- 2004 and older -


Tennessee River Pearls on Display in Washington

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Fur Ball at Country Club draws purrs and paws handing over cash

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Taste of Jackson - Birdsong Receives 10-Year-Plus Participation Award

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ParFishing Tour Stop In Jackson, Tennessee at the 19th Annual West Tennessee Boat, Sport, Travel and RV Show

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KLOT Birdsong Results by Randy Sullivan

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The Fred Torres and Savannah Tennessee Volunteer Navy River Rats trek to Birdsong

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Trophy 'Caught' By TVA at the 20th anniversary for the West Tennessee Industrial & Commercial League Invitational Bass Tournament.

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AUSTRALIAN VISITORS COME TO CAMDEN

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Looney4Gin Gathers At Birdsong From 8 States, 2 Foreign Countries

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English Hover Craft Adventurist Passing Through Camden

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Birdsong designated official cooperative weather observer station.

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Tennessee Pearl Farm Touts Itself As America's Only Freshwater Pearl Farm

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Beech River Bass Club Tournament Winners

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BOAT WINNER - James Johnson, Big Sandy was the winner of the drawing held by the Big Sandy Chamber of Commerce at the Waterfowl Festival and Duck Blind Drawing, Saturday, August 7, 2004.

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Tennessee River 600 Makes Annual Stop At Birdsong Marina

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Hampton, Jackson Join Birdsong Sales Team In Time For '05 Season

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TDOT Federal Enhancement Grant awarded to the City of Parsons

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Bob Keast attends the Decatur County annual Chamber of Commerce Membership Banquet and reception for Governor Bredesen

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Dottie’s Marine was awarded the 2004 Retailer of the Year by the Decatur County Chamber of Commerce

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Pearl Museum And Farm Flaunts Its Gems During Benton Co. FAM Tour

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Commissioner of Tourism visits Benton County

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Pearl Farm featured on Nashville Public Radio

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Spaghetti Super Auction & Dance - Friday June 18th

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SUMMER FUN HAS BEGUN!

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Keast Speaks To Lions Club

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Pearl Farm featured in Tennessee River Marinas Directory

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Pearl Farm featured in Where To Go Next, a travel newsletter e-mailed daily to 55,000 subscribers. The feature is based on the publisher's visit to the Farm in April as part of the Geiger Press Group.

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Boating Fans Have Plenty of Options Around Tennessee
Jackson Sun - May 10, 2004 - Jacque Hillman

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Tennessee River Freshwater Pearl Museum and Farm declared official location of freshwater pearl culturing in the State of Tennessee

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The Kentucky Lake Outdoor Trail (KLOT) Bass Tournament Winners

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Authors To Be In Camden For Book Signing

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Benton Co. Pearl Attraction To Appear in International Film Documentary

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Hickman County Fire and Rescue Chief Mike Frizell takes the keys for the organization's new boat.

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First Lady Announces Plan For Long-Range Restoration and Historic Preservation of Executive Residence

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KLOT Tournament

2003 Kentucky Lake Outdoor Tournament Trail Classic was held at Birdsong Resort & Marina November 8 & 9, 2003.

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Governor Phil Bredesen Conducts Asian Trade Mission

October 22 - 31, Governor Phil Bredesen traveled to Japan and Korea for meetings with Asian business and government leaders. The trade mission was a bi-annual trip that has become a cornerstone of the state's international economic development outreach for nearly three decades.

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Ms. Cheap's pearls of great wisdom ... go get the cheap pearls!

You may remember my story about the American Pearl Farm, an aqua farm on Kentucky Lake in West Tennessee, where they ''grow'' pearls.

Well, the pearly fruits of that unique process will be available right here in Nashville today and tomorrow at a wholesale cultured pearl trunk show in Green Hills.

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Governor Phil Bredesen to Conduct Asian Trade Mission

Nashville - Governor Phil Bredesen will travel to Japan and Korea for meetings with Asian business and government leaders from October 22 - 31. The trade mission is a bi-annual trip that has become a cornerstone of the state’s international economic development outreach for nearly three decades.

