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.

Smith County Agriculture News – By Katie Martin, Smith County Extension Agent

Whether you grow conventionally or organically and no matter if you grow on thousands of acres or in a small garden plot, cover crops can be a beneficial tool. Cover crops serve as natural protectors of the soil, guarding against erosion and nutrient loss. They can add biomass to help build soil organic matter while suppressing weeds and reducing disease and insect pressure. These crops, which include legumes, grasses, and grains, contribute to a healthier soil structure and can set you up for a more successful growing season in the future.

Selecting the right cover crops depends on your specific goals. Legumes like clover and vetch are excellent choices for fixing nitrogen, a crucial nutrient for plant growth. Grasses such as cereal rye and oats offer effective erosion control and weed suppression. Radishes and turnips are able to penetrate compacted soil and improve its structure. The choice of cover crops should align with your soil’s needs and future crop plans.

Timing is crucial when it comes to cover crop planting. For home gardeners, after harvesting summer crops, mid-September to mid-October is ideal for planting cover crops. This allows them to get established before the colder months.

Planting cover crops is a practical and effective way to improve soil health here in Smith County. Whether you’re a home gardener looking to enhance your soil or a row crop farmer seeking sustainable practices, cover crops offer a solution that’s rooted in science and proven results.

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

The General Sessions Courtroom was standing room only on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 as members of the community, family and friends gathered to celebrate the graduation of nine participants from Smith County Misdemeanor Recovery Court.

Judge Branden Bellar presided over the ceremony. Guest speaker, Mary Leslie Wakefield shared her experiences and support for participants and the program. Graduates also shared about their recovery journey and experience in the program. Graduates have been in the program from18-24 months. Judge Bellar commended the graduates for completing a hard program. “The program only works because of the people involved in the program. It is the love and passion of all those who support the program and participate that make it work. Not giving up made the graduates successful. I wish more people in Smith County could see the value of the Recovery Court Program. We are investing in the sons and daughters of Smith County.”

Recovery Court Case Manager, Crystal Morgan was excited to share that by completing the tough program participants work on every aspect of lives. “We foster relationships and hope to help participants maintain these relationships as continue to manage their new lives.”

Congratulations to the Fall 2023 graduates of the Smith County Recovery Court including – Joseph, Rich, Josh Dugan, Mark Green, Chance Waller, Corey Courtney, Jeremy Gregory, Ethan Davenport, Garry “Scott” Bennett and Rodney “Scott” Reagan.

The Smith County Misdemeanor Recovery Court Program was established in March 2015 the the efforts of the Fifteenth Judicial District Drug Court and concerned citizens of Smith County. The County Misdemeanor Recovery Court is committed to assisting with the intervention, treatment, and rehabilitation of non violent drug offenders who desire to make a positive lifestyle change and break the cycle of drug dependency.

The Smith County Misdemeanor Recovery Court is made possible by the Recovery Court team, which is made up of Judge Brandon Bella, District Attorney General Jason Lawson, Mary Lynn Bush – Recovery Court Coordinator/Probation Officer, Crystal Morgan – Recovery Court Case Manager/Probation Officer; many staff members from the Smith County Jail and Smith County Court system; staff from mental health facilities in the surrounding area; and a handful of committed volunteers.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. –  Secretary of State Tre Hargett announces the theme for the 2023 Civics Essay Contest for Tennessee students from pre-K to 12th-grade is “Why Civility Matters.”

“Encouraging students to become more civically engaged is important to cultivating our state’s next generation of great Tennesseans,” said Secretary Hargett. “Now more than ever, Tennesseans are being inundated with negative messages and images. We need to work to break this cycle and prepare our youngest Tennesseans with an understanding of why civility matters and how to disagree without being disagreeable.”

Civics Essay Contest winners will receive a TNStars 529 College Savings Program scholarship and a trip to the State Capitol. First-place winners in each grade level will receive a $500 scholarship, with second and third-place winners receiving $250 and $100, respectively.

