Labor Day 2026 is Monday, September 7th. What is the celebration all about? I think of Labor Day as being the last holiday of summer. With this in mind, I try to work in a little family fun in this three-day weekend. Actually, Labor Day is to honor America’s workers. It is the result of a labor movement pushing for better working conditions. During the 1800’s there were no laws to protect workers. Workers were often required to work 12 hours per day for 7 day a week. Young children were often required to work in mines and mills with unsafe conditions. It is unclear who first suggested the holiday for workers, but two workers can make a substantial claim to the Founder of Labor Day title. Some records show that in 1882, Peter McGuire suggested setting a day aside for labor workers. Others believe that machinist Matthew Maguire founded the holiday. Recent research seems to support the contention that Matthew Maguire, proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. In 1894 Labor Day became a legal holiday. Later in 1916 congress passed an eight-hour work day law and overtime pay for certain workers. For more information on Labor Day Holiday, check out dol.gov. Easy Cream Cheese Fruit Cobbler 1 box yellow cake mix 1 can fruit pie filling – cherry, peach, or blueberry 1 package 8 oz cream cheese, softened ½ cup sugar 1 egg ½ teaspoon vanilla ½ cup butter, melted Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread pie filling evenly over 9 x 13 greased baking dish. In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Drop by spoonsful onto fruit filling. Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over everything. Drizzle melted butter over cake mix and cover as much as possible. Bake 40-50 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let it cool for 15 minutes before serving. Great with ice cream! Submitted by: Jan Knowles, Elmwood/Chestnut Mound FCE Club

(pictured above) 2026 Smith County 4-H Forestry Judging Competitors L to R: Russell Hodges, Ameila Hodges, Kyler Yerge, Luke Chartier, and Colten Yerge

On Friday, August 21, 2026, five Smith County 4-H’ers competed in the 2026 Central Region 4-H Forestry Judging Contest, which was held at the Wilson County Fair – Tennessee State Fair as part of the Year of Forestry celebration. Each of our 4-H’ers placed in the Top 10 in their age division!

In the Junior Division, Colten Yerge placed 2nd individually, and Russell Hodges placed 5th.

In the Junior High Division, Kyler Yerge placed 3rd individually, and Amelia Hodges placed 10th.

In the Senior High Division, Luke Chartier placed 2nd individually.

During the 4-H Forestry Judging competition, 4-H’ers are asked to correctly identify 20 different species of trees, 10 common insects or examples of their damage, and 10 diseases that can affect trees and the health of our forests. Competitors are also required to measure trees using a Biltmore stick, accurately estimate distances by pacing, and know how to use a compass.

We are so proud of these 4-H members for their dedication and commitment to learning more about the world around them and embracing the great outdoors as a classroom! 4-H Forestry Judging helps students learn about nature and practice their critical thinking and decision-making skills. It can also expose them to and prepare them for future careers in the natural resources sector.

Special thanks to former National 4-H Forestry Judging competitors Emmy Bibbings and Owen Meeks for helping with practices this year. It is so special to see our more experienced 4-H’ers give back and pass their knowledge on to the next generation!

If you would like to learn more about the 4-H Forestry Judging program or any of the many exciting opportunities that 4-H can offer our local youth, please contact Rachel Petty at 615-735-2900 or rpetty@utk.edu.

A Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) investigation into illegal hunting has resulted in the lifetime revocation of hunting privileges for a Smith County man.

The investigation began March 28, 2026, after a concerned citizen reported that two wild turkeys had been illegally harvested near Alexandria. Information provided by the caller, including a photograph of the suspect vehicle, helped game wardens identify the vehicle and its owner.

As the investigation continued, TWRA game wardens uncovered evidence of additional wildlife violations dating back to at least 2023. Investigators found that deer had allegedly been harvested outside of legal hunting seasons and later reported during open seasons.

A search of digital devices and a subsequent search of the suspect’s residence led to the discovery of a substantial amount of wildlife parts. TWRA seized 18 deer mounts, 52 turkey beards, 84 turkey spurs and one turkey fan mount. Officials said the vast majority of the items were obtained illegally.

On July 24, 2026, Austin Hale pleaded guilty to six counts of illegal possession of wildlife. As part of the plea agreement, the court ordered the lifetime revocation of his hunting privileges, forfeiture of the seized wildlife parts and six years of supervised probation. Hale also agreed to make a $1,000 donation to the Tennessee Hunter Education Fund in lieu of forfeiting two deer mounts.

