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Smith County Drug Prevention Coalition

Article Calendar

March 2024
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Smith County Gets Its First Tourism Magazine – Ad Space & Photo Submissions Wanted!

Get ready to showcase the best of Smith County! The Smith County Chamber is proud to announce the first-ever tourism magazine dedicated to highlighting the beauty, charm, and unique experiences Smith County offers.

This exciting new publication will be a valuable resource for state travelers, showcasing our stunning landscapes, rich history, vibrant festivals, delicious local cuisine, and hometown shops. 

Thousands of copies of the magazine will be distributed to visitors centers, hotels, and other tourist spots throughout the entire state of TN. 

The magazine will also be linked to a living and active tourism website, ensuring visitors have access to the latest information and resources they need to plan their perfect Smith County getaway.

Local Businesses Take Center Stage

The Smith County Magazine is offering a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to reach a wider audience.  We have a limited number of ad spots available to showcase your shops, restaurants, attractions, and hospitality services. Please reach out to the Smith County Chamber of Commerce to learn about available ad options!

Capture Smith County’s Spirit

We’re also looking for captivating photos that capture the essence of Smith County!  Do you have stunning scenery, vibrant local events, or delightful details that showcase our community’s spirit?

Share Your Photos!

We invite all residents and shutterbugs to submit their photos for a chance to be featured in the magazine.

How to Get Involved

  • For Advertising Inquiries: Contact us at Media@SmithCountyChamber.org
  • Photo Submissions: Send your high-resolution photos (at least 300 dpi) to media@SmithCountyChamber.org
    • Be sure to look out for a photo release to sign via email if your photos are selected for use with the magazine!

This is a collaborative effort to celebrate and promote Smith County. We’re excited to share our hometown stories and create a magazine that becomes a treasured keepsake for locals and a trusted guide for visitors.

Let’s showcase all that Smith County has to offer!

Contact:

Bill Woodard

Director, Smith County Chamber of Commerce

Phone: (615) 735-2093

Email – Media@SmithCountyChamber.org

Routine Traffic Stop Unearths Drug Arrest in Smith County

Joanna Marie Goad

Sgt. Junior Fields of the Smith County Sheriff’s Office made a traffic stop on the evening of February 5, 2024, which led to the discovery of illicit substances and the subsequent arrest of Mrs. Joanna Marie Goad.

The traffic stop unfolded when Sgt. Fields observed a silver Silverado with a non-working muffler and a non-illuminated license plate. Upon stopping the vehicle, Sgt. Fields identified Mrs. Goad as the driver and her husband as the passenger. The situation took an unexpected turn when Sgt. Fields realized there was an active protection order between Mrs. Goad and her husband.

Sgt. Fields requested Mrs. Goad to step out of the vehicle to discuss the order of protection. During the conversation, Sgt. Fields sought consent to search the vehicle, which Mrs. Goad willingly granted. However, as Sgt. Fields returned to his truck to retrieve Mrs. Goad’s identification, he observed her attempting to hide items from a bag.

Sgt. Fields promptly advised Mrs. Goad to stop, but she continued her actions in an attempt to prevent further concealment, Sgt. Fields took decisive action, placing Mrs. Goad into custody as she resisted. A subsequent search of the bag revealed two small baggies of crystal methamphetamine, a cut straw with crystal methamphetamine residue, and a glass methamphetamine pipe.

Mrs. Goad was immediately arrested and transported to the Smith County Jail for processing. The charges against her include possession of crystal methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. 

Local Student Wins Rotary Club Speech Contest

Gabe Harville, Smith County High School Junior

Smith County High School junior Gabe Harville won the Rotary International District 6780 Four-Way Speech Contest at the 2024 District Interact Conference in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee on March 2 while representing the Smith County High School Interact Club sponsored by the Carthage Rotary Club.  His first place reward for winning from a field of twelve is a $2,500 scholarship to the college or university of his choice.  Gabe is the son of Jason and Lisa Harville of Smith County and has been a member of the Smith County High School Interact Club for three years.

The Rotary Four-Way Speech Contest is an annual scholarship competition open to students in grades 9 through 12 and is sponsored in Smith County by the Carthage Rotary Club.  Contestants write their own speeches applying the Rotary Four-Way Test to the concepts of leadership, service to others or life experience.  Speeches must be delivered without the aid of podium, notes, displays or props and must be at least four minutes and no more than six minutes.  Winners from contests sponsored by local Clubs in Rotary District 6780 compete for the District title.  The Rotary Four-Way Test is:

                “of the things we think, say or do,

                Is it the TRUTH?

                Is it FAIR to all concerned?

                Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

                Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?”

Interact is a Rotary-sponsored service club for young people ages 12 through 18.  The program gives its members (Interactors) an opportunity to participate in meaningful service projects while developing leadership skills, meeting new friends and having fun.  The Carthage Rotary Club sponsors Interact Clubs at both Smith County and Gordonsville High Schools.

