Congratulations to Amy Waggoner on winning first place in the Carthage Junction Depot Gingerbread House competition sponsored by Robin Underwood of Underwood Hometown Realty. Kitchen architects were asked to submit work that was a completely edible creation and no larger than one person could carry. Visitors to the event were thrilled to find that Amy included a Christmas tree with twinkling lights that you could see inside the house through candy windows. The Carthage Junction Depot extends a special thanks to Robin Underwood for helping us find the perfect house and for her continued generous support for community events such as this. (article and photos submitted by Jenny Penuel)

Citizens Bank, Carthage, TN is proud to announce it is starting 2025 with another 5-Star Superior rating from BauerFinancial, the Nation’s Premier Bank Rating Firm. A 5-Star Superior rating indicates that Citizens Bank is one of the strongest banks in the nation, excelling in areas of capital, loan quality, profitability and more. This marks the 144th consecutive quarter that Citizens Bank has earned this top rating, which secures it an even more elite status as a “Best of Bauer Bank”, an honor reserved solely for banks that have maintained a 5-Star rating for 25 years or longer.

“Local decisions, responsive service and dedication to making the community a better place to live, these are the hallmarks of community banks, like Citizens Bank”, champions Karen L. Dorway, president of BauerFinancial. “Understanding what the community needs and providing the financial support tailored to those needs, is what community banking is all about. We at Bauer are never surprised, but always pleased, when community banks, Citizens Bank included, are also at the top of their own financial game,” she continued.

Established in 1929, Citizens Bank has been an avid supporter of the people and organizations in the communities it serves for 96 years. Knowing that this is also where its own employees live, work and play, supporting those communities is a no-brainer. This community-focused bank wouldn’t have it any other way. Visit citzcar.com.

Residential fires are, unfortunately, a common incident, especially in the winter months. Whether the whole house has been affected or just a kitchen fire, people try to salvage what they can, including food. However, generally speaking, saving food that has been in a fire is not a good idea, because the USDA says it can be compromised by the heat of fire, smoke fumes, and chemicals used to fight fires.

Food in cans or jars may seem to be okay, but if they’ve been close to the heat of a fire, they may no longer be safe to eat. Heat from a fire can trigger food spoilage bacteria. If the heat is extreme, the cans or jars themselves can divide or rupture, making the food unsafe for consumption.

The USDA states that one of the most dangerous features of a fire can be toxic fumes released from burning materials. Those fumes can kill. They can also contaminate food. Any type of food stored in permeable packaging should be thrown away. Toxic fumes can infuse the packaging and contaminate the food. Discard any raw foods stored outside the refrigerator that could be contaminated by fumes. Unexpectedly, food stored in refrigerators or freezers can also become contaminated by fumes. The refrigerator seal isn’t airtight and fumes can get inside. Discard food if exposed to smoke fumes from fire.

Chemicals used to fight fires contain toxic materials and can contaminate food and cookware. The chemicals cannot be washed off the food. Foods that are exposed to chemicals should be thrown away. Canned goods and cookware exposed to chemicals can be disinfected. Wash in a strong detergent solution. Then dip in a bleach solution (1 tablespoon of unscented, liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water) for 15 minutes.

The American Red Cross recommends that you:

• Make your home fire-safe by installing battery-powered smoke detectors on each floor and in the garage. Test the detectors twice a year and keep a working fire extinguisher in the kitchen.

• Plan two emergency escape routes from each room in the house. Have rope or chain ladders for upstairs rooms. Agree on where to meet after the family escapes.

• Have your own practice fire drills. Instruct everyone to crawl low under smoke.

Fires can be devastating, especially this time of the year. Christmas lights, extra cooking, overheating homes, are many causes of fires. Being proactive by using extra caution, having smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers available may save lives.

