Free Take One
Volume 7 Issue 3
Covering Monterey and Surrounding Communities
MARCH 5, 2021
Wessels resigns, Ward 4 1 dead in fatal shooting alderman seat vacant By Rebekah Beeler Scribe publisher
Monterey Alderman Starlett Wessels resigned from her Ward 4 alderman seat on the Monterey Board on Monday, March 1. In her letter of resignation, Wessels said that it had been an honor to serve and that the demands of running
her business would not allow her to continue to attend meetings. Alderman Charles “Pokey” Looper attempted to make a nomination and have a vote on Monday night directly following the resignation announcement, while Mayor Reels said they would follow Robert’s Rules of Order on nomination pro-
cedures, notify residents of the vacancy and take the nominations to vote at the April board meeting. “It won’t make any difference,” Looper said. “It’s time to nominate another one- now.” “That’s not how it works,” Reels said. “I don’t care how it works,” Looper responded.
“That’s the way we’ve done it for the last 50 years.” Reels said just because that’s the way they’ve done things doesn’t make it right. and that the board would take nominations at the next meeting.
• See BOARD • Continued on 7A
Remembering 2020 tornado victims Gone but not forgotten ... Todd and Sue Koehler Terry and Dawson Curtis Keisha Rittenberry Josh, Erin and Sawyer Kimberlin Stephanie Field and Harlan March Jessica Clark
Amanda Cole Keith and Cathy Selby Hattie Collins Pat Lane Jamie Smith Robert Dickson Bridgett McCormick
On February 20, 2021, Putnam County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and Monterey Police Officers responded to a call concerning a shooting incident at a county owned waste management facility located at 2730 Old Walton Rd. at approximately 2:30 p.m. Mayor JJ Reels issued the following statement for the Town of Monterey after the incident: “There was an incident at the solid waste processing center (the dump) on Old Walton Road this afternoon. It is an active crime scene and no information is available to be released at this time. Any further information will be provided by the Monterey Police Department when it is available. “The dump is closed until further notice.” Jimmy Doc Gibson, 59, of Monterey, died as the result
of the shooting incident. Putnam County Sheriff’s Office Investigators arrived on the scene shortly after the shooting and began working the crime scene as a homicide. Tennessee Highway Patrol Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) is also assisting with the investigation. A person of interest has been questioned regarding the shooting incident. Investigators have obtained and are still obtaining evidence related to the shooting, including crime scene evidence such as video, witness statements, and all other evidence. All evidence will be collected and presented to District Attorney General Bryant Dunaway. Evidence will be reviewed by the District Attorney’s office at which time his office will determine if charges will be filed.
Photo by Rebekah Beeler
Monterey United Methodist Church pastor Christine Penner reads the names and lights vigils as the church bells chime to remember each of the 19 precious lives lost to the deadly Tennessee Tornado on March 3, the one year anniversary of the storm.
See tornado memorial park story on page 3A.
Lions disaster team responds locally to winter storm damage By Rebekah Beeler
Scribe publisher
The Monterey Lions Club Disaster Response Team responded to help clean up winter weather damage in much needed areas of Monterey and surrounding communities as its 84th disaster response since its inception. What has been dubbed “The North American Winter Storm” event Feb. 13-17, among the many states affected, areas across Tennessee reported up to 7 inches of snow before being blasted with freezing rain and sleet, causing massive amounts of hazardous fallen trees and downed power lines, closing roadways and leaving thousands without electricity. By Monday, Feb. 15, 16,000 customers were without power statewide. Efforts began to open shelters and assist those affected by the persistent outages and frigid temperatures. With the weather giving little cooperation, it was reported that 14,000 were still out of power statewide, including 4,000 in Putnam County and 1,800 in Overton as of Thursday, Feb. 18. LCDRT organized cleanup efforts to assist
High-risk Tennesseans eligible for COVID-19 vaccination March 8 Tennessee will open COVID-19 vaccination eligibility to Tennesseans in Phase 1c populations on March 8. Phase 1c of Tennessee’s COVID-19 Vaccination Plan includes people with high-risk health conditions including pregnancy, and parents and caregivers of children with high-risk health conditions. Tennesseans may find vaccination providers in their area by visiting VaccineFinder.org. The mission of the Tennessee Department of Health is to protect, promote and improve the health and prosperity of people in Tennessee. Learn more about TDH services and programs at www.tn.gov/health.
COVID-19 management story page 3A.
Monterey Lions to host tree planting
Photo by Rebekah Beeler
Monterey Lions Club Disaster Response Team members Jack Duncan and Dan Sheffler start the limbing process to assist with post winter storm damage cleanup. residents locally issuing a call out for Sunday, Feb. 21. Volunteers met at City Hall and launched their debris clean up in Monterey, assisting four households before lunch, and adding a fifth before calling it a day. The Monterey Lions Club Disaster Response Team Facebook post thanked the volunteers who answered the call,
Team Lieutenants, Dan Sheffler, Jack Duncan and Nick Pulido, Mayor, J. J. Reels and his wife, Michelle, Tina Sistrunk who volunteered all the way from Knoxville, Jan Stansell, Alfred and Rebekah Beeler and Kim Fisher. The post read, “Today was a great success. With only 12 volunteers, we were able to clean five properties… Our Team
is small but we get the job done with the help of good hearted people who are willing to donate their time and money to help us help others.” LCDRT sent out dispatches for volunteers to continue in their work helping cleanup efforts in the Monterey and Liv-
See RESPONSE Continued on 3A
Paid for by Cameron Sexton for State Representative, Mark Elmore, Treasurer
The Monterey Lions Club is sponsoring a community tree planting event on Saturday, March 20, in observance of the first day of Spring, Earth Day and the Tennessee Tree Day. The club has ordered 500 seedlings, including Red Oak, White Oak, Tulip Poplar and Red Bud trees. They encourage and welcome any public assistance in the form of donations, planting locations, or volunteer tree planting team members. They are also pleased to announced the Monterey Boy Scout Troop has volunteered to help plant trees. The Lions chose March
20 to ring in the spring with their tree planting project that would beautify Monterey and coincide with Earth Day and Tennessee Tree Day. The Lions welcome this becoming an event which involves the whole community. The time and location for the distribution of the trees will be published at a later time. Those wishing to participate in any way are asked to please contact a Monterey Lion or call Mike Callahan at 931839-2350, Roy Dishman at 931-267-2647, David Coulter at 931-646-5501, or Amy Martin at 931260-5514.
