Smith County Archers Compete at 2026 4-H State Archery Jamboree
On Saturday, April 11, 2026, 17 4-H’ers from Smith County put their sharp-shooting skills to the test at the 2026 State 4-H Archery Jamboree.
This statewide competition held at Hyder Burks Ag Pavilion was the culmination of weeks of practice and hard work that began back in February. For two of our Senior High archers, that hard work paid off with some hardware!
In the Senior High Genesis Division, Easton Bibbings was the overall 1st Place shooter for the 3rd year in a row to round out an impressive high school archery career. Owen Meeks also placed 9th in the Senior High Genesis Division. Way to go, Easton and Owen!
The other archers representing Smith County in the Senior High Genesis Division were Emmy Bibbings, Presley Claywell, and Luke Chartier.
Kyler Yerge, Rose Hughes, Titus Chartier, Aubrey Hicks, and Scarlett Hicks competed in the Junior High Genesis Division.
Canan Barnhart, Giandavid Knick, Sammy Potapov, Grayson Mobley, Chloe Beechboard, Lucas Potapov, and Peter Chartier competed in the Junior Genesis Division.
We are so proud of these young people for the way that they represented themselves and Smith County!
Our 2026 4-H Archery season officially came to a close at our annual Fun Shoot on Thursday, April 16. All of our archers, including those that chose not to compete in the Jamboree, enjoyed pizza and got to shoot at animal targets and balloons filled with candy. This is always a great way to end the season and reward our 4-H’ers for their hard work!
Our 4-H Archery program wouldn’t be possible without our incredible team of volunteer coaches who have dedicated their time and effort to make this season a success. Thank you to Kenny Claywell, John Laurie, and Carson Meeks!
By participating in archery through 4-H, youth learn and practice important shooting sports safety skills, spend time outside and away from screens, cultivate friendships, and learn a new skill that can help them develop self-confidence.
This statewide competition held at Hyder Burks Ag Pavilion was the culmination of weeks of practice and hard work that began back in February. For two of our Senior High archers, that hard work paid off with some hardware!
In the Senior High Genesis Division, Easton Bibbings was the overall 1st Place shooter for the 3rd year in a row to round out an impressive high school archery career. Owen Meeks also placed 9th in the Senior High Genesis Division. Way to go, Easton and Owen!
The other archers representing Smith County in the Senior High Genesis Division were Emmy Bibbings, Presley Claywell, and Luke Chartier.
Kyler Yerge, Rose Hughes, Titus Chartier, Aubrey Hicks, and Scarlett Hicks competed in the Junior High Genesis Division.
Canan Barnhart, Giandavid Knick, Sammy Potapov, Grayson Mobley, Chloe Beechboard, Lucas Potapov, and Peter Chartier competed in the Junior Genesis Division.
We are so proud of these young people for the way that they represented themselves and Smith County!
Our 2026 4-H Archery season officially came to a close at our annual Fun Shoot on Thursday, April 16. All of our archers, including those that chose not to compete in the Jamboree, enjoyed pizza and got to shoot at animal targets and balloons filled with candy. This is always a great way to end the season and reward our 4-H’ers for their hard work!
Our 4-H Archery program wouldn’t be possible without our incredible team of volunteer coaches who have dedicated their time and effort to make this season a success. Thank you to Kenny Claywell, John Laurie, and Carson Meeks!
By participating in archery through 4-H, youth learn and practice important shooting sports safety skills, spend time outside and away from screens, cultivate friendships, and learn a new skill that can help them develop self-confidence.
If you are interested in learning more about the 4-H Archery program in Smith County or becoming a volunteer coach, please reach out to Rachel Petty at 615-735-2900 or rpetty@utk.edu.
