Check out the June 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 announced that Zhanjiang (John) Liu, vice president for research and professor of biology at Tech since fall 2023, will assume the role of interim provost and vice president for academic affairs effective July 1.

The transition comes as Provost Lori Mann Bruce prepares to step away from her duties for a new role with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Liu brings to the role three decades of experience in higher education, including previous positions as interim vice chancellor and provost at Syracuse University and as associate provost at Auburn University. He began his career as a graduate research and teaching assistant at the University of Minnesota, where he earned a master’s degree in plant pathology and a doctorate in cell and developmental biology.

Since being unanimously confirmed as vice president for research by Tech’s Board of Trustees in 2023, Liu has helped lead the university to a record-setting $46 million research haul in fiscal year 2024 and expects to exceed that total this year.

“Dr. Liu is someone Golden Eagles already know and trust. He is undoubtedly the right person not just to provide stability during this transition period, but to continue building on Tech’s gains and ensure the university excels across all academic disciplines,” said Tech President Phil Oldham. “From his previous duties as interim provost at Syracuse University and associate provost at Auburn University, to the ways he has taken Tech’s research portfolio to new heights, he is prepared to ensure a seamless leadership transition while empowering faculty to do their best work.”

Liu was inducted into the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2022. He is an elected fellow in the World Aquaculture Society, an elected fellow in the American Association for the Advancement of Science, a recipient of Syracuse University’s Chancellor’s Medal for Outstanding Leadership and a recipient of the University of Minnesota’s Outstanding Achievement Award, among other recognitions.

“I am humbled and honored for the opportunity to serve Tennessee Tech in this way,” said Liu. “From our newest assistant professors to our longest-serving deans, we have outstanding faculty, and I look forward to supporting them, working collaboratively alongside them and listening to them as we all strive to put students first.”

Liu’s appointment comes on the heels of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission’s publishing of its 2025 Fact Book, which provides a detailed picture of Tech’s academic rigor and success. The report shows that Tech possesses the highest freshman retention rate, highest four-year graduation rate, highest early post-college salary levels and highest incoming student ACT scores of all Locally Governed Institutions (LGIs) in the state.

The university will undertake a national search for its next provost. A timeline for a permanent successor has not been announced.

In the wake of last night’s riot occurring at the Trousdale Turner Correctional Center, the District Attorney for Trousdale County has called for the Tennessee Department of Correction to assume management of the beleaguered prison. The prison is currently managed by CoreCivic, a privately-owned prison management company.

“Last night’s riot again illustrates the problems at Trousdale Turner, which have been well-documented in the media,” said Trousdale County District Attorney Jason Lawson. “Certainly, those who led and participated in the riot will be charged, prosecuted, and have more incarceration heaped on top of the sentences they are currently serving—some which are already very lengthy. Over the past few years, the Trousdale County Grand Jury has added hundreds of new cases to the criminal court docket for crimes occurring at the prison, at a rate of roughly one crime for every four calendar days, which has resulted in many years of additional incarceration. But a response by the court system is an ‘after-the-fact’ response and does not ensure the future safety of inmates or employees at the prison. The continual problems demonstrate that CoreCivic is unable to address the issues. I understand that Tennessee needs the bedspace at Trousdale Turner to house state prisoners, however, it is long-overdue that the State of Tennessee shifted the management of Trousdale Turner from CoreCivic into the direct hands of the Tennessee Department of Correction. I am confident that Commissioner Strada and the Tennessee Department of Correction could manage this situation far better than what is being done by CoreCivic. This would also allow CoreCivic to shift its employees from the Trousdale facility to other prisons it manages in Tennessee that are also significantly understaffed. Based on the past track record and the concern for inmate and employee safety, I respectfully call for the management of the Trousdale Turner Correctional Center to be assumed by the Tennessee Department of Correction directly without the involvement of CoreCivic.”

Press Release from District Attorney Jason Lawson:

In the wake of last night’s riot occurring at the Trousdale Turner Correctional Center, the District Attorney for Trousdale County has called for the Tennessee Department of Correction to assume management of the beleaguered prison. The prison is currently managed by CoreCivic, a privately-owned prison management company.

