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March 2024
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UT Extension News: March is Extension Month

By Katie Martin – Smith County Extension Agent

Did you know that March is Extension Month in Tennessee? Extension is a national educational program supported by USDA through the nation’s land-grant universities and administered with funding from state and local governments. UT Extension has an office in every county in Tennessee, staffed with professionals who are knowledgeable in areas such as agriculture, families and health, and youth development. As an “extension” of the University of Tennessee, we bring research-based information from the University into local communities.

Throughout the month of March, UT Extension- Smith County will be working to highlight how we provide Real. Life. Solutions. to farmers, families, and 4-H’ers in Smith County every single day. During this month alone, our 4-H program, led by Rachel Petty, is working with after-school activities like horse judging, livestock judging, and archery. 4-H’ers in their in-school clubs will be competing with their Demonstrations and Interactive Exhibits, and we will be working hard to raise funds for Jr. 4-H Camp. Our Family & Consumer Science program, coordinated by Mary Draper, will have programs like Tai Chi, Walk with Ease, and Yoga for Kids happening throughout the month. In Agriculture & Natural Resources, I will be helping facilitate a farm tour, celebrating Tennessee Tree Day, and hosting a Wildlife program.

As you can tell, March will be a busy month for UT Extension. We invite everyone in the community to help us celebrate Extension Month by participating in events, following us on social media, and sharing how Extension has benefited your life. When you think of Extension you may only think of farmers or 4th graders, but that is truly only scratching the surface! We hope you will take Extension Month as an opportunity to see how the friendly faces at your local Extension Office can benefit you!

For more information about all the wonderful opportunities UT Extension-Smith County has to offer, please drop by our office at 125 Gordonsville Hwy, Suite 300 in Carthage, find us on Facebook at UT Extension-Smith County, or give us a call at 615-735-2900.

Special Thanks to Supporters of 2023 Santa Shoppers Program

Each year Smith County Sheriff’s Office and the Smith County Chamber of Commerce partner to offer the Santa Shoppers Program. Since the beginning almost 1500 children have been served. In 2023, over $35,000 was raised and 220 children were served.

Officers from the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the Gordonsville Police Department, the South Carthage Police Department, the Carthage Police Department, TWRA, Smith County Sheriff’s Office and several other agencies gathered at the Carthage Walmart to shop with and buy Christmas presents for local children.

On behalf of the Smith County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Steve Hopper, they would like to thank the following who made Santa’s Shoppers program a success for 2023. Thank you to all those listed below for your continued support.

