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March 2024
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Smith County Chamber Corner Show – March 2024

Check out the March 2024 edition of the Smith County Chamber Corner Show!

This month’s show features local businesses, community organization and events going on in and around Smith County.

If you would like to promote your event or local business on the Smith County Chamber Corner Show, contact the Smith County Chamber of Commerce by calling 615-735-2093 today. 

Watch the full show below, or catch it on DTC3 TV.

March 2024 Meeting of the Gordonsville City Council

The Gordonsville City Council held its monthly meeting on Monday March 11, 2024.

You can watch the full council meeting below.

Subscribe to Smith County Insider’s YouTube channel to stay up-to-date on meeting coverage, business spotlights, video features, and more!

The Gordonsville City Council meets at 6:15 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at Gordonsville City Hall, located at 63 Main Street in Gordonsville.

All meetings are open to the public and streamed live at https://www.facebook.com/smithcountyinsider/.

Drug Bust on Interstate 40 Leads to Multiple Arrests in Smith County

Around 8:47 AM on January 28, 2024, Officer Williams initiated a traffic stop at the 258-mile marker for the improper display of a tag. The driver, identified as Travion Fleming, and the passenger, Makayla Atkins, both lacked valid driver’s licenses. Fleming admitted to having a suspended license.

While gathering information, Williams detected an odor of marijuana from the vehicle. Atkins admitted to having marijuana in her purse. However, Fleming refused to exit the vehicle when asked to do so for a search.

Additional officers were called to assist, and after negotiating with Fleming, he eventually handed over a bag containing several ounces of methamphetamine hidden between the seats. Following this discovery, Fleming was handcuffed and taken into custody.

A further search of the vehicle revealed approximately 13 grams of marijuana. Fleming was advised of his Miranda rights and chose to remain silent. Meanwhile, Atkins was arrested and transported to jail for the marijuana found in her possession.

During the jail search Atkins was found to have two Roxy 30 pills. She claimed ownership of both the pills and the marijuana. The approximate weight of the methamphetamine seized was 5 ounces.

Both Fleming and Atkins are facing charges related to the possession and distribution of illegal substances. The case will now proceed through the legal system, and the TBI lab analysis will play a role in determining the severity of the charges.

March 2024 Meeting of the Carthage City Council

The Carthage City Council held its monthly meeting on March 7th at 6:00 pm. Several items were discussed. Watch the full meeting below.

Thanks to Teresa’s Gifts for sponsoring Smith County Insider’s live broadcast of this meeting.

Subscribe to Smith County Insider’s YouTube channel to stay up-to-date on meeting coverage, business spotlights, video features, and more!

The Carthage City Council meets at 6:00 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at Carthage City Hall, located at 314 Spring Street in Carthage, Tennessee – 37030.

All meetings are open to the public and streamed live at https://www.facebook.com/smithcountyinsider/.

GHS Student is making history with the UT Martin Stunt Team

Violet Gillilan, 2022 Gordonsville High School Graduate

The University of Tennessee at Martin is the first college in TN and the only D1 college in TN to have a STUNT team. Sophomore team member Violet Gillilan is a 2022 Gordonsville High School graduate was signed with the team in April 2022. She has enjoyed being a part of the inaugural season for the UT Martin Skyhawks.

The Skyhawks made their official debut on March 3rd. Competing in an official capacity for the first time, the University of Tennessee at Martin STUNT team wrapped up its program debut with a win over Central Arkansas at the Simon Athletic Center on the campus of Maryville University. The game capped off a 33-month journey that began when UT Martin announced its plans to field a competitive STUNT program pending NCAA certification back in June 2021. The Skyhawks competed in eight exhibitions last season – winning six of those – before the NCAA approved STUNT at the Division I level in August 2023.

STUNT is an exciting head-to-head game between two teams that incorporates the technical and athletic skills derived from cheerleading. Created by USA Cheer, STUNT is a discipline of competitive cheerleading that removes the crowd-leading element and focuses on the technical and athletic components of cheer. STUNT features two teams in a head-to-head four-quarter competition in a 45-60 minute event that is scored based on execution. Quarters of a STUNT game include partner stunts, pyramids/tosses, jumps/tumbling and a team compulsory routine. A total of 61 colleges or universities currently sponsor the sport of STUNT. The Skyhawks are one of 14 active NCAA Division I schools

The 2024 regular season schedule will wrap up with four games over a two-day span in Nashville, Tenn. UT Martin on Friday, March 15 and Saturday, March 16. The Division I national championships are set for April 12 through 15.

