The holiday season is a time of spending joyful moments with family and friends, eating together, exchanging gifts, and playing holiday movies and games. However, it’s also a difficult time of the year to eat healthy, and many adults gain weight through the holiday season. Following these tips from the University of Tennessee Extension can help you avoid holiday weight gain while still enjoying the festivities.

“There are several simple habits that, if followed, can help us all avoid adding a few extra pounds through holiday meals,” says Soghra Jarvandi, UT Extension community health specialist. “The most important habit is to plan ahead and avoid skipping meals. It is harder to pay attention to portion sizes when we are hungry, so if we arrive at a party hungry, then we are more likely to eat more. Plan ahead and eat a healthy snack, such as fruit, a salad, or yogurt before heading to a gathering,” says the expert.

Jarvandi also suggests being physically active. “Burning the extra calories, we inevitably consume during the holidays can help. Incorporate physical activity in your schedule, whether it’s inside or outside, such as walking, dancing, or swimming,” she continues.

It’s also important to pay attention to your plate, says Jarvandi. “Choose a smaller plate to start with, as eating smaller servings can help curb caloric intake. For example, a one-fourth cup of stuffing has 59 calories, while a one-half cup of stuffing has 118 calories. That adds up.”

What’s on your plate is also important, so Jarvandi suggests filling your plate with a balanced selection of food groups: half vegetables and fruits, a quarter protein food (such as lean meat, beans and peas), and a quarter grain (such as bread, rice, pasta). Vegetables help you feel full and avoid overeating. Choosing fruit for dessert can help curb calories as well, but if a high-calorie dessert like cake is calling your name, eat a very small slice and eat mindfully.

Giving healthy snacks and foods as gifts is another way to make eating more manageable. Stuff stockings with healthy snacks, like nuts or dried fruit, and bring salads, fruit trays, or other light dishes to potlucks and family meals.

“As the Center for Disease Control suggests, healthy eating is all about balance and moderation, and that’s important to keep in mind during the holiday season,” concludes Jarvandi.

For additional help and programs specifically about healthy choices, contact Mary Parker Draper at the UT Extension office at 615-735-2900.

Punch

This makes a very pretty Christmas Punch.

3 boxes of Jell-O. You can use the flavor for the color you want.

2 cups of sugar

Bring 3 cups of water to boil, add Jell-O and sugar and stir until dissolved.

Add:

12 cups water

1 48 oz can pineapple juice

1 48 oz can pineapple orange juice

Juice of two lemons

Chill (best if chilled overnight).

Stir before serving.

You can add sherbet if you like.

Examples:

Lemon Jell-O for yellow

Orange Jell-O for orange

Strawberry, Cherry Jell-O for red

Lime Jell-O for green

Submitted by: Judy Long, Gordonsville FCE Club

The Smith County Financial Management Committee will meet on Thursday, January 9^th, 2025 at 5:30pm in the conference room at the Smith County Chamber of Commerce.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is reminding hunters to remain vigilant and take appropriate precautions as reported cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) increase among wild birds, backyard domestic flocks, and commercial poultry flocks in the Southeast. HPAI is highly contagious among bird populations and is known to be deadly for domestic fowl.

“Numerous states in the Mississippi Flyway are reporting HPAI detections that are leading to dead and dying birds, mainly snow geese,” said Jamie Feddersen, TWRA Migratory Gamebird Coordinator. “Tennessee is also finding ducks and geese with HPAI. Hunters should follow safety precautions when handling these birds.”

“Since March 2022, Tennessee has confirmed numerous cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in wild birds, including ducks, Canada geese, vultures, and a Bald Eagle,” said TWRA Wildlife and Forestry Chief Joe Benedict. “We urge homeowners and hunters to take precautions to prevent the spread of the disease in Tennessee and to protect wildlife and poultry populations.”

Recommendations for Hunters:

· Hunters who handle wild birds should dress game birds in the field when possible and remains from processed birds can be buried where the animal was harvested or double bagged and disposed along with normal household waste.

· Waterfowl hunters who raise poultry, work on poultry farms, or visit poultry farms should change all outer layers of their hunting clothing, including boots, before entering any poultry facilities.

