April is National Social Security Month, a time to highlight the importance of Social Security and the vital role it plays in providing financial protection for millions of Americans. Throughout this month, we encourage you to join us in raising awareness about the benefits and services provided by Social Security, and to help your clients take steps to secure their financial future.

Social Security is more than just a retirement program. It provides critical support for retirees, people with disabilities, survivors of workers who have died, and families of disabled workers. By understanding Social Security benefits and planning ahead, individuals can help ensure greater financial security for themselves and their loved ones.

During each week in April, we will focus on a different theme to help people make the most of their Social Security benefits:

• April 6: Go Digital! Create a my Social Security account: Encourage your networks to create a personal mySocial Security account to check their earnings record, estimate future benefits, and access important information online.
• April 13: Protect Your Information – Guard Your Card: Share tips on safeguarding Social Security numbers and personal information, and help prevent identity theft and scams. Visit our Protect Yourself from Scams webpage for resources.
• April 20: Plan For Your Future – National Financial Capability Month: Promote financial planning resources and tools available through Social Security. Encourage your clients to review their benefits, estimate retirement income, and learn about financial wellness on our Plan for Retirement webpage or through America Saves.
• April 27: Go Digital! Visit Our Webpage: Remind your communities to explore our website for information, resources, and online services.

We invite you to use our toolkit of resources, including blogs, social media content, and articles, to help spread the word about National Social Security Month. Together, we can ensure that more Americans are informed about their Social Security benefits and empowered to plan for a secure financial future.

Thank you for your continued support. Please share this information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.

Tennessee Tech University’s Appalachian Center for Craft will host its 28th annual Celebration of Craft on Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The free event will feature activities for all ages.

Each of the Craft Center’s studios—glass, metals, clay, fibers and wood—will present demonstrations by Tech faculty, students and resident artists. Woodturning, raku pottery, blacksmithing, weaving and glassblowing are among the many demonstrations visitors can enjoy. Craft Center staff also encourage guests to explore the open studios and engage with artists.

The main stage will feature music and dance performances by the Global Education Center, showcasing a wide array of cultural expressions from around the world. A schedule of performances will be available at the welcome tent.

“Created in the late 1990s, the Celebration of Craft grew out of a pivotal moment that ultimately strengthened the Craft Center thanks to the incredible support of our community, students, alumni, faculty and staff,” said Kim Winkle, director of Tech’s School of Art, Craft & Design. “What emerged is a vibrant annual event that celebrates the Appalachian Center for Craft and honors the rich craft traditions of the Appalachian region.”

A variety of food and beverage options will be available for purchase from vendors, including Bunz on the Run, Habibi’s Mexican Grill, Southern Soft Ice, DonutNV and Get Smoked BBQ.

Children and families can enjoy free face painting and hands-on craft activities led by Tech art education faculty and students. Drop-in activities will include leaf tracings, accordion-fold flowers, butterfly suncatchers, mini bookmaking and a stamping station.

During the event, purchases of handcrafted items in the Craft Center Gallery will be discounted by 25%. Available works include paintings, prints, ceramics, glassware, handwoven textiles, jewelry, woodturned utensils and more, created by fine craft artists from across the region. Visitors can also shop the Visual Art Society student sale, located under a tent on the Craft Center lawn.

The Celebration of Craft will take place at the Appalachian Center for Craft, Tech’s satellite campus located at 1560 Craft Center Drive in Smithville.

Leashed pets are welcome in outdoor areas only. For more information, visit www.tntech.edu/celebrationofcraft or contact the Craft Center at craftcenter@tntech.edu or 931-372-3051. (article written by By Ashley Lusietto)

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 April.

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 Co. Chamber of Commerce, 939 Upper Ferry Rd., Carthage, TN 37030

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

Tennessee’s statewide spring turkey hunting season opens Saturday, April 11, and will continue through Sunday, May 24. The Young Sportsman Hunt precedes the statewide season the weekend of April 4-5.

All 95 counties are open to the spring turkey seasons. However, there are some exceptions on public land (see the WMA section of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s 2025-26 Tennessee Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping Guide for details). Birds may be harvested from any combination of Turkey Management Units, not to exceed the statewide season limit.

One male turkey per day, not to exceed two for the season, may be harvested. Only one can be a jake. An adult gobbler is defined by having one of the following: wing feathers having white barring all the way to the tip, tail feathers all the same length, beard is longer than 6 inches, or a spur at least ½-inch long. All hens (including bearded hens) are illegal to harvest.

Hunting hours are 30 minutes prior to legal sunrise until legal sunset. Legal hunting equipment includes shotguns using ammunition loaded with No. 4 shot or smaller, longbows, recurve bows, compound bows, and crossbows. Firearms and archery equipment may have sighting devices, except those devices utilizing an artificial light capable of locating wildlife.