DA Lawson stated, “Last night’s riot again illustrates the problems at Trousdale Turner, which have been well-documented in the media,” said Trousdale County District Attorney Jason Lawson. “Certainly, those who led and participated in the riot will be charged, prosecuted, and have more incarceration heaped on top of the sentences they are currently serving—some which are already very lengthy. Over the past few years, the Trousdale County Grand Jury has added hundreds of new cases to the criminal court docket for crimes occurring at the prison, at a rate of roughly one crime for every four calendar days, which has resulted in many years of additional incarceration. But a response by the court system is an ‘after-the-fact’ response and does not ensure the future safety of inmates or employees at the prison. The continual problems demonstrate that CoreCivic is unable to address the issues. I understand that Tennessee needs the bedspace at Trousdale Turner to house state prisoners, however, it is long-overdue that the State of Tennessee shifted the management of Trousdale Turner from CoreCivic into the direct hands of the Tennessee Department of Correction. I am confident that Commissioner Strada and the Tennessee Department of Correction could manage this situation far better than what is being done by CoreCivic. This would also allow CoreCivic to shift its employees from the Trousdale facility to other prisons it manages in Tennessee that are also significantly understaffed. Based on the past track record and the concern for inmate and employee safety, I respectfully call for the management of the Trousdale Turner Correctional Center to be assumed by the Tennessee Department of Correction directly without the involvement of CoreCivic.”

A late-night riot at the Trousdale Turner Correctional Center on Sunday, June 8, led to a large-scale multi-agency response, including assistance from the Smith County Sheriff’s Office and its Special Response Team.

The incident began shortly after 10 p.m. when the Trousdale County Sheriff’s Department received reports of a disturbance inside the facility. During the incident, three correctional officers were taken hostage by inmates. All three were safely recovered with no major injuries, according to officials.

The riot was contained entirely within the facility’s perimeter. At no time did inmates breach the outer fences, and no escapes occurred. Officers deployed gas into the prison yard to regain control and force inmates back into their cells.

Approximately 100 officers from surrounding counties—including Sumner, Wilson, Macon, Smith—and the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) responded to the scene. THP deployed around 75 troopers, including members of its Special Operations Unit and negotiators, to secure the perimeter.

Smith County Sheriff’s Office personnel, including members of the SRT team, were among the agencies that responded.

By early morning, the situation was under control. The Tennessee Department of Correction and CoreCivic, the private operator of the facility, remained on-site for continued operations and investigation.

“There’s no threat at all,” said Trousdale County Sheriff Ray Russell. “The prisoners never got to the main fence where they could escape. They were in a yard and contained.”

Further details regarding the cause of the riot or potential charges are expected to be released by the Tennessee Department of Correction or CoreCivic.

The Fair on the River is right around the corner! Any Smith County resident over the age of 18 or current member of a Family and Community Education (FCE) Club may enter items for the Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) exhibits. This year, the FCS exhibits will be taken on Friday, June 27th between 7:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. with the exception of cooking and floriculture. Cooking and floriculture entries will be taken on Monday, June 30th from 7:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

There are ten divisions this year: sewing, needlecraft, quilts, crafts, fine arts, photography, canning, cooking, floriculture, and heirlooms. For a complete list of entries, refer to the fair book, which can be picked up at the UT Extension office at 67 Cookeville Highway, Suite 102 Carthage, TN 37030 or various other locations around the county. Only one entry will be judged from any person under the same lot in any division. There is no entry fee.

In each division, first place will receive five dollars, second place will receive four dollars, and third place will receive three dollars. Best of Show in each Division will receive $10, as well as a prize. Premium checks will not be ready until Sunday, July 6th. At that time, entries, checks, and ribbons may be picked up from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Cooking entries will not be returned. We are not responsible for items not picked up after 2:00 p.m.