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- Back Row (L to R): Titus Chartier, Kyler Yerge, Easton Bibbings (1st Place, Senior High), Emmy Bibbings Front Row (L to R): Sammy Potapov, Lucas Potapov, Peter Chartier, Luke Chartier
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- Back Row (L to R): Chloe Beechboard, Presley Claywell, Rose Hughes, Owen Meeks (9th Place, Senior High) Front Row (L to R): Scarlett Hicks, Aubrey Hicks, Grayson Mobley, Giandavid Knick, and Canan Barnhart
TWRA Replaces Fishing Piers at Sharp Spring Park
The Women’s Health Expo is Back and Bigger, Better Than Ever at Highpoint Health – Riverview
Carthage, TN – April 15, 2026 – Women’s health needs evolve through every stage of life—and at Highpoint Health – Riverview, our team is committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care through every chapter. From prenatal care and childbirth to gynecologic services, pelvic floor health and postmenopausal support, our women’s health services are designed to meet women where they are, with personalized care close to home.That commitment to whole-person care extends beyond our hospital walls. On Sunday, April 26, from 2 to 4 p.m., Highpoint Health – Riverview will once again host its Women’s Health Expo, a free community event designed to educate, connect and empower women and families across the region.What to Expect at the Women’s Health ExpoThe free Women’s Health Expo is open to all women and their families. Experience learning in a fun, welcoming and informative setting. Attendees will have the opportunity to:
- Learn from experts about key women’s health topics, including prenatal and postnatal care, postmenopausal health, gynecologic procedures and pelvic floor health
- Meet Highpoint Health – Riverview providers and women’s services team members
- Tour the Labor and Delivery department and mammography suites
- Explore community vendor booths featuring local organizations, get free samples
- Listen to child safety demonstrations and obtain helpful pediatric resources
- Enjoy light refreshments and enter to win door prizes
This year’s Women’s Health Expo offers something for everyone—whether you’re planning for a growing family, prioritizing preventive care or simply looking to learn more about your health.“We’re proud to offer women in our community access to high-quality, compassionate care right here at home,” said Morgan Cooper, Interim Women’s Services Director at Highpoint Health – Riverview. “The Women’s Health Expo is a reflection of that commitment—it’s about education, connection and empowering women with knowledge and resources that support lifelong wellness.”The Women’s Health Expo will be held at Highpoint Health – Riverview, 158 Hospital Drive in Carthage. There is no cost to attend.
TWRA Announces Availabity of 2026-27 Clean Streams Grant
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) announces the availability of grant dollars to assist cities, schools, community organizations, civic groups, watershed organizations, conservation groups, and similar groups with stream clean-up projects during the 2026-27 fiscal year.
Five grants, at a maximum of $1,000 each, are available for each of TWRA’s four regional Aquatic Habitat Protection regions (a total of $5,000 per region). The funds will be obligated as grants; therefore, the grantee must have a nonprofit tax-exempt number. Applications can be made by scanning the attached QR code or by completing the application located on the Habitat Programs and Grants page of the TWRA website. The application deadline for this program is June 30, 2026.
The grant money could be used to buy supplies such as rakes, work gloves, and garbage bags. Additionally, it could be used to cover disposal fees for solid waste and tire removal, or to provide promotional items such as project advertisements or T-shirts, and refreshments for volunteer support.
For any questions, contact TWRA Biodiversity Division Assistant Chief Jason E. Miller at jason.edward.miller@tn.gov. Additionally, interested individuals may also contact a regional Aquatic Habitat Protection Biologist at the TWRA regional offices. TWRA regionals offices are Region I (West Tennessee in Jackson), Region II (Middle Tennessee in Nashville), Region III (Cumberland Plateau & Chattanooga area in Crossville), and Region IV (East Tennessee in Morristown).
Region I . Allen Pyburn 200 Lowell Thomas Drive Jackson, TN 38301 (731) 423-6541 Email: Allen.Pyburn@tn.gov
Region 2 Katie Murphy TWRA 5107 Edmondson Pike Nashville, TN 37204 (615)-934-6213 Email: Katie.M.Murphy@tn.gov
Region 3 Bobby Brown 464 Industrial Boulevard Crossville, TN 38555 (931) 484-9571 Email: Bobby.Brown@tn.gov
Region 4 Rob Lindbom 3030 Wildlife Way Morristown, TN 37814 (423) 587-7037 Email: Dennis.Lindbom@tn.gov
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.