UT Extension News: Celebrating National Ag Day

By Katie Martin – Smith County Extension Agent

March 19 is National Ag Day – a day to celebrate the less than two percent of the population who provide food, fiber, and fuel to all of us. Agriculture is no doubt our most important industry and National Ag Day is a chance for us to recognize and show our appreciation for all farmers do.

American agriculture is the foundation of our country. It’s the backbone of a healthy and prosperous nation, made possible by the hard work of America’s farms and farm families. These individuals have been essential since the very beginning, and just like everyone, the past few years have presented many challenges, but thankfully, farmers have continued steadfastly toward ensuring we have food on our tables and clothes on our backs. That’s why, this year especially, National Ag Day is celebrated as a chance to honor those who deserve to be praised every day for what they do.

Join the celebration all of “National Ag Week” (March 17-23), but especially Tuesday, March 19 (National Ag Day) when folks across the country will be celebrating agriculture. Share on social media using #AgDay24, and of course, thank a farmer.

UT Extension-Smith County strives to celebrate and support our farmers every day by providing valuable, research-based resources. To specifically celebrate National Ag Day and in honor of Extension Month, stop by the Extension Office and mention National Ag Day to receive a free soil or forage sample!

For more information about any agriculture-related topics, contact the UT Extension office at 615-735-2900.

Smith County Chamber Corner Show – March 2024

Check out the March 2024 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.

March 2024 Meeting of the Gordonsville City Council

The Gordonsville City Council held its monthly meeting on Monday March 11, 2024.

You can watch the full council meeting below.

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/.

Drug Bust on Interstate 40 Leads to Multiple Arrests in Smith County

Around 8:47 AM on January 28, 2024, Officer Williams initiated a traffic stop at the 258-mile marker for the improper display of a tag. The driver, identified as Travion Fleming, and the passenger, Makayla Atkins, both lacked valid driver’s licenses. Fleming admitted to having a suspended license.

While gathering information, Williams detected an odor of marijuana from the vehicle. Atkins admitted to having marijuana in her purse. However, Fleming refused to exit the vehicle when asked to do so for a search.

Additional officers were called to assist, and after negotiating with Fleming, he eventually handed over a bag containing several ounces of methamphetamine hidden between the seats. Following this discovery, Fleming was handcuffed and taken into custody.

A further search of the vehicle revealed approximately 13 grams of marijuana. Fleming was advised of his Miranda rights and chose to remain silent. Meanwhile, Atkins was arrested and transported to jail for the marijuana found in her possession.

During the jail search Atkins was found to have two Roxy 30 pills. She claimed ownership of both the pills and the marijuana. The approximate weight of the methamphetamine seized was 5 ounces.

Both Fleming and Atkins are facing charges related to the possession and distribution of illegal substances. The case will now proceed through the legal system, and the TBI lab analysis will play a role in determining the severity of the charges.

March 2024 Meeting of the Carthage City Council

The Carthage City Council held its monthly meeting on March 7th 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 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/.

GHS Student is making history with the UT Martin Stunt Team

Violet Gillilan, 2022 Gordonsville High School Graduate

The University of Tennessee at Martin is the first college in TN and the only D1 college in TN to have a STUNT team. Sophomore team member Violet Gillilan is a 2022 Gordonsville High School graduate was signed with the team in April 2022. She has enjoyed being a part of the inaugural season for the UT Martin Skyhawks.

The Skyhawks made their official debut on March 3rd. Competing in an official capacity for the first time, the University of Tennessee at Martin STUNT team wrapped up its program debut with a win over Central Arkansas at the Simon Athletic Center on the campus of Maryville University. The game capped off a 33-month journey that began when UT Martin announced its plans to field a competitive STUNT program pending NCAA certification back in June 2021. The Skyhawks competed in eight exhibitions last season – winning six of those – before the NCAA approved STUNT at the Division I level in August 2023.

STUNT is an exciting head-to-head game between two teams that incorporates the technical and athletic skills derived from cheerleading. Created by USA Cheer, STUNT is a discipline of competitive cheerleading that removes the crowd-leading element and focuses on the technical and athletic components of cheer. STUNT features two teams in a head-to-head four-quarter competition in a 45-60 minute event that is scored based on execution. Quarters of a STUNT game include partner stunts, pyramids/tosses, jumps/tumbling and a team compulsory routine. A total of 61 colleges or universities currently sponsor the sport of STUNT. The Skyhawks are one of 14 active NCAA Division I schools

The 2024 regular season schedule will wrap up with four games over a two-day span in Nashville, Tenn. UT Martin on Friday, March 15 and Saturday, March 16. The Division I national championships are set for April 12 through 15.

Large Spring Consignment Sale Pleasant Shade Community Center March 28-30th

The Pleasant Shade Community Center will host a large consignment sale March 28th-30th. Any item (new or used) can be entered into the sale as long as it is in GOOD WORKING CONDITION. (i.e. kitchenware, bath items, tools, machinery, furniture, clothing, toys, jewelry, etc.) Keep in mind that Pleasant Shade Community Center is not liable for any of your items broken or damaged in the sale.

