we could to work things out to where we could bring you on and help you through the situation. So, in my mind, it doesn’t reflect badly on you at all to be seeking a better job now. Now, if you found yourself in an interview where the company reeked of that hardcore, corporate, nodays-off-no-matter-what crap, well, you obviously wouldn’t take thejob. Always remember that in a job interview you’re interviewing them just as much as they’re interviewing you. You have to decide if they’re a good fit for you as much as they need to see if you’re the right person for them.

Honestly? It sounds to me a little like you’re just trying to stay in your comfort zone, kiddo. I think you need to go swimming. Jump in! The water’s fine. —Dave

solid track record of beating the market. Start investing with a tax-favored account, like a 401(k) or a Roth IRA, and choose a diverse mix of growth stock mutual funds within that account. You can control how much you invest - One of the myths people believe about investing is that they need a lot of money to get started. Nope! Let’s say you just invested $200 a month from age 30 to age 70. At a 11% annual growth rate, that would add up to over $1.7 million dollars! I hope you’re feeling the weight—and excitement— of preparing for your future. It’s my life’s purpose to

educate, encourage and empower you in making your retirement dreams a reality. So, hear me when I say: You can do this! Chris Hogan is a two-time #1 national best-selling author, financial expert and host of The Chris Hogan Show. He is a frequent guest on Fox News, Fox Business, Yahoo! Finance, and the Rachael Ray Show. Since 2005, Hogan has served at Ramsey Solutions, where he gives practical money advice on retirement, investing and building wealth. Follow Chris on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube or online at chrishogan360. com.

Rebekah Beeler is the publisher of Standing Stone Scribe. She may be reached at editorstandingstonescribe@gmail.com.

Refinance in Baby Step 2? Dear Dave, My husband and I are on Baby Step 2, and we’ve paid off about $30,000 in consumer debt since March. We were wondering if we should refinance our mortgage. Our current rate is 4.875%, with 28 years remaining on the loan. We found a 15-year refinance at 2.5%, which would raise our monthly payments about $200, but we can handle that. We have $150,000 in equity in our home and about $207,000 left on the loan. What do you think we should do? Raye Dear Raye, You two have done a great job this year! I’m so proud of what you’ve accomplished and that you’re looking to the future. Baby Step 2 wouldn’t be affected, except that your monthly mortgage payment will go up a little. I wouldn’t pay the refinance costs out of pocket, though. I’d roll them into the loan. You’d be saving more than 2% by locking in this crazy-low interest rate, and you’re knocking the whole thing down to a 15-year loan. I love all that. It’s definitely worth the extra $200 a month to make it happen. Think about it this way. You’re going to be saving more than $4,000 a year with the interest rate reduction. You’re not going to see it in cash flowbecause of the $200 increase in monthly payments, but over the scope of the loan, you’re going to be charged

• See STEPS • Continued on 7A

Struggling to save for retirement? Focus on what you can control Throughout my career, I’ve talked to countless people who sleepwalk through life and have no plan for their financial future. They live in a fantasy land of wishful thinking, assuming the government will take care of them or their kids will step up to the plate. National Save for Retirement Week is October 18–24. I love taking this opportunity to remind people of one simple truth: Your dreams are your responsibility. If you don’t save and invest now, you won’t have

Chris Hogan anything to enjoy later. But what does this look like on a practical level? How in the world do you build wealth when you feel like you’re struggling to keep your head above water? The answer is simple: Focus on what you can control and let

go of the rest. Of course, there are many things you can’t control, like the pandemic or the rise and fall of the stock market. But you have more power than you think. Here are some things you can control, starting now: You can control your spending - Your income is your greatest wealth-building tool. But if you’ve chosen to take on debt, you’re making lenders rich—not yourself! I want you to get out of debt so you can stop paying interest and start earning interest. You can control your goal setting - As you save for retirement, you need to aim

for a specific number. Check out my free retirement calculator to know exactly how much you need to save for retirement! You can control when you start investing - As soon as you’re out of consumer debt (except for the mortgage), you should invest 15% of your gross income for retirement. The earlier, the better. You want the power of compound interest on your side! You can control your portfolio - You get to decide the type of account and the types of funds you invest in. Now, you can’t control how those funds perform, but you can choose funds that have a


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To all a good night

• JUDGMENT • Continued from 1A The Bee Rock property has since been the topic of discussion for the development of the parking area, including a conservation easement Tennessee Parks and Greenways. These discussions have led to the inclusion and installation of ecofriendly composting restroom facilities, parking, trail, and overlook access improvement, and other possible features. Bee Rock Park was

• FIRE • Continued from 1A

Photo by Rebekah Beeler

Santa Claus comes down Santa Claus Lane during the 2019 Monterey Christmas Parade.