· Clothing should be laundered as soon as possible to prevent contamination, and boots should be treated with a 10 percent bleach solution before and after entering commercial or backyard poultry facilities to prevent the virus being transferred to new locations.

Recommendations for Homeowners:

· Watchable wildlife, including songbirds can also be affected by HPAI. Homeowners should stop feeding birds and cover bird baths, if dead birds are found, until this wildlife mortality event subsides.

· Clean up any excess feed that has spilled or was placed onto the ground, and clean feeders and bird baths with a 10 percent bleach solution.

· Avoid contact with any dead or dying bird. If contact occurs, wash your hands with soap and water and change clothing before having any contact with healthy domestic poultry and other birds. · Report dead or dying bird sightings to TWRA at https://www.tn.gov/twra/sick-birds.html. Community-based reporting supports the early detection of disease and bird health monitoring.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) monitors for the disease in commercial poultry operations, live bird markets, and migratory wild bird populations. TWRA submits wild bird test results to USDA for monitoring purposes and coordinates with Tennessee Department of Agriculture Veterinarians for disease management.

The annual Smith County 4-H Public Speaking Contest was held at Smith County Middle School on Tuesday, December 10, 2024. Public speaking is no easy feat, but 48 brave and talented 4th-12th grade 4-H’ers from across Smith County competed by giving a prepared speech, ranging from 1-7 minutes depending on grade level.

4-H’ers received an invitation to the county-wide contest by placing 1st or 2nd in their classroom speech contest in November. Over 800 speeches were given by 4-H’ers at the local 4-H club level this year! Public speaking is an essential life skill that we hope these 4-H’ers will continue to cultivate and use in the future.

We are proud of each and every student who gave a speech and especially proud of the ones who chose to move on to the next level of competition!

Awards for the 2024 Smith County 4-H Public Speaking Contest went to:

4th Grade

· 1st Place – Lizzy Taylor, FRS

· 2nd Place – Chance Medley, CES

· 3rd Place – Jake Myers, FRS

Also competing in the 4th Grade Division were Katherine Bass, Chloe Beechboard, Aryabell Chastain, Presley Gibbs, Ainsley Hassler, Aden King, Willow Lawrence, Bradley Linville, Eli Mock, Izabelle Quick, Morgan Richel, and Sebastian Strifler.

5th Grade

· 1st Place – Scarlett Hicks, FRS

· 2nd Place – Josie Harville, Homeschool

· 3rd Place – Addison Harville, GES

· 3rd Place – McCall Kemp, DES

· 3rd Place – Carson Mullinax, GMU

Also competing in the 5th Grade Division were Eli Alexander, Titus Chartier, Colleen Dula, Gavin Hackett, McKenzie Haley, Josie Harville, Kennadie Hensley, Jax Mason, Greer Sykes, Ezra Williams, and Katie Wilson.

6th Grade

· 1st Place – Aubrey Hicks, FRS

· 2nd Place – Kennadie Brooks, GES

· 3rd Place – Marshall Taylor, FRS

Also competing in the 6th Grade Division were Cecelia Cowan, Charlotte Driver, Oakley Lawrence, Tripp Medley, Jackson Phillips, Chloe Williams, and Avery Yerge.

7th Grade

· 1st Place – Avery Myers, FRS

· 2nd Place – Luke Chartier, Homeschool

8th Grade

· 1st Place – Maddux Parker, SCMS

· 2nd Place – Makenna Hassler, GMU

· 3rd Place – Kara Brooks, SCMS

10th Grade

· 1st Place – Bradley Yerge, Homeschool

12th Grade

· 1st Place – Abby Purtee, Homeschool

· 2nd Place – Kynlee Davis, Homeschool

The top two contestants in each division will have the opportunity to move on to compete at the sub-regional contest that will be held in Cookeville in January.

Smith County 4-H would like to thank the administrators and faculty at Smith County Middle School for allowing us to host our event there.

Thank you also to following community members who graciously volunteered their time and attention to serve as judges: Catherine Chapman, George Clay, Grace Griffin, Karly Keen, Abby Malone, Justin Mauldin, Tristan Pope, Kaye Shores, and Sarah Marie Smith.

