SMITHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Tech University’s Appalachian Center for Craft will host workshops for the community over the months of September and October as part of its 2025 fall workshop season. Workshops are taught by local artists and Craft Center resident artists. Open to adults 18 and older, the workshops are designed to accommodate a range of skill levels, from novice to intermediate.

Daylong workshops will be held at the Craft Center on Saturday, September 27. Participants can sign up to learn enameling, glass blowing, broom making or felting. Classes begin at 10 a.m. after a short orientation and end at 5 p.m.. Tuition for daylong workshops includes lunch catered by Meg’s Bread.

For those seeking an extended learning experience, the Craft Center offers six-week workshops that meet from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday evenings from September 8 to October 13. In the fundamentals of jewelry workshop, participants will learn a variety of metalsmithing techniques to create their own custom jewelry. In the pottery workshop, participants will create a variety of functional wares and learn the basics from wheel-throwing to glazing pottery. Both courses are open to beginner or intermediate-level students wanting to strengthen their skills.

Workshops require online registration to reserve a seat. Participants are responsible for workshop tuition as well as material fees, if applicable. A 25% discount on tuition is available for Tech students, faculty and staff, in addition to residents of Putnam, DeKalb, Smith and White counties.

The Appalachian Center for Craft is a campus of the nationally accredited School of Art, Craft & Design within the College of Fine Arts at Tennessee Tech University. Its mission is to promote excellence in American craft by teaching both tradition and innovation in professional studio craft and fostering access to the highest quality craft education, craft artists, craft works and events in a community arts context.

The Appalachian Center for Craft is located at 1560 Craft Center Drive, Smithville, Tenn. For more information, including workshop policies and descriptions, visit www.tntech.edu/craftcenter/workshops.

The Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation (UCEMC) will hold its annual Directorate Election on Friday, August 22, and Saturday, August 23, 2025. Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on both days at UCEMC district offices.

Members in Districts 1, 3, and 4 will vote to elect one director in each district. District 1 includes Smith, DeKalb, Wilson, and Macon counties, with voting held at 138 Gordonsville Highway in South Carthage. District 2, which includes Putnam and White counties, is not part of this election cycle. District 3, covering Overton, Clay, Fentress, and Pickett counties, will vote at 320 Celina Highway in Livingston. District 4, consisting of Jackson County, will vote at 1085 North Grundy Quarles Highway in Gainesboro.

In District 1, the candidates are C.D. “Digger” Poindexter and Chris Washer. In District 4, Jim Brown is the sole candidate. In District 3, members will choose between Chris Speck and David A. Garrett.

All UCEMC members are entitled to one vote, regardless of how many accounts they hold. For joint memberships, such as those held by a husband and wife, only one vote may be cast. Proxy voting is not allowed under UCEMC bylaws. Businesses and corporations must follow specific requirements to vote, including providing proper documentation that confirms eligibility. Members must present proof of identity or credentials showing the right to vote.

To be eligible to vote, a member must be in good standing and not have a suspended or terminated membership. Any member with unpaid bills or other non-compliance issues must resolve them by August 13, 2025, to be eligible to vote in the election. UCEMC offices will not be open for bill payments on Saturday, August 23, during the election.

Members with questions about their eligibility or voting procedures are encouraged to contact their local UCEMC office before Election Day. Copies of the UCEMC bylaws are available at all district offices and online at www.ucemc.com.

ALEXANDRIA, Tenn. – Aug. 18, 2025 – DeKalb Telephone Cooperative, Inc. d/b/a DTC Communications will host its annual meeting on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, at the DeKalb County Fairgrounds in Alexandria.

Directors will be elected in the Auburntown, Gordonsville, Temperance Hall, and Woodland exchanges. Incumbents Kathy Pugh – Auburntown exchange, James H. Dillard, Jr. – Gordonsville exchange, Kurt Bass – Temperance Hall exchange, and David Parker – Woodland exchange are running unopposed.

Voting for directors will take place at the cooperative’s annual meeting on Saturday, Sept. 13. This year’s meeting will follow new hours. Gates to the DeKalb County Fairgrounds in Alexandria will open at 7:45 a.m., with voting from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. The business meeting will begin at 10 a.m. or once the last person in line at that time has voted.

Only DTC members may vote, and each member must present proper photo identification. For a single membership, only that individual may vote. Either member of a joint membership may vote, but not both. In the case of a business membership, a business affidavit is required.

The last day to make changes to your membership or to be eligible to vote in the 2025 election will be Thursday, Sept. 4.

For questions regarding membership and voting, call DTC at (615) 529-2955.

DTC Communications is a member owned telecommunications cooperative established in 1951. DTC provides world-class broadband and technology solutions to improve the quality of life of our members and communities in the regions we serve.

