Smith County Young Farmers & Ranchers Celebrate Beef Month with Free Burger
The Smith County Young Farmers & Ranchers are excited to host a special community event in celebration of July as Beef Month, recognizing the vital role beef plays in Tennessee agriculture and family meals.
The event will take place on Friday, July 24th at 5:00 p.m. at Sav-Way and will feature free hamburger plates, giveaways, and fun activities for all ages.
Held annually, Beef Month highlights the contributions of local cattle producers and the beef industry as a whole. Smith County’s farmers and ranchers are proud to share their work and passion with the public during this free event aimed at bringing the community together.
We will also have a drawing for giveaways which will include a Yeti Cooler and Sav-Way gift cards!
To learn more about beef and its nutritional benefits, visit https://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com.
Make plans to come see us Friday at 5:00 p.m. at Sav-Way! Bring your appetite and enjoy an evening of great food, community fun, and support for local agriculture.
July Beef Month Free Hamburger Plates and Giveaways
The Smith County Young Farmers & Ranchers are excited to host a special community event in celebration of July as Beef Month, recognizing the vital role beef plays in Tennessee agriculture and family meals.
The event will take place on Friday, July 24th at 5:00 p.m. at Sav-Way and will feature free hamburger plates, giveaways, and fun activities for all ages.
Held annually, Beef Month highlights the contributions of local cattle producers and the beef industry as a whole. Smith County’s farmers and ranchers are proud to share their work and passion with the public during this free event aimed at bringing the community together.
We will also have a drawing for giveaways which will include a Yeti Cooler and Sav-Way gift cards!
To learn more about beef and its nutritional benefits, visit https://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com.
Make plans to come see us Friday at 5:00 p.m. at Sav-Way! Bring your appetite and enjoy an evening of great food, community fun, and support for local agriculture.
Lissa’s Nutrition Turns 4
WE’RE TURNING 4!!
Four years of teas, shakes, coffees and the BEST community we could ever ask for!
Lissa’s Nutrition is turning 4, and we want to celebrate another trip around the sun with the people who made it possible- YOU!
Join us Saturday, August 1st from 8:00 to 3:00 for:
•A new birthday menu (Stay tuned for that coming out soon)
•Giveaways- A ton of different ones to win, so come put your name in our bucket.
•Incredible Vendors including Sugar Rush, Lullaby Lane, Linked and Layered Jewelry and more!
We also have something extra special to show our love and appreciation… BUCKETS! (Exclusive only to our birthday menu)
Come for the tea and stay for the party
We couldn’t thank everyone enough for these amazing 4 years
Living Water Ministries to Host Free Backpack and School Supplies Giveaway
As the new school year approaches, Living Water Ministries is helping local students get off to a great start by hosting a Free Backpack and School Supplies Giveaway on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The event will take place at Living Water Ministries, 15 New Middleton Highway, Gordonsville, Tennessee, and is designed to provide students with free backpacks filled with essential school supplies to help them begin the upcoming school year prepared and confident.
Families are encouraged to attend while supplies last. The giveaway is part of the ministry’s ongoing commitment to serving the community and supporting local students as they head back to the classroom.
Community members are invited to spread the word and help ensure every child has the tools they need for a successful school year.
Citizens Bank Supports Friends of Cordell Hull Lake Singer Songwriter Festival as Silver Sponsor
Citizens Bank is demonstrating its continued commitment to the community by serving as a Silver Sponsor for the 2026 Friends of Cordell Hull Lake Singer Songwriter Festival.
The annual festival on September 12, 2026 evening celebrates talented singer-songwriters while bringing the community together to enjoy live music and support the ongoing efforts of the Friends of Cordell Hull Lake organization. Sponsorships from local businesses like Citizens Bank help make the event possible and contribute to its continued success.
Pictured above are Olga Beddingfield, representing Friends of Cordell Hull Lake, and Jared Goad, Assistant Vice President at Citizens Bank, recognizing the bank’s sponsorship of this year’s festival.
Food for Thought – Fair News
Another great Fair on the River is complete. Thank you to all the volunteers for helping make this a success. Especially, thanks for all your help registering entries and caring for the exhibits during the week.
