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Articles by Thomas Weaver
More ice storm FEMA aid is now available to locals
CLAY COUNTY-The State of Tennessee announced over the weekend it had received an amendment to the federal major disaster declaration for Winter Storm Fern expanding available aid to include FEMA Individual Assistance for residents here and in 28 other impacted Tennessee counties.
Officials declare child abuse prevention month in Clay Co.
PREVENTION MONTH-Clay County Mayor Dale Reagan and City of Celina Mayor Luke Collins, along with Jennifer Ritter-Swallows, Keshia Goad, Donna Rich Watson, Jenny Brockett, and Brenda Browning, joined Mari’e Gilpatrick, Brandy Denson, Tiffany Smith Craighead , and Dawn White Tidwell of the Stephens Center to proclaim April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Clay County.
Adams to play at next level
OFFICIAL SIGNING-Clay County’s Reece Adams (center) signed to play football at the University of the Cumberlands last week alongside his parents Matt and Erica Adams (left) and his coach Bruce Lamb (right). (Faith Burks/CCHS Media photo) CELINA-Bulldog football’s all-time leading tackler Reece Adams signed to play at the next level here last week, as he inked is letter of intent to become a University of the Cumberlands Patriot with his family, coaches, teammates, and many others in attendance.
Key makes NBA roster
IN THE NBA-The Toronto Raptors officially welcomed Tyreke Key to the NBA Monday. (Facebook.com/TorontoRaptors photo) TORONTO, ON (Canada)-“He never gave up… tomorrow will be life changing,” Tyreke Key posted to Facebook on Easter Sunday with photos of himself from the very beginning of his illustrious career taken at Celina K-8 and Clay County High School. Just hours later, it was official. Around 11 a.m. CST Monday, the Toronto Raptors welcomed the Bulldog legend to the NBA.
Clay youth anglers notch nice finishes
BILL DANCE CHAMP-Jaxen White (center) won the Bill Dance Giant Bass Open youth division title with a 5.41-pound largemouth late last month. (Facebook.com/giantbassopen photo) DALE HOLLOW-Clay County youth anglers have notched several nice finishes in tournament action this spring, led by Jaxen White’s recent youth division title in the Bill Dance Giant Bass Open held here late last month.
Spring sports broadcasts to start Thursday
CELINA-The Horizon Sports Network will kick off their third season of broadcasting Clay County High School spring sports this week. The live-stream affiliate of the HORIZON newspaper will begin coverage on Thursday, as they start with Bulldog baseball hosting Trousdale County and continue with two more games next week.
Chocolate Gravy Festival back in town on Saturday
BIG DRAW-Downtown Celina will be packed Saturday for the 2nd Annual Chocolate Gravy Contest, which will feature an eating contest (pictured), sampling, live music, and much more. (file photo) CELINA-After a successful debut a year ago, the 2nd Annual Chocolate Gravy Festival is expected to fill the downtown area here to the brim again Saturday.
Scott is honored for 3 decades of service
30 YEARS-Celina Health and Rehabilitation Center Administrator Rebecca Tandy (left) recently recognized Betty Scott (right) for 30 years of service to the local facility. (shared photo) CELINA-Celina Health and Rehabilitation Center recently recognized Betty Scott for 30 years of service at the local facility. “This year marks 30 years since Betty joined us, and we have loved every minute of it!” CHRC officials said.
Library temporarily closing
COMING ALONG-With framework now set, the local library will be closed through June to allow construction on the expansion project to continue. (Clay County Public Library Facebook photo) CELINA-The Clay County Public Library will be temporarily closing next week to allow contractors to continue a building expansion project which began late last year.
Dale Hollow Horizon
SERVICE RECOGNIZED-Miley Kirk (left) received the youth award and Carla Rich (right) was honored with the adult award when both were named Clay County’s 2026 Governor’s Volunteer Stars. They were joined by Clay County Mayor Dale Reagan and State Representative Kelly Keisling at the presentation in Nashville earlier this month, where they were recognized among Tennessee’s exceptional volunteers making a lasting impact in their communities through volunteering and community service.
