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.

The Smith County Board of Education met at 5:00 p.m. on June 20, 2023.

You can watch the full meeting below.

Thanks to Defeated Creek Designs 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 School Board meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 5:00 p.m. at the Smith County Board of Education, located at 126 Smith County Middle School Lane in Carthage, Tennessee.

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

Canning time is fast approaching! Mark your calendar for Wednesday, July 19th and Friday, July 21st from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. to attend a two-day, fun-filled Canning College workshop! The event will be held at Gordonsville First Baptist Church.

The workshop will cover the basics of canning and current recommendations for processing food. We will discuss food safety and the science of canning. Participants will be involved in making salsa and marmalade on Friday, so please be sure to wear closed-toed shoes and comfortable clothes.

The cost of the workshop is only $30 for both days. This includes take home jar(s) of canned products, as well as a wealth of knowledge.

Participants must pre-register with payment. Space is limited, so call the UT Extension office at 615-735-2900 to reserve your spot today!

Chocolate Chip Cookies

1/3 cup Crisco

2/3 cup mayonnaise

2 eggs

1 cup sugar

1 cup light brown sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla

3 cups self-rising flour

12 oz package milk chocolate chips

Mix Crisco, mayo, eggs, sugars, and vanilla together. Add flour and chocolate chips. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Submitted by Judy Long, Gordonsville FCE Club.

Forty-eight excited and eager 4-H’ers departed from Smith County on Monday, June 5th to attend Junior 4-H Camp at the Clyde M. York 4-H Center in Crossville for the week. Assisting with camp activities during the week were teen leaders Emma Brown, Courtney Dickens, Austin Goodman, and Donnie Eldridge along with Extension agents, camp staff, and adult leaders Mckenzie Mason and Jerry Hughes.

Junior 4-H Camp is for youth who have completed grades 4-6. Smith County attended camp with 4-H’ers and leaders from Putnam, Macon, Franklin, Morgan, Coffee, Jackson and DeKalb Counties. Activities campers could participate in included zip lining, swimming, shooting sports, group sports, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, nature hikes, leather crafts and woodworking, tie dyeing, and more.

Campers were able to participate in sports tournaments, attend a campfire complete with s’mores, and hear the camp ghost story of “Herman the German.” There was also a dance and a movie night with popcorn. Several Smith County campers were even recognized with the Camp Spirit Award and Camp Service Award for the week. 4-H’ers spent the week trying new things, making new friends, and having fun.

We would like to especially thank the individuals and community partners who donated scholarships to help fourteen campers attend Jr. 4-H Camp this year. Thank you also to River City Ball who generously sponsored our camp t-shirts.

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 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.

School is out for the summer, and this year school districts and nonprofits in rural Tennessee communities are allowed to serve free meals outside of traditional summer meal sites, thanks to federal policy changes that allow for new non-congregate options. To support the rollout of these new models, No Kid Hungry recently announced over $300,000 in grants to help 17 organizations across the state reach even more kids with summer meals, helping ensure they remain nourished and healthy during the summer months.

Summer can be one of the hungriest times of year for millions of kids who receive free and reduced-price meals during the school year, a lifeline that ensures reliable access to nutrition. When schools close for the summer, however, these meals disappear and families struggle from the strain on already-tight budgets.

Summer meal programs were designed to provide healthy meals during summer vacation, but have historically only reached a fraction of the kids who need them due to barriers like transportation, fuel costs, extreme weather and parent’s work schedules. In rural areas, where kids often live many miles from their closest meal site, these challenges have been particularly stark. Fortunately, earlier this year Congress approved significant improvements to the summer meals program, including new options that allow rural sites to offer the flexibilities that work for their community, like grab and go meals, meal delivery and pick-up of multiple meals at a time.

“There has long been a huge gap between the kids getting meals in the summertime and the kids who need them, creating undue burden on family budgets and making it much harder for

students to return to school in the fall healthy and ready to learn,” said Marissa Spady, Senior Field Manager for No Kid Hungry Tennessee. “Thankfully, Congress enacted permanent flexibilities for rural communities nationwide, helping reach more kids with summer meals. We saw during the pandemic that when we trust providers to serve meals in the ways that work best for their community, children stay nourished – and we’re eager to support our partners in doing just that.”