SoFi, Kelsea Ballerini, and CMA Launch Amplify Your Ambitions Contest to Empower America’s Next Generation of Emerging Artists
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SoFi, the one-stop shop for digital financial services, is launching the “Amplify Your Ambitions” Contest, a nationwide search to discover emerging artists as they pursue their ambitions and advance their careers, in partnership with the Country Music Association (CMA) and multi-platinum songwriter, producer, and author Kelsea Ballerini, a five-time GRAMMY® Award nominee and multiple ACM and CMA Award winner. Starting today through April 30, artists can enter for a $200,000 grand prize or one of two $50,000 runner-up prizes. Three finalists will be selected by SoFi. From there, a panel of judges across music and finance will weigh in alongside a public vote to help determine the grand prize winner. Judges include Kelsea Ballerini, Vivian Tu, SoFi’s Chief of Financial Empowerment and New York Times bestselling author, and Shane McAnally, four-time GRAMMY® Award winning singer-songwriter. The winner will be revealed on June 4, when all three finalists perform in front of the judges at an intimate concert in Nashville. “I know firsthand how much it takes to build a career in music, especially when you’re funding it on your own,” said Kelsea Ballerini. “That’s why I’m excited to partner with SoFi on this. We’re looking for artists with passion, determination, and a strong sense of who they are, artists who are not only committed to their craft but thoughtful about how they invest in themselves and their music.” For many artists, the path to success isn’t defined by talent alone, but by access to resources. Financial barriers remain one of the biggest challenges facing emerging musicians, with 75% self-funding their careers and more than half carrying debt tied to their creative pursuits. Through the Amplify Your Ambitions Contest, SoFi is putting a spotlight on the financial tools and resources that can help artists nationwide move forward and achieve financial independence. “At SoFi, we’re focused on helping people take control of their financial futures,” said Lauren Stafford Webb, SoFi Chief Marketing Officer at SoFi. “Our partnership with Kelsea and CMA reflects a shared commitment to investing in the next generation of artists and the fans who support them. As the presenting sponsor for CMA Fest, we’re extending our commitment by empowering SoFi members with the financial tools and support they need to build stability, grow their money, and make meaningful progress towards long term goals.” How To Enter SoFi Amplify Your Ambitions Contest SoFi is inviting members who are aspiring artists to share how they would use the grand prize to elevate their music careers. Entrants will be judged on the originality of their sound, the creativity of their storytelling, the strength of their performance, and how they plan to effectively use this opportunity to grow and advance as artists. Artist Submissions: Entries must be submitted at AmplifyYourAmbitions.com between April 15, 2026 and April 30, 2026 at 11:59 pm ET. Requirements: Musicians, both soloists and groups, are invited to enter by detailing how they would use $200,000 from SoFi to help them achieve their music career ambitions. All entrants must provide:
Entrants, including all group members, must be 18+ and legal residents of the United States. To enter, contestants, or the designated representative of a group, must have a registered SoFi account. If you don’t have one, it’s free to sign up at SoFi.com. For official rules, please visit amplifyyourambitions.com/rules As the returning presenting sponsor of CMA Fest, SoFi is supporting fans both on and off the stage, with perks like 25% cash back on eligible purchases, access to the members-only SoFi Studio lounge, and ticket giveaways. SoFi Plus members can go further with benefits designed to help them get their money right, including high-yield savings, 1% investment matches, and one-on-one sessions with SoFi CFPs. To stay up to date on SoFi member CMA Fest perks follow SoFi on X and Instagram. For more information and to join SoFi Plus, visit sofi.com/sofi-plus. |
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About SoFi SoFi Technologies (NASDAQ: SOFI) is a one-stop shop for digital financial services on a mission to help people achieve financial independence to realize their ambitions. 13.7 million members trust SoFi to borrow, save, spend, invest, and protect their money and buy, sell and hold their crypto – all in one app – and get access to financial planners, exclusive experiences, and a thriving community. Fintechs, financial institutions, and brands use SoFi’s technology platform Galileo to build and manage innovative financial solutions across 128 million global accounts. For more information, visit www.sofi.com or download our iOS and Android apps. About the Country Music Association Founded in 1958, the Country Music Association is the first trade organization formed to promote a type of music. CMA created the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1961 to recognize artists and industry professionals with Country Music’s highest honor. Music industry professionals and companies across the U.S. and around the globe are members of CMA. The organization serves as an educational and professional resource for the industry and advances the growth of Country Music around the world. This is accomplished through CMA’s core initiatives: the CMA Awards, which annually recognize outstanding achievement in the industry; CMA Fest, which benefits the CMA Foundation and music education and is taped for a three-hour network television special, “CMA Fest”; and “CMA Country Christmas.” All of CMA’s television properties air on ABC. Disclosures SoFi Plus: Terms and conditions <https://www.sofi.com/terms-of-use/#sofi-plus> apply. To learn more about SoFi Plus, please see the SoFi Plus <https://www.sofi.com/sofi-plus> page. *Open only to legal residents of the 50 US/DC, 18+ who are SoFi registered users and the designated representative of a Music Act. Void where prohibited. Enter by 11:59 p.m. ET on 4/30/26. See Official Rules for details, including Music Act requirements, entry instructions, prizes, limits, and judging criteria. |
Youth Soccer Skills Camp
A youth soccer camp is set to bring energy and skill-building to the field this summer with the upcoming Youth Soccer Skills Camp, taking place June 2–4 at the Smith County Soccer Complex. Designed for students entering kindergarten through 8th grade in the 2026–2027 school year, the camp offers a fun and structured environment for young athletes to develop their game.
