On August 9th,  Deputy Terrance Adams performed a traffic stop on a Blue Nissan Altima. The reason for the stop was the vehicle almost hit Deputy Adams patrol car by being in his lane while being on a cell phone. There were two occupants in the vehicle identified as Ms. Tonya Hall and Ms. Misty Vantrease

Upon searching the vehicle a small clear container was found on the passenger side floor board. It contained 7 grams of a crystal substance. Neither Ms. Hall or Ms. Vantrease admitted to owning the substance.

Both were sent to the Smith County Jail for processing.

As remembered By Elva Woodard Hart and told to Billy Woodard 

In the annals of time, certain memories from our childhood are etched with a clarity that surpasses the years. As I cast my mind back to the World War II era, circa 1945, I find myself transported to a slice of history on Highway 141 in Tennessee in the community of Lancaster Hill in Smith County Tennessee. A tapestry of compassion, transformation, and camaraderie unfolded along this road during those days. 

Amidst the rolling hills of our beautiful Tennessee’s countryside, U.S. Army troops engaged in rigorous training maneuvers. Their footsteps resonated with the weight of history past and present. A long column of soldiers marched up Lancaster Hill, their journey taking them from Gordonsville to Center Hill. These were the days of sweat and determination, and it was during these times that I, a small child, bore witness to events that have left an indelible mark on my memory. 

At the crest of Lancaster Hill, a woman named Della lived on their farm and was watching the soldier’s approach on the hot, dusty gravel road. As the column of weary men came into view, Della’s heart went out to them. The soldiers were parched, their throats as dry as the gravel beneath their boots. In an act of spontaneous kindness, Della called out to her husband, George, urgently directing him to fetch the “bucket and dipper”—a water well situated conveniently close to the road. With urgency, she implored, “George, these boys are hot and thirsty, they need a drink of water!” 

Under the sweltering sun, a few soldiers found solace in the cool water Della offered, quenching their thirst, and temporarily easing their fatigue. However, like many gestures of goodwill, this act of generosity was short-lived. The intervention of a sergeant brought a halt to this impromptu oasis, limiting further aid to the parched troops. Yet, the memory of Della’s compassion remains with me as a testament to the enduring power of human empathy. 

As the troops marched onward, a string of trucks followed—a fleet of supply vehicles, Jeeps, and fuel carriers. It was a sight to behold as the procession wound its way through the landscape. As fate would have it, the convoy reached about a mile from the bottom of Lancaster Hill, where an old wooden bridge spanned a branch on our farm. Here, destiny took a turn that a six-year-old me would never forget. 

Before my eyes stood a spectacle: the back end of an Army Supply Truck jutted into the air, its front half submerged in the branch. The wooden bridge, now reduced to splinters.  

In the aftermath, a new dirt road was crafted by the Army, circumventing the collapsed bridge. This path led vehicles into a field, across the dry branch into our cow pasture, and back onto Highway 141—a dirt road that is the main road from Gordonsville to Lancaster.  

The soldiers, with their tents, transformed the landscape into a temporary campsite. With their vehicles parked below our farmhouse, the soldiers embarked on the task of extracting the truck from its trap and erecting a new bridge—this one of concrete. As the construction work ensued, the routines of our farm shifted. The animals that relied on the passage under the bridge to reach the spring for water now sought new sources and trails. 

In the rhythm of daily life, our farm ensured a steady supply of fresh milk—cows were milked, butter was churned, and buttermilk flowed. Amid the soldiers’ encampment, the door of our home became a threshold between worlds. As I stood behind the farmhouse screen door the soldiers would say, “Hi, little girl” as they sought to purchase gallons of milk and buttermilk. A simple transaction, yet it spoke volumes of the ties that transcended wargames and battle training—those of sharing and humanity. 

Time moved forward, as it always does, and the day arrived when the new bridge was finally complete. The soldiers packed up their tents, the campsite transformed once more. As they moved on down Highway 141, my heart held a pang of sadness. Their departure marked the end of a chapter—a fleeting but significant chapter—of connection between strangers turned acquaintances. 

As the years flowed like the currents beneath that new concrete bridge, the passage of time solidified its structure. The bridge remained steadfast, a silent witness to the stories it carried. And here we are, in 2023, where the memories of a child’s eyes have given way to the wisdom of age. My brother, Bill Woodard, notes that the bridge endures—unyielding, unchanged, and with no cracks to mar its structure. 

Highway 141 carries with it these stories, these moments of compassion and transformation. In the mosaic of history, these fragments remind us of the enduring thread that connects humanity—a tapestry woven from acts of kindness, unforeseen events, and the journeys we all embark upon, be it on a dusty road in 1944 or the paths we traverse today. 

May 3 -4, 2024 on the Historic Courthouse Square in Carthage we will be celebrating the “Tennessee Maneuvers Remembered” which took place here in Tennessee between September 1942 and March 1944.  Nashville was the principal railhead and Lebanon was chosen as headquarters.  More than 850,000 soldiers were trained in the Tennessee Maneuver area and Smith County was an integral part of the exercise.   

