Yesterday afternoon SMITH COUNTY RESCUE SQUAD was dispatched to assist some kayakers. We launched from the ramp at the Ag Center and quickly located the individuals an assisted one back to the ramp while the other two followed. The river in the area the individual turned over in was not currently being affected by generation. However something everyone needs to be aware of. In locations were the river narrows, current can increase even without generating. The individual apparently turned over in one of these areas, the kayak then hit a tree & in there words, the river just ate it. The kayak was pulled under, hung on the tree under the water and the pressure was to great to recover it. Another good reason to keep those lifejackets on, because it can do the exact same thing to a body. Stay safe out there & be a smart kayaker. From the Smith County Rescue Squad

The 2026 Miss and Mister Toddler Fairest of the Fair Pageants were held at the Smith County Fair on Wednesday night, July 1st, 2026.

Mr. Toddler Fairest of the Fair 2026 was Daxton Forrester (pictured above)

The winner of the 2026 Smith County Miss Toddler Fairest of the Fair Pageant (below) was Hattie Lynne Warden (center) 1st Runner Up was Dallas Stallings (left) and 2nd Runner Up was Hallie Blair Taylor (right).

The winner of the 2026 Smith County Miss Toddler Fairest of the Fair Pageant was Hattie Lynne Warden 1st Runner Up was Dallas Stallings (left) and 2nd Runner Up was Hallie Blair Taylor (right).

Remi Saige Watts received the Most Photogenic Award and People’s Choice Award was Mattea Rae Logalbo

The 2026 Miss and Mister Tiny Fairest of the Fair Pageants were held at the Smith County Fair on Wednesday night, July 1st 2026.

Mr. Tiny Fairest of the Fair 2026 was Asher Thomas Reed (left) and 1st Runner up was Logan James Inman.

The winner of the 20256 Smith County Miss Tiny Fairest of the Fair Pageant was Delylah Billenstein (center) 1st Runner Up was Prezley Rose Dallas (left) and 2nd Runner Up was Maylee Carter Jones (right).

Also receiving awards for Most Photogenic was Racelyn Cole Curtis and Peoples Choice was Alayna Lou Enoch.

 

 

A brand-new pageant competition made its debut at the 2026 Smith County Fair as organizers introduced the inaugural Boots, Bows and Bling Pageant, adding another exciting tradition to this year’s fair festivities.

The first year of the competition saw a great start, with three contestants competing in the 2–3 division and one contestant participating in the 4–5 division, marking the beginning of what is expected to become a popular annual event.

Crowned the first-ever 2026 Boots, Bows and Bling winner in the 2-3 division was Hallie Blair Taylor. Harriet Hear earned the title of First Runner-Up, while Remi Sage Watts was named Second Runner-Up. The winner in the 4-5 division was Averee Slagle.

Congratulations to all of the young ladies for representing themselves with confidence, grace, and poise during the inaugural competition.

The excitement continues throughout the week as additional Fairest of the Fair pageants take place during the 2026 Smith County Fair. For a complete schedule of pageants, competitions, entertainment, and other fair events, visit https://smithcountyfair.com.

The 2026 Miss Fairest of the Fair Pageant was held at the Smith County Fair on Saturday, June 27, 2026.

Eleven lovely ladies participated in the Miss Fairest of the Fair Pageant. Most Photogenic was awarded to Annabella Stevens, People’s Choice was Carly Phillips and Miss Congeniality was Lydia Phillips.

The winner of the 2026 Smith County Miss Fairest of the Fair Pageant was Sydney Raby (center), 1st Runner Up was Lydia Phillips (left) and 2nd Runner Up was Autumn Birdwell (right).

Congratulations, ladies!

The Fairest of the Fair Pageants will continue this week at the Smith County Fair. Visit https://smithcountyfair.com for a complete schedule of events.

The 2026 Miss Teen Fairest of the Fair Pageant was held at the Smith County Fair on Saturday, June 27, 20265

Fifteen amazing teens ages participated in the Teen Fairest of the Fair Pageant. Most Photogenic was awarded to Kinley Duncan, People’s Choice was Sophie Mae Lawson and Miss Congeniality was Kinley Duncan.

The winner of the 2026 Smith County Miss Teen Fairest of the Fair Pageant was Kinley Duncan (center), 1st Runner Up was Bria Noelle Cothron (left) and 2nd Runner Up was Aubree Rae White (right).

Congratulations, ladies!

The Fairest of the Fair Pageants will continue this week at the Smith County Fair. Visit https://smithcountyfair.com for a complete schedule of events.

