Congratulations to the 2025-2026 New Middleton School Teacher of the Year: Ms. Lynn Vaden. Ms. Lynn has faithfully served our school system for many years and continues to make a lasting impact on students, colleagues, and families alike. She is known for her genuine care for each child and family, and her willingness to always go the extra mile. Ms. Lynn leads with a servant’s heart, putting others first and creating a classroom where students feel supported, encouraged and valued. Her passion for kindness toward others and commitment to helping every student and family succeed truly exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding educator. We are so thankful for Ms. Lynn and proud to celebrate this well-deserved honor!

Carthage Elementary School is proud to honor Amanda Cowan as our Teacher of the Year. A lifelong resident of Smith County, Amanda is deeply rooted in our community and exemplifies the values of dedication, service, and heart that make CES so special.

Amanda was inspired to become a teacher because she comes from a long line of educators who served Smith County Schools and demonstrated the lasting impact of education on individuals and communities. She has three great-grandparents, a grandmother, and three aunts who dedicated their careers to teaching. Growing up surrounded by their stories, passion, and commitment deeply shaped her own path. Witnessing their positive influence on students and families, along with their pride in serving their community, instilled in Amanda a strong respect for the profession and a desire to continue that legacy. As an educator, she strives to reflect the same dedication, compassion, and sense of purpose by creating a supportive learning environment where students feel encouraged to grow both academically and personally.

Amanda is married and the proud mother of two beautiful children. Her daughter, Eliza is currently a kindergartener at Carthage Elementary School, and her son, Jules, will be attending CES in the coming years. Her connection to our school is both professional and personal, making her commitment to our students even more meaningful.

This is her 11th year in the teaching profession, Amanda spent roughly eight years teaching science, social studies, and special education at SCMS. For the past three years at Carthage Elementary School, Amanda has continued that same dedication, teaching science, social studies, and special education while making a lasting impact on her students’ lives.

Amanda works tirelessly to ensure every student receives the support they need to succeed. She willingly gives up her own planning time and lunch breaks to provide extra help and individual attention, always putting students first. She collaborates closely with colleagues to ensure her students are given the best education possible.

Carthage Elementary School is truly blessed to have Amanda Cowan as part of our team. We appreciate her hard work, her heart for students, and her unwavering dedication to our school community. Congratulations, Amanda, on this well-deserved honor.

Cookeville, TN – Congressman John Rose (TN-6), a Republican candidate for Governor, has received Susan B. Anthony Pro Life America’s highest grade for defending the unborn. Susan B. Anthony, one of the leading pro-life organizations in the country, gave Rose an A+ rating in its yearly review.

“It is an honor to receive Susan B. Anthony’s highest grade. I have consistently defended life and will continue to do so as Tennessee’s next Governor. Standing up to abortion providers like Planned Parenthood is no easy task, but Tennesseans have my commitment that I will always be a leader in that fight,” said Rose.

In this year’s grade Susan B. Anthony looked at a number of votes, including defunding Medicaid dollars used for abortions, and standing up against health care plans that cover the procedure. SBA also lauded Rose for releasing a “powerful statement” which condemned the FDA for approving a generic abortion drug.

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 Tennessee agriculture have helped him gain strong support from voters across the state. Rose, a successful businessman, and who also served as Tennessee’s Commissioner of Agriculture, 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 their family for eight generations.

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

The Smith County Board of Education will hold a Special Work Session to go over the applications for the Director of Schools. This meeting will be at the Smith County Board of Education, 126 S.C.M.S. Lane, Carthage, Tennessee, on Monday, February 2, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) continues to strongly urge motorists to stay home. TDOT crews are on their fourth day of clearing roads and are now removing downed trees. Due to the prolonged weather event, with ice and dangerously low temperatures being experienced across the state, conditions will remain hazardous for at least the next 24 to 48 hours.

TDOT’s Statewide Response by the Numbers to Date:

• 10,000 Equipment Hours
• 15,000 Labor Hours
• 3,500 Tons of Salt
• 1.4 Million Gallons of Brine
• 290,000+ Miles of Road Treated
• 861 Incidents Managed

With many waking up to ice and power outages, TDOT crews are doing their part by clearing downed trees from roadways and continuing their regular plowing and salting operations. The combination of snow, ice, and bitterly cold temperatures makes for an evolving response from TDOT. Here’s a closer look at the array of tools we can use to provide a targeted, multi-layered response based on weather conditions.

• When snow falls, we plow to keep the roads clear. We also spread salt to lower the freezing temperature of water and prevent ice on the roadways. However, because the forecast calls for colder temperatures, the salt won’t be strong enough if roadway temperatures fall below 16 degrees.