Monterey Christmas Parade is set for Dec. 5 By Rebekah Beeler Scribe publisher Keeping spirits bright this season, the Monterey Christmas Parade will be sponsored by the Town of Monterey and organized by an assembled committee of parade volunteers. The Monterey Christmas Parade will be held at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5. There will also be a float contest for prizes. For 40 years, the Monterey Civitan Club sponsored the annual Monterey Christmas Parade in Monterey. Citing limitations on meetings and fundraising opportunities due to COVID19, as well as the at-risk exposure age of many of its members, the Civitan

Club has stepped down as the parade organizer this year. Civitan Club president and Ward 4 Alderman Charles Looper said, “So, we’re sorry but it’s just not safe for us to participate this year in the Christmas parade.” According to Mayor JJ Reels, after many citizens expressed an interest in participating, sponsoring and organizing the parade, he felt encouraged the Town of Monterey should continue the annual parade. “The citizens are hungry for community events,” Reels said. “It will be outside and everybody can social distance as they need to.” Before the Civitan Club

made their decision regarding the parade, however, they had named Coonie Foster, Ward 2 Alderman and longtime little league coach, as grand marshal. The Monterey Board of Aldermen and Mayor agreed Foster will be the grand marshal of the Monterey Christmas Parade as planned. “And I accept,” said Foster. “Thank you very much.” The Christmas parade will include a float contest. For more information on how to participate or become a sponsor, contact Monterey Cultural Administrator Rafferty Cleary at the Monterey Depot Museum at 8392111.

MPD to collect for Toys for Children Christmas program The Monterey Police Department has started collecting new toys and monetary donations for their 2020 Toys for Children program. The program was started in the late 1980s and initially served about 20 families. Due to the community’s generosity, has expanded to serve about 100 children in 2019. As the program continues to grow, MPD’s goal is to put presents in the hands of every child in Monterey on Christmas.

Here’s how you can help: Collection bins for new, unwrapped toys can be found inside the MPD lobby at 711 E. Commercial Ave. All toys must be new, unwrapped and in the original packaging. Toys for all ages, from birth to 13 years, are greatly appreciated. Monetary donations are preferred and can be mailed or delivered to MPD. Make checks payable to Monterey Police Department “Toys for Children.”

MPD uses 100% of donations to support the “Toys for Children” program in the Monterey area. Additional information may be obtained by calling (931) 839-2323. MPD thanks you in advance for the never-failing generosity of this community and helping to bring Christmas to every child in Monterey. Please watch for a soon to follow Facebook post, or go to our page to learn how to register children for the program.

ing departments arrived with a ladder truck to be able to fight the fire from the roof. A combined total of two ladder trucks, five engines, three tankers, two service companies and 41 personnel from Putnam County Fire, Cookeville Fire Department, Crossville Fire Department Cumberland County Fire Department, Livingston Fire Department, and Overton County Fire Department assisted with the Fire. Peters said the fire was caused by a buildup of grease. “The buildup of grease turned into a more solid-state, something like charcoal, which lowered and dried out the grease until the ignition point was low enough for it to self combust with the heat from the exhaust,” Peters concluded. Mayor Reels added that because the department’s

• MONEY • Continued from 4A know them you can’t improve them. Where can you increase your prices? And what expenses can you cut? Maximize your connections

5A

November 2020

dedicated by the Town of Monterey on June 22, 2019, in honor of the Walker family. In September, the Kopecs requested a temporary restraining order to impede the restroom installation and deny access to the trail to Bee Rock, granted by Circuit Court Judge Jonathan Young. Upon his summary judgment, the restraining order was lifted. Reels added, “Everyone can now enjoy the park without the threat of constant harassment. Even though the sum-

mary judgment in our favor has been appealed, no restrictions or restraining orders are keeping us from turning this into a premier Upper Cumberland tourist destination.” Mayor JJ Reels said the plans are to include a build for an accessible second overlook for visitors who may be unable to make the trek and will be working with TennGreen Land Conservancy, formerly Tennessee Parks & Greenways Foundation, on that project and a lighted parking area.

