Corps of Engineers enhances Caney Fork River ecosystem with Center Hill Dam orifice gate reinstallation

June 17, 2024
By: Michael Davis

As part of an ongoing commitment to bolster the ecological health and recreational opportunities along the Caney Fork River, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District is pleased to announce a significant milestone in the operation of Center Hill Dam.

On Monday, June 10th, the Corps reinstalled the orifice gate at Center Hill Dam, which was previously removed in the fall for inspection. The reinstallation of the gate establishes a new summer/fall minimum flow regime. This pivotal initiative is aimed at enhancing the habitat of the renowned cold-water trout fishery situated below the dam on Caney Fork River, a prime destination for anglers hailing from across the region.

“In response to substantial public input, the Corps has set a new seasonal minimum continuous flow of 250 cubic feet per second from the dam,” said Robert Dillingham, a hydraulic engineer from the Nashville District’s Water Management Section. “This strategic adjustment seeks to augment the wetted perimeter of the stream, mitigating the risk of elevated temperatures during periods of zero generation and thereby fostering a conducive environment for trout and other aquatic life.”

The orifice gate, a critical component situated approximately 120 feet deep in the forebay, was removed for inspection last fall. High water levels delayed the initial plans for reinstallation by several weeks. However, with conditions now conducive, the Corps was able to proceed with the reinstallation, effectively ensuring the stipulated minimum flow through November.

The process of reinstalling the orifice gate involved a collaborative effort, with a crane loaned from Wolf Creek Dam facilitating the lowering of the gate into place. A team of skilled mechanics from Center Hill Dam supervised the operation, ensuring precise attachment and alignment of the gate. Concurrently, Corps personnel aboard a watercraft deployed an underwater rover to monitor the proceedings beneath the surface, providing guidance to the crane operator and mechanics above.

“Successfully installing this gate truly took a team effort involving several different sections from the Corps of Engineers,” said Kevin Salvilla, Center Hill Lake Resource Manager. “With safety always being at the forefront, everyone working on this project was able to perform their roles while working together to get the job done.”

This endeavor signifies a significant stride in the ongoing conservation efforts of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and the preservation of cherished recreational resources.

June 16, 2024
By: Dwayne Page

Karah Jo Ford was crowned the 2024 Miss Jamboree Queen in the age 14-16 category Saturday at the county complex auditorium. The event was a fundraiser for the Last-Minute Toy Shop.

Ford, the 14-year-old daughter of Hector-O-Roscoe and Amanda Ford of Smithville was also awarded for Prettiest Attire, Smile, and Most Photogenic.

Brileigh Nicole Bullard of Smithville was runner-up. She is the 14-year-old daughter of Nikki and Jimmy Martin and Riley and Kayla Bullard. She was also awarded for Prettiest Eyes and Hair.

Winners in the 11-13 age division:
Queen Baylei Anne Benson of Smithville, 13-year-old daughter of Karey and John Washer and Christopher Benson. She also received honors for Prettiest Hair and Most Photogenic.

Eleven-year-old Arraya Jenae Taylor was first runner-up. She is the daughter of Angie Taylor from Smithville. She was awarded for Prettiest Eyes and Attire.

Makaeleigh Faith Tarpley received second runner-up. She is the 11-year-old daughter of Derrick and Brittney Tarpley of Elmwood. She also earned awards for Prettiest Smile and People’s Choice

Winners in the 7–10-year-old age group:

Queen Stella Grace Adcock, the 9-year-old daughter of Byron and Paige Adcock of Smithville. Stella was also awarded for Prettiest Attire

Haddeigh Grace Harvey was first runner-up. She is the 7-year-old daughter of Chad and Kayla Harvey of Alexandria.

Second runner-up went to Rozlyn Marie Prichard, 7-year-old daughter of Mark and Amanda Prichard of Smithville. She was also judged to have the Prettiest Smile.

Westyn Elyse Roller, 7-year-old daughter of Jordan and Kari Roller of Smithville received honors for Prettiest Eyes and People’s Choice.

Eight-year-old Laylah Hale, daughter of Kaylee Hale from Dowelltown took home an award for Prettiest Hair while Wrigley Marie Jared, 8-year-old daughter of Tim and Shelly Jared of Smithville was named Most Photogenic

Winners in the 4–6-year-old category:

Queen Brynlee Allana Rankhorn, the 5-year-old daughter of Jacob and Ashlee Rankhorn of Rock Island. She was also awarded for Prettiest Smile.

Brinleigh Bain, 6-year-old daughter of Amber Bain of Smithville was first runner-up.

Second runner-up went to Jazmin Perez, 4-year-old daughter of Joel Perez and Blanca Jones of Smithville.

Anna Lee Brelje, 5-year-old daughter of Andy and Whitney Brelje of Alexandria was judged to have the Prettiest Eyes.

Five-year-old Briar Rose Kilgore, daughter of Clay and Mariah Kilgore of Smithville, received an award for Prettiest Hair.