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Keast Appointed To PBS Board of Directors

Bob Keast, Camden was recently appointed to serve on the Board of Directors for the West Tennessee Public Television station, WLJT Channel 11. The four-year term is a non-paid working position serving alongside the remaining twelve seats overseeing the marketing, programming, budgeting, engineering, production, education, and administration of the PBS (Public Broadcasting Station) affiliate.

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DuPont Takes Home The Trophy For 2003

The 19th Annual West Tennessee Industrial and Commercial League Invitational Bass Tournament was held on Sunday, September 28th at Birdsong Resort, Marina and Lakeside RV and Tent Campground on the scenic Tennessee River's beautiful Kentucky Lake. Two hundred and forty two (242) fishermen from area companies were able to spend a fun-filled day on Kentucky Lake, catch a few fish, enjoy Benton County's vast shoreline and even make new friends.

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America's Great Loop Cruiser's Association Cruisers Stop In Camden

On Friday, September 5, two large vessels cruised into Birdsong Creek off of the main river channel at the TRM (Tennessee River Mile Mile) marker 103.5. The "Two J's," Hatboro, PA owned by John and Judy Gill, and "Marge's Barges," Willow Grove, PA owned by Margaret and Howard Daniels pulled in to the docks of Birdsong Resort, Marina and Campground with a story to tell.

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Lt. Governor John S. Wilder Roast John  Wilder

Bob and Janis Keast shown here with Lt. Governor John S. Wilder (center) at a "recent roast." Lt. Governor Wilder is 80 years old and the longest running Lt. Governor in Tennessee's history - and in the "free world."





congressman ford CONGRESSMAN HAROLD FORD - Bob visits with Congressman Harold Ford at the West Tennessee Emergency Management meeting August 2003 in Pickwick, TN. They spent some quality time discussing new avenues and methods to direct more funding to the Benton County area.







Area Attraction Owner Visits Mexico Pearl Farm

Since 1996, the only commercial cultured saltwater pearl farm on the continent has been located in Mexico's Sea of Cortez, also known as the Gulf of California, the balmy body of water separating mainland Mexico from the narrow Baja peninsula.

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FAM Tour

Owner and tour guide, Bob Keast entertains Art Henry for a poolside "brown bag" lunch. He joined the Wednesday, July 30, 2003 "Pearl of a Tour" group for a "FAM" (familiarization) Tour.

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Travel Guide Authors Visit Camden

Kids Love Publications' authors George and Michele Zavatsky toured a variety of Tennessee's attractions July 11-21 gathering information for their 2004 book: "Kids Love Tennessee." Over the last several years, the Ohio-based couple has researched and published several travel books including editions for Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio and the Virginias, now on the best seller lists.

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Billboard Erected On I-40

Billboard on I-40 at the 109 Mile Marker at Parkers Crossroads across the Interstate promoting the Chamber of Commerce and Camden. This was posted around July 21, 2003.

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'Ms. Cheap' Explores The Camden Area

Mary Hance aka "Ms. Cheap" ventured to the Camden area to explore aspects of time and money saving tips. Three-time-a-week columnist for the Nashville Tennessean for over 40 years, "Ms. Cheap" has become quite a personality and appears as a regular on Channel 5's "Talk of the Town" with Meryll Rose, Debbie Allen and Harry Chapman with a variety of "cheap" ideas for going and doing.

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2nd Annual World Class Open Bubba Jug Catfish Tournament Tourney Winner Hauls In 19.84 lb. 'Cat'

Jug fishermen from three states gathered at Birdsong Resort and Marina, Camden, for the 2nd Annual World Class Open Bubba Jug Catfish Tournament June 21 and 22. Official "ooze off" was at 7:00 p.m. Saturday night, June 21, with weigh-in at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday morning, June 22. Well over 500 lbs. of fish were hauled in for the big show down. Lots of tired faces awaited the calculations to determine the winners.

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Benton County Library Summer Reading Program
Over 150 Children Visit Pearl Farm

Over 150 children gathered in the lakeside pavilion at Birdsong Resort and Marina for their second field trip with the Benton County Library's "Summer Reading Program."

