Smith County Ladies Soccer Continues to Win
On Tuesday September 15th Smith County hosted Monterey in a District match that would end with a dominant 9-0 win for the Lady Owls. Senior Goalkeeper Catie Belle McCarter would end the game with a clean sheet. Smith County had two players put up hat tricks, Senior Aubree Spain scored Goal 5 assisted by Julie Bowker, Goal 6 assist from Courtney Haley and Goal 7 coming from a PK. Junior Kylee Brooks scored Goal 2 assisted by Spain, Goal 3 and Goal 8 assisted by Matty Walker. Matty Walker scored the first goal assisted by Aubree Spain, and goal 4 assisted by Julie Bowker. Goal 9 and the one that would end the game early was from Kylie Chiapperini. This win brought the Lady Owls to a 6-1 record on the season and got them geared up for the next District Match on Thursday. 
Catie Belle McCarter making a save off a corner from Monterey
Early Voting Begins October 14: What Smith County Voters Need to Know
Smith County voters can begin casting their ballots early on Wednesday, October 14, for the November 3, 2026 election.
Early voting continues through Thursday, October 29, giving voters more opportunities to choose a convenient time to vote and avoid possible lines on Election Day.
Early Voting Hours (Turner Building in Carthage, TN)
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Tuesday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m. – noon
The Gordonsville Civic Center will also serve as an early voting location on three dates:
- Tuesday, October 20: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Wednesday, October 21: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Thursday, October 22: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The ballot includes three proposed amendments to the Tennessee Constitution. Voters are encouraged to prepare before heading to the polls by reviewing the sample ballot at www.smithcountyelection.com. Reviewing the ballot in advance allows voters to become familiar with the amendments and other contests and to make informed decisions before voting.
The deadline to register to vote is Monday, October 5. Voters can visit www.GoVoteTN.gov to:
- Check their voter registration status
- Confirm their registration address
- Register to vote
- Update their registration after a move or other change
Voter may also visit the Smith County Election Office for registration assistance.
Anyone voting in person must present an acceptable federal or Tennessee state-issued photo ID. This requirement applies during both early voting and Election Day.
For election updates, voter resources, and the sample ballot, visit www.smithcountyelection.com or www.GoVoteTN.gov.
Thank you again for helping up get this important information out to Smith County voters. Feel free to reach out if you need anything else from our office.
Pleasant Shade Community Center to Host Fish Fry
The Pleasant Shade Community Center will host a fish fry on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the community center, located at 743 Pleasant Shade Hwy.
The meal will be cooked by Helen’s Rest and will include a choice of fish or chicken, hush puppies, two sides, dessert and a drink for $15.
A children’s plate is also available for children age 8 and under. The $10 plate includes two pieces of fish, hush puppies, French fries and a drink.
Everyone is invited to come enjoy a good meal and support the Pleasant Shade Community Center.
Smith County Head Start to Host Open House, Hiring Teacher
Smith County Head Start will welcome families and community members to an Open House on October 9 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Head Start center, located at 201 Joy Alfred Way in Carthage.
The event will give families an opportunity to tour the facility, learn more about Head Start services and connect with community resources. Free food, face painting, door prizes and emergency vehicle displays will also be part of the afternoon.
The Open House is hosted by L.B.J. & C. Development Corporation and is designed to highlight the resources available to local families while giving community members a chance to learn more about the Head Start program.
Teacher Position Available
In addition to the upcoming Open House, L.B.J. & C. Development Corporation is accepting applications for a Teacher position at Smith County Head Start in Carthage.
The position offers health, dental, vision and life insurance, a retirement program, paid holidays, sick leave and annual leave. Employees also have the opportunity to earn up to an additional $7,800 annually through the Wages program.
The hourly salary is $17.94 for applicants with an associate’s degree and $20.04 for applicants with a bachelor’s degree, with an eight-hour workday.
Applicants must provide proof of an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or a related field. Candidates must also be willing to learn and follow agency policies and Head Start requirements, pass a physical examination, possess a valid driver’s license, have reliable transportation for travel within the designated service area, and successfully complete required criminal background checks and drug testing. A resume must also be submitted with the application.
Two years of experience working with preschool children is preferred. Bilingual English/Spanish applicants are also preferred, along with candidates who have supervisory, organizational, training and planning skills and an understanding of the Head Start philosophy and developmentally appropriate practices.