The hunting privilege revocation will also be recognized by participating states through the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact.

Illegal hunting and wildlife violations not only harm Tennessee’s natural resources, but also undermine the efforts of hunters who follow the law and regulations designed to protect wildlife populations.

TWRA encourages anyone who witnesses suspected wildlife violations to report them to a local game warden or through the agency’s poaching hotline.

 

The search for a missing boater on Percy Priest Lake ended Wednesday, Aug. 19, shortly after 3:20 p.m., when search crews located a man’s body following a three-day search effort. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) resumed search operations on Wednesday at 8 a.m. with assistance from CAM-SAR, a volunteer emergency response organization equipped with remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and Tow-fish sonar scanning technology designed to support open-water search operations.

The search began Monday Aug. 17, shortly after 4 p.m. when TWRA, Nashville Office of Emergency Management, Nashville Fire Department, and the Metro Nashville Police Department responded to a report of a missing person on Percy Priest Lake.

Preliminary information indicated 72-year-old Phillip Green of Nashville was boating on Percy Priest with a female companion. The couple exited the pontoon boat they were on to swim with the use of a single pool noodle as flotation. While the couple swam, winds caused the boat to drift away and Green, without a personal flotation device, attempted to swim to the vessel. Green went underwater and did not resurface according to the female witness.

The female drifted on the pool noodle for over an hour before a passing boat rescued her. Because first responders didn’t know exactly where Mr. Green disappeared, they had to search a wide area of open water.

Over the next two days, crews searched multiple locations in a 200-300 acre area of Percy Priest Lake to locate the missing boater.

On Wednesday, CAM-SAR personnel provided a target location using the TOW-fish sonar and TWRA investigators deployed a ROV to the target area. At approximately 3:20 p.m., the body of Mr. Green was located and divers with Nashville Office of Emergency Management made the recovery.

Smith County property owners will not see an increase in the county property tax rate this year following action taken by county commissioners during a special called meeting Monday night, August 10.

Commissioners approved the county’s 2026-27 fiscal year budget along with a state-certified property tax rate of $1.3023.

During the meeting, commissioners also approved a $35 million budget for the Smith County school system.

Budget and Finance Committee Chairman Connor McDonald said the $35 million figure falls between the Smith County Board of Education’s projected revenue of approximately $33 million and its proposed expenditures of about $37 million.

In addition to approving the budget, commissioners agreed to call for a referendum on a proposed increase in the county sales tax rate in areas where the county rate is currently 2 percent.

If approved by voters, the referendum would increase the sales tax rate from 2 percent to 2.75 percent in unincorporated areas of the county and South Carthage. The cities of Carthage and Gordonsville already have a 2.75 percent sales tax rate, meaning the proposed increase would not change the rate within those city limits.

Residents are expected to vote on the proposed increase in November, with the referendum taking place in conjunction with the State General Election and city elections in Carthage and Gordonsville.

McDonald emphasized that the proposed increase would apply only to South Carthage and areas outside the incorporated city limits.

“South Carthage, which has a two percent sales tax rate, would be affected by the rate change,” McDonald explained. “Carthage and Gordonsville are already at the 2.75 percent rate, so nothing changes there, meaning no change to grocery bills at SavWay or Walmart inside those city limits.”

According to McDonald, figures provided by the state indicate that the proposed change would not negatively affect sales tax revenue received by the cities of Carthage or Gordonsville.

County Attorney Jeremy Hassler also addressed the issue during Monday night’s meeting. McDonald noted that sales tax revenue is the only source of county tax revenue collected from non-residents who make purchases in the county.

The idea of pursuing the sales tax increase was initially raised by a member of the Smith County Board of Education during the school board’s previous meeting. County commissioners and school officials subsequently worked together on the proposal.

If voters approve the increase in November,,at least half of the additional sales tax revenue would be directed to the school system. McDonald estimates that amount could generate approximately $450,000 to $500,000 for local schools.

 

 

This article is part of Smith County Success Stories, a Chamber Business Spotlight series presented by the Smith County Chamber of Commerce. The series highlights businesses, entrepreneurs, organizations, and community leaders whose hard work, innovation, and dedication help make Smith County a great place to live, work, visit, and do business.

When people see Patriot Contractors’ trucks around Smith County, they recognize a local construction company. What they may not realize is the story of hard work, service, family values, and community commitment behind the business. Patriot Contractors, LLC, a member of the Smith County Chamber of Commerce, has grown from humble beginnings into a full-service construction company serving residential and commercial clients throughout Middle Tennessee.