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Our Town
Standing Stone Scribe
March 2021
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.
Monterey VFW meet first Thursdays
VFW Post 6277 meeting time has changed. Post meeting will remain on the first Thursday of every month but will now begin at 7 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.
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 to reopen in May
The Monterey Senior Center has announced it intends to reopen in May. Make plans to check out the Monterey Senior Center. • 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 8398053. 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.
Suicide prevention resources available
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) 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.
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.
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.
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.
Farmers Market still open for yard sales
Though it’s the winter months and the farmers have packed in their crops for the long sleep, Monterey Farmers Market is still open and available for yard sales. Hours are Thursday evenings 3-6 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Call the Monterey Depot Museum for a permit at 8392111.
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.
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.
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.
The Cottage Thrift Store open
The Cottage thrift store at the Monterey United Methodist Church offers new inventory and new pricing. 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.
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.
UCDD offers caregiver support meeting 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 Development 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 March 2021. Please contact Melissa Allison at 931-476-4127, if you are interested in attending this meeting. For housing assistance, while caring for a minor child, contact Myra Walker at 931-432-4111.
Hike & Bike Meadow Creek Park
Continue your active lifestyle during the cold months at Meadow Creek Park. Meadow Creek Park now boasts two miles of completed trail builds for scenic hiking and biking in Monterey, thanks to the UC SORBA volunteer trail builders. The park is located at four miles east of Monterey along Hwy. 64 at 19195 Clarkrange Hwy.
Monterey is a destination
Monterey has some incredible offers from vistas, activities, and community events, to local eateries, historic markers, parks, recreation, and shopping! Support local businesses and the Town by shopping locally. Even if you live here, play the tourist and acquaint yourself with the unique history, visit the monuments and historic buildings. In Monterey, when we say, “Take a hike,” it doesn’t mean we want you to leave. It means we invite you to take in the breathtaking views of Bee Rock Park overlook and Meadow Creek Park on the hiking and biking trails. Get it here, make memories and eat up a plate of Southern goodness in Monterey.
SpringSing and Cruise-in set for April 17
Join in for another year of gospel concerts starting Saturday night, April 17, at the Overton County Fairgrounds in Livingston. Dan Looper’s Old Fashion Gospel Sing with special guests will include their first ever SpringSing & Cruise-In Car Show. Visit DanLooperandMountainSound. com for updates!
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!
Our Town
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March 2021
Checks and balances in place for Putnam, Cookeville partner with COVID-19 vaccine management TennGreen for memorial park The Tennessee Department of Health has completed a process review of state COVID-19 vaccine administration to minimize possible waste and support providers receiving greater supplies of vaccine ahead of opening eligibility to Phase 1c. The TDH Vaccine Preventable Diseases and Immunization Program leads the state’s vaccination activities for COVID-19 and other vaccine-preventable diseases. The program has standard procedures in place to ensure safe and efficient management of all vaccine handling and administration activities. Checks and Balances in Place: • Providing technical assistance and monitoring in collaboration with state, local and private partners. • Routine, detailed, quality assurance visits with vaccine providers required by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Tennessee county health departments receive these visits every 24 months. Private providers receive these visits every 12 months. • Health care providers
and organizations currently receiving COVID19 vaccines receive a call from the TDH regional immunization representative to review a checklist of requirements. Any flags prompt a site visit. • All new providers onboarded to receive COVID-19 vaccines receive information to help start their operation, and are contacted by the TDH vaccine storage and handling team to review expectations for appropriate handling and administration of these vaccines. • TDH is engaging a health care quality assurance company to provide ongoing checks with COVID-19 vaccine providers. As TDH reported last week, TDH has embedded personnel at the Shelby County Health Department for technical assistance, monitoring of their pharmacy operation and improvement in efficiency of their COVID-19 vaccination sites, following reports of COVID-19 vaccine wastage. The TDH immunization program is working with the state’s five other met-
ropolitan health departments to perform quality assurance visits this week, and will perform quality assurance checks with all 89 rural health departments over the next twothree weeks. More than 200,000 Vaccination Appointments Available Tennessee continues to see increased supplies of COVID-19 vaccine, including allocations of the Janssen/ Johnson and Johnson vaccine given emergency use authorization by the FDA Feb. 27. COVID-19 vaccination efforts continue across the state, and vaccinations are now available through hundreds of county health departments, community clinics and pharmacies. Tennessee is now vaccinating residents in Phase 1a1, 1a2 and 1b populations and those aged 65 and older. Tennesseans can visit Vaccinate.tn.gov to book their appointment when they are eligible to receive vaccine. As of today, more than 200,000 appointments are available in the system for COVID19 vaccination across the state.
• RESPONSE • Continued from 1A ingston areas on Feb. 25 and March 3-4. LCDRT leader Ken Hall said, “Of the 84 disaster responses and requests for help the team has worked, 21 have been in our own Putnam County.” Those 84 disaster calls included searches for missing children, fires, floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes, in which LCDRT volunteered to cleanup, assist, provide, aid, care, assess and manage post damage and search efforts for residents and pets. The work the team does is strenuous and is welcomed by the people they help. “But more than the physical labor, when the victims see ‘Tennessee’ on the side of the trailers, it always results in Photo by Rebekah Beeler hugs and tears,” Hall Monterey Lions Club Disaster Response Team foundsaid. “The emotional er Ken Hall saws a downed tree that fell across a resisupport the team gives dent’s fence during last month’s winter storm event. far outweighs the physical labor.” Club, Roy Dishman and as far west as Pilger, NE, The team was established Buddy Anderson, to help for a tornado in 2014, as on Feb. 5, 2008, following as supervisors for the vol- far south as Puerto Rico the massive tornado which unteers. for hurricane Maria in struck Lafayette, TN. At “This was the beginning 2017, as far east as North that time, team founder of the disaster team,” Hall Charleston, NC, for HurKen Hall worked for the said. He added that since ricane Florence in 2018, State of Tennessee and their humble beginning and as far north as Washrounded up 76 state emin 2008, LCDRT now has ington, IN, for a tornado ployees willing to donate grown to include three in 2013. their time to help clean up disaster trailers, a rescue “Team members use the devastated area. Hall boat and a tractor. their personal vehicles to sought two of his friends The team’s disaster re- respond and when funds from the Monterey Lions sponse reach has extended are not available, team
Putnam County, the City of Cookeville and TennGreen Land Conservancy are raising funds to create Hope Park, a memorial park honoring lives lost during the March 3, 2020 tornado. In March of 2020, a deadly overnight tornado outbreak struck Middle Tennessee, causing significant damage, loss of power, hundreds of injuries and 25 deaths, 19 in Putnam County. The seventh in a catastrophic storm of tornados to strike the region, a violent EF-4 rated tornado
touched down in the early morning hours just northwest of Baxter, TN, traveling along U.S. 70 North. The tornado quickly intensified and wrecked everything in its path, abruptly dissipating after its morethan-eight-mile journey before reaching downtown Cookeville. The resulting damage included devastating harm to businesses, roads, forests, homes, and eighteen deaths. To honor the lives lost during this tragic event and honor the resiliency of our
communities, TennGreen Land Conservancy, Putnam County, and the City of Cookeville have announced a joint effort to raise funds to create and establish a new Memorial Park in their honor. Funds raised will be directed to creating this future park, which will include walking trails, playground equipment, and benches. To make a tax-deductible donation, visit www.putnamcountytn.gov and click on the donation banner.