Anne Cole, Bailey Family Dentistry, Bass Funeral Home, Bass Trucking & Excavating, BB’s Bistro, Beth Davis, Billie Butler, Billy Joe Powell, Bonnell, Branden Bellar, Brenda Allison, Brenda Beasley Brian & Meagan Smith, Brody Kane, BRW, Buddy Collins, C A Cook, C.D. Miller, Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, Carol Gann, Carthage Benevolent Lodge,Carthage City Police Department, Carthage Courier, Carthage Dollar General, Carthage Domino’s, Carthage FCE Club, Carthage Fire Department, Carthage Pizza Hut, Cassie Mofield, Charles Gregory, Charlie Bob Hughes, Chestnut Mound C F C, Chris & Cozette Manus, Citizens Bank, Clara Byrd, Clifa Norris, Connie Massey, Cumberland Supply, Dale’s Towing, Darian Smith, David Woxley, Dene Owens, Difficult Lodge 451, Dr. Rick Rutherford, East Carthage Missionary Baptist Church, Elmwood Chestnut MD FCE, Eugene Roberts, Family Worship Center COGOP, Faye Reece, George Reed, Gerald & Susan Solimine, Gerald Smith, Glen Cherry, Glen Reece, Gordonsville Police Department, Grace Smith, Hackett’s Discount Drug, Hannah Brooks, Hickman Baptist Church, Hunts Brothers Pizza Truck, Jack & Hazel Gregory, Jackie Carver Sr, James Avery, James & Brenda Owens, James & Melissa Hebert, Jared Baptist Church, Jason Roberts Jr, Jeanette Doggett, Jere Andrews, Jessie Goad, Jim Massey, Jimmy & Denise Carter, Jimmy Lankford, Joe Taylor, Joey & Rusti Nixon, Johnny & Jacqueline Bane, Joseph Kachinski, Judith & Lawrence Wagner, Judy Kruzan, Justified Riding Club, Kempville Chapel Old Time Methodist Church, Kevin & Brenda Blair, Kim White, Kristy Glover, Lancaster Hill Church of God, Larry & Glenda Kilzer, Larry & Penny Bartlett, Laura Gibbs, Lee Davis, Lisa’s Nutrition, Margaret Lewis, MC & Sue Hix, Melinda Mofield, Melody Oldham, Michael & Lisa Overstreet, Michael Rowe, Middle Tn Natural Gas Project Hometown Help, Nancy Pettross, New Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, New Middleton School, New Salem Missionary Baptist Church, North Carthage Missionary Baptist/Adult Men’s Class, North Gordonsville Baptist Church, Pat Bush, Peyton Creek Baptist Church, Phillip &Valerie Upchurch, Powell & Meadows, Powell Tire, Randall Glover/School Board Member, Realty Empire LLC, Ricky Nesbitt, Riley Davis, Robert Dickens, Robert Wright SR, Roger & Deanna Shoulders, Rome Baptist Church, Rome Church of Christ members, Rotary Club Smith County Noon, Roy Knight, Sanderson Funeral Home, Sav-way, Scott Baillie, Scott Paschal, Scotty & Debra Dillehay, Shelly Bryan, Smith County Animal Clinic, Smith County Bank, Smith County Hardware, Smith County Motors, Smith County Middle School Cheerleaders, Smith County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and Employees, Smith County US Army Corps of Engineers, Smith Drug Center, Smith Farmers Coop, South Carthage Police Department, South Side lions Club, Carthage Subway, Sycamore Valley Missionary Baptist Church, Taiho Manufacturing, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Terry Collins, Thomas Minick, Tidwell Bonding, Tiff Arnold Paving, Tillman Payne Law Office, Tom & Pam Billington, Tom Arnold Construction, Tommy Thompson, Town of Carthage, Town of Gordonsville, Town of South Carthage, UCEMC Cares,Walmart, Walter Glen Birdwell, Wanda Andrews, Wilson Bank & Trust

Carthage Junction Depot Features Artwork from Smith County Youth

The Carthage Junction Depot invites you to visit our Third Annual Youth Art Show. School age children across the county were invited to submit work for consideration and a beautiful array of work is now assembled in the gallery. We hope you will join us in celebrating the talent, creativity, and hard work of our county’s youth. This exhibit is free to attend and will be open to the public March 16 from 10am-4pm.

The Carthage Junction Depot is located at 185 Gordonsville Highway. Check out the the Carthage Junction Facebook page for information regarding this and other upcoming art exhibits.

‘Cheer or go to jail’ – SRO cheers on Gordonsville High School Basketball Team

In a thrilling sectional game that saw the Gordonsville High School Men’s Basketball team secure a historic victory over the South Pittsburg Pirates, one figure stood out among the sea of fans, rallying support in a unique and memorable way. Nick Campbell, a deputy at the Smith County Sheriff’s Office and the School Resource Officer (SRO) at Gordonsville Elementary School, became a beacon of encouragement as he cheered on the team with an unconventional sign that caught the attention of everyone in the packed gymnasium.

Waving a sign that read, “Cheer or go to jail,” Campbell’s spirited gesture not only captured the attention of the crowd but also ignited a sense of enthusiasm and support for the home team.