Angela Frozen Strawberry Salad

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

¾ cup sugar

1 can crushed pineapple, drained

1 cup nuts

1 carton of cool whip, thawed

1 package frozen strawberries, thawed

Mix all ingredients well. Freeze in 9×13 pan. Allow to thaw and cut in squares to serve. Submitted by: Phyllis McKinney, Gordonsville FCE Club.

Submitted by Susanna Clouse, Smith County 4-H Extension Agent

Do you have found memories of 4-H camp as a child? Do you want today’s youth to have the opportunity to participate in activities including zip lining, swimming, shooting sports, group sports, fishing, kayaking/canoeing, nature hikers, leather craft and woodworking, t-shirt airbrushing, skits, music, and more? Clyde M. York 4-H Center in Crossville, Tennessee, gives 4-H members opportunities to have fun while learning valuable life skills like respect, responsibility, and teamwork while at Junior 4-H Camp each summer.

Last year fifty-three 4th through 6th grade 4-H’ers attended Junior Camp from Smith County. Thanks to generous community support and donations, twelve of those 4-H’ers were able to attend on half scholarships. Junior 4-H Camp costs have increased slightly to $380 for the 2025 camping season. While this includes meals, lodging, transportation, a t-shirt, and so many amazing activities, we know that cost is difficult for many families.

We want all youth to have the opportunity to enjoy 4-H camp, so we need your help. We are committed to increasing that number of partial scholarships available for Smith County 4-H’ers to attend camp. To do this we need businesses, organizations, or individuals to pledge $190, which is half the cost to send child to camp.

What better way to celebrate this holiday season than by giving a child the gift of 4-H Camp? Donors may choose to remain anonymous or to receive recognition for your donation to the 4-H program.

If you, or someone you know, wish to donate a partial or full camp scholarship to a child in need, call the Extension office at 615-735-2900 or email sclouse1@utk.edu for more information.

The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission (TFWC) voted to approve rule changes to adjust license prices and simplify license structure among other business at its final 2024 meeting held at the Ducks Unlimited National Headquarters.

More than 70 percent of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) operating budget comes from license sales and federal grants based on the number of hunters in the state. Since the last broad license fee increase in 2015, the Consumer Price Index has seen a 31.6 percent inflation, putting the agency in a significant operational deficit.

The new approved rules increase boating registration fees by 22 percent and most of the hunting and fishing license prices by 28 percent. Sportsman and Lifetime license fees are increased by 12 percent. Following public comment on the proposed Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) fees for North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area, the Commission voted to set a three-year gradual permit increase with options for daily, three-day, seven-day, and annual permits. Price changes will take effect July 1, 2025.

In addition to price increases, the ruling adjusts the license structure to simplify regulations. Hunting device type supplemental licenses (gun, archery, muzzleloader) will change to species type supplemental licenses (deer, elk, bear, turkey, waterfowl).

The trout supplemental license (stamp) is now part of the base hunting and fishing combination license, so no additional license is needed. Multiple Wildlife Management Area (WMA) permits have been combined into one single WMA permit. There are no changes to resident disability licenses or changes to fees for TWRA lakes. A complete

list of the license fees and permits will be available on the TWRA website prior to implementation in 2025.

In other agenda items, a video documentary was presented on TWRA staff efforts in response to Hurricane Helene in East Tennessee. At the conclusion of the video, a resolution honored TWRA wildlife officers. In addition, four East Tennessee TWRA officers were presented with Law Enforcement Valor Awards. Honored for their efforts were Maj. Shelley Hammonds, Lt. Jeff Prater, Communications Coordinator Matt Cameron, and District 42 Officer Justin Pinkston.

An update on the status of invasive carp was provided to the Commission by Aquatic Nuisance Species Coordinator Cole Harty. Since the Tennessee Carp Harvest Incentive Program began in 2018, 35 million pounds have been removed, including 7.8 pounds in fiscal year 2024. The Commission approved two federally funded budget expansions for the invasive carp program.

