Check out the August 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.

Submitted by Bill Woodard, Executive Director, Smith County Chamber of Commerce

The Smith County Chamber of Commerce has been at the forefront of fostering leadership skills and community engagement through its acclaimed Leadership Opportunity Smith County programs. These initiatives, designed for both adults and youth, have played a significant role in shaping the county’s future by empowering individuals to become effective leaders.

The journey of Leadership Opportunity Smith County began in 1998 when local leaders, representatives of Leadership Upper Cumberland, and the Smith County Chamber of Commerce came together to establish a program that would nurture leadership potential in the community. The formation of the Governing Board and the election of officers, with Mr. Jerry H. Futrell as the first Chairman, laid the groundwork for the inaugural class, which commenced in February 1999. Since then, the program has evolved under the guidance of esteemed leaders like John Foster and Denise Givens, continued to thrive and make a positive impact.

The programs comprise a well-structured curriculum, providing participants with comprehensive leadership experiences. The journey kicks off with an intensive one and a half-day retreat in February, followed by seven topic-oriented one-day sessions held monthly from March through September. The topics cover various aspects of community life in Smith County, such as government, business, education, health, and more.

Participants in Leadership Opportunity Smith County have the unique privilege of engaging with county and state leaders to delve into the issues that matter most to the community. The presentations feature a mix of lectures, panel discussions, tours, and interactive group activities, enhancing the learning experience and fostering collaboration among the participants.

Throughout the program, participants are encouraged to think critically, solve problems, and set community goals through structured exercises and presentations. To earn their well-deserved graduation, class participants must attend the opening retreat, all program activities, and complete various homework assignments and group projects, as well as individual projects relevant to the program’s themes.

Over the years, Leadership Opportunity Smith County has celebrated the graduation of 215 accomplished individuals across twenty-one classes. Graduates commonly reflect on the program as a transformative learning journey, with sessions on various topics that shape their understanding of Smith County’s dynamics. Beyond academic learning, lasting friendships have blossomed among participants, underlining the importance of active participation in the program.

Moreover, the program goes beyond nurturing adult leaders by extending its impact to the younger generation. In 2000, the adult leadership class took a significant step by establishing the Youth Leadership Opportunity Smith County program, which began in September 2001. The Youth Leadership group is a mix of students from Gordonsville High School, Smith County High School, and local homeschooling communities. These young leaders undergo monthly class sessions from September to May, supplemented with extra project activities, resulting in the graduation of twenty-two classes, with the 24th class set to conclude in May 2024.

Leadership Opportunity Smith County continues to stand as a shining example of how investing in leadership development reaps long-lasting rewards for the community. Through its unwavering commitment to nurturing capable leaders of all ages, Smith County is undoubtedly securing a brighter future for itself and its residents.

We will be taking applications for the Youth Leadership at the beginning of school and this year Sophomores through Seniors are invited to submit applications. The class size is twelve participants so if you are interested have your student contact the guidance office at Smith County High School, Gordonsville High School, or the Smith County Chamber of Commerce. (615-735-2093)

Adult Leadership will be taking applications for a new class in January of 2024.

The Smith County Election Office will be hosting a public demonstration of our new voting equipment. Take this hands-on opportunity to familiarize yourself with the latest model of our Microvote Voting Machines.

Smith County has acquired the most up to date voting machine model featuring a voterverifiable paper trail and brighter, more colorful screens. These machines were purchased with state funding and meet all the requirements of
recently passed legislation. They are scheduled to be used in the 2024 Elections. The event will be held at the Turner Building in the Early Voting Room. Please join us between the hours of 1 and 3 pm on Tuesday, August 15th
.
The Event is Open to the Public. No Appointment Needed.

Smith County Election Office
The Turner Building
122 Turner High Circle, Suite 105
Carthage TN, 37030
SmithCountyElection.com
(615) 735-8241

The 2023 Tennessee high school football season kicks off in August, and DTC Sports is excited to announce coverage for the fifteenth consecutive season. Since 2009, DTC Sports has been bringing your action every week of the high school football regular season. For the 2023 season, DTC Sports will be back in action to provide live coverage of eleven games during the upcoming regular season. These games will air live on DTC3, online at www.dtc3.tv, and via Facebook Live on the DTC Communications’ Facebook page each game night, with replays of the LIVE games set to air on DTC3.