Applications must be completed on the corporation’s current employment form and include three references, which will be checked in accordance with state licensing requirements.
Applications will be accepted for seven days or until the position has been filled. Applications should be submitted to L.B.J. & C. Development Corporation, 1150 Chocolate Drive, Cookeville, TN 38501-2206.
For more information, contact Gale Stone at 931-528-3361, ext. 228. Application forms are available at the L.B.J. & C. Central Office, Head Start centers, or through LBJ&C Development Corporation
Application Period for Early Season WMA Waterfowl Quota Hunt to be Held September 23-October 13
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has announced the application period for the 2026 Early Season (Tier 2) Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Waterfowl Hunts will be open from Sept. 23 through Oct. 13.
Applications can be made online at gooutdoorstennessee.com, the TWRA mobile app, TWRA regional offices, or any TWRA license agent. Mailed applications will not be accepted. Applicants must be at least 16 years old. Detailed application instructions, WMA locations, and general waterfowl quota hunt information are available on the TWRA Quota Hunts webpage.
A person may only submit one application, which can include up to 48 unique hunt choices; hunt choices may not be repeated. Qualifying parties must have at least four members, with a maximum of eight.
Successful applicants will receive an email with instructions to log in and must claim their permit by Oct. 26 at 11:59 CDT. Each party member must claim their own permit. Permits will be available to print after the permit has been claimed. Individuals in the party who fail to claim their permit, forfeit their individual permit but may still hunt with a permit holder in attendance at the blind. If no one in a successfully drawn party claims their permit, the party forfeits that site, and the site will be allocated through an in-person leftover drawing.
The leftover drawings will be held on Monday, Nov. 9, at 6 p.m. local time. The drawing locations are listed on page 85 of the 2026-27 Tennessee Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping Guide.
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.
TWRA’S Benthics Blitz Uncovers Rare Aquatic Species in Upper Cumberland Basin
TWRA Malacologist, Brittany Bajo-Walker and United States Fish and Wildlife Service Biologist, Taylor Fagin with Littlewing Pearlymussel
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) biologists held their second annual Benthic Blitz covering 123 sites from 10 watersheds within the Upper Cumberland River Basin. They included the Caney, Collins, and Calfkiller Rivers. A benthic blitz is critical for maintaining wildlife diversity and aims to fill data gaps and targets rare animals such as bottom-dwelling snails, mussels, crayfish, and fish. Healthy aquatic ecosystems should have a wide range of species.
Led by TWRA Biologist Brittany Bajo-Walker and Parker Hildreth, nearly 100 biologists representing 28 unique partners participated in this year’s blitz and represented state, federal, university, non-profit, and consulting organizations. The event allows biologists to explore new segments of river, discover new animals, and build new relationships with partnering agencies.
Benthic Blitz Discovery Highlights:
Over 74 benthic species and approximately 9,668 animals were observed
o 15 crayfish
o Seven mussels
o 46 fish identified
· Biologists located 14 species of Greatest Conservation Need, Two listed as federally endangered.
o Littlewing Pearlymussel (Pegias fabula), are extremely rare and known to exist in only two river systems. A new, robust population of Littlewing Pearlymussel will provide amazing recovery opportunities for this species.
Parker Hildreth with a native mussel.
Malacologist Bajo-Walker stated, “Exploring an aquatic region with this level of effort allows us to fill in significant data gaps within the Biodiversity Division and leads to more informed conservation and management practices. These extremely rare and cryptic animals are so incredibly important to the overall health of an ecosystem, and we are so grateful that partners are willing to loan their time to this effort.”
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.
Tennessee Biodiversity Summit Final Weeks to Register
Registration for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s (TWRA) Tennessee Biodiversity Summit will remain open, with walk-ins accepted on the day of the event until capacity of 900 attendees is reached. Those interested in attending must register before Oct. 1 to receive lunch at the event. Those registering after Oct. 1 will not receive lunch with the registration package.
The Tennessee Biodiversity Summit, an event celebrating Tennessee’s rich habitats and many species, will occur on Oct. 21, 2026, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Central Time at Middle Tennessee State University. All wildlife enthusiasts, including experts, birdwatchers, hunters, and anyone interested in nature, are invited to participate in this experience packed with opportunities to learn about wildlife, habitats, and conservation in Tennessee.
