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Smishing Unpaid Toll Scam

Smishing Unpaid Toll Scam

Written by CedarStone Bank News on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Be cautious when sharing your personal information, especially with the rise of “smishing” scams — fraudulent text messages designed to trick you into giving up sensitive data like credit card numbers or personal details.

Even the most tech-savvy individuals can fall for these schemes. A common example: you receive a text claiming you owe money for an unpaid highway or interstate toll. The message may threaten late fees or legal consequences, urging you to act quickly by clicking a link.

Here’s how it typically happens: You’re on the go when a message pops up. It looks official — maybe even branded with a state agency logo — and it says you missed a toll payment. Wanting to avoid penalties, you quickly follow the link and enter your payment info on what appears to be a legitimate site. Only later do you realize it was a scam.

The key takeaway? Don’t click links you can’t verify, and never share personal or payment information in response to unsolicited messages. Scammers send out thousands of these texts hoping just a few people will take the bait — don’t let it be you.

Teacher Of The Year Nominees 2024-2025 Cumberland University Baird Chapel

Wilson County Teacher Of The Year 2025

Written by CedarStone Bank News on . Posted in News & Events, Press Releases.

For the 27th consecutive year, Wilson County Motors and CedarStone Bank are proud to honor the exceptional educators of Wilson County. These dedicated teachers invest countless hours into shaping the future, developing innovative teaching methods and philosophies that will continue to positively impact our community for years to come.

Teachers from both public and private schools throughout Wilson County were nominated by their peers as the “Teacher of the Year” at each respective school. On January 3, 2025, a special reception was held to recognize these outstanding educators, with past award winners also in attendance. A distinguished panel of faculty from Cumberland University’s Education Department will review the applications and select the overall winner of the 2025 Wilson County Teacher of the Year. The recipient will be announced at the upcoming awards banquet.

W.P. Bone, III, of Wilson County Motors, shared, “We recognize the profound and lasting impact that teachers have on our children’s lives. It is vital that we acknowledge their unwavering dedication and the tremendous contributions they make to our community. The Teacher of the Year Program is our way of expressing the appreciation they truly deserve.”

Bob McDonald, President and CEO of CedarStone Bank, added, “I often reflect on the invaluable life lessons I learned from my teachers. Their dedication, patience, and hard work are crucial in preparing our future leaders and sustaining a thriving community. It’s an honor to see our incredible teachers celebrated and recognized for their hard work at the banquet.”

The winner will be announced following the keynote address by Dr. Paul Stumb, President of Cumberland University. Each teacher will receive a plaque to commemorate their achievement, and the overall Teacher of the Year will be awarded a personal check for $3,000, along with a $1,000 check for their school.

The 2025 Teacher of the Year Banquet will take place at Cumberland University’s Baird Chapel on Friday, April 4, 2025. The following teachers will be honored at this prestigious event:

  • Leslie Tomlinson – Barry Tatum Academy
  • Dalton Teel – Byars-Dowdy Elementary School
  • Jonathan Stricklin – Carroll-Oakland Elementary School
  • Jessica Brooke Lipshie – Castle Heights Elementary School
  • Ashley Arledge – Coles Ferry Elementary School
  • Julie T. Smith – Elzie D. Patton Elementary School
  • Ashley Broomfield – Friendship Christian School
  • Kala Ealy – Gladeville Elementary School
  • Jennifer Bamford – Gladeville Middle School
  • Melissa Prince – Green Hill High School
  • Jamie Wallmark – Jones Brummett Elementary School
  • Melissa Cole – Lakeview Elementary School
  • Allen Davis – Lebanon High School
  • Erin Clark – Mt. Juliet Christian Academy
  • Elizabeth Elgin – Mt. Juliet Elementary School
  • Sergeant Major Jonathan Clark – Mt. Juliet High School
  • Brittney Osburne – Mt Juliet Middle School
  • Rachael Agnew – Rutland Elementary School
  • Vicki Davis – Sam Houston Elementary School
  • Ashlee Sexton – Southside Elementary School
  • Charisse Carter – Springdale Elementary School
  • Kimberly McPeak – Stoner Creek Elementary School
  • Erica Douglass – Tuckers Crossroads Elementary School
  • April Downing – W.A. Wright Elementary School
  • Kristina L. Hobbs – Walter J. Baird Middle School
  • Mrs. Tammy Tucker – Watertown Elementary School
  • Paige Allmond – Watertown High School
  • Kimberly Stone – Watertown Middle School
  • Jennifer Crockett – West Elementary School
  • Tara Palmer – West Wilson Middle School
  • Jessica Agee – Wilson Central High School
  • Amy Richards – Wilson County Adult High School
  • Sarah Savannah Howard – Winfree Bryant Middle School

Pictured left to right are Bob McDonald, President & CEO of CedarStone Bank, 2025 Teacher of the Year Nominees, & and W.P. Bone, Owner of Wilson County Motors. 