Large Spring Consignment Sale Pleasant Shade Community Center March 28-30th

The Pleasant Shade Community Center will host a large consignment sale March 28th-30th. Any item (new or used) can be entered into the sale as long as it is in GOOD WORKING CONDITION. (i.e. kitchenware, bath items, tools, machinery, furniture, clothing, toys, jewelry, etc.) Keep in mind that Pleasant Shade Community Center is not liable for any of your items broken or damaged in the sale.

If you are interested in entering items in the sale, you may contact one of the following persons to get information and a number will be assigned to you for tagging your items:

Ann Gregory – 670-9845

Wesley Rigsby – 677-6514 or 683-7525

Consignment Dates 2024

Thursday, March 28th – 9AM-6PM

Friday, March 29th – 9AM-6PM

Saturday, March 30th – 8AM-2PM

Sleeping in Parking Lot Leads to Drug Bust

Sarah Hobbs

Officer Dusten Holder patrolled in the Pilot parking lot in early February when Holder observed a female slumped over sleeping inside her car next to the gas pump. After knocking and talking to the woman she opened the vehicle door. The woman was identified as Mrs. Sarah Hobbs. Hobbs denied using any drugs when questioned.

After questioning, Officer Holder found a crack pipe located in the car, Hobbs denied ownership citing it was her friend’s. After the discussion, Hobbs was searched. Several baggies, 6 in total, were found. These substances included crystal meth, heroin, and fentanyl. After being detained Hobb’s car was towed. 

Hobbs was sent to the Smith County Jail for processing.

Keep Smith County Beautiful Spring Clean-up Day March 26th 2024

The Keep Smith County Beautiful committee is hosting a Spring Break clean-up day on Tuesday, March 26, 2024. The day will begin at the Smith County Chamber of Commerce at 9 a.m. and end at 1 p.m. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Gloves and safety vests will be provided to all volunteers. Community service hours will be verified if needed.

WISE SCHOLARSHIP – Women Inspiring Self-Motivated Empowerment

Cookeville, TN – The Upper Cumberland Womens Club and local women entrepreneurs have launched the WISE Scholarship to be awarded in May 2024.

The WISE Scholarship will be awarded to wormen who want to or are making a difference in the community and would like to partner with UCWC and local women entrepreneurs. The WISE scholarship will encourage a partnership with upcoming future entrepreneurs in the Upper Cumberland region, i.e. realtor, hairdresser, nail tech, insurance agent, banker, business owner etc. The WISE Scholarship and the ladies of the UCWC and local women entrepreneurs would like to financially assist someone who has a need for additional assistance to move forward , who also welcomes the wisdom and mentorship of other successful and seasoned women in business to help them reach their professional goals.

The Upper Cumberland Women’s Club of TN is dedicated through philanthropic activities to address the critical needs of women in our community. The women of the The Upper Cumerland Women’s Club of TN, advocate for education, women’s health, diversity, and inclusiveness recognizing the potetntial of each invididuals’s value to contribute to the organization, home and community.

The Upper Cumberland Women’s Club of TN was established as a club in 2010 and has now established its 501C-4 in 2024 and was created to educate, inspire and motivate women so they will be empowered to achieve their personal, civic and professional goals.

UCWC is an avenue for networking, fellowship and support through speakers and

programs providing information for personal and professional growth.

For more information or to apply to the WISE Scholarship, or our bi-monthly luncheons, please visit our UCWC Facebook, Instagram page or email ucwomensclub@gmail.com.

Food Giveaway March 30th at Smith County Historic Courthouse

Grace Baptist Church will be serving a hot meal the last Saturday of every month. It will be a different meal every time. Additionally there will be clothes and bags of necessities for homeless or anyone who needs them. They are excited to reach and satisfy a need in the community.

The next two dates include:
March 30th – starts at 11 while food/supplies last
April 27th – starts at 11 while food/supplies last

Food for Thought – Walk Across America

Ready, Set, Walk! According to Harvard Health, walking improves cardiac risk factors such as cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, vascular stiffness and inflammation, and mental stress. Walking and other moderate exercise programs also help protect against dementia, depression, and colon cancer and can lower death rates. Walking has other benefits that one may not think of as readily; it counteracts the effects of weight-promoting genes, it helps lessen a sweet tooth, and it boosts immune function.

The University of Tennessee Extension Smith County is partnering with Smith County Health Department to again offer Walk Across Tennessee for 2024. Walk Across Tennessee is a program that persuades and motivates people of all ages to get started exercising or get back into the routine of exercising. It is a program that is simple and safe. All you need is a team of eight people and a desire to get moving!