Eight dynamic speakers, including Keynote Chris Wood, Director of eBird, will deliver presentations centered around this year’s theme, “Moving the Needle, Wins in Conservation,” which celebrates many positive conservation accomplishments throughout the state. Participants will receive an update on the Red-cockaded Woodpecker reintroduction announced at last year’s event and the State Wildlife Action Plan, a federally guided blueprint to prevent biodiversity decline. Attendees will also learn about Conservation Opportunity Areas in which they reside.
Over 20 educational booths will be set up during the event, highlighting those committed to protecting the rich biodiversity and providing actionable resources for attendees. The event will also include time for networking and a silent auction of incredible excursions to learn firsthand about wildlife.
The main sponsor for the event is the Greg A. Vital Center for Natural Resources and Conservation at Cleveland State Community College. More information and registration are available at tnwildlife.org.
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.
Laying Hens for Sale! Smith County 4-H Chick Chain Show & Sale Set for September 29th
Are you in the market for some high-quality laying hens to start or grow your own backyard poultry flock?
Members of the Smith County 4-H Chick Chain project would like to invite you to join them at the Smith County Ag Center on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, for the annual 4-H Chick Chain Poultry Show and Sale, where you can purchase some young, hand-raised laying hens and support a group of hardworking young people in the process!
This year, nearly 40 4-H’ers are participating in the 4-H Chick Chain project. Each participating 4-H’er received up to 24 two-day-old baby chicks in early April and has been responsible for raising them throughout the spring and summer.
On September 29th, 4-H’ers will select their three best hens to enter into the show. The breeds that will be available for purchase this year are Black Star and Red Star.
The show will begin with the judging of the pullets at 5:30 p.m. with the auction to follow at approximately 6:00 p.m. If you are interested in buying, please arrive by 5:30 p.m. so that you can check in and receive a bidder number.
Each 4-H’er is required to bring three pullets to be judged at the county show and may bring more for the auction. We should have a nice selection of laying hens to bid on! All proceeds from the sale go directly to the 4-H members to help with their expenses in raising the chicks.
Please consider coming out and supporting our 4-H Poultry Project members on September 29th!
For further information about the 4-H Chick Chain Project or our upcoming Show & Sale, call the Smith County Extension Office at 615-735-2900 or email rpetty@utk.edu.
Submitted by Rachel Petty – UT Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development
Center Hill Lake Chili Cook-off Fundraiser and History Hayride at Edgar Evins State Park
There is still have room for a couple more teams to make chili. Baked goods donations will also be accepted for the Bake Sale Tent. All proceeds will be used for projects within the park. This year’s project is to make some repairs to the old home place inside the park. This house was build in approximately 1921. There are plans to turn it into a venue for gatherings, or a display so visitors can see what a small farm in that time frame would have looked like.
Tennessee Tech receives nearly $180,000 grant to strengthen state’s educator workforce through apprenticeships
Students in Tennessee Tech’s College of Education & Human Sciences gather in the Jeffers Learning Resource Center on Tech’s campus.
UCEMC is Hiring: Apparatus (Substation) Technician
WE’RE HIRING –
APPARATUS (SUBSTATION) TECHNICIAN
Livingston, TN
Full-Time
Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation (UCEMC) is seeking an Apparatus (Substation) Technician to support the testing, maintenance, repair, programming, and troubleshooting of substation, overhead, and underground electrical apparatus. This position includes work with equipment such as regulators, transformers, reclosers, and metering equipment, along with software, technical troubleshooting, and field support that helps maintain safe and reliable electric service. Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED and a minimum of four years of related experience in positions such as meter technician, journeyman lineman, or similar roles. Completion of TVPPA’s Substation Maintenance Course, or equivalent, is required before or within 36 months of entering the position. Candidates must also be willing to work in a bucket truck, inside substations, and in the field on apparatus and metering equipment. If you are safety minded, technically skilled, and ready for hands-on work that helps power our communities, we encourage you to apply.
All Applicants should note that this position includes a residency requirement. The standard maximum distance employees hired shall be no more than twenty (20) miles of the service area perimeter of the office to which they are assigned.
Apply today at https://ucemc.bamboohr.com/careers
Applications will be accepted through September 22, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. CST. For more details, contact UCEMC’s Human Resources Department at 1-800-261-2940, opt 3, opt 5, ext.123.