The 2026 Miss Elite Fairest of the Fair Pageant was held at the Smith County Fair on Saturday, June 27, 2026.

Eight lovely ladies ages participated in the Miss Elite Fairest of the Fair Pageant. Most Photogenic was awarded to Jennifer Bauer and People’s Choice was Kara Lopez

The winner of the 2026 Smith County Elite Fairest of the Fair Pageant was Taylor Ledbetter (center), 1st Runner Up was Jennifer Bauer (right) and 2nd Runner Up was Kendra Griffin (left).

Congratulations, ladies!

The Fairest of the Fair Pageants will continue this week at the Smith County Fair. Visit https://smithcountyfair.com for a complete schedule of events.

The 2026 Senior Fairest of the Fair Pageant was held at the Smith County Fair on Saturday, June 27th, 2026

The winner of the 2026 Smith County Senior Fairest of the Fair Pageant was Lauren Clement (center), 1st Runner Up was Darlene Fleetwood. (right) Congratulations, ladies!

The Fairest of the Fair Pageants will continue this week at the Smith County Fair. Visit https://smithcountyfair.com.t for a complete schedule of events.

MARTIN, Tenn. – June 26, 2026 – LOCAL STUDENT ATTENDS GOVERNOR’S SCHOOL – Among the 32 students statewide to participate in the Tennessee Governor’s School for the Agricultural Sciences from May 31 through June 26 was Marshall Apple (back row, second from left) of Buffalo Valley. The academic program is hosted by the University of Tennessee at Martin and offers rising high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to gain experience in a collegiate environment, familiarity with technology in their field and three hours of college credit in agriculture and natural resources courses. For more information about the Governor’s School for the Agricultural Sciences, visit www.utm.edu/AgGovSchool or contact Dr. Philip Smartt, director of the Governor’s School for the Agricultural Sciences, at 731-881-7954.

Submitted by Rachel Petty, Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development

A team of four senior high Smith County 4-H’ers recently earned the title of State 4-H Wildlife Judging Champions at the 2026 Tennessee 4-H Wildlife Judging Contest, which was held at the Latimer Scout Reservation in Spencer, Tennessee, on June 10-11, 2026.

Easton Bibbings, Emmy Bibbings, Turner Harville, and Owen Meeks earned their bid to compete after placing 1st at the Central Region 4-H Wildlife Judging Contest in May.

The State 4-H Wildlife Judging Contest consisted of an educational day followed by a full day of competition with an overnight stay in between. During the competition, 4-H’ers were tasked to identify and answer questions about 20 wildlife species as well as apply the appropriate wildlife management practices for 6 different species based on verbal scenario. Additionally at the state level, each team worked together to create a management plan to improve a specific area for wildlife habitat based on the given scenario. Additionally, 4-H’ers had to defend their Wildlife Management Plan with a set of oral reasons given to an expert in the field.

At the state contest, our Smith County team emerged victorious against seven other competitive teams from across the state. Turner was the 1st Place High Individual, Easton placed 2nd, Owen placed 3rd, and Emmy placed 8th overall.

These 4-H’ers now have their sights set on the National 4-H Wildlife Judging Contest, which will be held in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, at the end of July.

Special thanks to Dr. Craig Harper, Chris Graves, and Daniel Sarver from the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture who made this event possible. Thanks also to 4-H alumnus and volunteer Carson Meeks for coaching our crew and getting them ready for the contest.

4-H Wildlife Judging allows 4-H’ers to embrace the great outdoors as a classroom, and we could not be prouder of these students! Best of luck to this group as they represent Smith County and Tennessee 4-H on the national stage this summer!

For more information about 4-H Wildlife Judging or any other 4-H activities offered in Smith County, please call 615-735-2900 or email rpetty@utk.edu.

 

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is once again participating in Operation Dry Water (ODW), a year-round boating under the influence (BUI) and enforcement campaign. ODW’s heightened awareness and enforcement annually takes place around the July 4th holiday, and this year is July 3-5 (Friday-Sunday).

The July 4th holiday normally means an increase in boater activity, and the TWRA will be on heightened alert for boating under the influence infractions throughout the weekend. Over the course of the three-day holiday period, law enforcement officers will also be working to increase public awareness of the dangers of boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, for both operators and passengers.

Boaters will notice an overall increase in officer patrols on the water. The combined efforts of the participating law enforcement agencies have made a positive impact on the removal of impaired operators from the state’s waterways to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for boaters.