Farm & Family Meeting rescheduled for April 23
CELINA-The 4th Annual Farm & Family Meeting has been rescheduled for Thursday, April 23. Originally set to be hosted by Clay County Extension last week, the event will now take place next month, with registration at 5 p.m. and a meal beginning at 5:30 p.m. Following the meal, classes will include backyard poultry, bee keeping, clutter cure-all, creating faux floral arrangements, cupcake decorating, and herd health. “This is a family friendly event,” organizers said.
Election ballot set
CLAY COUNTY-With the qualifying deadline expiring last week, the ballot for the 2026 August Election is now set. Featuring almost 60 local candidates running for a total of 25 seats, the ballot includes races for the offices of Clay County Mayor, all 10 Clay County Commissioners, county trustee, general sessions judge, sheriff, circuit court clerk, county clerk, register of deeds, and road superintendent.
Local 4-Hers spend day on Capitol Hill
AT 4-H CONGRESS-Clay County was well-represented in Nashville for the 2026 4-H Congress Day on the Hill, where the local group met with legislators including Senator Ken Yager and State Representative Kelly Keisling, took part in legislative process, and more. Pictured (left to right) are Natasha Browning, Ava Ledbetter, Rachel Burks, Senator Yager, Katelyn Browning, and Kim Davis. (shared photo)
School board has no intentions of closing Hermitage Springs School
REMAINING OPEN-At the March meeting of the Clay County School Board, board member James Mays said there are “no plans to close Hermitage Springs School” in response to rumors about a potential closure. (file photo) CELINA-The Clay County School Board publicly declared they have no intentions of closing Hermitage Springs School here last week at their March meeting, according to a video of the proceedings posted on the Clay County Schools CCBE Youtube page.
Twin Lakes supports local schools
HELPING GRADS-Twin Lakes representative Sydney Birdwell (right) recently presented (left to right) Clay County High School 2026 senior class sponsor Cherese Kaslikowski and class officers Martina Riddle, Reagan Cherry, and Witt Kaslikowski with a $2,500 check in support of Project Graduation—an event seniors participate in as their class gathers one last time, where items are given away as a gift for their accomplishments and hard work over the past four years.
Bulldogs’ season wraps up in TSSAA round of 32
FINAL OUTINGS-Seniors (left to right) Nolan Adams—who scored his 1,000th point in his final game, Aayden Cherry, Cole Eads, and Warner Melton gave their all to Bulldog Nation this season, which came to an end against Pickett County in last week’s Region 4-A Semifinals. (cchsmedia.zenfolio.com photos) GORDONSVILLE-The Clay County Bulldogs wrapped up their season as one of 32 teams left standing in the Region 4-A Semifinals here last week.
Day of Hope celebration Thursday night in Celina
PROCLAMATION-County mayor Dale Reagan (seated) recently signed a proclamation declaring Clay County’s Day of Hope alongside the Clay County Anti-Drug Coalition’s (standing, left to right) Kody Thompson, Daniel Roberts, and Dwayne Rich.
Clay Co. schools selected for summer home library program
CLAY COUNTY-Elementary students here at Celina K-8 School and Hermitage Springs School have been selected to participate in a home library program this upcoming summer. The Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation’s K-3 Home Library Program is an annual book delivery initiative throughout the summer for public school students across the state. All students who will be in 1st through 3rd grade for the 2026-2027 school year have the opportunity to receive six books and activity pages.
Dale Hollow Horizon
CLAY COUNTY-A pair of scam alerts have been issued here locally in the last week, as both Twin Lakes and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office announced warnings on their Facebook pages. Twin Lakes said customers are being targeted by telephone, while the local sheriff’s office told the public to be aware of scammers utilizing their mobile app.
Clements chosen for leadership role
MORE HONORS-After finishing as a YF&R Excellence in Agriculture national runner-up, Alyssa Clements will now serve a leadership role with YCLP sponsored by the Tennessee Beef Industry Council and Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association.
Local SADD group rallies at Capitol
LEGISLATIVE VISIT-Clay County SADD members joined State Representative Kelly Keisling in Nashville recently to advocate for tighter regulations to curb underage tobacco and vape sales.
Dawgs eliminate Tigers to advance to 4-A semis
NOT TO BE DENIED-Senior Nolan Adams finished at the rim, knocked down midrange jumpers, and scored from all over the floor en route to a game-high 26 points in Clay County’s region quarterfinal win at Gordonsville. (Michael Lindsay/Uppercumberlandreporter.com photo) EDITOR’S NOTE: This story appeared in print prior to the Dawgs’ Region 4-A Semifinal loss to Pickett County, which wrapped up their season. See next week’s newspaper for details from their final game.
