Graduates of the Smith County Class of 1996 will soon have the opportunity to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate three decades since their high school days at a special reunion event planned for this spring.

The Smith County Class of 1996 Reunion is scheduled for Saturday, May 2 at 6:30 p.m. at the Pleasant Shade Community Center. The reunion will feature a fun, nostalgic theme inspired by the decade when the class graduated.

Share this with other classmates and encourage members of the Class of 1996 to spread the word so that no one misses the celebration.

The University of Tennessee System has awarded six $50,000 grants, totaling $300,000, to help universities across Tennessee expand teacher preparation programs through the TeachBridge Implementation Project. The funding is supported by a grant from Ascendium Education Group and administered by the UT System.

The project helps universities adopt TeachBridge Pathways, a teacher preparation curriculum designed to help working adults earn teaching licensure while continuing to live and work in their communities, particularly in rural areas.

The curriculum uses a competency-based model that allows aspiring teachers to complete job-embedded training while demonstrating the skills and knowledge required for the classroom.

TeachBridge Pathways includes 16 flexible modules aligned with national InTASC teaching standards, a framework used by many teacher preparation programs to define the core skills effective teachers should demonstrate. Universities can use one, several or all of the modules depending on their program needs, and they can be incorporated into both undergraduate and post-baccalaureate licensure pathways.

The universities that received funding in January 2026 will integrate TeachBridge’s online open educational resources into their licensure programs between January and October 2026. Institutions also will have access to the TeachBridge resource library and technical assistance to support implementation.

“Preparing the next generation of teachers requires collaboration between universities,” said Erin Crisp, assistant vice president for learner success and workforce pathways for the UT System. “This initiative equips institutions with new tools, expands opportunities for individuals entering the profession and strengthens efforts in Tennessee and across the nation to grow the teacher pipeline.”

The deadline to enter the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) 2026-27 photo contest for publication in the Tennessee Wildlife annual calendar is quickly approaching on March 20. All interested photographers are invited to submit up to 10 of their best photos of wildlife species native to the Volunteer State. Hunting, fishing, and boating photos are also welcome. The selected winning entries will appear in the 2026-27 calendar, which begins in August and runs through July.

Photos must be horizontal (landscape) in JPEG format, sized to print no smaller than 8 1/2 by 11 inches, and have a resolution of at least 300 pixels/inch. Visit tnwildlife.org and click the calendar contest button to submit an entry. If a photo is selected for the calendar edition, the photographer will receive a cash stipend of $60. Photos will also be considered for use in other TWRA publications, on the TWRA website, and on social media. Tennessee Wildlife is the official magazine for TWRA. Subscription rates are $10 for one year, $17 for two years, and $25 for three years. Subscriptions may be purchased from the donation center at 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.

Check out the March 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.

Justin Mauldin, Smith County Commission Candidate District 6

Fellow Smith County residents, I am humbled and honored to announce my candidacy for re-election as your County Commissioner for District 6 in Carthage.

Four years ago, you entrusted me with this role, and I’ve worked tirelessly to serve our community with integrity, responsibility, and a commitment to conservative principles. As a resident of Carthage, I live here with my wonderful wife, Sarah, and our two boys. I remain a devoted Christian, husband, father, and conservative servant-leader.

Leadership is service, accountable to you and to God, and I’ve fought for honest, effective governance. Together, we’ve made progress and moved Smith County forward, but we’ve got plenty more work ahead to keep Smith County strong, safe, and thriving for our citizens.

Serving as your County Commissioner has been a great blessing. I’ve cherished every conversation and challenge to make our corner of Tennessee even better. With your trust, I’ll keep pouring my heart into this service.

I ask for your vote, your prayers, and your support on Election Day. Let’s keep moving Smith County and Carthage forward!

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to me for anything at 615-489-7142. You may also follow my social media on Facebook and Instagram for updates.

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 March.

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.

Thursday, March 19, 2026

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.

Gubernatorial candidate Congressman John Rose (right) and Secretary of State Tre Hargett (left) visit as Rose submits his nominating petition for the Republican Primary in his bid to become Tennessee’s 51st Governor.

Tuesday, conservative Republican Congressman John Rose submitted his petition to become the next Governor of Tennessee. The petition carries statewide support for Rose’s campaign. More than 1,000 registered voters representing each of Tennessee’s 95 counties signed on to support Rose. Grassroots support has been a priority for the Rose campaign. In addition to petition signatures, Rose has received campaign contributions from every Tennessee county and leads the field in campaign funding.

Rose released the following statement:

“With support from everyday Tennesseans in all 95 counties, we’re on our way to victory,” said Rose. “Almost every day, voters tell me they want a Governor who will listen to them, not a politician who they only see on TV. I’ve taken that to heart and I’m grateful to the thousands of Tennesseans who have invited me into their homes, businesses, churches, and community gatherings. Together, we’ll protect our values of faith, family, and freedom while growing opportunities for everyone to succeed.”

