TVA Urges Power Reduction Amid Cold Snap
On Tuesday, January 21, 2025, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) issued a call to the public to reduce power consumption for our area on the morning of Wednesday, January 22 from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. This reduction request is voluntary and the power grid remains stables. The requested energy reduction aims to both save customers money and mitigate potential strain on the power grid during the antipated cold weather.
The TVA suggests several strategies for reducing energy use:
- Adjust Your Thermostat: Lowering your thermostat to between 65-68 degrees can lead to savings of approximately 3% on your monthly energy bill for each degree reduced.
- Delay Major Appliances Use: Residents are encouraged to postpone using high-energy appliances like clothes dryers, dishwashers, and ovens during the peak hours.
- Minimize Non-Essential Use: Turn off lights and unplug or switch off any non-essential appliances.
- For Commercial Businesses: Turn off lights and office equipment not in use, and adjust heating systems outside of business hours to conserve energy.
The call for energy usage reduction comes as Smith County braces for a significant drop in temperatures overnight. Weather forecasts predict a chilling low in the single digits overnight into Wednesday morning, with temperatures hovering around 3 degrees at the start of the requested energy reduction window.
Auction Items Being Accepted for 7th Annual River City Ball
The highly anticipated 7th Annual River City Ball is preparing for another extraordinary year, and organizers are now accepting donations for its silent, live, and online auctions. Presented by Hotel Walton and Caney Fork Farms, the River City Ball has become a cornerstone event in Smith County, bringing the community together to raise funds for worthy local causes.
Businesses and individuals are encouraged to participate by donating auction items. Interested participants can directly message the River City Ball team or email rivercityball@outlook.com to coordinate their donations.
The 2025 beneficiary of the River City Ball is the Smith County Rescue Squad, a volunteer-driven organization that provides emergency services such as vehicle extrication, technical rescue operations, water rescues, and search-and-rescue operations. For over five decades, the Rescue Squad has answered calls for help from Smith County residents and travelers alike. As a volunteer group, they rely on community support to continue their lifesaving work.
The 7th Annual River City Ball will be held on Saturday, May 10th, 2025, at Catesa Farms. Tickets will go on sale on February 5th at 6:00 PM, and attendees are encouraged to secure their spots early.
Since its inception, the River City Ball has raised over $100,000 to support community projects that enhance the quality of life in Smith County. For more information, follow the River City Ball on Facebook or Instagram.
Gordonsville’s Daycee Bane Achieves President’s List at SUNY Canton
Gordonsville native Daycee Bane has earned a spot on the Fall 2024 President’s List at SUNY Canton. As an Applied Psychology major and a member of the school’s volleyball team, Daycee exemplifies excellence both on and off the court.
To earn this honor, full-time students must achieve a GPA of 3.75 or higher. This recognition highlights Daycee’s commitment to her academics while balancing the demands of being a collegiate athlete.
In a congratulatory letter, SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran praised Daycee’s accomplishment, saying, “The achievement of earning honors represents a milestone in your academic journey. That journey inspires others to dream big and work hard while paving the way for future success. Congratulations from the faculty, staff, and administration at SUNY Canton!”
Congrats, Daycee on your accomplishment!
Smith County Students Make Volunteer State Community College Dean’s List
Volunteer State Community College has announced the Dean’s List for Fall 2024, recognizing students who achieved a GPA of 3.75 or higher while completing at least 12 collegiate-level hours. Several students from Smith County have earned this honor.
The following students from Smith County have earned a place on Volunteer State’s Dean’s List:
- Carolina Caballero
- Halle Fulghum
- Lacey Laszlo
- Stephen Laszlo
- Megan Lawrence
- Michelle Lee
- Sienna Milligan
- Grayson Mahala
- Dallas Smith
- Kara Thompson*
*indicates Honor Roll distinction
Congratulations to these students on their academic achievements! You may view the full Fall 2024 Dean’s list here and the Dean’s List & Honor Roll here.
Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti Announces Landmark Settlement with BlackRock, Inc. Regarding ESG Practices
NASHVILLE—Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti announced today a landmark settlement with BlackRock, Inc., resolving allegations that the global investment firm misled consumers regarding the role of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors in its investment practices. The settlement concludes a lawsuit filed by the State of Tennessee under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).
Tennessee’s suit alleges that BlackRock failed to adequately disclose its integration of ESG considerations into its decision making with respect to asset management. The suit further alleges that BlackRock overstated the financial benefits of ESG-related strategies. These practices allegedly misled investors and consumers regarding BlackRock’s investment objectives and alignments with climate-focused initiatives and other policy-oriented goals.
“This resolution assures that the money Tennesseans invest with BlackRock is managed consistent with the funds’ disclosures,” said Attorney General Skrmetti. “While investors are always free to buy cause-oriented products instead of focusing on maximum return, this settlement ensures that only investors who make a knowing choice will see their assets directed toward these non-financial goals.”
Key Terms of the Settlement:
- Enhanced Transparency: BlackRock will increase its disclosure of proxy voting practices, ensuring investors have greater insights into decision-making rationales.
- Compliance and Oversight: BlackRock will implement compliance measures, including audits by a third-party service to monitor adherence to the agreement’s terms.
- Investor Communications: BlackRock commits to ensuring that its communications with investors are consistent with well-established laws governing disclosure and fiduciary duty.
- Commitment to Financial Interests: For funds that do not have investment objectives beyond financial performance, BlackRock commits to casting shareholder votes solely to further the financial interests of investors.
As part of the settlement, the State of Tennessee will dismiss the lawsuit without prejudice, reserving the right to refile if BlackRock does not substantially comply.
You can view the full settlement here.
Rep. Rose Releases Statement Following Inauguration of President Donald J. Trump
WASHINGTON, DC—On Monday, U.S. Representative John Rose (TN-06) celebrated the inauguration of Donald J. Trump, 47th President of the United States. The historic ceremony took place inside the rotunda of the Capitol, a first since the second inauguration of Ronald Reagan in 1985.
Rep. Rose issued the following statement following the transfer of power:
“I joined the millions of Tennesseans who took a sigh of relief a few minutes ago,” Rep. Rose said. “The United States is back. The long nightmare of open borders, inflation fueled by deficit spending, and overregulation are over. I am thrilled to see President Trump back in the White House. I wish him, Vice President JD Vance, and the entire Trump-Vance Administration godspeed as they work to get our country back on track. I will be praying for their success.”
U.S. Representative John Rose is currently serving his fourth term representing Tennessee’s Sixth Congressional District and resides in Cookeville 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, and currently serves on the House Financial Services Committee and House Agriculture Committee.
Free Soup and Chili event in library basement in Carthage
For His Glory Ministries is delighted to invite the community to a Free Soup and Chili Event on Saturday, February 1st, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (or while supplies last).
This event is open to everyone, and no cost or registration is required—just come as you are and enjoy a warm meal in a welcoming atmosphere. In addition to the delicious soup and chili, we will also have a selection of clothing, shoes, blankets, and winter weather accessories available for those in need.
Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal, warm essentials for the winter, or just an opportunity to connect with others in the community, this event is for you..
MLK Clean-up Day on Monday Cancelled
Due to the extremely cold temperatures forecasted for this coming Monday morning, January 20th, Keep Smith County Beautiful has decided to cancel the MLK Day litter clean-up event.
We encourage citizens to find their own ways to give back to the community on this national day of service.
Information about the spring litter clean-up event soon will be coming soon, so stay tuned.
