Volume 83 March 2020 No. 9 2020 Summer Convention set to drop in on INSIDE Dollywood to mark TPA’s 150th Anniversary MIKE TOWLE Vass: TPA has good vibe Managing Editor Page 3 February 14, 2020 Legendary singer, entertainment Daniels: Lots to like about maven, entrepreneur and Tennes- Winter Convention 2020 see’s favorite daughter Dolly Parton had better have her alarm set for Page 3 bright and early Thursday, June Lee affi rms support of 18. She’s about to receive a gaggle First Amendment to TPA of visitors who sell ink and digital bytes (not moonshine whiskey) by Page 5 the barrel. Photo by Tony Centonze, The rooster is set to crow for Tennessee Press Association Hamilton County foils sometime that morning, as an Photos courtesy of Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism TFP records request anticipated throng of hundreds Ken Paulson, director of the Free of newspaper professionals from vance, heads to Dolly’s backyard, Resort in Pigeon Forge. Speech Center at MTSU, Murfrees- Page 5 across the state descend on Parton’s with the two-day event’s kickoff be- Friday’s events will kick off with boro, and keynote speaker for the hometown of Pigeon Forge, Tenn. ing a day-long June 18 playday for the Ad/Circ Conference and editorial 2020 TPA Winter Convention lun- TPA Members’ Showcases That’s where the TPA will ring in TPA members and their families at sessions in addition to the Ideas cheon held Thursday, Feb. 13, dons Page s 6-7, 12 the 150th anniversary celebration Dollywood’s Theme Park, complete Contest Awards luncheon and the his red ‘Superman cape’ while mak- of the Tennessee Press Association. with rides, shows, shops and other convention’s conclusion with the ing a point about the First Amend- Sheriff Bart: 11 reporting The 2020 TPA Summer Conven- attractions and activities. State Press Contests Awards Banquet. ment and the future of newspaper tips for going in-depth tion, in conjunction with the asso- The convention runs June 18-19 More Summer Conventon details journalism. See the special section ciation’s sesquicentennial obser- and will be held at the Music Road will be available after March 18. Page 8 inside for more coverage of this year’s Winter Convention held Feb. Obituaries 12-13 in Nashville, at the Double- Pages 1, 8-9 OBITUARY Tree by Hilton Hotel. Fisher: New legal support Williams, former TPA president, forged newspaper legacy in TN for public records Page 11 SUBMITTED ville, Fla., and student at Murray State University. he returned to Paris in 1960 as Paris Post-Intelligencer Joan (Skip) Howe During his summers, Williams The P-I’s news editor. He spent the February 7, 2020 of Paris; a son: continued to be a P-I reporter. next 39 years working his way up Michael (Evonne) Throughout his college years, Wil- to editor, then editor and publish- Retired Post-Intelligencer editor Williams of Par- liams was also a member of the er, fi nally retiring as publisher in and publisher and long-time com- is; 14 grandchil- college newspaper staff and was late 1999. However, he continued munity service advocate William dren; and eight named the outstanding journalism to write editorials until late 2016. Bryant “Bill” Williams Jr., 85, died great-grandchil- student during his senior year. He became editor and publisher Thursday, Feb. 6, at AHC Paris. dren and another After graduating from college, at the retirement of his father, the He battled Parkinson’s disease Williams on the way at he was a reporter for The Memphis late Bryant Williams. Bryant in and Lewy Body dementia for three press time. Press-Scimitar for a brief period turn had taken over as publisher years before suffering a massive Williams began his newspaper before entering the U.S. Army as a at the retirement in 1967 of his stroke Feb. 5. career as a P-I carrier while a second lieutenant. father, the late W. Percy Williams, Born Aug. 20, 1934, to W. Bry- student at Atkins-Porter and Grove He was stationed at Fort Sill, who had come from Alabama to ant and Julia Williams of Paris, he High Schools. Okla., and served as a forward purchase The P-I in 1927. is survived by his wife of 63 years, During his high school years, he observer in an artillery unit, and One of the things Bill Williams the former Anne Corbett. The worked as a reporter after school, helped work out the logistics of said he enjoyed about his work was couple married on June 21, 1956, on Saturdays and during the sum- transporting howitzers by helicop- that at the end of each day, he was at First Christian Church in Paris. mers. After graduating third in his ter. He then served seven years in able to hold a paper in his hands Other survivors include three class at Grove High School in 1952, active reserve. and say, “Here’s what we did today.” daughters: Cindy Barnett of Mur- Williams went on to graduate with Later, he worked for The Tulla- ray, Julie (Doug) Ray of Gaines- honors as a journalism and ROTC homa News for three years before See WILLIAMS Page 9 Page 2 • The Tennessee Press • March 2020 Good vibes for TPA and members In the decade or so since the dropped: Family-owned McClatchy (USPS 616-460) technical end of the Great Reces- YOUR newspapers, which owns about 30 Published monthly by the sion, Tennessee Press Association newspapers across the country, fi led members have come to realize our PRESIDING for bankruptcy. TENNESSEE PRESS ASSOCIATION, INC. business has changed, and we have/ REPORTER We’ve heard the reasons before. 412 N. Cedar Bluff Road, Suite 403 are learning to adapt. We have Newspaper companies saddled with accepted that fl uidity is our normal Knoxville, Tennessee 37923 CHRIS VASS too much debt have no room to ma- Telephone (865) 584-5761/Fax (865) 558-8687/www.tnpress.com state, and we are fi nding new ways neuver. The slide of ad revenue to to reach readers and deliver news the online giants is punishing. And Subscriptions: $12 annually to more tech-savvy consumers. It’s the steady erosion of circulation rev- Periodicals Postage Paid At Knoxville, TN hard work. Some days it’s two steps CorningWare update: enue underscores that our playing forward and one step back. Other Yep, that 5-year-old story is fi eld is fi lled with competitors of all POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Tennessee Press, days it might feel like three steps still cooking online — as of kinds, especially the “free news” all 412 N. Cedar Bluff Road, Suite 403, Knoxville, TN 37923 back. mid-February, pageviews over the internet. Our “new” normal — concurrent totaled 140,000. And the The McClatchy announcement, The Tennessee Press is printed by The Standard Banner in Jeff erson City, Tenn. with a combative national political reporter still is answering and too many others like it, remind and cultural climate — also means calls from folks all over the us that even when you do good that our commitment to protecting work—great, award-winning work Carol Daniels ...... Editor country who want to know and defending the First Amend- — if your business model and strat- Mike Towle ...... Managing Editor what that blue cornfl ower Robyn Gentile ...... Production Coordinator ment, hold those in power account- egy are not solid and supple, things able, and fulfi ll our mission of casserole dish will fetch at won’t end well. public service — in all of its forms auction. But hearing about this latest The Tennessee Press — is a strong as ever. industry news during our conven- is printed on recycled paper Daily, bi-weekly, weekly, large, tion felt a little incongruent with so and is recyclable. medium and small, we are tailoring “We believe there is still poten- many of the positive steps of TPA, our business and content strategies tial for us to grow in Davidson and the Tennessee Press Service and TENNESSEE PRESS ASSOCIATION to our readers. Some papers have Williamson counties, and we will Tennessee Press Association Foun- Chris Vass, Chattanooga Times Free Press ...... President moved more aggressively into be looking at both areas moving dation have taken and are pursuing. Daniel Richardson, Carroll County News Leader, Huntingdon ...... Vice President developing and/or fi ne-tuning their forward,” Gould said. The fi nancial footing of TPS and Darrell Richardson, Th e Oak Ridger ...... Vice President digital strategy. Others aren’t as far MSM’s fi rst priority, he noted, TPA is stabilized. More training Joseph Hurd, Th e Courier, Savannah ...... Secretary along on that path; still others are is subscribers and giving them a opportunities are in the works Eric Barnes, Th e Daily News, Memphis ...... Treasurer betting on the value proposition of top-notch weekly paper. MSM’s and a readership survey is under Doug Horne, Republic Newspapers, Knoxville ...... Immediate Past President a print product aimed at targeted 14 websites attract about a million development — initiatives that add Carol Daniels ...... Executive Director communities. page views a month but the primary value to association members. We Look no further than Main focus is the print product as the have strong, creative and passionate DIRECTORS Street Media of Tennessee for a majority of revenue comes through leadership in Carol Daniels, Gould Scott Critchlow, Union City Daily Messenger ...... District 1 solid example of what is working. print advertising. Subscribers seem and Victor Parkins. Keith Ponder, Th e Daily Herald, Columbia ...... District 1 Founded almost seven years ago by to appreciate the content mix and The vibe is good, we are starting Daniel Williams, Th e Paris Post-Intelligencer ...... District 1 Dave Gould, the current president of growing reader base he said. to fi gure it out, but the cautionary Maria De Varenne, Th e Tennessean, Nashville ...... District 2 the Tennessee Press Service, MSM Yes, I think TPA member note, the takeaway is that in this Jack McNeely, Herald-Citizen, Cookeville ...... District 2 launched with three newspapers newspapers are turning the corner, environment, no one is going to Vacant ...... District 2 and 2,000 subscribers in two coun- almost as if we have gone through “fi gure it out” permanently. We are Paul Mauney, Th e Greeneville Sun ...... District 3 ties. Acquiring existing papers and at least some of the fi ve stages of far from fi guring it out. We will Dale Gentry, Th e Standard Banner, Jeff erson City ...... District 3 creating new weeklies in subse- grief: denial (I vividly remember a always be in a constant state of Sara Jane Locke, Th e Herald-News, Dayton ...... District 3 quent years, MSM has grown to 12 meeting in which an advertising evaluating and questioning what we newspapers with 35,000 subscribers executive dismissed the iPad as a do and how we do it. Our business TENNESSEE PRESS SERVICE in 10 counties (with rack copies the “fad” and confi dently reassured is changing so fast there is no Dave Gould, Main Street Media of Tennessee, Gallatin ...... President company prints about 60,000 papers everyone there was no “there” there. opportunity to sit back and say. “Oh, Jana Th omasson, Th e Mountain Press, Sevierville ...... Vice President a week). In short, stop wasting time thinking I’ve got it.” The good news is that Ralph C. Baldwin, Cleveland Daily Banner ...... Director Gould’s secret sauce? No surprise about that technology). Then anger, we seem to be getting comfortable David Critchlow Jr., Union City Daily Messenger ...... Director here: hyper-local content — govern- bargaining, depression and fi nally with that. W.R. (Ron) Fryar, Cannon Courier ...... Director ment, citizens, high school sports, acceptance. Michael Williams, Paris Post-Intelligencer ...... Director local events, schools, obits, you That’s not to say we are beyond Chris Vass is the 2019-2020 TPA Carol Daniels ...... Executive Vice President name it. bad news as an industry. During president. Contact her at cvass@ “While readers may be interested the convention, sobering news timesfreepress.com. TENNESSEE PRESS ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION in national politics or world news, Victor Parkins, Th e Milan Mirror-Exchange ...... President we stay focused on those things that Mike Fishman, Lakeway Publishers, Morristown ...... Vice President truly impact their day-to-day lives,” Sunshine Week observance set March 15-21 Richard L. Hollow, Knoxville ...... General Counsel he said. Carol Daniels ...... Secretary-Treasurer Earlier this month, the company Join the News Leaders community. debuted its most recent paper — Association and the Reporters The toolkit includes col- CONTACT THE MANAGING EDITOR Main Street Fairview. Last August, Committee for Freedom of the umns, editorial cartoons and TPAers with suggestions, questions or comments about items in The new papers in Montgomery County/ Press in the annual nation- more. Tennessee Press are welcome to contact the managing editor. Call Mike Clarksville and in the Donelson area wide celebration of access to Find all of the free resources Towle, (615) 293-5771; send a note to 118 East Kingwood Drive, Suite F16, of Davidson County were intro- public information and what at: www.sunshineweek.org. Murfreesboro, TN 37130, or email [email protected]. The deadline for duced. it means for you and your the May 2020 issue is Tuesday, April 7. March 2020 • The Tennessee Press • Page 3 A beautiful ceremony, a great convention FOR YOUR CALENDAR On February 9, I attended the way; I look forward to reading After we complete the survey MARCH 2020 celebration of life for William ROM THE those stories! and compile the data from across 5-8: 2020 Investigative Reporters Bryant “Bill” Williams. It was F We also heard from John Geer Tennessee, we will give our mem- and Editors (IRE) Computer- a beautiful ceremony for a man EXECUTIVE and Joshua Clinton about the new bers an opportunity to get data clearly loved by his family, his Vanderbilt Poll. I know several that is specifi c to their commu- Assisted Reporting (CAR) church, his newspaper staff and DIRECTOR of you will be following up with nities they serve. We also plan to Conference, New Orleans, La. his community. them to dig deeper and get more offer training across the state to 11-14: College Media Association And the obituary written by CAROL DANIELS information. sales professionals on how to use his son Michael, who like his Ken Paulson did a great job the data to strengthen their sales Spring National College Media father, his grandfather, and his appreciation of. as our entertainment at the efforts. Convention 2020, New York great-grandfather, is the editor Winter Convention 2020 has luncheon, and it was incredibly I want to acknowledge and Marriott Marquis, New York City and publisher of the Post-Intel- wrapped up, safely I might add, informative. If you’ve not heard thank the team that put the 12: Free Webinar: Build Your ligencer, was also a beautiful always a good thing! It was great Ken speak yet, he is passionate winter convention together and tribute. The Tennessee Press seeing everyone at the conven- about our businesses and is a supported it from beginning to Social Media Style Guides Association has lost too many tion; thank you for coming and very motivating speaker. Now, end. TPA/TPS has a fantastic, 15-21: Sunshine Week, www. legacies over the past few years, participating in the programs. every time I see Superman, I will professional staff, and I am very sunshineweekorg men and women who carried Planning for Summer Convention picture Ken as a child wearing his proud of them. Robyn Gentile is the banner of our profession and 2020 began several months ago, red towel! responsible for the lion’s share APRIL 2020 industry with skill and honor. We and it is shaping up to be another Ken reintroduced the media of the work, and, as you have all 17-18: Journalism Education As- all feel the loss. great destination convention, campaign promoting the First experienced, she organizes a very During the celebration, the June 18-19 in Pigeon Forge. Amendment. He also shared full and informative convention. sociation National Convention, pastor talked about what an in- I know our legislators and some of the ads that have been The entire team supports Robyn Gaylord Opryland, Nashville credible storyteller Bill was, and members enjoying chatting at the produced for both the national at the convention one way or 23-28: 2020 International News it made me refl ect upon how our opening reception; thank you to campaign and ads that have been another. This year, Rebecca industry is one of story tellers. everyone that attended. Our law- created for the local newspapers McLeskey and Frank Zier were on Media Association (INMA) World We tell the stories of our com- makers notice when their local using local ‘celebrities.’ Two such deck to help with registration and Congress of News Media, Paris, munities, we celebrate the good, newspaper people are engaged. ads appear elsewhere in this any other logistics that needed France point out the ugly so it can be Other sessions that were present- section, on pages 2 and 11. extra attention. Earl Goodman, fi xed, and hold up the bad so that ed included a great session from More exciting news that came Becky Moats and Alisa Subhakul JUNE 2020 our community can be aware. Jack McElroy talking about “un- from our meetings and the con- supported us by keeping our busi- 18-19: 2020 Tennessee Press Newspapers document our com- covering the police.” I talked with vention is that Tennessee Press ness going while the convention Association 150th Anniversa- munities, creating a written his- several publishers and editors Service will conduct a statewide was taking place. Thank you! tory that helps remind us of who afterward who said they’re going readership survey. I know when ry Summer Convention and we are and from where we came. to dig into their own local law I was a general manager, I was Carol Daniels is executive Advertising/Circulation Con- It is a noble purpose, and one that enforcement and see if they are always looking for good data to director of the Tennessee Press ference, Music Road Resort, the people of Paris showed their circumventing the press in any support our sales efforts. Association. Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 18-21: 2020 Investigative Report- Applications Open for NEWS ers and Editors (IRE) Annual 2nd Annual Reporters Conference, Gaylord National, Main Street Media Dave Gould, Longtime Daily Herald sports Workshop launches Fairview paper owner of Main editor Marion Wilhoite will be National Harbor, Md. Street Media of honored along with eight other The Tennessee Bar Associa- 19: TPA State Press Contests Gallatin-based Main Street inductees into the Tennessee Sec- tion, its Communication Law Tennessee. “We Awards Dinner, Pigeon Forge Media of Tennessee, a publisher of are also thrilled ondary School Athletic Associa- Section and the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters, community newspapers, websites that Nancy tion’s Hall of Fame during an April OCTOBER 2020 with additional support from and social media pages across Stephens will luncheon ceremony in Murfrees- the Tennessee Press Association 1-3: National Newspaper Associ- Middle Tennessee, has expanded be leading our boro. into Fairview. “Marion is a Foundation, have opened the ap- ation’s 134th Annual Conven- efforts there. plication process for the Second Main Street Fairview, a weekly Stephens Maury County tion and Trade Show, Hyatt Nancy has been Annual Reporters Workshop in newspaper, launched Feb. 5 with covering Fairview for years and treasure who lived Regency, Jacksonville, Fla. a focus on local news, sports, Nashville May 1-2. knows the market as well as up to the nick- people and events in the area. There is space for 15 print, 21-25: College Media Associ- anyone.” name ‘The Icon,’” Free mailed subscriptions for one online, television and/or radio ation Fall National College Main Street Media of Tennes- Daily Herald year are available for Williamson journalists to be selected to see publishes 12 weekly newspa- Publisher Keith participate in the training. Media Convention 2020, in County addresses. Ponder said. “An The company has also intro- pers as well as websites, mag- The sessions will focus on ac- conjunction with Associated entire career spent cess to government information, duced a corresponding website azines and social media pages Wilhoite Collegiate Press, Atlanta Hyatt telling the stories defamation, privacy concerns – www.mainstreetfairview.com – throughout Middle Tennessee. of athletes, young and old, in one in reporting and other timely Regency, Atlanta, Ga. as well as social media pages. Main Street Media, place is a rare thing in the news topics. Media veteran Nancy Stephens, Gallatin JUNE 2021 business. We are all richly blessed Applications are due March who has covered Fairview for Feb. 5, 2020 that he did it in and for Maury 16. For additional information, 24-26: 2021 Tennessee • Arkan- nearly 30 years, has been hired as County.” contact program coordinator sas • Mississippi Press Associ- editor of Main Street Fairview. Wilhoite headed to Wilhoite, who passed away in Maresa Whaley, mwhaley@ ations Tri-State Convention, “We are so excited to be tnbar.org. expanding into Fairview,” said TSSAA Hall of Fame See NEWS Page 4 Memphis Page 4 • The Tennessee Press • March 2020 When face-to-face with a client, it pays to pay attention

