Smith County Elite Fairest of the Fair Pageant 2026
Winner- Taylor Ledbetter (center), 1st Runner Up was Jennifer Bauer (right) and 2nd Runner Up was Kendra Griffin (left).
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.
Smith County Senior Fairest of the Fair Pageant 2026
Winner – Lauren Clement (center), crowned by Ashlee Crain 2025 Elite Fairest of the Fair, (right) 1st Runner Up was Darlene Fleetwood (fight)
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.
2026 Smith County Fair Archery Competition
Local Student Attends Governor’s School
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.
4-H News – Smith County 4-H Crowned State Champions at 4-H Wildlife Judging Contest
2026 Tennessee 4-H State Wildlife Judging Champions! L to R: Owen Meeks (3rd Place), Emmy Bibbings (8th Place), Coach Carson Meeks, Easton Bibbings (2nd Place), and Turner Harville (1st Place).
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.
Turner, Easton, and Owen swept the Top 3 at the State 4-H Wildlife Judging Contest. Way to go, boys!
TWRA News: Operation Dry Water Set; Media Advisory-Operation Dry Water Joint Press Conference
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.
Middle Tennessee Heat Index Could Top 105° – Ascension Saint Thomas: When Heat Becomes a Medical Emergency
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
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.
Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday at Red, White, and Brews at Wildwood Resort
Get ready for an unforgettable Independence Day weekend as Wildwood Resort & Marina hosts Red, White, and Brews, a two-day celebration honoring America’s 250th Birthday with live entertainment, delicious food, fireworks, and family-friendly fun on the waterfront.
The festivities kick off each day at 3:00 p.m., giving guests plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful lakeside atmosphere before the evening’s entertainment begins. Live music will keep the celebration going on both Friday and Saturday nights, creating the perfect backdrop for a patriotic summer weekend.
One of the biggest highlights of the event will be the spectacular fireworks show at 9:00 p.m., lighting up the sky over the water in celebration of the nation’s milestone birthday. Throughout the day, visitors can also challenge friends and family to yard games including Giant Jenga, Cornhole, and more on the lawn.
TWRA News: New OHC Requirements to Take Effect July 1, 2026
NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is informing off-highway vehicle (OHV) riders on North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area (NCWMA) of important updates taking effect July 1, 2026, following the enactment of Public Chapter No. 1120, an amendment to Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 70, Chapter 9, related to OHV use on NCWMA.
Under the new law, at least one adult per vehicle is required to possess a valid NCWMA OHV riding permit, a Sportsman Supplemental Annual NCWMA OHV permit, or a NCWMA OHV guide permit.
Permit fees established are as follows:
- Nonresident OHV Permits
- $50 — 1‑day
- $125 — 3‑day
- $200 — 7‑day
- $300 — Annual
- Tennessee Resident OHV Permits
- $20 — 1‑day
- $30 — 3‑day
- $100 — 7‑day
- $150 — Annual
- Sportsman’s Supplement – $40
Individuals who receive any form of compensation for tour guide services or commercial operation of OHVs on North Cumberland WMA must obtain a North Cumberland OHV Guide Permit. The guide permit fee is $700 annually and includes all privileges of a standard OHV riding permit. A guide permit is not required for roadside assistance providers, including towing, battery services, tire changes, lockout assistance, fuel delivery, and winching.
OHV riders using other designated wildlife management areas outside the NCWMA are still required to obtain the High Impact Habitat Conservation Permit. High Impact Permits and Annual Licenses purchased prior to July 1, 2026, will be honored for riders on NCWMA until the license expires. High Impact Permits and Licenses purchased on/after July 1, 2026, will not be valid for users to ride on the area. For more information and prices on this permit, visit the TWRA website.
The NCWMA OHV riding permit is NOT included in the Annual and Lifetime Sportsman licenses. Individuals with a valid Annual or Lifetime Sportsman license may purchase a Sportsman Supplemental Annual OHV Permit for $40, which provides riding privileges but does not include guide privileges.
With the new permit requirements approaching, TWRA urges all OHV riders—both residents and visitors—to plan ahead, obtain the appropriate permits, and ensure they understand the updated regulations before entering the NCWMA. The new permits will directly support conservation, trail sustainability, and safe recreation for all users on the NCWMA.
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.