Hope Park would honor those lost in the Tennessee Tornado last March like Joshua, Sawyer, and Erin Kimberlin, above, who did not survive the tragic weather-related event.
members sleep in their vehicles and pay for their own meals and gasoline,” he said. In 2018, two LCDRT team members were certified through the State of Tennessee Department of Agriculture to rescue animals affected by disasters. “They have rescued many dogs, cats and even two horses,” Hall said. One of the team’s trailers is dedicated to animal rescue and is equipped with blankets, food, animal toys, collars, leashes and first aid supplies. Locally, the team was summoned to help the Standing Stone Care and Rehabilitation Center which lost its kitchen to a major water line break. The team was able to locate a portable kitchen which supplied meals for the residents for an entire
month while the water lines were replaced. The team has assisted in locating and supplying elders with furniture and helped elders move from their homes to assisted living. “The team takes pride in its quick response time to disasters and is usually on site within 12 to 24 hours of the call for help,” he added. During the recent tornado disaster that hit Tennessee last March and greatly affected Cookeville, Hall said the team was at ground zero within an hour of the tornado touching down and that, while they serve in many ways, the main function of the team was as a chainsaw crew working to clear roads for emergency vehicles. The Monterey Lions Club Disaster Response Team is a 501(c)3 organization and all donations
are tax deductible. “Unlike many other disaster teams, there are no salaries paid to any of our volunteers,” he said. “All donations are used to help others in their time of need.” The Monterey Lions Club Disaster Response Team is always in need of volunteers, donations and prayers to help in its quest to ease the suffering of those affected by disasters. LCDRT’s message comes from Isaiah 6:8, “And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here I am! Send me.’” To join in and volunteer with the LCDRT, contact Ken Hall at 931-239-3318 for more information or to be added to the dispatch alert list.
Do you want a bank with that small town feeling?
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2 offices in Putnam County 2 offices in Fentress County
931-646-5501 firstvolunteer.com
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Grapevine
Speaker Sexton’s capitol conversations As February concludes, members of the Tennessee House of Representatives are completing the process of filing their bills for the current legislative session. Each member has the opportunity to file up to 15 bills on a wide range of issues impacting both their communities, as well as our state. This year’s House deadline was extended to Feb. 24 because of the winter storm over the Presidents Day holiday, which forced the General Assembly to halt its business for an entire week. As we resumed our operations the week of Feb. 22, the state’s budget remains a major focus for all of us. Budget hearings are currently underway in the House. Over the course of the next few weeks, members of our Finance, Ways and Means Committee will hear presentations from several state departments and agencies to determine how their budgetary needs impact Tennessee’s proposed spending plan, unveiled by Gov. Bill Lee on Feb. 8. The governor’s $41.8 billion budget proposal is a combination of more onetime than recurring funds that build upon our recent conservative priorities with strategic investments that support education, health care, human services and transportation. Some key proposed investments include:
Cameron Sexton
Speaker of the House
• $71 million to fully fund the state’s share of the Basic Education Program (BEP) for K-12 education • $120 million for an additional 2% salary increase for Tennessee’s educators. This investment is on top of the $42.9 million allocated by the General Assembly to local education associations for teacher salary increases during January’s special session. • $61 million in funding to provide a 4% salary increase for state employees • $200 million to support broadband expansion so we can ensure every Tennessean has access to high speed broadband services • $150 million to enhance Tennessee’s COVID-19 response by providing testing, vaccine supports, hospital and school assistance, as well as personal protective equipment • $2 million to increase access to care for our uninsured populations through the health care safety network • $7 million to extend postpartum care to 12
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months for the state’s TennCare population • $200 million in local infrastructure grants to support reinvestment and improve assets statewide • $21 million in proposed funding for rural opportunity site grants to help attract top businesses to our rural Tennessee communities Despite the extraordinary challenges we have all faced together over the last year, our state was one of seven in the entire nation to show positive economic growth since April 2020. We are also the thirdlowest tax-burdened in the country according to WalletHub, and U.S. News and World Report has ranked us No. 1 for fiscal management and fiscal stability in both 2019 and 2020. This new budget proposal is one that was truly created by Tennesseans for all Tennesseans; it will undoubtedly better position us to address both the immediate and emerging needs of our citizens across all three Grand Divisions. As it relates to broadband expansion, state Sen. Paul Bailey, Cumberland County Mayor Allen Foster and I recently announced almost $5 million in new federal broadband funding for projects in Cumberland County through Charter Communications.
• See SPEAKER • Continued on 7A
Dave Says It’s just not worth it Dear Dave, Do you think I should get a new hybrid car to save money on gas? A lot of my friends have done this, and with the rise in gas and oil prices lately, they’re telling me I should, too. According to them, I’ll save a ton of money, especially since I have a bigger car anda longer drive to work. What are your thoughts? Daneen Dear Daneen, I get lots of questions about these kinds of scenarios, and how it plays into people’s budgets. Many folks wonder if it would be better to go out and get a new vehicle with better gas mileage. Well, do you really want to lose more money? Let’s say you currently drive a vehicle worth $10,000 that gets 15 miles per gallon. There’s a $25,000 hybrid you’re thinking about buying that gets 25 miles per gallon. That’s a $15,000 price difference just to get 10 more miles a gallon. If you drive 100 miles a week, that’s about a $10 difference a week. That would be about $40 extra you’re spending a month in gas if you stuck with the current car. A monthly car payment is a whole lot more than that! In short, the math doesn’t work. You’d have to drive to the moon and back to make it worthwhile. There are a lot smarter things you can do to cut down on your fuel bill. Have you thought about
Dave Ramsey trading for something smaller? If you’re driving a gas guzzler, trade it in on another car worth no more than your current car’s selling price. This means better fuel efficiency without a car payment. Carpooling is an option, too, even if you split the driving just a fewdays a week. If you want to get a little more radical with the money-saving ideas, you couldthink about moving closer to work. Spend some time doing the calculations and looking at the specifics to see if it makes sense in your case. Finally, and this may be a last ditch effort, you couldconsider changing jobs. No one’s forcing you to work where you do, especially if you’re spending a lot of time and money on theroad just getting to and from your job. If you’re really spending a ridiculous amount on gas each month, it might even be time to look into ideas you may have once had to start your ownbusiness. But don’t use better gas mileage, or bad advice from your friends, as a rationalization for buying anew car.