Abby, who owns a retail store, future.” there was no room to buy extras. extended warranties. I repeatedly told me about an appointment with Even though that happened But before he accepted my check asked him to cut it short, but he a salesperson from her local news- years ago, Abby still remembers and handed over the keys, I was kept going until the bitter end. paper. “I did plenty of research AD-LIBS® the frustration she felt at the time. introduced to a fi nance person and Even though he was pleasant and before I contacted him and decided “That salesperson wasn’t paying led into his offi ce. Since I knew friendly, he was completely out of to run a campaign in his paper. attention at all. He was completely that was standard procedure at touch with the situation. It was a When I called him, I made it clear out of touch with what was going a lot of dealerships, I said right total waste of time for both of us.” that I was going to buy some JOHN FOUST on in our meeting.” up front that I wasn’t interested Two stories, one lesson. When advertising and just needed him to Hearing about Abby’s experi- in added features or an extended you’re face-to-face with a client, it drop by to confi rm a few details, “What happened next was ence reminded me of something warranty. I’ve bought a number of pays to pay attention. so I could pay in advance. one of the strangest things I’ve that once happened to a family cars over the years. Sometimes I’ve “When he arrived, I reminded ever seen. He completely ignored friend. He was buying a used car bought extended warranties and (c) Copyright 2020 by John Foust. him that I had a tight schedule, my question and started talking from a dealership and thought it sometimes I haven’t. This time, I All rights reserved. but he launched into a full sales about the corporate owner of the would be a simple process. The didn’t want one. John Foust has conducted presentation. In an attempt to paper. He had positive things to plan was to do online research, “The fi nance guy was new in his training programs for thousands of move things along, I pulled out my say, but it had nothing to do with fi nd a car of interest, take a test position and didn’t seem to know newspaper advertising profession- checkbook and asked if I should my advertising. After about fi ve drive and make a decision. The how to handle a customer who als. Many ad departments are using make the check payable to the minutes of listening to that, I put transaction didn’t involve fi nanc- wasn’t in the market for extras. his training videos to save time newspaper or to the publishing the checkbook away, thanked him ing or a trade-in. He was determined to stick to the and get quick results from in-house company – which had different for his time and told him I might “The price fi t my budget exact- script he had been taught, so I had training. E-mail for information: names. run some ads with his paper in the ly,” he said. “I told the salesperson to listen to a pitch on a variety of [email protected]

NEWS from Page 3 The Daily Herald, Columbia for us and fi ts in with our other lives in the Tri-Cities) and Madeline for $140 million in cash. Jan. 29, 2020 properties,” said Jamie Paxton, CEO Rau. David serves as CEO, Allen as The deal includes 29 other BH November 2017, had previously of PMG. “PMG believes strongly in vice president and Madeline as sec- Media newspapers as well as The been recognized by the TSSAA with local journalism and the import- retary. Rick Thomason, publisher of Buffalo News. Lee will now own its Distinguished Service Award. He Germantown News sold to ant role newspapers serve in their the Press and the Kingsport Times and operate 81 daily newspapers, is also a member of the Tennessee Paxton Media Group communities.” News, adds president of Six Rivers nearly doubling its size from 50. Sports Writers Association’s Hall of Reece Terry, group publisher, Media to his title. Berkshire Hathaway will provide Fame, and is a charter member of Germantown News is now un- will oversee management of both In addition to the Press and the approximately $576 million in the Columbia Parks and Recreation der new ownership. Paxton Media Germantown News and The Eve- Times News, The Erwin Record, long-term fi nancing to Lee at a 9% Hall of Fame. He was named the Group (PMG) announced Dec. ning Times. Jonesborough Herald & Tribune, annual rate, according to a press re- Lawrenceburg Quarterback Club’s 30, 2019 that they have purchased Thomas Ricketson, president of the Mountain City Tomahawk, and lease. The proceeds will be used to State Prep Writer of the Year in Germantown News and The Eve- Ricketson Publications, Inc. of Lake digital agency NET360 round out pay for the acquisition, refi nancing 1984. The press box at Maury ning Times in West Memphis, Ark. City, Fla. and publisher of the Ger- Six Rivers Media. of Lee’s approximate $400 million County Park’s Lindsey Nelson Sta- effective Jan. 1. mantown News, said the decision Other than the name of the of existing debt and provide cash to dium is named in his honor. Paxton Media is a family-owned to sell was diffi cult, but believes the company and the fact that the allow for the termination of Lee’s Prior to his 2016 retirement, con- company headquartered in Paducah, resources that Paxton Media Group Northeast Tennessee papers and ac- revolving credit facility, the release cluding a 54-year career at the Dai- Ky. The company publishes daily will provide will enhance the qual- companying digital agency operate said. ly Herald, Wilhoite was honored by and weekly newspapers in more ity of the two newspapers, and also as a single business instead of fi ve “Today’s announcement brings the Tennessee Press Association for than 50 communities in the Midwest provide readers and subscribers a separate businesses (NET360 for- to close one chapter in the near- 50 years of service. and South, including six in Tennes- professional product. merly operated as part of Kingsport ly 150 year history of the Bristol The luncheon will be held April see – The Lebanon Democrat, The Ricketson purchased the German- Publishing Company), the public Herald Courier and turns the page 18 at 11 a.m. at the Embassy Suites Mountain Press (Sevierville), Macon town News in the late 1970s and his will see little change. to the next,” Bristol Herald Courier Hotel and Conference Center in County Times (Lafayette), The wife Lynnette Ricketson served as “One of the fi rst things we were all publisher Jim Maxwell said. “For Murfreesboro. Tickets for the event Portland Leader, The Mt. Juliet News publisher until her death in 1999. adamant about was that we keep our the past 18 months we’ve worked Germantown News are on sale and only available in and the Hartsville Vidette. brands — some of them more than very closely with Lee, and we have Jan. 8, 2020 advance. For more information, “This business combination a century old — intact,” Thomason implemented many new process- visit tssaa.org. creates a strong regional presence said. “Our communities know our es and procedures, aligning our Press, sister papers, now newspapers by our long-established operations with theirs and posi- names and rely on those brands for tioning our operations to be able to part of Six Rivers Media Tennessee Press Service more local, trusted and real news successfully navigate and capitalize The Johnson City Press began than from any other news source in on opportunities provided in the Advertising Placement 2020 under a new company name the communities we serve.” ever-changing media landscape.” Snapshot — Six Rivers Media, LLC. Johnson City Press BH Media has papers in 10 states, Former owner Sandusky Feb. 4, 2020 including 10 in Virginia, owning ROP: Networks: Newspapers Inc. sold all properties and operating 30 daily newspapers outside Northeast Tennessee, thus Lee Enterprises buys and 49 weekly publications, as well January 2020 $160,684 $14,749 the formation of the new company Herald Courier as 32 other print products. with a name more refl ective of In June of 2018, Lee took over Year* as of Jan. 31 $284,659 $30,608 the paper’s local ownership and Lee Enterprises is buying Berk- managing all BH Media publications. presence. shire Hathaway Media Group’s Bristol Herald Courier * The TPS Fiscal Year runs Dec. 1 through Nov. 30 Principals in the new company newspaper publications, of which Jan. 29, 2020 are David Rau, Allen Rau (who the Bristol Herald Courier is a part, March 2020 • The Tennessee Press • Page 5 Lee expresses support of First Amendment

JOEL EBERT “Let me just say The Tennessean, Nashville that I have a greater February 16, 2020 appreciation than ever before about the On Thursday, Feb. 13, Gov. Bill accurate dissemina- Lee addressed the Tennessee Press tion of information Association, speaking to the group through the press,” for about fi ve minutes. In previous he said. years, the governor, including for- He later noted he mer Gov. Bill Haslam, has served was the subject of as the keynote speaker for the a story that he said annual gathering. was “totally created,” During his brief remarks, Lee stressing the impor- noted his fi rst interaction with tance of journalists who accurately the press association came when Photo by Tony Centonze, for TPA he was running for governor and report. participated in a 2018 forum. “I just encourage Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee answers media ques- “To this day, I have an even you to stay at it,” tions during an impromptu news conference on greater awareness and appre- he said. “Because it Thursday, Feb. 13, on the second day of the 2020 ciation for what it is that this matters.” TPA Winter Convention at the Doubletree Hotel organization does but mostly the Lee said “it mat- in Nashville. responsibility that you have to ters” to him that the protect what’s really important in people he represents Plus, explore our voter guide this country and that’s the First “know what’s happening in the and the issues. Amendment,” Lee said. world around them.” “There will be a constant call The governor stressed the need Overall, Lee did not discuss his for us to provide greater transpar- for residents, including those liv- administration’s decisions to deny ency and an improved process for ing in rural areas, to have access access to public records citing an open records process,” he said. to information provided by the executive privilege, overall trans- “The citizens of Tennessee need to media. parency, media consolidation, or a have quicker and easier access to Although he didn’t directly dis- multitude of other issues journal- the records that should be and are cuss it, Lee indirectly alluded to a ists face today. available to them. We’re always Breitbart story published last week But speaking to reporters after looking at processes to improve that initially said the governor his remarks, Lee was asked about that.” This First Amendment print and digital ad campaign is had signed onto a letter opposing the progress of his vow during the To date, Lee has introduced no available to your newspaper. Customizations are off ered. legislation critics say is aimed at 2018 governor’s race to overhaul legislation to address the issue, Contact Ken Paulson, director of the Free Speech Center at the LGBTQ community. the state’s public records system, which places limits on the public’s The governor’s offi ce called the which includes 538 exemptions, access to information about their Middle Tennessee State University, at ken.paulson@mtsu. report a “complete fabrication.” and public meetings law. government. edu for access to the collection of 1 for All ads. Hamilton County attorneys destroy public records after Times Free Press request