Lady Bulldogs’ run ends in Region 4-A Quarterfinals
FINAL STANDS-Seniors Ella Eads (left), who scored her 1,000th point in her final game, and Baylor Walden left it all on the court this season for the Lady Dawgs, whose postseason run came to an end against Trousdale County in Friday’s Region 4-A Quarterfinals. (Michael Lindsay/Uppercumberlandreporter.com photos) HARTSVILLE-The Clay County Lady Bulldogs’ postseason run came to an end here at the hands of Trousdale County in the Region 4-A Quarterfinals Friday night.
Several trapping and small game hunting seasons closing Sunday
CLAY COUNTY-Tennessee’s statewide trapping season for six species and several small game hunting seasons will close here and across the state this Sunday, February 28. The trapping seasons ending are those for fox, mink, muskrat, otter, least weasel, and bobcat. Among the small game seasons concluding are those for rabbit, grouse, and quail. The statewide hunting seasons for squirrel, raccoon, and opossum continue through March 15.
Songwriter Showcase this Friday in Portland
ON THE BIG STAGE-Local qualifier winner Trevor Daniels (left) and runner-up Gary Gentry (right) will compete in the Tennessee Songwriters Week Showcase event at the Temple Theatre in Portland Friday night. (Trent Murphy Photography photos) PORTLAND-A pair of local winners will take the stage here at the Temple Theatre Friday night to compete for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to share their original songs on the historic stage at The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville.
Clay teams open region play with road trips at week’s end
CAREER NIGHTS-Clay County’s Cole Eads (left) and Natalie Smith (right) both posted career highs last week in the District 7-A Tournament. Eads set a school record with 11 three-pointers and 36 points in the Dawgs’ win over Red Boiling Springs, while Smith dropped 25 points against Pickett County.
Highway 53 from Celina to Gainesboro is closing soon
A LONG WAY AROUND-This TDOT detour map suggests those traveling from Celina to Gainesboro should follow Highway 52 to Livingston and Highway 85 through Hilham to Gainesboro as the alternate route (shown in green) while Highway 53 is closed over the next two months. (TDOT graphic) CELINA-Residents here will soon have to find an alternate route to travel to neighboring Gainesboro, according to the Tennessee Department of Transportation.
Clay Anti-Drug Coalition staff meets with legislators
↓ JAVASCRIPT IS DISABLED. Please enable JavaScript on your browser to best view this site. Post navigation LEGISLATIVE VISIT-State Senator Ken Yager recently welcomed Clay County Anti-Drug Coalition Coordinator Daniel Roberts and his family to Nashville, where they and State Representative Kelly Keisling discussed the coalition’s work. Pictured (left to right) are Caitlyn Roberts, Adley Willow Roberts, Senator Yager, Daniel Roberts, and State Rep. Keisling. (shared photo) Post navigation ↑
Close to half of over 50 potential candidates have qualified to run
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story does not reflect any potential candidates who secured qualifying petitions or qualified after Friday, January 30. For daily updates, follow the Clay County Election Commission Facebook page. CELINA-A total of 53 potential candidates had secured qualifying petitions for the 2026 August Election and 23 of those had qualified to run as of last Friday when the local election office closed.
Local fair receives multiple awards, earns $20K grant at TAF convention
MOST IMPROVED FAIR-The Clay County Fair was named the Division A Most Improved Fair at the Tennessee Association of Fairs Convention, and also won multiple awards and received a near-$20,000 grant. Pictured (left to right) at the convention are fair board members Joy McLerran, Lois Turner, president Carla Rich, Gunnar Silk, Madeline Silk, 2025 Fairest of the Fair Abby Head, Dorothy Forney, Kristen Mathews, Rayne Smith, and Dorothy Webb.
Dale Hollow Horizon
HIGH HONORS-Clay County Farm Bureau was named Ray Gannon Agency of the Year for Region 3. Pictured with the award (left to right) are Melissa Brannon, agency manager Daniel Burton, and Ashley Hancock. (shared photo) CELINA-Clay County Farm Bureau has been recognized as one of the best insurance agencies in the area, local agency manager Daniel Burton recently announced.
