On June 1st, Deputy Brady Dodson observed a silver gmc envoy with a non functioning driver’s side headlight. Deputy Dodson conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle. Upon making contact with the driver Mr. Joseph Anderson, he explained that he did not have any identification on him. 

While Deputy Dodson was speaking with Mr. Anderson. Sgt. Lynn was speaking with the passenger Mr. Brandon Harris who advised him he believed there was a small amount of Methamphetamine in the vehicle in a camo backpack. At this point a K-9 was deployed for a free air sniff of the vehicle, 

After the vehicle was searched the following was located: 57.14 Grams of Methamphetamine, 2.6 Grams of Marijuana, a scale with white residue on it, a loaded syringe, a Marijuana dab rig, and a spoon with burnt residue on it. This bag also contained Mr. Anderson’s wallet which had $847.00 inside of it. Sgt. Lynn located a M&P Shield .380 cal in the backseat inside of a leather holster which was in a black bag. Sgt. Lynn also located a black zippered pouch which had a large sum of money inside of it. Mr. Harris claimed the money in the black zippered pouch as his, and also had addition money on his person which together totaled $7,187.00.

Both subjects denied ownership of the narcotics, and both subjects were placed into custody. While conducting a search of Mr. Anderson’s pockets, approximately 5.75 Grams of Heroin were found.

Although claiming his license was valid it was determined that Mr. Anderson was driving on a suspended license license and that he had given the wrong Social Security number. Additionally Mr. Anderson had a full warrant out of Ohio for a Violation of Parole. Both subjects are convicted felons, and neither claimed the firearm. 

We had a beautiful display in the Smith County Fair’s Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) exhibit area. Thank you to all of our wonderful volunteers for helping make this a success. Especially, thanks for all your help registering entries and caring for the exhibits during the week.

Thanks to all the Smith County residents who exhibited their items. Both residents and Family and Community Education (FCE) members showed their talent with all the awards they won. A special congratulations to Night Owls FCE Club for winning the Hallie Mai Clemons FCE award of $100 for the FCE club with the most entries.

Eleven best of Show Awards were presented. Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) exhibits Best of Show winners were:

· Photography- Makenzie Herron

· Heirlooms- Yvonne Gorney

· Floriculture- Nicholas Dillehay

· Canning- Marcia Tisdale

· Cooking- Joanne Bynum

· Sewing- Maggie Klenke

· Fine Arts (Amateur)- Paul McGinnis

· Fine Arts (Professional)- Betty Lankford

· Crafts- Patty Piper

· Quilts- Maggie Klenke

· Needlecraft- Jennifer Byrnes

In addition to Best of Show Prizes, a $10 premium check was awarded to each winner. Thanks to our wonderful FCS exhibit sponsors: Flowers by Leanne (Leanne Hesson); Granville Bed & Breakfast (Randall and Peggy Clemons) (3); Stan Webster in memory of Edith Stanton Webster; Carol Webster (2) in memory of Beatrice Webster; Carthage FCE Club; The Holliman Children in memory of Mack and Dot Holliman; Phyllis McKinney in memory of Chris McKinney; and Justin and Mary Draper in memory of Edward Massey Sr.

I hope everyone will start planning now on what they want to enter in next year’s fair!

Chicken Salad Pie

Mix together:

1 cup grated cheddar cheese

1 stick melted butter

1 cup self-rising flour

Pat in deep 9” pie plate. Bake 20 minutes at 350 degrees.

Mix together:

1 cup drained, crushed pineapple

1/2 cup chopped celery

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1 1/2 to 2 cups chopped, cooked chicken

Mix together:

1 cup sour cream

2/3 cup Hellman’s mayo

Take half of mayo mixture and add to chicken, then place in crust. Top with remaining mayo mixture. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Best if chilled overnight. Submitted by Judy Long, Gordonsville FCE Club.

A man has passed away after suffering severe head trauma while performing maintenance on the “Gravitron” carnival ride Thursday at the site of the Smith County Fair. According to the James Gang Company, Oval Mudd of Smith County was servicing the ride when the accident occurred.

Preliminary reports indicate that the “Gravitron” ride was not being operated or powered by electricity when the accident occurred. Mr. Mudd was struck in the head while performing regular maintenance and safety checks while underneath the ride.