Cool Season Vegetables
submitted by Lucas Holman, Wilson County UT Horticulture Extension Agent
In Tennessee I truly think we can have something active in the garden 12 months of the year. Just a few days ago we had 4” of snow on the ground. After the snow had melted, I went out and harvested cabbage that was buried in the snow. Gardening doesn’t have to end when frost wipes out the warm season vegetables in October. Planning the garden should be always be in the back of your mind since you can still prepare during the ugly months of winter. The end of January is an excellent time to start some seeds inside, especially those cool season vegetables that prefer to be transplanted. Many of the cool season vegetables that we grow can be planted at the end of February or the beginning of March. If it is a leafy green they are generally directly sown by seed. If it forms a head such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower, then it needs to be transplanted. This is the time to start those transplants inside for the cool season vegetables that form a head.
The first step is acquiring the supplies such as containers, soil, and seeds. Finding the right spot in the house can be tricky due to light and heat. All seedlings need some type of supplemental light. Seedlings that are started near a window can good or bad. The seedlings grown near windows tend to be leggy and the temperature isn’t always consistent. If you purchase supplemental lighting, then it should be placed between 8-10” above the tray. Leave the light on for 12 hours per day and allow the plant to rest for the other half. You can also purchase heating mats designed specifically for seedlings. These will help keep the temperature warm as opposed to a window where the temperature can fluctuate.
One consideration is starting your seedlings at various times so that you can stagger your harvests. If you plant 20 broccoli plants on the same day, there is a good chance they will all mature on the same week. This fall I planted around 50 cauliflower plants on the same day and every one of them matured the same week. Needless to say, our freezer is full of cauliflower at this moment.
It will take between 6-8 weeks to produce a transplant that can be planted in the garden. These cool season vegetables that form a head can be transplanted in the garden around the middle of March. Be prepared for the finicky Tennessee weather with some type of a frost cloth. Every few years we will get some weather anomaly that might be detrimental to our seedlings. Everybody has their favorites when it comes to cultivars, but if you are looking for some of the tried-and-true cultivars try some of these. For broccoli look for ‘Packman’, ‘Green Magic’, or ‘Emperor’. These cultivars are quicker and will mature between 55-60 from transplanting. Cauliflower takes just a few more days to mature, but my favorite has been ‘Snow Crown’. When it comes to cabbage, there are so many sizes to choose. This fall I grew ‘Stonehead’ and it was a little bigger than a softball. If you want larger cabbages try ‘Flat Dutch’ or ‘Early Jersey Wakefield’.
As always, if you have any questions regarding any horticulture facet, feel free to contact Lucas Holman, UT Horticulture Extension Agent, Wilson County at 615-444-9584 or Lholman1@utk.edu.
The University of Tennessee Extension offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Through its mission of research, teaching and extension, the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. ag.tennessee.edu.
Food for Thought – Chocolate Extravaganza
Chocolate is a staple for Valentine’s Day in my book. What is better than chocolate? Homemade chocolate!
This Valentine’s Day why not treat your loved one or yourself to a box of homemade chocolate goodies? On Friday, February 14th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (or until sold out) the Smith County Family and Community Education Clubs (FCE) will again be hosting their Annual Chocolate Extravaganza!
This year FCE members will pre-package boxes by the dozen. A box of assorted brownies, cookies, candies, etc. is only $5.00. The candies and cakes prepared may contain or come into contact with common allergens such as tree nuts and peanuts.
Proceeds will benefit the Smith County Heritage Museum and FCE projects. Come out to the Smith County Chamber of Commerce on February 14th and support a worthwhile cause!
Chess Pie
3 eggs
1 ½ cups sugar
3 tablespoons melted butter
1 tablespoon plain white corn meal
1/3 cup buttermilk
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla
1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
Beat the eggs with a wire whisk. Add sugar, melted butter, cornmeal, buttermilk, salt and vanilla. Mix ingredients well and pour into unbaked 9-inch pie shell. Bake in a preheated 375-degree oven on the bottom rack for 15 minutes. Then reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake 20 more minutes. Submitted by: Barbara Acuff, Elmwood/Chestnut Mound FCE Club.
