Lady Owls Soccer Cannon Co., Dekalb Co. and Senior Night
- Aubree Spain, assisted by Kylee Brooks
- Aubree Spain, assisted by Courtney Haley
- Aubree Spain (unassisted)
- Matty Walker, assisted by Chloe Gill
- Matty Walker, assisted by Aubree Spain
- Matty Walker, assisted by Aubree Spain
- Chloe Gill (unassisted)
- Aubree Spain, assisted by Julie Bowker
- Aubree Spain, assisted by Lexie White
- Aubree Spain, assisted by Maci Cook
Heritage Museum Announces 2026 Christmas Tree Contest
The Smith County Heritage Museum is inviting individuals, families, clubs, groups and businesses to participate in its 2026 Decorated Christmas Tree Contest.
Participants must provide their own Christmas tree, and no lights will be allowed due to limited electrical outlets. Trees may be decorated at the museum on Oct. 22-24 and Oct. 29-31, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Visitors will vote on the trees from Nov. 5 through Dec. 18. The tree receiving the most votes will win $25, and everyone who votes will be entered into a drawing for a 2026 Heritage Museum Christmas ornament. Winners will be announced Dec. 19.
To reserve a spot, call 615-735-1104 or email heritagemuseum@dtccom.net. The Smith County Heritage Museum is located at 107 Third Ave. N., Carthage, and is open Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Ham Radio Go-Kit Challenge to Bring Amateur Radio Emergency Communications to Carthage
Amateur radio operators and community members are invited to take part in the Ham Radio Go-Kit Challenge, an Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Field Day, on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the Carthage Courthouse.
The event will begin at 9 a.m. and focus on emergency communications, disaster preparedness and the role amateur radio can play when traditional communication systems are unavailable.
Participants will have the opportunity to learn about several important aspects of emergency response, including rapid deployment of communications equipment, off-grid power, life-saving traffic communications and community resilience.
The event will demonstrate how amateur radio operators can help communities stay connected during emergencies and disasters, particularly when power outages or damaged infrastructure disrupt regular communication services.
Organizers encourage the public to come learn about emergency communications and discover ways to become better prepared for unexpected disasters.
The Go-Kit Challenge offers an opportunity to see emergency communications in action and learn how radio technology can support public safety and community preparedness.
Smith County 4-H Holds Annual Chick Chain Show & Sale
The 2026 Smith County 4-H Chick Chain Show & Sale was held at the Smith County Ag Center with 24 4-H’ers completing this year’s poultry project. Family members, friends, buyers, and community supporters filled the arena to support the participants and see the results of months of
hard work.
Through the 4-H Chick Chain project, participants receive baby chicks in the spring and are responsible for raising and caring for them throughout the spring and summer. The project gives 4-H’ers hands-on experience with poultry production while teaching responsibility, animal care,
and an appreciation for agriculture. After months of caring for their birds, participants brought their best hens to the annual show.
Kayeden Hostettler was named Grand Champion with an impressive pen of Red Star hens, while Everett West was named Reserve Champion with a great pen of Black Star hens.
Other participants in this year’s Chick Chain Show & Sale were Weston Kennedy, Jimmie Nolen, Sarah Kenny, Hunter Carlton, Lucas True, Willow Lawrence, Charlotte Boyce, Jake Myers, Grayson Mobley, Charlotte Driver, Scarlett Hicks, Rylee Jones, Lawson Dillehay, Jasper
Stinnett, Walker Crawford, Kyler Yerge, Scarlett Carlton, Oakley Lawrence, Callie Butler, Hannah Reeder, Jay Driver, and Aubrey Hicks.
Trent Jones with Putnam County Extension served as this year’s judge and did an excellent job explaining what he was looking for while evaluating the birds. At the conclusion of the show, each pen was auctioned to an eager crowd of buyers, with Turner Harville serving as auctioneer for the evening.