The ride remained closed during the fair’s carnival on Thursday night as a precaution, and members of the state’s Elevator & Amusement Device Safety Board and TOSHA were called in to investigate the incident.

The following is a press release that was released yesterday:

The James Gang Amusement Company LLC of Andalusia, AL regretfully reports that there was an unfortunate accident that occurred at 9:30 am, July 6, 2023 at the Smith County Fairgrounds involving an employee, that was servicing the “Gravitron” Carnival Ride during routine weekly maintenance. The ride was not in operation at the time and poses no danger to the general public.
The James Family and the James Gang Amusement Co. would like to say that their thoughts and prayers are with the family of the newly hired employee. We are not releasing the name of the employee until his next of kin can be notified.
Rodney James, V. – James Gang Amusements LLC”

The 2023 Miss Tiny Fairest of the Fair Pageant was held at the Smith County Fair on Wednesday night, July 5, 2023.

There were 6 contestants in the 4-6 year old age group including Taylor Kate Swann, Arabella Grace Davis, Harley Rae Shrum, Paislee Lynn Hale, Ellie Kate Hopkins and Remy Preston.

The winner of the 2023 Smith County Miss Tiny Fairest of the Fair Pageant was Paislee Lynn Hale. 1st Runner Up was Taylor Kate Swann and 2nd Runner Up was Ellie Kate Hopkins.

Paislee Lynn Hale won the People’s Choice Award and Most Photogenic was awarded to Taylor Kate Swann.

Congratulations, ladies!

The Fairest of the Fair Pageants will continue this week at the Smith County Fair. Visit http://smithcountyfairtn.net for a complete schedule of events.

The 2023 Miss Toddler Fairest of the Fair Pageant was held at the Smith County Fair on Wednesday night, July 5, 2023.

Nine beautiful 2-3 year old girls participate in this division including Summer Josephine Scalzo, Jazmin Daniels, Emery Hickman, Rosie Carol Lish, Emmie Grace Dedmon, Oaklee Grace Barker, Denri Ghazi, Harper Marshall and Collins Everleigh Johnson.

The winner of the 2023 Smith County Miss Toddler Fairest of the Fair Pageant was Rosie Carol Lish. 1st Runner Up was Harper Marshall and 2nd Runner Up was Collins Everleigh Johnson

Emery Hickmans was crowned the People’s Choice Award and Most Photogenic was awarded to Harper Marshall.

Congratulations ladies!

The Fairest of the Fair Pageants will continue this week at the Smith County Fair. Visit http://smithcountyfairtn.net for a complete schedule of events.

The 2023 Mister Toddler Fairest of the Fair Pageant was held at the Smith County Fair on Wednesday night, July 5, 2023.

Four handsome boys participated in the 2-3 year old division. 3rd Runner up was Jaxon McPherson. 2nd Runner-up was Timothy Heflin. Parker Alexander Davis received 1st Runner-up and the 2023 Smith County Mister Toddler Fairest of the Fair was Maverick Tarpley.

Congratulations gentleman!

The Fairest of the Fair Pageants will continue this week at the Smith County Fair. Visit http://smithcountyfairtn.net for a complete schedule of events.

The 2023 Miss Petite Fairest of the Fair Pageant was held at the Smith County Fair on Tuesday night, July 5, 2023.

There were 12 contestants in this age group including Tilly Gene Boze, Sadie Mae Comstock, Kasily Pace, Rylee Jones Laikyn Bush, Ella Christian, Paisley Mai Profitt, Natalie Denton, Anderson Essex Boze, Paisley Maire Scalzo, Emma Dotson and Cali Mae Johnson.

The top six contestants included Tilly Gene Boze, Sadie Mae Comstock, Laikyn Bush, Natalie Denton, Emma Dotson and Calie Mae Johnson.

The winner of the 2023 Smith County Miss Petite Fairest of the Fair Pageant was Natalie Denton, 1st Runner Up was Sadie Mae Comstock and 2nd Runner Up was Tilly Gene Boze.

Laikyn Bush won the People’s Choice Award and Most Photogenic was awarded to Natalie Denton.

Congratulations, ladies!