The Smith County Fair on the River will take place June 30th through July 5th at the Smith County Ag Center, so come out, have a great time, and be sure to enter your cultural art exhibits in the fair! The fair is a fun and exciting time for all ages. See you there!

No Bake Classic Woolworth Cheesecake

1 – 3 oz lemon Jell-O

1 cup boiling water

1 box graham cracker crumbs, about 3 cups

1 stick melted butter

1 – 8 oz cream cheese

1 cup sugar

5 Tablespoons lemon juice

1 can evaporated milk, well chilled

Dissolve Jell-O in boiling water and cool until slightly thickened.

Mix graham crackers and butter until blended. Press into 9 x 13 pan for crust. Save a little for top.

Beat evaporated milk until fluffy. In separate bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and lemon juice until smooth. Add Jell-O to evaporated milk mixture. Add cream cheese mixture.

Spread over graham cracker crust and sprinkle small amount on top.

Chill 2 hours or overnight.

Submitted by: Jan Knowles, Elmwood/Chestnut Mound FCE Club

Tennessee Tech University is home to the highest freshmen retention rate, highest four-year graduation rate and highest incoming student ACT scores among all Locally Governed Institutions (LGIs) in the state, according to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission’s (THEC) 2025 Fact Book.

The annual report found that Tech’s incoming freshmen for fall 2024 notched an average ACT score of 23.7 – outperforming freshmen at the state’s five other LGIs, including Austin Peay State University, East Tennessee State University, Middle Tennessee State University, Tennessee State University and University of Memphis. When all public institutions are included, Tech ranks in the top two statewide.

THEC additionally highlighted the increase in Tech’s four-year graduation rate, noting that, “The four-year (on-time) graduation rate for first-time, full-time freshmen who started at Tennessee Tech in fall 2018 is up almost six percentage points compared to the fall 2017 cohort.”

When students who entered Tech in the fall of 2020 are evaluated, Tech had the highest four-year graduation rate among all LGIs. Likewise, Tech had the highest six-year LGI graduation rate among students who entered Tech in the fall of 2018. Tech also boasts the highest fall-to-fall retention rate among LGIs at 83.9%, far exceeding the state higher education average of 71.6%.

“This report is proof positive that ‘students first’ is not just a slogan at Tennessee Tech, but a mission that our faculty and staff live out every day,” said Tech President Phil Oldham. “THEC’s findings show that Tennessee Tech continues to attract some of the best and brightest students in the state, and that these students remain on our campus and follow through to complete their degrees at rates well above the state average.”

Elsewhere in the report, THEC data showed that Tech graduates left campus with the lowest debt of all public university graduates in the state, and that 10 years after entering the university, former Tech students had the highest median earnings among all LGIs.

Tech also tied for the highest licensure and certification exam pass rate among all public universities in the state. The findings showed that graduates of Tech’s College of Education and Human Sciences scored a rare 100% pass rate for education licensure exams, while graduates of the Whitson-Hester School of Nursing earned a near-perfect 97% pass rate on their licensure exams.

Learn more about THEC’s 2025 Fact Book and read the full report at https://www.tn.gov/thec/news/2025/6/5/thec-releases-2025-tennessee-higher-education-fact-book.html.

It has been almost fourteen years since that terrible day on July 29, 2011, when the precious lives of James Barrett (69) and grandson Alton Barrett (4) were taken while sitting at a red light on East High Street in Lebanon. The vehicle was waiting on the light to change when it was struck from the rear by a drunk driver. A third occupant, Ronnie Boyd, was also seriously injured and remained disabled for the rest of his life. The drunk driver, Barbara A. Mayfield, (then 45) of Lebanon, was verified to have a blood alcohol level of .25. As a result of the crash, Mayfield pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated vehicular homicide, one count of vehicular assault, one count of DUI 3rd offense, and one count of driving on a revoked driver’s license, 2nd offense. At a sentencing hearing held on October 16, 2012, she was sentenced to serve 50 years in the Tennessee Department of Correction.