A special thank you also goes to Mike Sircy and Smith Farmers CO-OP for their support of Smith County 4-H and the young people participating in the Chick Chain project. We are thankful for all of the 4-H’ers, families, volunteers, buyers, community supporters, and Extension staff who helped make this year’s show and sale a success. Their support continues to provide Smith County youth with opportunities to learn about agriculture through hands-on 4-H experiences.
For more information about the 4-H Chick Chain project or other opportunities available through Smith County 4-H, contact the UT-TSU Extension Smith County office at 615-735-2900
Smith County Help Center Clarifies Donation Policy, Thanks Community for Support
The Smith County Help Center would like to provide an important clarification regarding donated items while also expressing our sincere gratitude to the community whose generosity makes our mission possible.
When items are voluntarily donated to the Smith County Help Center—whether placed in designated donation areas, left on the SCHC campus, or given directly to staff—they become the property of the Smith County Help Center upon donation.
Items donated to SCHC help support the programs and services we provide to Smith County residents. Removing donated items from our premises without purchasing them or receiving explicit authorization from management is prohibited. Unauthorized removal may constitute theft under applicable law and may be reported to law enforcement.
We respectfully ask everyone to honor and protect the donation process. Every donated item and every financial contribution plays an important role in allowing us to continue serving our neighbors.
The Smith County Help Center has always been about providing a “Hand Up, Not a Handout.” Our programs are a tremendous blessing to individuals and families who need assistance, and none of this would be possible without the generosity of our community.
Approximately 98% of the food distributed through our food boxes is purchased by the Smith County Help Center. Proceeds and financial support help us purchase the food and other necessities that go directly toward helping Smith County residents in need.
To every individual, family, business, church, organization, and community member who donates items, contributes financially, volunteers, or supports our mission in other ways: thank you. Your generosity allows us to continue doing this important work and extending a helping hand to our neighbors.
Please continue to remember the Smith County Help Center when you have items to donate or are considering making a financial contribution. Your continued support and prayers for our organization, our volunteers, and the people we are blessed to serve is appreciated.
Smith County Help Center
“A Hand Up, Not a Handout”
Upper Cumberland Beef Summit
On Tuesday, October 6th, starting at 6PM, the Upper Cumberland Extension Team is hosting our Beef Summit at the White County Fairgrounds at 565 Hale St in Sparta! Our speaker for the event is David Bilderback from UT’s Center of Farm Management and he will be talking about buying vs. retaining heifers in your herd. There will be a free meal provided as well. If you are interested in attending, please call our office at 615-735-2900 or email wherber4@vols.utk.edu for more information!
Willette Christian Church to Host Community Clothing Exchange
Willette Christian Church will host a Community Clothing Exchange on Saturday, October 10, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Pleasant Shade Community Center.
The event is being held to help anyone in the community who may be in need of clothing. All clothing will be available at no cost, giving participants the opportunity to find “new to them” items for themselves or their families.
Community members are also encouraged to bring clean, gently used clothing they no longer need or want. Those item can be donated to the exchange, allowing someone else in the community to put them to good use.
Donations will be accepted, and browsing is free. Everyone is welcome to attend, whether they have clothing to donate, are looking for clothing, or simply want to support the community effort.
The Pleasant Shade Community Center is located at 43 Pleasant Shade Hwy, Pleasant Shade, TN.
2026-27 Youth Fish Art Contest Now Open
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is encouraging youth across the state in grades K-12 to submit their original artwork of any Tennessee native fish for the National Art of Conservation: Fish Art Contest. The contest was created by the nonprofit Wildlife Forever to encourage youth to become connected to the outdoors.
The contest is free for participants to enter one 2D piece. All participants must enter original artwork of a Tennessee fish in a natural habitat and may not replicate another artist’s work. Photos or videos used as source material for inspiration of the artwork are allowed. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi are not eligible for this contest.
