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.