SARAH GRACE TAYLOR Questions about the offi ce’s examine the offi ce’s record request of the charge, until the offi ce pro- saved. Chattanooga Times Free Press compliance with public records practices. vided part of the request — more Drafted minutes of the October February 1, 2020 laws were raised in the summer The offi ce estimated that the than 200 pages of documents — meeting, which took place two of 2019 when county attorneys digitally in late January. Hamilton County Attorney request would contain 1,500 months after the request was fi led, initially unlawfully denied a dif- The county only provided a sam- Rheubin Taylor speaks during a pages of records and asked that show that Beltramo asked for and ferent request by the paper, assert- ple of 268 pages of correspondence was unanimously granted authority County Commission meeting in the Times Free Press pay $717 ing that they do not provide any responsive to the request, spanning to destroy public records requests the County Commission assem- in advance to inspect the re- records from their offi ce, despite eight of the twelve months request- and responses after 30 days. bly room at the Hamilton County cords, which the paper refused serving as the custodian of county ed; and a letter from Beltramo stat- The minutes also say, “[Bel- Courthouse on Wednesday, April to do. According to multiple state general records. ing for the fi rst time the destruction tramo] stated that 98% of the re- 17, 2019 in Chattanooga, Tenn. records experts, and the offi ce’s “If it comes into [the county of related documents. quests are in the form of emails.” The Hamilton County Attorney’s own request form, a requester attorney’s] offi ce, it’s privileged,” cannot be charged for the inspec- “Because there is no statute Beltramo did not respond to Offi ce destroyed 98% of records records coordinator Dana Beltra- regarding retention of public multiple requests for an interview requested by the Times Free tion of records under Tennessee mo said in July, “Our stuff is off State law. records requests, the Hamilton by phone and in person late last Press, amid a disagreement over limits.” County Public Records Commis- week reasonable charges. The fi ght for While the paper ultimately sion met October 2, 2019, and County denies records the records, which were requested received a partial sample of the Legality debated via determined that requests and six months ago (as of Feb. 1, 2020), records responsive to that request, numerous emails and related correspondence need only destruction related to continued past the destruction of the paper fi led another request phone calls be retained for a period of 30 paper’s request the records for four months before on Aug. 5 to inspect all records days,” Beltramo wrote, explaining County Attorney Rheubin Taylor, the offi ce admitted destroying the requests received by the offi ce The paper and attorney’s offi ce that the records provided were all more than 1,400 pages of docu- and the offi ce’s responses to them exchanged dozens of emails and responsive records received via See RECORDS Page 10 ments in question. over a one-year period, in order to phone calls debating the legality mail or otherwise scanned and Page 6 • The Tennessee Press • March 2020

TPA MEMBER COVERAGE SHOWCASE I: Rogersville Review Two pens, two continents and 60 years of friendship ALLISON F. GOLEY country like that,” Wil- Photo by Allison F. Goley, around a lot, so Wilcox wasn’t Rogersville Review cox said. “Even seeing Rogersville Review exactly sure in what town her October 30, 2019 pictures — it was so Pen Pals for 60 years, Karen friend would be. Karen Wilcox was 13 years old different.” Wilcox (left) and Annie Beaz- “Time goes on, and you always Both women remem- think about each other and won- in this photo and had been corre- ley (right) connected through bered being fascinated der whatever happened,” Wilcox sponding with Annie Beazley for a school international pen pal by the differences in said. around two years. program. They were fi nally able When Karen Wilcox and Annie seasons between the Both eventually graduated from two countries. to meet in person in 2019 when college, got married, had children Beazley fi rst picked up their pens Beazley hopped on a plane and to write letters to each other, they “I would be telling and pursued careers. her, ‘We’re going down fl ew from Australia to stay in Beazley now has four children never anticipated the impact their Wilcox’s Church Hill home. friendship would have. to the beach to go and Wilcox has two. swimming,’ and she Beazley joined the WRAAC The year was 1959, and both using the same ‘o’ sound Ameri- would be in winter,” (Women’s Royal Australian Army girls were 11 years old at the time. cans use to pronounce ‘often.” However, Wilcox was living in Wilcox said. Corps) at the young age of 17 Plainview, New York, and Beazley “Because she had a before graduating from college was in Leeton, Australia, which is different summer, our Odd similarities later in life and became a senior just south of Sydney. main school holidays Since they fi rst met in person, psychologist who worked in The two maintained a close (vacations) were both women have also noticed administration. She worked as a friendship, sending letters and me- at Christmas time, “uncanny similarities” between psychologist for 26 years in Wagga mentos back and forth for around because that’s the them. Wagga before retiring to the East 27 years. Until one day in 1986, hottest part of the year,” “Just look at how comfortable Coast in 2013. the letters stopped. Both women Beazley added. “On we are with each other,” Wilcox Both Wilcox and her eventual had busy lives, and they simply the fi rst of September, observed, as both women sat husband graduated from Western lost contact. we started spring, and relaxed on a couch in Wilcox’s Connecticut State University with Wilcox and Beazley lived their Karen was heading for home. Though they have been teaching degrees. At the time, separate lives on opposite sides of the fall.” writing letters on and off for there were very few open teaching the globe for about 30 years until roughly 60 years, the two had nev- positions in the Northeast, so she they were fi nally able to reconnect Writing letters er met in person before this trip. and her husband moved to Florida three years later in search of work. in 2016 using Facebook. said with a laugh. “We’re already giving each Last month (September 2019), Wilcox explained other cheek,” Beazley added with the two were fi nally able to meet that it was expensive to send a laugh. An Australian woman in in person for the very fi rst time letters internationally at the time; Language When Beazley explained during however, the post offi ce provided a the WRAAC when Beazley fl ew across the Both women have always the interview that she had retired tri-fold, blue card made specifi cal- globe to stay in Wilcox’s Church been fascinated in the difference in 2013, Wilcox excitedly asked When she was only 17 and a ly for air mail on which she wrote Hill home. between their accents and the dif- “Did you really? So did I!” half, Beazley actually joined the her letters to Annie. ference in word pronunciation. “We were both 65, but that’s WRAAC. Though she explained “As much as you could write Their fi rst During her visit in America, amazing because some people that she enjoyed her time in the on that tri-fold is what you could retire before or after — we went at corps, she actually faced a lot of connections send off,” she said. “You might Beazley has truly got to expe- rience the variance in spoken the same time,” she added. discrimination as a female. be writing along and suddenly “We were told that our role was “My teacher said one day, American English, as Wilcox’s realize you were about to run out only to replace the men so that ‘Bring in 50 cents tomorrow, northern accent shines through in of room and abruptly say, ‘Okay, The disconnect they could go out and fi ght over- and I’ll get you three pen pals,’” comparison to the Southern drawl Wilcox explained. “So, I brought bye!’ In 1959, that tri-fold was 50 The pair corresponded back and seas because our soldiers had gone of other Church Hill residents. in the 50 cents. I got one pen pal cents, which was costly. It was forth for around 27 years before to Vietnam,” Beazley said. “The accent — I think it’s my in Blackburn, England, and we especially expensive if I wanted to they, unfortunately, lost contact. Even though she had grown up favorite American accent,” Beazley didn’t continue a friendship. One send anything with the letter. If I “My mother died that year going to rifl e shoots with her fa- said of the iconic Southern drawl. was in France, and I couldn’t wanted to send Annie a package (the last year they corresponded, ther and had won several awards speak the language, so that at Christmas or anything, I had “Just hearing two young women which was around 1986), and in youth rifl e shoots, she was not wasn’t good. Then, Annie and I to start around October because it having a chat in the super market various other things happened,” allowed to carry a weapon as connected.” had to go by boat.” while Karen is trying to buy some Beazley said. “I lost address part of the WRAAC or offi cially “I also had three pen pals,” In one particular letter that cheese — it was all I could do not books and things with moving join any civilian rifl e clubs as an Beazley added. “One of mine was Wilcox remembered receiving to crack up. It was just gorgeous.” around. I’ve had 32 different adult. in England, too, and the other one from Beazley, Beazley had asked a “I will even say things, and An- houses in 28 different towns in “In those days, if you got mar- was actually in Sydney.” “bloke” to write to Wilcox. nie will ask me, ‘How did you say my lifetime.” ried or got pregnant, you had to Not only did the two girls live “He would write letters and use that again?’” Wilcox added. They went around 30 years ask to be discharged,” she said. on opposite sides of the globe, but all of the slang — things you all Both women then compared without corresponding, but both “You didn’t have any choice. This Wilcox was located in the heart say that I have no idea what they the way they pronounce the word women explained that they tried was the same for teachers, nurses of Long Island, New York, while mean,” Wilcox said. “The most ‘bathroom.’ Wilcox, like most various ways to fi nd each other or any government jobs.” Beazley lived a quiet, country interesting part was that he would Americans, pronounces the word again. Beazley had reverted back Both men and women soldiers lifestyle in a town with around translate the slang as he wrote the with the short ‘a’ sound also found to using her maiden name, so faced the same fate if they were 3,000 people. letter. It was interesting for me to in the words ‘cat’ and ‘glass.’ Bea- Wilcox had been looking for her found to practice homosexuality, “So, you can imagine a Long hear what teenagers were saying.” zley, though, pronounces it almost under the wrong name. As afore- Island girl listening to her in the “I don’t remember that,” Beazley as if it were spelled ‘barthroom,’ mentioned, Beazley also moved See FRIENDSHIP Page 7 March 2020 • The Tennessee Press • Page 7