If you want more information about event May 3 thru 4, 2024 go to the “Tennessee Maneuvers Remembered” Facebook page or contact us here at the Smith County Chamber of Commerce, 615-735-2093, www.SmithCountyChamberofcommerce.org.  (Photo and article submitted by Billy Woodard, Director, Smith County Chamber of Commerce)

On July 26th, Seargent Junior Fields along with Deputy Terrence Adams responded to a report of a unwanted guest and suicidal comments being made by a resident. After speaking to Mrs. Tracy Duke who stated that she wanted to die instead of live the life she was living but she also stated that she was not wanting to harm herself in any way. She admitted to having used methamphetamine before the interview. She also admitted to selling her prescribed Clonopan pills but stated it was two months ago. She also allowed me to get her gabapentin bottle which had 40 pills and she was prescribed 180 on 07-11-2023.

After a search of her purse Sgt. Fields located multiple used hypodermic syringes along with baggies with crystal methamphetamine residue. 

Mr. Charles Duke was placed under arrest for an active warrant for Domestic Assault and upon searching his left front pocket three Gabapentin pills were located. Which he stated his wife had given him. Mr. Duke also gave consent to search a locked backpack and provided the combination which had a white zippered bag inside and upon searching it Sgt. Fields located two hypodermic syringes and three empty baggies with crystal methamphetamine residue. 

Mr. Duke and Mrs. Duke were each transported to the Smith County Jail for processing. 

By Bobbie Maynard

COOKEVILLE, TN – For the second year in a row, Tennessee Tech University is making it easier for rising high school seniors and transfer students to become Golden Eagles by offering free application month during September.

“We are waiving our undergraduate application fees for the month of September,” said Tech’s Director of Admissions Frank Tittle. “Prospective freshmen and transfer students interested in Tennessee Tech have the opportunity to apply for free through Sept. 30. To get started, all you have to do is visit tntech.edu/apply. The application only takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete.”

Tittle said Tech is excited to offer this opportunity again, adding that this promotion is tied to the state’s College Application and Exploration Month, which is supported and promoted by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.

“The month of September is designated as Tennessee’s College Application and Exploration Month,” said Tittle. “The goal of this promotion is to build excitement and knowledge around the college application process at all grade levels and provide every graduating senior with an opportunity to apply to college.”

There will also be a special “Why Apply” day on Friday, Sept. 22.

“For this special day, we hope to see everyone wearing purple and gold Tech gear, whether t-shirts, hats, pins, etc.,” said Tittle. “We want them to take photos in the gear and share on social media why they believe students should apply to college at Tech, using #WhyApply and #TNTech. We hope our great alums will help share their story of how Tech changed their lives and encourage others about the value of a college education.”

Interested applicants should visit tntech.edu/apply. As students fill out the application, there will be no payment screen displayed for the month of September for those completing the undergraduate application, which will waive the standard $25 application fee. Applying early is encouraged for students to have the best chance to be eligible for scholarships. The priority application deadline for scholarships is Dec. 15.

Tennessee Tech is ranked as a “Best National University” by U.S. News & World Report. The university offers more than 200-plus programs of study, and Tech grads leave with the least debt of all public universities in the state. In fact, based on total cost and alumni earnings, Tech provides students with the highest return on investment for any public university in Tennessee, according to PayScale.

Find out more at tntech.edu/admissions.

The Little Free Library movement is a book-sharing concept that Gordonsville First Baptist Church is providing for our community. This movement works by encouraging people to place fun, tiny libraries where it is accessible to the public. Families can borrow a book, read it, and then return it when they are finished, and get another book. This is a great way for children and adults to increase the number (and types!) of books they have access to while also developing their passion for reading.

There is no set borrowing time or a limit to the number of books that can be taken. Instead, this project works on the honor system. Borrowers also don’t have to give back that specific book if they’ve found one that they really love.

The movement also provides financial and environmental benefits: Not only can buying books for one-time use be expensive, but it can also lead to a lot of paper waste. The Little Free Library movement is a good opportunity to teach children about reusing items while also increasing the number of books they can get access to.

Parents are also encouraged to drop off books that their children are no longer using, giving other children the same chance to enjoy them. Book donations can be dropped off at the Gordonsville First Baptist Church. Text 615-489-0602 and someone will meet you at the office door.

The Little Free Library is located on the corner of Main Street and Hickman Highway. It is where the old ATM machine was located at the old Gordonsville ShopRite Store.

On July 20th, Deputy Nathan Williams conducted a traffic stop at a gas station on the Wilson County Line. The vehicle was initially observed on Lebanon Hwy well into Smith County around the Hiwassee Road area. The driver was observed to not be wearing his seatbelt. When Dep. Williams attempted to turn around and catch up to the vehicle to conduct a traffic stop, it accelerated attempting to get away, later it stopped at the gas station.