All Tennessee students in public, private school or home school associations in grades pre-K to 12th-grade are encouraged to participate. Schools can choose up to two essays from each grade level to submit for the contest. To view contest rules and submit essays online through Friday, Dec. 15, visit sos.tn.gov/civics-essay-contest.

The Secretary of State’s office launched the Civics Essay Contest in 2016. Previous essay themes have included voting, citizenship, civic duty and why your vote matters.

The Civics Essay Contest is part of Secretary of State Tre Hargett’s longstanding civics engagement program that aims to prepare students to be actively engaged citizens. The Secretary of State also offers lesson plans to help teachers incorporate civic engagement and citizenship into their curriculum.  Tennessee teachers created the free lesson plans based on the Tennessee Blue Book.

For more information about the Civics Essay Contest and the Secretary of State’s other civic engagement education efforts, visit sos.tn.gov/civics.

by Billy Woodard, Smith County Chamber of Commerce Carthage, TN  

A dynamic and vibrant force is sweeping through Smith County as the Business Alliance Networking Group (BANG) emerges as a powerful platform to connect and elevate local businesses. Conceived as a structured network for professionals to convene, share referrals, and stimulate growth in Smith County, BANG is poised to revolutionize the way businesses in Smith County thrive through authentic connections and mutual empowerment. 

A Networking Revolution At the core of BANG’s mission lies a revolutionary concept: to create a robust business network that functions as fertile ground for regular interactions, referral exchanges, and the cultivation of enduring business relationships. Through the potent medium of word-of-mouth marketing, BANG stands ready to propel local enterprises toward unprecedented success. Its primary focus remains local, embracing the unique challenges and triumphs that Smith County businesses encounter. 

A Suite of Benefits Await BANG’s multifaceted offerings are tailor-made to generate lasting advantages for its members: 

1. Referral Opportunities: By fostering seamless referral exchanges among members, BANG establishes an interconnected web of support. Each member represents their business and collaborates with fellow professionals, ensuring a reliable influx of qualified leads and potential clients. 

2. Networking and Relationship Building: BANG provides a haven for building meaningful business relationships. Through structured interactions, a solid foundation of trust, collaboration, and robust professional alliances can be cultivated. 

3. Increased Visibility: Joining BANG’s community instantly amplifies a business’s visibility within the local and broader community. As referrals and testimonials circulate, the spotlight on members’ products and services intensifies. 

4. Skill Development: BANG plans to offer training sessions and workshops to enrich networking, presentation, and overall business skills. Members will not only become more adept communicators but also proficient in effectively promoting their enterprises. This achievement will be facilitated by alliances and networking assistance. 

5. Accountability and Support: BANG champions a culture of goal setting and achievement. Regular meetings (1st & 3rd Mondays, 6 pm at the Smith County Chamber) foster not only accountability but also provide a supportive atmosphere that propels members toward their objectives. 

6. Social and Emotional Support: Recognizing the emotional roller coaster of entrepreneurship, BANG extends a welcoming community that provides not only business support but also emotional encouragement during both the highs and lows of business life. 

Bolstering Success with Statistics BANG tackles startup odds head-on. Acknowledging sobering startup statistics, BANG empowers its members to collectively challenge the norm. With 20% of new businesses faltering within two years and 45% within five, BANG’s dynamic camaraderie is set to defy these odds and foster lasting success. 

Your Active Involvement: The Key to Thriving BANG underscores the pivotal role of each member’s commitment and engagement. The effectiveness of BANG hinges on active participation, the compatibility of businesses within the group, and a dedication to fostering collective success. 

Unity in Action: Foundation and Future BANG’s inception was catalyzed by Michael Hughes of Serenity Networks, laying the foundation for a community of professionals to unite. Notable attendees include representatives from Ebel’s Tavern, Butler’s Auctions, Leslie Smith Bookkeeping, Sweet Freezies, Southern Sweet Care, Amplified Innovation, Blackwell Realty, Citizens Bank, The Candy Bar, On-Site-Electric, Moonstone Spa, The Waggoner Building, and the Smith County Chamber of Commerce. This spirit of collaboration was exemplified at the first meeting by the offering of Sweet Freezies’ unique freeze-dried candies and treats, owned by Blake and Olivia Long. 

