Defying the stereotypes attached to severe autism, the 20-year-old has been featured on News Channel 5, given an honorary lifetime membership with Art Round Tennessee, and included in the Council on Developmental Disabilities’ magazine Breaking Ground for his stunning dioramas.  

His mother Jennifer Gray stated, “As a parent of a special needs child, you’re always looking for what their gift is. You know he has one, but what is it? This work brings us together.”

“Since childhood, Thomas’s autism has meant that he has incredible focus. Add to that his ability to look at a picture and make what he sees, and it’s evident that Small World Dioramas was destined to be born.

During COVID, Thomas made his first 3ftx3ft dollhouse from a kit. lt took three months of his tireless, incredible focus. Small diorama kits followed. And in 2022, he made his first original diorama of The Exceptional Bean, a coffee shop in Cookeville, TN, that hires special needs people. ln two years, he made more than 30 dioramas many of which are local businesses. Working at his own pace, he makes nearly everything from scratch, which takes time…but it’s worth it and he loves to see people happy with his creations.”

This one day exhibit will feature 11 amazing miniature scenes. The exhibit is free and open to the public from 10am-4pm on Saturday, September 13. The Carthage Junction Depot is located right beside the Crump Paris sports fields, 185 Gordonsville Hwy, Brush Creek, TN. 

Additional Resources: 

Cookeville Lifestyle article https://cookevillelifestyles.com/movers-shakers-thomas-golz/

News Channel 5 piece about Thomas https://www.newschannel5.com/news/autistic-artist-and-mom-host-gallery-of-dioramas-including-cookeville-businesses

Carthage, TN – Families in Smith County are invited to attend “Baby Days,” a special community event hosted by Carthage Walmart on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM in the store’s parking lot.

This family-friendly event promises to be a vibrant gathering with the aim of connecting parents and caregivers with local organizations that support family well-being. Among the participating organizations are the Tennessee Department of Health, the Pregnancy Resource Center of Smith County, and Head Start—all offering valuable information and resources for parents and young children.

“Baby Days” is more than just an informational fair. Visitors can expect fun, community interaction, and a variety of food trucks on-site to keep everyone fueled and festive throughout the afternoon.

Organizers hope the event will strengthen ties between local services and the community while offering a fun day out for families of all sizes.

Mark your calendars and join in the celebration at Carthage Walmart—an afternoon of support, learning, and fun awaits!

Get ready for the annual Emmanuel House Fundraiser. Join Highpoint Health – Riverview with Ascension Saint Thomas on Wednesday, September 17, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM at the Highpoint Health – Riverview Cafe to help a great cause.

For just $10, you can enjoy a delicious plate that includes spaghetti with your choice of meat or veggie sauce, a side salad, garlic bread, and dessert.

All proceeds from this event benefit the Emmanuel House. Your support makes a difference in the Smith County community.

Please note: This event is cash or check only, with checks made payable to Emmanuel House.

Join us for the Carthage Family Chiropractic 11th Birthday Foam Party!! We will have popcorn, face painting, foam, music, snow cones, bbq dinner plates available for $15, dessert auction, and more! Proceeds and donations will be given to Lance Walton & Family for medical expenses. Bring the entire family. We look forward to seeing you there!

Join us for the William Walton Harvest Festival on Saturday, September 27th, 2025! This exciting event promises a full day of fun, entertainment perfect for families and friends alike.

From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Historic Smith County Courthouse will come alive with the sounds of live music performed by a diverse lineup of talented artists. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere on the courthouse lawn, where you can explore engaging demonstrations, partake in fun games, and let the kids jump to their hearts’ content in the inflatable bounce houses.

Stroll along Main Street and 3rd Avenue, which will be bustling with a variety of vendors and food trucks offering mouthwatering treats and unique crafts.

For more information about this year’s event, please contact the Smith County Chamber of Commerce at 615-735-2093. We look forward to seeing you there!