UCEMC is an EEO employer and an affirmative action employer. UCEMC is committed to guaranteeing equal employment opportunities regardless of race, gender, age, religion, national origin, genetic information, disability or veteran status, or any other protected status, except where such status is a bona fide occupational qualification.
Power Up Your Career with UCEMC. Local People. Local Power.
Smith County Foster Children Dinner & Auction Set for October 24
The annual Smith County Foster Children Dinner & Auction will be held Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Smith County Ag Center, located at 159 Ag Center Lane in Carthage. The event will help provide Christmas assistance to Smith County foster children.
Dinner will be served at 4 p.m., followed by the auction at 5 p.m. Chicken and fish will be provided by Helen’s Restaurant.
Items available at the auction will include tools, canned goods, home décor, gift certificates and much more.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children and may be purchased at the door or in advance at several local businesses, including Citizens Bank, Williamson Bank, Ed & Eddie Hawkins, Pat Nixon, Bank Tennessee, Eddie Dale Sykes, Wilson Bank & Trust, Laura Piper, and Deborah West.
Community members are encouraged to attend this special event and help make Christmas brighter for foster children in Smith County.
Rummage Sale to Benefit Gordonsville Church of the Nazarene
BrushCre
A rummage sale will be held Saturday, September 19, beginning at 8 a.m., at 69 Brush Creek Rd., Brush Creek, TN. The sale will feature items from the estate of Jerry and Sarah Smith.
Shoppers will find a variety of household and vintage items, with prices available on a faithful donation basis. All proceeds will benefit the Gordonsville Church of the Nazarene in memory of Jerry and Sarah Smith.
The community is invited to stop by, shop for a good cause, and support the church.
“The Wild Life” Art Show at Carthage Junction Depot
The Carthage Junction Depot welcomes visitors to this month’s exhibit, “The Wild Life: Art celebrating the Outdoors and Outdoorsmen”. This one day event is free and open to the public Saturday, September 19 from 10am-4pm. This event is generously sponsored by Colby McKinney, real estate agent for Underwood Hometown Realty.Featured artists at this event include:Tina Gantenbein, owner of Warrior Camo gun store and outdoor range in Chestnut Mound, TN is also an accomplished painter and incredibly talented photographer. Photos from her trips in Africa will be on display alongside carefully hand painted wildlife on turkey feathers.Scott Clemons, hunter, fisherman, respected Gordonsville High School coach and Gordonsville Elementary vice-principal, will display a selection of his hand-painted fishing lures.Hunter Clemons shares his father’s love of the outdoors and has put his creativity and knowledge of wildlife to use in his own business: Built To Kill game Calls, a line of his own beautifully hand-crafted turkey calls which will be on display at the exhibit.Alex Dobrinski, the creator of Dobrinski Duck Calls, will have samples of his handcrafted calls as well.JoAnn Mathews is a nationally awarded artist residing in Lebanon, TN. Always open to experimental techniques, she often includes gold leaf, weaving, or collage into her paintings which creates lively textures in each image, created with care and love for every creature.Samantha Wosinski, travel photographer and vlogger known as TravelingWithTheBrunette presents a selection of images that remind the viewer to savor each moment and not rush past the beauty along each roadside and trail.Joey Green, local bladesmith and leather artist, states that he is just doing things he likes for the people he loves. His humility can’t dim the shine of his impressive craftsmanship and creativity evident in the knives and leatherworks he will have on display at this event.Tabatha Edwards, owner of Cub Knob Creations, specializes in pyrography and has recently extended the ancient art of wood burning beyond her beautiful wood jewelry and into burned paper artworks featuring meticulously detailed fins, feathers, and petals. We look forward to seeing what carefully observed details will be in the work she brings to this event.Big Mama’s Taxidermy, located in Hickman, TN, provides taxidermy services for deer, waterfowl, spring turkey and euro mounts. Examples of her work will be keeping watchful eye over this event.The Carthage Junction Depot is also home to a small railroad museum and hosts a selection of local artists’ work available to shoppers at every event. The Depot is located right beside Crump Paris Ball Parks at 185 Gordonsville Hwy, Brush Creek, TN. More information about upcoming events can be found on the Carthage Junction Depot Facebook page.
Lady Owls Capture Fourth Straight Smoky Mountain Cup Championship
The Lady Owls as Champions of the Mount Collins Division at the Smoky Mountain Cup
Matty Walker taking her PK against Jackson County
Goalkeeper Catie Belle McCarter making a save against White House Heritage
