Smith County Chamber Corner Show – June 2023
Check out the June 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.
Second Harvest Mobile Food Truck Friday, June 16th
The Second Harvest Food Truck will be at the Smith County Agriculture Center on Friday, June 16th. The truck generally arrives approximately 8 a.m. Volunteers work to unload the truck and get the food ready for pick-up shortly after. Food is distributed until it is gone. Cars line up around the Ag Center early. Those hoping to receive food at this distribution are encouraged to be in line no later than 10 a.m.
The food trucks are sponsored by the Hunger Relief Fund of Smith County and grants from Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle TN. Churches, businesses and individuals donate to the hunger relief fund all year. Generally two dates are scheduled each month. For more information feel free to contact the Smith County Chamber of Commerce 615-735-2093.
Sponsors Wanted for 2nd Annual Back 2 School Bash
Last year’s B2SB was absolutely amazing. With the help of some amazing sponsors and donors the Smith County Events Committee was able to give out over $10,000 in school supplies to Smith County students. They were also able to Give 12 Graphing Calculators to SCHS and 8 to the alternative school as requested by their principles for student use!
This year, the Back-2-School Bash will be held on July 29th, 2-8 p.m. at the Historic Smith County Courthouse. They hope to DOUBLE their impact and maybe even provide all SC students with free school supplies. BUT your help is NEEDED! There are several sponsorship opportunities available. Donations are also accepted for any amount. Email the Smith County Events Committee at smithcoutyevents@gmail.com or check out their Facebook page for more information.
An Ounce of Prevention: June 2023
Check out the June 2023 edition of “An Ounce of Prevention”, the monthly newsletter from the Smith County Drug Prevention Coalition!
Read this month’s newsletter to learn more about the Smith County Drug Prevention Coalition.
For more information about the Smith County Drug Prevention Coalition or how you can get involved, visit their website or follow them on Facebook.
SCHS Baseball Camp Ages 5+ July 17-19 2023
Smith County High School will host a summer Baseball Camp for ages 5 and older on July 17-19th from 8 a.m.- noon.
Participants will et to sharpen their baseball skills, grow their love for the game, and have an opportunity to play beside all their favorite Owl players.
Participants will hit, field, catch, run and most Importantly have fun! Sliding skills will be tested on our super size water slide.
All Campers will receive a season pass to all regular season home SCHS Baseball games for the 2024 season.
Please get your Registration in by July 1st to be sure and get your Tshirt. Just click this form link .
Food for Thought: Sun Safety
As the weather gets warmer and the sun shines longer, many of us are spending more time outdoors. While that bright sunshine has a positive impact on your mood, it has a negative impact on your skin. The sun’s rays can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes. It’s important to protect yourself and your family from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Nearly 5 million people in the United States are treated for skin cancer each year. Skin cancer can be serious, expensive, and sometimes even deadly. Fortunately, most skin cancers can be prevented. Damage from exposure to UV rays builds up over time, so sun safety should start at an early age.
Follow these recommendations to safely enjoy your time outside:
Apply a thick layer of broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreen should be applied at least 15 minutes before going outside, even on cloudy or overcast days. Use sunscreen on all exposed parts of skin, and don’t forget those hard-to-reach areas. Reapply at least every 2 hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off. Sunscreen expires; check the expiration date. If it doesn’t have an expiration date, it has a shelf life of no more than three years, but the shelf life is shorter if it has been exposed to high temperatures. Sunscreen with an SPF of 15 will block about 93% of UVB rays, and an SPF of 30 will block about 97%. Since no sunscreen will completely protect you, it’s important to reapply properly and use other protective measures as well.
Seek shade, especially during midday hours. The sun’s rays in the summertime are the most dangerous from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Umbrellas, trees, and other shelters can provide relief from the sun. Remember to be aware of surfaces that reflect the sun’s rays, like sand, water, and concrete (and even snow in the winter).
