The Gordonsville High School Class of 2026 is gearing up to raise funds for their much-anticipated Project Graduation event with a community car wash scheduled for Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 1 to 4 p.m. The fundraiser will be held at Citizens Bank, offering residents a chance to get their cars sparkling clean while supporting a great cause.

The car wash is donation-based, meaning there’s no set price—community members are encouraged to give what they can. Proceeds will go toward ensuring a safe, fun, and memorable Project Graduation celebration for the upcoming senior class.

“Let us put the shine on your ride!” organizers say, as they invite the public to stop by, show their support, and help the Class of 2026 “glow-up” their graduation night plans.

Project Graduation events are designed to provide students with a substance-free celebration on graduation night, and the success of fundraisers like this one plays a crucial role in making it all possible.

For more information or to support the event, visit the Citizens Bank parking lot in Gordonsville on August 2.

The Smith County Young Farmers & Ranchers are excited to host a special community event in celebration of July as Beef Month, recognizing the vital role beef plays in Tennessee agriculture and family meals.

The event will take place on Friday, July 25th at 5:00 p.m. at Sav-Way and will feature free hamburger plates, giveaways, and fun activities for all ages.

Held annually, Beef Month highlights the contributions of local cattle producers and the beef industry as a whole. Smith County’s farmers and ranchers are proud to share their work and passion with the public during this free event aimed at bringing the community together.

We will have some giveaways as well on Friday! One exciting item is a custom-made fire pit, generously made and donated by Thomas Gibbs of Gibbs Welding and Fabrication.

To learn more about beef and its nutritional benefits, visit https://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com.

Make plans to come see us Friday at 5:00 p.m. at Sav-Way! Bring your appetite and enjoy an evening of great food, community fun, and support for local agriculture.

The Veterans of American Legion Post 57 will hold a free summer concert at the Historic Smith County Courthouse in Downtown Carthage on July 19th from 6-9 PM.

Bring a lawn chair, your family, and friends, and be ready for some great music on the old courthouse square. Food trucks will be available.

Recovery Workshop to Address Link Between Unhealthy Relationships and Addiction in Carthage

CARTHAGE, TN – July 15, 2025 — A free community workshop aimed at exploring the connection between unhealthy relationships and addiction will be held later this month in Carthage, Tennessee. The event, titled “Recovery Workshop: The Connection Between Unhealthy Relationships and Addiction,” will take place on Friday, July 26, 2025, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. at “The Spot,” located at 108 Ward Ave. E.

Led by John Michael Dixon, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC, MHSP) verified by Psychology Today, the workshop is open to anyone interested in building stronger, healthier families. Dixon brings professional expertise in addiction recovery and relationship dynamics, and will guide attendees through how toxic relational patterns can influence or exacerbate substance abuse.

Organizers emphasize that the workshop is free of charge and inclusive to all community members. Light refreshments will be provided.

Youth and Family Resource is a community organization that builds skills for healthy relationships through evidence -based programs to help junior and senior high teens make good choices, establish a solid foundation for life, and positively impact their schools and community.

For more information about the event, interested individuals are encouraged to contact Barbara at 615-489-5900.

Smith County, TN – Families across Smith County are invited to celebrate the start of the new school year at the much-anticipated 2025 Back-2-School Bash, set for Saturday, July 19th from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Smith County Chamber of Commerce.

Organized by the Smith County Events Committee, this free annual community event is more than just a celebration—it’s a vital support system for local students and their families.

“This event is all about making sure every student in our county is equipped and excited for the school year,” said a representative from the Events Committee. “We want every child to walk into school on the first day feeling confident and prepared.”

The Back-2-School Bash is known for its strong community support. Last year, the event raised over $10,000, providing hundreds of local students with essential items like backpacks, notebooks, pens, and access to school pantry programs.

Whether you’re a parent, student, or community supporter, the 2025 Back-2-School Bash offers a meaningful way to connect and contribute to Smith County’s future—one backpack at a time.