Dep. Williams made contact with the driver, Mr. Kenneth Connell. While talking to Mr. Connell, he had a bulge out of his right cheek. After being asked about what was in his mouth, he began to explain it was cotton balls. After being asked to open his mouth a crystal substance in a baggie was observed. Mr. Connell was asked several times to spit out the substance, in which he began to chew it. He began to drink something to wash it down, after the substance could not be swallowed he began to gag and attempted to try and push the substance down with his fingers.Dep. Williams then called for assistance and EMS due to him possibly overdosing. After he refused medical treatment, Dep. Williams conducted a search of the vehicle, locating 1.5 grams of meth.

During the time of the stop, the registered owner of the vehicle was present in the passenger seat. The vehicle was not towed and she took possession of the vehicle. 

Mr. Connell was arrested and was transported to Smith County Jail for processing. 

Wilson Bank and Trust was recently named 5th in the RankingBanking study for Top-Performing Banks with asset sizes between $1 billion and $5 billion. Wilson Bank & Trust was also named 15th Best-Performing Bank in the Country.

This annual study, conducted by Bank Director, examines the performance of the 300 largest publicly traded banks
measuring profitability, capital adequacy, asset quality, and investor returns. As a bank, we pride ourselves on stability, dependability, and being responsive to both our customers and the economic climate and are fortunate that the hard work of our staff, shareholders, and leadership is reflected in this research. Thank you to our loyal customers who help support our strong Tennessee roots.

To read the full article, click here https://www.bankdirector.com/rankingbanking/2023-rankingbanking-the-best-banks-played-defense/

By Katie Martin, Smith County Extension Agent

Smith County sheep and goat producers will not want to miss the opportunity to join the Upper Cumberland Extension Team at the Master Small Ruminant Conference hosted in Overton County this year. We hope you will mark your calendars and plan to join us on Friday, September 22nd and Saturday, September 23rd from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day at the Overton County Fairgrounds.

You can expect a day of learning, networking, and hands-on experiences as industry experts cover topics such as reproduction, forages, marketing, nutrition, and more.

The cost of the class is $100 for an individual wanting Master Producer certification, and spouses are welcome to attend for an additional $25. Lunch will be provided each day.

If you have any questions or would like to register, please contact the UT Extension Office in Smith County at 615-735-2900.

What could be healthier or tastier than starting the day with a tall glass of fresh squeezed orange juice? Orange juice is at the top of the list for Vitamin C in citrus fruits. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps fight foreign invaders. However, fresh squeezed fruit and vegetable juices can cause illness if used unpasteurized or untreated. Pasteurizing will destroy any harmful bacteria that the juice may contain. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USDA) most juice sold by the United States are pasteurized. However, FDA does not require warning labels for juice or cider sold by the glass at restaurants, fruit stands etc. For health safety check the label when purchasing juice.

When preparing juice at home, take proper precautions to prevent food borne bacteria:

Wash your hands properly

Cut away any damaged or bruised areas

Wash all produce thoroughly

Dry produce with a clean cloth or paper towel

Even though fresh orange juice is tasty and supplies a good source of vitamin C, it is also high in calories. An eight-ounce serving of fresh raw orange juice has 124 mg Vitamin C, 20.8 grams of sugar and 112 calories. It also supplies potassium, thiamin and folate.

Good Morning Cake

1 cup self rising flour

1 cup sugar

1 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon cinnamon

1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice

1 teaspoon ginger

4 eggs

1/2 cup oil

4 oz bag chopped mixed uts or chopped pecans

Mix dry ingredients, breaking any sugar lumps. Add oil and eggs. Mix well and add nuts. Pour into a bundt pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until pick comes out clean. Let rest for 3-5 minutes. Invert to serving plate. Loosen by sliding dinner knife around the edges. Submitted by Pat Bush, Night Owls, FCE Club.

Smith County Sheriff’s Office K9s Braun and Udo will receive bullet and stab protective vests thanks to a charitable donation from nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. Both vests are sponsored by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. through the Amazon Smile donor percentage purchase program and will be embroidered with the sentiment “This gift of protection
provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.”. Delivery is expected within eight to ten weeks.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and NIJ certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 5.240 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations.

The program is open to U.S. dogs that are at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $985 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1800.00, weighs an average of 4-5 lb., and comes with a five-year warranty. For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.

On July 21st, Deputy Michael Baines and Deputy K-9 Brady Dobson were dispatched for shots being fired from a dark colored Minivan with a person in the passenger seat. We made contact with the vehicle that matched the description on Cookeville Hwy. and began observing the vehicle from the rear traveling in the West Bound Lane on Cookeville Hwy.

Deputy Brady Dobson noticed the Black Minivan failed to maintain a lane of traffic and also had a tail lamp out on the driver side. A felony stop was initiated on the Black Minivan. The driver Mr. Ben Seay openly admitted to drinking Vodka.

A half empty bottle of Vodka and cigarette box containing a green leafy substance was located in Mr. Seay pants pocket.

Mr. Seay was placed under arrest and was transported to the Smith County Jail for processing.