Hats, sunglasses, and clothing all help to provide protection. Wear hats with a wide brim to protect your face, ears, and the back of your neck. Straw hats, which typically have holes that let the sunlight in, offer less protection and canvas hats or woven hats offer more protection. A baseball cap is also a good choice, but don’t forget to apply sunscreen on your ears and the back of your neck.
Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of cataracts and other eye problems. Sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays offer the best protection. Most sunglasses sold in the United States meet this standard, regardless of price.
When possible, select clothing that helps to provide protection. Clothing made from tightly woven fabric offers the best protection. A wet t-shirt offers much less UV protection than a dry one, and darker colors may offer more than lighter colors.
Children need special attention because they tend to spend more time outdoors, can burn more easily, and are not aware of the dangers. Parents can help protect their children from excess sun exposure and develop good habits by setting good examples and following sun safety recommendations.
Remember, all it takes is 15 minutes in the sun to damage your skin. Enjoy your time in the sunshine but do it safely to protect your skin and reduce your risk of skin cancer. For more information, contact Mary Parker Draper at the UT Extension office at 615-735-2900.
Mandarin Salad
1 8 oz container Cool Whip
1 3 oz package orange Jell-O
1 23.5 oz jar mandarin oranges, drained
1 8 oz can crushed pineapple, undrained
2 cups miniature marshmallows
Mix all ingredients together and chill until ready to serve. Submitted by Debra Dillehay, Defeated FCE Club.
Cool off at the Carthage City Pool – 2023 Season has begun
The Carthage City Pool officially began its season on Saturday May 27th. The pool is open to the public Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday hours are from 1-5 p.m.
Admission for all ages is $5 per day. A pool pass is $75 per person for the season.
Water aerobics is back and will be taught by Rita Dickerson on Tuesdays from 10-11 a.m.; Thursdays 5-6 p.m. and Saturdays 10-11 a.m. Participation is $5 per class – or included with a same-day $5 paid admission to the pool.
The pool can be rented for private parties after regular pool hours. For more information about available dates and cost call 615-588-1636.
For more information about the upcoming classes and pool closings visit the Town of Carthage Parks, Recreation and Wellness facebook page.
Smith County Students make the 2023 Spring Dean’s List at Tennessee Tech
COOKEVILLE, TN – Fifty-three Smith County natives were named to Tennessee Tech University’s Dean’s List for the spring 2023 semester.
The total includes 16 students from Carthage, 12 students from Brush Creek, six students from Gordonsville, three students from Hickman, three students from Pleasant Shade, two students from Buffalo Valley, two students from Elmwood, two students from Lancaster, two students from Lebanon, two students from Riddleton, two students from Watertown, and one student from Alexandria.
To be included on the Dean’s List, students must attend the university full-time and earn a grade-point average of at least 3.1 on the 4.0 scale.
“Tennessee Tech students continue to excel in the classroom and beyond. It is because of their dedication to their studies and determination to succeed that Tech remains the number one public university in the state,” said Tennessee Tech President Phil Oldham. “Congratulations to all of the Smith County natives whose hard work earned them a place on the Dean’s List. They have made their university and their hometown community proud.”
Smith County students named to Tech’s spring 2023 Dean’s List include: Stevie Leeann Angel, Maggie J. Apple, Hannah E. Bare, Tyler J. Bare, Ashley N. Barrow, Sydney D. Bass, Abigail G. Bennett, Adam F. Bingham, Robert B. Bingham, Chloe M. Buckner, Gary B. Claywell, Rebecca D. Claywell, Mercedes Amberlee Cornett, Trinity A. Davis, Cali R. DeRoush, Devin W. Dixon, Emma Mae Enoch, Stephen D. Ferrell, Payten M. Gibbs, Terrance L. Gibbs, Caitlin Green, Logan A. Hawks, Christian J. Holder, John R. Hord, Rachel Howard, Nathan Johnson, Joshua K. Lane, Kacie D. Malone, Hunter Cayden Mann, Mckenzie G. Mason, William F. Massey, Spencer C. Meeks, Tyler E. Myers, Emily N. Parker, Hailey E. Peyatt, Shannon T. Phann, Carson D. Pope, Melody K. Roth, Alivia B. Schwan, Emma Grace Scudder, Kristen R. Shoulders, Kensea E. Skelton, Colette A. Turner, Caiti Vaden, Cassi J. Vaden, Morgan Lynn Valentine, Anna E. Vining, Jon Evan Wagner, Alexa R. Western, Aaron L. Wheeley, Austin Williams, Austin G. Williams and Clayton E. Wilmore.