March 2021
It’s just not worth it! Limit the potential for damage Dear Dave, My husband started working at a new company about a year ago. As part of his sign on, they gave him $5,000 in company stock. The stock has nearly doubled in value since then, and we were wondering if we should buy more, considering how well it has done. Cathi Dear Cathi, I totally get why you two might be excited over a stock that doubled in value over the course of a year. But what you’re talking about doing right now is a very risky proposition. The truth is any stock that doubles in value over the course of just one year is highly volatile. It’s unusual for stocks to do things like that, and it also means it could go down just as fast—or even faster. I don’t know where you and your husband are in your overall financial situation, but I recommend people become debt-free except for their homes, and have an emergency fund of three to six months of expenses saved up before investing. Once you reach that point, I strongly advise to begin putting 15 percent of your income toward retirement before you start any outside investing. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind a little selective and educated dabbing here and there once the basics are taken care of first. However, I’d never recommend putting more than 10 per-
• See FUNDS • Continued on 5A
3 ways to stop spending and start saving Did you know nearly 40% of Americans can’t cover a $400 expense from their savings?1 People give many different reasons for not being able to save money, and I’ve heard them all. Some people do have it harder than others, but I’ve also seen enough single moms work three jobs to change their family tree, and enough blue-collar dads retire as millionaires that I’m prone to believe most of us are better off than we think. That might sound like tough love, and it is. I hate seeing the way this pandemic has affected the livelihoods of people all over this country. The
Rachel Cruz habit of saving isn’t something we can do passively. In fact, you’ve got to be intentional and save like your life depends on it. You need an emergency fund that can cover three to six months’ worth of your basic expenses. I’m a spender, so I get why saving is hard. On top of that, I have the “status”
money tendency—which means I enjoy more expensive things. You can find out what your money tendencies are, and what they mean for your financial habits, in my free quiz. But I’ve found ways to make saving a habit in my life, because I see how crucial it is. Here are three ways you can turn your urges to spend money into saving money: 1. Focus on your dreams Dreams are crucial to your financial life, because they motivate you to save for the long haul. If you’re a spender, saving for the sake of saving isn’t meaningful. But
when you really, truly want something, no one can stop you from saving for it and working hard to make it happen. Focusing on something you want to spend money on later will help you say no to the momentary high of a new pair of shoes. The shoes will still be there once your emergency fund is in place. 2. Stop before you buy There are two things I do before I make a purchase over $10. First, I think about it overnight. If I still genuinely want the item the next day, I’ll move on to my second decision-maker. I ask myself: Would I still want this if
no one else ever saw it? For me, using these filters stops impulse purchases dead in their tracks. Plus, it’s a good way to check my heart before I buy more stuff. 3. Give yourself little rewards along the way You’ll never stick with a new habit if you don’t give yourself little rewards along the way. If you’re working toward a $5,000 emergency fund, treat yourself to a nice dinner after each $1,500. If you value tangible things over a night out, spend a little on something you want once you reach the halfway point. Rewarding yourself will keep you motivated, and
scratch that spending itch. Just don’t go overboard. Keep your long-term dream at the forefront of your mind! Rachel Cruze is a twotime #1 national best-selling author, financial expert and host of The Rachel Cruze Show. She has appeared on Good Morning America, TODAY Show and Live! With Kelly & Ryan, among others. Since 2010, Rachel has served at Ramsey Solutions, where she teaches people to avoid debt, save money, budget and how to win with money at any stage in life. Follow Rachel on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube or online at rachelcruze.com.
do. Take them to lunch, talk with them about what they love, and don’t love, about their jobs. You could wind up with a job lead, or at least get some clarity on what you really want to pursue. Don’t focus on age As you get ready to interview for a job, you might be hyper-focused on your age. The interviewer might not be thinking about that at all. Hopefully, they’re looking for the best person for the job. If they don’t bring up age, you don’t need to, either. If the interviewer brings up the age issue, say something simple and confident like, “I know I’m older than some, but I’m passionate about the work you’re doing here and want to be part of it.” Remember, you have
skills and experience that make you a valuable asset in the workplace. And the courage it takes to start a new career later in life is an attribute many employers will find very impressive! Ken Coleman is the nationally syndicated radio host of The Ken Coleman Show and #1 national best-selling author. He has been featured in Forbes, appeared on Fox News, Fox Business Network, and the Rachel Ray Show. Since 2014, he has served at Ramsey Solutions, where he offers expert advice to help thousands of people every day discover what they were meant to do and how to land their dream job. Follow Ken on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook , and YouTube or at kencoleman.com.