The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission (TFWC) will meet Aug. 21-22 at the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) Region II Ray Bell Building in Nashville. The committee meetings begin Thursday, Aug. 21, at 1 p.m., with full Commission proceedings continuing Friday at 9 a.m.

Wildlife & Forestry Chief Joe Benedictwill share partner requests to update hunting seasons on several National Wildlife Refuges and some changes to hog harvest allowances on Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area and Obed Wild and Scenic River. Season date changes will align with 2025-27 calendar dates, and hog changes include dropping the park permit requirement and no longer allowing take during small game seasons.

Public Relations Director Emily Buck will provide an overview of TWRA marketing campaigns and revenue, while also discussing the Agency’s efforts to recruit and retain hunters and anglers. Additionally, General Counsel Torrey Grimes will present naming requests for Herb Parsons Lake in Fayette County, Duck River Access at Howard Bridge in Maury County, and Elk River Access at Veto Road in Giles County.

The 2026-27 TWRA budget will be presented on Thursday for review. The Commission will vote on the proposal on Friday.

Additionally, award presentations will be made to the Statewide Boating Officer of the Year,  Part-Time Boating Officer of the Year, Statewide Boating Educator of the Year, a pair of Boating and Law Enforcement Valor Awards, and Public Relations Employee of the Year. In addition, Beth Pippen, Hardin County Tourism Director, will present the Agency with a special award.

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.

We are happy to reveal this year’s national winner of the Ostrander Scholar Society’s Josh Sain Memorial Scholarship! Our organization provides college scholarships to Eagle Scouts who are active in Scouting’s National Honor Society,
known as the Order of the Arrow.

Scholarship winner Ephraim Rodenbach of Carthage, TN is from the Wa-Hi-Nasa Lodge, Middle Tennessee Council. (This was also the lodge/council of the late Josh Sain) Ephraim has a very impressive dossier. An Eagle Scout, he has served in a myriad of capacities, most recently as Lodge Chief. He has also served as Lodge Secretary and Vice Chief of Operations. All three positions encompass the entire council area! Ephraim has been involved in countless events and activities, including student government and multimedia production. He is the only student in his area who is an officially credentialed Sports Reporter for the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association. Now a student at Middle Tennessee State University, he is majoring in Broadcasting and intends to begin a career in multimedia journalism where he can become involved with photography, graphic design, etc. In the coming years, he hopes to give back to Scouting as much as possible. Please join us in congratulating Ephraim on this noteworthy honor!

I know I have said in my previous articles about how summer of 2025 will be remembered for being a season of weather extremes. Livestock and crops were directly affected by this. What we tend to forget about is how our lawns are no exception to this either. With cooler weather right around the corner, fall is the perfect time to renovate and re-establish your lawns. Even though the hot weather had some play in the lawn’s decline, there might have been other factors in play as well. The first step to lawn renovation should always be to identify and correct those factors. Trying to re-establish turf in your lawn without fixing these will not end up being successful when looking long-term.

Obviously, we can’t control the weather, but we can make the existing turf grass a healthier and thicker stand. Poor soil pH and soil fertility mean for a weaker turf stand and are usually the culprit for a decline in turfgrass health. Soil testing and correcting the pH and improving overall soil quality is the essential foundation for a healthy lawn. This all should be done before reseeding the ground.

When the grass declines, weeds start to fill those voids. A thick stand of grass will be the best form of weed control. If you plan to apply an herbicide, make sure to apply and wait before reseeding. Renting a core aerator to help prepare the soil as well might end up being a good investment.

Choosing the right variety of grass makes a remarkable difference especially with Tennessee weather conditions. I would recommend a turf-type fescue blend that can take on drought and excess moisture. Spread some straw lightly and water as needed until the grass is well established. Once that grass is well established, make sure that mower blade stays sharp to prevent leaf damage. Additionally, never cut more than one third of the leaf at one time to ensure the plant’s overall health.

I would also like to invite anyone who is interested to attend this month’s Lunch and Learn about innovating your lawn. It is being held on August 29th from 12-1 at the Chamber and I believe it will provide a lot of good information and practical ways to encourage good, healthy growth in your yard going into next year! If you’re interested or just have questions, just make sure to call the UT/TSU Smith County Extension office at 615-735-2900.

he Forked River LongBeards chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) is inviting young outdoor enthusiasts to take part in an exciting dove hunting event this fall. The NWTF Young Sportsmans Dove Hunt will take place on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Kyle Owen Farms in Carthage, TN.

This event offers youth hunters the chance to learn, practice, and enjoy the sport in a safe and guided environment. Participants will meet at 6 a.m. at the Lock 7 Park Pavilion before heading out for the hunt.

Organizers encourage those interested to register in advance. For more information or to sign up, contact Dustin Horton at (931) 273-5809 or Bob Vantrease at (615) 881-4410.

Check out the August 2025 edition of the Smith County Chamber Corner Show!

