Applications for the next Habitat For Humanity home are now being accepted.  Deadline for the return of the completed application is October 9, 2023.  Completed applications can be mailed to P.O.  Box 58, Carthage or hand delivered to the offices of Bass & Bass, Attorneys.  

For an application, call (615) 709-2650, or pick up one at Bass & Bass Attorneys or one can be emailed upon request. Our next habitat house is located inside the city limits of Carthage.

By Katie Martin – Smith County Extension Agent

As summer fades and fall temperatures inch closer, my attention always turns to planting fall bulbs to establish spring blooms. When grey winter days have lasted for what can seem like months on end, beautiful spring flowers are always a welcome sight. If you are interested in adding bulbs to your landscape, there are a few easy steps you can take this fall to ensure spring success.

Selecting the right bulbs is the first step toward a colorful spring garden. In Tennessee, some popular choices for fall planting include tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and hyacinths. When buying bulbs, it’s best to purchase from a reputable dealer to ensure bulbs are high quality and free of disease. Consider the bloom time and height of each bulb variety when deciding on placement. A few of my personal favorite daffodil varieties include “Sir Winston Churchill,” “Replete,” and “Tahiti.” For tulips in the landscape, I prefer Darwin Hybrid varieties as they tend to perennialize better and come back more successfully year after year.

All bulbs thrive in well-drained soil with good sun exposure. Choose a spot in your garden that receives more than six hours of sunlight per day. Make sure the soil is well-draining to prevent bulb rot during the wetter months.

Generally, bulbs should be planted at a depth that is three times their diameter. More specific instructions can often be found on the packaging of the bulbs you have purchased. Keep an eye out for pests like squirrels and voles that may be tempted to dig up your newly-planted bulbs. Protective measures, such as wire mesh or repellent sprays, can help deter these critters.

If we can be of assistance when it comes to planting bulbs or any other home and garden topic, contact the UT Extension office at 615-735-2900 or check out our library of publications at smith.tennessee.edu.

by Rachel Petty – UT Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development

If you stopped by the Smith County Ag Center on certain afternoons throughout August and September, you might have seen students outside measuring trees with Biltmore sticks, carefully studying leaves to determine what kind of tree they came from, brushing up on their knowledge about common insects and diseases, or walking in a straight line beside a measuring tape to calculate their pace. These skills and more are what our Smith County 4-H Forestry Judging participants learn as they practice with us to compete in the Central Region Forestry Judging contest.

This year’s regional contest was held on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at Cedars of Lebanon State Park. Smith County was represented by thirteen outstanding 4-H’ers, and all thirteen came away from the contest with an award of some kind.

Our Senior High Team A, made up of Gabe Harville, Easton Bibbings, and Owen Meeks, placed 1st in the Senior High Division and will qualify to move on to the State Forestry Judging Contest in October. Our Senior High Team B, made up of Emmy Bibbings, Kynlee Davis, and Caleb Hensley, placed 4th. Individual Senior High awards went to Easton Bibbings (5th), Owen Meeks (4th), Emmy Bibbings (3rd), and Gabe Harville (2nd).

Our Junior High Team, made up of Presley Claywell, Turner Harville, Tana Harville, and Owen Kilcher, placed 1st in their division. Jay Driver also competed as a Junior High individual. Individual Junior High awards went to Jay Driver (9th), Turner Harville (3rd), Tana Harville (2nd), and Presley Claywell (1st).

We had two Junior individuals compete with us, as well. Josie Harville placed 6th and McCall Kemp placed 4th in the Junior Division.

We are so proud of our Forestry Judging group for their hard work and dedication!

For further information relating to Forestry Judging or any other 4-H activities, events, and projects, please contact Rachel Petty in the Smith County office of the University of Tennessee Extension at 615-735-2900.

The 4-H Youth Development Program delivers programs through cooperative efforts of the University of Tennessee, Tennessee State University, and public and private sector volunteers. 4-H educational programs are offered to all youth, grades 4-12, on an age-appropriate basis, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.