No Kid Hungry’s grant funding supports the adaptations needed to reach as many kids as possible with summer meals, including meal delivery, refrigeration and transportation costs. Special thanks go to the Tennessee Department of Education and the Tennessee Department of Human Services for navigating and supporting the sponsoring agencies in rolling out the new summer rural non-congregate options. The following school districts and community organizations received grants:

● Athens City Schools Food Service

● Athens-McMinn Young Men’s Christian Association

● Boys & Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains

● Carter County School Food Service

● Clarksburg School

● Cumberland County School Nutrition Program

● Haywood County Schools TN

● Morgan County Schools

● Oneida Special School District

● Rhea County School Nutrition

● Roane County Schools

● Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeastern Tennessee

● Smith County Board of Education

● Sullivan County Department of Education

● The University of the South

● Van Buren County Schools

● YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South

No Kid Hungry is also helping families find summer meals near them through our Free Meals Finder map and texting hotline. Parents and caregivers can text the word “FOOD” (or “COMIDA”) to 304-304 to find sites in their neighborhood.

About No Kid Hungry — No child should go hungry in America. But in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, millions of kids could face hunger this year. No Kid Hungry is working to end childhood hunger by helping launch and improve programs that give all kids the healthy food they need to thrive. This is a problem we know how to solve. No Kid Hungry is a campaign of Share Our Strength, an organization committed to ending hunger and poverty.

Better Business Bureau Serving Middle TN and Southern Ky recently hosted its Inaugural Big Blue Bash celebration with over 200 business leaders in attendance. During the event, several businesses were recognized for exemplifying the highest standards of ethics. Additionally, eleven high school seniors were named Students of Integrity recipients. Meteorologist Danielle Breezy was the Mistress of Ceremonies, and Dave Delaney’s keynote spoke on the importance of effective communication in the business environment. 

“The purpose of this event was to highlight businesses making a difference and students who personify ethical behavior, and we did just that. We have experienced many highs and lows over the past three years, and this event reminded us of the unwavering strength and tenacity of businesses in our community,” said Robyn Householder, President & CEO of Better Business Bureau Middle TN and Southern KY. 

During the event, several businesses were recognized for being Marketplace Role models. United Communication, located in Franklin, and Rackley Roofing, located in Carthage, were both winners of the Torch Awards. The BBB Torch Awards for Ethics honors organizations whose leaders demonstrate a high level of personal character, ensure that the organization’s practices meet the highest standards of ethics, and consequently generate trust with its customers and the community. 

SMNutrition, located in Nashville, was named the 2023 Spark Award winner. The Spark Award for Entrepreneurship has celebrated emerging entrepreneurial businesses whose leaders demonstrate a high level of character, generate a culture that is authentic about its mission, and genuinely connect with their community.

Students of Integrity scholarship recipients were recognized for personifying high character through leadership, community service, personal integrity, and academic accomplishments.

Recipients represent 11 high schools in Middle TN:

• Sierra Arguello, Fayetteville High School
• Sophia Blockley, Oakland High School
• Tyler Cadle, Upperman High School
• Lilli Cobb, Clarksville High School
• Jenna Coles, Logan County (KY) High School
• Eden Daniel, Smith County High School
• Kenlee Hall, Richland High School
• Samantha Hong, Nolensville High School
• Paxton Rigdon, Providence Christian Academy
• Miles Wine, Forrest School
• Chandler Wood, Todd County (KY) Central High School

For more than 100 years, the Better Business Bureau has been helping people find businesses, brands, and charities they can trust. Millions of people visit BBB.org annually to view BBB Business Profiles and Charity Reports. 

Calling all volunteers! Registration is now open to serve as a tnAchieves mentor in 2024! tnAchieves needs 9,000 volunteers to support the Class of 2024 on their college journey using the TN Promise scholarship. Mentors will ensure each student has meaningful, local support on their way to a post-secondary credential. The deadline to register as a mentor is October 20, 2023! To learn more, visit https://tnachieves.org/mentors/apply.

In 2023, tnAchieves reimagined its mentor program to better serve both students and volunteer mentors. Mentors gained nearly four extra months to work directly with students on their college-going journey. That included a return to in-person meetings to give mentors face-to-face interaction with each student. Mentors also received increased access to real-time data and progress updates. tnAchieves is eager to build upon these successful changes to offer a high-impact, effective mentor program for the upcoming high school senior class.