This month’s show features local businesses, community organization and events going on in and around Smith County.

If you would like to promote your event or local business on the Smith County Chamber Corner Show, contact the Smith County Chamber of Commerce by calling 615-735-2093 today. 

Watch the full show below, or catch it on DTC3 TV.

Tennessee Tech University set an all-time record for externally funded research for the fifth year in a row, according to university administrators.

The university topped $47.9 million in externally funded research for fiscal year 2025, supported by 193 research activations. The total figure for the fiscal year, which ended June 30, surpasses Tech’s previous record by nearly $2 million, even as institutions across the country faced challenging headwinds from changing federal regulations and grantmaking policy.

“This strong performance reflects the talents and dedication of our faculty, and the continued growth of our research enterprise,” said John Liu, interim provost and vice president for research at Tech. “It also highlights the breadth of research work happening across campus, from cutting-edge science and engineering, to cybersecurity, education, environment, health, agriculture and the arts.”

Among the projects supporting Tech’s record-setting research haul over the past year is a nearly $10 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to launch the university’s Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) initiative. The project is led by Tech faculty members Darek Potter, Julie Baker and Luke Anderson to expand pathways to higher education for K-12 students in nearby rural communities.

Likewise, Tech’s Cybersecurity Education, Research and Outreach Center (CEROC) Director Muhammad Ismail and Electrical and Computer Engineering Professor Syed Hasan secured a combined $7.2 million in grant funding for groundbreaking cybersecurity research.

Liu emphasized that Tech’s burgeoning research portfolio provides meaningful opportunities for students, many of whom gain firsthand research experience beginning in their freshman year.

“These research grants create experiential learning opportunities for students and enhance student success as the next generation of societal leaders,” continued Liu. “Much of our research programs are highly relevant to meeting real-world challenges, and the funding provides vital support for technology development and applications to the Tennessee economy.”

Tech’s record performance comes as Liu has transitioned in recent weeks to an added role as interim provost, beyond his day-to-day duties as vice president for research.

Liu tapped Michael Aikens, Tech’s assistant vice president for economic development, to oversee university research during this period of transition.

On campus, Aikens is best known for leading Tech’s Center for Rural Innovation & Rural Reimagined, part of Tech’s research division dedicated to helping rural, distressed and at-risk counties with small business assistance, tourism branding support, economic impact studies and poverty alleviation.

Today, the program is active in 75 Tennessee counties – including the 10 state counties designated as distressed counties by the Appalachian Regional Commission – and has been recognized by Gov. Bill Lee and state lawmakers for its positive results with $1 million in recurring funding in the state budget.

Aikens says Tech’s growth in research is a byproduct of a university culture that encourages academic discovery and real-world problem solving.

“Tennessee Tech fosters a collaborative and supportive culture that encourages curiosity and innovation,” said Aikens. “Our faculty are empowered with resources and mentorship to pursue bold research questions, while students are actively engaged through hands-on opportunities. This environment—built on teamwork, access to cutting-edge facilities, and a commitment to real-world impact—helps both faculty and students thrive as problem solvers.”

Looking ahead, Liu and Aikens aim to build on Tech’s gains over the coming year.

“Tennessee Tech is on the rise, so is its research,” said Liu. “We will continue the growth trend of research funding and research enterprise at Tennessee Tech, with the understanding that both technological and research funding trends are rapidly evolving. We are confident that Tennessee Tech will grasp the opportunity and find its path toward greater success.”

Tech is recognized as an R2 doctoral, high-research activity university by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education and was designated as an “opportunity” university by Carnegie earlier this year for its dual qualities of higher access and higher earnings for graduates.

Outside of its research accolades, Tech is also rated as the number one public university in Tennessee by Money and ranked as a “Best National University” by U.S. News & World Report.

Learn more about research at Tech by visiting www.tntech.edu/research.

The Smith County Grand Jury met for its August 2025 session. You can see them below:

All subjects are innocent until proven guilty. 

State of Tennessee vs. Carolyn Acuff

• 1 Count Theft (up to $1000)

State of Tennessee vs. Zachariah Anderson

• 2 Counts Possession with intent to deliver, sell, manufacture Methamphetamine
• 1 Count Possession of unlawful drug paraphernalia uses & activities

State of Tennessee vs. Kathryn Sue Antle

• 1 Count Domestic Assault

State of Tennessee vs. Dewand T. Clay

• 1 Count Theft (up to $1000)
• 1 Count Possession intent to sell manufacture or deliver Schedule I – Drugs
• 1 Count Possession intent to sell manufacture or deliver Schedule VI – Drugs
• 1 Count Simple possession/casual exchange
• 1 Count Possession of a firearm/dangerous felony

State of Tennessee vs. Rubin Davenport

• 1 Count possession with intent to deliver, sell, manufacture Methamphetamine
• 1 Count Unlawful drug paraphernalia uses & activities