The American College of Cardiology has recognized Riverview Regional Medical Center (RRMC) for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. RRMC was awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation with Primary PCI in August based on rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 730,000 Americans suffer a heart attack each year. The most common symptom of a heart attack for both men and women is chest pain or discomfort. However, women are more likely to have atypical symptoms. Other heart attack symptoms include, but are not limited to, tingling or discomfort in one or both arms, back, shoulder, neck or jaw, shortness of breath, cold sweat, unusual tiredness, heartburn-like feeling, nausea or vomiting, sudden dizziness and fainting.

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is also known as coronary angioplasty. It is a non-surgical procedure that opens narrowed or blocked coronary arteries with a balloon to relieve symptoms of heart disease or reduce heart damage during or after a heart attack.

Hospitals that have earned ACC Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation have proven exceptional competency in treating patients with heart attack symptoms and have primary PCI available 24/7 every day of the year. As required to meet the criteria of the accreditation designation, they comply with standard Chest Pain Center protocols and are equipped with a robust hypothermia program for post-cardiac arrest treatment. These facilities also maintain a “No Diversion Policy” for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients.

“Riverview Regional Medical Center has demonstrated its commitment to providing Carthage with excellent heart care,” said Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH, FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation

Management Board. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award Riverview Regional with Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation.”

Hospitals receiving Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation from the ACC must take part in a multi-faceted clinical process that involves: completing a gap analysis; examining variances of care, developing an action plan; a rigorous onsite review; and monitoring for sustained success. Improved methods and strategies of caring for patients include streamlining processes, implementing of guidelines and standards, and adopting best practices in the care of patients experiencing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack. Facilities that achieve accreditation meet or exceed an array of stringent criteria and have organized a team of doctors, nurses, clinicians, and other administrative staff that earnestly support the efforts leading to better patient education and improved patient outcomes.

“The Chest Pain Accreditation ensures that Riverview follows all cardiac care guidelines for best practice,” said Russell Vincent, Director of Emergency Services at RRMC. “Our partnership with Smith County EMS and surrounding counties helps to ensure that we are able to provide timely and high-quality heart care close to home.”

The ACC offers U.S. and international hospitals like RRMC access to a comprehensive suite of cardiac accreditation services designed to optimize patient outcomes and improve hospital financial performance. These services are focused on all aspects of cardiac care, including emergency treatment of heart attacks.

About Riverview Regional Medical Center

Riverview Regional Medical Center (RRMC) is a 35-bed critical access hospital in Carthage, Tennessee. RRMC provides general medical and surgical care, 24-hour emergency services (including an accredited chest pain center), skilled nursing, psychiatric services, childbirth and geriatric care to residents of Smith and surrounding counties. Riverview Regional Medical Center is a facility of HighPoint Health System. To learn more, call 615-735-1560 or visit MyRiverviewMedical.com.

About the American College of Cardiology

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) is the global leader in transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health for all. As the preeminent source of professional medical education for the entire cardiovascular care team since 1949, ACC credentials cardiovascular professionals in over 140 countries who meet stringent qualifications and leads in the formation of health policy, standards and guidelines. Through its world-renowned family of JACC Journals, NCDR registries, ACC Accreditation Services, global network of Member Sections, CardioSmart patient resources and more, the College is committed to ensuring a world where science, knowledge and innovation optimize patient care and outcomes. Learn more at acc.org or follow @ACCinTouch.

With just one month remaining until the October 20, 2023 recruitment deadline, tnAchieves needs 4,300 additional volunteer mentors to meet student demand. The Upper Cumberland region has several counties with an outstanding need for mentors as well:

• Jackson County: 3 Mentors Needed
• Macon County: 13 Mentors Needed
• Overton County: 26 Mentors Needed
• Pickett County: 3 Mentors Needed
• Putnam County: 58 Mentors Needed
• Smith County: 16 Mentors Needed
• Van Buren County: 5 Mentors Needed
• White County: 25 Mentors Needed

The time commitment is small, only about one hour per month, and volunteers do not need an extensive background in the college-going process. Mentors will guide, support and encourage local students in their transition from high school into a post-secondary institution. tnAchieves provides resources, training and support to ensure each student and mentor has the details necessary to succeed. Those interested in registering can visit www.tnAchieves.org/mentors/apply. 