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Growing the BIG Cabbage

Mr. William L. Presson, Bruceton, gives Bob Keast a present notable of a photo opportunity.

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Tennessee Statehood Day Festival Benton County Promoted At State Celebration

Participants from all over the state joined hands to enjoy the Statehood Day Festival, Sunday, June 1. This "birthday party" for Tennessee celebrated the addition of the last bell to the Tennessee Carillon. Governor Phil Bredesen joined in the festivities at the Bicentennial Mall.

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On The Phones Taking Pledges

Bob Keast, owner of Birdsong Resort, Marina and Campground, along with friends Dan McCue and Gene Graff volunteered to "man the phones" Thursday, March 13.

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Benton County Receives $10,000 Grant

The State of Tennessee Department of Military and Emergency Management recently notified Benton County Executive Jimmy Thornton and Emergency Management Director Bob Keast that Benton County had been chosen as recipient of a $10,000.00 grant. The grant awarded is "earmarked" for use in purchasing new and upgrading existing Emergency and Fire Response Team equipment.

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Bob Keast to Moderate a Signage Panel on Tourism and Ribbon Cutting on the New Pearl Museum

In Feb. 2001, a group of several interested people met in Benton County to explore the possibility of identifying and developing some trails on the Tennessee River. And so began a number of meetings on the subject, each meeting being attended by more and more people.

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Bredesen Outlines Plans To Expand Tourism Economy

Nashville, TN - In what is becoming a regular pattern in the governor's race, Phil Bredesen last Friday presented plans to expand Tennessee's tourism economy, while Van Hilleary declined the opportunity to speak on the issues. Hilleary did spend about 10 minutes with the board of directors of the Tennessee Tourism Roundtable.

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Tennessee River Freshwater Pearls Featured on NewsChannel5's 'Talk of the Town'

NewsChannel5's 'Talk of the Town' included locals Bob Keast and Kristi Halsey on Thursday, December 5. Keast and Halsey were invited to appear on the show to bring the freshwater pearls from the Tennessee River Freshwater Pearl Farm and jewelry for the Holiday Gift Guide segments that aired during the Christmas season.

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Briarwood 3rd Graders Enjoy Halloween

Over 50 Benton County children from Briarwood's 3rd grade classes enjoyed a fun-filled Halloween at Birdsong Resort and Marina. They visited an internationally visited tourist attraction that can be found right here in Camden at the site of America's only Freshwater Pearl Farm and Museum.

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Dedication of the New Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy

It was a fog filled morning, October 22nd, as 74th District Representative John Tidwell, Bob Keast (Benton County Emergency Management Director, and Rescue Squad Member), Don Nerren of Decatur County Sheriffs Department and Jim Corbin, Assistant Chief of the Big Sandy VFD and Sec.

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The Fred Torres and Savannah Tennessee Volunteer Navy River Rats trek to Birdsong

For the 16th year, Fred Torres and the group from Savannah Tennessee and beyond arrived at Birdsong Resort and Marina for a fun filled fall weekend by boat.

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Benton County LEPC met at Birdsong

The morning of Tuesday, October 8th began on a cool, crisp note with temperatures dropping into the low 50's overnight. But at 10 a.m. when the members of the Benton County LEPC met at Birdsong in the warm sunshine, it didn't take long for interests in local emergency planning to warm up.

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The 18th Annual West Tennessee Industrial League Bass Tournament

The 18th Annual West Tennessee Industrial League Bass Tournament was held on Sunday, September 29th at Birdsong Resort, Marina and Lakeside RV and Tent Campground on the scenic Tennessee River's beautiful Kentucky Lake.

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Bob Entertains Girl Scouts Down at the Pearl Farm

Almost 50 Benton County Girl Scouts, gathered from five troops across the county, enjoyed a fun-filled Saturday afternoon.