Wilson County Sheriff Robert Bryan

Sheriff Named “Roastee” at Kiwanis Club Event

Written by CedarStone Bank News on . Posted in News & Events.

Wilson County Sheriff Robert Bryan will be the featured “roastee” at the Fourth Annual Kiwanis Club of Lebanon Roast, the club announced.

The Roast is scheduled for Tuesday, April 8 at the Capitol Theatre in Lebanon.

Kiwanis Club member Melynda Bounds will chair this year’s event.

The Roast continues the tradition established by the Lebanon/Wilson County Library, which ran for 30 years. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Lebanon/Wilson County community and other local Kiwanis charities.

The Kiwanis Club of Lebanon, a civic organization with a 75-year history, is dedicated to supporting needy children in Lebanon and Wilson County.

Tickets can be purchases at Exit Rocky Top Realty C&D Team in Lebanon as well at CedarStone Bank in Lebanon. For more information contact Wilson Powell at Wilson.Powell@raymondjames.com. Bounds at mbounds@cedarstonebank.com or go to the Kiwanis Club of Lebanon website at www.kiwaniscluboflebanon.com.

CedarStone Bank Snow Closure

Modified Hours for Inclement Weather

Written by CedarStone Bank News on . Posted in Closings.

Due to inclement weather and current forecasts, our hours will be modified on Thursday, February 20th to be open 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. We will continue to monitor the weather and roads in the event these hours need to be changed. Please continue to check our website and social media for any necessary updates that may need to be made. You can always access your account through online banking and telephone banking. 1-888-730-7483

CedarStone Bank Snow Closure

Modified Hours For Inclement Weather – Wednesday, February 19

Written by CedarStone Bank News on . Posted in Closings.

Due to inclement weather and current forecasts, our hours will be modified on Wednesday, February 19 to be open 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. We will continue to monitor the weather and roads in the event these hours need to be changed. Please continue to check our website and social media for any necessary updates that may need to be made. You can always access your account through online banking and telephone banking. 1-888-730-7483

Unexpected Package Scam

Unexpected Package Scam

Written by CedarStone Bank News on . Posted in Privacy & Security.

There’s something thrilling about opening the mailbox or front door to find an unexpected package. While free gifts might seem exciting, receiving an unanticipated delivery could come with hidden risks.

Scammers are now sending counterfeit “luxury” items, such as rings, beauty products, and even Bluetooth speakers. This deceptive tactic is known as a “brushing scam,” named for the way it helps the scammer “brush up” their sales. Here’s how it works: scammers or sellers of counterfeit goods gather personal details, like your address, online. They then send you items you never ordered and use your information to post fake reviews about their products under your name, boosting their sales in the process.

You might wonder, “Who cares if a fake review is posted in my name?” The issue is, if you’ve received a package you didn’t order, it’s likely that someone has your personal information. Dealing with the fallout from identity theft could lead to significant time and financial loss.

If you’ve received an unexpected package, here’s what you should do:

  1. Change your passwords on all your online shopping accounts to protect them in case they’ve been compromised.
  2. If the package came from a marketplace like Amazon, report it to the platform so they can investigate and possibly remove the seller.
  3. Monitor your credit weekly by checking your report for free at AnnualCreditReport.com to look for any signs of identity theft.
  4. Avoid contacting the sender. If you search for their contact details and reach out, there’s a chance you’ll be targeted for further attempts to steal sensitive information.

If you’ve received a package you didn’t order, keep the items and report the scam, along with any fake reviews, to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

CedarStone Bank Snow Closure

Modified Hours For Inclement Weather – Friday & Saturday

Written by CedarStone Bank News on . Posted in Closings.

Due to inclement weather and current forecasts, our hours will be modified on Friday, January 10th to be open 8:00 am – 11:00 am. We will be closed on Saturday, January 11th. We will continue to monitor the weather and roads in the event these hours need to be changed. Please continue to check our website and social media for any necessary updates that may need to be made. You can always access your account through online banking and telephone banking. 1-888-730-7483