Current 4-H’ers Emmy Bibbings and Turner Harville and 4-H Volunteer Leisa Bibbings helped facilitate the event by serving as room chairs.

Finally, thank you to all of the family members, teachers, principals, and others who have encouraged and assisted these 4-H’ers with their speeches. Your support and their hard work is evident and appreciated!

The 4-H Youth Development Program delivers programs through cooperative efforts of the University of Tennessee, Tennessee State University, and public and private sector volunteers. 4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. 4-H educational programs are offered to all youth, grades 4-12, on an age-appropriate

basis, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or disability.

Please call 615-735-2900 for further information regarding the many 4-H activities and events available for our great young people in Smith County.

The holidays are an exciting time. However, special times such as the holidays can often trigger people to miss loved ones that have passed away. We all experience grief sometime during life, and loss is a part of life. Some may lose a loved one early in life, while others may live a long life before experiencing grief from losing a close friend or family member.

Grief is a natural reaction to loss. It is a normal response after the death of a family member or friend to grieve. Numerous other losses can also cause grief, such as the end of a relationship, moving to a new community, the death of a pet, a change of job, and illness. How we react to grief can affect our physical, mental, or emotional health.

No two people are the same, so it is unlikely that you will experience grief the exact same way as someone else. However, some of the more common experiences include:

· Difficulty concentrating

· Guilt

· Anger

· Sleep disturbances

· Loss of appetite

· Lack of motivation

· Withdrawal from others

· Deep sadness

Healthy grieving is an active process. The grieving process is full of ups and downs, highs and lows. Our experiences of grief are temporary if we acknowledge and work through our reactions instead of trying to shut them off. However, even after years of loss we may still experience a strong sense of grief at times, especially around influential periods such as a family wedding, the birth of a child, and holidays.

Coping with painful experiences is different for everyone. Here are some suggestions others have used to help through their grieving process:

· Exercise

· Eat healthy, good foods

· Be patient with yourself

· Let yourself feel grief

· Take time to relax

· Talk to family or friends

· Read books

· Try to avoid taking on new responsibilities for a time

· Join a support group

· Do something to help someone else

Just as grieving and coping with pain are different for everyone, a person should not let it damage their health or the people around them. If grief seems to be consuming a person’s life or interfering with normal activities after a period of time, professional help is advised.

Seafood Gumbo

1 onion, diced

1 green pepper, diced

1 can tuna, drained

1 can shrimp, drained

1-15 ounces can tomato sauce

1 can hot tap water OR 1 can Ro-tel tomatoes

¼ cup rice (uncooked)

Salt and pepper to taste

Brown onion and green peppers. Add remaining ingredients and heat thoroughly. You may add water if needed when using Ro-tel tomatoes. Simmer on low until rice is done. Submitted by: Phyllis McKinney, Gordonsville FCE Club.

Mr. Nick “Terry” Willmore, age 79, of the Rome Community, died Thursday, December 19, at Macon community Hospital. He is survived by son; Trent Nicholas Willmore of Black Lick, OH, nieces and nephews; Dianne McIntyre of Watertown, Pam Smith and husband Ted of Glendale, AZ, Nicky Cassity and Robin of Turkey Creek, David Cassity and Debbie of Defeated Creek, John Cassity of Glendale, AZ.

Mr. Willmore is at the Carthage Chapel of Sanderson funeral Home where his service will be conducted on Saturday afternoon, December 21, at 1:00 PM with Elder Shawn Shepherd officiating. Interment will be in Pleasant Shade Cemetery. 

Pallbearers: Garry Wilkerson, Victor Mundy, Charles Givens, Steve Key, Nicky Cassity, Steve Shepherd, and Kevin Cook.

The family will receive friends at the Carthage Chapel beginning on Friday from 2:00 PM until 7:00 PM and on Saturday from 10:00 AM until service time at 1:00 PM.

The family requests memorials to the Pleasant Shade Cemetery Mowing Fund.

Mid-Tenn Paranormal recently welcomed former NFL players Gary Barnidge and DeAngelo Williams to Smith County, where they explored the Smith County Historic Courthouse and other local sites rumored to be haunted. The duo, known for their paranormal investigations, had reached out to Mid-Tenn Paranormal via social media in search of locations with a reputation for supernatural activity.