Located at 1011 Main Street North in Carthage, Patriot Contractors is licensed, bonded, and insured, offering services that include new construction, remodels, roofing, gutters, excavation, water lines, septic systems, and a wide range of additional residential and commercial services.

Owner James Byrnes’ journey began long before the company was established. Growing up in difficult circumstances, Byrnes learned the value of hard work at an early age. By his mid-teens, he was already working in construction and learning from experienced professionals and mentors who helped shape both his skills and work ethic. Rather than viewing obstacles as roadblocks, he treated them as opportunities to learn and improve.

Today, Patriot Contractors employs approximately twenty-four people and has become known for tackling projects of all sizes, from small repairs to luxury homes, commercial renovations, and extensive remodels. The company has played a role in numerous projects throughout Smith County and surrounding communities, helping improve homes, businesses, and public spaces.

According to Byrnes, one of the guiding principles behind Patriot Contractors is delivering value rather than simply being the lowest bidder. He believes reputation matters and that clients deserve quality workmanship, dependable service, and a contractor who leaves a project better than they found it. That philosophy has helped the company earn repeat customers and referrals throughout the region.

Military service has also played an important role in shaping Byrnes’ approach to leadership. A United States Marine Corps veteran, he credits the discipline, responsibility,

and teamwork learned during his service with influencing how he operates his business today.

Beyond construction, Byrnes is passionate about community involvement. He has supported fundraising efforts for veterans and individuals with disabilities and remains committed to giving back to the community that has supported his business. His belief that success should be measured not only by financial growth but also by positive impact reflects the values that continue to guide Patriot Contractors.

The company’s reach extends beyond traditional construction. Patriot Contractors has also been involved in the development of Grace Haven Senior Living in Hartsville, an independent living community designed for active adults aged fifty-five and older. The project reflects the company’s ability to manage larger developments while helping address important community needs.

Despite their growth, Patriot Contractors remains rooted in Smith County. Byrnes describes one of the area’s greatest strengths as its sense of community, where people know one another and local businesses support each other’s success. That hometown atmosphere continues to motivate the company as it expands its services while maintaining a commitment to quality and customer relationships.

For Byrnes and his team, the goal is not simply to complete construction projects. It is to be known as a team that delivers quality work, stands behind its reputation, and contributes to the long-term success of the community it serves.

Patriot Contractors can be reached at 615-489-0578, by email at patriotcontractors77@gmail.com, or online at www.patriotcontractorsusa.com.

Smith County Chamber of Commerce Member Spotlight recognizes businesses that invest in our community, create jobs, and help make Smith County a stronger place to live, work, and visit. We are proud to spotlight Patriot Contractors and thank them for their continued membership and support of the Chamber.

 

When I think of fall, I think of vibrant orange, yellow, and green leaves, pumpkin recipes, and of course a new school year for children! As children return to school, there are some basic safety tips we can all follow to ensure the safety of students as they travel to and from school.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), from 2013 to 2022 more than 1,000 people died in school-transportation-related crashes, and 198 of those were children age 18 and younger. Most of those students weren’t on the bus. 82% were either walking, waiting for the bus, biking, using personal devices such as scooters and wheelchairs, or in another vehicle. NHTSA offers the following safety tips:

Drivers:

• You may need to add additional time to your commute as all drivers following or passing a school bus need to stop when the bus stops to pick up students.
• Red flashing lights on the bus mean stop and wait at least 20 feet behind the bus. Children are getting on or off the school bus. Remain stationary until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop-arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving.
• Even when lights aren’t flashing, watch for children, especially in the morning or mid-afternoon, around school arrival and dismissal periods. Be alert as you back out of a driveway or drive through a neighborhood, school zone, or bus stop.

Parents:

• If you are driving your child to school:
• Make sure everyone in the vehicle is always wearing a seatbelt while the car is in motion.
• If the child is 12 years old or younger, he or she should always be riding in the back seat and, depending on age, sitting in the appropriate car seat.

· If your child is riding the bus:

• Make sure he or she lines up 6 feet away from the curb as the bus approaches.
• Advise them to always wait until the bus comes to a complete halt and the bus driver tells them to board before approaching the bus.
• If your children have to cross in front of the bus, teach them to first walk at least 10 feet ahead until you can see the driver.
• Teach them that they should face forward when seated and remain seated while the bus is in motion.
• Tell them to exit the bus when it stops and look left-right-left for cars before crossing a street.
• Communicate with your children that the bus driver should always be able to see them when they are departing near the bus.