Teams simply pool their mileage each week to work towards the chosen destination on a map that will be posted on the Walk Across Tennessee Smith County Facebook page. Dust off your walking shoes and prepare to join us on this eight-week journey “across Tennessee” from April 1-May 26! There is no cost to participate. Prizes will be awarded throughout the competition, and the teams with the most miles will be recognized. Register online by March 28th at https://tiny.utk.edu/WATIndvReg. Team captains must also register teams at https://tiny.utk.edu/WATTeamReg.

Corn Casserole

1 can whole corn

1 can cream style corn

1 package corn muffin mix

1 cup sour cream

1 cup shredded cheese

1 stick melted butter

Mix all except shredded cheese and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Spread cheese over top and bake 5 more minutes. Submitted by: Jenna Key, Night Owls FCE Club

UT Extension News: March is Extension Month

By Katie Martin – Smith County Extension Agent

Did you know that March is Extension Month in Tennessee? Extension is a national educational program supported by USDA through the nation’s land-grant universities and administered with funding from state and local governments. UT Extension has an office in every county in Tennessee, staffed with professionals who are knowledgeable in areas such as agriculture, families and health, and youth development. As an “extension” of the University of Tennessee, we bring research-based information from the University into local communities.

Throughout the month of March, UT Extension- Smith County will be working to highlight how we provide Real. Life. Solutions. to farmers, families, and 4-H’ers in Smith County every single day. During this month alone, our 4-H program, led by Rachel Petty, is working with after-school activities like horse judging, livestock judging, and archery. 4-H’ers in their in-school clubs will be competing with their Demonstrations and Interactive Exhibits, and we will be working hard to raise funds for Jr. 4-H Camp. Our Family & Consumer Science program, coordinated by Mary Draper, will have programs like Tai Chi, Walk with Ease, and Yoga for Kids happening throughout the month. In Agriculture & Natural Resources, I will be helping facilitate a farm tour, celebrating Tennessee Tree Day, and hosting a Wildlife program.

As you can tell, March will be a busy month for UT Extension. We invite everyone in the community to help us celebrate Extension Month by participating in events, following us on social media, and sharing how Extension has benefited your life. When you think of Extension you may only think of farmers or 4th graders, but that is truly only scratching the surface! We hope you will take Extension Month as an opportunity to see how the friendly faces at your local Extension Office can benefit you!

For more information about all the wonderful opportunities UT Extension-Smith County has to offer, please drop by our office at 125 Gordonsville Hwy, Suite 300 in Carthage, find us on Facebook at UT Extension-Smith County, or give us a call at 615-735-2900.

Special Thanks to Supporters of 2023 Santa Shoppers Program

Each year Smith County Sheriff’s Office and the Smith County Chamber of Commerce partner to offer the Santa Shoppers Program. Since the beginning almost 1500 children have been served. In 2023, over $35,000 was raised and 220 children were served.

Officers from the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the Gordonsville Police Department, the South Carthage Police Department, the Carthage Police Department, TWRA, Smith County Sheriff’s Office and several other agencies gathered at the Carthage Walmart to shop with and buy Christmas presents for local children.

On behalf of the Smith County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Steve Hopper, they would like to thank the following who made Santa’s Shoppers program a success for 2023. Thank you to all those listed below for your continued support.