FRIENDSHIP from Page 6 “I had never searched for Mer- Koala bear and min- edith (Karen’s daughter) on Face- iature Australian as Beazley explained this was ille- book because I thought she would fl ag in hand. gal in Australia at the time. have a different last name, but she Beazley was forced out of the didn’t,” Beazley said. “So, when I The fi rst meet- WRAAC in 1967 shortly after she put in ‘Meredith Wilcox,’ there was announced her intent to get mar- a photo of a woman with the same ing ried. However, when she made the coloring Karen had when we were Ironically, Beaz- decision to get married, she wasn’t kids—I knew because Karen and ley’s plane was an yet aware of what would happen. I had had photos of each other. I hour late. Though “It wasn’t something that was clicked on her photo, and up came the two have waited talked about, and I didn’t personal- a comment from this person called 60 years to meet ly know anyone yet who had been Karen Hammer Wilcox that said, each other, Wilcox forced to discharge,” she said. “My ‘That’s my daughter, and I’m very explained that those discharge letter says, ‘Soldier has proud of her.’” fi nal moments be- requested her discharge.’ But, the Finally, Beazley had found her fore the plane land- truth is that I was called in and long-lost friend. ed were agonizing. told I would have to resign.” “I sent her a message and said, “I kept jumping She explained that these rules ‘Annie Beazley here, but you might up to go and check later offi cially changed in 1974 remember me as Annie Lockley,’” the time,” she said. after one dismissed teacher sued Beazley said. “I think you are my “I kept telling my for her right to stay in the job and long-lost pen pal. Straight away, I husband, ‘You can won the case, though “it was a got a message back that said, ‘Oh, really tell I’m getting long time before this was widely my gosh! We’ve found each other!’” excited now!’” accepted,” Beazley explained. The When Beazley WRAAC was actually disbanded in Coming to America stepped off the air- Submitted photo 1984 along with all other women’s plane in Asheville, It was really Beazley’s children Top left: Annie Beazley was around 12 years old in this photo and had been correspond- corps. North Carolina, who made sure the pens pals offi - ing with Karen Wilcox for about a year. Top right: Karen Wilcox was 13 years old in this Beazley’s daughter is actually she explained that cially met in person. photo and had been corresponding with Annie Beazley for around two years. in the Royal Australian Navy and she immediately “For my birthday this year, my has had an active role as a medical spotted Wilcox and children gave me a gift card for doctor. her husband. lovely.” had even said ‘just wait until we the fl ight center inside a card,” “I spotted them both, and I “We were standing there, hug- hug!’” “When I saw her off to war on Beazley said. “The card said, ‘This her ship in Western Australia, it recognized them from the photos,” ging onto each other, and we were “It’s been unreal,” Beazley said. travel card is going to expire in Beazley said. “But Karen also had both crying,” Wilcox added. “That “I have to pinch myself because I really struck me how different it two years, so we give it to you on was and how incredible,” Beazley this (a large sign reading ‘Welcome was the culmination — we had think ‘this is not really happen- the condition that you go and visit Annie’) in her hand, which was talked about that moment, and we ing.’” said. “I always worried that my Karen in America.’ That’s how it sons would be conscripted like my all started.” brother was. Never in a million She had always wanted to see years did I think it would be my the Grand Canyon, so, on her way daughter in the military. Girls to Church Hill, she was able to TPA Summer Convention • Pigeon Forge weren’t even allowed to go on ships stop for a few days in Las Vegas when I was in the WRAAC.” and take a helicopter ride over the June 18-19, 2020 • Music Road Hotel & Conference Center She also is now part of a group Grand Canyon as well. of former WRAAC members, many After her excursion, she hopped of whom are soon due to receive back on a plane to meet Wilcox at the service medal they were denied the Asheville Airport with a stuffed because of discriminatory rules of the time. Beazley received hers last year. “It’s very important for us to let the young soldiers of today to know that things were very differ- ent then,” she said. The Tennessee Press Association Foundation The reconnection gratefully acknowledges In 2016, thanks to lots of online a contribution Thursday, June 18: Friday, June 19: detective work on Beazley’s part, • TPA Day at Dollywood 8:00 a.m.—TPA Foundation Board Mtg. she found the clue that led her back In memory of •TPA Board of Directors 9:00 a.m.—Ad/Circ Conference to Wilcox. “I fi rst found Karen’s dad’s death Bill Williams Meeting 9:00 a.m.—Newsroom Sessions notice,” she said. “The death notice Noon—Ideas Contest Awards Lunch said he was in Navy, and I had re- given in Afternoon—Ad, Circ & Newsroom sessions membered that about him. Then, I remembrance by 6:30 p.m.—State Press Contests Awards saw Karen and Don’s name in that death notice.” It took her three more weeks of Elizabeth Kennedy This is a tentative schedule. The complete convention schedule will be available in late March. searching to actually connect to Blackstone Photos courtesy of the Pigeon Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau. Karen. Page 8 • The Tennessee Press • March 2020 Digging deeper: How to fi nd opportunities (and time) to go in-depth

Has the daily grind got you — Watch for opportunities, Take on a story that you know to ask for help or advice. down? Are you missing on oppor- then dive in. Great stories some- can be done and completed rather — Emulate other good work. tunities to move up in your career BETTER times fall into our laps, but more quickly, but which has the poten- Keep your eyes peeled for journal- because your stories are stuck on WRITING often they must be found and tial for impact. With a small victo- ism that stands out and then repli- average? Is it hard to remember cultivated. Always be on the hunt ry in hand, then shoot bigger and cate it. Go on awards websites and the last time you broke a big story, WITH BART for topics that aren’t obvious or you’ll have the confi dence to land click on the winners to see what produced a project or delved deep- that can lead to change. Look for larger stories. Try to complete a type of stories, and which topics, ly into an important topic? stories that involve government project every month, every quarter are rising to the top of our fi eld. ART FANKUCH In today’s understaffed, over- B P waste or mismanagement, those or even once a year if that is what Then, redo your own version. worked journalism environment, that highlight people who are in time allows. — Keep it to yourself, at fi rst. many daily and weekly newspaper work. peril or who are suffering or are — Think beyond your borders. Do not make a grand announce- writers are likely to answer “yes” without a voice, or topics that In small towns, or on busy beats, ment that you are working on a — Prioritize. We all have regu- to one or more of those questions. powerful people want to keep it can be tough to fi nd topics that project. Rather, do the work quiet- lar tasks to complete, meetings to And while I understand why, I hidden. When you get a reputation resonate widely. Tackle a topic that ly at fi rst, diligently, until a project cover or sections to fi ll. Commit simply refuse to accept the notion as a watchdog, sources with good reaches beyond your town or your takes shape. When you know you yourself to doing those jobs more that it is impossible for anyone to stories will fl ock to you. Never, regular topic area by considering can bring it home, then tell your quickly and effi ciently in order produce in-depth material. ever blow them off; listen to any- issues of statewide interest, indus- editor or your colleagues. At that As a quick defi nition, “in-depth” to maintain overall quality but to one about anything. trywide reach or those that touch point, ask for extra time or open is coverage that includes: a higher free up time each day or week to — Convince your editor, and on an entire population of people. space in the paper. quantity and quality of sourcing work on deeper or more long- yourself, of the importance. Going — Keep clean, accurate notes. — Collaborate. Once you have a than normal; multi-part packag- range projects. deeper won’t happen on its own; After every interview, type up or green light to go deep, seek input es; projects with maps, graphics — Use time wisely. Sometimes you will have to take the initiative clean up the notes immediately from editors, other reporters, web and charts; coverage of topics you have to work late or on a and it will require extra work and and identify anyone or anything folks, photographers and designers that are controversial or which weekend to land a big project. But energy. Don’t approach your editor you might forget. Longer stories or anyone else who can help make someone wants kept quiet; use to make in-depth work a habit, with an idea until you’ve done your require more organization. the project shine. of reports, public documents and fi nd ways to fi t the work into your homework and have established a — Find a mentor. If there’s data to draw conclusions; use of regular schedule. Reduce offi ce plan for what the story might say, someone in your newsroom doing Bart Pfankuch is the content di- multi-media and improved photog- chit-chat, avoid the time suck of how long it will take to complete in-depth work, glom onto them rector and an investigative reporter raphy; or use of narrative form or social media; and stay on task and when it can be done. Good edi- and copy their best practices. If for South Dakota News Watch, ac- thematic storytelling. when on the clock. Try to commit tors won’t turn away great work. not, fi nd someone outside the cessible online at sdnewswatch.org. Here are some tips to fi nd the one hour a day or three hours a — Start small. Consider your newsroom to confer with or go on- Write to him at bart.pfankuch@ topics, and the time, to do deeper week only to project work. fi rst in-depth project a starter kit. line to fi nd someone in journalism sdnewswatch.org.