Worried about your lawn? Want to keep your yard as healthy as it can be? Coming up! August 29th! We are excited to welcome the Agriculture Extension Agent from Overton County, Jason Garrett, to talk about lawn health! Cost is $5 and, of course, lunch is provided! If you are interested, please call the UT/TSU Smith County Extension Office at 615-735-2900 to sign up!

Smith County is gearing up for an unforgettable day of festivities as Fall Fest ’25 takes over 150 Pigeon Roost Road from 2 PM to 10 PM. With a jam-packed schedule full of games, music, food, and charity, there’s something for everyone at this year’s event.

A highlight of the day will be the Cornhole Tournament, kicking off with registration at 4 PM. Teams will be drawn at random, and participants will compete for the coveted first place trophy. Entry is either a donation of a bag of dog or cat food or $10 per person, with all proceeds benefiting the Smith County Humane Society.

Fall Fest ’25 also promises a wide array of family-friendly attractions, including:

• Hot Wheels races
• A massive 66-foot inflatable obstacle course
• Classic backyard games
• A cozy evening bonfire

Music lovers are in for a treat with live performances throughout the evening by several talented local bands, including:

• Speed Trap
• Taylor Harris
• Double Axes
• Vintage Voltage
• Road to Richmond

Foodies can look forward to delicious eats from Helen’s On The Go, a popular food truck serving up crowd favorites.

This event is more than just a fall celebration—it’s a chance to give back to the local community and support animals in need. With the perfect blend of entertainment, charity, and community spirit, Fall Fest ‘25 is shaping up to be a must-attend event this season.

Event Details:

• What: Fall Fest ‘25
• When: Saturday, October 4th, 2025 | 2 PM – 10 PM
• Where: 150 Pigeon Roost Rd, Brush Creek, TN
• Cornhole Registration: 4 PM
• Entry Fee (Cornhole): Bag of pet food or $10 per person
• Beneficiary: Smith County Humane Society

Mark your calendars and come enjoy a full day of fun—all for a great cause!

The application period for both the 2025-26 Sandhill Crane quota hunt and the 2025-26 Bobwhite Quail quota hunt will be open Sept. 3-24.

Additional information can be found on the quota hunt instruction sheets available online at Quota Hunts (tn.gov). Applications can be made online at gooutdoorstennessee.com, TWRA mobile app, in person at any TWRA license agent, or TWRA regional office. No mailed applications will be accepted.

SANDHILL CRANE QUOTA HUNT:

Applicants may create or join a party (five maximum), apply alone, or submit a point only application. A party must be established by a party leader who will create the party. A party number will be assigned to the leader after the application has been submitted to the system and is printed on the receipt. The leader notifies the person(s) wishing to join the party of the party number, and the members will choose “join a party” and then enter the party number on their application. The party number is what links all applications together.

Point only applications must be submitted individually (no parties). Applicants will be awarded one additional priority point, after the drawing is finalized, that will be added to their existing priority point total for this specific quota hunt application. Individuals cannot submit a priority point only application and a party application to enter the hunt. All applicants must be 13 years old by the application deadline to enter the drawing.

TWRA’s priority drawing system gives one priority point to applicants each year they apply and are not successful for any hunt. Applicants who were successful on their last application, start over with a priority of zero. If applicants in a party have varying priority points, the points will be averaged and rounded to the nearest whole number. If a party application is unsuccessful, each individual party member’s total will increase by one point.

BOBWHITE QUAIL QUOTA HUNT:

For the second year, a Bobwhite Quail quota hunt will be held on four dates at Bridgestone Firestone WMA on Dec. 18, and on Jan. 8, 15, and 22 in 2026. There will be one permit per hunt and applicants may create or join a party or apply as an individual. The maximum party size is three, and there are no priority points associated with this hunt.

If drawn, applicants may choose to alter their party or bring additional hunters (not to exceed a party of three) up until check-in at the WMA, the day of the hunt. Non-hunting individuals may not go on the hunt.