DTC Sports currently planned 2023 schedule is as follows:
• Thu. Aug. 17: Smith Co. at Gordonsville
• Fri. Aug. 25: Watertown at Gordonsville
• Fri. Sept. 1: Livingston at DeKalb Co.
• Fri. Sept. 8: DeKalb Co. at Watertown
• Fri. Sept. 15: Fayetteville at Cannon Co.
• Fri. Sept. 22: Community at Cannon Co.
• Fri. Sept. 29: Giles Co. at Watertown
• Fri. Oct. 6: Cumberland Co. at DeKalb Co.
• Fri. Oct. 13: Westmoreland at Smith Co.
• Fri. Oct. 20: Marion Co. at Cannon Co.
• Fri. Oct. 27: Monterey at Smith Co.

The Smith County Grand Jury met for its August 2023 session on August 7, 2023. You can see them below:

All subjects are innocent until proven guilty. 

State of Tennessee vs. Hailee Brooke Mann

• 1 Count Simple Possession of Schedule II, Methamphetamine
• 1 Count Possession of Sch. Ⅱ – Methamphetamine
• 1 Count Introduction of Drugs into Penal Institution
• 1 Count Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

State of Tennessee vs. Priscilla M. Stewart

• 1 Count Assault
• 1 Count Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

State of Tennessee vs. Mark Justin Robertson

• 1 Count Driving on Revoked 7th Offense
• 1 Count Revoked (Priorts)
• 1 Count Possession of Sch. Ⅱ – Methamphetamine
• 1 Count Driving While in Possession of Methamphetamine
• 1 Count Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

State of Tennessee vs. Pamela S. Leach

• 1 Count Possession of Sch. Ⅱ – Methamphetamine
• 1 Count Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

State of Tennessee vs. John D. Guffey

• 1 Count Conspiracy to Distribute Schedule II, Fentanyl

State of Tennessee vs. Trent A. Evans

• 1 Count Driving on Revoked 3rd Offense
• 1 Count Revoked (Priorts)
• 1 Count Driving Under the Influence 3rd Offense
• 1 Count Driving Under the Influence (Priors)

State of Tennessee vs. Philando Fullilove

• 1 Count Driving on Suspended 3rd Offense
• 1 Count Evading Arrest (Flight)
• 1 Count Possession of Sch. Ⅱ – Methamphetamine
• 1 Count Driving While in Possession of Methamphetamine
• 1 Count Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

State of Tennessee vs. Shawn T. Bowen

• 1 Count Domestic Assault

State of Tennessee vs. Matthew Lee Woodard

• 1 Count Seatbelt Law
• 1 Count Failure to use Signal
• 1 Count Possession of Sch. Ⅱ – ANPP
• 1 Count Possession of Sch. Ⅱ – Fentanyl
• 1 Count Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

State of Tennessee vs. Robin Lynn Woodard

• 1 Count Possession of Sch. I – Heroin
• 1 Count Possession of Sch. Ⅱ – Oxycontin
• 1 Count Possession of Sch. II – Methamphetamine < 26 grams
• 1 Count Conspiracy to Manufacture Schedule II Methamphetamine over 300 grams
• 1 Count Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

State of Tennessee vs. Philando Fullilove

• 1 Count Possession of Sch. Ⅱ – Fentanyl
• 1 Count Tampering with Evidence
• 1 Count Solicitation of Introduction of Contraband into a Penal Institution

State of Tennessee vs. Christopher Michael Denney

• 1 Count Possession of Sch. I – Methamphetamine
• 1 Count Conspiracy to Sell and Deliver Schedule II Methamphetamine
• 1 Count Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

State of Tennessee vs. Christopher D. Clayton

• 1 Count Possession of Simple Possession Schedule III, Buprenorphine
• 1 Count Possession of Sch. II – Methamphetamine < 26 grams
• 1 Count Conspiracy to Distribute Schedule II Methamphetamine
• 1 Count Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• 1 Count Drive with License Suspended
• 1 Count Violation of Registration

State of Tennessee vs. Norma E. Carter

• 1 Count Use of Hand Held Personal Device while Driving
• 1 Count Driving Under the Influence 1st Offense

State of Tennessee vs. Christina L. Pellerin AKA Christina Pearson

• 1 Count Possession of Sch. II – Methamphetamine
• 1 Count Simple Possession of Schedule IV, Alprazolam
• 1 Count Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

State of Tennessee vs. Corbin M. Osburn

• 1 Count Aggravated Criminal Trespass
• 1 Count Vandalism – $1000-$2500
• 1 Count Theft of Property $100-$2500
• 1 Count Possession of Sch. II – Methamphetamine
• 1 Count Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• 1 Count Tampering with Evidence