Gary and DeAngelo bring a dynamic approach to their investigations, embodying two contrasting perspectives on the paranormal. DeAngelo, the group’s believer and self-proclaimed curator, is deeply intrigued by the supernatural and eager to uncover evidence of the unknown. On the other hand, Gary approaches with skepticism, focusing on debunking claims of hauntings, Bigfoot sightings, and other mysteries. Their chemistry has made them a compelling team, and fans can follow their investigative adventures on YouTube, where they document their findings.

The two NFL alumni have roots that reflect their diverse backgrounds. Gary grew up in Middleburg, Florida, just outside Jacksonville, while DeAngelo hails from Wynne, Arkansas, and currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina. Both had successful college football careers—Gary at the University of Louisville and DeAngelo at the University of Memphis—before transitioning to the NFL. Gary played for the Carolina Panthers and Cleveland Browns, while DeAngelo spent time with the Panthers and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Their journey into the paranormal began over a decade ago, spurred by a challenge to convince Gary of the existence of the supernatural. DeAngelo, along with friends Maeve Ybanez and Taylor Russ, suggested various haunted locations to investigate, which eventually grew into an ongoing quest. Over the past ten years, the group has explored numerous haunted sites, participated in Bigfoot hunts, and embarked on countless ghost hunts, blending skepticism and belief into their explorations.

Throughout the year Mid-Tenn Paranormal, locally owned and operated by Steven Denson, has hosted several private tours and special events at the Historic Courthouse, Smith County Heritage Museum and other local sites. These events not only attract adventure seekers but also boost the local economy by drawing tourists who rent facilities, stay in local accommodations such as hotels and short-term rentals, and dine at local eateries

Paranormal tourism is far from a new concept. For centuries, people have been drawn to sites of alleged supernatural phenomena, traveling great distances in search of answers—or a good scare. In Smith County, this fascination has been harnessed into a growing tourism niche.

Tennessee Tech University’s Whitson-Hester School of Nursing recently concluded its “Feature Friday” series for the fall 2024 semester, which hosted more than 100 local high school students with an interest in health care.

Over the semester, the school welcomed students from DeKalb, Overton, Putnam, Smith, Warren and White counties for half-day visits.

On each occasion, students spent time in the school’s simulation lab, where they received hands-on experience in skills like giving chest compressions and inserting nasogastric tubes into manikins.

Students then heard a welcome message from Kim Hanna, dean of the Whitson-Hester School of Nursing, followed by a presentation and Q&A session with other School of Nursing faculty and representatives from the school’s dedicated Student Success Center.

The students ended each visit by meeting with representatives from the university’s Office of Admissions and enjoying a free lunch and presentation from area employer sponsors, such as Ascension Saint Thomas River Park, Cookeville Regional Medical Center, Highpoint Health – Riverview and Livingston Regional Hospital.

The idea for the event series originated from a health care fair hosted by the school’s chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, an international honor society for nursing. The event brought together nursing faculty and staff, area employers and high school students. Its success led School of Nursing leaders to look at ways to build off that format to engage high school students throughout the year.

“We got to thinking, why couldn’t we replicate that on a smaller, more intimate basis where these students are given not just a lab tour, but hands-on time in the simulation lab to learn skills and see all that we have to offer?” said Charla McPeake, clinical placement coordinator for the Whitson-Hester School of Nursing.

Benjamin Clark, academic advisor for the Whitson-Hester School of Nursing’s Student Success Center, added that the visits help fill a void created by the cancellation of some hospital volunteer and student shadowing programs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“At the freshman level, we were seeing that students hadn’t had opportunities to see an actual health care setting,” said Clark. “They were hearing about things, but they weren’t actually getting to experience anything hands-on.”

The faculty and staff speaker presentations during the visits also allow the university to explain some of its distinctives. For example, Tech’s Whitson-Hester School of Nursing has maintained a near-perfect 97 percent average first-time pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) over the last five years, and 100 percent of the school’s graduates are employed within a year of graduation.

Still, McPeake emphasizes that the visits are not about bragging on the School of Nursing’s accomplishments, but rather building personal connections with prospective students, showcasing the value of the nursing profession and demonstrating Tech’s “students first” ethos.