Crafting an Impactful Elevator Pitch BANG is committed to honing members’ elevator pitches, recognizing the vitality of making a memorable first impression. The core elements include introducing oneself, delineating the company’s essence, highlighting uniqueness, and expressing gratitude. 

Anticipating a Lineup of Inspiring Guests as BANG pioneers a thriving business community, it welcomes esteemed guests such as Mr. Taylor Belcher of the Tennessee Valley Authority, Mr. Jeff Brown of the Biz Foundry, Mr. Tyler Asher of the Tennessee Small Business Development Center, and Mr. Josh Wilkerson, an area specialist for business programs with USDA. These luminaries will offer insights and networking opportunities, embodying BANG’s commitment to fostering growth and prosperity. 

The Board The board is comprised of the Chair – Michael Hughes; Vice-Chair – Erika Ebel; Secretary – Leslie Smith; Educational Coordinator – Billy Woodard; Media Coordinator – Melissa Todd-Hughes. Group business decisions and direction are decided by the attending members. 

A Call to Action  

BANG extends an invitation to entrepreneurs and professionals to unite, seize opportunities, and unlock the potential of collective success. Attendees will enjoy complimentary refreshments during these engaging sessions. It’s noteworthy that these meetings warmly welcome businesses and representatives not only from Smith County but also the surrounding areas. If your business operates within Smith County, your active participation in these sessions is strongly recommended for maximum impact and growth. 

The next BANG meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 18th 6:30 p.m. at the Smith County Chamber of Commerce. For more details and to embark on this transformative journey, visit www.facebook.com/SmithCountyBANG or contact The Smith County Chamber of Commerce at 615-735-2093, or visit www.smithcountychamber.org. 

The Smith County Board of Commissioners held a special-called meeting on the evening of Tuesday, September 12, 2023

You can watch the full meeting below.

Check out the September 2023 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.

Gordonsville Police Lt. Scott Hale responded to “shots fired” at the Gordonsville Exxon on September 6, 2023. Along with Smith County Sheriff Sergeant Jimmy Lankford, Hale made contact with the suspect at the gas pumps. Weapons were drawn and the suspect identified as 33 year old, Allen Jeffery Martinez, of Howe, TX, was ordered to show his hands and lay on the ground.

A loaded weapon was found on Martinez’s person. Several other police units also responded to the scene. The entire parking lot and store was temporarily closed. Lankford and Hale successfully apprehended Martinez. During the process it became apparent that Martinez was under the influence of an undetermined substance. Narcan was administered and Martinez was treated by Smith County EMS and transported to Riverview Regional Medical Center. Martinez faces multiple charges including aggravated assault. Lt. Jason Kemp was also involved in the investigation.

Carthage, TN – September 2023: BauerFinancial, Inc., the Nation’s Premier Bank Rating Firm, is pleased to announce that Citizens Bank has once again earned its top (5-Star) rating for financial strength and stability. Having earned Bauer’s (5-Star) rating continuously for 139 quarters, Citizens Bank has also earned Bauer’s highest designation as a “Best of Bauer Bank”. This designation is reserved solely for banks that have earned this top rating for a minimum of 25 years consecutively.

Bauer rates every federally-insured U.S. chartered bank with the same strict standards, and is honored to report that Citizens Bank continues to earn its top rating. “As a community bank, Citizens Bank keeps its focus on consumers, small businesses and the community at hand”, remarks Karen Dorway, president of BauerFinancial. “The employees of Citizens Bank are people just like you. That means, whatever you are going through, they are likely going through the same thing, whether it be fires, floods, acts of nature, or simply a ballfield that needs refreshing. They are unflinchingly by your side to help that better future come to fruition.”

Citizens Bank has been a dedicated banking partner for the community for 94 years. Making connections and supporting this community is what it does, and what it has done since 1929. Being rated 5-Stars by Bauer shows confidence that Citizens Bank has the financial strength to continue to do so.