“Operating a boat under the influence of alcohol/drugs is selfish and a 100 percent preventable crime,” said TWRA Lt. Col. Matt Majors. “A boat is not a toy, and each year we lose precious lives because of the actions of boat-impaired operators. Boating safety is no accident, and so is choosing to have a sober operator driving your boat or personal watercraft.” Operation Dry Water was started by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) in 2009 and has been a highly successful campaign drawing public attention to the dangers of BUI. To support the enforcement and education initiative, the TWRA is partnering with the U.S. Coast Guard, NASBLA, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).

Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in recreational boater deaths. Sun, wind, noise, vibration, and motion intensify the effects of alcohol, drugs, and some medications.

Operating a boat with a Blood Alcohol Content of .08 percent or higher is illegal in Tennessee, the same as operating a motor vehicle. Penalties may include fines, jail, boat impoundment and the loss of boat driving privileges.

Over the 2025 July 4th holiday, there was one fatality in the state that occurred on Center Hill Lake. TWRA game wardens made 24 BUI arrests during the three days.

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.

With dangerous heat and humidity expected to settle across Middle Tennessee through early next week, Ascension Saint Thomas is urging residents to take precautions against heat-related illnesses and recognize the warning signs before a
medical emergency occurs.

Forecasters expect high temperatures from Sunday through Tuesday to reach the mid to upper 90s. Combined with high humidity, heat index values are expected to range from 100 to 105 degrees, with some areas potentially exceeding 105 degrees.

While many people look forward to summer activities, prolonged exposure to extreme heat can quickly become dangerous, especially for older adults, young children, outdoor workers and people with chronic health conditions

Heat-related illnesses can happen faster than many people realize,” said Dr. Brian Wilcox, chief clinical officer for Ascension Saint Thomas. “When temperatures rise, your body has to work harder to stay cool. Without enough fluids and rest, what starts as simple dehydration can
quickly become heat exhaustion or even heat stroke.” Heat stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when the body’s temperature rises rapidly and can no longer cool itself effectively.

“Think of your body like a car engine,” Wilcox said. “If the cooling system fails, the engine overheats. The same thing can happen to the human body during extreme heat. Once that process begins, it can escalate very quickly.” Know the Warning Signs.

Signs of dehydration may include:
● Increased thirst
● Dry mouth
● Headache
● Fatigue
● Dizziness
● Dark-colored urine
Signs of heat exhaustion may include:
● Heavy sweating
● Weakness
● Nausea or vomiting
● Muscle cramps
● Lightheadedness
● Cool, clammy skin

Signs of heat stroke require immediate medical attention and may include:
● Body temperature above 103 degrees
● Confusion or altered mental status
● Slurred speech
● Loss of consciousness
● Hot, red skin
● Rapid pulse

“If someone becomes confused, loses consciousness or stops sweating despite the heat, call 911 immediately,” Wilcox said. “Heat stroke is a medical emergency and delaying treatment can have serious consequences.” Simple Steps Can Prevent Serious Illness

Dr. Wilcox recommends the following precautions when temperatures climb:
● Drink water regularly, even if you do not feel thirsty.
● Limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, typically between 10 a.m. and
4 p.m.
● Wear lightweight, loose-fitting and light-colored clothing.
● Take frequent breaks in air-conditioned buildings or shaded areas.
● Never leave children, older adults or pets in a parked vehicle.
● Check on family members, neighbors and friends who may be vulnerable to heat-related
illnesses.
● Avoid excessive alcohol and sugary drinks, which can contribute to dehydration.

“The weather forecast is giving us advance warning,” Wilcox said. “Now is the time to prepare by
limiting strenuous outdoor activity during peak heat, checking on vulnerable family members
and making a plan to stay cool. Taking a few precautions today can prevent a trip to the
emergency room tomorrow.”

About Ascension Saint Thomas
Ascension Saint Thomas is a faith-based, nonprofit health system with a 125-year history of
delivering personalized care, with special attention to those most vulnerable. The system
includes 18 hospitals and 320 sites of care across 45 counties in Tennessee, including affiliated
joint ventures, medical practices, clinics, and specialty facilities. With more than 13,000
associates, Ascension Saint Thomas serves millions of patients annually. It is part of
Ascension, one of the largest Catholic health systems in the U.S., with approximately 99,000
associates, 23,000 aligned providers, and 121 hospitals. In FY2024, Ascension provided $2.1
billion in care for those living in poverty and other community benefit programs. Visit www.ascension.org.