On Monday, August 18, 2025, seven Smith County 4-H’ers braved the heat and traveled to Lebanon to test their knowledge at the Open Livestock Judging Contest at the Wilson County Fair – Tennessee State Fair.

This contest brought together 483 youth from across the state. 4-H’ers and FFA members evaluated 6 classes of cattle, sheep, and hogs.

J Allen Kemp placed 4th overall in the Junior Division. This was J Allen’s first official 4-H contest, and we are so proud of him!

We are also proud of our Junior High Team, made up of Aubrey Hicks, Scarlett Hicks, McCall Kemp, and Marshall Taylor. Their team placed 5th out of 24 teams in the Junior High Division.

Also representing Smith County were Walker Crawford (Junior Division) and Keaton Crawford (Senior High Division).

Great job to these 4-H’ers!

If you would like to learn more about any of the many livestock projects available through the Smith County 4-H program, please contact Rachel Petty at 615-735-2900 or rpetty@utk.edu.

Tennessee’s 2025-26 dove season opens on Labor Day, Sept. 1 at noon (local time) and is one of the state’s most long-standing hunting traditions.

Tennessee’s dove season is once again divided into three segments: Sept. 1-Sept. 28; Oct. 11-Nov. 2; and Dec. 8-Jan. 15, 2025. Hunting times, other than opening day, are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset.

Doves are found throughout various regions in the state, with the highest concentration in farming areas. Hunters must have a valid state hunting license and a Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit while hunting. Before hunting on private lands, hunters are required to ask for permission.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) manages dove hunting fields in each of the four regions. For more information and the location of fields, visit https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/twra/hunting/migratory-birds/dove.html#fields.

            The daily bag limit for mourning doves is 15, and there is no limit on collared doves. Doves not readily identifiable as collared doves will be considered mourning doves and will count toward the mourning dove daily bag limit. No person shall take migratory game birds by the aid of baiting, or on any baited area. Any auto-loading or repeating shotgun must be incapable of holding more than three shells while being used for dove hunting.

In addition to the start of dove season, the early season for Canada geese, brant, blue, snow, and Ross’ Geese (light geese) also starts on Sept. 1 and runs through Sept. 21. Refer to the 2025-26 Tennessee Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Guide for daily bag limits.

Other hunting seasons that open Sept. 1 are moorhens, gallinules, and rails (Virginia and sora), with a closure on Nov. 9. The Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit is also required to hunt these species.

A short crow hunting season overlaps with the opening week of dove season, Sept. 1-5. It will resume from Sept. 12 through Dec. 20, and hunting is allowed only on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during this segment.  

More information on Tennessee dove and other migratory bird seasons can be found on the TWRA website (www.tnwildlife.org) in the Hunting section. The 2025-26 Tennessee Fishing, Hunting & Trapping Guide can also be viewed on the website, the TWRA App, or a copy may be obtained at any TWRA regional office or license vendor.

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.

CARTHAGE, TN – August 26, 2025 – Highpoint Health – Riverview with Ascension Saint Thomas has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® and the American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check mark for Acute Stroke Ready Hospital Certification. This prestigious certification signifies the hospital’s commitment to providing a higher standard of care for stroke patients in Smith County and the surrounding communities.

“We’re incredibly proud of the team at Highpoint Health – Riverview for earning the Acute Stroke Ready Hospital certification from The Joint Commission,” says Cole Stockton, CEO of Highpoint Health – Riverview. “This recognition reflects the exceptional work our caregivers provide every day to ensure patients in our community receive timely, life-saving care close to home. Our commitment to making communities healthier and providing high-quality care doesn’t stop at the doors of our hospital, it’s demonstrated in every action we take. This award is just one more way we’re leading the way in rural healthcare excellence.”

Highpoint Health – Riverview underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review on July 10, 2025. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with certification standards, including program management and the delivery of clinical care. The reviewers also conducted onsite observations and interviews to ensure the hospital met or exceeded standards for quality and safety.

“Acute Stroke Ready Hospital Certification recognizes healthcare organizations committed to striving for excellence and fostering continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” says Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief nursing officer, The Joint Commission. “We commend Highpoint Health – Riverview for using The Joint Commission certification process to reduce variation in clinical processes and to strengthen its clinical program to drive safer, higher quality and more compassionate care for individuals served.”

Highpoint Health – Riverview’s designation highlights its commitment to a robust, systematic approach to stroke care. This includes providing specialized stroke education for all staff and providers, developing and implementing treatment protocols to prevent and reduce delays in care, and ensuring a dedicated 24/7 stroke team is always available. These measures are designed to deliver rapid, effective treatment from the moment a stroke patient arrives at the hospital.

For more information, please visit The Joint Commission website.

The weather was warm on Saturday, August 16, but that didn’t stop a group of Smith County 4-H’ers from having a blast at our Forestry & Wildlife Day Camp at the Cordell Hull Visitor’s Center. Twelve students joined us for a full day of hands-on learning.

Our day started with a rousing game of decomposer tag, where students learned about food webs and the important role of decomposers in our ecosystem. 4-H’ers spent the rest of the morning learning from Park Rangers Stone Fagan and Shelia Kirk. Students worked in groups to assemble bluebird nesting boxes that will be placed on federal land, teamed up for a water safety STEM challenge, and listened to a career talk about potential careers with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

After lunch, we hit the nature trail for a leaf ID scavenger hunt, did some mindful nature journaling, and then played a game to better understand bird beak adaptations.

Participants in our day camp were Jordan Alexander, Kylee Allmon, Emmy Bibbings, Easton Bibbings, Luke Chartier, Peter Chartier, Titus Chartier, Josie Harville, Tana Harville, Turner Harville, Chance Maxwell, and Owen Meeks.