• We can add calcium chloride to further lower the freezing temperature of water.

• If ice is present, we may also place down “hot brine,” which is a mixture of brine and calcium chloride.

• A dump truck with an underbody scraper follows behind, spreading hot brine and breaking up the ice.

• A plow follows last, clearing the ice from the roadway.

Please avoid all non-essential travel due to the rapidly deteriorating road conditions. TDOT crews will continue working to keep primary routes, mainly interstates, clear. We will also target areas vulnerable to freezing, such as hills, curves, ramps, bridges, and interchanges. Keep in mind, even with continuous treatment, roads will remain hazardous until temperatures rise.

Drivers are urged to stay off the roads to allow crews to work safely and efficiently. If travel is unavoidable, motorists should reduce speed, increase following distance, and prepare for sudden patches of ice, as well as the possibility of downed trees and power lines.

From your desktop or mobile device, get the latest road conditions and live streaming SmartWay traffic cameras at www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic. Travelers can also dial 511 for travel information or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/myTDOT for statewide travel.

 

 

Due to inclement weather and significant icy conditions, all county and city offices, including the landfill and convenience sites, will be closed on Monday, January 26th. This includes Smith County Government and Carthage, South Carthage, and Gordonsville City Halls.

Smith County Schools are also closed on January 26-28, 2026.

Smith County Mayor, Jeff Mason posted on Facebook yesterday regarding the closing of TN State Offices on Monday, January 26th and Tuesday, January 27th. County Commission and City Council meetings scheduled during this time frame will be rescheduled.

Other offices may be impacted including physicians clinics and out-patient services please call ahead before traveling.

This measure is being taken to ensure the safety of both employees and residents during hazardous conditions. Please plan accordingly, and stay tuned for updates regarding any additional closures or changes to schedules.

 

On Saturday, January 17, 2026, 12 Smith County 4-H’ers traveled to the campus of Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tennessee, to test their knowledge at the Central Region 4-H Horse Bowl & Hippology Contest.

These 4-H’ers have spent the last couple of months diligently preparing for this contest with the help of volunteer coaches Caitlin Rossington and Catherine Chapman.

The 4-H Hippology contest allows youth to demonstrate skills they have learned in equine science, horse judging, and identification of horse-related tack, feeds, health, anatomy, and equipment. At the contest, 4-H members are given a written exam and identification slides and must judge two horse judging classes.

Our Junior Team A, made up of Peter Chartier, Sophie Hale, Winnie Jo Hendry, and Hannah Reeder, placed 7th out of 16 teams in their division. Tinley Butler, Lucas Potapov, and Sammy Potapov also competed as a team in the Junior Division.

Our Junior High Team was made up of Katie Belle Butler, Luke Chartier, Titus Chartier, and Kyler Yerge. Katelyn Kooken also competed as a Junior High individual. Additionally, 4-H’ers Luke Chartier, Titus Chartier, and Kyler Yerge competed as a team in the Horse Bowl portion of the contest.

Horse Bowl is a fast-paced, quiz-style competition that tests participants’ knowledge of horse care, behavior, nutrition, anatomy, and the equine industry. Teams compete head-to-head to answer questions quickly and accurately, promoting learning, teamwork, and confidence among youth who share an interest in horses. Luke, Titus, and Kyler are the first Smith County 4-H’ers in a while to be brave enough to try this portion of the contest, and we are especially proud of them!

It is always a great day when so many smart and confident young people show up to compete and represent Smith County.

Thanks again to Mrs. Caitlin and Mrs. Catherine for working with these 4-H’ers. Our 4-H Horse Project group simply wouldn’t be possible without them! We are so grateful that they are willing to dedicate their time, knowledge, and experience to help our 4-H members learn all that they can.

If you would like more information on how to participate in the Smith County 4-H Horse Project Group, including Hippology and Horse Judging, or any other 4-H activities, contact the Smith County Extension office at 615-735-2900.

The Smith County Health Department is urging everyone to be prepared for dangerous winter weather that is predicted this weekend. It’s important to stay off the roads if possible and have a winter storm kit in your car if you must be on the road; have non-perishable
snacks, bottled water, blankets, flashlights and warm clothes.

Other winter weather tips include:
• Keep a full tank of gas
• Check local news outlets for possible warming sites
• Limit time outside; wear layers if you must go outside
• Have several days of any medications, non-perishable food and water at home in case of prolonged power outages.