Additionally, TWRA has added a specialty award, The Bill Dance Signature Lakes Award – in honor of the legacy of fishing legend Bill Dance and the TWRA’s work to develop premier fishing destinations across the state. To be considered for the award, students should enter artwork of largemouth or smallmouth bass or art featuring bass fishing.
All submissions must be entered through an online entry form. More information regarding rules, submission form, and requirements can be found on the Wildlife Forever Art of Conservation website. The last day for submitting artwork is Feb. 28, 2027.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for protecting, managing, and conserving fish and wildlife species for the benefit of Tennesseans and visitors. The Agency also maintains public safety through law enforcement and safety education on waterways.
Large Fall Consignment Sale Pleasant Shade Community Center
The Pleasant Shade Community Center will hold its Large Fall Consignment Sale October 15-17, 2026.
The sale will run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
A variety of new and used items in good working condition will be available, including kitchenware, furniture, clothing, toys, tools, machinery, jewelry and more.
Those interested in consigning items may contact Tammy Shoulders at 615-655-3548 or Wesley Rigsby at 615-677-6514 or 615-683-7525 for information and to receive a number for tagging items.
The Pleasant Shade Community Center is not responsible for items that are broken or damaged during the sale.
6.6 Million Hours Strong: tnAchieves Students Serve Tennessee
tnAchieves students have now completed more than 6.6 million hours of community service, a milestone that reflects both the scale of their impact and the role service plays in helping students connect to their communities, careers and Tennessee’s future.
Since tnAchieves launched in 2008, community service has been a core part of the student experience. While students complete service hours to remain eligible for Tennessee Promise, tnAchieves has worked to make those hours more meaningful by connecting students to career exploration, professional skills and their local communities.
A major part of that work is job shadowing. Through tnAchieves Job Shadow Days, students spend time with Tennessee employers, gaining firsthand exposure to careers and workplaces while completing service requirements.
“Tennessee’s greatest asset is its people, and tnAchieves is helping students see that they can make a difference right here at home,” said Randy Boyd. “When students serve their communities, shadow Tennessee employers and begin exploring careers, they are not just completing a requirement. They are building relationships, gaining experience and preparing to become the workforce and community leaders Tennessee needs.”
tnAchieves also announced a new partnership with Volunteer Tennessee and the Tennessee Serves network, giving Tennessee Promise students one statewide resource to find and register for volunteer opportunities. Students will continue submitting completed service hours through tnAchieves.org, while Tennessee Serves will serve as a central resource for finding opportunities across the state.
“Volunteer Tennessee exists to make it easy for people to find a place to serve, and tnAchieves students have been showing up for their communities for more than a decade,” said Jim Snell, Executive Director of Volunteer Tennessee. “This partnership connects tnAchieves students directly to the Tennessee Serves platform, so finding a community service opportunity is easier than ever.”
The celebration also coincided with Dolly Day, honoring Dolly Parton’s lifelong commitment to giving back and her belief in the potential of Tennessee’s people. Inspired by her example and by tnAchieves students, more than 60 tnAchieves employees participated in the statewide effort, reflecting the same spirit of service at the heart of the student experience.
Today, tnAchieves supports students across Tennessee from college access through degree or credential completion and into the workforce. Its work includes proactive coaching, emergency financial assistance, career exploration and job shadowing opportunities designed to help students persist, graduate and connect their education to meaningful careers.
“For tnAchieves, 6.6 million hours represents more than a service requirement,” said Krissy DeAlejandro, President and CEO of tnAchieves. “It represents millions of moments when Tennessee students showed up, contributed and began to see the role they can play in their co
About tnAchieves
tnAchieves is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to enhance postsecondary opportunities and outcomes for Tennessee students through holistic supports rooted in community and accountability. Since 2008, tnAchieves has grown from a single-county pilot into the partnering organization for Tennessee Promise in 74 counties, supporting 93% of high school seniors statewide, with programs following them from high school through college credential to career. UT Boyd Center research shows tnAchieves graduates already contribute an estimated $40.6 to $45.9 billion in lifetime earnings to Tennessee’s economy, accelerating economic prosperity for Tennessee students. Learn more at tnachieves.org.