“As a graduate of Gordonsville High School, I understand the rivalry between Gordonsville and South Pittsburg,” remarked SRO Nick Campbell. “I had several people reach out and ask if a sign was made, if I’d be willing to hold it. I immediately said yes. I love what I do, and love being able to interact with not only the students, but also the community. It is an honor and a privilege to serve the community of Gordonsville, and the people of Smith County.”

Throughout the game, Campbell took on the role of a cheerleader, pumping up the crowd and urging them to rally behind the Gordonsville Tigers. His energetic presence reverberated throughout the gym, spurring the players on to a remarkable victory over their opponents from South Pittsburg.

This victory holds special significance for Gordonsville High School as it marks their first appearance in the state tournament since 1996. The team’s remarkable journey to the state level has been nothing short of inspiring.

With the sectional win secured, the Gordonsville Tigers are now preparing to face Middle College from West Tennessee in the upcoming state tournament. Scheduled for Wednesday, March 13th, at 7:15 PM, the game will take place at the iconic Murphy Center, also known as “The Glass House,” on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, TN.

March 5, 2024 Presidential Preference Primary & Smith County Republican Primary Election Results

Voters had the opportunity to cast ballots in a variety of races during the March 5, 2024 Presidential Preference Primary & Smith County Republican Primary, including President, Delegates At-Large, County Commission, School Board, Tax Assessor, Road Superintendent, and several more.

Polls were open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and voters had the opportunity to vote early from February 14 – 27 or by absentee ballot.

Below is a PDF of the election results for the March 5, 2024 Election.

Use the up and down arrows at the top and bottom of the PDF to scroll between pages.

8 of 8 Precincts have reported, including early and absentee votes

SCHS Owls Soccer: New Season, New Head Coach, Same Owls Spirit

Picture from left to right: Nicholus Bussell, Wesley Kemp, managers: Kiley Jenkins, Abby Harriman, Emma Butler and Karma Pickett.

High school soccer is back. The Smith County High School Owls begin their 2024 Campaign with a third less players and a new Head Coach. The Owls find themselves in a rebuilding year having graduated quite a bit of talent over the last couple of years. This season the Owls have 19 players, three of which are Seniors: Abimelec Martinez, Blake Baird and Diego Cruz Vanegas. There is some solid leadership throughout the team and a hunger to move forward.

The Owls have also seen Head Coach Kit Jenkins leave his position to take another as Assistant Principal at SCHS.  After a near decade as Head Coach for the men’s side and assistant coach for the women’s side, Coach Kit has brought so much to the programs.

The Owls new Head Coach is Wesley Kemp. Coach Kemp graduated from Smith County High School in 2018. He then signed on scholarship to play soccer at Bethel University. He is now back home in Smith County, teaching Chemistry at SCHS and assuming the Head Coach slot for the Owls Soccer. He is also recently engaged to his high school sweetheart, Lady Owls Assistant Coach Shyenne Newton.

We recently spoke to Coach Kemp about coming full circle and he seems happy and excited about the future. We asked about his impression of the program. Coach Kemp said the biggest change is in the players. When he played here most of the players played soccer as a second or third sport, now the players are majority dedicated soccer players, which is exciting. When asked if there was a big shift from playing in college to coaching high school players Kemp explained that there is not that much difference. The high school boys have the ability and skill it just takes a big more patience when asking them to learn new skills or positions. Then we discussed expectations he has for his team this season. He brings a realistic winning mentality to the position, understanding it is a smaller team. He points out that a smaller squad can have a stronger sense of ownership and more motivation to show what they are capable of. Coach Kemp is leading his team with the belief that yes they may not be the best team yet, they have growth ahead, but they team goal is set pretty high. The Owls soccer faithful believe they can accomplish big things and will be very happy with the Coach’s style and mentality. We encourage everyone to come out and support this team. If you do not know soccer yet, you will be very pleasantly surprised at the competitiveness, the skill, the athleticism and how exciting the game is. If you do know soccer, come give these young men the support that propels them forward. Ending with a final statement from Coach Kemp, “When you see it, you will know. So come watch our games.”