“Although at its core the mentor role remained the same, we have made several positive changes to the mentoring program in 2023,” said tnAchieves Senior Director of Mentors Tyler Ford. “As we emerge from the pandemic, we have enhanced the mentor role in a meaningful way that’s been very well-received by those currently serving. Between the added mentor/student connection time and a return to in-person meetings, we are confident in the continued impact that tnAchieves mentors will have.”

“Tennessee’s Class of 2022 saw a 1.5 percentage point increase in students entering college directly after high school,” said tnAchieves President & CEO Krissy DeAlejandro. “This represents an important step in reversing the downward trends of the pandemic and is the largest year-to-year growth since the introduction of TN Promise in 2015. Mentors have played an important part in this growth.  We are encouraged and eager to continue working with TN Promise students to build on this success. Volunteer mentors provide a layer of local support that we can simply never replace, and the impact of their efforts is clear!”

Each tnAchieves mentor commits one hour per month to serve a group of 8-10 high school seniors. Mentors attend one in-person meeting hosted at the student’s high school and can choose the high school they serve. Volunteers will receive a virtual training, handbook and weekly updates throughout their time serving students. Volunteer mentors do not need a comprehensive knowledge of the college-going process; anyone with a willingness to support and encourage local students will make a meaningful and lasting impact!

All Upper Cumberland counties need volunteers. Smith County needs 29 outstanding mentors to meet the needs of the students in the county.

tnAchieves is a privately‐funded scholarship and mentoring program that seeks to provide an opportunity for every Tennessee student to earn a post‐secondary degree. If you have questions about the tnAchieves mentoring program, please contact Tyler Ford at (309) 945-3446 or tyler@tnAchieves.org.

Riverview Regional Medical Center today published its community benefit report for the 2022 calendar year. The annual report outlines the various ways the hospital continues to invest in the health and economic vitality of the Smith County region as part of its mission of making communities healthier®.

“Providing healthcare to the community as early as 1952 and operating as Riverview Regional Medical Center since 2004, Riverview Regional Medical Center has been proud to call Carthage our home, and as a leader in our community, we are continually seeking ways to make a positive impact for those we serve,” said Carolyn Sparks, chief executive officer (CEO) of Riverview Regional Medical Center. “This year’s report underscores our ongoing commitment to providing the highest quality care possible – both inside and outside our hospital walls.”

Riverview Regional Medical Center’s 2022 community benefit report highlights its continued efforts to meet the growing healthcare needs of its community through welcoming new providers, adding and expanding service lines and continually investing in its facilities and healthcare technology. For example, in 2022, Riverview Regional Medical Center added 31 providers in radiology, emergency medicine, neurology, psychiatry, pulmonary care, telemedicine, gynecology, orthopedics and more; and made nearly $631,000 in capital improvements, including a 3D mammography machine and a pulmonary function testing (PFT) machine.

Additionally, Riverview Regional Medical Center made a donation of more than $7.43 million in health services to those in need, demonstrating its continuous commitment to ensuring everyone has access to care, regardless of their ability to pay.

Riverview Regional Medical Center is also devoted to creating environments where providers want to practice and employees want to work. In 2022, the hospital distributed more than $11,916,312 in salaries, wages and benefits for its approximately 200 employees, while contributing more than $12,780 in professional development and tuition assistance so all its employees can have the opportunity to learn, grow and improve the care they provide their patients.

Last year, the organization paid $1,085,997 in local and state taxes, while also continuing its support of local activities and organizations committed to serving the region, including providing sports physicals for K-8 Grade, First Aid Kits to all Smith County Schools, and sponsoring the Smith County High School and Gordonsville High School Football Teams.

“We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of our community who entrusts us with their care and for the hard work and dedication of our providers, employees and volunteers who make it all possible,” said Sparks. “As we look ahead to the future, we remain committed to honoring our legacy while further enhancing the many ways we serve our neighbors and communities.”

Riverview Regional Medical Center’s 2022 community benefit report is available at MyRiverviewMedical.com/CBR.

About Riverview Regional Medical Center – Riverview Regional Medical Center (RRMC) is a 35-bed critical access hospital in Carthage, Tennessee. RRMC provides general medical and surgical care, 24-hour emergency services (including an accredited chest pain center), skilled nursing, psychiatric services, childbirth and geriatric care to residents of Smith and surrounding counties. Riverview Regional Medical Center is a facility of HighPoint Health System. To learn more, call 615-735-1560 or visit MyRiverviewMedical.com.