ladder truck was down and there was about a two-hour delay in their ability to fight the fire from the roof. The board had looked at budgeting in funds for a ladder truck for MVFD in the most recent budget approved in June, but due to COVID19 restrictions and budget uncertainty, it was not included. “I spoke to Kevin [Peters, Monterey Fire Chief,] about that last year,” said Alderman Nathan Walker. “That’s something that I wished we could have done.” Given this event, Reels asked that the board make considerations to work towards acquiring a ladder truck for the Monterey Volunteer Fire Department if one comes available. “I asked before about the ladder truck sometime after the first of the year and was told to wait until the new budget in July, but the ladder truck

was cut from the budget request,” Peters said. “Mayor Reels, Aldermen Reels at the time, tried his best to get the purchase approved. I know the city and I personally do not want to raise taxes, but the taxpayers will pay for it either in taxes or increased insurance premiums.” The department has also applied for grants to fund a ladder truck, unsuccessfully. “[We were] turned down three times this year alone,” Peters said. “We have an aging fleet of vehicles. The newest firstline fire engine is 20 years old.” Peters has also repetitively requested to add part-time firefighter positions into the budget. He said, “I truly believe if this fire would have happened during the week while most of the firemen are working, we would have lost the majority of the building.”

Every opportunity you’ll ever have in your lifetime will come through people. That means no matter what type of business you’re in, you’re always in the people business. Who can you reach out to? Who can help you get

to where you need to be? Go out there and make the rest of this year count. When you focus on maximizing your skills, your money and your connections, there’s no telling where you can take your business!


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editorstandingstonescribe@gmail.com

Mountain Times

Standing Stone Scribe

November 2020

Standing Stone Day 2020

Photo by Cassidy Imes

Lydia Martian shows off these boast-worthy farm fresh eggs at the Standing Stone craft and market.

Photo by Rebekah Beeler

Friends of the VFW members Amy Martin and Anita Lane serve up flyers for the VFW cookout on Standing Stone Day.

Photo by Cassidy Imes

Dylan Durham is the grandson of longtime member and president of the Improved Order of Redman Narragansett Tribe No. 25 Horace Durham.

Photo by Rebekah Beeler

Photo by Cassidy Imes

Everyone enjoys and appreciates seeing the horse riding community in the parade, making the event extra special on Standing Stone Day.

Monterey Volunteer Fire Department are always among the first to support the community in every possible way, from responding to emergencies to participating in community events.

Photo by Cassidy Imes

Matt Groover brings the fire with his rat rod in the Standing Stone Day Parade.

Photo by Rebekah Beeler

Jacob and Cheryl Rex are given the honor of bringing the ceremonial wreath and tomahawk in the parade to the Standing Stone Monument for the ceremony.

Photo by Cassidy Imes

Anna Carol, Tore and Bruce Phillips peruse the craft vendors at Standing Stone Monument Park before the festivities begin.

Photo by Cassidy Imes

Classic cars tarry down Commercial Ave. in Downtown Monterey looking picturesque like a mid-century photo.

Photo by Cassidy Imes

Junior Miss Standing Stone Sheyene Holt appears in the Standing Stone Day Parade sailing down Commercial Ave.


Entertainment

editorstandingstonescribe@gmail.com

Standing Stone Scribe

Supermarket Mayhem

In the last few years, I have noticed a trend emerging where many networks are beginning to turn to game shows to round out their primetime programming. I imagine this is because, like reality shows, game shows are much cheaper to produce than traditional scripted series. Most of the time the result is that audiences are left with something mildly entertaining to watch as a last resort. ABC, in particular, has been dedicating quite a few time slots to game shows. Last month they brought back a game show that has already been rebooted a few times. On Oct. 18, Supermarket Sweep premiered on ABC. While the name or the rules of the game may not seem familiar to you, I’m sure everyone remembers the images of people running through an empty supermarket and filling up their carts. This is really all I remembered about Supermarket Sweep and after revisiting the show it is easy to see why. This latest version of Supermarket Sweep is hosted and executive produced by Saturday Night Live alum Leslie Jones. As far as game shows go, I was sort of looking forward to this one. Obviously, I had a vague memory of previous versions of the show and Leslie Jones is usually pretty funny so watching this show seemed like a no-brainer. Supermarket Sweep should be a fun show, and parts of it are entertaining, but mostly it is just frustrating watching contestants try

