Rep. Rose Stands with Trump Admin for Support of Ft. Campbell Students Impacted by Government Shutdown
COOKEVILLE, TN—Today, U.S. Representative John Rose (TN-06) is standing with the Trump Administration in restoring the ability of Fort Campbell High School students to take part in athletics and other extracurricular activities amid the ongoing government shutdown.
While on a recent visit to Fort Campbell, Rep. Rose learned that Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools, including Fort Campbell, were scaling back operations as a result of the lapse in funding. That included halting sporting events and extracurricular activities, including sports practices.
Rep. Rose contacted the White House last week to bring attention to this issue on behalf of the student athletes who have spent months or years in many cases preparing for this sporting season, including the Fort Campbell High School Football team.
Rep. Rose released the following statement:
“Politics shouldn’t stand in the way of high school athletics—especially when those schools are made up of students whose parents serve our country,” Rep. Rose said. “I applaud the Trump Administration for ensuring DoDEA student athletes aren’t punished by the political theatrics of 44 Senate Democrats, who continue to refuse to do the right thing and reopen the government.”
Background:
On Tuesday, DoDEA released updated guidance that extracurricular activities, including athletics and afterschool clubs, would be considered excepted activities during the current lapse in appropriations.
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.
Gordonsville Church of the Nazarene to Host Holiday Festival on November 8
GORDONSVILLE, TN — The holiday spirit is arriving early in Gordonsville as the Gordonsville Church of the Nazarene prepares to host its Holiday Festival on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The event will take place at 168 E. Main Street and promises to be a festive celebration for the entire community. Attendees can expect a variety of holiday-themed activities, local vendors, seasonal crafts, and more—making it a perfect opportunity to kick off the holiday shopping season and connect with neighbors.
The Holiday Festival is open to the public, and vendor spaces are available for those interested in participating. For vendor information, contact Jenn Cash at 615-489-3610.
Whether you’re looking for unique gifts, handmade crafts, or just want to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season, this event is sure to offer something for everyone.
Mark your calendars and bring the whole family to enjoy a day of holiday cheer in Gordonsville!
Fall Expo and Craft Fair Coming to Pleasant Shade November 1
PLEASANT SHADE, TN — A seasonal celebration of creativity and community is just around the corner as the Pleasant Shade Community Center prepares to host its annual Fall Expo and Craft Fair on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The event will be held at the Pleasant Shade Community Center, located at 743 Pleasant Shade Highway, and promises a festive day filled with handmade crafts, local vendors, and homemade baked goods.
Designed to bring together artisans, small businesses, and community members, the Fall Expo is a great opportunity for early holiday shopping, supporting local talent, or simply enjoying the charm of fall in a small-town setting.
In addition to handcrafted items and seasonal décor, visitors can look forward to a wide assortment of fresh-baked treats, perfect for enjoying on-site or taking home to share.
Vendor spaces are still available, and those interested in participating are encouraged to call 615-677-6514 or 615-683-7525 for more information.
With something for all ages, the Fall Expo is expected to draw residents and visitors alike for a day of shopping, food, and community spirit.
Pleasant Shade Community Center Hosts Large Fall Consignment Sale
PLEASANT SHADE, TN — Shoppers and sellers alike will have something to look forward to this fall as the Pleasant Shade Community Center prepares to host its annual Large Fall Consignment Sale. The event will take place over three days, beginning Thursday, October 16, and running through Saturday, October 18, 2025.
Doors will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.
This popular community sale offers an opportunity for individuals to both shop for bargains and sell gently used or new items. Items eligible for sale include kitchenware, bath items, tools, machinery, furniture, clothing, toys, jewelry, and much more—as long as they are in good working condition.
Organizers emphasize that while a wide variety of goods will be available, the Pleasant Shade Community Center is not responsible for any items that are lost, damaged, or broken during the event.
For those interested in becoming consignors, a seller number is required to participate. Community members can contact either of the following organizers to receive instructions and a tagging number:
- Ann Gregory at 615-670-9845
- Wesley Rigsby at 615-677-6514 or 615-683-7525
The sale promises to be a great way for people to declutter, earn extra money, and find hidden treasures—all while supporting the local community.
September 2025 Meeting of the Smith County Board of Education
The Smith County Board of Education met at 5:00 p.m. on September 9, 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.
Smith County Among Recipients as Tennessee Distributes $1.3 Million to Support Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squads
Smith County was among several Middle Tennessee communities recognized during a recent ceremony held by the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) and the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO). The event celebrated the presentation of more than $1.3 million in grant funds to volunteer fire departments and rescue squads across the region.
