Making it Official: John Rose Picks Up Petition for Governor
NASHVILLE, TN—Today, U.S. Congressman John Rose (TN-6, R) notched a milestone in his bid to become the next Governor of Tennessee. He visited the Secretary of State’s Division of Elections to pick up an official nominating petition form, which will be signed by voters from across Tennessee over the coming weeks. Once completed and approved, the document will cement his candidacy and ensure his name is included on the August 6, 2026 Republican gubernatorial primary ballot across all of Tennessee’s 95 counties. Photos from the Tennessee Division of Elections can be found here. Rose released the following statement: “Today is a meaningful step in the campaign. I’m grateful to the broad coalition of supporters who will sign this petition. They believe Tennessee’s next executive should have executive experience,” Rose said. “As an eighth generation Tennessean, farmer, and business owner, I have the experience and energy to win this election and go to work for the people of Tennessee. I want to recognize this state in 10 and 20 years from now. If we don’t have a Governor who is willing to get out and do the work to connect with Tennesseans everywhere, we risk losing what makes this state special. I am listening and I am ready to work.” The qualifying deadline for the August Republican Primary Election is Feb. 19. Rose 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. To learn more about the campaign, visit johnrose.com.2026 Spring Farm Equipment Consignment Auction Set for February 7 in Carthage, Tennessee
Farmers, landowners, and equipment buyers across Middle Tennessee are invited to attend the 2026 Spring Farm Equipment Consignment Auction, scheduled for Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. The auction will be held at the Smith County Ag Center, located at 150 Ag Center Lane in Carthage, TN.
Hosted by Heartland Real Estate & Auction, this open consignment auction welcomes buyers, sellers, and visitors alike. The event will feature a wide variety of farm machinery and related equipment, including tractors, implements, garden tools, lawn mowers, and hand tools of all kinds. Consignments are welcome in all sizes, making this an ideal sale for both large agricultural operations and individual sellers.
Equipment Receiving Details
Consigned equipment will be accepted Tuesday through Friday, February 3–6. All items must be removed from the sale yard by Sunday, February 8 following the auction.
Auction Terms and Notes
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Rain or shine — the auction will proceed regardless of weather
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Cash or good check accepted the day of sale
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5% buyer’s premium on all transactions
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$5.00 minimum per lot for consignors
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No used car or truck tires accepted
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Out-of-town bidders planning to pay by check should contact the auctioneer in advance
The auction site is easily accessible. From Interstate 40, Exit 258, take Highway 53 North and travel approximately three miles. The Smith County Ag Center will be on the right.
Stay Updated
Inventory updates and additional details will be posted on Facebook and on the company website at HeartlandREandAuctions.com.
Auction Staff Contact Information
Heartland Real Estate & Auction
Auctioneer #5683 | Firm #5159
601 Main Street N, Carthage, TN
Office: 615-735-9001
Auctioneers & Sales Managers:
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Jason Martin: 615-735-7778
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Jamie Petty: 615-418-6244
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Jamie Kemp: 615-310-2755
Whether you’re looking to buy quality farm equipment or consign items for sale, the 2026 Spring Farm Equipment Consignment Auction promises a full day of opportunity for the agricultural community.
61st Annual Tennessee Conservation Awards Now Accepting Nominations
Tennessee Wildlife Federation is now accepting nominations for its 61st Annual Conservation Achievement Awards, an annual tradition honoring individuals and organizations making a meaningful impact on the conservation of Tennessee’s wildlife, lands, and waters.
Do you know someone who:
- Educates others about wildlife and the outdoors?
- Works in conservation, forestry, or wildlife management?
- Brings communities together to enhance outdoor spaces?
- Restores or protects native habitat on their land?
If so, Tennessee Wildlife Federation invites you to nominate the conservation leaders in your community for a Conservation Achievement Award!
Nominations are accepted in nearly 20 categories, including Conservation Educator, Wildlife Conservationist, and Conservation Organization. Details about each category and the nomination form can be found at tnwf.org/CAA. Nominations must be submitted by Feb. 28 at 11:59 p.m. CT.