Thanks to all the Smith County residents who exhibited their goods. Both the residents and the Family and Community Education (FCE) members showed their talent by all the awards they won. A special congratulations to Night Owls FCE club for winning the Hallie Mai Clemons FCE award of $100 for the FCE club with the most entries. There were 11 Best of Show Awards presented.
Family and Consumer Sciences, FCS exhibits Best of Show winners were:
Photography- Paul Massey
Heirlooms- Barbara Rollins
Floriculture- Lisa Gibbs
Canning- Sherri Reece
Cooking- Kaylee McDonald
Sewing- Katie McDonald
Fine Arts Amateur- Jennifer Martin
Fine Arts Professional- Betty Lankford
Crafts- Myra Fisher
Quilts- Dorothy Moyers
Needlecraft- Dorothy Moyers
In addition to Best of Show Prizes, a $10 premium check was given. Thanks to our wonderful FCS exhibit sponsors: Granville Bed & Breakfast (Randall and Peggy Clemons) (3); Nancy Malone in memory of Barbara Cantrell; Stan Webster in memory of Edith Stanton Webster; Carol Webster in memory of Beatrice Webster (2); The Holliman Children in memory of Mack and Dot Holliman; Anne Towns in memory of Grandmother Hackett and Grandmother West (2); and Kathy Wilkerson in memory of June Perrigo. I hope everyone will start planning now on what they want to enter in next year’s fair!
Avocado Salad
3 peeled and chopped avocados
½ red onion, sliced very thin
1 jar ripe olives, drained
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
Four Seasons Salad Dressing or Blue Cheese Salad Dressing
Combine all ingredients. Chill and season if desired.
Submitted by Anne Towns, Carthage FCE Club
Support local journalism in Tennessee
Local journalism and information bring communities together. Local journalism provides a trusted understanding of what’s happening in our communities. Local journalism keeps our institutions honest. Local news and information need our support.
Attached is the Tennessee license plate designed by Knoxville’s own Raylee Kirby. It’s available in the coming months when 1,000 plates are ordered. Requesting this plate will support local journalism and scholarships for journalism and communication students across Tennessee. There’s no better way to support the future of our industry than educating the next generation of journalism and communication students. Requesting the plate will add an additional $35 to the cost of your yearly registration. The state keeps half and half will go directly to these scholarships.
The Front Page Foundation, based in Knoxville, is a 501- (c) (3) organization. We are a branch of the East Tennessee Society of Professional Journalists. Our primary goal is to raise scholarship funds for journalism and communication students across Tennessee. The Foundation board is made up of 10 journalists from all areas of media. Our mission is to support journalism through our state education systems and build support for localmedia. We’re asking for your assistance. You can show your interest by filling out this short form or by scanning the below QR code.
You’ll be notified to pick up your plate at your local county clerk’s office once it’s ready. About Front Page Foundation: https://www.frontpagefoundation.org/
The Foundation Supports Local Students and Journalists
The Front Page Foundation is a nonprofit corporation chartered in 2015 to raise funds benefiting journalism in all news media – print, electronic, and digital – through scholarships, professional development activities, and educational programs for the public on vital issues in journalism. Chartered with the support of the East Tennessee Society of Professional Journalists, the Front Page Foundation partners with ETSPJ in supporting programs that educate the providers and consumers of news, encouraging professional excellence and public understanding of the role of the press.
The Foundation considers journalism ethics, diversity, freedom of information, open records and meetings, and government transparency to be essential for a functioning and thriving democracy. A free press and well-informed public are vital to democracy.
“Our primary goal is to raise scholarship funds for journalism students across Tennessee,” the foundation said in a statement. “The mission to support journalism through our state education systems and build backing for local media. We’re asking for your support.”
Ahead of final SOAR sessions, Tennessee Tech reminds prospective students there’s still time to enroll for fall
Smith County Events Committee Announces Upcoming Back-to-School Bash Details and Streamlined Process
Smith County Events Committee (SCEC) is excited to announce the return of its annual Back-to-School Bash! This beloved community event is gearing up to provide local families with resources and support as they prepare for the upcoming school year.