Applicants must be at least six years old by the date of the hunt. There can be no more than two youth (16 years old or younger) in a party. Youth hunters must be accompanied by an adult who may hunt as a member of the party, not to exceed a party of three.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR EACH OF THE HUNTS

Customers can apply by using any one of the following methods: 1) www.gooutdoorstennessee.com

2) Via the TWRA mobile app

3) At one of the TWRA regional offices

4) At any TWRA license agent

There is no application fee for current Annual Sportsman License holders or Lifetime Sportsman License holders. For all other applicants, there is a non-refundable $12 application fee, and a vendor fee. When applying at a license agent, hunters must remain at the location while the application is processed to verify the information is correct on the receipt.

All applicants should have a valid and accurate email address on their GoOutdoorsTennessee.com account. A receipt, which serves as proof of application, will be sent to the email address on the account.

Applicants may review their application (including party members) by logging in at GoOutdoorsTennessee.com. Applications may be edited by the applicants until the deadline. Successful applicants will be notified by email.

Tennessee residents are allowed to hunt without a license on Saturday, Aug. 23, which coincides with the opening day of squirrel season.

Free Hunting Day is an annual event provided by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) in hopes of increasing interest in hunting. Squirrel hunting is one of Tennessee’s oldest and favorite traditions. The day serves as an excellent opportunity for people to experience the enjoyment of the sport.

The TWRA encourages regular hunters to introduce friends and family members (young and old) to the outdoor sport. It is also an excellent opportunity for people who have not tried hunting in a while to be reintroduced to the sport.

In addition to the opening of squirrel season, the three-day archery-only antlered deer hunt on private lands and selected Unit 1 wildlife management areas (WMAs) is set for Aug. 22-24. Check individual WMAs for regulations. Due to the removal of Unit CWD, guns and muzzleloaders are no longer allowed during the August season.

On Free Hunting Day, state resident hunters are exempt from hunting licenses and WMA permit requirements. Many of the WMAs are open to hunters seeking public access on Aug. 23. Hunters are asked to check the 2025-26 Tennessee Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping Guide for specific WMA regulations. Hunters are required to ask for permission to access private lands.

Hunters can harvest up to 10 squirrels a day from the opening day of squirrel season through March 15, 2026. Each hunting day begins a half-hour before sunrise and ends a half-hour after sunset.

Hunter education requirements are not waived for Free Hunting Day. Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1969, is required to have completed a hunter education course. An Apprentice Hunter Permit is required for those born on or after Jan. 1, 1969, if the hunter education course has not been completed.

This permit exempts the hunter from the mandatory hunter education law for one year from the date of purchase but may only be purchased for up to three consecutive years during the lifetime of the hunter. Youth under 10 years of age do not need a Hunter Education certificate but must be accompanied by an adult at least 21 years of age who must remain in a position to take immediate control of the hunting device. Visit www.tnwildlife.org to complete hunter education online or find a listing of scheduled classes.

For more information about hunting in Tennessee, visit TWRA’s website at www.tnwildlife.org or contact your nearest TWRA regional office.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for protecting, managing, and conserving fish and wildlife species for the benefit of Tennesseans and visitors. The Agency also maintains public safety through law enforcement and safety education on waterways.

The River City Ball Committee is gearing up for its 2026 celebration and is inviting community members to be part of the excitement from the very beginning. The official event planning kick-off will take place on Monday, August 25th, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at the Smith County Chamber of Commerce.

This meeting will serve as the first step in shaping the 2026 River City Ball, a highly anticipated community event known for its elegance, entertainment, and local involvement. Organizers are encouraging anyone who has ever considered joining the committee to attend and share their ideas.

“Being part of the River City Ball planning committee is a great way to contribute to our community, meet new people, and help create an unforgettable event,” the organizers said.

Whether you have experience in event planning or simply a passion for helping bring the community together, this meeting offers the perfect opportunity to get involved.

For more information about the River City Ball or the planning committee you can reach out on their Facebook page.