Chocolate is a staple for Valentine’s Day in my book. What is better than chocolate? Homemade chocolate!

This Valentine’s Day why not treat your loved one or yourself to a box of homemade chocolate goodies? On Wednesday, February 14th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. the Smith County Family and Community Education Clubs (FCE) will again be hosting their Annual Chocolate Extravaganza!

This year FCE members will pre-package boxes by the dozen. A box of assorted brownies, cookies, candies, etc. is only $5.00.

Proceeds will benefit the Smith County Riverview Regional Making a Difference fund for hospital volunteers and FCE projects.

We hope to see you at Smith County Chamber of Commerce on February 14th!

Easy Crockpot Potato Soup

1 – 30 oz bag frozen diced hashbrowns

1 – 32 oz chicken broth

1 can cream of chicken soup (10 oz)

1 pkg cream cheese (8 oz)

3 oz bacon bits

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Salt & pepper to taste

Put hashbrowns in crockpot and add chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and ½ of bacon bits. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook on low for 7-8 hours. An hour before serving, cut cream cheese into small cubes and place in crockpot. Mix in completely. Top with cheddar cheese and bacon bits. Submitted by: Janie Mundy, Defeated FCE Club.

Get ready for a night of love, laughter, and memories as Smith County Habitat for Humanity, Inc invites you to their Father-Daughter Sweetheart Night on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at 6:00 pm. Held at the Smith County Ag Center, this special evening promises an enchanting blend of dinner and dance for dads and their daughters or grandfathers and granddaughters.

Father-Daughter Sweetheart Night is a unique opportunity for dads and daughters to share a memorable date night filled with joy and connection. Grandfathers and granddaughters are also welcome to join in the festivities.

Ticket Information:

• Cost: $60.00 for a father and daughter
• Additional Daughter: $25.00 each
• Ticket Deadline: February 21

Tickets can be purchased at Smith County Drug Center and Bass & Bass Attorneys. You can also buy them online through the Smith County for Humanity Facebook page or by searching “Eventbrite Smith County Habitat” on Google.

All proceeds from this heartwarming event go towards supporting the local housing initiatives of Smith County Habitat for Humanity, Inc. By attending, you not only create precious memories with your loved ones but also contribute to the vital work of building homes and fostering stronger communities.

Whether it’s a father and daughter duo or a grandfather and granddaughter pair, everyone is invited to be part of this delightful evening. Enjoy dinner, hit the dance floor, and make lasting memories while supporting a great cause.

The deadline to secure your tickets is February 21, so be sure to grab them soon and reserve your spot at this special event. It’s an evening dedicated to love, family, and making a positive impact in the community.

For more information and updates, visit the Smith County for Humanity Facebook page. Don’t miss this chance to create cherished moments while supporting the mission of Smith County Habitat for Humanity, Inc.

Get ready for a delicious evening for a good cause! The Smith County Humane invites you to their 2024 Spaghetti Dinner at the Smith County Ag Center on Friday, February 16, 2024. This heartfelt fundraiser promises not only a delightful meal but also a chance to support our furry friends in need.

Event Details:

• Date: Friday, February 16, 2024
• Location: Smith County Ag Center
• Time: 3pm-8pm

You can grab your tickets from one of our friendly volunteers, purchase them at the door, or pre-order now to secure your meal here. Can’t make it in person? No worries! TO GO ORDERS are gladly accepted.

If attending isn’t possible, you can still be part of the kindness by sponsoring a meal for someone in need. Let us know how many tickets you’d like to sponsor, and we’ll take care of the rest. Your generosity will make a real difference in supporting our current programs, future initiatives, and providing for the animals in our care.

How to Get Involved:

• Purchase tickets from our volunteers
• Buy at the door
• Pre-order here
• Sponsor a meal for someone in need

Smith County Humane extends their sincere gratitude for your ongoing support. Your generosity makes it possible for them to continue their mission and provide a better life for animals in need.

Join us on February 16 for a night filled with good food, compassion, and the joy of making a difference in the lives of our furry companions.

Nobels, the newest restaurant in Carthage, is set to host a special fundraiser on Friday, January 26, and Friday, February 2, 2024, in support of “The Spot,” a local non-profit dedicated to fostering positive development in youth.