SCEC is currently working diligently to streamline the planning process to ensure this year’s Back-to-School Bash is even more helpful and efficient for all attendees. This year’s event is going to look different from previous years. We have taken time to factor in feedback and notes
from the last 4 years. There will be no waiting in line in the heat this year!! This year we will be opening an application ahead of supply pick up day.
Parents and Guardians will need to complete the application in order to utilize the supply drive. The criteria for receiving help remains the same: students must live in and/or attend school in Smith County. Applications will be processed in the same format as if you were showing up to wait in line: First Completed First Served.
Applications will open on Wednesday, July 15th. On or before July 28th you will receive an email with your “spot-in-line,” anticipated supplies to be provided for your student(s), and instructions for pickup date and time. Pick up day will be August 2nd, but the time frame for pick ups will vary for each family. Pick up format will be a drive-through method and supplies will be pre-gathered for you. You will be able to list alternate pick up adults on your application. You will need to show a valid government issue ID and either know your assigned number or have
your spot-in-line email ready to show our volunteers. Applications are relatively simple and only collect the information necessary for us to package and track the supply requests appropriately.
No financial or demographic information will be requested.
Recap:
-Applications Open July 15th
-Be on the look out for Spot-In-Line email by July 28th
-Be prepared to pick up supplies drive-through style August 2nd at assigned time
(Spot-In-Line emails will include anticipated supply support so families can utilize tax free weekend to obtain their other school supplies!)
There will NOT be a wait-in-line style event this year. You must fill out an application and pick up supplies at your assigned time. Applications will open to everyone at the same time on July 15th at 1:00 PM. The link will be posted on social media and on our website.
The success of the Back-to-School Bash relies heavily on the support of our community. SCEC is accepting the help of enthusiastic volunteers to assist with various tasks leading up to, during, and after the event. This is a fantastic opportunity to give back to our community and be a part
of a positive and impactful event
Here is the link to the Smith County Events Facebook Page.
TWRA Issues 2026 July 4th – ODW Weekend Holiday Boating Report
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is pleased to report there were no boating-related fatalities over the Operation Dry Water (ODW)-July 4th holiday weekend. The TWRA Boating and Law Enforcement Division compiled the holiday statistics after receiving reports from the Agency’s four regions.
There were 11 injury incidents across the state, along with 16 alcohol-related boating under the influence (BUI) arrests. The Agency also assisted in the recovery efforts for a drowning victim in Stewart County, which the county sheriff’s office handled. Several written citations and warnings were issued, mostly due to vessel registration violations, negligent operation of a vessel, and other safety issues.
TWRA’s total number of boating-related fatalities this year stands at 10 as compared to 13 through the July 4th holiday period last year. Operation Dry Water is a period of increased enforcement and education about the dangers of impaired boating around July 4th, one of the busiest times for boating activity in the year. TWRA continues to encourage all constituents to boat safely and wear a personal flotation device (PFD) throughout the rest of the summer and as Labor Day weekend approaches.
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.
Smith County Events Committee Announces Upcoming Back-to-School Bash Details and Streamlined Process
Carthage, TN – Smith County Events Committee (SCEC) is excited to announce the return of
its annual Back-to-School Bash! This beloved community event is gearing up to provide local
families with resources and support as they prepare for the upcoming school year.
SCEC is currently working diligently to streamline the planning process to ensure this year’s
Back-to-School Bash is even more helpful and efficient for all attendees. This year’s event is
going to look different from previous years. We have taken time to factor in feedback and notes
from the last 4 years. There will be no waiting in line in the heat this year!!
This year we will be opening an application ahead of supply pick up day. Parents and Guardians
will need to complete the application in order to utilize the supply drive. The criteria for receiving
help remains the same: students must live in and/or attend school in Smith County. Applications
will be processed in the same format as if you were showing up to wait in line: First Completed
First Served. Applications will open on Wednesday, July 15th. On or before July 28th you will
receive an email with your “spot-in-line,” anticipated supplies to be provided for your student(s),
and instructions for pickup date and time. Pick up day will be August 2nd, but the time frame for
pick ups will vary for each family. Pick up format will be a drive-through method and supplies will
be pre-gathered for you. You will be able to list alternate pick up adults on your application. You
will need to show a valid government issue ID and either know your assigned number or have
your spot-in-line email ready to show our volunteers. Applications are relatively simple and only
collect the information necessary for us to package and track the supply requests appropriately.