Articles & Photos submitted by Vivian Schaffers

Small Businesses No Longer Have to File Business Tax

NASHVILLE – It’s almost time to file your 2023 business tax return. Thanks to recent legislation, beginning this year over 100,000 small businesses will no longer be required to file a return and pay this tax.

The Tennessee Works Tax Act eliminated the annual business tax filing obligation for businesses with annual gross sales under $100,000 within a county and/or city. This change applies to tax periods ending on or after December 31, 2023.  To help raise awareness of this change, the Department of Revenue recently sent letters with instructions to business owners who may be affected asking them to confirm locations that are no longer subject to business tax.

Businesses not liable for tax are still required to keep their business licenses up to date. For jurisdiction(s) where a business’ total gross sales are between $3,000 and $100,000, they must obtain a minimal activity license directly from the local county or city jurisdiction. More information is available on the Department of Revenue’s website here.

“We’re happy to be able to provide this tax relief to businesses,” Revenue Commissioner David Gerregano said. “We want to make sure business owners are aware of this change and know that they need to contact us so we can update their accounts.”

If businesses have locations no longer subject to business tax, they should contact the department at 615-253-0600 or revenue.support@tn.gov to update their accounts.

The Department of Revenue is responsible for the administration of state tax laws and motor vehicle title and registration laws and the collection of taxes and fees associated with those laws. The department collects about 87 percent of total state revenue. During the 2022 fiscal year, it collected $20.9 billion in state taxes and fees and more than $4.3 billion in taxes and fees for local governments.  To learn more about the department, visit www.tn.gov/revenue.

Vehicle Search Causes Drug Bust

Claudine Bartley

Sgt. Junior Fields and Deputy Bert Collins responded to 58 Hartsville Pike to assist State Probation with a probation search on Claudine Bartley. Upon arrival, contact was made with Mrs. Bartley’s mother, who confirmed that Mrs. Claudine Bartley was home. However, Mrs. Bartley initially denied living at the location, despite her vehicle being on the property.

Sgt. Fields informed Mrs. Bartley of the upcoming probation search on her vehicle. Despite initial hesitations, she agreed to comply and went back into the house to retrieve the keys. During this time, Sgt. Fields asked Mrs. Bartley’s mother about her daughter’s whereabouts, to which she expressed uncertainty. Sgt. Fields called out for Claudine, eventually locating her outside in her car.

Upon instructing Mrs. Bartley to step away from the vehicle, she tossed the keys into the passenger compartment. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a bag containing methamphetamine. Further inspection found a cut straw with powder residue and an oxycodone pill concealed in Mrs. Bartley’s bra.

State Probation provided Sgt. Fields with messages from Mrs. Bartley’s phone, indicating her involvement in negotiating drug transactions. Following the issuance of her Miranda Warning, Mrs. Bartley admitted to selling pills but asserted that she was not selling her own. She was promptly placed under arrest and transported to the Smith County Jail for processing.

Upon reaching the jail, Mrs. Bartley underwent a drug test administered by State Probation and Parole, testing positive for Methamphetamine, Oxycodone, Fentanyl, Morphine, and Marijuana.

Presidential Preference Primary & Republican County Primary Election set for Tuesday, March 5

The presidential field is set in Tennessee for the March 5, 2024, Super Tuesday Presidential Preference Primary and County Primary Election. On Super Tuesday, 15 other states will join Tennessee in helping decide each party’s presidential nominee.

The following candidates will be on Tennessee’s March 5, 2024, ballot:

Republican Primary Ballot:

  • Ryan Binkley
  • Chris Christie
  • Ron DeSantis
  • Nikki Haley
  • Asa Hutchinson
  • Vivek Ramaswamy
  • David Stuckenberg
  • Donald J. Trump

Democratic Primary Ballot: 

  • Joseph R. Biden

Republican candidate Doug Burgum withdrew from the ballot after suspending his campaign. Democratic candidate Dean Phillips did not satisfy the requirements to gain ballot access via the petition process.