The Spot Youth Center, open to students in 7th – 12th grade, aims to create a nurturing environment that molds responsible young individuals into valuable assets for the community. Offering a safe haven, The Spot provides a place where youth can be themselves, feel valued and accepted, and receive positive reinforcement of essential life skills.

Fundraiser Details:

• Dates: Friday, January 26, and Friday, February 2, 2024
• Time: 7 pm – 11 pm
• Location: Nobels, Carthage, TN

During the fundraiser hours, patrons can actively support The Spot by simply mentioning the organization when dining at Nobels. In a generous gesture, Nobels will donate 15% of the receipt to The Spot, contributing directly to the youth center’s mission.

This fundraiser presents a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together, enjoy a fantastic meal at Nobels, and make a positive impact on the lives of local youth. By participating in this event, patrons not only savor Nobels’ culinary delights but also contribute to building a brighter future for the young members of Carthage.

Save the dates and bring friends and family to Nobels on January 26 and February 2. Join the community in supporting The Spot’s mission of empowering youth and creating a lasting impact. Your dining experience at Nobels becomes a meaningful contribution to the development and well-being of local students.

UPDATE: Due to the extreme cold weather and potential for snow accumulation being forecast for next week, the cleanup day planned for Monday, January 15 will be cancelled. The Keep Smith County Beautiful Committee commented ” We care about the safety of our volunteers (many of which are youth) and feel it will be safer for everyone to stay warm at home! We hope you can join us for our Spring Cleanup event being planned in conjunction with Smith County Schools’ Spring Break (details coming soon).” Check out Keep Smith County Beautiful on facebook for more information.

Music and Tennessee just go together like biscuits and gravy and the Carthage Junction Depot has created an art event to celebrate our affection for the sounds that move our feet and touch our soul. On January 20 from 10-4, an exhibit of 10 local artists’ work inspired by music will be on display and open to the public. Styles of music from Bluegrass to Weird Al are represented in every medium from oil paint to floral foam. This event also includes a Record Swap. Several participating artists will be offering a selection of vinyl records available for sale for visitors to find some new tunes or favorite old jams.

The Carthage Junction Depot has several upcoming juried events with open calls for art entries. February’s show will be an exhibit of competitors vying for consideration to be the cover of the Smith County Fair program. March’s event features art by school age artists. April’s theme is birds and birdhouses. Entry requirements and event information can be found on the Carthage Junction Depot Facebook page.

The Carthage Rotary will host a Cornhole Tournament Fundraiser on Saturday, January 27th at the Smith County Agriculture Center. Registration begins at 9 a.m. Tournament play begins at 10 a.m.

Registration is $50 per team. First Place Prize is $350, second place $200 and third place is $50. All proceeds benefit local charities and community projects. Prizes will be awarded at the end of the tournament.

Food and beverage vendors will be available to provide drinks, snacks and lunch. Bring the family and enjoy the fun.

Keep Smith County Beautiful will host a Day of Service Annual Clean-up Event on Monday, January 15, 2024. The event will start at the Smith County Agricultural Center at 9 a.m. Areas for clean-up will be assigned. A light breakfast and lunch will be served. Support from UCEMC Cares and Project Hometown Help Grants help make these events possible. Check out Keep Smith County Beautiful on facebook for more information.

The Annual Helping Hearts Fundraiser Pageant will held on February 10th at the Smith County Ag Center from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• Entry fee: $40 
• Additional electives: $5 each
• *prettiest eyes
• *best dressed 
• *best smile 
• *best personality 
• *most beautiful/handsome
• *most photogenic 
• Males up to age 6 
• Females of all ages 

A humanitarian award will be given to the contestant who raises the most money individually for the selected cause by are 10 a.m. the morning of the pageant.

Entry forms available at Mandis Salon & Spa 

Pageant coordinator: Mandi Myers  615-735-7055

The Annual Spring Farm Equipment Consignment Auction will be held at the Smith County Ag Center and will take place on January 20, 2023, at 9 A.M.

All consignments are welcome ranging from tractors and large farm machinery to smaller items such as lawn mowers and hand tools. There will be a five dollar minimum per lot and absolutely no used car or truck tires will be allowed. 

Acceptable terms include cash or check, but out of town bidders should call the auctioneer prior to the sale if planning to pay with an out of town check.

Auction items will be received from Tuesday, January 16 -Friday, January 19th. All items must be removed from sell yard by Sunday, February 12th. This is a rain or shine event, and a great selection of equipment, metal and lumber is expected!