On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, Mayfield faced a parole hearing to determine if she should be released from prison and be placed on parole in the community. In attendance at the hearing were family members of victims, along with District Attorney Jason Lawson and Assistant District Attorney Laura Bush, who spoke in opposition of release. Members of Mayfield’s family spoke in support of release. Recently, the decision was announced—denial of parole and continued incarceration for Mayfield.

The case is so horrific that many wonder how Mayfield is even given a parole hearing. However, before July 1, 2022, most of Tennessee’s offenses did not fall under what is commonly known as “truth in sentencing,” meaning that the sentence given had to be served in its entirety. Due to an act passed by the Tennessee General Assembly that took effect on July 1, 2022, now the most violent offenses in Tennessee will never be granted a parole opportunity.

“This still leaves all of those cases that were committed prior to the Truth In Sentencing Law going into effect,” said Lawson. “On those cases, we will continue to stand with the victims’ families and do our very best to advocate that the defendant should serve the sentence earned by committing their crime. These victims’ families do not have attorneys and should not have to hire one to have legal argument presented at the parole hearing. To have the offender released early would absolutely depreciate the seriousness of the offense and cause injustice in the case. Here, if a fifty-year sentence turned into a fourteen-year sentence, for taking the lives of two people and seriously injuring a third, then our criminal justice system fails those victims. We cannot let that happen,” said Lawson.

This case represents one of many cases that the District Attorney’s office voice opinion at parole hearings each year, continuing to advocate for victims long after the original case ended in the court system. The D. A.’s Office receives notification of upcoming parole hearings, and on cases involving homicides and other serious offenses, the D.A.’s office speaks in opposition.

“People see the work we do everyday in the courtroom, but often don’t realize that our responsibility to victims continues for years after the conviction,” said Lawson. “While none of the prosecutors that originally handled this case are still with our office, that doesn’t lessen the on-going duty to continue to fight for victims. People like Mayfield should be made to serve their entire sentence, and we are thankful the parole board denied her request for early release.”

Parole is evaluated by a three-member panel who must review the original case, the efforts of rehabilitation of the defendant, any disciplinary infractions while in custody, and the plan of the defendant once released. A majority of the votes of the panel constitute the decision.

As the defendant has either pleaded guilty or been convicted at trial, the presumption of innocence is removed and is replaced by confirmation of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Earlier this year, the Tennessee General Assembly passed a bill to give more discretion to the parole board to base their decision solely on the facts of the crime, however, the bill was vetoed by Governor Lee.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency announces the availability of grant dollars to assist cities, schools, community organizations, civic groups, watershed organizations, conservation groups and others with stream clean-up projects during the 2025-26 fiscal year.

Five grants, at a maximum of $1,000 each, are available for each of TWRA’s four regional Aquatic Habitat Protection regions (a total of $5,000 per region). The funds will be obligated as grants, so the grantee must have a nonprofit tax number. The application deadline for this program is June 30, 2025.

The grant money could be used to buy supplies such as rakes, work gloves, and garbage bags. Additionally, the funds could be used to pay disposal fees for solid waste and tire removal or to provide promotional items like project advertisement or T-shirts and refreshments for volunteer support.

The grant application form can be viewed and completed by scanning the attached QR code. Contact TWRA’s Jason E. Miller at jason.edward.miller@tn.gov with any questions or contact a regional Aquatic Habitat Protection Biologist at a TWRA regional office listed below.

Region 1 . Allen Pyburn 200 Lowell Thomas Drive Jackson, TN 38301 (731) 423-6541

Region 2 Katie Murphy 5107 Edmondson Pike Nashville, TN 37204 (615)-934-6213 Allen.Pyburn@tn.gov Katie.M.Murphy@tn.gov

Region 3 Bobby Brown 464 Industrial Boulevard Crossville, TN 38555 (931) 484-9571 Bobby.Brown@tn.gov Region

4 Rob Lindbom 3030 Wildlife Way Morristown, TN 37814 (423) 587-7037 Dennis.Lindbom@tn.gov

Tennessee Tech University welcomed its newest class of Golden Eagles to campus for the first Student Orientation, Advisement and Registration (SOAR) sessions of the summer.

