Plans are underway to hold an Eagle Scout Court of Honor on February 8, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Red Boiling Springs (445 Carthage Road) where Thaddeus Paul Stark will be presented the Eagle Scout Award before family, friends, and members of the community. His family includes Kristy Stark, Greg and Melanie Stark, and siblings Wyatt Stark, and Breanna Roysdon. The public is invited to share in the celebration which begins at 3:30 PM.

Troop 367 Scouts BSA is pleased to announce that Stark becomes the eighteenth Scout from Troop 367 since 2007 to attain this honor and ranks in the 7% of middle Tennessee Scouts in his accomplishment.

Stark was deemed worthy to receive the Eagle rank on September 28, 2024, by members of the Cumberland River District Advancement Committee of the Middle Tennessee Council of the Boy Scouts of America: Diane Morris, Lynn Ray, Danny Ray, Peggy Hawkins and Dustin Ryals.

For his Eagle Scout Community Service Project, Thad assembled frames for beehives and built and installed beehive foundations as well as perimeter fencing on the grounds near the Cordell Hull Resource Office to fulfill the requirements for a U. S. Army Corps of Engineer’s pollinator project. In addition to beehive supplies obtained through a grant, donations of materials from Cumberland Supply in Carthage made this project possible along with the help of fellow Scouts.

Stark is a 2024 graduate of Red Boiling High School. Information provided by Vivian Reynolds, Boy Scout Leader.

Smith County Youth Soccer will be holding Spring Registration on the following dates in the Community Room at the Smith County Chamber of Commerce. For more information contact Jan Trainham at 615-418-6146.

Tuesday, February 11th 5-7 p.m.

Tuesday, February 18th 5-7 p.m.

Tuesday, February 25th 5-7 p.m.

The Smith County Chamber of Commerce is located at 939 Upper Ferry Road, Carthage. Registration will be held each nigh 5-7 p.m. Registration fee is $45.

Murfreesboro, TN – The inaugural Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program (YCLP), powered by the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association (TCA) and the Tennessee Beef Industry Council (TBIC), officially launched on January 23-24, 2025, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This year-long program is designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in Tennessee’s beef cattle industry.

The first class of YCLP participants includes the following:

• Vanessa Brazelton, Lincoln County
• Holland Brewer, Gibson County
• Alyssa Clements, Clay County
• Nick Harper, Smith County
• Jacob Harrison, Wilson County
• William Henley, Franklin County
• Steven Jones, Fentress County
• Houston Neal, Wilson County
• Andrew Pryor, Monroe County
• Josh Shoulders, Smith County
• Tara Simcox, Overton County
• Garrett Tallent, Rhea County
• Chevy Taylor, Weakley County

“I am honored to be chosen to participate in the 2025 Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program,” said Tara Simcox, Overton County. “I am excited to be surrounded by other young cattle producers from across the state to share ideas and make connections to take back to my county organization and my farming operation.”

The YCLP is designed to provide participants (ages 25-40) with a comprehensive understanding of Tennessee’s beef cattle industry, from pasture to plate. Over the course of the year, participants will attend six sessions held across the state, where they will gain hands-on experience, develop leadership skills, and build valuable networks with industry professionals.

“I am excited to be part of the Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program in Tennessee,” said Alyssa Clements, Clay County. “I am eager to learn more about the roles the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association and Tennessee Beef Industry Council play in educating, advocating, and representing Tennessee cattle producers. I look forward to representing my home county and family farm as a member of the inaugural class in 2025 and hope to become more involved at the state level.”

The YCLP aims to broaden participants’ understanding of cattle production, beef promotion, and industry advocacy. Additionally, it provides a platform for participants to engage with industry experts and peers, while preparing them to take on leadership roles at the local, state, and national levels.

“This program is a significant step in ensuring the future of Tennessee’s beef industry,” said Melinda Hart, TCA Director of Youth Programs and Outreach. “By empowering young leaders with the knowledge and skills they need, we’re helping to shape a strong, sustainable future for beef production in Tennessee.”