60th Annual Tennessee Conservation Awards Accepting Nominations
Tennessee Wildlife Federation is excited to announce that nominations are now open for its 60th Annual Conservation Achievement Awards. This longstanding tradition recognizes individuals and organizations dedicated to conserving and improving Tennessee’s diverse natural resources.
Do you know someone who:
● Educates people about wildlife and the outdoors?
● Works in conservation, forestry, or wildlife management?
● Brings communities together to enhance outdoor spaces?
● Has restored native habitat on their land?
Nominate the conservationists in your community for a Conservation Achievement Award!
Nominations are accepted in nearly 20 categories, including Conservation Educator, Wildlife Conservationist, and Conservation Organization. Details about each category and the nomination form can be found at tnwf.org/CAA. Nominations close Feb. 28 at 11:59 p.m. CT.
“Every year, these awards spotlight the incredible work being done by individuals and organizations
across Tennessee to conserve our natural resources. It is an honor to celebrate their contributions to our
state’s wildlife and outdoor spaces,” said Kendall McCarter, chief development officer of Tennessee
Wildlife Federation.
Awards will be presented at the Conservation Achievement Awards luncheon in Nashville this May, and
winners will be announced across the Federation’s digital platforms.
Help us recognize Tennessee’s community conservation heroes. Submit your nomination today at tnwf.org/CAA.
Smith County Chamber Corner Show – January 2025
Check out the January 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.
MLK 2025 Day of Service Event January 20th
The Annual MLK Day of Service event is scheduled for Monday, January 20th. It is an inspiring day of community action and collaboration. In partnership with Keep Smith County Beautiful and a host of generous sponsors and volunteers will come together to clean and beautify roadside areas throughout Smith County.
Participants are encouraged to join this initiative to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by giving back to their community. Breakfast and lunch will be provided to all volunteers.
The event will begin at 9 a.m. at the Smith County Chamber of Commerce, located at 939 Upper Ferry Road in Carthage. Volunteers of all ages and abilities are welcome, so gather your friends, family, or coworkers, and help make a difference in the county you call home.
For more information you can follow Keep Smith County Beautiful on Facebook.
3rd Annual Carthage Rotary Cornhole Tournament
The Carthage Rotary Club is excited to announce its upcoming Cornhole Tournament Fundraiser, set to take place on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at the Smith County Agriculture Center, located at 159 Ag Center Lane in Carthage, TN.
Registration for the tournament begins at 9:00 a.m., with the first round of tournament play starting promptly at 10:00 a.m. The entry fee is $50 per team, making it an affordable and entertaining way to spend the day while competing for fantastic prizes. The first-place winners will take home a $500 cash prize, while the second-place team will win $250. All prizes will be awarded at the end of the tournament.
The Cornhole Tournament isn’t just about competition—it’s also an opportunity to bring the community together to support local charities and community projects. Every dollar raised through this event will directly benefit these initiatives, making it a meaningful way to give back to Carthage and its residents.
Attendees can also look forward to a variety of food and beverage options, provided by on-site vendors.The event is perfect for families, friends, and community members of all ages. Even if you’re not competing, come out to cheer on your favorite teams, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and support a worthy cause.
Gather your teammates, practice your cornhole skills, and join the Carthage Rotary Club for a day of fun and giving back to the community. For more information or to pre-register, contact the event organizers at (615) 486-9429.
Free Backpack for those who need some essentials
For His Glory Ministries, in collaboration with The Spot and other community partners, is excited to host a free backpack giveaway event. Each backpack will be filled with essential items designed to support individuals currently facing uncertain housing situations.
Just plan to show up on Sunday, January 28th, at dusk to receive your free backpack. The event will take place at The Spot, conveniently located at 107 3rd Avenue East.
This giveaway is part of our ongoing commitment to serving our community and providing resources to those in need. Please help spread the word to anyone who might benefit from this opportunity. Free soups, chili and drinks will also be available.
