Today is Election Day

Polls in Sumner County are open 7 a.m.–7 p.m. today, Tuesday, November 3. Vote at your assigned Election Day polling place, not necessarily an early-voting location. Check your precinct and identification requirements with the county election office before heading out.

Find official Sumner County voting information.

FEATURE STORY 1 OF 3   •   LOCAL HISTORY

Historic Rock Castle

A Window Into Hendersonville's Past

Hendersonville's familiar lakefront has a remarkable piece of early Tennessee history tucked into it: Historic Rock Castle, the limestone home of Daniel and Sarah Michie Smith.

According to the Tennessee Historical Commission, the Smith family came to the property in 1784 and began construction on the house. Daniel Smith served as a surveyor, Revolutionary War officer and later a United States senator. Sarah Smith helped supervise construction and manage the family's plantation while he was away.

Today, the preserved historic site offers guided tours and opportunities to learn about people who lived and worked in this part of Middle Tennessee long before the modern city developed. It sits on the shores of Old Hickory Lake at 139 Rock Castle Lane.

Whether you've lived here for decades or are new to town, this is a place to rediscover a part of the region's story. Visiting hours and tours can change with special events, so check before making plans.

Explore Historic Rock Castle and plan a visit.

Madison Fence Company

More Than a Property Line

Privacy, security, pets and curb appeal are some of the reasons homeowners start thinking about fencing. Madison Fence Company serves Madison, Hendersonville and surrounding communities with installations, replacements and repairs.

Owner Zander Jett works with homeowners on options for their property, including residential fencing. As the weather changes, a loose gate or damaged section may be worth addressing before it becomes a bigger problem.

Phone: (615) 554-8455

See Madison Fence Company's services and request an estimate.

Friday Night Lights | Hendersonville Area

High-school football reaches an exciting point in the season as teams prepare for postseason play. Hendersonville and Beech fans can check the latest scores, brackets and game schedules directly with TSSAA before making Friday-night plans.

Official Tennessee high-school sports scores and schedules.

FEATURE STORY 2 OF 3   •   ROADS & EVERYDAY LIFE

Old Shackle Island Road

Road Improvements: What Residents Should Know

Old Shackle Island Road railroad crossing; historical photograph from RXR Signals, not a picture of current construction.

Drivers who use Old Shackle Island Road and Walton Ferry Road should know that TDOT is working on a roadway improvement project from Nokes Drive to Volunteer Drive. The project includes reconstruction, realignment and widening over approximately one mile, with changes intended to improve safety and ease congestion.

The work may affect how drivers travel through this corridor as construction progresses. Allow extra travel time when you encounter posted work zones or detours.

We could not verify a specific November 30 railroad-crossing closure against the official project page, so we are not reporting that date as confirmed. Check TDOT's current project information and local road notices before making travel plans.

Check the official road-project information

FEATURE STORY 3 OF 3   •   OUTDOORS & RECREATION

Old Hickory Lake

Matt Robertson Wins Historic Bass Championship

Old Hickory Lake shoreline; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photograph by Emily Johnson.

Old Hickory Lake took center stage for a record-setting fishing competition, and now the champion has been crowned. Matt Robertson of Kuttawa, Kentucky, won The Champions by World Bass Enterprises on Saturday, October 31, earning a $1.25 million first-place prize.

The tournament brought 62 top professional anglers to the Nashville and Hendersonville area for three days of fishing. Robertson weighed in five fish totaling 20 pounds, 2 ounces in the final round, according to the event organizer.

For local residents, the event offered a chance to see familiar waters in a national spotlight. Fishing conditions, locations, and changing weather all shape how competitors approach Old Hickory Lake. Meanwhile, the lake remains a year-round destination for families, recreational anglers, and boaters.

Robertson's victory was part of an inaugural event featuring a $3.25 million total prize purse. You can see the full account and additional results in the organizer's announcement.

Read the confirmed championship results.

Garden Corner

Color for Cooler Days

Illustrative garden photograph: Grzegorz Sękulski / Pexels.

Early November can still be a good time to add cool-weather color. Pansies, violas and ornamental kale are familiar choices for fall containers and beds. Keep new plants watered while they establish, and protect tender additions when a hard freeze is forecast.

More seasonal advice from UT Gardens.

Smile of the Week

This week's joke: Why did the scarecrow get promoted?

Because he was outstanding in his field!

A thought for the week: Someone nearby may be having a difficult day. A kind word costs nothing and can mean a great deal.