• LIVING • Continued from 4A finding ways to cut back on expenses until you have $1,000 stashed in a separate bank account. Then, it’s time to attack your debt using the debt snowball. Do this by listing out all your debts from smallest to largest (no matter what their interest rates are). Tackle the smallest debt first with the extra money you’re bringing in until it’s completely paid off. Then, take the money that used to go toward that debt and roll it into paying off the next largest debt. Rinse and repeat until all your debt is gone! Build a fully funded emergency fund After you’re completely

• STEPS • Continued from 4A between $4,000 and $4,500 less per year for interest. All that money is going toward paying back the closing costs and reducing the principal built into the move from 28 years to 15 years. Yes, you should do this! —Dave Which comes first? Dear Dave, I just saved up my $1,000 beginner emergency fund, and I’m looking at paying off my car and credit card debt—a total of $3,400— by the end of January.Before I started your plan, I took out a $7,500 student loan to pay for my fall and spring semesters. I still have a year of school left, which will cost about $10,000. Should I save up the money for my fi-

Paula Tudor Columnist

to figure out the simplest clues. The show contains different rounds of supermarket related puzzles that each of the 3 teams has to figure out. It is in these rounds that the show gets a little confusing. The types of puzzles the contestants have to solve aren’t the same in every episode; and it is never made clear exactly what the contestants are gaining from answering questions correctly. In my opinion, this is something Jones should be explaining in each new episode. From what I have gathered the contestants are gaining time and money when they answer a question correctly. The time is then used in a later portion of the show where the contestants put as many grocery items in their cart as they can in an allotted amount of time. In this portion of the show, the contestants’ items are added up. The team who “spent” the most are declared the winners and therefore go on to the final round where they have a chance to win as much as $100,000. The concept of Supermarket Sweep is still a solid one. There’s a reason this show keeps coming back around. However, I think this ver-

sion is lacking something in its execution. My biggest complaint is that the rules of the game are never fully outlined to the audience. It’s easy enough to follow along with the show, but I still think it would benefit from some explanation of the object of the game. The show is already chaotic enough in many aspects. Also, I don’t think Supermarket Sweep is the best showcase for Jones’ talent. While I normally find her very funny, she is less so as a host of this show. The show doesn’t exactly offer many opportunities to be funny and any comedic moments feel forced. Despite its problems, I don’t think Supermarket Sweep is going anywhere for a while. For better or worse it is a classic and I doubt if ABC is losing any money by keeping it on the air. It is a good show to watch if, and only if, there are no other options, but most people are unlikely to be tuning in every single week. Supermarket Sweep airs on ABC Sunday nights at 8|7c. • • • Paula Tudor graduated cum laude from Tennessee Technological University with a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies emphasizing English and Communication. She is a freelance writer and a distinguished blogger/online correspondent, with more than 3,000 followers on Twitter. The bulk of her work can be found at paulas-soapbox. blogspot.com and paulatudor.com.

debt-free, the next step is to build a fully funded emergency fund with the money that used to go toward all your debt. This fund should have enough money to cover 3 to 6 months of expenses (housing, food, etc.). That way, an emergency becomes more of an inconvenience than a big disaster. You can rest easy knowing you’re prepared for the future. Once you’ve finished these steps, you’ve officially broken the cycle of living paycheck to paycheck and you’re free to start building serious wealth! Stick with it and don’t give up. I know you can get there. For more encouragement and wealth-building advice,

check out my free 6 Tips for Building Wealth PDF on the resources page of my website! Anthony ONeal is a #1 national best-selling author, financial expert and host of the popular online series “The Table” on his YouTube channel. He has appeared on Good Morning America, The Tamron Hall Show, The Tom Joyner Show and Rachael Ray, among others. Since 2015, Anthony has served at Ramsey Solutions, where he teaches young adults how to budget, live without debt, avoid student loans, and build real wealth for their future. Follow Anthony on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube or online at anthonyoneal.com.

nal year before attacking my student loan debt, so I don’t have to take out another one, or go ahead and begin paying it off? Emma Dear Emma, Well, it doesn’t make much sense topay off the current student loan, then turn around and take out another one. Your first goal—after you get the credit cards and car paid off—should be saving cash to finish school. Once you’ve done that, start paying off the student loan. Long story short, you’ve got to stop borrowing money. The idea of saving up to pay for things should be the default setting in your brain, Emma. Otherwise, you’re going to spend the rest of your life with car payments and other debt hanging around your neck. That’s not being respon-

sible with your money, and it will keep you from savingfor stuff that matters and becoming wealthy. Stop. Borrowing.Money.I hope I haven’t been unclear. —Dave • • • Dave Ramsey is a seventime #1 national bestselling author, personal finance expert, and host of The Dave Ramsey Show, heard by more than 16 million listeners each week. He has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Fox News, CNN, Fox Business, and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions.