McPeake and Clark add that the involvement of health care employer partners helps local students realize that, not only can they earn their degree close to home through Tech, but they can also typically find immediate employment in their field right here in the Upper Cumberland, too.

“We really want to show them the trajectory and say, ‘if you come here, all of these things are open to you,’” said McPeake. “And there’s not a wrong way of doing it. You can take your Tennessee Tech nursing degree and work anywhere. We have alumni all over, but we do like to say that if staying here and serving your community is something of interest, our local employer partners love to hire Tech grads.”

Following each event, students were invited to complete anonymous surveys on their experiences. The results showed a marked increase in the number of students signaling interest in the nursing profession and in attending Tech.

The Whitson-Hester School of Nursing enrolls more than 800 students as of fall 2024, making it one of the top five largest colleges and schools on Tech’s campus. Learn more at www.tntech.edu/nursing.

Two outstanding educators have been recognized for their incredible dedication and impact on our students in Smith County.

Congratulations to Mrs. Jessica Hamlet, who has been named GES Teacher of the Year for 3rd and 4th grades, and to Mrs. Lindsey Grisham, who has earned the title of Teacher of the Year for 5th and 6th grades.

Both of these exceptional teachers have shown remarkable commitment to inspiring and empowering their students every day. We are so proud of their accomplishments and grateful for the difference they make in our school community.

It is easy to overspend during the holidays. Between gifts, potlucks, travel expenses, and decorations, your credit card bill may have been piling up, so what do you do now?

Michigan State University suggests the following steps to reduce your credit card debt:

1. Assess your situation by finding out exactly what you owe on each credit card.

2. Make a list of your credit cards and include the balance on each card, the interest rate, and if there are any annual fees on the cards. Make the decision to not add additional debt to your credit card.

3. Calculate your monthly income.

4. Determine how much your monthly bills will be, including rent or mortgages, utility payments, credit card bills, insurance payments, cell phone, and Internet bills.

5. Determine how much you spend on food, medication, etc.

6. After you have determined how much money is available to spend every month and where you are currently spending your money, you can decide if you have extra money to put on your credit card balances.

7. If you have more than one credit card bill, start reducing your balance one credit card at a time. Start with the highest balance or the highest interest rate and pay a fixed amount extra each month, such as $70.00. You can also start with the card with the lowest balance each month to reduce the number of cards you are paying each month.

8. Continue to make the minimum payment on all of your other cards.

Many times, there are better deals on merchandise after the holidays. If you do not have the money for it, do not be tempted to spend more just because you think you will save money. Here are some additional tips to limit your credit card damage:

· Limit eating out

· Try to find a side job, such as tutoring or coaching

· Limit social media as advertisements come into play and may be tempting

· Use cash or your debit card for expenses

· Start planning for next holiday season

For more information, check out https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/how_to_get_rid_of_credit_card_debt.

Frozen Fruit Salad

Base: 4 cups water

4 cups sugar (dissolve water and sugar together)

4 cups ice water

1 cup lemon juice

Freeze until slush consistency

Then add:

½ gallon pineapple sherbet to slush

Then add:

2 cans crushed pineapple with juice

1 large can mandarin oranges

1 pint strawberries

1 pint blueberries (I substitute frozen peaches.)

1 pint raspberries

1 pint grapes

1 pint kiwi

Refreeze, to serve thaw slightly.

Submitted by: Judy Long, Gordonsville FCE Club.

Nashville, TN —The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is leading a multi-agency effort to remind all boaters and anglers to prioritize safety when boating or fishing near hydroelectric dams across Tennessee’s rivers and lakes. New video assets are available for distribution now to bring public awareness to the dangerous boating conditions near dams.

Over the past decade, there have been 17 fatalities caused by boaters getting caught in and around the spillways of hydroelectric dams in Tennessee. Officers determined that incidents were not dam specific but were spread out across the state. Pickwick, Cheatham, and Loudon dams all had multiple fatalities.