The Wildlife and Forestry Division honored the Wildlife Biologist of the Year and Wildlife Technician of the Year. Janelle Musser, who works with the Bear Program received the Biologist of the Year award. Musser plays an integral role in educating the public about bear safety, responding to human bear conflict reports, and coordinating with the City of Gatlinburg to support bear management. Seth Dunn works with the elk program on North Cumberland WMA and received the technician award. Since the reintroduction of elk in 2000, the program has grown consistently, offering unique wildlife viewing and hunting opportunities. Dunn contributes significant value to elk research work, habitat, and herd management.

Commission Chairman Jimmy Granbery announced nominations are open for the TFWC Legacy Award. The Legacy Award recognizes outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to wildlife conservation and outdoor activities like hunting and fishing in Tennessee.

The Smith County Commission held its meeting on the evening of Monday, November 25, 2024

You can watch the full meeting below.

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/.

The Smith County Board of Education met at 5:00 p.m. on November 20,, 2024

You can watch the full meeting here – https://youtu.be/2ktRMqYijfo?si=tCeOEFkRbX0kj1xx

The live broadcast of this meeting is sponsored by Teresa’s Gifts.

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

The Smith County School Board meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 5:00 p.m. at the Smith County Board of Education, located at 126 Smith County Middle School Lane in Carthage, Tennessee.

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

The Smith County Grand Jury convened for its December 2024 session on December 2, 2024. Below are the indictments returned during this session:

Note: All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

State of Tennessee vs. Tremaine Bowles

• 1 Count Possession of Schedule II – Methamphetamine .5 gram >
• 1 Count Possession of Schedule II – Oxycodone
• 1 Count Possession of Schedule II –ANPP
• 1 Count Possession of Schedule II – Cocaine
• 1 Count Possession of Schedule VI – Marijuana
• 1 Count Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

State of Tennessee vs. Cody Allen Calton

• 3 Counts Aggravated Statutory Rape

State of Tennessee vs. Salvador Martinez Diaz

• 1 Count Sexual Battery

State of Tennessee vs. Beau Alexander Flemming

• 1 Count Statutory Rape by an Authority Figure

State of Tennessee vs. Trevion S. Flemming

• 1 Count Possession of Schedule II – Cocaine5 gram >
• 1 Count Possession of Schedule II – Methamphetamine .5 gram >
• 1 Count Possession of Schedule II –ANPP
• 1 Count Driving while in Possession of Methamphetamine

State of Tennessee vs. Brandon Frye

• 1 Count Exploitation of a Minor by Electronic Means
• 1 Count in Sexual Activity Intent to have Minor View

State of Tennessee vs. Joshua Wayne Glenn

• 1 Count Domestic Assault

State of Tennessee vs. Garry L Greer, Jr.

• 1 Count Possession of Schedule II – Methamphetamine .5 gram >
• 1 Count Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• 1 Count Child Abuse/Neglect/Endangerment

State of Tennessee vs. David Gregory Kern

• 1 Count Domestic Assault

State of Tennessee vs. Adam Howard Keigwin

• 1 Count Speeding
• 1 Count Possession of Schedule VI – Marijuana
• 1 Count Possession of Schedule II – Methamphetamine

State of Tennessee vs. Christian D. Layman

• 1 Count Driving on Revoked or Suspended License – Second or subsequent offense
• 1 Count Driving with Revoked Priors
• 1 Count Possession of Schedule VI – Marijuana
• 1 Count Possession of Schedule II – Methamphetamine .5 gram >
• 1 Count Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• 1 Count Tampering with Evidence

State of Tennessee vs. Alan L. McMurtry

• 1 Count of Criminal Simulation
• 1 Count Possession of Schedule II – Methamphetamine .5 gram >
• 1 Count Possession of Schedule II – Fentanyl
• 1 Count Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• 1 Count Driving while in Possession of Methamphetamine
• 1 Count Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