A wide variety of artists and craftsmen will be on hand at the Carthage Junction Depot Saturday, July 19 for the Artist Co-op Sale. This one day event is free and open to the public from 10-4. The Carthage Junction Depot is located at 185 Gordonsville Hwy, Brush Creek, TN (right next to the Crump Paris Park, South Carthage.

Meet the Artist Co-op Event participating artists:

Kadence Poindexter

“My name is Kadence Poindexter, and I am a sophomore at Smith County High School! I have a deep appreciation for all art and plan to be an art teacher upon graduating college. I love all animals and spend a lot of time drawing and painting them. I work with various forms of media. You will find some of my original and printed animal art work, along with some other fun creations at the Depot this Saturday!”

JoAnn Mathew’s

JoAnn paints all things, she uses different kinds of mediums, and paints most days!
She has taught many workshops all over the country, and for years at Trinidad State Junior College in Trinidad, Co.

JoAnn teaches watercolor classes regularly and can be found on the Off the Beaten Path studio tour each year. 

Steve Lamont of Lamint Woodworking

Lamint wood works are made locally in Smith County, TN.

“The highest artistic value of any piece coming through my little shop is found in the medium itself, the wood, the credit of which belongs not to me, but to our Creator.

Most of the wood I use is not only local but pieces that have been regarded as scrap or has been re-purposed.”

Lori Greer, Loops& Leather fiber arts

Lori Greer, the creator behind Loops & Leather, loves all things fiber art from processing wool to spinning & weaving with traditional methods and tools. She offers Farm to Functional items with the fleeces from her small “flerd” of Angora goats & Merino sheep along with natural cotton for kitchen linens. 

Georgina Chidlow-Irvin, author and illustrator of the Knit Knots book series

Georgina has art directed and designed children’s Christian books for over 20 years. Her love of young children inspired her to create this series.

Tabatha Edwards, Cub Knob Creations pyrography

The owner of Cub Knob Creations specializes in using the ancient art of pyrography to make modern day jewelry, cutting boards, wall art, and other decorative items. 

Hershel Woodworking 

Hershel Mitchell has a local wood shop he runs out of his shop at his home in Gordonsville. He makes all types of crafts and woodworking ranging from Wood, Epoxy Resin, Laser Engraving, as well as building custom furniture and Wood projects. 

Emma Ray Ceramics 

 Emma has always loved art and loves working with her hands. Each piece of her work is mindfully made! 

Erica Apple of Erica’s Tie Dyes

Returning Co-op sale favorite, Erica’s tie dye colors are so beautifully vibrant and the designs she creates are so unique. 

Tetiana Suzi oil  paintings

“I’m Tetiana Suzi an artist specializing in Impressionist-style oil paintings. My work focuses on capturing the beauty of everyday scenes and other inspirations close to my heart with a fresh, spontaneous approach. I love using rich, vibrant colors as well as pastel shades and expressive brushstrokes to bring each piece to life. My collection includes a variety of subjects, from serene landscapes and cityscapes to lively animal portraits, all painted with a sense of emotion and movement. You’ll find both small, intimate pieces and larger works. Explore my art and discover the joy and energy I pour into every painting.”

Michelle McRae- origami and woven crafts

Known to the community as a beloved Spanish teacher, Michelle actually thinks of herself primarily as an artist and community builder. Michelle has loved art and has wrapped her world in color for as long as she can remember. For this event, she is bringing a variety of crafts including beautiful, decorative origami balls and colorful woven bracelets.

The Carthage Junction Depot hosts monthly art events. More information about upcoming exhibits, featured artists, and how you can get involved can be found on the Carthage Junction Depot Facebook page.

The Smith County Amateur Radio Club will meet Monday, July 21 at 6 PM at the Chamber of Commerce. We will be practicing a Fox Hunt using a transmitter and antennas created by our radio club members. Anyone is invited to attend. For more information contact Larry Puhl, 224 489 4330.