In the first legislative session since being elected District Attorney, Jason Lawson is making an impact beyond the courtroom. DA Lawson wrote two pieces of legislation to change the criminal laws that have been adopted by the General Assembly and were recently signed into law by Governor Lee.

“To me, part of the responsibilities of the office is to pay attention to those areas where the law needs to be strengthened to achieve justice for victims,” said Lawson. “It is important what we do in the courtroom, but it is also important what we fight for at the legislature.”

The first new law proposed by Lawson gives judges greater ability to order consecutive sentences when multiple crimes are committed against multiple victims. Senate Bill 1224 provides that if a person commits more than one crime against more than one victim, the judge can order separate sentences to be served one after the other instead of the sentences being served at the same time. This is true regardless of whether the crimes were committed on a single day or over separate days.

“If a person commits a homicide, and then to get away carjacks another victim, that should count as two crimes with two sentences and not a single criminal episode,” said Lawson. “The second victim is no less traumatized by the crime committed against them, and they deserve justice for that second decision,” explained Lawson.

The crimes are not limited to crimes of violence. If multiple car burglaries are committed, or multiple home burglaries, or even spree crimes such as shoplifting, the judge now has a legal basis to order separate sentences for each crime committed.

“Prosecutors will argue for the separate sentences, and if the judge finds that it is in the interest of justice, the judge has the power to order separate sentences. It is the proper exercise of the judicial and prosecutorial function,” said Lawson.

The second change in the law proposed by Lawson that has been adopted deals with a specific crime. Voluntary Manslaughter has historically carried a sentence of three years to six years. House Bill 0722 increases the punishment to eight to twelve years.

“When a jury convicts someone of Voluntary Manslaughter, they think that they have convicted the defendant of a significant crime. Jurors are sick to learn that the crime carries as few as three years for taking a human life,” said Lawson.

What made the sentence more egregious was the gap in the law between the next greater offense, Second Degree Murder, and Voluntary Manslaughter. Second Degree Murder carries a sentence of fifteen to twenty-five years. The next lesser included offense a jury would consider, without knowing the punishments, is Voluntary Manslaughter, which dropped the punishment to three to six years.

“That is too great a distance between lesser included offenses,” said Lawson. “Voluntary Manslaughter still involves the intentional or knowing killing of another person. The punishment of three years was too insignificant for the crime. This change corrects that and brings the punishment for Voluntary Manslaughter in line with where it should be,” explained Lawson.

There was also a unique aspect to this piece of legislation. Although it increased the punishment, according to the General Assembly it also saves tax dollars.

“Sentences between three and six years are often served in the local county jails, while sentences over eight years are often served in state prisons. According to state financial analysts, it is actually cheaper for the State of Tennessee to house prisoners in state prisons than in county jails, so this increase in punishment resulted in a decrease in state tax dollar expenditures per year,” explained Lawson.

“That is a good day when you can make an important change in the law, get justice for the families of victims whose loved ones have been murdered, and save the taxpayers money all at the same time,” said Lawson.

Both bills were supported by local Representatives Clark Boyd, Susan Lynn, Kelly Keisling, and Michael Hale and by local Senators Mark Pody, Ferrell Haile, Paul Bailey, and Ken Yager.

“We can propose ideas, but it takes our Senators and Representatives to make the changes happen. On behalf of the victims of crime, I am very grateful for the work and support of the Senators and Representatives that made these proposals realities,” said Lawson.