No financial or demographic information will be requested.
Recap:
-Applications Open July 15th
-Be on the look out for Spot-In-Line email by July 28th
-Be prepared to pick up supplies drive-through style August 2nd at assigned time
(Spot-In-Line emails will include anticipated supply support so families can utilize tax free
weekend to obtain their other school supplies!)
There will NOT be a wait-in-line style event this year. You must fill out an application and pick up
supplies at your assigned time. Applications will open to everyone at the same time on July 15th
at 1:00 PM. The link will be posted on social media and on our website.
The success of the Back-to-School Bash relies heavily on the support of our community. SCEC
is accepting the help of enthusiastic volunteers to assist with various tasks leading up to, during,
and after the event. This is a fantastic opportunity to give back to our community and be a part
of a positive and impactful event.
Individuals interested in volunteering their time and skills are encouraged to reach out to the
Smith County Events Committee directly at smithcountyevents@gmail.com.
Stay tuned for further updates and announcements regarding Smith County Events Committee’s
Back-to-School Bash!
About the Smith County Events Committee (SCEC):
The Smith County Events Committee is dedicated to organizing and supporting events that
benefit the residents and enhance the community spirit of Smith County.
Contact: Smith County Events Committee at smithcountyevents@gmail.com
Smith County Mr. & Miss Baby Fairest of the Fair Pageants 2026
The 2026 Mr. and Miss Baby Fairest of the Fair Pageants were held at the Smith County Fair on Saturday, July 4, 2026. The pageants were divided into three divisions include boys and girls from each of the age ranges 0-6 months, 7-15 months and 16-23 months.
Miss Baby Fairest of the Fair (0-6 months) Winner was Luci Mae-Cage McKinney,(ceter), 1st Runner-up was Miller Paige Woodard (left) and 2nd Runner Up was Rowan Renee Sutton (right).
Nine girls 0-6 months participated. Miss Baby Fairest of the Fair (0-6 months) Winner was Luci Mae-Cage McKinney, 1st Runner-up was Miller Paige Woodard (left) and 2nd Runner Up was Rowan Renee Sutton (right). Most Photogenic was awarded to Luci Mae-Cage McKinney and Peoples Choice was awarded to Kehlani Gregory.
Mr. Baby Fairest of the Fair (7-15 months) Winner Jett Nokes (center-left)) 1st Runner-up was Treyson Ross King (center-right), 2nd Runner-up, Leander Artemis Maddox (left) and 3rd Runner-up was Macklin Forrester (right)
Four boys 7-15 months participated. Mr. Baby Fairest of the Fair (7-15 months) Winner was Jett Nokes (red) 1st Runner-up was Treyson Ross King (center-right), 2nd Runner-up was Leander Artemis Maddox and 3rd Runner-up was Mackln Forrester.
Miss Baby Fairest of the Fair (7-15 months) Winner was Mattison Ann Dyer (center), 1st Runner-up was Halle Lane Green (left) and 2nd Runner-up was Jemma Caroline Jones (right).
Nine girls 7-15 months participated. Miss Baby Fairest of the Fair (7-15 months) Winner was Mattison Ann Dyer (center), 1st Runner-up was Halle Lane Green (left) and 2nd Runner-up was Jemma Caroline Jones (right). Halle Lane Green won Peoples Choice and Treyson Ross King won Most Photogenic.
Mr. Baby Fairest of the Fair (16-23 months) Winner was Remmington James Daniel Huff (center), 1st Runner-up was Jackson Avery McCloud (right) and 2nd Runner-up was Harlan Christopher Preston (left)
Three boys 16-23 months participated. Mr. Baby Fairest of the Fair (16-23 months) Winner was Remmington James Daniel Huff (center), 1st Runner-up was Jackson Avery McCloud (right) and 2nd Runner-up was Winner Harlan Christopher Preston. (left).