The Fairest of the Fair Pageants will continue this week at the Smith County Fair. Visit http://smithcountyfairtn.net for a complete schedule of events.

The 2032 Miss Junior Fairest of the Fair Pageant was held at the Smith County Fair on Tuesday night, July 4, 2023.

There were eight lovely tweens ages 10-12 who participated including Kinley Duncan, Makaeleigh Tarpley, Emma Overstreet, Makayla Gray, Ella Barker, Lana Alois, Clarissa Comstock and Sophie Mae Lawson.

The winner of the 2023 Smith County Miss Junior Fairest of the Fair Pageant was Kinley Duncan, 1st Runner Up was Lana Alois and 2nd Runner Up was Makaeleigh Tarpley, who also won Miss Photogenic and People’s Choice.

Congratulations, ladies!

The Fairest of the Fair Pageants will continue this week at the Smith County Fair. Visit http://smithcountyfairtn.net for a complete schedule of event.

On May 31st, Sgt. Junior Fields stopped a white 2002 Ford Focus after checking vehicle speed by moving radar. Radar indicated the vehicle was traveling 60 mph in a 45 mph zone. After stopping the vehicle and speaking to the driver who was identified as Mr. Joseph Lesko Sgt. Fields noticed there was an odor of marijuana and intoxicants. The passenger identified as Mrs. Courtney Vanhook stepped out of the vehicle at which time Deputy Burl Johnson arrived on scene. She was intoxicated and had her child in the vehicle with her.

Mr. Lesko also stepped out of the vehicle at which time Sgt. Fields requested consent to search the vehicle at which Mr. Lesko stated he did not see any reason for the search. Sgt. Fields advised him a K-9 could be deployed if he did not want his vehicle searched. After this Mr. Lesko admitted to having a roach and a small amount of marijuana. Mr. Lesko also had a pack of rolling papers he produced from his pocket.

Upon searching the vehicle the following was located: a small bag of meth weighing 4.2 grams, a small jar containing LSD, and a small amount of marijuana. Mr. Lesko stated the drugs were his and not the passengers. Mr. Lesko was placed under arrest and transported to the Smith County Jail for processing.

The 2023 Miss Teen Fairest of the Fair Pageant was held at the Smith County Fair on Monday night, July 3, 2023.

Twelve lovely teens participated including Kyna McMindes, Ashlyn Glover, Averie Fuller, Camden Huddleston, Hailey Overstreet, Zoe Butler, Kylie Chiapperini, Sydney Yancy, Ava Barker, Emery Shoemake, Addison Scalzo and Paisley Underwood. Ladies placing as the top six contestants included Ashlyn Glover, Camden Huddleston, Hailey Overstreet, Kylie Chiapperini, Emery Shoemake and Paisley Underwood.

The winner of the 2023 Smith County Miss Teen Fairest of the Fair Pageant was Paisley Underwood, 1st Runner Up was Emery Shoemake and 2nd Runner Up was Hailey Overstreet.

Kyna McMindes won Miss Congeniality, Averie Fuller won Most Photogenic and Ashlyn Glover won People’s Choice.

Congratulations, ladies!

The Fairest of the Fair Pageants will continue this week at the Smith County Fair. Visit http://smithcountyfairtn.net for a complete schedule of events.

The 2023 Miss Fairest of the Fair Pageant was held at the Smith County Fair on the night of Monday, July 3, 2023.

Six ladies participated including Airyn Enoch, Cassie Vaden, Angel George, Kaydence Dault, Emilee Hendry and Sadie Moore. Emilee Hendry won Most Photogenic, Airyn Enoch won Miss Congeniality and Angel George won People’s Choice.

The winner of the 2023 Smith County Miss Fairest of the Fair Pageant was Cassie Vaden, 1st Runner Up was Kaydence Dault and 2nd Runner Up was Airyn Enoch.

Congratulations, ladies!

The Fairest of the Fair Pageants will continue this week at the Smith County Fair. Visit http://smithcountyfairtn.net for a complete schedule of events.

COOKEVILLE, TN—U.S. Representative John Rose’s (TN-6) district staff will hold a series of local office hours for constituents to connect directly with caseworkers and receive assistance with federal agencies throughout the month of July.