The Upper Cumberland Adult Abuse Coalition is proud to announce its 15th annual Upper Cumberland Vulnerable Adult Summit, an event made even more special as it coincides with the 20th anniversary of the coalition’s establishment. This vital summit will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Putnam County Convention
Center in Cookeville.
This year’s summit celebrates two decades of dedicated service by the coalition in addressing the
complex issues facing vulnerable adults in the Upper Cumberland region. The agenda will feature
comprehensive discussions on critical topics including abuse, financial exploitation, mental health
challenges, social isolation, and other pressing concerns affecting this population.
The Upper Cumberland Vulnerable Adult Summit is a crucial educational and networking
opportunity for professionals and the public alike. Targeted attendees include attorneys, law
enforcement officers, medical staff, elected officials, social workers, ombudsmen, conservators,
adult protective services personnel, district attorneys, financial institutions, post office employees,
in-home service providers, senior centers, advocates, caregivers, and college students majoring in
criminal justice, sociology, nursing, and gerontology. Members of the general public are also
strongly encouraged to attend to gain valuable insights and understanding.
This year’s esteemed lineup of speakers and presenters includes:
● Danny Faye, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI)
● Keita Cole, TN Department of Disability & Aging (DDA)
● Keynote Speaker: Blaine Little, presenting on “Perception, Power, and Professionalism”
● Michelle Parrott, UT Extension of Putnam County
● Panelists: Holly Montooth & Jacklyn Medley (UCHRA Transportation), Anne Stamps
(Volunteer Behavioral Health), Marsha Gibbons (YMCA), Sean Ledden (Caption Call),
Kathryn Wisinger (Putnam County Library), and Jayne Guy (White County Senior Center).
The cost to attend the summit is $40, which includes lunch and refreshing breaks. For
professionals seeking to further their credentials, Continuing Education and Legal Credits are
available for an additional $20.

Attendee registration is required by Thursday, July 31. Interested individuals can find registration
details and additional contact information by visiting www.ucdd.org.
The Upper Cumberland Adult Abuse Coalition hosts this conference in collaboration with Avalon
Center, Alzheimer’s Tennessee Cumberlands, Ascension Saint Thomas Highlands, Life Care
Center of Crossville, Smile on 65+, Addus HomeCare, A+ Medical, Quality Home Health, Senior
Solutions Home Care, TN Dept of Commerce & Insurance, TN Dept of Health, TN Dept of Human
Services – Adult Protective Services, Senior Medicare Patrol, Volunteer Behavioral Health, and TN
Association of Area Agencies on Aging and Disability.
Join the Upper Cumberland Adult Abuse Coalition to commemorate 20 years of dedication and to
gain essential knowledge that empowers our community to better protect and support vulnerable
adults.

July 11, 2025

Smith County Republican Party Announces 2025 Reagan Dinner Featuring Congressman Tim Burchett

Carthage, TN — The Smith County Republican Party is proud to host the 2025 Reagan Dinner on Friday, July 25, at the Smith County Ag Center, located at 159 Ag Center Lane, Carthage. The event will begin at 6:00 PM and feature Congressman Tim Burchett as the keynote speaker.

This year’s Reagan Dinner will also welcome special guests including Smith County Mayor Jeff Mason, State Representative Michael Hale, and Senator Paul Bailey. The evening will be a celebration of conservative values, community engagement, and political insight as leaders from across the region gather to connect with local citizens.

Tickets are available for purchase via the QR code on the flyer attached or by visiting the Smith County Republican Party’s Facebook page at www.fb.com/SmithCoRepParty. Ticket sales end on July 15, so early purchase is encouraged.

For more information and updates, please visit www.fb.com/SmithCoRepParty.

Carthage Church of God Freedom Fest
Join us for our 4th of July Celebration!

Saturday, July 5th
Starting at 4:00 PM
382 Main Street South, Brush Creek, TN 38547

Bring your friends and family for an unforgettable evening of fun, food, and fireworks!
Enjoy:

Delicious Food
Spectacular Fireworks
Fellowship
Inflatables for Kids
Watermelon Eating Contest
Cornhole Tournament
…and so much more!

Let’s celebrate freedom and faith together—we can’t wait to see you there!