South Carthage, TN — On Saturday, November 8th, 2025, the Smith County community is invited to lace up their running shoes and come out in support of a heartfelt cause. The Trot on the River 5K will take place at 9:00 a.m. at the Smith County Ag Center, located at 159 Ag Center Lane, South Carthage, TN. This family-friendly event promises not just a scenic race by the river, but also coffee, breakfast, and a meaningful opportunity to give back.

The event is being organized by Logan and Meghan Dickens, a local couple with deep roots in Smith County. High school sweethearts from Smith County High School’s Class of 2013, Logan and Meghan married in 2017 and have spent the past eight years building a life together. Now, they’re preparing for their next chapter: growing their family through adoption.

Adoption became part of their journey after Meghan, who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2013, was advised by her doctor against pregnancy due to potential complications. Though the decision to pursue adoption came after much prayer and consideration, Logan and Meghan now feel confident and excited about the path ahead.

“This wasn’t the road we expected,” says Meghan, “but it’s one we feel incredibly hopeful about. We’ve already been overwhelmed by the love and support we’ve received from our family, friends, and local businesses.”

The Trot on the River 5K is more than just a race—it’s a celebration of community, perseverance, and the power of coming together for something bigger. In addition to the run, attendees can enjoy hot drinks from Cedar City Coffee Truck and a breakfast and bake sale from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Proceeds from the event will directly assist Logan and Meghan with adoption costs, which can be significant. The couple is accepting 5K sign-ups via Venmo, where participants can include their shirt size and order information in the notes. Order forms are also available at select local businesses, and t-shirt orders will be accepted through October 14th, 2025.

“We’re excited to get the community involved in our fundraiser,” Meghan shares. “We feel so blessed for the donations we’ve received already and can’t wait to see everyone at the race!”

For those interested in learning more or staying up to date, Logan and Meghan encourage people to visit their Facebook page, “Trot on the River 5K,” or follow their adoption journey on Instagram at @whatin.thedickens.

So mark your calendars, grab your running shoes (and maybe your sweet tooth), and join the Dickens family on November 8th. Every step you take helps bring them one step closer to bringing a child home.

The Pregnancy Resource Center will be hosting FREE eye screenings on Saturday, October 6th, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon.

Location:
108 College Avenue West
Carthage, TN

Open to all ages
🔸 Participants under 18 must have a signed waiver from a parent or guardian.

Come take advantage of this valuable service—no appointment necessary!

Interested in starting a beekeeping hobby? Have you been a beekeeper for years? Interested in how honey is extracted? This has something for everyone! Come on out to the Smith County Chamber of Commerce Monday, September 22nd at 12pm! The Extension Agent from Fentress County is taking time to come to us to speak and share his experience beekeeping! Cost is $5 to attend and lunch is included! Please call the UT/TSU Smith County Extension Office at 615-735-2900 to sign up if you are interested! Hope to see you there!

Lace up your boots and get ready to make a difference! Saturday, September 27, 2025 volunteers will gather at Cordell Hull Lake to celebrate National Public Lands Day (NPLD), the largest single-day volunteer event for public lands in the United States.

This year, Friends of Cordell Hull Lake, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and local community members will focus their efforts on the newly established Storybook Trail along the Periwinkle Hiking Trail. Volunteers will help improve the trail by moving mulch and spreading mulch along the trail to enhance families’ visitor experience.

“We’re excited to have the community come together for National Public Lands Day to care for this beautiful area,” said Park Ranger Stone Fagan. “The Storybook Trail is a fantastic resource for children and their families of all ages, and this project will ensure it remains a welcoming space.”

Event Details:
• Date & Time: Saturday, September [specific date], 8:00 a.m.

• Location: Wildwood Marina, 7316 Granville Hwy, Granville, TN 38564

• Tasks: Volunteers will assist with moving and spreading mulch along the Storybook
portion of the Periwinkle Hiking Trail.

• Sign-Up: Please arrive a few minutes early for volunteer check-in, safety briefings,
and group assignments.

• Lunch: A free lunch will be provided at the end of the event for all volunteers.

• Event link: https://www.neefusa.org/npld/periwinkle-hiking-trail/national-public-lands-day-periwinkle-hiking-trail

NPLD is the largest volunteer event for public lands in the country, with over 130 national
parks participating and more than 9,000 volunteers contributing 54,000 hours of service
nationwide last year. This year’s efforts at Cordell Hull Lake will continue that tradition of
community involvement and environmental stewardship.

Get ready for a delicious evening of food and community fun at the Pleasant Shade Community Center’s Fish Fry on October 4, 2025!

The event will take place from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the community center, located at 743 Pleasant Shade Hwy. Guests will enjoy a meal featuring fish or chicken with hushpuppies, two sides, dessert, and a drink for $15.00. A special child plate is available for kids 8 and under for $10.00, including two pieces of fish, a hush puppy, French fries, and a drink.

Come out for great food and even better company while supporting your local community. Mark your calendars and bring your friends and family for an evening of Southern-style cooking!

For more details, contact the Pleasant Shade Community Center.

RIDDLETON, TN — The Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation (UCEMC) invites members and their families to attend its 87th Annual Meeting on Saturday, September 13 at Catesa Farms in Riddleton, Tennessee.