SOAR is Tech’s two-day, high-energy orientation for incoming freshmen, giving students an immersive first look at their college home over the summer before they enroll in the fall. The first session kicked off on May 27, and an additional eight SOAR dates will take place between now and the beginning of August.

Registration for remaining SOAR sessions is still available, but space is limited and admitted students are encouraged to sign up quickly to lock in their preferred dates.

During SOAR, admitted freshmen can finalize information for their academic major, set a class schedule for the upcoming semester and learn about student life on campus. The sessions are led in part by a group of 18 Student Orientation Assistants (SOAs), current Golden Eagles who help guide incoming students through the orientation process, get to know them on a personal level and stay connected to them even after their SOAR session ends.

“SOAR is our way of rolling out the red carpet for incoming students and helping them discover all this campus community has to offer,” said Karen Lykins, vice president for enrollment and communication at Tech. “Students are able to connect with peers in a fun and relaxed setting, meet with their academic advisor, familiarize themselves with campus and leave with all their questions answered so that they can start their college journey with total confidence.”

Lykins added, “We love the energy that these students bring to campus over the summer and can’t wait to welcome them back in the fall!”

Tennessee Tech is ranked as a “Best National University” by U.S. News & World Report and as the number one best value public university in the state by SmartAsset. The university offers more than 225 programs of study, and Tech grads leave with the least debt of all public universities in Tennessee.

Incoming Tech freshmen can learn more and register for a remaining SOAR session at www.tntech.edu/soar.

Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation (UCEMC) is looking for an Apprentice/Journeyman Lineman to join our team in Carthage, TN. Apprentice/Journeyman Lineman play a key role in assisting in the construction, maintenance, and repair of our electrical distribution system.

All Applicants should note that this position includes a residency requirement. The standard maximum distance employees hired shall be no more than twenty (20) miles of the service area perimeter of the Carthage Office to which assigned.

If you are dedicated, forward-thinking, service minded, and want to be a part of a team that powers our community, we encourage you to apply.

Apply today at https://ucemc.bamboohr.com/careers/27

Applications will be accepted through June 13, 2025 at 4:30 PM CST. For more details, contact UCEMC’s Human Resources Department at 1-800-261-2940, opt 3, opt 5, ext.123.

UCEMC is an EEO employer and an affirmative action employer. UCEMC is committed to guaranteeing to its employees and all applicants for employment equal employment opportunities regardless of race, gender, age, religion, national origin, genetic information, disability or veteran status, or any other protected status, except where such status is a bona fide occupational qualification.

Article courtesy of WJLE.com

Alexandria Mayor Beth Tripp and the town’s water and sewer manager Richard Edward Potter turned themselves in at the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department Tuesday afternoon after being named in a criminal summons for trying to get the police chief to cancel a ticket on someone.

Both will make an appearance in DeKalb County General Sessions Court on June 26th.

In a prepared statement, Sheriff Patrick Ray said that “39-year-old Jana Beth Tripp of Curtis Avenue. Alexandria and 60-year-old Richard Edward Potter of Bradford Hill Road North Brush Creek were booked into the DeKalb County Jail on June 3rd on a Criminal Summons following an investigation into a case for “Cancellation of a Citation”. These charges stem from an investigation by the Attorney General for the 13th Judicial District for DeKalb County”.

“The Criminal Summons for Tripp reads “On or about May 29th 2025, Tripp approached Alexandria Police Chief Vincent Turocy requesting him to cancel a ticket. This occurred in Alexandria in DeKalb County”.

“The Criminal Summons for Potter reads “On or about May 30th 2025, Potter approached Chief Turocy requesting him to cancel a ticket. This occurred in Alexandria in DeKalb County”.

The citations that Tripp and Potter were trying to get cancelled are not on the same person.

Both Tripp and Potter’s charges are a Class C Misdemeanor.

Tennessee Code § 40-6-215 (2024) – Summons instead of arrest warrant :: 2024 Tennessee Code :: U.S. Codes and Statutes :: U.S. Law :: Justia