About Volunteer Tennessee
Volunteer Tennessee is the state commission on volunteerism and service, connecting Tennesseans with organizations and opportunities to serve their communities through the Tennessee Serves network. Learn more at tn.gov/volunteer-tennessee.
Clemons Wins Door Prize at Carthage Junction Depot Art Event
Congratulations to Scott Clemons on winning the door prize drawing at the Carthage Junction Depot’s latest event, The Wild Life: Art Celebrating the Outdoors and Outdoorsmen. Scott won a beautiful Case knife provided by the show’s sponsor, Colby McKinney, real estate agent for Underwood Hometown Realty.
SC Ladies Soccer Defeats Jackson County
Aubree Spain scoring her 5th goal of the night vs Jackson County
Historic William Walton Harvest Festival Set for September 26
The Historic William Walton Harvest Festival will be held Saturday, September 26, 2026, on the Historic Courthouse Square in Smith County.
The festival will feature local music, craft vendors, pioneer demonstrations, historical displays, a kids area, cake walk, and a “Dixie Man Call” competition. Visitors can also enjoy an authentic costume contest and a heritage quilt show and competition.
The event will also celebrate America’s 250th birthday, making this year’s festival a special opportunity to enjoy Smith County history, community traditions, and family-friendly activities.
Smith County Ladies Soccer Continues to Win
On Tuesday September 15th Smith County hosted Monterey in a District match that would end with a dominant 9-0 win for the Lady Owls. Senior Goalkeeper Catie Belle McCarter would end the game with a clean sheet. Smith County had two players put up hat tricks, Senior Aubree Spain scored Goal 5 assisted by Julie Bowker, Goal 6 assist from Courtney Haley and Goal 7 coming from a PK. Junior Kylee Brooks scored Goal 2 assisted by Spain, Goal 3 and Goal 8 assisted by Matty Walker. Matty Walker scored the first goal assisted by Aubree Spain, and goal 4 assisted by Julie Bowker. Goal 9 and the one that would end the game early was from Kylie Chiapperini. This win brought the Lady Owls to a 6-1 record on the season and got them geared up for the next District Match on Thursday.
Catie Belle McCarter making a save off a corner from Monterey
Early Voting Begins October 14: What Smith County Voters Need to Know
Smith County voters can begin casting their ballots early on Wednesday, October 14, for the November 3, 2026 election.
Early voting continues through Thursday, October 29, giving voters more opportunities to choose a convenient time to vote and avoid possible lines on Election Day.
Early Voting Hours (Turner Building in Carthage, TN)
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Tuesday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m. – noon
The Gordonsville Civic Center will also serve as an early voting location on three dates:
- Tuesday, October 20: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Wednesday, October 21: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Thursday, October 22: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The ballot includes three proposed amendments to the Tennessee Constitution. Voters are encouraged to prepare before heading to the polls by reviewing the sample ballot at www.smithcountyelection.com. Reviewing the ballot in advance allows voters to become familiar with the amendments and other contests and to make informed decisions before voting.
The deadline to register to vote is Monday, October 5. Voters can visit www.GoVoteTN.gov to:
- Check their voter registration status
- Confirm their registration address
- Register to vote
- Update their registration after a move or other change
Voter may also visit the Smith County Election Office for registration assistance.
Anyone voting in person must present an acceptable federal or Tennessee state-issued photo ID. This requirement applies during both early voting and Election Day.
For election updates, voter resources, and the sample ballot, visit www.smithcountyelection.com or www.GoVoteTN.gov.
Thank you again for helping up get this important information out to Smith County voters. Feel free to reach out if you need anything else from our office.