Walkers:

Children and adolescents need 60 minutes or more of physical activity each day. Walking to school is a great way to help reach that goal. However, children 10 years old and younger should be accompanied by an adult or young adult on their way to and from school. If you are walking:

• Use the sidewalk whenever available, and if there isn’t a sidewalk, walk on the edge of the street facing traffic.
• Whenever they are accessible, use marked crosswalks to cross the street, and look left-right-left for vehicles or bikes before crossing.
• Make sure you never play, push, or shove other individuals when you walk around traffic.
• Everyone should watch the road, not their phones.

Bikers:

Biking is a fun, healthy method of getting to and from school. If you are biking:

• Always wear a properly fitted helmet, and securely fasten the chin strap.
• Ride in the same direction as traffic and follow traffic signs and signals.
• Stay in the bike lane whenever possible.
• Never use electronics while riding.

Student drivers:

As adolescents may be getting newly acquainted with driving, it is important to follow these safety tips:

• The vehicle should not move until everyone is buckled up.
• Abide by the speed limit.
• Stay focused. Keep your cellphone in a safe location in the vehicle where it cannot be seen. In 2017, 297 people died in crashes that involved distracted teen (15- to 19-year-old) drivers.
• We all have a part to play in keeping children in our community safe when it comes to transportation. As summertime comes to an end, keeping back-to-school safety at the top of your mind will ensure a successful and productive school year for our youth. For more information on back-to-school safety, contact Mary Parker Draper at UT-TSU Extension, Smith County at 615-735-2900.

Squash Dressing

2 cups squash, boiled, drained, and mashed

½ stick butter, melted

1 large onion, chopped

2 cups cornbread, crumbled

1 can cream of chicken soup

3 tablespoons sage or less depending on taste

Salt to taste

Pepper to tastte

Combine squash, butter, onion, cornbread, soup, sage, salt, and pepper. Pour into casserole dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes. Submitted by: Linda Lankford, Elmwood/Chestnut Mound FCE Club

 

The Smith County Commission held its meeting on the evening of Monday, August 10, 2026

You can watch the full meeting below.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1G5jVySE9U/

Thanks to Powell & Meadows Insurance Agency for sponsoring the live broadcast of this meeting.

Subscribe to Smith County Insider’s YouTube channel to stay up-to-date on meeting coverage, business spotlights, video features, and more!

Commission meetings are held in the Smith County Agricultural Center, 159 Ag Center Lane, Carthage, TN.

All meetings are open to the public and are streamed live at https://www.facebook.com/smithcountyinsider/.

 

A Gordonsville woman had her stolen 2021 Hyundai SUV recovered within an hour after a suspect’s crime spree crossed into Mt. Juliet.

It all began shortly after midnight this morning on I-40 in Smith County, when a deputy spotted a vehicle displaying a false license plate. When the deputy attempted a traffic stop, the driver fled before crashing on Grant Highway in Gordonsville. The suspect ran from the crash and was not located during the initial search. The abandoned vehicle had a damaged and punched ignition, along with a broken door handle.

Later around 8:15 a.m., a 2021 Hyundai SUV was reported stolen from a driveway on Bob Davis Lane in Gordonsville.

Around 9:30 a.m., #MJGuardianShield alerted officers on the stolen SUV’s license plate when the stolen Hyundai entered Mt. Juliet on Lebanon Road near West Elementary School. Officers immediately responded and began searching the area.

The SUV was located a short time later on Lebanon Road near Benders Ferry Road. Officers contained the vehicle in a parking lot and safely took the suspect, a 20-year-old Celina man, into custody.

The stolen SUV was recovered for its owner, along with the victim’s purse.

Every day, our officers work hard to prevent crime, protect our community, and ensure those who commit crimes in Mt. Juliet are held accountable. The reality is that many of the criminal suspects our officers encounter do not live in our city. They can enter Mt. Juliet and leave just as quickly.

That is why proactive policing, strong investigative work, responsible use of technology, and close partnerships with surrounding law enforcement agencies are so important. Together, those efforts help our officers identify criminal activity, quickly locate those responsible, recover stolen property, and hold offenders accountable before they can cause harm in our community.

From the Mt Juliet Facebook page