Smith County 4-H Central Region Public Speaking Competitors Tana Harville & Turner Harville

Turner Harville – 3rd Place, 10th Grade Division

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

On Saturday, February 7, 2026, two Senior High 4-H’ers represented Smith County in the Central Region 4-H Public Speaking Contest held on the campus of Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tennessee.

This competition was open to qualifying 9th-12th grade students from across the 31 counties in middle Tennessee that make up the Central Region. 4-H’ers earned an invitation to this contest by placing in the top two in their respective county public speaking contests and then placing in the top four at their respective sub-region speaking contests.

At the Central Region contest, Tana Harville competed in the 9th grade division, and Turner Harville competed in the 10th grade division.

In this competition, 4-H’ers gave a 3-7 minute prepared speech that accounted for 75% of their score and a 1-2 minute extemporaneous speech that accounted for 25% of their score. In the extemporaneous portion, contestants did not know their topic beforehand.

We are especially proud of Turner, who placed 3rd in his age group against 14 other skilled competitors!

Public speaking is a skill that our 4-H’ers will continue to use throughout their lives. Tana and Turner both represented Smith County with poise and professionalism at the county, sub-region, and regional level. Great job to both of them!

For further information regarding 4-H public speaking or any of the many 4-H activities available to our local youth, please contact 615-735-2900 or email rpetty@utk.edu.

Kurt Dyroff, NWTF Co-CEO, presented the “Diamond Legacy Award” to TWRA Executive Director Jason Maxedon at the 50th anniversary of the NWTF’s National Convention and Sport Show held in Nashville.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has been presented the National Wild Turkey Federation’s (NWTF) prestigious “Diamond Legacy Award” for its long-standing partnership. TWRA Executive Director Jason Maxedon accepted the award on behalf of the Agency at the NWTF’s 50^th National Convention and Sport Show held recently in Nashville, a city that has proudly hosted the convention since 2000, with only three exceptions.

For the past two decades, Wildlife officers have provided the security for the event. It is calculated that $265,000 worth of personnel hours has been provided, contributing to the annual success of the convention, which continues to set attendance records. In addition, officers and other staff have maintained a booth annually to interact with the public and share more about the conservation work the Agency does for Tennesseans. TWRA’s participation displays its commitment to NWTF’s dedication to the conservation of the American wild turkey and to preserving the country’s hunting heritage.

“This award is a testament to the incredible partnership between TWRA and NWTF,” said Executive Director Jason Maxedon. “Together, we’ve worked tirelessly to conserve wildlife and ensure future generations can enjoy Tennessee’s rich hunting heritage. We’re honored to stand alongside NWTF in this mission.”

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.

NASHVILLE — Tennessee’s statewide trapping season for six species and several small game hunting seasons will close on Feb. 28. The trapping seasons ending are those for fox, mink, muskrat, otter, least weasel, and bobcat. Among the small game seasons concluding are those for rabbit, grouse, and quail. The statewide hunting seasons for squirrel, raccoon, and opossum continue through March 15.

Other species hunting seasons ending Feb. 28 are fox, mink, muskrat, otter, spotted skunk, and weasel. Species, including armadillo, beaver, coyote, groundhog, and striped skunk remain open year-round with no limit. Trapping for beaver, coyote, groundhog, opossum, raccoon, and striped skunk is open year-round. The spring squirrel hunting season begins May 9 and continues through June 14.

For more information, check the 2025-26 Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide available on the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) website (tnwildlife.org), TWRA regional offices, and locations where hunting and fishing licenses are sold.

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.

In its continued efforts to Build Tennessee’s Future Workforce, tnAchieves is now in its first year of expansion to its statewide volunteer mentoring program.

For the first time, second-year college students are now working with mentors across the state to focus on workforce readiness. tnAchieves serves more than 30,000 college students annually.