Career coaching with Ken Coleman
Starting a new career at 50 I hear from so many people who are nervous or scared to make a career change in their fifties, even if they’re miserable at their current job. I get it. There are a lot of fears and insecurities that can creep up when you’re thinking about making any big change later in life. Don’t let that stop you from doing what you were created to do. Of course, a midlife career change shouldn’t be a spur-of-the-moment decision. Take some time to think about whether this move makes sense for you, and if you’re
Ken Coleman
truly in a good place financially, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually to make this kind of transition. Then, if you’ve weighed the pros and cons, done the research, and decided that a career change at 50 is the right move for you, here are some tips for making the transition as smooth as possible: Update your resumé If you haven’t updated your resumé in a few years, now’s the time. You might be over-
whelmed at the thought of fitting all your work experience onto one page, but you don’t have to include 30 years of experience if it’s not important. Just focus on the work you’ve done that’s relevant to the job you have in mind. Keep it simple, to the point, and understand there’s no need to mention your age anywhere on your resumé. Support is important For big life changes like this, it’s important to have a support system. Whether it’s your family, friends, church group, or any group of trusted people who play a significant role in your life, let them know your plans for changing jobs and keep them updated on your progress. Not only will they provide accountability, but
they’ll be much-needed cheerleaders and voices of truth and reason. Your support system can also be a sounding board for your new career ideas. They might even be able to proofread your cover letter, or help you practice for interviews. Use your relationships When it comes to getting where you want to be, relationships are everything. But instead of stale, superficial networking, network the right way by using your web of genuine connections. You probably know a lot more people than you think, so don’t be afraid to reach out. Even if you don’t have as many connections as you’d like right now, build some by getting to know people who are doing what you want to
Our Town
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Senate approves resolution, changes Tennessee’s Attorney General selection process A resolution allowing voters to change the way Tennessee’s Attorney General is selected was approvedon Tuesday by the Senate Judiciary Committee. Senate JointResolution 1, sponsored by Senate Republican Caucus Chairman Ken Yager (R-Kingston), calls for a transparent nomination process by the Tennessee Supreme Court in selecting the State Attorney General, followed by a confirmation vote of the nominee by a majority of both houses of the Tennessee General Assembly. “This is one of the most important appointed positions in the state,” said Senator Yager. “The State Attorney General has over 340 employees and a budget of over $50 million, not to mention the important decisions that are made which affect the lives of the people of Tennessee.”
The 1870 constitution required Supreme Court judges be elected by Tennessee voters. Yager said the current system of appointing justices means the selection of the State Attorney General is twice removed from the public. Tennessee is the only state in which the State Supreme Court appoints the attorney general. The votes taken by the court on nominees are not currently disclosed to the public. “The reason for this legislation is two-fold,” Yager said.“It will provide for a more transparent process in the selection of nominees. The second is that confirmation by the General Assembly will make the process accountable to the people by giving elected officials a role in the process.” “This proposal adheres to the intention of the authors of our 1870 State Constitution, while keeping intact
the current nominationrole for the judiciary,” he continued. The resolution would require the votes of the Tennessee Supreme Court justices to be held in open court with recorded votes. Once the nomination is made, the legislature would have 60 days to go through the confirmation process. In the event that the candidate is rejected, then the court would have 60 days to make another nomination. The resolution, which was approved by the 111th General Assembly in 2019, must receive a two-thirds majority of the 112th General Assembly under the Tennessee Constitution. Once on the ballot, constitutional amendments must receive a majority of votes cast in the gubernatorial election in 2022.
Tennessee hunting and fishing licenses for 2021-’22 on sale now That time of year has rolled around again. The new 2021-‘22 Tennessee hunting and fishing licenses are now on sale, with over one million licenses expected to be purchased in the coming year. All current yearly Tennessee hunting and fishing licenses expired with the end of squirrel season on Sunday, Feb. 28. Licenses are available online anytime at www. GoOutdoorsTennessee. com, on the TWRA “On the Go App,” or at one of more than 700 license agents across the state. You can now select to auto-renew your license and never worry about your license expiring again. Customers can also purchase a new design of the collector’s card for any annual license. The new waterproof, durable card features a choice of a bull elk or a crappie. If you like wildlife of any
• FUNDS• Continued from 4A cent of your nest egg into a single stock. The reason? If the single stock tanks and you lose it all, then your loss is only a blip on your financial radar. Of course, it would be fantastic if this single stock went through the roof and you two made a ton of mon-
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Standing Stone Scribe
SSHS begins planning Standing Stone Day 2021 Mark your calendars for Standing Stone Day set for the second Saturday in October! Monterey Standing Stone Historical Society met on Tuesday, Feb. 23, and is excited about getting the planning process started for Standing Stone Day 2021. Standing Stone Day set for Oct. 9, and SSHS is thrilled to bring the pageant,
Bible Holiness Church 144 Dripping Springs Rd. 839-6268 Columbia Hill Baptist 1226 Columbia Hill Rd. 445-3066 Church of God in Christ 2704 Muddy Pond Rd. 445-7782 Familia Dios 119 W. Commercial Ave. 839-7011 First Baptist Church of Monterey 106 N. Chestnut St. 839-2971 Full Gospel Assembly 9396 Monterey Hwy. 839-6411
Hope in Christ Fellowship 315 E. Peter Ave. 833-315-4673
in Tennessee. What’s more, a license purchase returns taxes paid on firearms, archery equipment, fishing gear and boat fuel to Tennessee at a rate of up to $40 per year so a license purchase is a great investment. This successful funding system is the Wildlife and Sportfish Restoration program which is the largest driver of wildlife conservation nationwide.
ey. Just make sure you limit the potential for damage in this kind of scenario by limiting your exposure. —Dave • • • Dave Ramsey is a seven-time #1 national bestselling author, personal finance expert, and host of The Ramsey Show, heard by more than 16 million listen-
ers 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.
parade, music, dancing, ceremony, and craft fair to life on the Plateau autumn day. The Society always welcomes volunteers to help with the efforts to celebrate the Town of Monterey’s unique history and culture and Native Cherokee Nation heritage. Meetings are held on the fourth Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Depot.
Student volunteers needing Tennessee Scholar hours can also acquire their volunteer hours assisting for and during the event. For more information about volunteer opportunities, contact SSHS President Rebekah Beeler by texting 265-9489 or emailing editorstandingstonescribe@gmail.com.
Church Directory
Hanging Limb Baptist 1421 Hanging Limb Hwy. 445-3283
kind, you should thank a hunter or fisherman. Without them, the state would not have the abundance of fish and wildlife that Tennesseans enjoy. Hunters and anglers have been funding Tennessee’s and the nation’s wildlife conservation for more than 100 years through license purchases. One-hundred percent of hunting and fishing license fees go to support wildlife conservation
March 2021
Mill Creek Baptist 5221 Mill Creek School Rd. 520-7801 Mineral Springs First Baptist Church 4038 Hanging Limb Hwy.839-3538 Monterey Apostolic Church
1109 Buckner Rd. 839-8416 Monterey Church of Christ 308 W. Crawford Ave. 839-2660
Pilgrim Christian Fellowship 3068 Muddy Pond Rd. 445-7160
Monterey Community Church 301 E. Commercial Ave. 839-2119
Primera Iglesia Evangel Jesus Baptist Church 200 S Chestnut St. 839-3399
Monterey First Assembly of God 1050 N. Chestnut St. 839-8103
Sand Springs Baptist 9388 Sand Springs Church Rd. 839-3131
Monterey Freewill Baptist 311 S. Elm St. 839-3433 Monterey First Church of the Nazarene 110 N. Poplar St. 839-2609 Monterey Wesleyan Church 300 E. New Ave. 584-0133 Monterey United Methodist Church 124 N. Holly St. 839-2597 Monterey Wesleyan Church Pastor Ted Stepp 9315840133 330 E New Ave
445-2140
Second Freewill Baptist Church of Monterey 855 E. Commercial Ave. 839-3752 Shady Grove Freewill Baptist 2175 Stamps-Shady Grove Rd. Standing Stone Baptist Church 914 N. Chestnut St. 267-5072 Standing Stone Church of Christ 385 N. Elmore St. Victory Christian Center 125 S. Oak St. 839-6068
Monterey Worship Center 120 E. Commercial Ave. 839-2702
Vine Ridge Baptist 602 Vine Ridge Rd. 445-3414
Muddy Pond Independent Baptist Church 3449 Muddy Pond Rd.