OBITUARIES David Climer He became a “He tended to focus his col- Ephraim McDowell Hospital at 85 poems, critiques full-time writer at umns on the Vols and the Titans, years of age. He was born in Hop- and essays, as Former Tennessean columnist The Tennessean telling our readers exactly what kinsville, Ky., December 28, 1934, the written word David Climer died Sunday, Jan. 19, in 1977, covering he thought of the teams, the to Charlene Thomasson and James was a common in Nashville after a recent battle Tennessee State players, the coaches and the fans. L. Nicholson Jr. thread in his with cancer. He was 66. University. In His columns evoked emotion in As a young man Nicholson loved endeavors. He Climer was a journalistic 1984, he became our readers — whether they were sports, and excelled in running chose Danville, legend, serving Middle Tennessee The Tennessean’s praising him for getting it right or and swimming but was stricken by Ky., as his fi nal readers for decades at some of the beat writer cover- yelling at him in disagreement.” polio, which curtailed his participa- home as it com- biggest events in sports, regionally Climer ing University of Climer was on the scene at the tion in sports. He remained an avid Nicholson bined his love and nationally. Tennessee sports, 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta runner and walker, throughout the of literature and A Lebanon native, Climer which he did until 1993. when a bomb exploded in Cen- remainder of his life. learning through Centre College retired from The Tennessean In 1994, he became a columnist. tennial Olympic Park. He subse- He was educated at Los Angeles and his enduring joy of Central in 2015, ending a storied career His work included the Titans’ Super quently wrote a story on his laptop State College of Arts and Sciences Kentucky. that dated back to 1974, when he Bowl run to cap the 1999 season, while sitting on a curb in the park. and graduated with a bachelor’s He was preceded in death by his worked for the publication on a annual trips to The Masters and a “David was a terrifi c journalist, degree in English literature. He sister and brother, who both died part-time basis. 2012 trip to Williamsport, Penn., to who cared deeply about the city went on to achieve a master’s de- in 2019. “Along the way, I’ve tried to call see the Goodlettsville team play in of Nashville,” said Dave Ammen- gree at Vanderbilt University, also He is survived by four children, it like I see it,” Climer wrote in the Little League World Series. heuser, The Tennessean’s sports in English literature. Nancy Jones of Madison, Ala.; his farewell column. “I take some He retired to Fripp Island, South editor from 2012-19. Literary pursuits remained at James (Jimmy) Nicholson IV of sort of perverse pride in the fact Carolina, with his wife, Rebecca. The Tennessean, Nashville the core of Jim’s endeavors for Auburn, Ala.; Ann (Annie) Burney that so many Tennessee fans think “Climer was legendary, not Jan. 19, 2020 most of his life. He was the owner of Columbus, Ga.; John (Jack) I’m a Vanderbilt homer and so just in Nashville or the state, but and editor of the Grundy County Nicholson of Lexington, Ky.; and many Vanderbilt fans think I’m all throughout the South,” said Maria Herald during the 1960s and 70s. stepson Richard Lowe of Rich- Vol. I’m neither. But I wish both De Varenne, executive editor of James ‘Jim’ L. He took great pride in his work at mond, Ky. He is also survived by programs well. The Tennessean. “His Rolodex Nicholson, III the newspaper. Jim also served as seven grandchildren. “It didn’t take me long in the of contacts, home numbers and a high school teacher and head- Grundy County Herald, business to realize that it’s best to cell numbers was the envy of the James “Jim” L. Nicholson, III, master, a college professor, and al- Tracy City check your allegiances at the gate. staff. There wasn’t anyone who former owner and editor of the ways as a writer in venues across Jan. 16, 2020 Instead of pulling for one team over he couldn’t reach on deadline or Grundy County Herald, Tracy City, the United States. During his life, another, I root for a good story.” during breaking news. passed away Sunday, Jan. 5, in he completed 11 novels, numerous See OBITS Page 9 March 2020 • The Tennessee Press • Page 9

OBITS from Page 8 two sons, Randy Alan Rhea of outstanding education writing ary with Fishman and advertising WILLIAMS from Page 1 Somerville, and Ryan (Claudia) and news reporting from the director Paul Miller. Arthur “Butch” Rhea Rhea of Collierville. He also leaves Tennessee School Boards Asso- The trio spent some time Williams was very proud of the his beloved cats, Sissy, Sam, Rosie, ciation. hammering out the details as a newspaper, once saying, “I’ve tried Arthur David “Butch” Rhea, age Scooter, Precious, and Daisy. Mike spent his entire 30-year snowstorm rolled in. to see that it’s been a good citizen 72, owner of The Fayette Falcon, The family requests that memo- journalism career at the News-Sen- By the time he left, he had the of our community.” resident of Somerville, and hus- rials be directed to Fayette County tinel and retired from the newspa- classifi eds director job and had to A longtime member and Sunday band of Carolyn Griffi n Rhea, died Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 44, Ross- per in 2011. Mike was a devoted deal with a drive back to King- school teacher of First Presbyteri- Friday, Feb. 7, 2020, from compli- ville, TN 38066. father and exceptionally proud of sport with a couple of inches of an, he was a driving force behind cations of Parkinson’s. The Fayette Falcon, Somerville his beloved daughter, McKinley, a snow on the ground at night. numerous charitable and civic Butch was born Dec. 23, 1947, Feb. 7, 2020 talented young artist and dancer. It wasn’t long into the job that efforts throughout his life. the son of Author and Edna Walls Mike was especially fond of Smith was promoted to advertising Williams was one of nine men Rhea of Moscow, Tenn. sharing stories and photos of his director, a role in which he proved active in the annual March of Dimes He attended Michael Kevin Silence daughter’s on-stage dance perfor- very successful. radio auction who met in 1978 out local schools Michael Kevin Silence, 62, of mances on Facebook. He left in 1980 to become pub- of concern that so much of the mon- and was a 1965 Knoxville, Tenn., left this life on He was a lifelong fan of Indiana lisher of the Tri-Lakes Newspapers ey raised went outside the county. graduate of Feb. 5, with his wife and daughter University basketball, and his in Branson, Mo. The group proposed carrying Fayette County by his side. decades as a Knoxville resident “Jack and I had a very long forward with an all-local organi- High School. He Michael was born Oct. 31, saw Mike become an enthusiastic tenure and we became life-long zation . . . with the stipulation that was married July 1957, in Kokomo, Ind., the son of follower of the University of Ten- friends,” Smith told the Tribune in the funds be used only to benefi t 7, 1969, to the William L. and Nerita Kay (Eaton) nessee Vols, as well. 2016. “Leaving there was one of local charities and nonprofi ts. former Carolyn Silence. He is survived by his Knoxville News Sentinel the hardest things I’ve ever done.” In 1994, he was part of the Rhea Griffi n. wife, Mary Anne, and daughter Feb. 6, 2020 Smith served as publisher in group that helped organize a unit Butch started McKinley. Also surviving are two Branson until 1988 before moving of Habitat for Humanity in Paris. working at The Fayette Falcon in brothers and sisters-in-law Greg to Lebanon, Mo. to publish The By 1996, Henry County’s chap- 1965. There were no computers and Jennifer Robert ‘Bob” Burnett Daily Record newspaper. ter of Habitat for Humanity was then, so copy was set with a lino- Silence, Cincin- Smith III He left Lebanon and was the building its fi rst house. He was type and hot metal. Ads and copy nati, Ohio, and owner/publisher of Senior Living still climbing on Habitat house were put together by cut and Brian and Dorin- An integral member of the Cit- newspaper in Springfi eld and Jop- roofs when he was 80. paste. Butch also did job printing, da Silence, San izen Tribune’s, Morristown, early lin, Mo., from 1995 to 1998. A lifelong advocate of literacy, and The Falcon printed stationery Diego, Cal.; and years died Thursday, Jan. 16, in An active member of the Mis- Williams helped create and served and envelopes for the banks and brothers-in-law Lebanon, Missouri. souri Press Association, he served as the fi rst president of the Henry county offi ces and businesses. Michael Carter, A Newport native, Robert ‘Bob’ as president of the organization County Literacy Council. Butch was also the photographer Greensboro, N.C. Burnett Smith III joined the Tri- in 1991 and was inducted into the He also served on the Tennessee and attended city and county Silence and Chris Carter bune advertising department a few Missouri Newspaper Hall of Fame Press Association’s Literacy Com- meetings and school sports. and wife Karen, months after the in 2005. mittee, and was a member of the He served in the Army from Yellville, Ark. paper opened, He played a key role working Literacy Committee of Southern 1968 to 1970 with one year of Michael’s parents and his became advertis- with the Missouri Division of Newspaper Publishers Association. that time in Vietnam, and that in-laws, Frank and Jane Carter, ing director and Tourism, serving as the orga- An Eagle Scout, he remained was the only time he was away preceded him in death. worked with the nization’s chair for fi ve years. active in Boy Scouts for more from the newspaper. He served Mike was a graduate of the paper until 1980, After leaving the commission, than 40 years, earning its highest a total of almost 55 years at the distinguished Ernie Pyle School of when he left to he worked for the Department of award for adult leaders, the Silver newspaper. Journalism at Indiana University pursue a career Tourism until his retirement in Beaver Award. Butch was often called on by with a double major in English as a publisher, 2010. Active in his church all his which further In post-retirement years, he state troopers to take photos of and Journalism and a member of Smith life, Williams sang in the choir, vehicle crashes, most times in the Delta Chi Fraternity. defi ned his worked with the MPA and vari- directed the choir, served as dea- the middle of the night. This was He was managing editor of the career. ous newspapers, reuniting with con, then elder, and served in the before the time of digital cameras. Indiana Daily Student, Indiana “He worked for me for 14 his old friend R. Jack Fishman church’s upper echelons, including They depended on him develop- University’s nationally acclaimed years,” said R. Jack Fishman, to work with some of Lakeway’s the Presbytery of West Tennessee, ing the photos for their records or student newspaper. Tribune founder and president of papers in Missouri. He returned Synod of the South, the church’s trials, etc. He also was called to After graduation and an in- Lakeway Publishers, Inc. to Morristown for the 50th anni- national General Assembly and moonshine stills found by county ternship in Colorado Springs, he “We became very close friends. versary celebration of the Citizen Living Waters for the World. deputies to photograph before they went to work as a reporter at the He was a great newspaperman Tribune. In 2013, he became a charter were destroyed. Knoxville News-Sentinel. and a wonderful friend.” “It was a long, hard road,” inductee of the Tennessee Journal- He served as a reserve captain Assuming many roles at the pa- Smith was born March 19, Smith said in 2016. “It didn’t hap- ism Hall of Fame at Murfreesboro, in the Town of Oakland Police per, he was a columnist, editorial 1939, and grew up in Newport pen overnight . . . We really made joining Chris Clark, Anne Holt, Department for 11 years, was page assistant and the paper’s fl ag- before attending high school in the paper grow during my tenure. Dan Miller, John Seigenthaler and active in the NRA, serving on the ship blogger penning the popular Oak Ridge. We went through the fi rst year I Dean Stone. Friends of NRA committee and “No Silence Here” blog. He matriculated to Walton was there and we lost every single He wrote a number of award-win- helping with fundraising banquets As his career took off, he Community College and studied department head we had. All of us ning editorials for The P-I, receiving for several years. He was also an became one of the most knowl- communications at the University long-term department heads