State of Tennessee vs. Kasey Lloyd Johns

• 1 Count Theft of Property $100-$2500

State of Tennessee vs. Mark Justin Robertson

• 1 Count Possession of Sch. II – Methamphetamine

State of Tennessee vs. Shawn T. Bowen

• 1 Count Violation of Conditional Release

State of Tennessee vs. James C. Mofield

• 1 Count Reckless Driving
• 1 Count Evading Arrest (Flight)
• 1 Count Resisting Arrest
• 1 Count Possession of Sch. II – Methamphetamine

State of Tennessee vs. Jesse Oliver Hunter

• 1 Count Possession of Sch. I – Heroin
• 1 Count Possession of Sch. VI – Marijuana
• 1 Count Possession of Sch. II – Methamphetamine < 26 grams
• 1 Count Driving While in Possession of Methamphetamine
• 1 Count Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

State of Tennessee vs. Eric Brandon Hix

• 1 Count Simple Possession of Sch. VI – Marijuana
• 1 Count Possession of Sch. II – Methamphetamine
• 1 Count Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

State of Tennessee vs. Robin Lynn Woodard

• 1 Count Failure to Exercise Due Care
• 1 Count Leaving the Scene of an Accident

State of Tennessee vs. Joshua R. Harris

• 1 Count Introduction of Drugs into Penal Institution
• 1 Count Possession of Sch. II – Fentanyl

State of Tennessee vs. Joseph F. Phillips

• 1 Count Simple Possession of Sch. VI – Marijuana
• 1 Count Possession of Sch. II – Methamphetamine
• 1 Count Possession of Sch. II – Cocaine
• 1 Count Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• 1 Count Possession of Firearm during the Commission of Felony

State of Tennessee vs. Tiffany Marie Prashaw

• 1 Count Possession of Sch. II – Methamphetamine
• 1 Count Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

State of Tennessee vs. Jeffery W. Roberts

• 1 Count Improper Display of Registration Plates
• 1 Count Simple Possession of Sch. III – Buprenorphine

State of Tennessee vs. Mark Justin Robertson

• 1 Count Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

State of Tennessee vs. Ricky W. Gilmer

• 1 Count Evading Arrest

State of Tennessee vs. Matthew T. Taylor

• 1 Count Improper Display of Registration Plates
• 1 Count Driving with License Suspended
• 1 Count Possession of Sch. II – Fentanyl
• 1 Count Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

State of Tennessee vs. Trent A. Evans

• 1 Count Open Container Law
• 1 Count Driving Under the Influence, 3rd Offense

State of Tennessee vs. John R. Webb

• 1 Count Criminal Trespass
• 1 Count Criminal Littering
• 1 Count Harassment

Jackson, TN – Students from Smith County, Tennessee joined 490 youth leaders from across the state at the Tennessee Teen Institute. The Tennessee Teen Institute is a five-day youth leadership and prevention camp sponsored by the Jackson Area Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependency (JACOA). This year marked the 37th Anniversary of the Teen Institute Program in Tennessee. The program addresses teen issues such as bullying, violence, suicide, teen pregnancy, distracted driving, teen health, and substance abuse prevention through a five-day, peer-led prevention camp designed to provide teen participants with the skills and education necessary to develop and implement alcohol and drug abuse prevention programs in their own communities. This is a comprehensive program that trains, mobilizes, and empowers youth to prevent the illegal use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs and self-destructive behaviors in themselves and their peers. TTI prepares students to not only make positive changes, but to be proud advocates of those changes. Students will have the opportunity to grow and learn as individuals, while enhancing their leadership abilities. Because TTI is peer-led, teens are given a unique opportunity to have a “voice” in addressing issues important to them. Giving youth some ownership in this type of program is one of the key factors in the success of enforcing a substance free lifestyle.

Held on the University of Tennessee at Martin campus in Martin, Tennessee, June 11th-16th, TTI 2023 hosted approximately 500 teen leaders, adult advisors, and TTI staff. These participants leave motivated not only to make healthy decisions in their own lives, but also committed to work so that others are making healthy decisions in their communities as well.

Mission statement for the Teen Institute Program is:

“To empower Tennessee’s youth to lead by example and take an active role in bringing about positive changes by giving them the skills, knowledge, and support they need make healthy choices, build positive relationships and live substance free lives.”