“With the October 20, 2023 registration deadline fast approaching, the need for volunteer mentors remains significant,” said tnAchieves Senior Director of Mentors Tyler Ford. “Meeting this goal is critical to the success of local high school seniors. When this goal is met, we ensure that each TN Promise student has local support and guidance as they navigate the college-going process. For many students, the simple act of encouragement during this transition makes a lasting impact. Volunteering as a mentor is a great way to ensure every local student has that critical support system in place.”

All volunteers are provided training as well as ongoing support from the tnAchieves team. Mentors will meet their students in December or January at the student’s high school. Mentors choose which county and high school they would like to serve. 

tnAchieves is a privately funded scholarship and mentoring program that seeks to provide an opportunity for every Tennessee student to earn a post‐secondary degree. If you have questions about the tnAchieves mentoring program, please contact Tyler Ford at (309) 945-3446 or tyler@tnAchieves.org.

The Governor’s Excellence in Service Awards began in 2016 to recognize outstanding state employees who are at the forefront of improving the way Tennessee State Government delivers services. The employees selected by their departments’ leaders are helping provide Tennessee taxpayers with the highest quality service at the lowest possible cost. This year Matthew Inyart, Network Ops Administrator Lead in Transportation was selected for the award.

Matthew Inyart began his career with the Tennessee Department of Transportation, in the IT Division in the Business Technical Support Team, in June 2015. He was promoted to Business Technical Support-Lead in July 2017 and then promoted to Network Operations-Lead in July 2019. Matthew has gone above and beyond to ensure the Department and its vendors are supported. He has a strong “will to serve” and exhibits a keen customer focus to ensure a positive end result. Matthew’s interactions have always been professional and courteous. He ensures that all needs are met to help them complete their jobs. When asked what he enjoys most about his job he said, “I love finding solutions for people to harness technology to make their jobs easier. It’s always a new and exciting challenge which is why I love my job.”

Matthew is active in his personal life. He is a County Commissioner in Smith County, representing District 4 (Rome/Rock City) and serving as the Chairman for Steering Committee B. He also serves as the Cub Scout Pack 367 Committee Chairman, River City Ball Committee, Southside Lions Club, New Middleton #249 and Carthage Benevolent #14 Masonic Lodges, and helps coach his son’s soccer and baseball teams. Matthew is married to his wife Stephanie and has two sons, Cooper, age 7, and Coleman, age 8.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will be celebrating 2023 National Hunting and Fishing Day on Saturday, Sept. 23. On this special day, the rich tradition of fishing, hunting, and target shooting is observed to recognize the conservation efforts of sportsmen and women across the country.

Wildlife and fisheries conservation in Tennessee is primarily funded by the sales of hunting and fishing licenses, boating registrations, and a portion of the Real Estate Transfer Tax. In addition to license sales, TWRA also receives federal grant funding from excise taxes on the sale and manufacturing of certain outdoor recreation gear, firearms, ammunition, and fishing equipment.

National Hunting and Fishing Day was established by the U.S. Congress in 1972 to recognize hunters and anglers for their financial contributions to wildlife conservation. The event is celebrated in all 50 states annually on the fourth Saturday in September. In Tennessee, National Hunting and Fishing Day coincides with the start of the statewide fall archery season for deer and the fall archery season for turkey in selected counties. This year, it also is on the first day of autumn.

“We are grateful to have nearly one million licensed hunters, anglers, and boaters in the state of Tennessee who support wildlife conservation with their license purchases,” said TWRA Executive Director Jason Maxedon. “These funds support conservation programs, habitat acquisitions, and outdoor recreational opportunities, and we invite all Tennesseans to go outdoors and experience our beautiful natural resources.” 