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: CARTOON CHARACTERS ACROSS 1. Brocadopa or Larodopa 6. They are often covert 9. Used for watering 13. Vexed 14. Took the bait 15. Spot for boutonnière 16. Old West pack animal 17. Big-headedness 18. Render harmless 19. *Bamm-Bamm’s dad 21. *Angelica, Tommy and Dil 23. Opposite of yang 24. Archipelago unit 25. Solemn pledge 28. Depletes 30. Works, as in a bakery 35. Kind of beige 37. Hammer or sickle 39. ____ firma 40. Lecherous look 41. Computer key 43. Lure for a dieter, on a package 44. Tropical smoothie flavor 46. Health club offering 47. Hourglass filler 48. Popular saint’s name 50. Pea ____, pl.

52. Limit, to some 53. Peace symbol 55. Like King George, 1760-1820 57. *Ill-tempered fourthgrader’s last name 61. *Beast Boy and Starfire 64. Rossini’s offering 65. Lobe locale 67. Sure sign of fire 69. Pretend, two words 70. Number cruncher, acr. 71. Lusitania destroyer 72. Gave the boot 73. Pivotal 74. Santa Maria’s companion DOWN 1. Party choice, abbr. 2. Clobber 3. Southern stew staple 4. *Stepbrothers’ bipedal platypus 5. Apollo Creed’s son 6. Toe the line 7. *Peppa’s or George’s last name 8. “The buck ____ here” 9. *King of the Hill 10. Milky-white gem 11. Dry as dust 12. Popular street-lining trees 15. Aglow 20. Related on mother’s

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November 2020

side 22. Type 24. Carbon-12 or carbon13 25. *The “brains” of Scooby-Doo’s group 26. Billy of ‘80s Billboard charts 27. Small songbirds 29. *Pinky Pie or Fluttershy 31. Unagi, pl. 32. A in A=ab, pl. 33. Did it to Kool-Aid 34. *Land mammal in Bikini Bottom 36. Give a pep talk 38. *Emmet Brickowski’s brick 42. Spokes of a wheel, e.g. 45. *Mr. Magoo or Mr. Burns, e.g. 49. Bygone bird of New Zealand 51. Opposite of ‘lies down’ 54. Sweater style 56. More than one iamb 57. Float liquid 58. Mt. Everest to Earth 59. Network of nerves 60. Walked on 61. Cafeteria carrier 62. High part of day 63. 3-handed card game 66. *Magilla Gorilla, e.g. 68. Pilot’s announcement


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Life on the Mountain

editorstandingstonescribe@gmail.com

Standing Stone Scribe

Standing Stone Day 2020

November 2020

Photo by Rebekah Beeler

In the foreground, Powahatan Nation Joseph Cummins, Apache Nation Sayota Knight and Cherokee Nation Jeff Hobbs drum and sing for the Aztec, Muskogee and Cheyenne dancers to perform surrounded by an audience of Standing Stone Day celebration attendees and the ever watchful Standing Stone Monument in the background.

Photos by Rebekah Beeler

Photo by Cassidy Imes

Native dance presenters Sarai Sanchez, Mari Cruz, Stephen Whiteagle, Aspen Yahola and Leticia Sanchez, come together representing their Native Nations at Standing Stone Monument and place the wreath and tomahawk on the stone.

Above and right, the incredible dancers of the Aztec Nation, Leticia Sanchez, Sarai Sanchez and Mari Cruz, put on a stunningly beautiful tribute to their nation on Standing Stone Day.

Photo by Rebekah Beeler

Stephen Whiteagle, Cheyenne Nation, performs the flamboyant “chicken dance” at the Standing Stone Day celebration.

Photo by Rebekah Beeler

Aspen Yahola, Muskogee, offers the “jingle dance” in contribution to the Standing Stone Day festivities.


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