This cherished annual tradition promises a day full of fun, food, and fellowship. Festivities kick off with registration at 9:00 AM, followed by the official business meeting at 10:00 AM.

The event is designed to celebrate UCEMC’s valued members with a variety of family-friendly activities. Attendees will enjoy Helen’s famous fish and chicken, ice-cold watermelon, and live music from the LuggNutts. In addition, guests can participate in games and have the chance to win great door prizes.

“It’s our favorite day of the year, and we want to spend it with you,” says the UCEMC team.

The event will take place at:
Catesa Farms
11 Catesa Farms Ln
Riddleton, TN 37151

For more information, members can call 1-800-261-2940 or visit ucemc.com.

Are you in the market for some high-quality laying hens to start or grow your own backyard flock? We know where you can find some!

Members of the Smith County 4-H Chick Chain project would like to invite you to join them at the Smith County Ag Center on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, for the annual 4-H Chick Chain Poultry Show and Sale, where you can purchase some young, hand-raised laying hens and support a group of hardworking young people in the process!

This year, nearly 50 4-H’ers are participating in the 4-H Chick Chain project. Each participating 4-H’er received up to 24 two-day-old baby chicks in early April and has been responsible for raising them throughout the spring and summer.

On September 30th, 4-H’ers will select their three best pullets to enter into the show. The breeds that will be available for purchase this year are Buff Orpington and Black Australorp.

The show will begin with the judging of the pullets at 5:30 p.m. with the auction to follow at approximately 6:00 p.m. If you are interested in buying, please arrive by 5:30 p.m. so that you can check in and receive a bidder number.

Each 4-H’er is required to bring three pullets to be judged at the county show and may bring more for the auction. We should have a nice selection of laying hens to bid on! All proceeds from the sale go directly to the 4-H members to help with their expenses in raising the chicks.

Please consider coming out and supporting our 4-H Poultry Project members on September 30th!

For further information about the 4-H Chick Chain Project or our upcoming Show & Sale, call the Smith County Extension Office at 615-735-2900 or email rpetty@utk.edu.

Calling all homeschool students in Smith County! The first meeting of the Smith County 4-H Homeschool Club will be held on Tuesday, September 30th at 10:00 a.m. at the Smith County Ag Center. Our 4-H Homeschool Club is open to all students in 4th-12th grade, and there is no cost to participate. The Smith County 4-H Homeschool Club meets monthly from September through May, typically on the last Tuesday of the month.

4-H encourages youth to develop their unique skills and talents to the fullest potential. Each member can excel with the wide range of projects, programs, and activities that 4-H offers. By participating in clubs, classroom contests, afterschool judging teams, project groups, camps, and more, 4-H’ers foster communication skills, leadership, citizenship, teamwork, responsibility, and creativity that will help set them up for future success!

During our 4-H Homeschool Club meetings this school year, we will focus on cultivating life skills through lessons and contests like public speaking and project presentations and displays, as well as allowing 4-H’ers to show their creativity with the poster contest, photo contest, and piggy bank pageant. We will also participate in service projects.

The 4-H Homeschool Club is also a great way for homeschool families to make connections and for 4-H’ers to gain life-long friendships with their peers.

Students are able to participate in a variety of leadership opportunities through the 4-H program, and we will be electing club officers at our first meeting.

Our homeschool group has grown a lot the past couple of years, and we would love to have you join us! 4-H can offer so many beneficial opportunities for our local young people. We’re looking forward to a great school year together!

The 4-H Youth Development Program delivers programs through cooperative efforts of the University of Tennessee, Tennessee State University, and public and private sector volunteers. 4-H educational programs are offered to all youth, grades 4-12, on an age-appropriate basis, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.

Please call our office at 615-735-2900 or email rpetty@utk.edu with any questions.

Are you or someone you know struggling with addiction, situations, or circumstances that seem insurmountable?  If you answered yes,  then this recovery group is for you!  This is your opportunity to break “FREE”.  You do not want to miss this, COME AND SEE!  

STARTING:  TUESDAY   SEPTEMBER 9, 2025

TIME:  6:30 p.m. 

MEETINGS WILL BE EVERY TUESDAY

At: 168 Main Street East Gordonsville

JEREMIAH 29:13

LANCASTER, TN — The Lancaster Fire Department is set to host its beloved 35th Annual Firehall Jam on Saturday, September 13 at 5 p.m., promising a fun-filled evening of community spirit, great food, and lively entertainment.

A long-standing tradition in Lancaster, the Firehall Jam brings residents together to support local firefighters while enjoying classic small-town festivities. This year’s event will feature the ever-popular Cake Walk, live entertainment, and the delicious Cowboy Bean Supper, a favorite among attendees.

Held at the Lancaster Firehall, the event serves as both a community gathering and a fundraiser to support local fire services. With music, food, and activities for all ages, the Firehall Jam has become a highlight on the town’s annual calendar.

Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, as past events have drawn large crowds eager to join the festivities and support a great cause.

For more information, residents can contact the Lancaster Fire Department or check local community boards.

Don’t miss out on this hometown tradition—see you at the Firehall!