—TWRA—
Middle Tennessee Electric Traffic Advisory for I-24 this Sunday
Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE) is advising motorists to use caution as crews and contractors perform electrical line work across Interstate 24 near Exit 76 in Murfreesboro on Sunday morning, June 28.
The project will require one full interstate traffic stoppage and multiple rolling roadblocks beginning at sunrise. The work is expected to take approximately five to six hours to complete.
Crews will be replacing and upgrading two three-phase conductor circuits to accommodate the Tennessee Department of Transportation’s project to widen the westbound exit ramp and work on Medical Center Parkway.
Guardian Traffic Control will assist with traffic management, including temporary roadblocks and traffic stoppages, to ensure the work is completed as safely and efficiently as possible.
Motorists are encouraged to plan for potential delays, use caution when traveling through the area and follow directions from traffic control personnel.
In the event of inclement weather, the work will be rescheduled for a later date.
About Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE)
Founded in 1936, MTE is the largest electric cooperative in the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) region and the second largest in the United States, serving more than 750,000 Tennesseans via 360,000+ accounts covering nearly 2,200 square miles in 11 Middle Tennessee counties, primarily Rutherford, Cannon, Williamson and Wilson. Municipalities served include Murfreesboro, Franklin, Brentwood, Smyrna, La Vergne, Lebanon and Mt. Juliet. MTE employs around 540 people in six local offices and its Murfreesboro headquarters.
MTE’s subsidiary, United Communications, is a nationally recognized broadband company with a fiber network spanning more than 6,100 route miles, providing high-speed internet and phone services to portions of Bedford, Davidson, Franklin, Giles, Lincoln, Marshall, Maury, Moore, Rutherford, Williamson and Wilson counties.
For more information, please visit www.mte.com.
Gordonsville Physician Indicted on Health Care Fraud and Controlled Substance Charges
NASHVILLE – Angela Moss, 55, of Gordonsville, Tennessee, has been charged in a federal indictment with seven counts of health care fraud and twelve counts of unauthorized distribution of controlled substances in connection with a multi-year scheme involving the prescribing of controlled substances without a legitimate medical purpose in the usual course of professional practice, announced Braden H. Boucek, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee. The indictment was unsealed following Moss’s arrest.
According to the indictment, Moss owned and operated Gordonsville Clinic and prescribed medically unnecessary controlled substances to patients for more than eight years. During that period, Moss issued prescriptions totaling more than 5.6 million pills and doses of controlled substances. The indictment alleges that many of those prescriptions were not issued for a legitimate medical purpose in the usual course of professional practice.
The indictment further alleges that Moss prescribed excessive and inappropriate quantities and combinations of controlled substances, resulting in medically unnecessary prescriptions being issued to patients and contributing to patient abuse, misuse, and addiction. Moss allegedly failed to adequately monitor her patients’ use and abuse of prescribed controlled substances and continued to prescribe excessive and inappropriate amounts of those drugs even after receiving warnings regarding her prescribing practices, including warnings from the Tennessee Department of Health.
“Medical professionals occupy positions of extraordinary trust and responsibility,” said U.S. Attorney Braden H. Boucek. “When that trust is abused through the unlawful prescribing of controlled substances, patients can suffer serious harm, addiction can flourish, and taxpayer-funded health care programs can be defrauded. Our office will continue working with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who contribute to prescription drug abuse and health care fraud.”
This case is part of the Department of Justice’s National Health Care Fraud Takedown, a coordinated nationwide law enforcement effort targeting health care fraud schemes that exploit patients, contribute to prescription drug abuse, and defraud federal health care programs.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant United States Attorney Chris Suedekum is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty, beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
4-H News – Happy Campers from Smith County Attend 2026 Junior 4-H Camp
Submitted by Rachel Petty, Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development
During the week of June 8-12, 2026, Smith County 4-H took 24 happy campers to the Clyde M. York 4-H Center in Crossville, Tennessee, for a jam-packed, fun-filled week at 4-H Camp! While at camp, 4-H’ers had the opportunity to zipline, kayak, swim, fish, craft, hike, test their skills at the archery and rifle range, and so much more! Campers also enjoyed a foam party and gathering around the campfire, all while challenging themselves to try new things, meeting new friends, and making memories that will last a lifetime.
