Thanks to some amazing donors Smith County Animal Clinic will host their 2nd Annual Ricky Rankin Veterinary Outreach Day Friday, May 17th. With this event they hope to fill a great need in the community and bridge the gap for families with pets who need help providing health care for their fur friends.

.If you know someone who would love FREE exams for their pets that day this event will take place from 8am-4pm. Helen’s Food truck and MoTown Treats will also be there, so stop by for some lunch, dinner or some sweets. For more information about the event you can check out the Smith County Animal Clinic facebook page or call 615-735-3330.

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will participant in the 2024 National Safe Boating Week, May 18-24, reminding all boaters to brush up on boating safety skills and prepare for the boating season. This observance week is the annual kick-off of the Safe Boating Campaign, a global awareness effort that encourages boaters to make the most of their boating adventure by being responsible.

National Safe Boating Week is held each year on the week prior to Memorial Day weekend. Boating partners across the United States and Canada are teaming up to emphasize safe boating practices, including wearing life jackets for National Safe Boating Week and throughout the 2024 boating season. The TWRA and partner organizations continue to prioritize educating the boating community about the importance of wearing life jackets and available options that are more lightweight and comfortable.

“TWRA is committed in its mission to make Tennessee waterways safe for everyone to enjoy,” said TWRA Boating Education Coordinator Betsy Woods. “Be sure to boat responsibly, keep alcohol at a minimum, make sure your boat is in good working order and by all means wear your life jacket, it may indeed save your life. Boating is a wonderful activity for family and friends, so have fun but do so in a safe manner.”

Tennessee offers boating enthusiasts an abundance of opportunities to enjoy the resources across the state. Memorial Day weekend is May 25-27 and viewed as the unofficial start to the summer boating season.

TWRA reports there has been a continued increase in traffic on the state’s lakes and rivers the last few years, especially in paddlecraft. Two of the three boating-related fatalities in the state this year have involved paddlecraft.

Recommended tips for boaters:

· Take a boating safety course. Gain valuable knowledge and on-water experience in a boating safety course with many options for novice to experienced boaters.

· Check equipment. Schedule a free vessel safety check with local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons to make sure all essential equipment is present, working and in good condition.

· Make a float plan. Always let someone on shore know the trip itinerary, including operator and passenger information, boat type and registration, and communication equipment on board.

· Wear a life jacket. Make sure everyone wears a life jacket – every time. A stowed life jacket is no use in an emergency.

· Use an engine cut-off device. An engine cut-off device, or engine cut-off switch, is a proven safety device to stop the boat’s engine should the operator unexpectedly fall overboard.

· Watch the weather. Always check the forecast before departing on the water and frequently during the excursion.

· Know what’s going on around you at all times. Nearly a quarter of all reported boating accidents last year were caused by operator inattention or improper lookout.

· Know where you’re going and travel at safe speeds. Be familiar with the area, local boating speed zones and always travel at a safe speed.

· Never boat under the influence. A BUI is involved in one-third of all recreational boating fatalities. Always designate a sober skipper.

· Keep in touch. Have more than one communication device that works when wet. VHF radios, emergency locator beacons, satellite phones, and cell phones can all be important devices in an emergency.

The Smith County Events Committee will host the 2nd Annual Community Field Day, Handmade Market and Yard Sale on Saturday, May 25th 2024 at the Smith County Agricultural Center from 10 am. to 4 p.m. It will be a fun filled day for the family.

The fundraising event will support two major upcoming event that are free to the community including the Back-2-School Bash (school supply give-away) and Hometown Halloween. The Community Field Day will feature many nostalgic activities and fun races for high school students and adults. Registrations for participants is $5.

Field Day Competition events are for Adults and High School Students. There will be eight different competitions between 10 AM and 3 PM with an award ceremony at 3:30 p.m. Sign up to compete here: https://forms.gle/b4KWvsuq4Bzbcy829

Handmade Market: Vendors can set up in Grass surrounding Crump Paris parking lots! A market area with all handmade items. Sign up for a booth here: https://forms.gle/CHkaV7jLyBvfsYUh9

Community Yard Sale: Community Individuals and groups can set up in grass along Crump Paris Walking track. Sign up for a space here: https://forms.gle/oRgXjwx3Q8BPhfH9A

Community Outreach Corner: Information regarding local, community-centered organizations’ information will be available. Sign up for a space here: https://forms.gle/sRZHDAJVE1NNGxsi6

Food Vendors can submit an application here: https://forms.gle/9XiK8u1oVwjenfTT7

There will also be a KIDS area with yard games, coloring, and more!

Jane Reeds Pleasant Shade Cafe will host the 1st Annual Pleasant Shade Community Market on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at 725 Pleasant Shade Highway in Pleasant Shade TN.

There will be over 50 vendors offering a great variety of merchandise, activities and fun. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Pleasant Shade Fire Department. Vendor applications are still being accepted email pleasantshadecommunitymarket@gmail.com.

The Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency (UCHRA) will hold a commodities distribution for Smith County on Tuesday, May 21st, from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the Smith County Agricultural Center. Sign-up will be available at the distribution site or online at uchra.org/communityservices.

The Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, sex, color, national origin, religion, or disability in admission to, access to, or operations of its programs, services, or activities. This project is funded under a Grant Contract with the State of Tennessee.

Gordonsville, Tenn.— Smith County Board of Education will host a graduation ceremony for the Gordonsville High School Class of 2024 on Friday, May 17 2024, at 7:00 p.m. at GHS.

Below are pictures of the graduating seniors in the GHS Class of 2024. 

From Smith County Insider and all of our advertisers, congratulations and best of luck, graduates! We have every confidence that you will continue to succeed and do remarkable things in the future.

Mayor Jeff Mason and Nobel Laureate and 45th Vice President Albert Gore, Jr. joins the Smith County Chamber of Commerce to celebrate its 50th anniversary on May 23rd, 2024 at the Smith County Agricultural Center in South Carthage. The former Vice President previously addressed the Chamber at its 10th, 20th, and 40th anniversaries.

A Legacy of Service and Growth

Since its founding in 1974, the Smith County Chamber of Commerce has followed its purpose to promote and support economic, civic, commercial, industrial and educational interest and the welfare of our area. With a vision to foster an environment in which business, industry and residents work together to achieve a prosperous future for Smith County. The Smith County Chamber of Commerce has secured the Governor’s Three Star Award for Excellence in Community Development for 41 consecutive years for the local government’s benefit.

A Vibrant Community and Active Chamber

The Chamber actively supports numerous events and initiatives that enrich the lives of Smith County residents: William Walton Days & Harvest Queen Pageant, Hometown Halloween and Christmas celebrations, Leadership programs for both adults and youth, Smith County Hunger Relief Fund, Smith County Disaster Relief Fund, Keep Smith County Beautiful, Carthage Junction Depot/ Pipers Ford, Smith County Living, to name a few.

Celebrating the Past, Embracing the Future

The 50th anniversary celebration is a time to acknowledge the Chamber’s past successes and chart a course for continued growth. The organization remains committed to supporting local businesses, attracting new investment, and enhancing the overall quality of life in Smith County.

Join the Celebration

The Chamber board of directors invites the community to join this momentous occasion. To learn details about the event, including registration information and RSVP requirements, contact the Smith County Chamber of Commerce 615-735-2093, info@smithcountychamber.org or stop by the office at 939 Upper Ferry Road, Carthage, TN 37030.

The 2024 Silent Auction for River City Ball went LIVE this Sunday at 8 am and you don’t have to be attending the ball to participate and win the bid. The auction will feature over 100 items donated by businesses across the state, and all proceeds from the auction will go to The Spot and Smith County Humane Society.

Since 2018 The River City Ball has been a nonprofit event operating under Smith County Living to benefit other organizations home to Smith County. Each year the board meets with potential recipients to interview and vote upon which cause will become a beneficiary. We are proud to have the ability to benefit two organizations this year. The 2024 River City Ball, presented by Rackley Roofing Inc, will raise funds for The Spot and Smith County Humane.

The Spot began in 2007 and serves students in grades 6th through 12th in Smith County. The group’s goals are to build the community to EMBRACE healthy relationships, DISCOVER their purpose, and INFLUENCE others, through positive ACTION. The non-profit organization will use the funding to continue providing free “Choosing to Change Juvenile Program”, after school program, and fine arts workshops. In addition to existing programs they wish to expand programs towards parent education, and a 12 week “Step Up Program” for repeat juvenile offenders. For more information regarding their program or how to get involved visit their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/TheSpotinCarthage.

Smith County Humane Society a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, they strive to dedicate to the general welfare; prevention of cruelty to animals and animal overpopulation; education concerning humane treatment of animals and responsible pet ownership as well as continued involvement in other animal welfare issues. The organization wishes two use the funding to assist with the Trap/Neuter/Release costs, low cost spay and neuter program, animal welfare investigations, and medical expenses.

SC Humane hosts a winter ball fundraiser annually in December. For more information regarding their program or how to get involved visit their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/smithcountyhumanetn.

Tickets for the event are sold out, but you can still participate towards the cause! The River City Ball will host a silent and live auction to raise money for these beneficiaries in addition to the black tie formal event. Those interested in bidding on our online auction sponsored by Michael “Woody” Woodard- Realty Auctioneer can do so https://app.galabid.com/2024rivercityball/regiser. Create your account and start bidding now. The auction will end 8:30 p.m.Saturday, May 11th.

If you are attending the Ball, don’t forget to get your Golden Ticket here: https://checkout.square.site/…/X33NVSF2ZT7LCEHBG7BWEOJ4.

The winner of the Golden Ticket will get the chance to choose any auction item (Live or Silent) before the live auction begins and the silent auction ends. Any item could be yours for just a $50 donation!

Mr. George McDonald will be hosting the event at his property, Catesa Farms. Dinner and beverages will be provided by Grade A Catering, Tenn Lakes Brewery, Cheers Liquor, a bourbon donation from Legacy Solutions Group LLC and The Golden Grounds Coffee Bar sponsored by Hannah Woodard, Realtor serving Rokabilly Coffee.

For more information concerning the event, please visit therivercityball.org or message us how to get involved on https://www.facebook.com/rivercityball.