Woodcliff Baptist Church 13100 Woodcliff Rd. 839-8465
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Mountain Times
Standing Stone Scribe
St. Patty’s Day is just some luck away
March 2021
Host a St. Patrick’s Day Party (Family Features) It may be a celebration in honor of a patron saint of Ireland, but you don’t have to be Irish to join the revelry that marks each St. Patrick’s Day. This year, gather some friends for a party that brings a bit of luck o’ the Irish to all. Perfect Party Menu It’s just not a party without a scrumptious spread of eats and drinks, and an occasion like St. Patrick’s Day makes it fun to plan your menu. From green frosted cookies to a green-hued punch, countless options are available. A buffet-style meal allows guests to nibble as they wish and enjoy a wide range of foods. Be sure to think beyond the food itself and also consider how you can get creative in serving it. For example, a hearty stew might be served in bowls that resemble pots of gold. Or display traditional finger foods, such as slices of cucumber, on a platter in the shape of a
shamrock. Try creating a signature cocktail for the affair using a classic green liquor like Midori, sour apple schnapps or rum, or even a creme de menthe. A Theme to Celebrate With so many prominent icons associated with the holiday, decorating is probably one of the easiest aspects of your party planning. There’s no shortage of images that scream St. Patty’s Day: shamrocks, rainbows, pots of gold, leprechauns, top hats and more. You might choose just one for your party’s theme or create an everything-is-more ensemble that celebrates all things Irish. For a more subtle approach, simply think green. Lots and lots of green. From streamers to balloons to photo booth props, if it’s green, it will fit your theme. You can use plants to add greenery in elegant ways, green table and glassware
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
for festive dining and even green-hued lighting for an all-Irish ambiance. Festive Fun Sure, the food and drinks
are a big part of the party fun, but St. Patrick’s Day also lends itself to some playful party entertainment. A soundtrack with classic Irish tunes is an ideal
backdrop. You might invite guests to compete in a limerick writing contest or a scavenger hunt to find prizes like gold-covered chocolate coins and a candy-filled pot
Lucky Mint Brownie Perfection (Culinary.net) How lucky you must be to come across this recipe just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. This one is a twisted combination of mint and sweet chocolate that’s sure to have almost anyone’s taste buds screaming “yum.” This dessert might just be the pot of gold at the end of your rainbow this year. These Mint Brownies have three delicious layers. First, a supreme brownie on bottom. Then a fluffy, green mint layer that’s full of flavor and color. Last, but definitely not least, a chocolate layer on top made with chocolate chips, butter and a little whipping cream. All of these layers create a smooth, sweet, minty, bite-sized dessert perfect for any occasion but especially St. Patrick’s Day. The green mint color really pops off the plate, giving it
sert recipes at Culinary.net.
some extra flare and an appetizing glow. To start, create the soft, chocolate filled brownie. Combine brownie mix, vegetable oil, one egg, water and the chocolate syrup pouch. Bake and cool completely. Then it’s time for some colorful, festive fun. Make
the filling with powdered sugar, butter, whipping cream, softened cream cheese, a splash of peppermint extract and a few drops of green food coloring. Beat and pour over the cooled brownie pan. The last layer is simple. In a saucepan, melt whipping cream, chocolate chips and
butter until smooth. When it’s cooled to lukewarm, pour it over the filling for the final layer. Refrigerate the Mint Brownies for two hours before serving. Cut them into bite-size pieces for small chunks that will melt in your mouth. Find more seasonal des-
Mint Brownies Servings: 9-12 Nonstick cooking spray 1 box supreme brownie mix with chocolate syrup pouch 3 tablespoons water 1/3 cup vegetable oil 1 egg Filling: 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar 1/4 cup butter, softened 1/4 cup whipping cream 5 ounces cream cheese, softened 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract 5 drops green food colorTopping: 1/2 cup whipping cream 1 bag (12 ounces) chocolate chips 1/2 cup butter Heat oven to 350 F. Spray 8-by-8-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray.
Baked Bread to Celebrate St. Patty’s Day (Culinary.net) From hearty stews to minty pies, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are all about enjoying the flavors of the holiday. Whether you’re cooking up a full meal or simply serving appetizers, this Irish Potato Bread makes for a simple, tasty snack to feed your crowd. Find more celebratory recipes at Culinary.net. Irish Potato Bread 2 mediumorlarge russet potatoes 1 egg 1 egg white 1/3 cup canola oil 3/4 cup milk 2 tablespoons green onion, minced 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus additional for dusting and kneading 1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt
Heat oven to 375 F. Peel potatoes. Slice one potato and boil in saucepan 15 minutes, or until tender. Remove potato from saucepan into large bowl. Mash potato then set aside. Grate second potato onto cloth. Wring potato in cloth to remove excess water. Add grated potato to mashed potato in large bowl. Add egg, egg white, oil, milk, onion, caraway seeds, 3 1/4 cups flour, baking powder and salt. Stir with wooden spoon until mixture is soft and sticky. Turn dough onto floured surface. Adding flour as needed, knead dough to form 8-inch round shape with slight dome. Place dough onto baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cut large “X” on top of dough about 1/2 inch deep. Bake 55 minutes until golden brown. Cool on wire rack 1 hour before serving.
of gold. Find more ideas to celebrate this St. Patrick’s Day at eLivingToday.com.