Running daily from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, the camp focuses on essential soccer fundamentals such as dribbling, passing, shooting, and teamwork. Players of all skill levels are welcome, making it a great opportunity for beginners to learn the basics and for more experienced players to sharpen their techniques.
The cost to attend is $45, providing an affordable way for families to get their children active and engaged during the summer. In addition to physical development, participants will benefit from teamwork, sportsmanship, and confidence-building activities led by experienced coaches.
Registration is available via the QR code on the flyer or by clicking here, and additional information can be obtained by phone or email. With limited spots expected, early registration is encouraged to secure a place in this exciting summer camp experience.
Traffic Delays
Per Smith County EMS:
We have been advised of some preliminary evaluation work that will be done by a contractor on the South Carthage Bluff, beginning April 14th and going through April 17th, from 9am until 3pm each day. While the work is being done, Hwy 70 will be down to one lane. Expect delays and plan accordingly.
Smith County Chamber Corner Show – April 2026
Check out the April 2026 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.
Carthage Junction Art Show – My Favorite Flowers
he Carthage Junction Depot will be filled with flowers this Saturday, April 18 for a one day event featuring the work of two local artists. Visitors will be delighted by mixed media work of Tabatha Edwards and the oil paintings of Tetiana Suzi. The Bloom Bar will also fill the venue with color and the sweet smell of fresh flowers with an array of blooms for you to build your own bouquet.
Tetiana Suzi (pictured below) is self-taught artist. Originally from Ukraine, she now makes Tennessee her home. She has spent over 15 years working in the art world, finding herself drawn to traditional oil painting in the last 3 years, following the quiet depth of old master techniques.
“Through my work, I hope to share that same feeling of calm, light, and quiet emotion with others.”
This event is open from 10-4 and is free and open to the public. Art and flowers will be available for purchase. Carthage Junction Depot is located at 185 Cookeville Hwy, Brush Creek, TN.
Becoming an Outdoors Woman Workshop Set for Buffalo Ridge Refuge June 27-28
The 2026 Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) Workshop will be held June 27-28 at Buffalo Ridge Refuge in Humphreys County. Registration starts on Wednesday, April 15, on a first-come, first-served basis. However, priority will be given to first-time participants.
Hosted by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), participants will have the opportunity to register for three classes. Classes will be taught in the morning and afternoon on Saturday and will conclude with a Sunday morning session. Classes this year include backyard habitat, basic archery, beginning fly fishing, field to freezer, fishing 101, introduction to long-distance shooting, introduction to sporting clays, pistol 101, rifle 101, utility terrain vehicle (UTV) operation, trapping, and wild edibles.
The workshop fee is $100, and it includes all Saturday meals and a Sunday breakfast, along with the three sessions. Space for the event is limited. Registrations can be made at GoOutdoorsTennessee.com under the “Events” icon.
Lodging is not included, but camping is permitted, and campers must provide their own equipment. There are also hotels located nearby. For more information, contact Daniel Musselwhite, Wildlife Education Program Coordinator, at Daniel.P.Musselwhite@tn.gov.
Since 1991, the TWRA has been encouraging women to get outdoors through the BOW program. This program exists in all 50 states and several Canadian provinces. BOW offers women the opportunity to learn and build new outdoor skills.
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.
Free Sports Physicals
Highpoint Health is making it easier for students to prepare for the upcoming school year by offering free sports physicals for all eligible participants. Hosted by Highpoint Health in partnership with Smith County Schools, this event ensures students can meet required health guidelines before joining athletic teams or band programs.
The physicals will take place at the Wellness Center behind the Board of Education from 3:00 to 5:30 PM. Students in grades K–7 can attend on May 4th and 5th, while those in grades 8–12 are scheduled for May 6th and 7th. The event is designed to be quick, convenient, and accessible for families.
To participate, students should bring a completed physical form, wear comfortable clothing, and come with a positive attitude. Forms will be distributed through schools in advance, allowing parents to complete them ahead of time.