Know the signs of hypothermia and frostbite.Symptoms of hypothermia include being confused, sleepy, apathetic and
delirious. Hypothermia can also cause a person to slip into a coma, causing the heart and respiratory system to fail.
• Hypothermia – shivering, exhaustion, confusion, memory loss
• Frostbite – numbness, white, gray or yellow skin that is firm

It’s also important to dress in layers, change out of wet clothes, limiting time outdoors. Adopting a
“buddy” system is also recommended so friends can check on one another often to look for signs
of cold weather health problems.

Power Outages
If power is lost, do not eat foods that have been in the refrigerator with temperatures above 4O°F.
Also, use generators outside and keep at least 20 feet from doors, windows and attached garages. Other tips include:
• Individuals who use oxygen or other durable medical equipment should contact their
provider ahead of winter weather to confirm they have a stable supply and understand emergency procedures if power outages occur.
• Have working carbon monoxide detectors on every floor
• Check with local water providers or agencies for information about how to prevent your water pipes from freezing.

The Smith County Health Department is located at 251 Joy Alford Way, Carthage, TN. The phone number is 615-735-0242.

Check out the January 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.

 

tnAchieves is celebrating its fall Job Shadow Days and thanking the community partners who opened their doors to students. Job Shadowing opportunities give tnAchieves students valuable exposure to careers right in their own communities. With 84.7 percent of tnAchieves graduates living and working in the state, tnAchieves is taking a human approach to Building Tennessee’s Future Workforce.

Throughout November, tnAchieves partnered with businesses across the state for 15 job shadowing events. Nearly 250 students walked through the doors of these businesses in Tennessee to get a first-hand look at the day-to-day realities of these professions. Job shadowing partnerships are key to Building Tennessee’s Future Workforce as students navigate the critical path from college to the workforce. In turn, job shadow hosts also get a chance to meet and interact with potential future employees.

Afterward, 80 percent of students indicated that their job shadow event gave them career clarity and 84 percent say it gave them a strong sense of the skills needed for workforce success. 99 percent of participants say they also left with at least one networking contact they can follow up with!

“tnAchieves relies on support from community partners to open doors and enhance connections in each of the 74 counties we serve,” said Vice President of Workforce, Tyler Ford. “These businesses are raising their hands to say they believe in meeting and supporting the workforce of tomorrow…today. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to our students.”

Hours spent job shadowing can be contributed to a student’s Tennessee Promise community service requirement. To date, tnAchieves students have completed more than 971,000 hours of job shadowing.

tnAchieves hosts Job Shadow Days each spring and fall. Each time they are offered, more students register to explore a variety of career paths and get an inside look at leading local employers across the state. Thank you to these businesses who opened their doors:
• Arconic
• Axle Logistics
• Ballad Health, Greenville Community
Hospital
• Clayton Homes
• Cumberland University
• Dollywood
• First Horizon Bank
• Maury Regional Medical Center
• UT Medical Center
• Pfizer
• River and Rail Theater
• Tennessee Department of Health
• Tennessee Department of
Transportation
• West Tennessee Healthcare

Click here to learn more about tnAchieves Job Shadow Days. If your business would like to host a job shadow day in the future, please reach out to Tyler Ford at tyler@tnAchieves.org or (309) 945-3446.

tnAchieves is a 501©3 nonprofit that has been providing scholarships with mentor support since 2008. Any interview requests or questions can be directed to Rebecca Franklin at rebecca@tnAchieves.org or (865) 748-7767

In response to the federal government’s decision to stop producing the penny, the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury has issued guidance to help local governments, including utility systems, adjust their payment processing practices in a fair, transparent, and legally sound manner.

The guidance outlines several options local governments may consider when accepting cash payments, including encouraging exact change, offering electronic payment alternatives, crediting customer accounts for non-exact cash payments, and adjusting rates or fees to increments of five or ten cents when permitted by law.

The Comptroller’s Office also urges local officials to carefully evaluate any changes before implementation. Key considerations include consulting legal counsel, applying policies uniformly, avoiding preferential treatment among payment types, training staff, and clearly communicating changes to the public.

“This guidance is intended to help local governments navigate a practical challenge while maintaining fairness, transparency, and compliance with the law,” said Comptroller Jason Mumpower. “Each community is different, and local leaders should adopt policies that make sense for their residents while staying within their legal authority.”

The guidance applies to counties, municipalities, and other local government entities across Tennessee, including utilities and authorities.

View the Guidance Memo on the Comptroller’s website.

Media contact: John Dunn, Director of Communications, 615.401.7755 or john.dunn@cot.tn.gov