The program’s goal is to ensure that the next generation of cattlemen and cattlewomen are equipped to advocate for the industry and effectively address the challenges and opportunities facing beef producers today and in the future.

More about the program can be found on the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association website.

TCA was founded in 1985 and has more than 5,100 members from across the state and the southeast. The organization works to provide the cattlemen of Tennessee with an organization through which they may function collectively to protect their interests and work toward the solution of cattle industry problems and to build the necessary goodwill that will bring both governmental esteem and recognition to the industry.

I’m thrilled to announce the opening of Kiddos Play Center in Carthage, TN, this summer of 2025! We’re eager to provide a one-of-a-kind destination for children and families in the community.

Kiddos Play Center is designed for children ages 1 to 12 and features a variety of activities to spark fun and adventure for all. Our offerings include:

• Indoor playground with trampolines, ball pits, and exciting play structures
• Party rooms for birthdays and special events
• Snack and drink options for families to enjoy
• Bounce house rentals for special events away from our main location

We’re proud to be the only dedicated indoor play center in the Carthage area.

We’re especially excited to be opening in the old Tuley’s Furniture Store building, located right on Main Street Square in the heart of Carthage!

Our website, www.kiddosplaycenter.com, contains more information about our services, memberships, pricing, and bookings!

Gabriel Harville, a graduating senior at smith County High School, has been named a Career and Technical Education candidate as part of the 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. The Career and Technical Education candidates were nominated by their Chief State School Officers based on their accomplishments in career and technical education fields.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 by Executive Order of the President to recognize some our nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors for their accomplishments in many areas: academic success, leadership and service to school and community. It was expanded in 1979 to recognize students demonstrating exceptional scholarship and talent in the visual, creative, and performing arts. In 2015, the program was expanded once again to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical fields. Annually, up to 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars are chosen from among that year’s senior class, representing excellence in education and the promise of greatness in America’s youth.

The Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of up to 32 eminent citizens appointed by the President, will select the finalists, and the U.S. Department of Education will announce the 161 Scholars in May. Of these, up to 20 will be selected as U.S. Presidential Scholars in Career and Technical Education.

U.S. Presidential Scholars are honored for their accomplishments during the online National Recognition Progrma each June. To commemorate their achievement, the Scholars are awarded the Presidential Scholars Medallion.

Gabriel Harville is the son of Jason and Lisa Harville of Smith County, TN.

The Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) has sparked debate with a transfer rule proposal. During a meeting today, the Legislative Council of the TSSAA rejected the proposal that would have allowed students one opportunity to switch schools after 9th grade without losing athletic eligibility.

Under the current “Bon Fide Change of Residence” clause, students can transfer without penalty if they moved homes. The new proposal offered a single transfer post-freshman year regardless of a residence change.

This change has been discussed in the past and continued to stir controversy before its rejection. Currently, House Bill 25 had been introduced in the state legislature and would allow for an athletic transfer without a change of residence, so these discussions will still continue. Some argue it might lead to an increase in athletic recruitment, potentially skewing competitive balance in high school sports. Others see it as a beneficial adjustment for student mobility.

Mark Reeves, TSSAA’s Executive Director, addressed the Legislative Council during discussions, stating, “We are in a sacred space. We are not professional sports. We’re not college sports. We’re not club & travel sports, either. We are in a sacred space of education-based athletics. Truly our focus should be on enhancing kids’ lives through sport.”

Discussions around this proposed rule will remain a contentious topic, with opinions divided on its implications for high school sports in Tennessee. In addition to the one time transfer proposal, another proposal was rejected that would allow students transferring for academic or non-athletic reasons and retain their athletic eligibility, provided the previous school administration confirms the transfer was for education reasons and unrelated to athletics. The Legislature Council is expected to continue discussions regarding a change to the transfer rule for academic or non-athletic reasons as many members had questions and wanted additional guidance regarding that possibility. Other discussion regarding residency requirements will also continue. It appears that the transfer rule discussion is far from over given the discussion today and the pending state legislation affecting transfer eligibility.