One of the main goals of National Hunting and Fishing Day is to recruit new hunters and anglers by encouraging participation and increasing public awareness of the connection between hunting, angling, and conservation. TWRA also offers events and classes throughout the year to welcome new people to outdoor recreation. Visit the events page at GoOutdoorsTennessee.com for more information.

Meet Sheldon, a 4-year-old Giant Teddy Bear Schnoodle, who volunteers as a Service Animal at Riverview Regional Medical Center (RRMC). Sheldon visits each Wednesday with hospital patients, Renewal Center patients and monthly with patients attending therapy at Senior Life Solutions. He’s made such a good impression, that a patient even asked if Sheldon could visit them at home once they were discharged.

Patients are not the only ones who enjoy his visits. The staff enjoy him so much many have made a “Sheldon Corner” in their areas for him to play when he stops to visit.

Sheldon is certified through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Sheldon and his owner, Tara Hale, went through a year and a half training program with ThunderHawk Canine in Cookeville to obtain his certification. Sheldon also has a Certificate of Achievement, Canine Good Citizen Title Certificate and AKC Community Canine Title Certificate under his belt.

Tara and her husband, Mike, own a funeral home and discussed getting a therapy dog for quite some time. They said they prayed about it, did a lot of research, and talked to other funeral homes that had therapy dogs, but were unsure of how a small town would take to having a dog in a funeral home. Tara said God led them to a farm in Alabama, and that lead them to Sheldon.

“Sheldon has been the biggest blessing not only to me and my family, but to the funeral home and the families we serve, as well as the places we are blessed to visit,” said Tara. “People have welcomed him with open arms and that has been an answered prayer.”

Sheldon has expanded his visits outside of the funeral home. He’s been to DeKalb Middle School and New Life Early Learning Center. He has been invited to Murfreesboro schools and he’s going to a nursing home in Smithville soon. But RRMC is one of his and Tara’s favorites.

“We love our visits not only with the patients, but with the staff as well,” said Tara. “You all have made us feel like family from day one and I can’t thank you enough for that. We love the RRMC staff!”

Sheldon is a real “Love Bug” and loves to cuddle. He thinks he is a 77-pound lap dog. Here are some fun facts about Sheldon:

· Sheldon is a real goofball outside of doing his therapy work … he gets the zoomies and runs around in circles jumping on and off the couch.

· He doesn’t like to get in the pool, but he likes to play with his brother, Tara’s son, in the pool and race with him around the pool.

· He loves to play fetch but only for a few minutes, and to see the way he gallops will crack you up. Just ask any RRMC staff member.

“Sheldon just brings joy and laughter to everybody he comes into contact with. He is an absolute joy to have in our lives,” said Tara. “People come to the funeral home to see Sheldon even when we are not busy. He is truly a blessing.”

About Riverview Regional Medical Center

Riverview Regional Medical Center (RRMC) is a 35-bed critical access hospital in Carthage, Tennessee. RRMC provides general medical and surgical care, 24-hour emergency services (including an accredited chest pain center), skilled nursing, psychiatric services, childbirth and geriatric care to residents of Smith and surrounding counties. Riverview Regional Medical Center is a facility of HighPoint Health System. To learn more, call 615-735-1560 or visit MyRiverviewMedical.com.

The Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation State Board of Directors have selected Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation Director of Membership Bryan Wright to replace Rhedona Rose as executive vice president. Rose recently announced she will retire at the end of the and 37 years of service.

Wright began his career in 1993 as an insurance agent in Smith County with Tennessee Farmers Mutual Insurance Company. He was hired as Tennessee Farm Bureau’s member benefits coordinator in 2001 and became associate director of organization in 2003. In 2014, he took over as director of the membership division. As a White County native, Wright graduated from Tennessee Tech University with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture in 1992. He and his wife, Regina, live in the Brush Creek community of Smith County where they are members of New Middleton Baptist Church and have two adult sons, John and Jack.