There are 29 hydroelectric dams in Tennessee that play a crucial role in flood control, power generation, and maintaining Tennessee’s water resources, but the surrounding waters pose hidden risks. The force of the water around dam structures is powerful, unpredictable, and can quickly overcome even skilled boaters and swimmers. Areas below and above dams often have restricted zones, where waters are turbulent, and undercurrents are strong. TWRA urges everyone to remain vigilant and avoid getting too close.

“Your safety is our top priority,” says TWRA Executive Director Jason Maxedon. “We want everyone to enjoy Tennessee’s beautiful lakes and rivers, but we also need you to stay alert, follow posted guidelines, and exercise caution when near dams. The simple steps you take to stay aware can save lives.”

To ensure a safe outing, TWRA recommends following these safety tips:

· Observe and Follow All Posted Warnings and Buoys: Pay attention to warning signs, restricted areas, and barrier buoys that indicate hazardous zones.

· Avoid Swift Currents: Currents near dams can be unpredictable and dangerous. Avoid getting too close to dam structures or spillways.

· Wear a Life Jacket: Always wear a properly fitting, Coast Guard-approved life jacket when boating, fishing, or recreating near water.

· Stay Alert for Changes in Water Levels: Water levels near dams can rise or fall unexpectedly due to dam operations. Be prepared to move to safer areas if needed.

To showcase the importance of following these guidelines, TWRA partnered with the TVA, Hardin County EMA, U.S. Coast Guard, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to pilot a remote-operated boat through Pickwick dam as a visual example of the devastation that can occur.

“I promise you, it’s not worth those fish all the way up against the dam if it’s going to take somebody’s life or injure somebody,” cautions TWRA Lt. Col. Matt Majors. “Boating or fishing near dams requires extra caution even for experienced boaters.”

For additional information on boating safety and fishing regulations, visit TNWildlife.org. Members of the public can view the dam safety video titled “No Fish is Worth Your Life” on the TWRA YouTube page.

About the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency: The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for the management, protection, and conservation of Tennessee’s wildlife and natural resources. TWRA is dedicated to enhancing recreational opportunities, educating the public on conservation practices, and ensuring the safety of all who enjoy Tennessee’s natural landscapes.

District Attorney Jason Lawson has been recognized for his efforts in combating opioid addiction in the Fifteenth Judicial District. At the annual conference of the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) held in Murfreesboro, TN, General Lawson received award for his efforts in support of the Wilson County Preventing Incarceration in Communities (PIC) program, a Center wherein low-level first-time offenders suffering from drug addiction are paired with various drug rehabilitation specialists and treatment providers. In exchange for participation and graduation from the PIC Center, the misdemeanor drug offense is dismissed. These rehabilitative services are grant funded and are available at no cost to the patient.

The PIC program was the product of a partnership between DrugFree WilCo, Cedar Recovery Center, and Middle Tennessee State University wherein a multi-year federal grant was awarded for the purpose of combating opioid addiction in Wilson County. The partnership sought the assistance of General Lawson, who created the court component of program for the purpose of identifying persons in need of recovery services and incentivizing them to participate and complete the program. Since its inception, the PIC Center has seen graduates placed on a pathway to successful recovery and the prevention of repeat offenses.

Opioids are a class of drugs derived from the opium plant, and include both prescription drugs such as hydrocodone, oxycodone, codeine, and morphine as well as illicit drugs such as heroin and its synthetic fentanyl. This classification of drugs are particularly challenging due to the highly addictive properties and the strength of the addiction experienced by the users.

Lawson’s message implores those suffering from addiction to take advantage of the free help available.

“Accidental overdoses are a leading cause of death in every county in Tennessee. Drug court programs, PIC centers, and other programs help people break free of these addictions before it is too late. Help is out there, and it is free of charge. Don’t let your addiction take your life. Call the PIC Center today and schedule an appointment to begin recovery,” says Lawson.

The Wilson County PIC Center may be ‘reached by telephone call to 615-208-7795, and more information can be obtained at https://www.piccenterwilco.com/ or by internet search for ‘Wilson County PIC’.