Tennessee Tech is ranked as the top public university in the state, according to Money Magazine, as well as a “Best National University” by U.S. News & World Report. The university offers more than 200 programs of study and Tech graduates leave with the least debt of all public universities in Tennessee. In fact, based on total cost and alumni earnings, Tech provides students with the highest return on investment for any public university in the state, according to PayScale.
For the full roster of Dean’s List students searchable by name, state and county, visit https://www.tntech.edu/academics/deanslist.
2023 Defeated Creek Bluegrass Festival coming this weekend
The annual Defeated Creek Bluegrass Festival will be held at the Defeated Creek Marina and Campground on Friday, June 9th and Saturday, June 10th 2023.
Gates open at 6:00 p.m. on both nights, and live music will begin at 7:00 p.m.
Avery Trace and Bluegrass Solutions will perform on Friday night. Valley Grass and Mountain Blue Five Bluegrass will perform on Saturday. Admission to the festival is $5 per adult.
The hosts of the festival recommend bringing your own lawn chair and coming prepared to have a great time!
The Defeated Creek Bluegrass Festival is a fundraiser for the Defeated Creek Volunteer Fire Department, and all proceeds from the event go to the Fire Department.
UCEMC Carthage District Office Lobby & Drive Thru Now Open
UCEMC CEO/ GM Jennifer Brogdon (Center left) gets help with the scissors from District Manager Tommy Pitman and Asst. GM Tammie Key, as the remodeled Carthage District office lobby opened with a Ribbon Cutting ceremony on Thursday, June 1st.
Several community members, business and civic leaders joined UCEMC Board Chairman Morris (Moose) Tyree, Director C.D. (Digger) Poindexter, Director Bradley West, Smith County Chamber President Justin Mauldin, Gordonsville Mayor John Potts, South Carthage Mayor Joey Nixon, UCEMC managers and line workers.
The spacious area will provide a more comfortable and convenient place for members to conduct business, while hi-tech kiosks in the drive-thru provide quick self-service for members on the go.
Tennessee’s 2023 Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day June 10
NASHVILLE — Tennessee’s 2023 Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day is Saturday, June 10 in Tennessee and all state residents and visitors of any age may fish free without a license in Tennessee’s public waters. Additionally, those youth ages 15 or younger may fish free the entire week, beginning on Free Fishing Day and continuing through the following Friday, June 16.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency provides the annual free day and week in hopes of introducing children to fishing and also to increase interest in fishing. Fishing is not only a great family activity but helps brings awareness to the natural environment.
The TWRA is among several organizations planning special fishing events, primarily for youngsters. Various events are scheduled across the state. A special thanks goes to Academy + Sports for its statewide sponsorship for Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day. Visit the TWRA website, www.tnwildlife.org for the latest updates. The TWRA annually stocks several thousand pounds of fish for events.
Free Fishing Day was named in honor of Bobby Wilson who retired last year after more than 40 years of service to the TWRA. He served in the Fisheries Division for 35 years, before being named TWRA Deputy Director in 2015 and Executive Director in 2020.
Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day and Free Fishing Week applies to Tennessee’s public waters, TWRA owned and operated lakes, and state park facilities. Some privately owned pay lakes continue to charge during this special day and week. Anglers will need to consult with those operators if there are any questions about a facility.
Food for Thought: Fair on the River
The Fair on the River is right around the corner! Any Smith County resident over the age of 18 or current member of a Family and Community Education (FCE) Club may enter items for the Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) exhibits. This year, the FCS exhibits will be taken on Friday, June 30th between 7:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. with the exception of cooking and floriculture. Cooking and floriculture entries will be taken on Monday, July 3rd from 7:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.