The following 4-H’ers from Smith County attended 4-H Camp with us this summer: Alex Bodie, Tinley Butler, Isabella Clayborn, Walker Crawford, Jake Dawson, Hannah Dixon, Nathan Elmore, Mason Grisham, Winnie Jo Hendry, Amelia Hodges, Russell Hodges, Lucas Hula, Rylee Jones, Joshua Lee, Tristan McCarter, Jake Myers, Kinslee Overall, Izabelle Quick, Oliver Scarbrough, Annie Spencer, Lucas True, Kaelyn Tucker, Chase Williams, and Gracie Wooten.
Special thanks to all the 4-H Agents, camp staff, adult volunteers, and teen leaders that make camp a safe and fun experience for every child – especially our crew from Smith County! This year, Smith County 4-H agents Rachel Petty and Lexy Tipton were supported by adult leaders Brittany Jones, Luke Magness, Jacob Tipton, summer Extension Intern Courtney Dickens, and our very own Ag Agent Will Herbert. Callie Butler and Keaton Crawford served as Teen Leaders for the week.
We are so grateful to these individuals for spending the week with us and making a lasting impact on our local youth.
Smith County 4-H would also like to thank the individuals and community partners who donated to our 4-H Camp Scholarship Fund. This year, our camp scholarships were made possible by generous donations from Beta Sigma Phi – Xi Beta Xi Chapter, the 4-H Picnic at the Tennessee State Fair, and other private donors. This summer, seven of our campers attended on half-scholarship.
Junior 4-H Camp is open to youth in Smith County who have completed grades 4-6, and we take a group to 4-H Camp every summer during the month of June! If you have any questions about 4-H Camp, would like to be notified when camp sign-ups begin next year, or are interested in financially contributing to our 4-H Camp Scholarship Fund, please reach out to the UT-TSU Extension Office in Smith County.
We’re already looking forward to 4-H Camp next summer!
The 4-H Youth Development Program delivers programs through cooperative efforts of the University of Tennessee, Tennessee State University, and public and private sector volunteers. 4-H educational programs are offered to all youth, grades 4-12, on an age-appropriate basis, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or disability.
For further information about any of the many opportunities that 4-H has to offer the youth in Smith County, call 615-735-2900 or email rpetty@utk.edu.
Food for Thought – Walk Across Tennessee
The University of Tennessee-Tennessee State University Extension Smith County partnered with the Smith County Health Department to offer Walk Across Tennessee in Smith County again in 2026. Walk Across Tennessee is a program that persuades and motivates people of all ages to make that most important change . . . to get started exercising.
Teams of eight worked towards the goal of walking, biking, swimming, etc. “across Tennessee” from Bristol to Memphis. Thirteen teams “walked” the distance of Tennessee, a little over 500 miles! This eight-week program concluded on June 1.
Thank you to our wonderful Walk Across Tennessee program sponsors: DTC, Smith County Drug Center, Citizens Bank, Sanderson Funeral Home, Highpoint Health Riverview with Ascension Saint Thomas, Hackett’s Discount Drugs, Wilson Bank and Trust, Community Wellness Alliance Smith County Drug Prevention, Wellworth Bank, Farm Bureau, Carthage Sav-Way and Smith County Health Department. Because of our sponsors’ donations, each participant received a Walk Across Tennessee t-shirt. The Smith County Health Department sponsored first and second place winners’ prizes, and DTC also sponsored various prizes.
The teams for this year’s Walk Across Tennessee program were: Wellness Walkers, Mileage Masters, Golden Girls, The Young and The Breathless, Miles and Mindset, Union Heights, Pickleball Divas, Run like the Winded, Walkin’ on Sunshine, Night Owls, Steppin’ Up, The Gait Keepers and Extension Sole Steppers.
Our third-place team, Wellness Walkers, finished with 3,198 miles! Members included Kayla Franklin, Emily Longview, Katelyn Williamson, Preston James, Preston London, Tammy London, Lillian London and Amber Garmon. Our second-place team, Miles and Mindset, completed a total of 4,583.11 miles! Members included Bridgette Stewart, Rachel Bryan, Amanda Cronin, Lou Mason, Rachel Kemp, Peggy Manning, Candice White and Monica Bible. Our first-place team, Gait Keepers, crossed the finish line with a total of 5,393 miles! Members included BJ Grayson, Jessica Carter, Christina Wilson, Rebecca Smith, Jessica Thomas, Sharyn Vineyard, Mondo Rivera and Dawn Fulmer Rivera.