were fi rst-place Tennessee State Press avid supporter of Fayette County edgeable and respected polit- of Tennessee. on the second tenure. Association awards in the editorials Animal Rescue. ical journalists in the state of His career in newspapers began “The business was hard . . . It category in 1983 and 1984, and in Butch was honored in 2016 by Tennessee. in 1955 as classifi ed advertising was just hard work. Jack and I the Best Single Editorial Category in Tennessee Press Association for in- He won numerous journalistic manager of The Oak Ridger, where and some of the other department 1985, 1998, 2002 and 2005. duction into the 50-Year Club, for awards including Tennessee Top he stayed until 1963. heads were very demanding and A 125th anniversary edition of those working in the newspaper 10 blogger, Nashville Business He was working for a paper in we were working 12, 14 hours a The P-I won fi rst place for Best industry 50 years or more. Journal; Society of Professional Kingsport when he saw the ad for day.” Promotion of Newspapers in 1992. Butch is survived by his wife Journalists’ Golden Press Card; the upstart Citizen Tribune. He Citizen Tribune, Morristown Williams served as president of of 50½ years, Carolyn Rhea, and the Golden Quill Award for drove for a night meeting in Janu- Jan. 19, 2020 the TPA from 1982-83. Page 10 • The Tennessee Press • March 2020 Check in regularly with readers; solicit their feedback When is the last time one of your well. What are the most interesting age of specifi c content – agriculture fairness and breadth of coverage. readers said they were misquoted sections of this newspaper? Do or business, for example. The comments often can prompt a in a story? Or called to say they’re COMMUNITY other topics or issues warrant atten- • Reader boards – Organize a follow-up phone call and a fruitful pleased with a story but irritated by NEWSROOM tion? Are any “voices” or constitu- board comprised of readers with conversation benefi cial to both the a headline? Or took issue with how encies lacking in coverage? rotating membership. The indi- reader and newspaper. their ideas and statements were SUCCESS The “fact check” is an excellent viduals meet with the editor on a Your efforts to connect with presented in a story? tool to ask additional questions regular basis and offer everything readers are especially important in News staffs translate hundreds about your newspaper beyond from editorial ideas to a critique of today’s competitive and fractured JIM PUMARLO of facts daily; some information strictly the news product. For exam- newspaper content. media landscape. is received fi rsthand and other ple: What’s your primary source of The “fact check” is most useful Editors also should seize the secondhand. Some details are In the pursuit of fairness and news? What are the strengths and as a regular connection with read- opportunity to explain to readers included in comprehensive reports accuracy, newspapers should con- weaknesses of our website? What ers. Be sure to vary your selection in a column what you’ve heard and on important community sub- sider implementing a “fact check” other publications/media do you of stories from routine news briefs what steps will be taken to address jects. Others are part of the daily sheet. Individuals who either are routinely depend on for informa- and meeting reports to in-depth the concerns. Explain, too, if read- churn of police reports, obituaries, sources or subjects of news stories tion? How long have you subscribed series and feature stories. In addi- ers’ expectations fall short of what weddings and engagements, and are the best judge of how editors to this newspaper? If you do not tion, solicit feedback from a range can be practically accomplished. In government meetings. and reporters are doing their jobs. subscribe to this newspaper, why of readers – new and longtime the end, you may not get everyone The chances for missteps are So why not ask them directly. not? Can we improve upon custom- residents, young and old, men and to agree, but your goal is to help multiplied today as everyone is The process can be straightfor- er service – in any department? women – and from a geographic them understand your decisions expected to be adept at the broad ward. Select a couple of stories Use other avenues to check in representation of your markets. and operations. spectrum of news gathering – writ- from each edition and send a copy with readers: If applicable, it might be worth- ing breaking news for the web and to an individual who either was • “Ask the editors” night – Open while to send the same story to Jim Pumarlo writes, speaks and a more complete story for the print contacted or who might have been the telephone lines to let readers two different individuals to see if provides training on community edition, taking a photo or video identifi ed in each story. Then ask a ask anything on their minds. Man- they offer similar or contrasting newsroom success strategies. He is and posting it on the web, tweeting series of questions. For example: agers from the various departments responses. Share the feedback with author of “Journalism Primer: A about a sports event or city council Are the facts conveyed in the should be on hand with the goal of your staff and other departments. Guide to Community News Cover- meeting, updating your Facebook story/photo accurate, including answering as many questions on Newspapers should be sincere age,” “Votes and Quotes: A Guide to page. You can add to the list. spelling of names and addresses? the spot as possible. in asking readers to be honest and Outstanding Election Coverage” and Through all of these reports, one Were the quotes attributed to you • “Brown bag” lunches – Treat straightforward, underscoring that “Bad News and Good Judgment: tenet governs the work of news- used in proper context? a sampling of your customers to their feedback will help direct your A Guide to Reporting on Sensitive rooms: accuracy. If the facts are In general, do you consider this lunch in exchange for their feed- staffs to strive a stronger product. Issues in Small-Town Newspapers.” wrong, the reporter as an indi- newspaper to be accurate? back on how you’re doing your job. At minimum, these ‘fact checks” He can be reached at www.pumarlo. vidual and the newspaper as an Other broader questions regard- Or maybe tailor the session and a earn newspapers high marks for com and welcomes comments and institution lose their credibility. ing news content can be asked as selected audience to explore cover- showing concern about accuracy, questions at [email protected].

RECORDS from Page 5 for the commission’s meeting that same if 98% of records included in can we destroy these? And oh, by “I don’t think it would be wise who participated in the meeting as included Beltramo’s request to de- the fi rst estimate were destroyed, the way, these are being requested for any government entity to well as discussions about the Times stroy the records was sent out fi ve Taylor said a request for an updat- by the paper right now.’” destroy the documents that docu- Free Press request and fees, denies business days after this exchange. ed charge “never came up.” Tennessee Coalition of Open ment the primary function of their the destruction was related in any “I don’t remember it coming up Government Executive Director offi ce,” she added. way to the paper’s request. Size of request cited as specifi cally, but I just know that Deborah Fisher believes the action The Times Free Press considers “When the [public records reason for charging fees we did what the commission said points to a broader theme in the the records request ongoing and commission] met in October, that we could do,” Taylor said late last county. has asked Taylor to retain any oth- was after you all had made the For months to come, the paper week. “When we were told you “I think it is highly question- er records potentially responsive request and we hadn’t heard from and attorney’s offi ce corresponded all weren’t going to pay anything, able that they went and asked for to the request. you anymore and we had given regularly about the charge in ques- it didn’t matter if the charges had permission to do this while the you the price of the production that tion. The offi ce stuck to its original changed.” local newspaper was asking for you wanted and you all said you reasoning, citing the size of the Representatives of the paper the records,” Fisher said. “I guess weren’t going to pay it,” Taylor said request for the fees, but also began were not the only ones left out destroying records is just another Free webinars to the paper on Friday. “Then the to specify that potentially having of the loop on the destruction of way to deny access to records.” committee approved it and those to redact the estimated 1,500 pages records. Multiple offi cials in the Moreover, Fisher suspects that for TPA members documentations were destroyed.” contributed to labor charges. The county mayor’s offi ce told the the records in question do not Though Taylor says the request state’s Offi ce of Open Records Times Free Press they were not meet the state standard for tempo- March 12 was “closed” when the paper Counsel told the paper that the made aware of the destruction rary records, which requires that Build Your Social refused to pay, the paper had offi ce could not charge for inspec- of records until the paper was, records of value in documenting emailed Taylor directly asking if tion requests despite “supervision roughly four months later. the functions of government enti- Media Style Guides the offi ce planned to reconsider and the retrieval, review, and/or Similarly, County Commission ties be retained. the charge just two weeks before redaction of public records.” Chairman Randy Fairbanks said Fisher said that the offi ce, which Register at the meeting was held, after anoth- When asked — after the offi ce that the commission, which voted oversees public records for the www.OnlineMediaCampus.com er county offi cial said Taylor was sent the letter saying most records to allow the destruction, was un- county general government, would reconsidering. Taylor stood by the were destroyed — how the cost, aware of the paper’s open request. be destroying the bulk of records Contact [email protected] original estimate. which was based on page count “It was never mentioned while which document its primary func- for the coupon code. According to emails obtained by and labor for printing and redac- we were in there,” Fairbanks said tion every 30 days, based on the the Times Free Press, an agenda tion, could have remained the of the request. “It wasn’t like ‘Hey October decision. March 2020 • The Tennessee Press • Page 11 Nonprofit funds lawyers to defend news media in 5 states