“We are expecting strong voter turnout for the presidential election cycle next year,” said Secretary Hargett. “I encourage all Tennesseans who need to register to vote or update their voter registration address do so now by using our convenient online voter registration system at GoVoteTN.gov.”

Click HERE to view a list of all of the polling locations in Smith County.

For more information about early voting and other election information, visit GoVoteTN.gov or contact the Smith County Election Commission at smithcountyelection.com or call 615-735-8241.

See Sample Ballot Below:

Food for Thought – Household Hints

With hints of Spring peeking through Spring Cleaning comes to mind. Here are a few household hints, you can use while Spring Cleaning.

· Mix peroxide with water in a spray bottle and clean your counters and cutting boards to kill bacteria.

· Glass cleaner: ¼ cup white vinegar, 1-tablespoon cornstarch, and 1-quart warm water. Mix ingredients. Apply with a sponge or spray bottle. Wipe off with cotton or microfiber cloth. For lint-free, wipe dry with crumbled black and white newspapers.

· Attach a stick-on air freshener to one of the blades on your ceiling fan; turn the fan on low to circulate the fragrance.

· Removing crayons from walls is so simple! Use a regular pencil eraser to remove crayon markings from wall.

If you are a Smith County Family and Community (FCE) member, you may have seen some of these household hints in past yearbooks. It is the goal of Smith County FCE Club’s to strengthen individuals, families, and communities through continuing education, developing leadership, and community action. The University of Tennessee Extension of Smith County offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability or veteran status and is an equal opportunity employer. If you would like to learn more about FCE, contact Mary Parker Draper at the Smith County Extension Office.

Cast Iron Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie

1 cup butter

½ cup white sugar

1 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons hot water

½ teaspoon salt

2 ½ cups flour

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

1//2 cup chopped nuts

2 Tablespoons cocoa powder

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Heat the skillet while making the batter. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars. Add eggs one at a time, being sure to combine thoroughly before proceeding. Stir in vanilla. Dissolve baking soda in hot water and add to the batter along with salt. Stir in flour, chocolate chips, cocoa, and nuts. Remove the skillet from the oven and spoon the butter into it, smoothing the top

with a spatula. Bake until golden, about 15 minutes. Serve with ice cream. Submitted by: Joanne Bynum, Elmwood/Chestnut Mound FCE Club

UT Extension News: Jumpstart your 2024 Garden

By Katie Martin – Smith County Extension Agent

If you are anything like me, these warmer days have you itching for spring and getting your hands in the dirt in the garden. To get a jumpstart on your flowers or vegetables this year, you might consider starting seeds indoors. While growing from seeds can be more demanding than growing from transplants, it can be a cost-effective and rewarding endeavor.

Seed starting is a simple process. All that is needed are seeds, containers, a growing medium, light, water, and a bit of patience. Starting with high-quality seeds is important to get good germination. You will want to read the directions on the back of the seed packet closely to ensure you plant the seed at the proper time, depth, and spacing. As far as growing medium, select a mix specifically made for seed starting. Germination mixes are designed to start your seedlings off disease-free and are well-draining while retaining enough moisture for good germination and growth. You can use pots, flats, seed trays, or even recycled containers to start your seeds in. Just ensure they have holes for adequate drainage. If your seed prefers to germinate at warmer temperatures, you can utilize a heat mat to aid germination. Avoid letting your soil dry out once seeds are planted by utilizing a humidity dome, or plastic wrap, or by misting the soil with water frequently. After germination, seedlings will need to receive bright light. A large, bright south-facing window may provide enough sunlight, but often additional light from shop lights or grow lights are needed.