State of Tennessee vs. Christopher M. Denney

• 1 Count Contraband in a Penal Facility

State of Tennessee vs. Tyler Quinton Duke

• 1 Count Possession intent to sell manufacture or deliver Schedule II – Drugs
• 2 Counts possession with intent to deliver, sell, manufacture Methamphetamine
• 1 Count Simple possession/casual exchange
• 2 Count Unlawful drug paraphernalia uses & activities

State of Tennessee vs. Stephen Austin Enoch

• 1 Count Simple possession/casual exchange

State of Tennessee vs. Christopher S Gibson

• 1 Count possession with intent to deliver, sell, manufacture Methamphetamine
• 1 Count Simple possession/casual exchange
• 1 Count Unlawful drug paraphernalia uses & activities

State of Tennessee vs. Christopher S Gibson

• 1 Count possession with intent to deliver, sell, manufacture Methamphetamine
• 1 Count Resist Arrest/Stop (no weapon)
• 1 Count Unlawful drug paraphernalia uses & activities

State of Tennessee vs. Tonya Hall

• 1 Count Simple possession/casual exchange

State of Tennessee vs. Brandon Harris

• 1 Count possession with intent to deliver, sell, manufacture Methamphetamine
• 1 Count Tampering with evidence
• 1 Count Possession of Firearm/intent to go armed – dangerous felony
• 1 Count Unlawful drug paraphernalia uses & activities

State of Tennessee vs. Joseph Harris

• 1 Count Unlawful drug paraphernalia uses & activities
• 1 Count Diving while License Suspended
• 1 Count Financial Responsibility Law

State of Tennessee vs. Hailely Dawn Nicole Hickman

• 1 Count TNCare Fraud Participant

State of Tennessee vs. Robert Jospeh Hickman

• 1 Count TNCare Fraud Participant
• 1 Count Theft of Services $10,000-$60,000

State of Tennessee vs. James Alan Holt

• 1 Count Driving while license suspended
• 1 Count Evading Arrest Flight w/vehicle
• 1 Count Reckless Endangerment – no weapon
• 1 Count Reckless Driving
• 1 Count Speeding

State of Tennessee vs. Larry Dewayne Kinslow

• 1 Count possession with intent to deliver, sell, manufacture Methamphetamine
• 1 Count Unlawful drug paraphernalia uses & activities

State of Tennessee vs. Amanda Marie Kleveno

• 1 Count False Reports to Officer
• 1 Count Child Abuse/Neglect/Endangerment

State of Tennessee vs. Connie Lafever

• 1 Count possession with intent to deliver, sell, manufacture Methamphetamine
• 1 Count Possession intent to sell manufacture or deliver Schedule II – Drugs
• 1 Count Simple possession/casual exchange
• 1 Count Tampering with evidence
• 1 Count Unlawful drug paraphernalia uses & activities
• 1 Count Contraband in a Penal Facility

State of Tennessee vs. Joseph D. Lewis

• 1 Count Theft of property $2,500-<$10,000

State of Tennessee vs. Josh R. Miller

• 1 Count Burglary – other than habitat or no public building
• 1 Count Theft of Property $2,500-<$10,000
• 1 Count Vandalism $1,000-,$2,500

State of Tennessee vs. Robert Ernest Neathery

• 1 Count Aggravated Child Abuse/Neglect/Endangerment (8 & under)

State of Tennessee vs. Ashley Ann Nichols

• 1 Count Aggravated Child Abuse/Neglect/Endangerment (8 & under)

State of Tennessee vs. David Noland

• 1 Count Aggravated Assault

State of Tennessee vs. Daniel Lownby

• 1 Count Possession intent to sell manufacture or deliver Schedule II – Drugs

State of Tennessee vs. Michael Robert Shannon

• 1 Count Driving while license revoked

State of Tennessee vs. Jacob Steinwinder

• 1 Count Possession aggravated cruelty to animals
• 4 Counts Cruelty to Animals

State of Tennessee vs. Jaylen A Tate

• 1 Count possession with intent to deliver, sell, manufacture Methamphetamine
• 1 Count Simple possession/casual exchange
• 1 Count Unlawful drug paraphernalia uses & activities

State of Tennessee vs. Wanda Yvonne Williams

• 2 Counts possession with intent to deliver, sell, manufacture Methamphetamine
• 1 Count Unlawful drug paraphernalia uses & activities

State of Tennessee vs. Aaron M. Woods

• 1 Count possession with intent to deliver, sell, manufacture Methamphetamine
• 1 Count Possession intent to sell manufacture or deliver Schedule II – Drugs
• 1 Count Possession intent to sell manufacture or deliver Schedule III – Drugs
• 1 Count Unlawful drug paraphernalia uses & activities
• 1 Count Child Abuse/neglect/endangerment