Workforce Mentorship plays an important role in building the workforce of tomorrow and ensuring that all students have access to personal support on their path to college and career. Workforce Mentorship is career-focused and industry-driven. Workforce Mentors have been paired with students based on their interests as they prepare to transfer to a four-year university or launch their careers. 76 percent are working with a mentor who has direct ties to their industry of choice in the student’s region, while 99 percent of students have a mentor from their intended industry overall. This mentorship is designed to provide students with a real-world perspective on their career of interest and the skills needed to succeed in the workforce.

“I have proudly served as a mentor with tnAchieves since its inception because I firmly believe education changes lives by opening doors to meaningful careers and long-term economic mobility,” said tnAchieves Mentor Beth Duffield.

“I was excited to learn last fall that tnAchieves was expanding the mentor program to support community college graduates as they transition into the workforce or continue their education at a university. That next step— bridging education to career—is critical, and I am grateful to be part of an organization that recognizes the importance of walking alongside students not just to graduation but into their future.”

To best serve students and encourage them to think critically about their path to success following graduation, Workforce Mentors are working in a nearly 1:1 ratio with students. In its inaugural year, 1,088 people volunteered to become Workforce Mentors and 1,356 students opted-in to work with one of these mentors.

“tnAchieves has always relied on support from the community to open doors for students in their own hometowns,” said tnAchieves Vice President of Workforce Tyler Ford. “We are thrilled to leverage the career experience of our mentors across Tennessee. They are business leaders across their sectors and in their communities. We are deeply grateful they are willing to use this expertise to strengthen the pipeline from college to meaningful careers for students across the state.”

Throughout their time together, these mentors will provide students with resources and strategies for building resumes and strengthening interview skills, as well as career exposure and access to their own networks. Data shows this career exposure is critical for students. tnAchieves students who complete job shadowing of any kind are 24 percent more likely to graduate in three years. These graduates will go on to become the healthcare professionals, educators, business owners and other essential contributors to our state’s economy. tnAchieves is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Any interview requests or questions can be directed to Rebecca Franklin at Rebecca@tnAchieves.org or (865) 748-7767.

Ascension Saint Thomas Behavioral Health Hospital is marking its fifth full year of service, highlighting significant growth in behavioral health access and care delivery for individuals across Tennessee and the surrounding region. Since opening in December 2020, the hospital has served more than 12,000 individuals through its inpatient and outpatient programs. During its years in operation, the hospital has averaged more than 2,300 patients annually, reflecting rising community need and the hospital’s increased capacity to meet that demand.

Patients have sought services from 85 of Tennessee’s 95 counties and 42 states, positioning Ascension Saint Thomas Behavioral Health Hospital as a regional destination for high quality behavioral health care.

Over the past five years, the hospital expanded to 90 licensed inpatient beds and built a comprehensive continuum of services. Offerings include adult inpatient psychiatric care, a dedicated older adult unit, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient programs, electroconvulsive therapy and a first of its kind intensive outpatient program for first responders. Patient volume has increased more than fourfold since the hospital’s first full year of operation.

“Our focus is simple. We meet people where they are and remove barriers to care,” said Jeremy Mercer, chief executive officer. “As we grow, we expand access and strengthen partnerships while maintaining a commitment to the highest quality of care.”Two leaders who have been with the hospital since opening reflected on the milestone.

“A major part of our work has been building strong community partnerships so people can reach the right level of care at the right time,” said Nichole Hollinsworth, director of business development. “Working side by side with providers, first responders, schools and community agencies allows us to meet needs earlier and more effectively.”
“Each year we build on a strong foundation of quality,” said Lincoln Lawrence, director of quality.

“Our focus remains consistent. We improve outcomes, enhance the patient experience and raise the bar for behavioral health care across the region.”

Expanding access to care remains a central priority. Since opening, the hospital has received referrals from nearly 100 hospitals and established a network of more than 300 referral partners. Those partners include emergency departments, crisis response agencies, outpatient providers, colleges and universities, employee assistance programs and other community organizations. The hospital has also conducted nearly 2,000 walk-in evaluations, reinforcing its commitment to removing barriers to care.

Ascension Saint Thomas Behavioral Health Hospital provides 24/7 walk-in access for adults experiencing a mental health crisis and works closely with community organizations to support safe transitions and continuity of care throughout the region.