In large bowl, mix brownie mix, water, oil and egg until combined. Pour into prepared baking pan. Bake 35 minutes. Cool completely, about 1 hour. To make filling: In large bowl, beat powdered sugar, butter, whipping cream, cream cheese, peppermint extract and food coloring. Spread over cooled brownies. Refrigerate 1 hour, or until set. To make topping: In saucepan, melt whipping cream, chocolate chips and butter until smooth. Cool until lukewarm, about 10 minutes. Pour over filling; spread to cover. Refrigerate 2 hours, or until set. Before serving, let brownies set 10 minutes at room temperature. Tips: Cut brownies with wet knife for cleaner cuts. Store covered in refrigerator.
Entertainment
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Standing Stone Scribe
NBC ‘Rocks’ latest sitcom
There’s nothing like a long, cold winter to make you appreciate everything that spring has to offer: fresh flowers, chirping birds, sunshine, longer days, and, yes, even new spring television premieres. I don’t yet know what the landscape of television will look like this spring. New shows seem to be trickling out in much the same pace as they did in the fall, though, so hits will likely be few and far between. However, NBC just released something interesting; the first for the network in a while. It is too soon to tell whether this show will be a hit, but it’s definitely worth more than a passing look. NBC premiered “Young Rock” on Feb.16. The show is about the life of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (Jumanji, Fast and Furious), his upbringing and how he transitioned from athlete to pro wrestler and, eventually, television and film star. As the show outlines, Johnson came from a wrestling family. His father was professional wrestler Rocky Johnson, so young Rock spent time with the likes of André the Giant. The show’s first episode touches on this. The show also goes into how the wrestling lifestyle influenced him outside the ring. His father’s emphasis on keeping up a certain persona, led young Rock to stealing expensive clothes so he could look the part of a professional wrestler’s son and impress his classmates, particularly the girls. In essence he was dressing for the life he wanted. While the show seems to
• BOARD• Continued from 1A “We’ll follow procedure,” Reels said. Monterey cultural administrator Rafferty Cleary announced that the rebranding of Monterey with the Rural Re-imagine program will launch with a new Monterey logo reveal at Bee Rock on March 24 at 3 p.m. Cleary also reported that the construction at Bee Rock Park is really coming together. The work on the
• SPEAKER • Continued from 4A These funds are in addition to the more than $16.5 million already allocated for local projects in the past year. Through Spectrum’s commitment and partnership, almost 5,979 more homes in Cumberland County will now have access to high-speed services up to 1 gigabyte — another major step toward increasing access to reliable, high speed broadband services in our community and across Tennessee. As the calendar turns to March, we will continue
be very much based in reality, the overall packaging of the show is not. When the show begins it is the year 2032 and Dwayne Johnson is being interviewed by a news magazine show about running for president. It is in these interviews that Johnson begins telling stories of his upbringing, which is met with disapproval from his publicist. While this aspect of the show may be fictional, one has to wonder, given Johnson’s interest in politics, if he is toying with the idea of running for president someday, but I digress. “Young Rock” is promoted and packaged like a sitcom, with its 30 minute format and 80s style graphics, not to mention the fact that actor Randall Park (Always Be My Maybe, Fresh off the Boat) plays the journalist interviewing Johnson. Technically, I suppose “Young Rock” is a sitcom, but Johnson’s story seems more fascinating than funny in the show’s first few episodes. Nevertheless, it’s entertaining and will have audiences looking forward to watching more. The only real flaw in the show is the fact that it jumps around a lot. Some
flashbacks, as Johnson recounts his childhood, seem incomplete. In addition, we see stuff happening when he’s a child, then as an adult, then back to his teenage years, so you have to pay attention to keep track of the timing of it all. Despite that, this show is still one of the best I have seen out of the peacock network in a while. And you don’t have to be a Dwayne Johnson fan to appreciate what it has to offer. Though only three episodes have aired thus far, “Young Rock” is off to a promising start. I doubt this will be a sitcom that runs for 10 years or more, but I can already see it getting a second season. It all depends on the show’s reception and how much interesting material Johnson’s life can provide. The fact that each episode is only 30 minutes, should help with the show’s longevity. “Young Rock” airs on NBC Tuesday nights at 8|7c. If you missed any episodes they are available to stream for free, including at www.nbc.com/youngrock. • • • 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 at paulatudor.com.
park had been suspended due to winter weather, but with the break from the season Cleary said have made substantial progress in just a week’s time. The framework on the restroom facility has gone up. After heavy rainfall, the board agreed that the Town should lay gravel for a temporary fix on the rutted, muddy road for the crew to help facilitate construction. Cleary said there was no estimated time of comple-
tion at this time. The state has approved the plans for the new CBDG grant project sewer treatment plant. “It’s been a long road,” said consulting engineer Nathaniel Green. The project is set to be bid by April 13. Green said there will be a mandatory pre-bid meeting, he hoped on March 23, at city hall prior to the bid date. Green said, “The goal is to break ground in June.”
to prioritize our budget, advance conservative, patient-centered health solutions that improve access, quality, and affordability for Tennessee patients, begin discussions about overhauling our criminal justice system, and fight to uphold the freedoms granted to all law-abiding citizens of Tennessee under the Constitution. I am excited about the work ahead of us, and I greatly appreciate the opportunity and the trust you have placed in me to continue serving Cumberland, Putnam and Van Buren
counties. ••• Cameron Sexton, RCrossville, is speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives. He represents the 25th District, which includes Cumberland County. He can be reached at 615-741-2343 or speaker.cameron.sexton@capitol.tn.gov
Paula Tudor Columnist
Perks of living Advertise with in a small town Standing is everybody Stone Scribe knowing your Your Good News Paper Call 265-9489 business! for more information.
STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: HEAD TO TOE ACROSS 1. *A or O, to blood 5. Catch a wink 8. “Don’t know what to say” sound 11. Eon, alt. sp. 12. Severe blow 13. *Blood ____, type of blood test 15. Eastern ____, 19471991 16. *Respiratory rattling 17. Enormous ones 18. *Annual exam 20. Largest city of Norway 21. Like a romantic movie? 22. *Anatomical pouch 23. Work over with fists (2 words) 26. Levee next to water mill 30. Not cooked 31. What a terrorist wants to spread 34. Continental currency 35. Wide open 37. Charged particle 38. Colorado resort
39. Hipbones 40. Recede, as in tide (2 words) 42. Laos resident 43. Stinging shrub, pl. 45. Handrail’s main supports 47. Caribou kin 48. Relating to a lobe 50. Saint’s topper 52. *L in ACL 55. Bad-tempered 56. Affirm with confidence 57. Stain on Santa 59. Work the dough 60. Tiger Woods’ pegs 61. Ruptured 62. “____ my party, and I’ll cry if I want too...” 63. Store posting, abbr. 64. *Largest organ DOWN 1. Can opener 2. Crowd’s judgement 3. Tubby little cubby 4. Enclose within a cyst 5. W.E.B Du Bois’s org. 6. Assuage 7. Spa treatment 8. 2016 western “____ or High Water” 9. Type of shark 10. Not Miss or Ms
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March 2021
12. Influenza 13. Sandbar 14. *Cardiac, smooth or skeletal ones 19. Quickly fry 22. Knightly title 23. *Cerebellum location 24. Two under on one hole 25. Look forward to 26. *Kissing disease? 27. Having two parts 28. Beatles: “He’s ____ ____ nowhere man” (2 words) 29. Plural of #26 Down 32. *12 pairs of these 33. Rip off 36. *a.k.a. kneecap 38. Mr. T’s team 40. Comic book cry 41. Unlocks the gate 44. Andrew Webber’s middle name 46. Forcefully grabs 48. *Blood filter 49. S-shaped moldings 50. “The ____ for Red October” 51. Greek god of war 52. Strip of wood 53. Breakfast spot? 54. Spelling or Kelly 55. Biathlon equipment 58. One less than jack
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Life on the Mountain
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Standing Stone Scribe
March 2021
Happy paintings: A Bob Ross journey By Rebekah Beeler
She acquired her instructor certification there and now employs Jeanette Buckner her knowledge of Bob has an affinity for art, Ross techniques, teachborn with a passion ing in her own classes for drawing and creatat Hello Market Blessing. ings. “I have always loved “I have open classes drawing and used to that anyone can register fill notebooks with and come,” she addpictures,” she said. ed. “I also do private “If a pencil and paper classes where friends were within my reach, get together and come. I was drawing.” Anyone can learn to The Joy of Painting Her passion for art paint with me. I break it was set aside as she down step-by-step.” delegated her time to She also is a vendor at managing the busiHello Market Blessings, ness of life; working, getting married, being a displaying her work for sell at booth 10. dutiful wife, becoming a mother and raising her Those interested in painting beautiful landsons, and packing up their home to move a few scapes, happy accidents, happy little clouds times. and happy little tress, complete with beating the “Sadly, my notebooks with my drawings got devil out of their brushes, can call Buckner at lost along the way,” she said. 931-261-8581. Hello Market Blessings is locatBut, her passion for art remained. Recently, she ed at 201-D S. Elmore St. in Monterey. began her own Bob Ross journey. She attended her first Bob Ross style oil painting class in October 2019 and, like Bob Ross, found “the joy of painting.” She loved it so much she went back home, immediately ordered painting supplies and began painting at home. She subsequently attended four more Bob Ross painting classes in Cookeville. “Since then, I have painted around 80 paintings,” she said. Then, in 2020, she spent the month of December in Smyrna Beach, FL., and went to the Bob Ross Art Workshop and Gallery to become a certified instructor of the Bob Ross style of painting. “It was a wonderful experience getting to paint seven hours each day,” she said. Scribe publisher
“We don’t make mistakes, just happy little accidents.”
Photos submitted Jeanette Buckner attends Bob Ross Art Workshop and Gallery in Smyrna Beach, FL.
-Bob Ross
Nic Hankins of Bob Ross Art Workshop and Gallery in Smyrna Beach, FL, presents Jeanette Buckner with her instructor certification.
Nic Buckner, above, and Tabitha Dubois, left, learn to paint Bob Ross style as Jeanette Buckner’s first students.
Jeanette Buckner is proud of the progress her students, Sheila Murphy and daughter, Katie, have made in only two classes.
New TSLA Building to open in April The Tennessee State Library and Archives, TSLA, is scheduled to open to the public on April 13, in its new location on the northeast corner of the Bicentennial Mall at the intersection of Rep. John Lewis Way N. and Jefferson St. “It is an exciting time for TSLA as we are only weeks away from opening the doors to this important resource for our great state,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “This state-of-the-art facility will ensure Tennessee’s history will be properly preserved and accessible for generations to come.” After more than a year of preparation, TSLA staff started moving and installing collections and exhibits in the new building at the beginning of February. “Countless hours of planning by our staff has gone into carefully and thoughtfully transporting our historical documents, manuscripts and collections,” said Chuck Sherrill, Tennessee State Librarian and
Photo submitted
The draft above depicts the finished design plans for the northwest entrance of the new Tennessee State Library and Archives Building. Archivist. “Thanks to the dedication of our staff and the professionalism of our moving contractor, most of the 500,000 books and 40,000 boxes of archival material in our collection will be available for Tennesseans when we open our doors in April.” The new 165,000 square foot facility includes a climate-controlled chamber for safely storing historic
books and manuscripts with a space-saving robotic retrieval system. A new blast freezer will allow TSLA staff to help save materials damaged by water or insects following floods and other disasters. The new facility also has classrooms for student groups and meeting space for training librarians and archivists. The larger and more
technologically advanced building is a major upgrade from TSLA’s current 1950s era home. The new facility has the much needed space to properly house collections, improved climate controls and increased handicapped access. The extra space and efficiency will increase TSLA’s capacity by nearly 40 percent from 542,700 to 759,500 items.
The 110th General Assembly approved funding in 2017 and 2018 for the new facility. Although the project timeline was adjusted slightly after the March 2020 tornados, construction remained within the $123.8 million budget. A ribbon cutting event will be held on April 12, with virtual viewing details forthcoming. The new building will open to the public with limited capacity due to COVID-19 safe precautions on April 13. For the latest information about the new building opening, follow the TSLA’s social media channels: Facebook: Tennessee State Library and Archives and Instagram: @tnlibarchives along with the Secretary of State’s Twitter account: @SecTreHargett. About the Tennessee State Library and Archives The office of Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett oversees the
operations of the Tennessee State Library and Archives. By law, it is required to preserve Tennessee’s legal and civic history by housing the archives of state government and collections of records from families, churches, businesses and organizations. TSLA is home to many notable historic documents including Tennessee’s Constitutions, letters from Tennessee’s three presidents, Civil War diaries, records of 55 past Governors of the State and original records and maps of the State of Franklin. The collections include copies of virtually every book published about Tennessee and Tennesseans. Original documents from court cases and legislation along with audio recordings of legislative proceedings since 1955 are preserved by TSLA. Copies of the records from every Tennessee courthouse and all surviving Tennessee newspapers can also be viewed in the library’s collections.