Miss Baby Fairest of the Fair (16-23 months) Winner was Zaylee Marjorie Stallings (center), 1st Runner-up was Kinlee Grace Bly (right) and 2nd Runner-up was Chalisa Restrepo (left)
Five girls 16-23 months participated. Miss Baby Fairest of the Fair (16-23 months) Winner was Zaylee Marjorie Stallings (center), 1st Runner-up was Kinlee Grace Bly (right) and 2nd Runner-up was Chalisa Restrepo (left). Chalisa Restrepo won Peoples Choice and Zaylee Marjorie Stallings won Most Photogenic.
Upper Cumberland Family History & Genealogy Festival Set for July 25 in Granville
Residents and visitors alike are invited to step back in time and explore their roots during the Upper Cumberland Family History & Genealogy Festival on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Granville United Methodist Church.
The festival will feature a full day of genealogy presentations, historical archives, preservation resources, and family research opportunities designed for both beginners and experienced researchers.
Special presentations throughout the day will include “No Birth Certificate? No Problem!” presented by Jeffrey Bockman at 10:30 a.m., followed by “How to Preserve Family History Without Genealogy Research” at 1 p.m. and “Genealogy Research: Beginners and Pros Alike Meet at the Dead End” at 2 p.m.
Festival organizers say attendees will have access to a variety of genealogy and historical archive resources, including cemetery restoration and preservation information, genealogy society booths, lineage societies such as DAR and SAR, Civil War resources, and family search assistance from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Several special family booths will also be featured, highlighting research and history connected to numerous Upper Cumberland families from White, Warren, Van Buren, Overton, Putnam, Jackson, and Smith counties. Hosts and featured family researchers include Jenifer Crone, LaChelle Norris, Suzanne Wheeley, and Brenda Cowan Francis.
This year’s event will honor the Woodard family, with Mike Maggart and Carmelita Woodard Walker serving as table hosts. Historical photographs of the Herman Woodard family making molasses in 1933 will also be displayed as part of the festival exhibits.
Admission fees are the same as standard Granville tour pricing, with adults admitted for $7, children ages 6-12 for $5, and children under 6 admitted free. Family pricing is also available.
For more information about the festival, visit Granville’s website or call 931-653-4151.
SCMBC Yard and Bake Sale
This year we have focused on teaching the youth in our church about stewardship, responsibility, and community. We’ve done this through various quarterly projects. The youth are having a yard and bake sale! All proceeds will go towards building and stocking a blessing box that will be built in South Carthage community. What better way to give back locally?!
There will be lots of good stuff and a little something for everyone.
*baked goods *lemonade *home goods *books *clothes/shoes for men, women, and kids of all sizes.
Saturday, July 18th – 8am – 2pm at the South Carthage Missionary Baptist Church fellowship hall front yard.
Town of Carthage Accepting Applications for Maintenance Worker Position
CARTHAGE, Tenn. — The Town of Carthage is accepting applications for a Maintenance Worker Level 1 position within its Water and Sewer Line Maintenance Department.
The position is a hands-on, manual labor role that requires experience with water main installation and repair. The successful applicant should be capable of performing a variety of general labor duties while working as part of the town’s construction crew.
Responsibilities include:
- Loading, unloading and spreading gravel, dirt and debris.
- Shoveling ditches.
- Installing water and sewer line taps.
- Collecting monthly water meter readings.
- Processing work orders for new water customers and service cutoffs.
- Operating heavy equipment and other small machinery.
- Performing additional duties as assigned by the supervisor.
Applications are available online through the Town of Carthage’s Public Notices page or may be submitted along with a resume to Carthage City Hall, 314 Spring Street, Carthage, TN 37030.
The application deadline is Wednesday, July 22, 2026. Qualified applicants may be invited to interview.
For additional information, contact Water & Sewer Line Maintenance Department Head Derrick Brooks at (615) 735-1881, Ext. 209.
The Town of Carthage is an equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified applicants to apply.