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Annual Motorcycle Ride for Life and Cookout

It was the first Annual Motorcycle Ride for Life and Cookout that took place on Saturday, September 7th. The sign-ups for the ride began at the Carhartt Parking lot in Camden and the group left the lot at 10:40 a.m. to begin the 'first ever' Motorcycle Ride for Life with all proceeds from the event being donated to the Relay for Life.

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Sportsman's Challenge Nets Nearly 400 Pounds of Bass

Fifteen pounds would only put you in the top five, there was some serious fishing on Kentucky Lake.

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Keast Speaks to Jackson, TN Rotary Club About Tourism and Pearls

The Jackson Country Club in Jackson, Tennessee was the setting for the Jackson Rotary Club's weekly meeting on Wednesday, April 3 at noon. The special guest speaker was Bob Keast, CEO/Owner of Birdsong Resort, Marina and Campground, and host to America's only Freshwater Pearl Farm in Camden Kentucky Lake, Tennessee.

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Charles Searcy, Sports Writer, Retires from the Tennessean After 45 Years

The retirement column, a tough one to write, so we'll skip with all the baloney and just say thanks to a bunch of people. Length and a lapse of memory over the past 45 years will, undoubtedly leave someone out. For that, I'm deeply sorry. So, here goes...

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Whiteville FBC Tours Pearl Farm

The Whiteville First Baptist Church visited with us March 14 for a pearl tour.

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Birdsong Markets Kentucky Lake in 18 Cities

The marketing team from Birdsong Resort participated in travel and trade shows in 18 cities since January 1, 2002.

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Keast Addresses Japanese Travel and Media

Bob Keast, CEO/Owner of Birdsong Resort and the Pearl of a Tour, addressed tour operators and media from Japan in Jackson, Tennessee.

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"Taste of Jackson" Loves Benton County Sorghum

Birdsong Resort's marketing team presented Benton County sorghum and fresh biscuits to hungry show crowd.

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Pearl Farm Featured on CBS News Sunday Morning

CBS News' Rita Braver came to Camden to get the real story behind "Pearls"

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Camden Elementary Third Graders Visit Birdsong

Mrs. Jill Barnett's and Mrs. Susan Woods' third graders came to visit and learn about the lake environment.

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Keast Gets a First Hand Glimpse of the 9/11 Disaster

Bob and Janis Keast traveled to New York City shortly after the 9/11 tragedy and had the privilege to speak to and encourage the Ground Zero Firefighters and Rescue Workers.

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Keast Named Official Ambassador

Bob Keast has been selected by Governor Don Sundquist and Commissioner of Economic and Community Development, Alex Fischer, as an Official Ambassador of the State of Tennessee.

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Savannah River Rats

Fred Torres and the Savannah River Rats stopped over recently for their 15th Annual River Run.

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Fishermen Weather Storm

Jimmy French and Bryant Bawcum, Bruceton, teamed up to gamble - not only that they could catch enough bass to keep their number four slot - but also that they could get back to weigh them in.

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Birdsong Resort Hosts TEMA Meeting On Terrorism

Terrorism is no longer reserved for remote countries or international boundaries. The new threat, as we have witnessed, is the emergence of terrorism within the borders of the United States, such as the bombing at the World Trade Center and in Oklahoma City.

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17th Annual West Tennessee Industrial League Bass Tournament

The 17th Annual West Tennessee Industrial League Bass Tournament was held on Sunday, September 23rd at Birdsong Resort, Marina and Lakeside RV and Tent Campground on the scenic Tennessee River's beautiful Kentucky Lake. Two hundred and sixty two (262) fisherman from area companies were able to spend a fun-filled day on Kentucky Lake, catch a few fish, enjoy Benton County's vast shoreline and even make new friends.

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Wednesday, June 9, 1982 - Bass Tourney Pays Out $10,000



Camden-Fishing Capital of Tennessee

J. W. WARD, President of the Camden, Tennessee, Chamber of Commerce, replied, I don't know if we're big enough to handle something like this, but we would certainly like to try, to Glen Andrews' question if Camden would sponsor the first annual Tennessee Open Invitational Bass Tournament on Kentucky Lake.

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