Hunters are reminded to “Tag Before You Drag” by tagging their turkey in the field prior to moving. Hunters can use the “TWRA on the Go” app to simply E-tag and report their harvest in the field in one easy step, with or without cell phone service, before moving.

If a hunter does not have a phone, attach one of the temporary transportation tags printed at the bottom of your license, and complete your check-in online at GoOutdoorsTennessee.com or at one of several manned check stations by midnight on the same day of the harvest (or before leaving the state). Temporary transportation tags can also be obtained by logging in at  GoOutdoorsTennessee.com.

Hunters are reminded that if they harvest a banded bird to send the information to the TWRA. Contact information is located on the band.

More information on the 2026 spring turkey season, regulations, and license requirements can be found in the 2025-26 Tennessee Fishing, Hunting & Trapping Guide. The guide is online at www.tnwildlife.org and available at TWRA offices and license agents. To purchase a license online, visit GoOutdoorsTennessee.com.

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.

Hosted by AI Tennessee’s Industry Innovation Consortium, AI TechX, Tennessee Tech University this event is a major statewide conference focused on moving artificial intelligence research into real‑world application. This one‑day event will bring together industry leaders, startups, faculty researchers, government partners, and students from across Tennessee to explore applied AI use cases, commercialization pathways, workforce development, and opportunities for industry–academic collaboration. The conference aims to position Tennessee as a growing hub for responsible, market‑driven AI innovation and job creation. There is no cost for registration.

Event Details

• Date: May 19, 2026
• Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (CT)
• Location: Tennessee Tech University, Cookeville, TN
• Audience: Industry leaders, startups, faculty, government partners, students, and innovation stakeholders
• Hosts: AI Tennessee’s Industry Innovation Consortium and AI TechX
• Supporting Partner: Launch Tennessee’s Tennessee Technology Advancement Consortium

Registration is now open.

Register here: https://utconferences.eventsair.com/from-lab-to-market/registration/Site/Register

The Smith County Animal Clinic in  Carthage is excited to introduce the newest addition to the team. Dr. Katie Washart, is a 2021 graduate of Lincoln Memorial University, where she earned both her Master’s degree and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

Originally from southern New Jersey, Dr. Washart brings 4.5 years of experience in emergency medicine, urgent care, and leadership roles—giving her a strong foundation in providing high-quality, compassionate care when pets need it most.

With Dr. Washart joining our team, the clinic is  excited to offer more availability—including same-day appointments—so your pets can get the care they need, when they need it.

You can schedule an appointment by calling their office at 615-735-3330.

by Rachel Petty – UT Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development

This year, Smith County was represented by three outstanding 4-H’ers at the 79th Annual Tennessee 4-H Congress, which was held in Murfreesboro and Nashville on March 7-11, 2026, and attended by over 300 youth from across the state.

The purpose of Tennessee 4-H Congress is to help youth grow as leaders, active citizens, and future professionals and allow them to gain firsthand experience in state government. This year’s 4-H Congress theme was “Grow with Green”.

4-H’ers Callie Butler, Turner Harville, and Evy Quijano spent the week strengthening their leadership and citizenship skills through unique and meaningful hands-on learning experiences.

Callie Butler is a 10th grade student at Smith County High School, and Turner Harville and Evy Quijano are both 10th grade members of our Smith County 4-H Homeschool Club.

During their time at 4-H Congress, Callie, Turner, and Evy got to participate in elections, create and debate bills as Senators or Representatives, visit the Tennessee State Capitol and Legislative Plaza, tour the Tennessee State Museum, and take a ride on the General Jackson Showboat on the Cumberland River.

On Monday afternoon, our Smith County 4-H’ers met with local leaders including Senator Paul Bailey, Representative Michael Hale, Commissioner of Agriculture Andy Holt, and Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture Ryan King during their visit to the Tennessee State Capitol.

Callie Butler served as a Senator and our County Reporter for 4-H Congress. “Attending the 2026 Tennessee 4-H Congress was an amazing experience where I got to meet new people, learn new things, and represent my county,” Callie said. “It helped me grow as a leader and build confidence while sharing my interests in agriculture and 4-H. It was a memorable opportunity that taught me valuable skills and made me even more excited to stay involved in 4-H.”

4-H Congress is a fun and educational experience that empowers youth to be active citizens and leaders in their communities. We are incredibly proud of Callie, Turner, and Evy for representing Smith County so well and taking advantage of this prestigious leadership opportunity!

Smith County’s own Lisa Harville also attended 4-H Congress this year as an adult volunteer leader and a member of the 4-H VOLS State Committee.

If you have any questions about the many opportunities that Smith County 4-H can offer our local youth, please email me at rpetty@utk.edu or call our office at 615-735-2900.