This initiative not only removes financial barriers but also helps ensure that students are safe and ready to take part in extracurricular activities. By providing professional medical evaluations at no cost, Highpoint Health continues to support student wellness and community engagement.
Smith County 4-H’ers Compete in Central Region 4-H & MTSU Horse Judging Competition
Smith County 4-H’ers ready to compete in the 2026 Central Region 4-H & MTSU Horse Judging Competition!
On Tuesday, March 31, 2026, 12 Smith County 4-H’ers traveled to the Tennessee Miller Coliseum on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University to compete in the Central Region 4-H and MTSU Horse Judging Contest.
Over the past 9 weeks, our 4-H’ers have strengthened their equine knowledge with the help of volunteer coaches Caitlin Rossington and Catherine Chapman. At the contest, 4-H’ers judged a total of nine classes of horses in-person, consisting of a variety of both riding and halter classes.
Our Junior Team A was made up of Charlotte Boyce, Kennedy Deckard, Sophie Hale, and Winnie Jo Hendry. Our Junior Team B was made up of Peter Chartier, Rylee Jones, Lucas Potapov, and Sammy Potapov.
Junior (4th & 5th Grade) Competitors from Smith County Back Row (L to R): Sophie Hale, Winnie Jo Hendry, Kennedy Deckard, Rylee Jones Front Row (L to R): Charlotte Boyce, Peter Chartier, Lucas Potapov, Sammy Potapov
In the 4-H Contest, our Junior Team A was 5th Place and our Junior Team B was 6th Place out of 18 teams in their division. Charlotte Boyce was the 11th High Individual.
In the MTSU Contest, Winnie Jo Hendry placed 4th overall in the Junior Performance Class Division. Our Junior Team B placed 3rd Overall in the Junior Halter Class division, and our Junior Team A placed 5th overall in the Junior Performance Class division.
Our Junior High Team was made up of Katie Belle Butler, Luke Chartier, Titus Chartier, and Kyler Yerge.
In the 4-H Contest, Katie Belle Butler was the 9th High Individual. In the MTSU Contest, our Junior High Team was 5th Place in the Junior High Performance Class division.
Smith County 4-H’ers ready to compete in the 2026 Central Region 4-H & MTSU Horse Judging Competition!
We are so proud of all these 4-H’ers for the way they represented themselves and Smith County at this contest!
Thanks again to volunteers Caitlin Rossington and Catherine Chapman for their time and dedication in leading our 4-H Horse Project Group.
The 4-H Horse Program helps youth to develop communication skills, make decisions based on facts and observations, compete with a sportsmanlike attitude, and develop self-confidence. For more information about Horse Judging, our 4-H Horse Project Group, or any other 4-H activities, please call 615-735-2900.
Submitted by :Rachel Petty, UT Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development
Spring Hike with Shuttle Service
Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 25, 2026 — it’s going to be an adventure you won’t want to miss!
Shuttle Service
Starting at 8:30 AM, the first shuttle will depart from Defeated Creek Park, with shuttles running every 30 minutes until 9:30 AM. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just out for a fun day, we’ll get you to the Overlook trailhead so you can take on the Bear Waller Gap Trail with ease!
Complimentary Lunch
After your adventure, we’ve got you covered with a delicious FREE lunch provided by the awesome folks at Friends of Cordell Hull Lake. Come hungry, and celebrate your day of outdoor fun!
This is a perfect day for family, friends, or anyone who loves the outdoors. Whether you’re hiking, biking, or just soaking in the scenery, it’s going to be a day to remember.
Don’t miss out — we’ll see you on April 25, 2026!
For more from the Friends of Cordell Hull Lake view their newsletter here.
SCHS Class of 2026 Graduation
Smith County High School is proud to announce its Senior Graduation Ceremony for the Class of 2026, taking place on Saturday, May 16th at 10:00 a.m.
The ceremony will be held at the SCHS Owl Football Stadium, located at 312 Fite Avenue East in Carthage, weather permitting. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will move indoors to the SCHS Bill Landreth Gymnasium.
Family, friends, and community members are invited to join in celebrating the achievements and bright futures of the graduating class. This milestone event marks the culmination of years of hard work and dedication, as students prepare to take the next step in their journeys.
APEX Academy registration
APEX Academy registration has been extended through April 20 for rising Kindergarten through 9th graders. Contact your student’s school for more information. Contact your student’s school for more information.