The Tennessee Teen Institute is funded in part by grants from TN Department of Health, TN Department of Mental Health Division of Substance Abuse Services, TN Highway Safety Office, and State Farm. JACOA is a nonprofit organization funded in part by the State of Tennessee and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. For more information about the Tennessee Teen Institute visit www.tnteeninstitute.net or contact us at tnteeninstitute@jacoa.org.

Back-to-school shopping is in full swing, and the National Retail Federation projects that consumers will spend record amounts on supplies and other school-related expenses this year. In the midst of this annual spending spree, University of Tennessee Extension reminds consumers that adhering to classic savvy shopping practices can make a difference in saving big on back-to-school costs.

“Families often don’t realize how much they spend on back-to-school and back-to-college products each year,” says Christopher T. Sneed, UT Extension Consumer Economics Specialist and Assistant Professor. “It can be easy to over-spend, but a few simple strategies can help citizens make good consumer decisions that protect the budget.”

To help reduce the financial impact of back-to-school shopping this year, Sneed provides five easy ways for families and individuals to spend responsibly.

1. Take Inventory

There’s a good chance that you may have school supplies left over from last year. To avoid spending money on items you already have, take an inventory and make a list of all the school supplies in your house. You can cross reference this list with the classroom supply list you receive from your child’s school to determine which products you need to buy.

2. Compare Prices

Consumers may often find good value and better pricing through online shopping. Be sure to always compare the prices of the items you need between brick-and-mortar stores and online retailers. Don’t forget to check the shipping costs!

3. Buy Used

Items like textbooks, calculators, and other pieces of technology can carry a big price, so it may be best for your budget to consider buying these items lightly used. You can save a lot by buying second hand from family, friends, or online marketplaces.

4. Seek out Sales

When the back-to-school shopping season ends, retailers often drop prices to help move leftover stock. Take advantage of this time to stock up on items you know you or your children will need throughout the year. Supplies such as pens, pencils, notebooks, binders, and paper are always in demand. Consider creating a central supply station in your house so your children will know where to look for the supplies they need.

5. Spread out Spending

If shopping for all the back to school supplies your family needs at one time seems daunting or financially draining, think about how you can spread out your spending across multiple pay periods.

“Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to break the budget,” says Sneed. “The key is for families and individuals to think ahead and be strategic about consumer decisions.”

Through its land-grant mission of research, teaching and extension, the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. utia.tennessee.edu.

Tea Cakes

2/3 cup softened margarine

3/4 cup sugar

1 egg

1-3 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 cups self-rising flour

Beat margarine and sugar for 1 minute, scraping sides of bowl often. Add egg, milk, and vanilla. Beat well, then add flour. Divide dough into two parts. Chill for 30 minutes. Roll out to 1/8 inch thick on a well-floured surface. Cut out with biscuit cutter or your favorite shaped cutter. Bake at 375 degrees for 7-10 minutes. Cool on wire rack.

Three Smith County 4-H’ers, Abby Malone, Gabe Harville, and Kynlee Davis, attended the 100th Tennessee 4-H Roundup and All-Star Conference at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville on July 17-21, 2023. Roundup allows Tennessee 4-H members the opportunity to learn new things, have fun, and make new friends, giving them an opportunity to live the “college experience” in preparation for their future.

The first statewide 4-H event in Tennessee took place in July of 1923 and was known as State 4-H Club Camp. From that early beginning, Roundup has seen many changes. This event now serves to recognize 4-H members for their outstanding project work and leadership accomplishments.

State All-Star Conference is a part of the Roundup program, enabling All-Stars state-wide to conduct service-learning projects and recognize outstanding service projects that have been conducted throughout the year. The week is rounded off with special assemblies, award and scholarship presentations, and State 4-H Council Elections. Roundup winds down the week with the induction ceremony for newly initiated Vol State members and a closing dance.

Smith County 4-H was recognized for their commitment to service learning, and several 4-H’ers were also recognized for their individual accomplishments. Kynlee Davis competed in Level I Poultry Project and received a 1st place award for her project board. Abby Malone was honored at the Senior Breakfast and awarded the Stephen McNeil Memorial Scholarship. Finally, Gabe Harville was elected to the State 4-H Council as a Jr. Representative. These 4-H’ers always do an excellent job of representing Smith County, and we are so proud of their hard work and dedication!

We also want to thank Lisa Harville for going with the group as an adult volunteer.

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 is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. 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. For further information concerning the many opportunities that 4-H has to offer the youth in Smith County, call 615-735-2900.

(Submitted by Katie Martin – Smith County Extension Agent)