Smith County Agriculture News – By Katie Martin, Smith County Extension Agent

October is not just about leaves changing colors and pumpkin spice lattes. For many Smith County farmers, October means it’s time for the Tennessee Agriculture Enhancement Program. October 1st through the 7th will again be the application period for the 2023 Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP). TAEP is a cost-share program that assists Tennessee farmers in diversifying, expanding, and improving their farming operations. According to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, “More than $246 million has been invested in 80,860 producer projects from 2005 through 2022. Each TAEP dollar generates $6.55 in local economies.”

Applications are available at the University of Tennessee Extension office at 125 Gordonsville Hwy in Carthage. Producers are also able to apply online at www.tn.gov/taep. To increase program and resource efficiency, the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program is taking steps toward a fully online application. The 2023 application process will still accept paper applications, but to prepare for future year’s application process, please ensure you have a working email account. Applying online ensures all sections of the application are completed and verifies the application was received by sending a confirmation email.

Educational requirements for obtaining TAEP cost share funds for beef and forage producers include the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) course and the Master Beef Producer course. BQA trainings are currently scheduled for September 18th at 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce.

The Advanced Master Beef Producer course, which is required for 50% cost share, will be held beginning October 3rd in Hartsville and in February in Carthage.

For more information on these classes or to get help with your TAEP paperwork, contact the UT Extension office at 615-735-2900.

Last week, Farm Credit Mid-America and Rural 1^st team members harvested produce at Catesa Farms. The fresh produce was donated to Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, to help provide safe, reliable access to healthy foods in the local community.

LOUISVILLE, KY. (September 6, 2023) – Since 2016, Farm Credit Mid-America has supplemented more than 4.4 million meals to those in need through its Farms to Food Banks program. The program is one example of the financial services cooperative’s dedication to securing the future of rural communities and agriculture.

Farms to Food Banks connects farmers and their products to local food banks. Over the next several weeks, team members from Farm Credit Mid-America and its rural lending brand, Rural 1^st®, will visit local customers’ farms where they will gather fresh produce to donate to local food banks. The goal is to ensure local community members in the states Farm Credit Mid-America serves have access to fresh produce and protein to supplement shelf-stable meals.

So far in 2023, Farm Credit Mid-America and Rural 1^st team members have volunteered more than 740 hours at 29 food banks in Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio and Tennessee. Those food banks are instrumental in:

• Distributing 156 million pounds of food in Indiana
• Helping to feed 1 in 7 Kentuckians
• Partnering with nearly 100 farmers, growers and producers in Ohio through the Agricultural Clearance Program
• Feeding Tennesseans at risk for hunger in 95 counties throughout Tennessee
• Providing healthy fruits and vegetables to 180 partner agencies in 12 counties in Northeast Arkansas

“This is the seventh year our team members have volunteered their time and worked alongside our customers to support Farms to Food Banks,” said Randy Barbee, community investment manager for Farm Credit Mid-America. “According to Feeding America, in 2021 alone, 13.5 million tons of farm produce was wasted, yet today, 34 million face hunger in the United States. This program is just one way we can partner with our customers to build relationships with our neighboring communities, address the issue of healthy food insecurity, and showcase the value of the agriculture industry at a local level.”

In addition to thousands of volunteer hours, Farm Credit Mid-America has donated more than $1 million to local food banks since the inception of the program. Funds contributed have sourced farmer-grown products as well as purchased resources that food banks need to maintain the freshness of produce and protein, including cold storage. 

September is National Hunger Action Month, and the nationwide network of food banks works to end hunger by providing food and support to millions of people. In 2022, Feeding America, estimated 49 million people turned to food banks and community programs for help putting food on the table. Additionally, Farm Credit Mid-America’s partnerships help to supplement food deserts, or areas that have limited access to affordable and nutritious food, that are prevalent throughout the country, specifically in rural areas where access to a supermarket is often 10 miles or more away.