Held at the Leslie Town Centre in Cookeville, the ceremony brought together officials, firefighters, and local leaders representing 43 volunteer fire and rescue organizations from across Putnam, Cumberland, Overton, Fentress, Morgan, Scott, Clay, Jackson, Smith, Macon, and Trousdale counties. These grants are part of the state’s ongoing effort to strengthen emergency response capabilities in rural and volunteer-led communities, which often serve as the first line of defense during fires, accidents, and natural disasters.
Smith County’s volunteer fire and rescue teams play a crucial role in protecting residents across both urban and rural areas. The additional funding will help purchase updated safety equipment, improve training opportunities, and support essential maintenance of emergency vehicles and facilities.
Local and state officials emphasized the importance of these grants in sustaining volunteer departments that rely heavily on community support. By investing in these organizations, the state continues its commitment to ensuring that Tennesseans—no matter where they live—have access to timely, effective emergency response services.
2025 4-H Chick Chain Show & Sale Held at Smith County Ag Center
This year’s Annual Smith County 4-H Chick Chain Show & Sale was held on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. This event was the culmination of six months of hard work and responsibility for 18 Smith County 4-H’ers who completed this year’s Chick Chain project. The Carson Maxwell Livestock Arena at the Smith County Ag Center was packed with supporters and bidders eager to buy some high-quality laying hens.
Through the 4-H Chick Chain, each participating 4-H’er received either 12 or 24 two-day-old baby chicks in early April and was responsible for feeding and caring for the chicks throughout the spring and summer, ultimately raising them to become the outstanding laying hens that were brought to our show. This year, each 4-H’er raised either Black Australorp or Buff Orpington chicks.
We were proud of all of the birds that were exhibited, but two pens deserved special recognition. Charlotte Driver was named Grand Champion, and Everett West was named Reserve Champion. Charlotte raised some exceptional Black Australorp hens, and Everett exhibited an impressive pen of Buff Orpingtons.
Other participants in this year’s Chick Chain Show & Sale were Kylee Allmon, Simon Bowman, Callie Butler, Daisy Chambers, Jay Driver, Aubrey Hicks, Scarlett Hicks, Katelyn Kooken, Willow Lawrence, Ava Martin, Owen Meeks, Kolt Ortiz, Jacob Soucy, Kevin Soucy, Destinee Turner, and Evie Wilson.
At the conclusion of our show, each pen of birds was auctioned off to an eager crowd of close to 20 buyers.
We want to say a special thank you to our judge Johnny Barnes, who is the Agriculture Agent in DeKalb County, and to our auctioneer for the evening, J. D. Driver.
We are also thankful to all of the 4-H’ers, family members, volunteers, community supporters, buyers, and Extension staff who came out to attend this event, purchased birds, and helped us put on another successful show and sale for our local young people who are participating in and learning about agriculture through 4-H.
For further information regarding the 4-H Chick Chain project or any of the many other opportunities that 4-H has to offer the youth in Smith County, call 615-735-2900.
Smith County Health Department Offering Free Flu Shots October 21, in Fight Flu ’25 Prevention Campaign
The Smith County Health Department of the Tennessee Department of Health will be providing fee flue shots from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at Crump Paris Park, 132 Gordonsville Highway, Carthage, TN participating in the statewide 2025 Flight Flue prevention effort.
“Receiving the annual flu vaccine is the best way to protect you and those around you from the worse outcomes of the flu virus,” said Director Michael Railing Smith, Smith County Health Department. “The flu vaccine is safe and effective and can help prepare your body to fight against the flu virus and prevent it from spreading.”
Anyone six months or older are eligible to receive the flu vaccine and appointments are not required on the October 21st event.
The flu virus can move easily from one person to another and spreads through respiratory droplets in coughs and sneezes. The virus can be present on surfaces, such as doorknobs and countertops and tissue paper for up to two days.
Pregnant women, infants, the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions are at the highest risk of getting the flu and facing its severe complications. Flu symptoms can include mild to severe cough, fatigue, fever, headache, muscle aches, sore throat and stuffy or runny noses.
Precautions to prevent the spread of the flu virus include proper handwashing with soap and water, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the bend of an elbow and staying home if you are sick.
More information is available on TCH’S Fight Flu webpage. For additional information about taking precautions against respiratory viral illnesses, like the flu, visit the TDH wepage at tn.gov/health/rvi
The mission of the Tennessee Department of Health, tn.gov/health, is to protect, promote, and improve the health and well-being of all people in Tennessee.