TRAVIS LOLLER at helping reporters gain access to entity refuses to follow it is to fi le a comply with open records and by a $10 million investment by Associated Press public records and court proceed- petition in the courts,” the coalition open meeting laws,” according to the John S. and James L. Knight January 21, 2020 ings. The fi ve states were selected said in a news release. “Unlike the announcement. Foundation to strengthen local from among 30 where advocacy in other states, there is no admin- In Oregon, a clash over gov- journalism. A nonprofi t press freedom group groups and news outlets submitted istrative appeals process and no ernment transparency caused the “It’s not enough to have First announced on Tuesday, Jan. 21, applications, the group said. automatic attorney fee award even state’s fi rst public records advocate Amendment protections on paper,” that it would provide pro bono legal One of the reasons the commit- if a journalist prevails.” to resign. “Before resigning, the Knight Foundation president Alber- services in fi ve states to help local tee chose Tennessee is because Colorado was also selected, in offi cial produced reports on the to Ibargüen said in a news release. news organizations defend their enforcing public records law in the part, because it has no adminis- limitations on access to govern- “Freedom of the press needs to be right to gather and report the news. state is so diffi cult, according to trative appeals process, according ment information, which could The Local Legal Initiative of the the Tennessee Coalition for Open to the Reporters Committee’s serve as a valuable roadmap,” the defended on the ground, where Reporters Committee for Freedom Government, which was among the announcement. announcement stated. local journalists are doing the of the Press will fund attorneys groups submitting an application Part of the reason Oklahoma was And in Pennsylvania, the state’s work of holding the powerful to in Colorado, Oklahoma, Oregon, for the state. selected was because journalists in Right to Know Law is only a de- account.” Pennsylvania and Tennessee, the “In Tennessee, the only way to the state say public offi cials “have cade old, creating an opportunity group said in a news release. enforce the public records and open become increasingly resistant to to help mold how it is applied. This story was republished here by The free legal services are aimed meetings law when a government news media demands that they The initiative is partially funded permission of the Associated Press. New legal support will help reporters fight for public records in Tennessee Tennessee has a rich news media Some government entities, government is paying for services make a difference in our state. environment with more than 120 however, seem to operate as if they or giving away in economic devel- traditional subscription-based TCOG have seemingly endless resources. opment contracts. Deborah Fisher is executive direc- weekly and daily newspapers, BLOG The Sumner County Board of News organizations need tor of Tennessee Coalition for Open several free newspapers, alternative Education spent almost $250,000 of resources to fi ght for the public’s Government, a nonprofi t which press, an established black press, taxpayer money defending a public right to know. The Reporters Com- provides education and advocacy 34 television news stations, public records lawsuit after refusing to mittee for Freedom of the Press has for the public records and open and commercial radio stations, DEBORAH FISHER turn over an essentially one-page the experience, history and heft to meetings laws. niche news outlets focused on policy document because the re- single topics like education or the nessee Association of Broadcasters quester made his request by email legislature, business journals and and local chapters of the Society of and a follow-up phone call instead many other forms of news media. Professional Journalists.) of appearing in person or sending All of these news outlets utilize In Tennessee, the only way to the request via U.S. Postal Service. our public records laws, open enforce the public records and open Such unreasonable antics were meetings laws and rights to court meetings law when a government rejected by the local court and the records and proceedings for inves- entity refuses to follow it is to fi le Court of Appeals, but the entrench- tigative reporting and to simply a petition in the courts. Unlike in ment demonstrates the lengths report on public business. other states, there is no admin- some government offi cials will go They are the public’s eyes and istrative appeals process and no to get between the public and pub- ears. However, most do not have automatic attorney fee award even lic information. The requester? He funds for legal support when denied if a journalist prevails. This makes had to pay all of his own attorney access to government information the process an expensive option for fees to win the point for the public. or when asked to pay unreasonable journalists and citizens alike. Some of the top public records fees, even in obvious cases. The news media has gone to problems faced by journalists in But this about to change. court for decades to defend the Tennessee are government entities’ The Reporters Committee for public’s right to know and to gain overly broad interpretations of Freedom of the Press, a 50-year-old valuable public information for re- statutory exemptions, including national organization known for its porting. Some recent notable cases by the state attorney general’s leadership in supporting journal- have included fi ghting for access offi ce; overuse of the “investigative ists, has announced that it will to state agency travel and credit exemptions” to shield what should fund an attorney in Tennessee to card records by NewsChannel 5 be ordinary administrative public provide local newsrooms with di- in Nashville, for death records of records; excessive delays in produc- rect legal services, including fi ght- children under state supervision tion of public records; the refusal ing for access to public records. by The Tennessean, and to court to provide access to government Tennessee was one of fi ve states fi lings in opioid-related litigation electronic data in data format; un- selected for RCFP’s Local Legal Ini- by the Knoxville News Sentinel. reasonable fees for copies of public tiative program, funded by a $10 But I’ve also talked to many records; and, recently, application million investment by the John S. journalists who walk away from of a “deliberative process” excep- and James L. Knight Foundation what is likely a winnable court tion to shield state agency records, to strengthen local journalism. fi ght simply because they don’t including written recommenda- TCOG, along with some news or- have the funds to challenge the tions by these agencies on top ganizations in Memphis, made the government entity. Even those public issues to the governor. application for Tennessee. (TCOG’s news organizations with legal Our organization also has no- membership includes major news resources have to pick and choose ticed questionable claims of trade associations, such as TPA, the Ten- the fi ghts they can fund. secrets to keep secret how much Page 12 • The Tennessee Press • March 2020

TPA MEMBER COVERAGE SHOWCASE II: The Standard Banner, Jeff erson City Could Cannabis replace tobacco as a reliable cash crop for local farmers? STEVE MARION amateurs who may just have a few The Standard Banner, Jeff erson City plants.” October 8, 2019 In 2014, the Tennessee Legisla- The process is familiar to anyone ture enacted Public Chapter 916, who grew up in East Tennessee. which required the Tennessee Set out after danger of frost, Department of Agriculture to the crop is ready for harvest as develop a licensing and inspection the summer days get shorter. It’s program for production of hemp hauled to the barn and hung in in the state. The next year, there the rafters to cure. Soon the hard were 44 licensed growers. This work of getting the leaves ready year there are 2,900. for harvest begins. Most of them are trying to Twenty years ago, it was tobac- capitalize on the popularity of co that gave farm families cash CBD (cannabidiol) oil, a popular for Christmas. Now hemp has the remedy used for a wide range of potential to make similar money. ailments, ranging from arthritis “Years ago, I would never have pain to anxiety. Few farmers pro- dreamed we’d be talking about duce the extract themselves. They growing hemp here in Jefferson sell the dried leaves to processors. County,” University of Tennessee Shelton would like to move Agriculture Extension Agent Ste- toward producing the extract ven Huff said. “It was something himself – in part in order to capi- talize on the craze for everything Photos by Steve Marion, in the history books that provided The Standard Banner, Jeff erson City fi ber before World War I.” locally-grown. Shelton Farms CBD Heavily-regulated tobacco was Oil could be marketed the same Top photo: New Market farmer once grown on hundreds of acres in way he handles another product Danny Shelton checks his 40-acre Jefferson County. Formerly illegal in from his fi elds that has become hemp crop, which is ready for all forms, cannabis was grown se- popular – grits. harvest. Photo on right: Producer cretly here, mostly in small patches. Shelton’s fi elds once grew Danny Shelton holds a double Today, government-regulated tobacco. Now, other than hemp, handful of hemp leaves, from Cannabis (the non-marijuana form) they produce heirloom corn for the which CDB oil will be produced. is grown in large fi elds. Tobacco is grits and hopefully the expanding Shelton is currently harvesting 40 the boutique crop, amounting to moonshine market, and soybeans. acres of hemp – a crop he says he only two or three acres this year in Along the way, Shelton Farms also is still learning about Jefferson County. formerly grew market produce and The issue right now, said hemp chickens. tested by an independent lab, and farmer Danny Shelton, is that His former chickenhouses, with while East Tennessee farmers had excellent ventilation, are perfect the fi rst variety I did was at .1 per- cent. If it’s too high, they destroy are an issue, of course – smaller from a whitish color to more am- tobacco-growing down to a sci- for drying hemp. The large card- fi elds can use black plastic under- ber or yellow – if you use a mag- board boxes – almost big enough your crop.” ence, “we don’t really know what layment, but Shelton’s crop is too nifi er,” said Shelton. “That’s when to fi ll a pick-up bed – are perfect Hemp and marijuana are both we’re doing yet” with hemp. large for that to be cost-effective. you want to start harvesting.” for the stripped hemp buds. names for the same plant, can- Shelton was working in his 40 He planted on seven-foot centers to “The harvest – and the whole sea- But Shelton says farmers don’t nabis, perhaps the fi rst growing acres of hemp on a hot September give as much room as possible for son, really – is very labor intensive,” yet have an idea of which varieties thing that man ever cultivated for morning. In a converted chick- cultivation and weed control. said Huff. “I think it may actually enhouse on the hill above him, of hemp will grow best in their textiles, beginning 10,000 years “Pretty much any pest that be more work than tobacco.” a portion of his crop was drying, soil. He’s trying three different ago in Mesopotamia. The term likes tomatoes or tobacco will eat Since marijuana is still very and hired workers were stripping ones. Since seed is expensive, he “marijuana” didn’t come along hemp,” said Huff. “We have no much illegal in Tennessee, farmers the dried hemp buds from the propagated his own plants, nearly until the late 1800s. The word’s need to establish a working rela- stems to fi ll large cardboard pro- 60,000 of them, a process aided by exact origin is debated, but it ap- labels at the present time for any duce boxes. his tobacco knowledge. pears to have come from Mexican type of spraying. It’s too early in tionship with local law enforce- “I think we’ve got a window of “That’s not really that many Spanish, and some still feel the the game.” ment, he suggested. a few years where we may be able plants,” he said. “We used to start a term has lingering racist connota- Buyers don’t want any chem- “You don’t want to be hauling a to profi t from hemp,” Shelton said. million tobacco seedlings a year.” tions – as it was once used to den- icals used, so Shelton has not load of hemp to the barn and have “But about the time we get things With their expertise, former East igrate people fl eeing the Mexican treated his crop with anything at an offi cer think it’s marijuana,” he fi gured out, they’re going to start Tennessee tobacco farmers might Revolution to the United States, as all. Hemp is also a thirsty crop, said. “Or even worse, have offi cers growing it on a bigger scale in the have an opportunity in hemp seed- well as those who didn’t kowtow and that has been a major issue for cut down the plants in the fi eld.” Midwest. Then prices are liable to ling production, Shelton said. to prevailing racial stereotypes. growers since September was one So far, that hasn’t been an issue, go down, and our smaller fi elds In order to be marketed in Marijuana contains up to 30 of the hottest and driest on record though local investigators did arrest won’t pay us as well.” Tennessee, hemp varieties must percent THC. States began passing in the state. several people for taking it upon Shelton is one of 27 licensed contain almost no tetrahydrocan- anti-marijuana laws in the 1920s. The CBD oil itself is produced themselves to harvest hemp plants hemp growers in Jefferson County nabinol (THC), the chemical in Somewhere along the way, the on tiny hairs on the plant buds. in a Strawberry Plains fi eld. The working in that window. marijuana that produces its eu- plant’s other important uses were Flowering takes place around the plants, which were found drying on “They’re an eclectic group,” phoric high when smoked or eaten. temporarily forgotten. solstice, and the oil is at its most a fence several miles away, were re- said Huff. “You’ve got professional “The level has to be at .3 percent Hemp is a fairly challenging prevalent soon after. turned to the rightful owners – but farmers like Danny all the way to or less,” said Shelton. “I have mine crop to grow, Shelton said. Weeds “You can see the crystals turn they had been harvested too early.