About Ascension Saint Thomas Behavioral Health Hospital Ascension Saint Thomas Behavioral Health Hospital is a leading provider of inpatient programming for adults who are struggling with behavioral health concerns. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, our hospital offers holistic, high-quality care in a safe, supportive environment to help patients achieve improved quality of life. Patients who receive care at Ascension Saint Thomas Behavioral Health Hospital work with a knowledgeable compassionate staff that is committed to helping each person find lasting health andwell-being. For more information, please visit www.saintthomasbehavioral.com.

About Ascension Saint Thomas Ascension Saint Thomas is a faith-based, nonprofit health system with a 125-year history of delivering personalized care, with special attention to those most vulnerable. The system includes 18 hospitals and 320 sites of care across 45 counties in Tennessee, including affiliated joint ventures, medical practices, clinics, and specialty facilities. With more than 13,000 associates, Ascension Saint Thomas serves millions of patients annually. It is part of Ascension, one of the largest Catholic health systems in the U.S., with approximately 99,000 associates, 23,000 aligned providers, and 121 hospitals. In FY2024, Ascension provided $2.1 billion in care for those living in poverty and other community benefit programs. Visit www.ascension.org.

On Sunday, February 15, 2026, three Scouts from Pack 367 received Cub Scouting’s highest award, the Arrow of Light (l-r): Scout, Angel Whitehead with Dustin Whitehead; Scott Penfield, Scout leader; Scout, C J Lawson with Sherrie Hughey; and Wendy and Corey McCarter with Scout, Tristan McCarter. History was made as Angel Whitehead became the first girl to receive this award in Pack 367’s 68-year history of being chartered by the Carthage United Methodist Church. (Pack 367 membership requirements changed about four years ago to include females.)

Scott Penfield outlined the requirements to earn the award. Later he presented each Scout with a keepsake, a personalized, real wooden arrow, which he had color banded to represent specific achievements in Cub Scouting. Pack 367 Committee Chair Conrad Rustenburg had parting gifts for the Scouts: first aid kits and canteens. These Scouts are now expected to transfer to Scouts BSA troops.

Moments earlier, the three Scouts assembled the Arrow of Light symbol as Cubmaster Ronnie Butler Jr. and Scott Penfield described the significance of each part.

The Arrow of Light symbol is made up of an arrow that is straight and narrow, just like the path you should follow. Its tip points the way to success in all you do. It is pointing to the right which means nothing should be left undone.

Next, we have the curved symbol for the sun which brings us light and energy. There are seven rays of the sun symbolizing the seven days of each week to do your best. They also represent the seven virtues that a young Scout learns to become an Arrow of Light.

The first ray represents Wisdom. Having wisdom doesn’t mean that a person is smarter than others. It means that you use what you know to live a better life.

This second ray represents Courage. Courage does not mean you have no fear of danger. It means that you can face danger despite your fear.

The third ray stands for Self-Control. Self-Control means being able to stop when you have had enough of something and being able to choose your own path instead of merely following others.

The fourth ray stands for Justice. Justice means being fair with others we play and work with, regardless of who they are.

The fifth ray represents Faith. Faith includes belief in God, and in things we cannot see, but feel they are true.

The sixth ray represents Hope. Hope means to look forward to good things you believe will happen. You hope for better things tomorrow, but at the same time you work hard today to make them happen. The seventh ray of the sun in the Arrow of Light symbol stands for Love. There are many kinds of love: love of family, home, fellow men, God, and country. Every kind of love is important for a full and happy life. You will find that living by these seven virtues can lead to a happy life.

Open to boys and girls (k-5th), Pack 367 is ready to partner with area families to be a catalyst for pursuing these time-honored values at home, school, and in the community. Families attend one-hour meetings on three Sunday afternoons each month plus an outdoor, fun-filled activity. Visit us! Call Cubmaster Ronnie 615-489-7412. (Information provided by Vivian Reynolds, Scouting America leader)