WHEREAS, in special recognition of distinguished and honorable service to Smith County Sheriff’s Department and Smith County, Tennessee, I Smith County Mayor Jeff Mason, General Sessions Judge, Branden Bellar, Smith County Sheriff, Steve Hopper, the Smith County Board of Commissioners and the Citizens of Smith County wish to acknowledge Sergeant Deputy Roy Payton Knight, Jr.
WHEREAS Sergeant Knight is a South Carthage native and the son of the late Roy Knight Sr. and Olean Beechboard Knight. For 62 years, he has been married to his high school sweetheart, the former Lois Goolsby Knight of the South Carthage Community. They have one daughter, Ellie Knight Spike and 2 grandsons, Jacob Bray and Peyton Bray and 2 great-grandchildren. Sergeant Knight is a 1959 graduate of Smith County High School, where he received the history award.
He completed auto diesel school in Nashville after high school.
WHEREAS, Sergeant Knight has served his country and community for many years. In 1962, he volunteered for the Army serving for 6 years, 3 of those years in Germany in the 35th 4th Army division under General Westmoreland. He served in the General Custard division during his service time in California in the 14th Calvary and was also stationed in Fort Knox, Kentucky for a period of time. Sergeant Knight boarded a ship in New York heading for Germany when he and his shipmates were detoured toward Cuba for further orders at the beginning of the Cold War.
Sergeant Knight later served in the National Guard 1175th unit, and also served as a Military Policeman. Sergeant Knight received the Persian Gulf award, the good conduct medal, the army combination medal 3 times, the Desert Shield award and the sharp-shooter award.
Sergeant Knight retired as First Sergeant after 18 years, 24 years total combined service.
WHEREAS, Sergeant Knight worked for 31 years beginning in 1968 until 1999 at the United States Post Office as a mail carrier, walking around 13 miles a day in the Town of Carthage.
WHEREAS, in 1999, Sergeant Knight began to work for Smith County Sheriff, Johnny Bane and has served under 3 sheriffs. He currently is serving under Sheriff Steve Hopper as Sergeant Deputy in the Court System.
NOW, THEREFORE I, Smith County Mayor, Jeff Mason hereby proclaim June 4, as Sergeant Roy
P. Knight, Jr day.
BE IT RESOLVED that Smith County extends its deepest appreciation to Sergeant Deputy Knight for his dedication and service to Smith County and to the people of Smith County, Tennessee.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this recognition is spread upon the permanent minutes of this
Board and that this proclamation is given to Sergeant Deputy Roy P. Knight Jr.

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will be participating in Operation Dry Water, July 1-3. Operation Dry Water is a three-day period of enforcement and education about the dangers of impaired boating.

The July 4^th holiday means an increase in boater activity, and the TWRA will be on heightened alert for boating under the influence infractions. Over the course of the July 4^th holiday period, law enforcement officers will also be working to increase public awareness of the dangers of boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, for both operators and passengers. Boaters will notice an overall increase in officer patrols on the water. The combined efforts of the participating law enforcement agencies will result in the removal of impaired operators from the state’s waterways, providing a safe and enjoyable experience for boaters.

“Impaired Operation is a 100 percent preventable crime that our wildlife officers take seriously each time they patrol our waterways.” said Lt. Col. Matt Majors of the Boating and Law Enforcement Division.  “There will be no warnings given, if you are found to be operating a vessel impaired by our officers, you will go to jail.”

As of July 1, BUI penalties will align with DUI laws in terms of jail time, fines, and loss of boat operating privileges. The new law additionally clarifies that officers can seek a search warrant for blood should someone refuse the implied consent portion of the law.

To support the enforcement and education initiative, the TWRA is partnering with the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). Operation Dry Water was started by the NASBLA in 2009 and has been a highly successful campaign drawing public attention to the dangers of boating under the influence (BUI).         

Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in recreational boater deaths. Sun, wind, noise, vibration, and motion intensify the effects of alcohol, drugs, and some medications. Operating a boat with a Blood Alcohol Content of .08 percent or higher is illegal in Tennessee, the same as operating a motor vehicle. Penalties may include fines, jail, boat impoundment and the loss of boat driving privileges.

With July 4 falling on a Tuesday this year, the TWRA holiday period will begin at 6 p.m. (local time) on Friday, June 30 and continues through midnight on the 4^th.

On June 23, Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Jeff Long and Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Colonel Matt Perry welcomed the newest graduating classes of Tennessee State Troopers. The department simultaneously instructed a regular 17-week trooper cadet class and an 11-week lateral trooper cadet class. The lateral class returned from their district assignments for the graduation ceremony that took place at the Hermitage Hills Baptist Church on Lebanon Road in Nashville.

Among the graduating class was former Smith County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Deputy, Ridge Long.

The 15 graduates of Trooper Cadet Class 623 included six cadets with prior military service, two cadets with associate’s degrees, six cadets with bachelor’s degrees, and one cadet with a master’s degree. Cadet Class 623 additionally hosted a blood drive with the American Red Cross and Blood Assurance. 

Lateral Trooper Cadet Class 523 graduated 14 cadets composed of all prior Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified law enforcement officers from across Tennessee. Class 523 included three cadets with associate’s degrees, one cadet with a bachelor’s degree, and four cadets with prior military service. The lateral class brings a combined 109 years of prior law enforcement experience to the THP.