During the local office hours, district staff will be available to answer questions and assist constituents with federal casework, such as social security and veterans’ benefits, steps for obtaining a passport, and more. Local office hours occur monthly. If you have questions, please contact one of Representative Rose’s offices so a staff member may help you.

“We are ready to assist constituents with federal casework and welcome anyone with questions to sit down with staff,” said Representative Rose. “My goal is to make the expertise of my staff and the resources of this office easily accessible to every person I represent.”

Details for local office hours can be found below and on Representative Rose’s website.

Tuesday, July 18, 2023

TIME: 1:00pm-2:00pm

WHAT: Smith County Local Office Hours
LOCATION: Smith County Admin Building, 122 Turner High Circle, Carthage, TN 37030

WHO: Representative Rose will be represented by Field Representative Lou Nave during this visit.

U.S. Representative John Rose is currently serving his third term representing Tennessee’s Sixth Congressional District and resides in Cookeville with his wife, Chelsea, and their two sons, Guy and Sam. The Sixth District includes Cannon, Clay, Cumberland, DeKalb, Fentress, Jackson, Macon, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, Smith, Sumner, Trousdale, Van Buren, and White counties as well as portions of Davidson, Scott, Warren, and Wilson counties. Representative Rose is an eighth-generation farmer, small business owner, and attorney.

The Smith County Commission held its June meeting on the evening of Monday, June 26, 2023.

You can watch the full meeting below.

Thanks to Powell & Meadows Insurance Agency for sponsoring the live broadcast of this meeting.

Subscribe to Smith County Insider’s YouTube channel to stay up-to-date on meeting coverage, business spotlights, video features, and more!

The Smith County Board of Commissioners meets on the second Monday of every month except December. Typically, commission meetings are held in the General Sessions Courtroom of the Smith County Jail and Courts Facility, located at 322 Justice Drive in Carthage.

All meetings are open to the public and are streamed live at https://www.facebook.com/smithcountyinsider/.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Friday, June 30th Secretary of State Tre Hargett, the Department of Health and the Department of Safety and Homeland Security announced a statewide partnership to distribute free Baby in the Back hangtags to help prevent heat-related child deaths in cars.

“The safety and wellbeing of our youngest Tennesseans is important to our office,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “That’s why we created our Baby in the Back hangtag program, to make a difference in our children’s lives by helping prevent these tragic deaths. We appreciate the Department of Health and the Department of Safety and Homeland Security for working with us to help protect some of our most vulnerable Tennesseans.”

On average, every ten days, a child dies from heatstroke in a car, and in more than half of these deaths, the caregiver forgot the child was in the vehicle. In Tennessee, it is illegal to leave a young child unattended in a car.

“On a hot summer day, the temperature inside a vehicle can climb up to 140 degrees in a short period of time, which can cause a child to get overheated and result in serious medical issues or even death,’’ said Tobi Adeyeye Amosun, MD, FAAP, Tennessee Department of Health Deputy Commissioner for Population Health. ‘’Something to help remind you that a child is in your car, like the Baby in the Back hangtag, could help to prevent a tragic situation from happening.”

In June, the Department of Health began distributing Baby in the Back hangtags through regional Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) clinics. Clients of Tennessee WIC clinics and Metro Health Departments can receive a free hangtag by request.

“These hangtags will serve as a visible reminder that a child, the most precious cargo we can transport, is sitting innocently in the vehicle,” said Tennessee Highway Safety Office Director Buddy Lewis. “It is our hope that the hangtags prevent a tragic heat-related injury or death from occurring. Children are our future. We owe it to them to be their voice and protection.”

The Department of Safety and Homeland Security also started distributing Baby in the Back hangtags through the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Tennessee Highway Safety Office and Driver Services this month. Tennesseans can request hangtags for free while updating or getting a new driver’s license.

Secretary of State Tre Hargett’s office created Baby in the Back hangtags to serve as a visual reminder for drivers to check their backseat for children before leaving a parked car.

Since Secretary Hargett’s office launched the Baby in the Back hangtag program in 2020, nearly half a million hangtags have been provided to partners to share with parents and caregivers of children statewide.

To request free Baby in the Back hangtags, visit sos.tn.gov/requesthangtags.