Smith County High School celebrates the top ten ACT scorers from the Class of 2025:

Students from right to left and their scores:

• Gabe Harville – 33
• Chloe Collins & Charolette Dies – 30
• Lauren Carlyle, Mia Cook, Chloe Powell, Cruz Martinez – 28
• Noah Hanson, Jamison Howell, Chloe Martin, John Rosales – 27
• Brayden Marek – 27 (Not Pictured)

Congratulations to these outstanding students for their academic achievements!

The Town of Carthage is accepting applications for a Full-Time certified Police Officer position. Benefits include paid vacation, health insurance, and retirement.

Applications are available at Carthage City Hall until the position is filled. City Hall is located at 314 Spring Street, Carthage, TN 37030. Online applications: www.townofcarthagetn.gov.

The Town of Carthage is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

Six Tennessee students were awarded the Youth Beef Heifer Initiative Scholarship, sponsored by the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association (TCA) and Farm Credit Mid-America (FCMA). They received this award at the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association Youth Awards Banquet sponsored by Kubota Tractor Corporation, on Saturday, January 18, 2025, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

The Heifer Initiative focuses on the cost-sharing of beef cattle for youth. First-place winners of each age division are awarded $2,000 and a belt buckle sponsored by the University of Tennessee Animal Science, and the second-place winners are awarded $1,000.

“The Heifer Scholarship Initiative is one of the most rewarding programs our association offers to youth,” said Melinda Hart, TCA Director of Youth Programs and Outreach. “We can help the future leaders of our industry by offsetting the cost of purchasing a heifer. This is just one way we can help them get off to the right start in our industry. We are grateful to partner with Farm Credit Mid-America on the heifer scholarship program again this year.”

Mason Harris of Unicoi County won first place in the Youth Division and Emma Teeple of White County placed second. Levi Shults of Unicoi County received first place in the Junior High Division and Kara Brooks of Smith County placed second. Jackson Overbay of Hamblen County won first place in the Senior Division and Caden McKnight of Monroe County received second.

“Winning the Youth Beef Heifer Initiative Scholarship is a big deal for me,” said Jackson Overbay, first-place senior high winner. “It will assist me in purchasing a quality heifer to keep improving my herd genetics.”

This scholarship money is to be put towards the purchase of a beef heifer of their choice from a Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association member within one year of receiving the funds. There are three age divisions: Youth, Junior High, and Senior High. The application for the 2026 Beef Heifer Initiative Scholarship will be available in the fall of 2025.

“I am thankful to be selected as the first-place winner in the Youth Division of the Youth Beef Heifer Initiative Scholarship,” said Mason Harris, Unicoi County. “I was so surprised when I learned that I won the award, and I am very appreciative. I look forward to using this scholarship money on a show heifer to grow my herd.”

TCA was founded in 1985 and has more than 00 members from across the state and the southeast. The organization works to provide the cattlemen of Tennessee with an organization through which they may function collectively to protect their interests and work toward the solution of cattle industry problems and to build the necessary goodwill that will bring both governmental esteem and recognition to the industry.

At Gordonsville High School, a routine class turned into a moment of heroism when 14-year-old student Evan Boyd took decisive action to avert a potential threat. Earlier today, during an 11:30 a.m. eighth-grade class, Evan noticed something unusual – what appeared to be a gun in a classmate’s waistband.

Evan, in an act of bravery, decided not to wait for the situation to escalate. He recalled, “I was sitting in class reading my book, and I looked over and I noticed this kid messing with his waistband. I realized there’s a gun. My friends told me not to do anything, but I’d rather me get shot than them or any of my classmates. So I stood up, I got behind him, I grabbed his arms, told my teacher he has a gun, and I got the gun from his waistband. Then I got him on the ground.”