State of Tennessee vs. Cody Alan Mertens

• 8 Counts Sexual Battery by an Authority Figure

State of Tennessee vs. Chelsea R. Morgan

• 1 Count Possession of Schedule II – Methamphetamine .5 gram >
• 1 Count Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• 1 Count Child Abuse/Neglect/Endangerment

State of Tennessee vs. Tiffany Dawn Myers

• 1 Count Possession of Schedule II – Methamphetamine .5 gram >
• 1 Count Possession of Schedule II – Hydrocodone
• 1 Count Possession of Schedule VI – Marijuana
• 1 Count Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• 1 Count Possession of a Firearm during Commission of Felony

State of Tennessee vs. Tyler Myers

• 1 Count DUI first offense – per se
• 1 Count Obedience to Police Officers

State of Tennessee vs. Meghan L. Pearson

• 1 Count Assault

State of Tennessee vs. Paul Pearson

• 1 Count Possession of Schedule VI – Marijuana
• 1 Count Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

State of Tennessee vs. Terra Nadean Rippe

• 1 Count Failure to Appear

State of Tennessee vs. Donny Romines

• 1 Count Driving on Revoked or Suspended License – Second or subsequent offense
• 1 Count Driving with Revoked Priors
• 1 Count Possession of Schedule VI – Marijuana
• 1 Count Possession of Schedule II – Cocaine
• 1 Count Possession of Schedule II – Oxycodone
• 1 Count Possession of Schedule II –ANPP
• 1 Count Possession of Schedule II – Methamphetamine
• 1 Count Driving while in Possession of Methamphetamine
• 1 Count Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

State of Tennessee vs. Tyler Michael Samples

• 1 Count Possession of Schedule VI – Marijuana
• 1 Count SpeedingState of Tennessee vs. Tyler Michael Samples
• 1 Count Possession of Schedule VI – Marijuana
• 1 Count Speeding

State of Tennessee vs. Kitty Smith

• 1 Count Theft $250.000 >

State of Tennessee vs. Priscilla M. Stewart

• 1 Count Driving while License Suspended
• 1 Count DUI First Offense
• 1 Count Seat Belt 18 or older

State of Tennessee vs. John Waldron

• 1 Count Possession of Schedule II – Methamphetamine
• 1 Count Driving while in Possession of Methamphetamine
• 1 Count Possession of Schedule II – Fentanyl
• 1 Count Possession of Schedule II – Cocaine

State of Tennessee vs. Melanie S. Williams

• 2 Counts Possession of Schedule II – Fentanyl .5 gram >
• 1 Count Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• 1 Count Possession of Schedule II – Methamphetamine .5 gram >

This summary reflects the charges filed and does not imply guilt or innocence.

SMITH COUNTY – Special agents from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation have obtained an indictment charging an Elmwood woman in connection to an ongoing theft case.

At the request of 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson, TBI agents opened an investigation into the actions of Kitty Rena Smith (DOB 6/10/1964). Agents, working alongside the Carthage Police Department, developed information that, while working as an office manager at a Carthage real estate business, Smith used her employer’s credit card to pay for personal travel, restaurant, and other expenses over the course of at least eight years.

On Monday, the Smith County Grand Jury returned an indictment, charging Smith with one count of Theft over $250,000. On Tuesday, Smith surrendered to authorities at the Smith County Jail, where she posted $10,000 bond.

The charges and allegations referenced in this release are merely accusations of criminal conduct and not evidence. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted through due process of law.

This Giving Tuesday, tnAchieves is asking the community to join in the global day of giving to kick off the holiday season. The tnAchieves Giving Tuesday campaign will help provide financial support to enhance post-secondary opportunities and outcomes by providing holistic student supports rooted in community and accountability.

tnAchieves is a partnering organization to the TN Promise scholarship. TN Promise offers every high school senior in the state the chance to go to community or technical college tuition and mandatory fee free. This year, tnAchieves is celebrating the largest number of TN Promise applicants ever, with more than 67,000 students applying for the scholarship.

By constantly innovating and improving, tnAchieves raises money to create student-focused programs that lead to high-impact careers within our state.