If you are interested in entering items in the sale, you may contact one of the following persons to get information and a number will be assigned to you for tagging your items:

Ann Gregory – 670-9845

Wesley Rigsby – 677-6514 or 683-7525

Consignment Dates 2024

Thursday, March 28th – 9AM-6PM

Friday, March 29th – 9AM-6PM

Saturday, March 30th – 8AM-2PM

Sleeping in Parking Lot Leads to Drug Bust

Sarah Hobbs

Officer Dusten Holder patrolled in the Pilot parking lot in early February when Holder observed a female slumped over sleeping inside her car next to the gas pump. After knocking and talking to the woman she opened the vehicle door. The woman was identified as Mrs. Sarah Hobbs. Hobbs denied using any drugs when questioned. 

After questioning, Officer Holder found a crack pipe located in the car, Hobbs denied ownership citing it was her friend’s. After the discussion, Hobbs was searched. Several baggies, 6 in total, were found. These substances included crystal meth, heroin, and fentanyl. After being detained Hobb’s car was towed. 

Hobbs was sent to the Smith County Jail for processing.

Keep Smith County Beautiful Spring Clean-up Day March 26th 2024

The Keep Smith County Beautiful committee is hosting a Spring Break clean-up day on Tuesday, March 26, 2024. The day will begin at the Smith County Chamber of Commerce at 9 a.m. and end at 1 p.m. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Gloves and safety vests will be provided to all volunteers. Community service hours will be verified if needed.

WISE SCHOLARSHIP – Women Inspiring Self-Motivated Empowerment

Cookeville, TN – The Upper Cumberland Womens Club and local women entrepreneurs have launched the WISE Scholarship to be awarded in May 2024.

The WISE Scholarship will be awarded to wormen who want to or are making a difference in the community and would like to partner with UCWC and local women entrepreneurs. The WISE scholarship will encourage a partnership with upcoming future entrepreneurs in the Upper Cumberland region, i.e. realtor, hairdresser, nail tech, insurance agent, banker, business owner etc. The WISE Scholarship and the ladies of the UCWC and local women entrepreneurs would like to financially assist someone who has a need for additional assistance to move forward , who also welcomes the wisdom and mentorship of other successful and seasoned women in business to help them reach their professional goals.

The Upper Cumberland Women’s Club of TN is dedicated through philanthropic activities to address the critical needs of women in our community. The women of the The Upper Cumerland Women’s Club of TN, advocate for education, women’s health, diversity, and inclusiveness recognizing the potetntial of each invididuals’s value to contribute to the organization, home and community.

The Upper Cumberland Women’s Club of TN was established as a club in 2010 and has now established its 501C-4 in 2024 and was created to educate, inspire and motivate women so they will be empowered to achieve their personal, civic and professional goals.

UCWC is an avenue for networking, fellowship and support through speakers and

programs providing information for personal and professional growth.

For more information or to apply to the WISE Scholarship, or our bi-monthly luncheons, please visit our UCWC Facebook, Instagram page or email ucwomensclub@gmail.com.

Food Giveaway March 30th at Smith County Historic Courthouse

Grace Baptist Church will be serving a hot meal the last Saturday of every month. It will be a different meal every time. Additionally there will be clothes and bags of necessities for homeless or anyone who needs them. They are excited to reach and satisfy a need in the community.

The next two dates include:
March 30th – starts at 11 while food/supplies last
April 27th – starts at 11 while food/supplies last

Food for Thought – Walk Across America

Ready, Set, Walk! According to Harvard Health, walking improves cardiac risk factors such as cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, vascular stiffness and inflammation, and mental stress. Walking and other moderate exercise programs also help protect against dementia, depression, and colon cancer and can lower death rates. Walking has other benefits that one may not think of as readily; it counteracts the effects of weight-promoting genes, it helps lessen a sweet tooth, and it boosts immune function.

The University of Tennessee Extension Smith County is partnering with Smith County Health Department to again offer Walk Across Tennessee for 2024. Walk Across Tennessee is a program that persuades and motivates people of all ages to get started exercising or get back into the routine of exercising. It is a program that is simple and safe. All you need is a team of eight people and a desire to get moving!

Teams simply pool their mileage each week to work towards the chosen destination on a map that will be posted on the Walk Across Tennessee Smith County Facebook page. Dust off your walking shoes and prepare to join us on this eight-week journey “across Tennessee” from April 1-May 26! There is no cost to participate. Prizes will be awarded throughout the competition, and the teams with the most miles will be recognized. Register online by March 28th at https://tiny.utk.edu/WATIndvReg. Team captains must also register teams at https://tiny.utk.edu/WATTeamReg.

Corn Casserole

1 can whole corn

1 can cream style corn

1 package corn muffin mix

1 cup sour cream

1 cup shredded cheese

1 stick melted butter

Mix all except shredded cheese and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Spread cheese over top and bake 5 more minutes. Submitted by: Jenna Key, Night Owls FCE Club