His swift actions involved tackling the student from behind, disarming him, and pushing the weapon away across the floor. He shouted “gun” to alert his classmates, who promptly evacuated the room. The teacher activated a Centegix alert badge to alert administrators and law enforcement, and the school was placed on a lockdown.

Upon further examination, what was initially perceived as a firearm turned out to be a BB gun, a fact unknown to Evan at the time of his brave intervention. Smith County Sheriff Steve Hopper confirmed Evan’s account, emphasizing that even BB guns are strictly prohibited on school premises.

Evan’s quick thinking and courageous act have been praised by many, showcasing not only his concern for the safety of his peers but also his willingness to put himself at risk to prevent potential harm. Evan’s actions today have undoubtedly marked him as a hero in the eyes of his community.

The Smith County Board of education released the following statement about the incident:

Earlier today, on school grounds, a student at Gordonsville High School (GHS) was found to be in possession of a BB gun that closely resembled a handgun. The weapon was discovered by a fellow student, who immediately reported the matter to a teacher. Thanks to this quick and responsible action, the youth was promptly detained by school staff. Law enforcement responded swiftly, and the student was arrested and remains in custody.

In a separate incident, another student claimed to also have a weapon in their possession. This student was immediately taken into custody. However, after a thorough search, no additional weapons were found on the premises.

“We are incredibly grateful for the quick thinking and prompt actions of teachers and law enforcement involved in ensuring the safety of our school.  The execution of our safety plan was perfection,” said Director Barry H. Smith. “The cooperation and alertness shown today helped prevent a potentially dangerous situation from escalating.”

The Smith County Board of Education recognizes the fear and uncertainty this situation may have caused among students, parents, and staff. Counselors will be available at GHS tomorrow to provide support and counseling for those impacted by today’s events.

“We understand the impact that incidents like this can have on our school community,” said Barry Smith. “We want to reassure our parents and students that we take this matter very seriously. The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. The Smith County Board of Education will not tolerate any behavior that threatens the well-being of our schools. Any student found in possession of a weapon or making threats involving weapons will face the fullest consequences under the law and district policy.”

We would like to ask the community to understand this is still an active and ongoing investigation. While we acknowledge that parents deserve to know details as quickly as possible, it is important to recognize for the safety of all individuals involved, only general information can be released at this time. In situations like the one that occurred today, the priority is to neutralize the threat and ensure the safety of all students and staff. Notifying parents during an ongoing incident is not always possible, and doing so prematurely could jeopardize the safety of everyone involved.

Gordonsville Police and the Smith County Sheriff’s Office have assured the school district that they will continue to investigate the incident thoroughly.

The Smith County Help Center was able to assist 1,096 families with food or utility needs. Additionally, during times of crisis—such as house fires they stepped in to help 38 families who lost everything, providing clothing, furniture, and essential household items.

Thanks to the generous donations received, the Help Center raised $53,000 through sales, all of which went directly toward providing food and utility assistance for Smith County residents facing immediate hardships.

Director Pamela Ferriss shares her heartfelt gratitude, saying, “We thank each of you for your generosity and support. Please remember us when you’re looking to donate items, and most of all, keep our mission in your prayers. Together, we continue to be a ‘Hand Up, Not a Handout”

The Smith County Help Center is a non-profit organization helping those in need of assistance with food, utilities, and emergency needs. Smith Co Help Center operates on funds received from grants and donations made by concerned individuals, businesses and churches. It is also a local thrift shop located at 318 Main St N, Carthage, TN where you can find a variety of items including clothing, housewares, furniture, home decor and much more.

The University of Tennessee at Martin recently announced its Chancellor’s Honor Roll recipients for the Fall 2024 semester, recognizing students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement.

Among those honored was Violet C. Gillilan of Elmwood, who earned a spot on the list with honors. To qualify for the Chancellor’s Honor Roll, students must complete at least 12 hours of credit and maintain a minimum 3.2 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. Honors are awarded to students achieving a GPA between 3.2 and 3.49.

Congratulations to Violet on this accomplishment!