“Students First, Always is one of the driving values of tnAchieves,” said President & CEO Krissy DeAlejandro. “The money generously provided on Giving Tuesday will directly impact Tennessee’s future workforce and help ensure students have a fully supported pathway to a college degree or credential.”

tnAchieves goes beyond the TN Promise scholarship by providing proactive coaching and administrative support to students at just $83 per year. Peer organizations often spend more than $2,000 per year, per student. tnAchieves is able to create tremendous impact with a much lower cost per student.

On this Giving Tuesday, we are asking the community to consider giving to tnAchieves at one of four different tiers:

· Tier 1: A one-time donation of $207.50 supports a tnAchieves student through graduation.

· Tier 2: A one-time $83 donation, as mentioned above, supports a tnAchieves student for a year.

· Tier 3: A one-time $41.50 donation supports a tnAchieves student at a community college for a semester.

· Tier 4: A one-time donation of $20.08. tnAchieves began in 2008 as knoxAchieves with the mission of providing students with last-dollar scholarships supported by mentor guidance in Knox County.

Furthermore, any donor who makes their $20.08+ donation recurring, will be inducted into the tnAchieves 2008 Club. Since 2008, tnAchieves has served more than 500,000 students and families and has grown to become a nationally recognized leader in college access and success. Our mission has always been to provide all students with an opportunity to access college leading toward a gainful career.

Also, in honor of our first Giving Tuesday, tnAchieves Board Chairman Randy Boyd has pledged to match the first $10,000 raised, and tnAchieves board member Tim Williams will match the next $10,000 raised.

To read more on how tnAchieves is preparing Tennessee students for college and beyond, please click here for a recent report from College Promise. To give to tnAchieves this Giving Tuesday, please click here. For visuals, please see this video produced by Big Slate Media and credit tnAchieves.

tnAchieves is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Any interview requests or questions can be directed to Rebecca Franklin at Rebecca@tnAchieves.org or (865) 748-7767

Tennessee Wildlife Federation is proud to announce the winners of its 10th Annual Photo Contest, celebrating the landscapes, wildlife, and natural beauty of Tennessee. This year’s contest drew nearly 2,000 entries from photographers across 10 states,
showcasing diverse perspectives on Tennessee’s great outdoors.

The winning photos, chosen by a panel of judges, will be featured in the Federation’s 2025 calendar. The cover photo, shot by Griffin Nagle from Asheville, NC, captures an eastern wild turkey in a quiet field. The People’s Choice Award, decided by more than 4,000 public votes, was awarded to Terry Weaver of Savannah, TN, for his shot of a pileated woodpecker feeding its young in a tree cavity. You can see the full list of winning photos at tnwf.org/2025-photo-contest-winners.

In total, 17 feature images and several honorable mentions will be highlighted in the 2025 calendar. All winning photographers will receive prizes such as gift cards from Bass Pro Shops, Tennessee Wildlife Federation-branded beanies and travel mugs, outdoor backpacks, padded outdoor chairs, and soft-sided coolers. Prizes were provided by Bass Pro Shops of Memphis, Nashville, Kodak, and Bristol, TN.

The 2025 calendar showcases the diversity of Tennessee’s wildlife, with each species playing a unique and important role in its ecosystem. Anyone who gives $60 or more, or signs up for a monthly gift of $10 or more, by December 31, 2024, will receive the 2025 calendar as a thank you, until supplies run out. All donations directly support the Federation’s conservation efforts across Tennessee. Donate to receive our calendar at tnwf.org/donate

About Tennessee Wildlife Federation
Tennessee Wildlife Federation leads the conservation, sound management and wise use of Tennessee’s great outdoors. Since 1946, the Federation has spearheaded the development of the state’s wildlife policy, advanced landmark legislation on air and water quality and other conservation initiatives, helped restore numerous species, and introduced thousands of kids to the great outdoors. To learn more, visit tnwf.org.