“Each year, these awards highlight the dedication, creativity, and hard work of Tennesseans who are champions for our wildlife and wild places across the state,” said Kendall McCarter, chief development officer of Tennessee Wildlife Federation. “We are proud to celebrate the people and organizations making a difference for conservation now and for future generations.”
Awards will be presented at the Conservation Achievement Awards luncheon in Nashville this May. Winners will also be recognized across the Federation’s digital platforms.
Help us shine a light on Tennessee’s conservation champions. Submit your nomination today at tnwf.org/CAA.
About Tennessee Wildlife Federation
Tennessee Wildlife Federation leads the conservation, sound management and wise use of Tennessee’s great outdoors. Since 1946, the Federation has spearheaded the development of the state’s wildlife policy, advanced landmark legislation on air and water quality and other conservation initiatives, helped restore numerous species, and introduced thousands of kids to the great outdoors. To learn more, visit tnwf.org.
Carthage Junction Depot Translucent Works in Glass January 17th
The Carthage Junction Depot is pleased to present a selection of works in glass from the EadsMuseum collection from 10am-4pm on Saturday, January 17. Each beautifully handcrafted object glows with translucent color.
How did it get to Smith County? Ora and Eleanor Eads spent a lifetime collecting art and artifacts from artists, galleries, and from their world travels. With education as their mission, the Nashville couple purchased a large tobacco warehouse here in Smith County to share their collection. In April 2018 after her husband’s passing, Eleanor Eads donated the Eads Museum, located in South Carthage, to the Tennessee Tech foundation. Parts of the collection were sold to fund scholarships and some articles are loaned to museums and historic homes, but a significant collection still remains. The warehouse and the Eads collection is now a part of Butler’s Antique and Auction. Its current owner, Ray Butler has graciously allowed the Carthage Junction Depot the opportunity to exhibit a selection of glass works from their extensive art collection.
The exhibit at the Carthage Junction Depot is just for one day, so make plans to visit January 17! This exhibit is free and open to the public and the work exhibited is available for purchase. The Carthage Junction Depot is located at 185 Gordonsville Hwy, Brush Creek, TN (right next to Crump Paris soccer fields).
Carthage Rotary Club Hosts 4th Annual Cornhole Tournament
The Carthage Rotary Club is excited to announce its 4th Annual Cornhole Tournament, set for Saturday, January 24th, at the Smith County Ag Center in Carthage, Tennessee. This popular community event promises a fun-filled day of friendly competition, great prizes, and support for meaningful local causes.
Teams from across the area are invited to compete for cash prizes, with $500 awarded to 1st place and $250 to 2nd place. The entry fee is $50 per team, making it an affordable and entertaining way to spend a Saturday while giving back to the community.
Registration opens at 9:00 a.m., with the tournament beginning at 10:00 a.m. In addition to the main competition, participants and spectators can enjoy the “Chute-It” side game, featuring 10 throws for $10 and a 50/50 split for the high score.
Concessions will be available throughout the event, provided by Youth & Family Resources. All proceeds from the tournament will benefit local charities and community projects, continuing the Rotary Club’s mission of service above self.
The event will take place at the Smith County Ag Center, located at 159 Ag Center Lane, Carthage, TN.
For more information or questions about registration, contact (615) 486-9429.
Whether you’re a seasoned cornhole competitor or just looking for a fun way to support a great cause, the Carthage Rotary Club’s Cornhole Tournament is an event you won’t want to miss.
Tennessee Sandhill Crane Festival to Celebrate 35th Anniversary January 17-18
The 35th Tennessee Sandhill Crane Festival is set for Jan. 17-18, 2026 (Saturday-Sunday) at the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge, Cherokee Removal Memorial Park, and Birchwood Community Center. The festival celebrates the thousands of sandhill cranes that stop over or spend the winter on or near the refuge. It is also an opportunity to focus attention on the rich heritage of the state and the Native American history of the area.
The free event runs 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (ET) each day and includes free shuttle transportation from the Birchwood Community Center to the Cherokee Removal Memorial Park and the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge and parking is available at the Birchwood Baptist Church. Visitors will notice a change this year regarding parking. A parking map can be found on the festival webpage.