The Congressman visited the Secretary of State’s Division of Elections to file his official nominating petition form, which cements his candidacy and ensures his name is included on the August 6, 2026 Republican gubernatorial primary ballot. Photos and a video from the Tennessee Division of Elections may be found here.

Congressman John Rose (TN-6), an eighth generation Tennessean, announced his candidacy for Governor on March 20, 2025, at the site of the Tennessee State Fair in Wilson County. His conservative record in Congress, mutual support with President Trump, and deep roots in agriculture have helped him gain support from voters across the state. Rose is a successful businessman, served as Tennessee’s Commissioner of Agriculture, and represents the 6th District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He and his wife Chelsea have two children, and live on their Dekalb and Smith County farm which has been in the Rose family since 1790.

To learn more about the campaign, visit johnrose.com.

DEFEATED, Tenn. – In a brick school tucked among the rolling hills of the Defeated community, the sound of pages turning replaced the usual classroom chatter as Governor Bill Lee helped launch Read Across America Week at Defeated Elementary.

Walking through the gray hallways and countless portraits of past eighth-grade classes, Governor Lee passed numerous books that adorned the hallways, including many by Dr. Seuss.

Governor Lee and First Lady Maria Lee visited two schools in the Upper Cumberland, including Trousdale Elementary School and Defeated Elementary, to read with students to kick off the state literacy initiative and America’s 250th anniversary.

“Every time you read a book, something happens,” Governor Lee said to a crowded room of students looking on from their desks. “What happens? You get better and smarter.”

The visit marked the beginning of Read Across America Week, an annual celebration of reading and its importance in education. In 2026, the week runs from March 2–6. The event, originally created by the National Education Association in 1998, coincides with Seuss’s birthday on March 2.

The Governor and First Lady first visited Amber West’s kindergarten classroom. As the Governor entered, all the students sat on a colorful rug at the front of the room. A sign on the whiteboard proclaimed, “Welcome Governor Bill Lee.”

After reading a book about Elvis to the sea of kids sitting criss-cross-applesauce, students eagerly raised their hands to ask questions.

Next, the Lees visited Kelli Martin’s third-grade class. The room was decorated with The Cat in the Hat hats and stickers. As the room welcomed the Governor, Lee began to speak about one main topic: uniqueness.

“You’re uniquely made, different than me, both of us perfectly made,” Governor Lee said.

Lee then spoke about what jobs the students wanted to pursue. From YouTubers and zookeepers to even a NASCAR driver, Lee stressed the importance of reading.

“All of those things that you just listed off that they wanted to do, you gotta learn how to read, to do all of those things well,” Governor Lee said.

After answering various questions from personal questions to whether he’s met the President of the United States, Lee thanked the teachers standing in the back of the packed classroom.

“Sometimes the work you do isn’t always recognized, but it is really important,” Lee said. “Thank you for everything you do for these kids.”

The visit concluded with a group photo of students, teachers, and the Lees, marking the kickoff of a week-long celebration of reading across the state.

For a couple of hours, the small town of Defeated seemed just a little bit bigger, filled with the voices and dreams of young readers.

Arthritis is the cause of disability for one in five adults and 300,000 children. The Arthritis Foundation (arthritis.org) is dedicated to raising awareness and reducing the intolerable impact of this serious and painful disease, which can severely damage joints and hinder people from living life to the fullest.

Walk with Ease is a free Arthritis Foundation fitness program that can reduce pain and improve overall health. If you can be on your feet for 10 minutes without increased pain, you can have success with the Walk with Ease program. Benefits of the program include:

· Motivating yourself to get in great shape
· Walking safely and comfortably
· Improving flexibility, strength, and stamina
· Reducing pain and feeling better

Studies by the Thurston Arthritis Research Center and the Institute on Aging of the University of North Carolina have shown that Walk with Ease reduces pain, increases balance and strength, and improves overall health.
Starting March 9th, I will be offering Walk with Ease at the Smith County Senior Center. Each session will include a health-related discussion and a self-paced group walk. Our one-hour classes will meet three times per week for six weeks and are designed to be relaxing and enjoyable.
For more information on the Walk with Ease program, contact Mary Parker Draper at the UT-TSU Extension office at 615-735-2900.

So Easy Scalloped Potatoes
5 medium potatoes, sliced and cook until tender with salt to taste
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can condensed milk
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Put potatoes in a baking dish. In a bowl, mix soup milk, and black pepper together and pour over the potatoes. Bake in the oven at 375 degrees for about 25 minutes or until it is bubbly and brown on top. You can add some grated cheese on top when it’s almost done if you like.

Submitted by: Janie Mundy, Defeated FCE Club