Congratulations to all the teams for completing this eight-week journey! You all made a huge accomplishment!
This year’s awards are as follows:
· First, second, and third place teams
·
Velva Gray for being Most Outstanding Team Captain
Most Enthusiastic Team to Pickleball Divas (Mary Leslie Wakefield, Dawn Bass, Marcie Mofield, Joann James, Diana Pierce, Mary Leslie Wakefield, Janice Wilmore, Connie East and Roberta Wilkey.)
If you are interested in competing in the Walk Across Tennessee program next year, please contact Mary Parker Draper at the UT-TSU Extension office at 615-735-2900.
Pictured above Third Place Team, Wellness Walkers (L-R): Preston London, Katelyn Williamson, Kayla Franklin and Tammy London. Not pictured: Emily Longview, Preston James, Lillian London and Amber Garmon.
Crock-Pot Chicken & Dressing
4 large chicken breasts, boiled and torn up (reserve broth)
1 large pan cornbread, crumbled *recipe below
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of celery soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
Salt and pepper to taste
2 Tablespoons rubbed sage
Chicken broth (reserved or you can use canned broth)
Mix all ingredients together well and place in a crock-pot. Cook for 2 hours on low or 2 hours on high, stirring once or twice during cooking.*
Cornbread Recipe:
2 cups corn meal
1 cup flour
5 eggs
1 large onion, chopped
2 cups milk (use more or less to desired consistency)
Mix all ingredients and bake in a large cast iron skillet on 400 degrees until brown and cooked thru. Cool and crumble.Submitted by: Anita Bennett, Gordonsville FCE Club
TWRA to Host Second Annual Tennessee Biodiversity Summit
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has announced the second annual Tennessee Biodiversity Summit will take place on October 21, 2026, at Middle Tennessee State University. All wildlife enthusiasts, including experts, birdwatchers, hunters, and anyone interested in nature, are invited to participate in this experience packed with opportunities to learn about wildlife diversity, habitats, and conservation in Tennessee.
The theme of this year’s event is “Moving the Needle, Wins in Conservation.” Eight dynamic speakers will deliver presentations focused on successes in conservation work across the state. Participants will also hear updates on the State Wildlife Action Plan, a federally guided blueprint to prevent biodiversity decline, and on the Red-cockaded Woodpecker reintroduction plan, announced at the inaugural summit last year. The event also hosts 21 partnering agency booths where attendees can further learn about conservation efforts and ways to get involved in conservation efforts.
Because of the overwhelmingly positive response in the 2025 summit, this year’s event attendance has been capped at 900 participants. Josh Campbell, TWRA’s Chief of Biodiversity, stated, “We’re heartened by the overwhelming response to this event and the interest in the health of the state’s wildlife diversity. The 2026 summit will be equally captivating.”
Those traveling from out of town or those in the area the day before the event have the option to register pre-event hikes taking place at two locations. Registration is currently open and more information can be found on the more can be found on the Tennessee Biodiversity webpage.
Event sponsors include the Greg A. Vital Center for Natural Resources and Conservation at Cleveland State Community College, Tennessee Valley Authority, and Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.
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.
Two Drivers Killed in Wrong-Way Crash on I-40 Near Gordonsville
A tragic two-vehicle crash on Interstate 40 near the Gordonsville exit claimed the lives of two drivers late Sunday night.
At approximately 11:30 p.m. Sunday, emergency crews from Smith County Rescue, Gordonsville Fire Department, Smith EMS, and local law enforcement responded to a serious accident at mile marker 258 eastbound on I-40. Upon arrival, responders determined that both drivers had died at the scene. No passengers were found in either vehicle.
According to preliminary information, one of the vehicles was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes when it collided head-on with an oncoming vehicle.
Rescue personnel from Smith County Rescue and the Gordonsville Fire Department worked together to extricate both drivers from their heavily damaged vehicles.
As of 2:12 a.m. Monday, Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers remained on the scene conducting their investigation. Eastbound traffic on I-40 continued to be diverted at Exit 258 in Gordonsville while crews worked the scene.
Officials expressed their appreciation to the volunteers of Smith County Rescue and the Gordonsville Fire Department for their quick response during the overnight emergency and praised the outstanding teamwork demonstrated by both departments.
The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by wrong-way drivers and the dedication of first responders who answer the call at any hour.