Volunteers will be on hand, with spotting scopes that allow for an up-close view of not only sandhill cranes but also many waterfowl, bald eagles, songbirds, and possibly a glimpse of the endangered whooping cranes at the refuge, and the overlook at the confluence of the Hiwassee and Tennessee rivers.
Special programs will also be available, including Nashville recording artists, Second Nature, featuring the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s (TWRA) Don King and retirees Brant Miller and Dave Woodward, who will perform on Saturday. The Mount LeConte Jug Band will perform on the second day, with the American Eagle Foundation returning this year with two live performances each day at the Birchwood Community Center. Along with the musical guests and new this year, authors of the Children’s Book “Fam,” a tale of sandhill cranes raising a Canada Goose, will read from the stage.
Vendors and educators will also be available at all locations. The cafeteria, which opens at 7 a.m., will be in operation at the community center.
Beginning in the early 1990s, the recovering population of eastern sandhill cranes began stopping at the Hiwassee Refuge on their way to and from their wintering grounds in Georgia and Florida. TWRA has been managing the refuge for more than 60 years for waterfowl, and it provides sandhill cranes with a combination of feeding and shallow water roosting habitat. Thousands of birds now spend the entire winter at the confluence of the Hiwassee and Tennessee rivers. The Hiwassee Refuge comprises about 6,000 acres.
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.
72 Smith County natives named to Tennessee Tech’s fall 2025 Dean’s List
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.
Smith County students named to Tech’s fall 2025 Dean’s List include: Grace C Angel, Stevie Leeann Angel, Arron Christopher Apple, Michael Bagley, Emma C Baker, Lance Caleb Ballard, Greyson Edward Banka, Tyler J Bare, Ashley Noel Barrow, Adrian R Bart-Plange, Adam F Bingham, Olivia Grace Brown, Savanna Bryant, Lauren B Carlyle, Gary B Claywell, Jacob B Claywell, Mia D Cook, Devin W Dixon, Austin J DuCrest, Dre Riley Eastes, Emma Mae Enoch, David Lamar Ferrell, Isaac Glen Flatt, Kyler Ericsson Gates, Jordan T Gentry, Madysin Jayd Griffin, Ryder C Grisham, Allyson Camile Hall, Jocella Sue Halliburton, Caitlin Faith Handley, Ashton Cole Harper, Abigail J Harriman, Jenna Claire Harville, James B Hays, Aubree Skylar Heady, Paxton Klay Hix, Dustin Bartley Horton, Jamison Mark Howell, Drew Inman, Molly C Jones, Thomas Alan Lane, Luke Braden Linder, Thomas Nicholas Lucas, Abby L Malone, Allie Elizabeth Manning, Chloe Anne Martin, James Wayne Martin, Katie R Martin, Ty Grayson Martin, Carson S Meeks, Patrick Garvice Nixon, Krish B Patel, James Robert Peoples, Steven Tyler Peyatt, Clinton Doyle Pope, Abigail Nevaeh Purtee, Rion Sydney Raby, Madelyn T Sampson, Emma Grace Scudder, Matthew LeeAllen Sinclair, Caden Joshua Smith, Tucker Smith, Macy Corinne Turner, Caiti Vaden, Anna E Vining, Jon Evan Wagner, Matthew Allen Webb, Adam D Welsh, Alexa R Western, Andrew Wheeley, Andrew G Williams and Katrina Young.
Tennessee Tech is ranked as a “Best National University” by U.S. News & World Report. The university offers more than 225 programs of study and Tech grads leave with the least debt of all public universities in the state. In fact, based on total cost and alumni earnings, Tech provides students with the highest return on investment for any public university in Tennessee, according to PayScale.
U.S. Representative John Rose Announces January Local Office Hours
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 January.
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.