Santa’s Shoppers Sign up dates
Smith County Sheriff’s Office Santa’s Shoppers
Dear Parents-
The Smith County Sheriff’s Office will be hosting its annual Christmas program to help assist with Christmas shopping. This event is open to qualified families. All documentation will be verified.
If you would like to apply, please stop by the Smith County Sheriff’s Office on one of the following days: No early registration will be permitted.
Thursday November 20th 4pm-6pm
Tuesday December 2nd 4pm-5:30pm
Please bring the required documents:
- Proof of income
- Proof of residence
- Birth Certificate
- Statement of Benefits (Food Stamp Letter)
- Custody documentation if applicable
If you need additional information, please contact Beth Davis or Heather Maynard at 615-735-2626
Parent or guardian with custody of the child is eligible to apply for assistance.
If selected, you must be able to attend the event on December 16th to receive assistance.
Amateur Radio Club October Meeting
The Smith County Amateur Radio Club will be meeting Monday October 20 at the Smith County Chamber of Commerce at 6PM. Our presentation will focus on the Fox Box, the newest and most comprehensive radio fox hunt transmitter. Anyone is welcome to attend. For information visit our website https://smithcountyamateurradio.com/ .
Empowering the Next Generation: Girls to Women Program Supports Local Teens
Carthage, TN – A new initiative is making waves in the local community by providing a safe, supportive, and empowering space for teen girls to grow, connect, and thrive. The Girls to Women program invites all girls ages 12 to 18 to join a vibrant community focused on building character, confidence, and lifelong skills.
The next quarterly meet-up will take place on October 25th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (or “1:00-ish,” as the organizers warmly note) at The Spot, located at 108 Ward Ave, Carthage, TN. The event is entirely free and includes lunch for all attendees, fun workshops, games, and mentorship opportunities designed to uplift and inspire.
More Than Just an Event
Girls to Women is more than a one-time gathering—it’s a movement to nurture the voices, values, and visions of young women in the community. Each session is structured around the core mission:
To uplift and empower young women through discussions that build character, life skills, self-respect, and self-confidence.
With an emphasis on real conversations and meaningful connections, Girls to Women encourages participants to:
- Make genuine friendships
- Discover their voice and power
- Learn practical, real-world skills
- Most importantly, have fun while growing strong
Every girl who attends will receive a topic-themed gift bag—because, as the flyer says, “Cheap is good, FREE is better. Woohoo!”
A Place to Belong and Grow
In a world full of pressure and uncertainty, Girls to Women offers something powerful: a place where young women are seen, heard, and supported. The group understands that “strong women aren’t born, they’re built—one skill, one step, one belief at a time.”
Whether you’re a teen looking to find your people, a parent wanting to support your daughter, or a community member interested in youth development, Girls to Women is an inspiring and essential program helping shape the next generation of confident, capable leaders.
Get Involved
To learn more, visit the official website: https://girlstowomen.net
For questions or to RSVP, email: gtw@girlstowomen.net
Generations in Art: The Draper Family Legacy
A unique art exhibition is coming to Carthage Junction Depot on October 11, 2025. This one day event celebrates the creative legacy of one Tennessee family whose artistic talents span generations. The exhibit brings together the works of Wilma Riley Draper, George Mack Draper, and their daughter, Mary Draper Hager, in a moving tribute to family, heritage, and the enduring power of art. A pillar of the Riddleton community since 1798, the family has long encouraged excellence in academics and encouraged perseverance and problem solving that the arts require.
Wilma Riley Draper, the matriarch of the family, was known for her bold and colorful abstract paintings that radiate energy and emotion. Her husband, George Mack Draper, created striking portraits that captured the essence of his subjects with sensitivity and precision. Their daughter, Mary Draper Hager, carries forward their artistic spirit by blending her mother’s vibrant abstraction with her father’s refined portraiture. Her work honors both parents while establishing her own distinct voice. In addition to her paintings, Mary is the founder of a successful stationery company Mary Draper Design, where her whimsical card designs have gained recognition for their charm and creativity. This exhibition will feature both her fine art and selections from her stationery line, offering a full view of her artistic range.
“This show is more than an exhibition—it’s a story of love, family, and the way creativity can be passed down and transformed across generations,” said Mary. “Visitors will see how each artist’s work stands on its own, while also speaking to one another in a dialogue that only a family could create.”
The exhibit will be on view at the Carthage Junction Depot on October 11, 2025 where you can meet Mary Draper Hager and experience the collection firsthand.