Four-year-old Annabelle Rose Bowen was awarded for Prettiest Attire. She is the daughter of Jacob and Kayla Bowen of Liberty.

Most Photogenic went to Olivia Denise Kilgore, the 4-year-old daughter of Ryan and Jasmine Kilgore of McMinnville.

Aspen Kate Dalton, 4-year-old daughter of Fletcher and Liz Dalton of Sparta received the People’s Choice award.

Winners in the girls 25 to 48 months category:

Queen Enleigh Brooke Phillips, the 2-year-old daughter of Kyle and Makenzi Phillips of Dowelltown.

First runner-up went to Samantha Hyde, 28-month-old daughter of Jacob and Caitlyn Hyde of McMinnville.

Reese Cantrell received second runner-up. She is 2-year-old daughter of Tyler and Caroline Cantrell of Smithville.

Renly Kayte Roberts, 3-year-old daughter of Dalton and Jordan Roberts of Smithville took home honors for Prettiest Eyes while Sydney Ann Barrett, 32-month-old daughter of Stephen and Vickey Barrett of Dowelltown received awards for Prettiest Hair, Attire, Smile, People’s Choice, and Most Photogenic

Winners in the boys 13-24 months category:

King Rhett Lee Miller, 16-month-old son of Brayden Miller and Haley Chapman of Smithville. He was also awarded for Prettiest Hair and Smile.

First runner-up was James Griffin, 19-month-old son of Luke and Casey Griffin of Alexandria. He received honors for Prettiest Attire, People’s Choice, and Most Photogenic.

19-month-old Kingston Vincent was second runner-up. He is the son of Seth and Kayla Vincent of Smithville. Vincent was awarded for Prettiest Eyes.

Winners in the girls 13-24 months category:

Queen Indy Hart Williams, 16-month-old daughter of Brian and Stephanie Williams of Smithville. She was also awarded for Prettiest Smile and People’s Choice.

Amora Joy Perez, 20-month-old daughter of Andres and Monica Perez of Smithville received first runner-up and the Prettiest Attire award.

Second runner-up went to Aeriel Rae Key, 19-month-old daughter of Will and Shana Key of Smithville.

Receiving awards for Prettiest Eyes and Most Photogenic was Corie Smith, 16-month-old daughter of Jesse and Chloe Smith of Smithville while Parker Kayte Harvey took home an award for Prettiest Hair. She is the 17-month-old daughter of Chad and Kayla Harvey of Alexandria.

Winners in the girls 7-12 months group:

Queen Sawyer Grace Dalton, 9-month-old daughter of Fletcher and Liz Dalton of Sparta. She also received honors for Prettiest Eyes, Attire, Smile, and People’s Choice.

First runner-up went to Willow May Stanley, 8month-old daughter of Daniel and Jayde Stanley of Smithville.

Augusta Lee Hendrix received second runner-up. She is the 7-month-old daughter of Ali Hendrix of Smithville.

Receiving Most Photogenic was Ellie Jane Chapman, 7-month-old daughter of Brandon and Kelley Chapman of Smithville.

Angelique R. Parsley was awarded for Prettiest Hair. She is the 10-month-old daughter of Brenda Ramirez of Smithville.

Winner of boys 7-12 months:

Coleson Wade Filkins, 11-month-old son of Austin and Sylar Filkins of Lebanon. He also took home honors for Most Photogenic, Prettiest Eyes, Hair, Attire, Smile, and People’s Choice.

Winners of girls 1 day to 6 months:

Queen Dallas Cove Ellis, 6-month-old daughter of Austin and Briana Ellis of Smithville. She was also awarded for Prettiest Smile and Eyes.

Charlotte Cay Koelle was the runner-up. She is the 4-week-old daughter of Heather and Christian Koelle of Smithville. She received honors for Prettiest Hair, Attire, and Most Photogenic

Winners of boys 1 day to 6 months:

Jameson Winchester was crowned King: He is the 6-month-old son of Jacob and Shana Winchester of Smithville. He was also awarded for Prettiest Smile.

June 16, 2024
By: Dwayne Page

Sheriff Patrick Ray has reported an inmate death.

“On June 15, 2024 at approximately 9:35 pm, DeKalb County Jail Correctional Officers were notified about an Inmate located in the Annex area of the jail needing to see the nurse,” said Sheriff Ray. “Correctional Officers immediately got the inmate to the nurse. While in the nurse’s station, the inmate experienced a medical episode.”

“The Correctional Officers notified Central Dispatch to summon EMS to the jail. The inmate was transported to Ascension St. Thomas Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 10:33 pm.,” Sheriff Ray explained.

“The inmate is 53-year-old Fredrick Michael Hughes of Barnes Mill Road Smithville.”

“As the DeKalb County Jail’s protocol, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation was called to investigate this incident and an autopsy has been ordered”, said Sheriff Ray.

Sheriff Ray added “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Mr. Hughes”

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