U.S. Representative John Rose is currently serving his fourth term representing Tennessee’s Sixth Congressional District and resides on his family farm in Lancaster with his wife, Chelsea, and their two sons, Guy and Sam. The Sixth District includes Cannon, Clay, Cumberland, DeKalb, Fentress, Jackson, Macon, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, Smith, Sumner, Trousdale, Van Buren, and White counties as well as portions of Davidson, Scott, Warren, and Wilson counties. Representative Rose is an eighth-generation farmer, small business owner, and attorney
2025-26 Winter Trout Stocking Program Continues
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s (TWRA) 2025-26 winter rainbow trout stocking program continues at selected locations as the New Year begins and will continue through February. TWRA’s spring stocking begins March 1.
The program provides numerous close-to-home trout fishing opportunities for anglers during the winter months. These fisheries also provide a great opportunity to introduce children or first-time anglers to fishing.
There are more than 40 locations for this year’s winter trout stocking program. Many of the stocking locations are in urban areas and include walking trails, playgrounds, and pavilions, making them the perfect place to take the family, introduce children to fishing, or for brand new anglers. The list of locations and stocking dates can be found on TWRA’s website, www.tnwildlife.org.
The stocked trout will average about 10 inches in length. The daily creel limit is seven, except for a limit of five in the locations of the Community Lakes Fishing Program. These locations include Cameron Brown Lake in Germantown, Cedar Hill Park Pond in Madison, Camp Jordan in East Ridge, Pistol Creek/Green Belt Lake in Maryville, and Fountain City Lake in Knoxville. There is no size limit, and anglers are reminded that a trout license is needed in addition to the fishing license.
Please note that the dates and locations are subject to change. Updates can be found on TWRA’s website.
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.
Young Sportsman Hunt to Close State’s 2025-26 Deer Hunting Season
The second Tennessee Young Sportsman Deer Hunt will be held Jan. 10–11, officially wrapping up the 2025–26 deer season. The regular statewide season ends the weekend before, on Sunday, Jan. 4.
Youth ages 6-16 may participate in the Young Sportsman Deer Hunt using a gun, muzzleloader, or archery equipment. Young sportsmen must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult, 21 or older, who must remain in position to take immediate control of the hunting device. The adult must also comply with the fluorescent orange/pink regulations as specified for legal hunters. A single qualifying adult may accompany multiple youth.
Youth ages 6-9 are not required to have a license or hunter’s education certification. Youth ages 10-12 must meet hunter education requirements or have an apprentice license. In addition to the requirements for youth 10-12, youth 13-15 must have a junior hunting license, and 16-year-olds must have the appropriate adult licenses.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency recommends that all hunters obtain a 2025-26 Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide. The guide lists license requirements, seasons, and bag limits for each of the six deer management units. The guide is available on the TWRA website, the TWRA App, and at 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.
December 2025 Meeting of the Smith County Board of Education
The Smith County Board of Education met at 5:00 p.m. on December 16, 2025
The live broadcast of this meeting is sponsored by Teresa’s Gifts.
Subscribe to Smith County Insider’s YouTube channel to stay up-to-date on meeting coverage, business spotlights, video features, and more!
The Smith County School Board meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 5:00 p.m. at the Smith County Board of Education, located at 126 Smith County Middle School Lane in Carthage, Tennessee.
All meetings are open to the public and streamed live at https://www.facebook.com/smithcountyinsider/.
You can watch the full meeting below.
December 2025 Meeting of the Gordonsville City Council
The Gordonsville City Council held its monthly meeting on Monday, December 9, 2025.
You can watch the full council meeting above.
Subscribe to Smith County Insider’s YouTube channel to stay up-to-date on meeting coverage, business spotlights, video features, and more!
The Gordonsville City Council meets at 6:15 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at Gordonsville City Hall, located at 63 Main Street in Gordonsville.
All meetings are open to the public and streamed live at https://www.facebook.com/smithcountyinsider/.
December 2025 Meeting of the Carthage City Council
The Carthage City Council held its monthly meeting on December 5th at 6:00 pm. Several items were discussed. Watch the full meeting below.
Thanks to Teresa’s Gifts for sponsoring Smith County Insider’s live broadcast of this meeting.
Subscribe to Smith County Insider’s YouTube channel to stay up-to-date on meeting coverage, business spotlights, video features, and more!