With a little time, care, and attention, indoor seed starting can yield robust, healthy seedlings ready for transplanting outdoors when the time is right. Before planting seedlings outside, make sure to properly harden them off so they do not experience transplant shock. By germinating seeds indoors, gardeners can give their plants a head start, leading to earlier harvests. Sowing seed also allows gardeners to grow varieties that may not be available at local greenhouses or garden centers. Plus, you will feel the satisfaction of taking your plant all the way from seed to harvest. Happy gardening!

For more information about gardening, visit the UT Hort website at uthort.tennessee.edu/ or contact the UT Extension office at 615-735-2900.

5-Star Citizens Bank A Source of Security in an Insecure World

BauerFinancial, Inc., the Nation’s Premier Bank Rating Firm, is pleased to announce that Citizens Bank, Carthage, TN, has earned its highest, 5-Star Superior rating for financial strength and stability for the 141st consecutive quarter. Having maintained its financial strength and stability for as long as it has, Citizens Bank has also earned another designation as a “Best of Bauer Bank”. Only banks that have earned and maintained this highest 5-Star rating for 25 years (100 consecutive quarters), or longer, may claim this distinction. This latest rating was assigned in March 2024 based on December 31, 2023 financial data and signifies that Citizens Bank continues to be one of the strongest banks in the nation.

“It gives me great pleasure to announce that there are still banks, like Citizens Bank, that continue to provide a sense of security in this insecure world,” heralds Karen Dorway, president of BauerFinancial. “Friends and neighbors of Citizens Bank probably already know this. They have the privilege of having a true community bank that sticks to common-sense banking values, right in their community. It’s important to let those who might not be aware, know that they have the strength of a 5-Star bank right in their midst.”

Since its inception in 1929, Citizens Bank has been a dedicated anchor to this community. With a solid track record behind it, Citizens Bank has displayed the strength and fortitude to continue forward in the same heedful manner that it has for the past 95 years.

U.S. Representative John Rose Announces March 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 March.

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.

Thursday, March 21, 2024

TIME: 1:00pm-2:00pm

WHAT: Smith County Local Office Hours
LOCATION: Smith County Admin Building, 122 Turner High Circle, Carthage, TN 37030

WHO: Representative Rose will be represented by Field Representative Lou Nave during this visit.

High-Speed Chase and Drug Bust Unfold in Riddleton as Suspect Leaves Passenger Behind

Wilburt Gooch

Around 7:59 pm, Deputy Burleson observed a vehicle traveling westbound on Highway 25 in the Riddleton area. Deploying the radar system in his patrol car, Deputy Burleson clocked the vehicle at 68 mph in a 55 mph zone. Upon attempting to stop the vehicle, the driver initially slowed down but failed to come to a complete stop.

The driver then took evasive action, making a right turn onto Wilburn Hollow Rd. During the pursuit, a bag was tossed out of the passenger side. The vehicle continued evading at speeds ranging from 10 to 15 mph, eventually turning onto Cannon Circle. The driver finally came to a halt about half a mile from turning onto Cannon Circle.

At this point, a male passenger exited the vehicle. Deputy Burleson instructed the male, identified as Mr. Wilburt Gooch, to return to the vehicle with his hands raised but not to re-enter. The driver, later identified as Ms. Erica Evans through contact with the Macon County Sheriff’s Office, ignored commands, started the vehicle, and fled the scene, leaving Mr. Gooch behind.

Sheriff Hopper initiated pursuit of the fleeing vehicle, while Deputy Burleson took Mr. Gooch into custody. A search revealed the bag, previously tossed from the vehicle contained 1.80 ounces of Methamphetamine. A set of scales and a 30-milligram Adderall pill were also discovered. Mr. Gooch was found in possession of a significant amount of money.

After transporting Mr. Gooch to the jail, Deputy Burleson conducted a search of the vehicle’s back seat where he discovered a glass tube with crystal-like residue and a syringe lodged between the seats.