There are ten divisions this year: sewing, needlecraft, quilts, crafts, fine arts, photography, canning, cooking, floriculture, and heirlooms. For a complete list of entries, refer to the fair book, which can be picked up at the UT Extension office or various other locations around the county. Only one entry will be judged from any person under the same lot in any division. Any item receiving any previous ribbon may not be entered again. There is no entry fee.
In each division, first place will receive five dollars, second place will receive four dollars, and third place will receive three dollars. Best of Show in each Division will receive $10, as well as a prize. Premium checks will not be ready until Sunday, July 9th. At that time, entries, checks, and ribbons may be picked up from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Cooking entries will not be returned. We are not responsible for items not picked up after 2:00 p.m.
The Smith County Fair on the River will take place July 3rd through July 8th at the Smith County Ag Center, so come out, have a great time, and be sure to enter your cultural art exhibits in the fair! The fair is a fun and exciting time for all ages. See you there!
Swamp Crackers
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 1/2 teaspoons ranch seasoning mix
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 packs saltine crackers
Mix all ingredients together in a gallon zip-lock bag. Add crackers and toss to coat them. Store in an air-tight bowl after you have tossed them for a few minutes. These make great snack crackers! Recipe can be easily doubled. Submitted by Debra Dillehay, Defeated FCE Club.
Smith County 4-H Kicks off June Dairy Month
Since 1939, the month of June has been used to help promote dairy food products and the hard-working men and women who produce them. As excellent sources of calcium, vitamin D, and potassium, dairy foods like milk, yogurt, and cheese are smart choices to add to your grocery cart.
10th grade Smith County 4-H member Kynlee Davis is serving as this year’s June Dairy Month Chair. She has organized two June Dairy Days on Saturday, June 10th and Friday, June 23rd from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Smith County Farmers Market. Each morning youth will have the opportunity to get free dairy samples as well as coloring and activity books. Throughout the month of June, we will also have a milk carton decoration contest. Decorated milk cartons are due to the UT Extension office by Wednesday, June 28th. The first-place winner will receive a gift card.
Make sure to follow UT Extension-Smith County on Facebook to learn more about June Dairy Month and see delicious dairy-filled recipes.
For further information about June Dairy Month or any of the other many 4-H activities, events, and projects, please contact Katie Martin in the Smith County office of the University of Tennessee Extension at 615-735-2900.
Submitted by: Katie Martin, UT Extension Agent
U.S. Representative John Rose Announces June Local Office Hours
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 June.
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.
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.
Second public wild turkey observation survey June 1-August 31
NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is inviting the public to take part in the Agency’s wild turkey summer observational survey. The survey was opened to the public last year and will be an annual opportunity.
The survey runs from June 1 through Aug 31. Agency staff and cooperators have conducted this survey annually since the 1980s and TWRA now seeks to include the public. Participants will have an opportunity to help the TWRA monitor the state’s wild turkey population by reporting wild turkey sightings. For more information on the survey and how to participate, visit www.tn.gov/twra/turkeyobs.
In the inaugural year, the public submitted observations of almost 36,000 (35,924) turkeys with data from all 95 of the state’s counties. More than 4,200 public observations met the criteria for inclusion in survey analysis. The TWRA’s staff and partners count was 7,341 turkeys from 1,284 observations.
“This project was very successful in its first year and is very important as we monitor our turkey population and gauge its annual productivity,” said Roger Shields TWRA Wild Turkey Program Coordinator. “We have found that our limited staff alone is not sufficient to obtain observations from across the entire state. Therefore, we invite all those people who may be interested to participate. The website will provide an explanation of why we conduct the survey, an ID tutorial with a quiz to test folks knowledge of turkey ID, and the actual forms to submit observations.”
Observations of all turkeys TWRA staff and volunteer participants observe during the three months will be recorded by county and summarized, regionally and statewide.