WINTER STORM UPDATE: Power restored, major declaration requested
BRAVING CONDITIONS-Tri-County Electric linemen battled brutal conditions to restore power to Clay County last week and the community rallied behind them with their support. (Facebook.com/tricountyelectrictn photo) CLAY COUNTY-After being without power for multiple days in frigid temperatures due to Winter Storm Fern, Tri-County Electric CEO Glenn Hale announced last Friday electrical service had been “restored to most locations” in Clay County.
Local youth continue swine show excellence
SUPER SHOWMEN-Clay County 4-Hers, including (back row, left to right) Tabor White, Cordell McLerran, Ellie White, Faith Burks, Baylor Walden, Rachel Burks, Kylie Brawner, Bella Hale, Lillie White, Jenna Thompson, (front row, left to right) Harper Brown, Eve Burks, Grace McLerran, Korbin Brawner, Haygan Brawner, Lily Smith, Kate McLerran, Katelyn Browning, and Bella Browning, all had excellent showings at the 2026 State and Region Swine Shows.
Nearly 20 qualify, others secure election petitions prior to winter storm
CELINA-A total of 18 candidates had qualified to run in the 2026 August Election and over 50 potential candidates had secured petitions as of last Friday when the local election office closed before the winter storm. Due to the winter storm, the election office was closed Monday and the closure extended through Wednesday, when all county offices are normally closed.
Winter storm leaves much of Clay Co. without power
FERN’S FURY-Winter Storm Fern coated Clay County with a glaze of devastating ice and left many without power. (Facebook.com/tricountyelectrictn photo) EDITOR’S NOTE: Since going to press, Tri-County Electric has made significant progress restoring power in Clay County and throughout their service area. As of Wednesday afternoon, they were reporting 740 members were still without power in Clay County. Up-to-date numbers can be found online at https://outages.tcemc.org.
Clements is YF&R Excellence in Agriculture National Runner-up
NATIONAL HONORS-Clay County’s Alyssa Clements (left) finished as the National Runner-up in an agricultural competition at the American Farm Bureau Federation Convention held in Anaheim, CA and won a $25,000 prize.
MAKING THE GRADE: D&D Meats first in state to offer USDA grading - Dale Hollow Horizon
MILESTONE MOMENT-Celina’s D&D Meats recently became the first processor to affix a USDA beef grade in Tennessee, proudly displayed here by owner Johnny Donaldson and his granddaughter Della (right), along with his sons Cordell and Clark (left).
Twin Lakes tech grants drive digital advancement in UC
LOCAL GRANT RECIPIENTS-The Celina Police Department (left) and Clay County High School (right) were among more than 26 local organizations to receive 2025 Twin Lakes Difference grants. Pictured (above at left) are Celina Police Chief Terry Scott (right) and assistant chief Spencer Booher (left) with Sydney Birdwell of Twin Lakes. Pictured (above at right) is CCHS mathematics teacher Tina Drumright and Birdwell.
Chocolate Gravy Festival set to return on March 28
CELINA-If the encore is anything like the first one, the 2nd Annual Chocolate Gravy Festival set for late March here in downtown Celina will not disappoint, and organizers are looking forward to welcoming the masses again. “We’re so excited for the 2nd Annual Chocolate Gravy Festival happening on Saturday, March 28, 2026!” they said on the Celina Downtown Events Facebook page.
Public notices from the 1/21/26 Dale Hollow Horizon
DELINQUENT TAX NOTICE CLAY COUNTY PROPERTY OWNERS PURSUIING TO LAW 67-5-2401 TCA, WE WILL NOT BE PUBLISHING NAMES OF THE 2024 DELINQUENT TAXPAYERS. THE 2024 TAXES WILL BE TURNED OVER TO THE CLERK & MASTER ON APRIL 1, 2026. IF YOU HAVE NOT PAID YOUR 2024 TAXES, YOU CAN PAY THEM TO THE TRUSTEE’S OFFICE UNTIL MARCH 31, 2026. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS MATTER, PLEASE CALL 243-2310.