Chief Operating Officer Brandon Gibson served as the keynote speaker during the graduation ceremony, and Commissioner Jeff Long swore in the new troopers as they delivered their oaths of office.

“It was our honor to celebrate the hard work and perseverance of these two cadet classes today,” said Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Jeff Long. “These new troopers have earned the privilege to serve the people of Tennessee in one of the most well-respected law enforcement agencies in the nation. I commend each of them for their willingness to protect and serve our great state. Congratulations on this tremendous accomplishment.”

“Joining any law enforcement agency makes you a part of something far bigger than yourself. The citizens of Tennessee have placed their trust in you, and that trust must be earned every day,” said Colonel Matt Perry. He reminded them of the challenges of the job, the split-second decisions that would have to be made, and the risk to their personal safety. He continued, telling the newest members of the Highway Patrol, “You have embarked on a career of service in the Volunteer State. When you leave here today remember that service is at the heart of being a Tennessee State Trooper.”

Trooper Lance Willis of class 623 was named the top cadet for his class and was presented with the Trooper Calvin Jenks Memorial Award for Excellence for his leadership, work ethic, and academics. The award was named in honor of the late Trooper Calvin Jenks, who was killed in the line of duty in January 2007.  

The University of Tennessee Extension Smith County partnered with the Smith County Health Department to offer Walk Across Tennessee in Smith County again in 2023. Walk Across Tennessee is a program that persuades and motivates people of all ages to make that most important change . . . to get started exercising.

Teams of eight worked towards the goal of walking, biking, swimming, etc. “across Tennessee” from Bristol to Memphis. Ten teams “walked” the distance of Tennessee, a little over 500 miles! This eight-week program concluded on May 28th.

Thank you to our wonderful Walk Across Tennessee program sponsors: DTC, Smith County Drug Center, Citizens Bank, Sanderson Funeral Home, Riverview Regional Medical Center, Hackett’s Discount Drugs, Wilson Bank and Trust, Smith County Drug Prevention Coalition, and Smith County Health Department. Because of our sponsors’ donations, each participant received a Walk Across Tennessee t-shirt. The Smith County Health Department sponsored first and second place winners’ prizes, and DTC also sponsored various prizes.

The teams for this year’s Walk Across Tennessee program were: Night Owls, The Young and the Breathless, Holy Walkamolies, Walking on Sunshine, The Golden Girls, Not Fast But Furious, Walking 9 to 5, Smith County Drug Center, Walking Warriors, and Step Squad.

Our third place team, The Young and The Breathless, finished with 2,069.81 miles! Members included Courtney Maynard, Brittany Watson, Nick Campbell, Megan Campbell, Angel Williams, Leigh Petty, Carol Smith, and Chandra Gillian. Our second place team, Holy Walkamolies, completed a total of 3,703.975 miles! Members included Rachel Kemp, Jodi Gammon, Peggy Manning, Monica Mowdy, Joe Mowdy, Victoria Hughes, Nicole Harriman, and Josh Kemp. Our first place team, Night Owls, crossed the finish line with a total of 4,102.9 miles! Members included Jeanette Doggett, Pat Bush, Myrna Huffines, Janice Fox, Lisa Price, Ernie Price, Becky Cookston, and Leanne Hesson.

Congratulations to all the teams for completing this eight-week journey! You all made a huge accomplishment!

This year’s awards are as follows:

· First, second, and third place teams

· Courtney Maynard for being Most Outstanding Team Captain

· Most Improved Team to The Golden Girls (Marilyn Shumake, Faye Bussell, Teresa Gentry, Tracey Johnson, Theresa Gross, Yvonne Gorney, Jan Johnson, and Jenny Givens)

· Most Creative Team Name to Walking on Sunshine (Katelyn Woodard, Michelle Flynt, Jorja Flynt, Brynlee Payne, Beth Payne, Stephanie Walters, Marilyn Woodard, and Stephanie McQuarter)

If you are interested in competing in the Walk Across Tennessee program next year, please contact Mary Parker Draper at the UT Extension office at 615-735-2900.

Goo Bites

1/2 block chocolate bark

1 cup crunchy peanut butter

1 cup mini marshmallows

1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Melt chocolate bark and peanut butter in microwave, stirring every 30 seconds. Remove when melted. Add marshmallows and chopped pecans, if desired. Spread mixture over wax paper in tray. Refrigerate until firm. Submitted by Carolyn Russell, Grant FCE Club.