The Carthage City Council generally meets at 6:00 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at Carthage City Hall, located at 314 Spring Street in Carthage, Tennessee – 37030.
All meetings are open to the public and streamed live at https://www.facebook.com/smithcountyinsider/.
New Year’s Day Auction Extravaganza
Food for Thought – Turning Holiday Nostalgia Into Savings, Income and Memories
Vintage holiday decorations are back in style and, for many households, they’re more than sentimental keepsakes. A University of Tennessee Extension consumer economist says they can represent a chance to save money, make money and make meaningful memories this holiday season.
Across the country, shoppers are willing to pay premium prices for classic Christmas décor that reminds them of childhood holidays. Those boxes of ornaments in Grandma’s attic could hold real value both emotional and financial.
“Collectors are currently seeking Shiny Brite glass ornaments, ceramic Christmas trees, aluminum tinsel trees and mid-century holiday figurines. Some of these items, especially if they’re in good condition or still in their original boxes, can sell for significant amounts online,” says Christopher Sneed, associate professor and consumer economics specialist in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences.
The value of a vintage decoration depends on three key factors:
· Condition. Chips, cracks, or fading lower the price, while well-preserved pieces fetch more.
· Rarity. Limited-edition or unusual designs often sell quickly.
· Completeness. Full sets, especially with original packaging, are more desirable to collectors.
If you’re interested in selling, start by researching current market prices. Online auction platforms, resale sites, and specialized social media groups are good places to learn the price of similar items. These collector groups are an excellent educational resource and can also help you identify authentic pieces and avoid scams.
Buying new holiday décor can quickly add up. Shopping vintage or reusing family decorations can help you decorate beautifully on a budget. Estate sales, thrift stores and flea markets often carry affordable vintage decorations. With a little creativity, older pieces can be refreshed or repurposed for modern displays.
Reusing decorations year after year also supports sustainable living by reducing waste and consumer demand for new products. That’s good for both your wallet and the environment.
When purchasing some items consumers might need to carefully consider use. For example, many vintage ornaments were produced using materials such as lead-based paint, fragile glass or mercury coatings that can pose potential health hazards in today’s homes. Consumers should handle these pieces with care, keeping them away from children. They should avoid any items that show signs of deterioration, flaking finishes or breakage.
It’s important to know what you’re buying or selling. Generally, antiques are items that are more than 100 years old, while vintage refers to pieces that are typically 20 to 40 years old and reflect the trends of their era. Both can hold value, but vintage items tend to appeal more to nostalgic consumers looking to recreate mid-century or retro holiday looks.
While there’s value in selling and saving, the real payoff often comes from the memories these items bring back. A slightly frayed stocking from childhood or Grandma’s old holiday towel set might not sell for much, but their sentimental worth could be priceless.
This holiday season, consider taking inventory of your decorations. Decide which pieces to keep for tradition, which to sell for profit, and which might be reimagined for new uses. Whether you’re decorating, downsizing or decluttering, vintage holiday treasures can offer financial opportunity and emotional connection—rare gifts that truly keep on giving.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is comprised of the Herbert College of Agriculture, UT College of Veterinary Medicine, UT AgResearch and UT Extension. Through its land-grant mission of teaching, research and outreach, the Institute touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. to Tennesseans and beyond. utia.tennessee.edu.
Fiesta Sweet Potato Soup
1 package of Polish Sausage Link, chopped 1 can Rotel (hot or adjust to taste)
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 large onion, chopped
1 small pepper, diced Toppings:
2 tablespoons olive oil Sour cream
2 teaspoons Ground Cumin Green onions, thinly sliced
2 cans reduce sodium chicken broth
In a large saucepan sauté sausage, potatoes, onion and pepper in olive oil until tender. Add Ground Cumin and cook 1 minute longer. Stir in broth, Rotel and beans and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cover. Simmer for 10 minutes or until the potatoes are done. Garnish with sour cream and green onions. Note: I add some crushed red peppers to the first part of the recipe when sauteing to add more spice. Submitted by: Velva Gray, Elmwood/Chestnut Mound FCE Club