Exhibition Details
Exhibit Title: Generations in Art: The Draper Family Legacy
Artists Featured: Wilma Riley Draper, George Mack Draper, Mary Draper Hager
Location: 185 Gordonsville Highway, Carthage, TN 37030
Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025
Exhibit hours: 10:00 am- 4:00 pm
About the Artists
Wilma Riley Draper: Known for her bold, colorful abstracts that celebrate movement and emotion.
George Mack Draper: A portrait artist whose works capture the depth and humanity of his subjects.
Mary Draper Hager: A painter and designer who blends her parents’ styles into a unique artistic voice, while also running a stationery company featuring whimsical cards.
Girl Scouts Celebrate Blessing Boxes and Free Library Boxes
We are proud to announce that 8 Smith County Girl Scouts, with Troop 1019 have placed Blessing boxes and Free Library boxes up around Smith County.
The first was Compleated by Cadettes Myla Alsup(Left) and Sarah Beth Anderson(right). This box has a food blessing section, one for hygiene products and a free library. They will be given the Silver Award, the highest award a Girl Scout Cadette can receive. This box is located right in front of Union Heights School.
The Next Food blessing box was completed by Junior Girl Scouts Sophia Vargas (left) Aryabell Chastain (middle) and Cecilia Dunn (right). They will be given the Bronze Award, the highest award a Girl Scout Junior can receive. This box is located right in front of the Turner-Clark Basketball court, on Spring street in Carthage.
And last but not least a Free Little Library Completed by Junior Girl Scouts Iris Rustenburg (left) Freya Alsup (middle) and Hannah Hiett (right). They will alsi be given the Bronze Award, the highest award a Girl Scout Junior can receive. This box is located right in front of the Turner-Clark Basketball court, on Spring street in Carthage.
Girl Scout Troop 1019 will be commited to keeping these boxes stocked for the needs of our community, year round and we ask the community to give what they can and take what they need!
Special thanks Tractor Supply, Walmart, Cumberland Supply and Sonic for donating supplies to help make this happen. Another big thank you to Dale Anderson and Rocky Fultz for helping make the girls construction dreams happen on this project.
Smith County 4-H’ers Compete in Regional Poultry Judging Contest
Front Row (L to R): Emmy Bibbings, McCall Kemp, Scarlett Hicks, Aubrey Hicks, Willow Lawrence
Throughout the month of September, twelve Smith County 4-H’ers have been hard at work
learning all about chickens and eggs by participating in 4-H Poultry Judging. On Thursday,
September 25, 2025, these 4-H’ers traveled to the Rutherford County Community Center in
Murfreesboro, Tennessee, to test their knowledge at this year’s Central Region 4-H Poultry
Judging Contest.
180 youth from all across the Central Region competed in this contest, and several of our Smith
County 4-H’ers received individual and team awards.
Our Junior Team, made up Josie Harville, Scarlett Hicks, McCall Kemp, and Willow Lawrence,
placed 3rd in their division. Josie was the 10th place individual.
Our Junior High Team, made up of Charlotte Driver, Tana Harville, Oakley Lawrence, and
Everett West, placed 6th in their division. Tana was the 7th place individual. Aubrey Hicks also
competed in the Junior High division.
Our Senior High Team, made up of Easton Bibbings, Emmy Bibbings, and Turner Harville,
placed 2nd in their division, which qualifies them to move on to the state contest. Emmy was the
6th place individual, and Turner was the 3rd place individual.
I would describe that as an egg-cellent day! Congratulations to these 4-H’ers for a job well done!
Through our Poultry Judging practices, 4-H’ers learn how to evaluate live birds for their laying
capacity, how to grade eggs by evaluating their interior, exterior, and broken-out quality, how to
identify various ready-to-cook poultry parts, as well as how to grade those parts and whole
chicken carcasses for quality. Our 4-H’ers also learn how to identify defects in further processed
poultry products like chicken nuggets and chicken patties.
The various components of the Poultry Judging contest help our 4-H’ers develop their critical
thinking skills, be better stewards of their own poultry flocks at home, and even prepare them for
future careers in the agriculture industry.
If you have any questions about how to get involved in Poultry Judging or any other aspect of the
4-H Poultry project, please call the Smith County Extension Office at 615-735-2900 or email
rpetty@utk.edu.
Young Adult Arise Dinner and Fellowship on September 30th
ARISE is a free faith based gathering geared toward young adults (21-35 years old). This free event will be happening at the Smith County Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday 9/30 from 6-9pm. This event will include dinner, spiritual encouragement and fun with a goal to connect and encourage a rising generation of believers in their faith.