Nearly 70,000 pounds of litter was removed from communities throughout Tennessee as part of Tennessee Department of Transportation’s (TDOT) 4^th Annual No Trash November, a month-long initiative to ensure the state’s roadways and waterways are safe from the harmful effects of litter. Spearheaded by TDOT’s Nobody Trashes Tennessee campaign, No Trash November brings together Keep Tennessee Beautiful affiliates, TDOT Grantees, Adopt-A-Highway groups, youth groups, water groups and individuals that are working together to end littering. All told, 2,412 volunteers participated in 175 cleanups, collecting 3,207 bags of litter, weighing 69,776 pounds.

“There’s a reason why Tennessee is called the volunteer state, and No Trash November affirms Tennesseans’ desire to come together to help keep our state clean, safe and beautiful,” said Deputy Governor and TDOT Commissioner Butch Eley. “The annual initiative is an excellent example of successful collaborations between nonprofit organizations, volunteer groups, businesses, and state, county and city governments – all working together towards a common goal.”

More than an eyesore, litter on our public roads and waterways have detrimental impacts on safety, the environment and the economy. At any given time, there are 88 million pieces of litter on the state’s roadways. TDOT spends more than $23 million annually on litter pickup and prevention education, which is funded through dedicated revenue from Tennessee’s Soft Drink and Malt Beverage industries.

“We are grateful to the more than 2,400 Tennesseans that came together in November to help us in our mission to prevent and reduce litter,” said Michael McClanahan, transportation manager, TDOT. “Community cleanups and individual actions taken last month showcase what we can achieve when we work together to preserve our state’s beauty. We encourage all residents to be a part of the solution to end littering. Even small, simple actions can help, from reducing single-use plastics, to recognizing that food waste is litter, every effort counts.”

The 4^th Annual No Trash November recognizes the following groups for the most pounds collected in four categories: Keep Tennessee Beautiful Affiliate, Adopt-A-Highway Group, Youth Group, and Water Group. The winners include Keep Knoxville Beautiful for collecting 11,865 pounds, Donnie E Horton Post 254 for collecting 2,095 pounds, Conservation Kid in Hamilton County for collecting 315 pounds, and TN Delta Alliance for collecting 6,110 pounds.

The Carthage City Council held its monthly meeting on December 5th at 6:00 pm. Several items were discussed. Watch the full meeting below.

Thanks to Teresa’s Gifts for sponsoring Smith County Insider’s 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!

The Carthage City Council generally meets at 6:00 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at Carthage City Hall, located at 314 Spring Street in Carthage, Tennessee – 37030.

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

Tennessee Tech University’s Office of Financial Aid is encouraging prospective and returning students to complete their 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at the soonest possible date in order to receive quicker determinations about scholarships and other aid that may be available.

The U.S. Department of Education released the FAFSA to all students and schools on Nov. 21 after a brief delay. Tech officials emphasize that the sooner students turn in the application, the sooner they can get a complete picture of their funding support and needs.

While the FAFSA remains available through June 30, some funds are limited and many scholarships have earlier deadlines. Tech’s priority deadline for university-issued scholarships is Dec. 15.

“A college education is a significant investment for students and families. At Tennessee Tech, we want our students to receive every last dollar of federal, state and institutional aid for which they are eligible. That all starts with completing the FAFSA,” said Mary McCaskey, Tech’s associate vice president for enrollment and student success. “An earlier completed FAFSA means earlier financial aid decisions and more peace of mind for students and their families.”

According to the FAFSA website, the form takes most students less than an hour to complete. However, many families who attended the Tech Office of Financial Aid’s recent “Early Bird Tour” event were able to complete the application in under 30 minutes.

To ensure that Tennessee Tech receives all current and prospective students’ FAFSA applications, students must list Tech’s school code, 003523, on the application. Once admitted, students will also need to monitor their Eagle Online account for any updates on their financial aid.

McCaskey adds that any current or prospective Tech student with questions about the FAFSA can contact the Office of Financial Aid at financialaid@tntech.edu or by phone at 931-372-3073.

Tech is ranked as a “Best National University” by U.S. News & World Report and offers more than 225 programs of study. Tech grads leave with the least debt of all public universities in the state. In fact, based on total cost and alumni earnings, Tech provides students with the highest return on investment for any public university in Tennessee, according to PayScale.

Learn more and apply for admission at www.tntech.edu/apply. Access the 2025-2026 FAFSA at www.studentaid.gov/FAFSA.