Register of Deeds Brenda Browning retiring from office
DECADES OF SERVICE-Register of Deeds Brenda Browning has announced her retirement after 28 years in office. (file photo) CELINA-Longtime Clay County Register of Deeds Brenda Browning has announced she will soon retire from office and will not run for re-election to an eighth term. “After 30 years working for Clay County, I want to formally announce that I will not be seeking re-election this year,” Browning said in a statement released to the HORIZON.
First week sees 27 pick up election qualifying papers
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story does not reflect any potential candidates who secured qualifying petitions after Friday, January 16. For daily updates, follow the Clay County Election Commission Facebook page. CELINA-A list of 27 potential candidates had secured petitions to qualify to run in the 2026 August Election as of last Friday when the local election office closed here, and a total of nine had returned their papers with the required signatures for qualification.
District gauntlet continues for Clay County basketball
DOUBLE FIGURE OUTINGS-Nolan Adams and Cole Eads (left), Natalie Smith and Haylen Garrison (right), and Ella Eads (not pictured) all scored double figures in at least one game last week. (Michael Lindsay/Uppercumberlandreporter.com photos) CELINA-After dropping all four of their games last week, the District 7-A gauntlet was set to continue this week for the Clay County High School basketball teams.
Public notices from the 12/10/25 Dale Hollow Horizon
PUBLIC NOTICE The Clay County E 9-1-1 Board will meet in regular session, Monday, December 15, 2025 at 5:30 pm at the Clay County EOC (Emergency Operations Center), located at 143 Cordell Hull Dr. | IN THE CHANCERY COURT FOR CLAY COUNTY, TENNESSEE NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF AARON JR.
Public notices from the 12/17/25 Dale Hollow Horizon
NOTICE OF SEALED BIDS OWNER: Clay County Schools, Ms. Diana Monroe, Director of Schools, Celina, Tennessee. Sealed bids for the Window Replacement for Hermitage Springs School in Red Boiling Springs, Tennessee will be received by the Owner at the Clay County Schools Board of Education Office, 520 Brown Street, Celina, TN 38551 until 12 PM CST, Tuesday, January 13, 2026, and at this time all bids will be opened and read aloud.
Public notices from the 12/31/25 Dale Hollow Horizon
PUBLIC NOTICE Clay County Museum, Inc. will be accepting bids for the purpose of enclosing and enlarging the pavilion. Also accepting bids to replace the roof on Cordell Hull building and a bid for creating a walkway between the parking lot and the pavilion. Sealed bids will be accepted at the Clay County Museum, Inc until 3:00PM on Friday January 16, 2026. for more information on the work to be done contact Beverly Hollifield at 931-243-4220.
Public notices from the 1/14/26 Dale Hollow Horizon
PUBLIC NOTICE Clay County Planning Meeting is January 26th, 2026, 6:30 P.M. in the courtroom of the Clay County Government Complex. | DELINQUENT TAX NOTICE City of Celina Property Owners Pursing to law 67-5-2401, we will not be publishing names of the 2023 and 2024 delinquent taxpayers.
Public notices from the 1/7/26 Dale Hollow Horizon
MEETING NOTICE The Clay County Board of Education will have a planning session on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at the new Clay County High School CTE Building, beginning at 6:00 p.m. followed by the regular session board meeting. | PUBLIC NOTICE The City of Celina Board of Mayor and Alderman will have its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 5:30 pm at Celina City Hall. The public is invited to attend.
Ornament contest winners announced
ORNAMENT CONTEST-The winners of the 2025 Recycling Ornament Contest have been announced and those pictured (in no particular order) for the presentation of awards included Gavin Boone, Miley Likens, Griffin Kendall, Layla Kendall, Everie Stafford, and Emmitt Stafford of Celina K-8, along with Jadynn Cox, Joshua McLerran, and Hunter McLerran of Hermitage Springs School. They were presented their awards by Clay County Mayor Dale Reagan and Clay County Sanitation Department Director Meghan Deckard.
Canton Lodge presents donation to rescue squad
LODGE DONATION-Canton Lodge #481 donated $250 to the Clay County Rescue Squad. Pictured at the presentation are (left to right) Joey Rich, Dave Yenne, Rush Rich, Chris White, Randy Allen, Dennis Purcell, and Joseph Strode. (Carol Rettig photo) CELINA-The local Masonic Lodge recently held a drawing to determine the recipients of two $250 donations. The random drawing included all of the fire departments located in Clay County and the rescue squad.
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