As the summer recreation season gets into full swing, Center Hill Lake becomes a popular destination for many Middle Tennessee residents. The lake’s 18,220 square miles of water, multiple campgrounds, marinas, and recreation areas are a significant attraction for tourists, locals, and… criminals alike.

Over the past month Center Hill Lake has seen an increase in visitor activity as well as over 15 motor vehicle break-ins at various locations, including Hurricane Marina, Edgar Evins State Park, Buffalo Valley Boat Ramp, Big Rock Market, Happy Hollow Boat Ramp, and Betty’s Island Boat Ramp.

All break-ins have occurred during daytime hours at relatively busy locations. Unattended vehicles with visible valuable items such as purses and wallets have been targeted. In each case, the window was broken with a crowbar and visible belongings stolen.

In light of these incidents, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District encourages lake-goers to use caution when heading out on the water. If any valuables must be left in the vehicle, be sure doors and windows are locked and belongings are placed in a secure location that is not visible.

If a crime is witnessed, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers urges visitors not to engage the culprit, but instead call 911 immediately. Visitor safety is paramount to Center Hill Lake staff both on and off the water.

Anyone with knowledge of the break-ins are encouraged to call the Corps Watch Hotline at 866-413-7970 with any information that could aid in the prosecution of persons committing crimes against U.S. Army Corps of Engineers property. Callers can remain anonymous and may receive up to a $1,000 reward for their assistance.

The City of Smithville is making plans to do some street paving on Smith Road.

The city recently advertised seeking bids for street paving and received only one bid from Tinsley Asphalt of Tullahoma for $83.96 per ton. That price will be locked in for one year. The aldermen approved the bid during Monday night’s city council meeting.

The city has $96,000 left in this year’s budget for paving and will have more money budgeted next year to pave other city streets.

Meanwhile City Public Works Director Kevin Robinson reported to the Mayor and Aldermen Monday night that the water tank near the high school is currently out of service for routine maintenance including sandblasting and epoxy coating. The work should be completed by the end of the month.

In other business, the aldermen approved the hiring of Brady McGee to fill a vacancy in the sanitation department.

Airport Manager Joe Johnson updated the Mayor and Aldermen on projects under development to be funded mostly from grant funds.

According to Johnson, the city will be making use of a grant to locate trees in the path of the runway approach which will have to be cut to meet federal standards. The city will need the services of a surveyor to identify the trees to be removed. Funds from a separate grant will be used to actually cut the trees.

Johnson said the city has plans to acquire land for the eventual construction of a parallel taxiway at the airport and grant money will be used for that project although funds are not yet in place to make the purchase.

Another grant will be used to address drainage issues at the airport.

The city’s local grant match on airport projects is usually five percent.

Johnson said fuel sales have been good at the airport. “Our fuel sales are doing real good on Avgas but we’re never going to sell a lot of jet fuel although we’re actually doing a little better than airports of our size because of our price. I think our fuel sales last month were around $6,000. We have had some $12,000 months which is good for a small town. We do select buying. When we catch the price low on fuel we buy cheap so we can sell at a better price. We’re actually making money on fuel. That is good for us because it keeps planes coming in. The more planes land here the more people and state money we get. The state looks at how much activity you have,” said Johnson.

Hangar leases are coming due in July. The leases are for one year at a time.

The city has sixteen T-hangars and two corporate hangars and all are occupied. Tenants of the T-hangars pay the city $115 per month and the monthly rent for the corporate hangars is $225.

Tenants now have the option of paying their entire years rent in one lump sum payment at the current rate or they may continue to pay monthly, but at a higher rate of $125 per month. Those who have corporate hangars can also pay up front for the year at the current rate of $225 per month or at the higher rate of $250 if they choose to continue to pay by the month.

Johnson said by paying up front for an entire year, the tenants get a price break while the city has more cash on hand to use for immediate airport needs.

The Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree is coming Friday, July 6th and Saturday, July 7th to Downtown Smithville, Tennessee. Over 200 craft booth vendors plan to fill the courthouse square including a new category for repurposed crafts and furniture, along with all of the traditional handmade crafts that tourists travel hundreds of miles to see. Music competitions kick-off the start of each day at 9am running late into the evening, as shade tree pickers claim their favorite spots under the oak trees framing the courthouse lawn.

“We are pleased to announce several improvements to this year’s festival including a brand new website paid for by the James G. “Bobo” Driver family, long-time supporters of the Jamboree. The website features beautiful photos with easy to navigate information and live Twitter feed on their home page. Additional improvements include a 40×60 dining tent with cooling fans to give attendees a place to get out of the heat and eat in comfort with their family,” said Shan Williams, Director of Marketing for the Jamboree, “Saint Thomas DeKalb Hospital has sponsored the tent to help reduce the chance of heat stroke and fatigue among spectators, along with providing supplies to keep the tables clean and sanitized. This is a wonderful partnership that was much appreciated for this festival.”

With the new dining tent in place, the Jamboree Board is reaching out to the DeKalb County community for teens and adult volunteers for various roles including much needed help in keeping the tables clean and clear of debris throughout the festival. Additional roles include: backstage assistants, craft booth hospitality, information runners, and program distribution.

“We currently have 25 dedicated Junior Jamboree Volunteers that helped us last year in multiple ways. With the new dining tent, we need more help than ever before. You can volunteer for a two-hour shift, or as much as a whole day. We are grateful for anything that you are willing to contribute. DCHS students can use these hours towards their Tennessee Promise requirements as well.” said Emily Burklow, Junior Jamboree Board President, “It takes all of us together to keep this festival clean and running smoothly. This is a great way to give back.”

To sign-up as an adult volunteer or join the Junior Jamboree Board, contact the Volunteer Director via text message 615-594-2792, call the Jamboree Office at 615-597-8500, or email: smithvillejamboree@gmail.com. For information on the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree and Crafts festival, join their facebook page @SmithvilleJamboree, or go to: www.fiddlersjamboree.com.

About the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree

Join us for the 47th Annual Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree and Crafts Festival coming Friday, July 6th and Saturday, July 7th, 2018 to Downtown Smithville, Tennessee. Each day begins at 9am with over 35 music and dance categories, streets full of hand-made crafts, and food booths galore. Over 80,000 spectators fill the streets during this two-day music and dance competition. This FREE family-friendly festival has been named the official Jamboree & Crafts Festival of the State of Tennessee, along with being named the National Jamboree & Crafts Festival of the United States of America. The old-time Fiddlers’ Jamboree, started in 1972, invited T. Tommy of the Grand Ole Opry to be the first Masters of Ceremonies for the event, with WSM radio covering the weekend bluegrass competition. Come and see why over 80,000 people travel from across the nation, and the world, to watch time stand still, while they enjoy the best in old-time Appalachian bluegrass music, craft and dance.