Anne Cole, Bailey Family Dentistry, Bass Funeral Home, Bass Trucking & Excavating, BB’s Bistro, Beth Davis, Billie Butler, Billy Joe Powell, Bonnell, Branden Bellar, Brenda Allison, Brenda Beasley Brian & Meagan Smith, Brody Kane, BRW, Buddy Collins, C A Cook, C.D. Miller, Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, Carol Gann, Carthage Benevolent Lodge,Carthage City Police Department, Carthage Courier, Carthage Dollar General, Carthage Domino’s, Carthage FCE Club, Carthage Fire Department, Carthage Pizza Hut, Cassie Mofield, Charles Gregory, Charlie Bob Hughes, Chestnut Mound C F C, Chris & Cozette Manus, Citizens Bank, Clara Byrd, Clifa Norris, Connie Massey, Cumberland Supply, Dale’s Towing, Darian Smith, David Woxley, Dene Owens, Difficult Lodge 451, Dr. Rick Rutherford, East Carthage Missionary Baptist Church, Elmwood Chestnut MD FCE, Eugene Roberts, Family Worship Center COGOP, Faye Reece, George Reed, Gerald & Susan Solimine, Gerald Smith, Glen Cherry, Glen Reece, Gordonsville Police Department, Grace Smith, Hackett’s Discount Drug, Hannah Brooks, Hickman Baptist Church, Hunts Brothers Pizza Truck, Jack & Hazel Gregory, Jackie Carver Sr, James Avery, James & Brenda Owens, James & Melissa Hebert, Jared Baptist Church, Jason Roberts Jr, Jeanette Doggett, Jere Andrews, Jessie Goad, Jim Massey, Jimmy & Denise Carter, Jimmy Lankford, Joe Taylor, Joey & Rusti Nixon, Johnny & Jacqueline Bane, Joseph Kachinski, Judith & Lawrence Wagner, Judy Kruzan, Justified Riding Club, Kempville Chapel Old Time Methodist Church, Kevin & Brenda Blair, Kim White, Kristy Glover, Lancaster Hill Church of God, Larry & Glenda Kilzer, Larry & Penny Bartlett, Laura Gibbs, Lee Davis, Lisa’s Nutrition, Margaret Lewis, MC & Sue Hix, Melinda Mofield, Melody Oldham, Michael & Lisa Overstreet, Michael Rowe, Middle Tn Natural Gas Project Hometown Help, Nancy Pettross, New Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, New Middleton School, New Salem Missionary Baptist Church, North Carthage Missionary Baptist/Adult Men’s Class, North Gordonsville Baptist Church, Pat Bush, Peyton Creek Baptist Church, Phillip &Valerie Upchurch, Powell & Meadows, Powell Tire, Randall Glover/School Board Member, Realty Empire LLC, Ricky Nesbitt, Riley Davis, Robert Dickens, Robert Wright SR, Roger & Deanna Shoulders, Rome Baptist Church, Rome Church of Christ members, Rotary Club Smith County Noon, Roy Knight, Sanderson Funeral Home, Sav-way, Scott Baillie, Scott Paschal, Scotty & Debra Dillehay, Shelly Bryan, Smith County Animal Clinic, Smith County Bank, Smith County Hardware, Smith County Motors, Smith County Middle School Cheerleaders, Smith County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and Employees, Smith County US Army Corps of Engineers, Smith Drug Center, Smith Farmers Coop, South Carthage Police Department, South Side lions Club, Carthage Subway, Sycamore Valley Missionary Baptist Church, Taiho Manufacturing, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Terry Collins, Thomas Minick, Tidwell Bonding, Tiff Arnold Paving, Tillman Payne Law Office, Tom & Pam Billington, Tom Arnold Construction, Tommy Thompson, Town of Carthage, Town of Gordonsville, Town of South Carthage, UCEMC Cares,Walmart, Walter Glen Birdwell, Wanda Andrews, Wilson Bank & Trust

Carthage Junction Depot Features Artwork from Smith County Youth

The Carthage Junction Depot invites you to visit our Third Annual Youth Art Show. School age children across the county were invited to submit work for consideration and a beautiful array of work is now assembled in the gallery. We hope you will join us in celebrating the talent, creativity, and hard work of our county’s youth. This exhibit is free to attend and will be open to the public March 16 from 10am-4pm.

The Carthage Junction Depot is located at 185 Gordonsville Highway. Check out the the Carthage Junction Facebook page for information regarding this and other upcoming art exhibits.

‘Cheer or go to jail’ – SRO cheers on Gordonsville High School Basketball Team

In a thrilling sectional game that saw the Gordonsville High School Men’s Basketball team secure a historic victory over the South Pittsburg Pirates, one figure stood out among the sea of fans, rallying support in a unique and memorable way. Nick Campbell, a deputy at the Smith County Sheriff’s Office and the School Resource Officer (SRO) at Gordonsville Elementary School, became a beacon of encouragement as he cheered on the team with an unconventional sign that caught the attention of everyone in the packed gymnasium.

Waving a sign that read, “Cheer or go to jail,” Campbell’s spirited gesture not only captured the attention of the crowd but also ignited a sense of enthusiasm and support for the home team.

“As a graduate of Gordonsville High School, I understand the rivalry between Gordonsville and South Pittsburg,” remarked SRO Nick Campbell. “I had several people reach out and ask if a sign was made, if I’d be willing to hold it. I immediately said yes. I love what I do, and love being able to interact with not only the students, but also the community. It is an honor and a privilege to serve the community of Gordonsville, and the people of Smith County.”

Throughout the game, Campbell took on the role of a cheerleader, pumping up the crowd and urging them to rally behind the Gordonsville Tigers. His energetic presence reverberated throughout the gym, spurring the players on to a remarkable victory over their opponents from South Pittsburg.

This victory holds special significance for Gordonsville High School as it marks their first appearance in the state tournament since 1996. The team’s remarkable journey to the state level has been nothing short of inspiring.

With the sectional win secured, the Gordonsville Tigers are now preparing to face Middle College from West Tennessee in the upcoming state tournament. Scheduled for Wednesday, March 13th, at 7:15 PM, the game will take place at the iconic Murphy Center, also known as “The Glass House,” on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, TN.