Community News

By Ellen Probert Williamson
Is it possible that you are a dowser or, as dowsers are sometimes called, a water witch?

Dowsing is an ancient craft using branches of the witch hazel or willow tree to locate the presence of underground water. The dowser holds a wishbone-shaped, forked branch straight out before him and walks up and down, back and forth, over the terrain where he hopes to find a water source and construct a well.

Not everyone has this ability. Perhaps you do.

Tommy Charles never imagined he’d entertain the same bad habit he’d seen consume his father’s life — and even contribute to his death.

But three packs of cigarettes a day and one heart attack later, Charles “got like Dad.”

At 55 years old, Charles’ father died from a heart attack. He smoked three packs of cigarettes a day and was overweight and inactive.

At 46, only nine years younger than the age his father died, Charles himself suffered a heart attack.

Farmers and ranchers in Tennessee now have a more efficient, timely option for receiving important Farm Service Agency program eligibility requirements, deadlines and related information.  

“FSA is now offering free online communications through our GovDelivery electronic news service,” said Gene Davidson, Tennessee Farm Service Agency executive director.

Refunds of more than $16.1 million may be waiting for about 18,400 Tennesseans who did not file a federal income tax return for 2008.

Nationwide, the Internal Revenue Service has more than $1 billion for about 1 million people who haven't yet filed for 2008.

To collect the money, a return for 2008 must be filed with the IRS no later than April 17.

There is no penalty for filing a late return qualifying for a refund.