Special thanks to Stone Fagan, Shelia Kirk, and Ashley Webster for helping us plan and execute our day camp and for letting us take over the Cordell Hull Visitor’s Center for the day!

If you would like to learn more about the many forestry and wildlife activities available through Smith County 4-H, please contact Rachel Petty or Susanna Clouse at 615-735-2900.

by Rachel Petty – UT Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development

With a new school year here, you may want to start thinking about setting up steady routines for your children. It is important for care givers to develop routines at home that will lead to good habits throughout the year.

Routines help children get adequate sleep, feel good about the day ahead and finish their homework.

Studies show that not enough sleep leads to lower academic results in middle school, high school and college. It also leads to more absences and lateness. Younger children need 10-12 hours of sleep per night and adolescents need 9-10 hours per night.

Here are some ways to get your children into a bedtime routine that will help them at school:

· Follow a regular schedule. Put your child to bed at the same time every night. Having a routine will help your child settle down and fall asleep. The bedtime routine could include a bath or shower, reading with them, tucking them in and saying good night. Getting into a nightly routine will make it easier on the whole family.

· Set time limits. Setting a time limit is a good way to put a boundary on the winding down time kids need each night. When kids know what the limits are ahead of time, it reduces whining and stress.

· Turn off electronic devices. Make sure they’re off well before bedtime. The light from the devices can disturb sleeping patterns.

· Keep it quiet. Try to have your home as quiet and calm as possible when children are trying to fall asleep.

A good morning routine is also crucial to having your child prepared for school every day.

· Set a time schedule. Have a planned schedule for the morning. Being organized will keep your child on time and reduce stress. Make sure your schedule builds in plenty of time for a good breakfast and personal care.

· Develop nutritious habits. Try to get your kids in the habit of eating nutritious items such as fruits, oatmeal or whole-grain cereals for breakfast. A smoothie can also be a nutritious and fun breakfast item; blend some frozen berries with a banana and low-sugar yogurt. Peanut butter on whole-grain toast provides a high-protein boost.

For your child to excel to their highest potential developing a Homework Routine is also important. Use these tips to help your children get ready to do homework every day:

· Set up a study area. It’s important for kids to have a neat, quiet place at home where they can study and complete homework.

· Schedule time for homework every day. This will let your child know that homework is a daily part of being a student. Keep in mind that it’s also important for kids to have play time and physical activity every day. Build in time for that, too. It may even be beneficial to have a built-in break time for them to play outside.

· Limit electronics. Have a rule that TV and other electronic items stay off during homework time. Supervise computer and internet use.

· Be positive and encourage your child. Let your child know that you understand the hard work they are putting in. Give them plenty of encouragement for completing their homework.

For more information on setting routines for your child visit kidcentraltn.com

Fresh Strawberry Muffins

1/2 cup butter, softened 3/4 cup sugar 1 egg 2 cups flour 2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 cup milk 1/2 tsp vanilla 1 1/2 cups chopped strawberries 3 tsp sugar 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Cream butter and sugar. Add egg and mix well.

Sift flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl. Add flour mixture and milk alternately to butter mixture. Add vanilla. Gently stir in strawberries.

Spoon batter into muffin pans.

Combine sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over muffins.

Bake at 400º for 20-25 minutes.

Makes one dozen muffins.

Submitted by: Rita Klenke, Grant FCE Club

The Labor Day holiday, the final major weekend of the 2025 summer boating season, is Aug. 30-Sept. 1. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency  (TWRA) is reminding all Tennesseans and its visitors to wear life jackets and boat in a safe and responsible manner.

The TWRA wants all those who visit the waterways to have an enjoyable time. However, TWRA officers will be present on the waterways looking for dangerous boating behavior, such as boating under the influence (BUI) and other reckless operation.

Children under age 12 are required to wear a life jacket. In addition, there must be a life jacket onboard the vessel for each person.

Labor Day is regarded as the third major holiday weekend of the summer boating season. There was one fatality over Memorial Day weekend and two during the July 4^th holiday period. There have been 17 boating-related fatalities compared to 16 at the same time in 2024.

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.

Today, U.S. Representative John Rose (TN-06) announced the promotion of Smith County native Leah (Bane) Grider to Chief of Staff—a testament to Tennessee talent leading at the highest level. Grider has served the constituents of Tennessee’s Sixth Congressional District with dedication since 2019, first as Director of Operations from the Washington office and as Deputy Chief of Staff since 2022.

Rep. Rose released the following statement:

“Leah embodies everything that makes Tennessee great: faith, grit, and a deep commitment to serving others,” Rep. Rose said. “Her leadership and relentless dedication have set a high bar for our office, and I am thrilled that she will continue leading my team in this capacity.”

In her new role, Grider will oversee all operations of Congressman Rose’s Washington, Cookeville, and Gallatin offices. Like Rep. Rose, she will commute to Washington for legislative business but reside in Tennessee to carry out critical constituent services. Grider will also serve as a senior advisor for policy and ensure effective outreach across the 19 counties Rep. Rose represents in Congress.

Leah Grider released the following statement:

“Working for the people of Tennessee’s Sixth Congressional District isn’t just a job—it’s an honor,” Grider said. “I’m passionate about serving the communities that shaped me, and I am committed to bringing their strong voices and Tennessee values to this job every day.”

Prior to joining the team in 2019, Leah served as Economic Development Planner for the Upper Cumberland Development District and also spent time in community banking and independent pharmacy, bringing valuable insights and a true understanding of the people she serves.

Grider was raised in Carthage, Tennessee, and is a graduate of Smith County High School. She is also an alumna of Tennessee Technological University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Accounting. Leah lives in Knoxville with her husband, Michael, and is based out of the Cookeville office.

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.