by Rachel Petty – UT Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development

Smith County 4-H was proud to host its 7th Annual 4-H Awards Banquet on the evening of Thursday, November 7, 2024. The Smith County Ag Center was packed with 4-H’ers and family members, volunteers, donors, community supporters, Extension staff, and friends that make our local 4-H program possible.

We had the pleasure of recognizing 44 of our most active and involved 4-H’ers from the past year. These 4-H’ers were recognized for their outstanding club and project work, contest participation, and community involvement.

We also enjoyed a delicious meal together, which was catered by Stroud’s BBQ from Cookeville, Tennessee, and sponsored by Smith County Farm Bureau. Farm Bureau President George Clay and the Farm Bureau Board also graciously agreed to cover all other associated expenses of the 2024 4-H Awards Banquet.

The program for the evening was led by 4-H’ers Kynlee Davis, Marshall Taylor, Levi Ferrell, Turner Harville, Owen Meeks, Easton Bibbings, and Emmy Bibbings. The awards ceremony was conducted by 4-H Agents Rachel Petty and Susanna Clouse.

Gabe Harville was our special speaker, and he shared with us his 4-H speech that earned him the National Champion title at Western National Roundup back in January. Gabe’s impressive speech told the story of his journey as a 4-H’er and served as excellent inspiration for our younger members in attendance.

Special awards for the night went to

· Josie Harville – Outstanding Junior 4-H Member

· Tana Harville – Outstanding Junior High 4-H Member

· Kynlee Davis – Outstanding Senior High 4-H Member

We also honored four of our graduating seniors: Kynlee Davis, Gabe Harville, Erin Hensley, and Abby Purtee. Each senior was given a set of green and white cords to wear at graduation and a small gift to commemorate their time in Smith County 4-H.

Our Smith County “Friend of 4-H Award” went to Carson Meeks for his role as Coach of our 3rd Place National Forestry Judging Team that competed in Weston, West Virginia, this summer.

Here is a complete list of the best-of-the-best Smith County 4-H’ers who were honored at our 2024 4-H Awards Banquet: Easton Bibbings, Emmy Bibbings, Kara Brooks, Katie Belle Butler, Daisy Chambers, Luke Chartier, Titus Chartier, Kynlee Davis, Charlotte Driver, Gracie Driver,

Jay Driver, Clay Driver, Isaac Ferrell, Levi Ferrell, Aspen Gibbs, Gabe Harville, Josie Harville, Tana Harville, Turner Harville, Caleb Hensley, Erin Hensley, Aubrey Hicks, Scarlett Hicks, Amelia Hodges, McCall Kemp, Katelyn Kooken, Oakley Lawrence, Bryant Locke, Emma Locke, Jax Mason, Owen Meeks, Olivia Messenger, Parker Milakovic, Abby Purtee, Kolt Ortiz Schulz, Marshall Taylor, Kasie Thomas, Evie Wilson, Katie Wilson, Avery Yerge, and Bradley Yerge.

By participating in 4-H, youth develop life skills like critical thinking, teamwork, communication, citizenship, and creativity that equip them to be the leaders of the future. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for Smith County 4-H and all of these bright and hardworking young people!

This is the biggest and best 4-H Banquet we’ve ever had, and we love seeing all of these young people succeed and come together to celebrate their accomplishments.

It takes a village to run a 4-H program, and we couldn’t be more thankful for ours!

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 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. For further information concerning the many opportunities that 4-H has to offer the youth in Smith County, call 615-735-2900.

The Smith County School Board has approved the 2024-2025 School Calendar. Students will return to school after summer break for a half-day on August 1, 2025, marking the start of a new academic year. Fall Break will provide a chance to relax and recharge from October 13–17, 2025, while Thanksgiving Break will offer time for family and gratitude from November 24–28, 2025.

As the holiday season approaches, students will have a half-day on December 19 before starting Christmas Break, which runs from December 22, 2025, to January 6, 2026. After the winter months, Spring Break is scheduled for March 23–27, 2026. The school year will wrap up on May 22, 2026, with a final half-day of classes.

The Gordonsville City Council held its monthly meeting on Monday November 11th, 2024.

You can watch the full council meeting below.

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

The Gordonsville City Council meets at 6:15 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at Gordonsville City Hall, located at 63 Main Street in Gordonsville.

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

The Smith County Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome The Grazing Cow as Smith County Chamber Members. The Grazing Cow, owned by Melissa and Rickie Locke, offers farm-fresh beef, and pork to the community, all USDA approved and carefully raised without the use of hormones or steroids.

What started as a small operation to supply their family and friends with fresh, local meat during the pandemic has grown offering packaged cuts of meat directly to customers. The Grazing Cow now operates with a retail meat permit allowing them to expand its offerings to include more product choices.

Melissa and Rickie’s journey began in 2016, when they moved to Smith County and started with a small herd of 15-20 cattle. What followed was a passionate commitment to the cattle industry, and they’ve since grown their herd to around 140-160 head of cattle.  In addition to running The Grazing Cow, Melissa works full-time in the staffing industry but says her favorite part of the day is unwinding with her cattle after a busy workday.  Melissa developed a love for farming and found peace in the rhythms of rural life—whether it’s walking the fields with the calves or working with their community.

When customers visit The Grazing Cow, they see the farm and can expect more than just a simple meat purchase. Melissa and Rickie will answer questions about their products, and how the animals are raised. Customers can view the various cuts of meat, see how it’s packaged, and gain insight into the farm’s practices.

“We want people to feel confident in what they’re buying,” says Melissa “I want people to know exactly where their meat is coming from and that it’s something they can feel good about feeding their families.”

In addition to fresh meat, The Grazing Cow also offers Tallow Face & Lotion made from beef fat, a nourishing, all-natural skincare product that’s free from chemicals and packed with nutrients.

The Grazing Cow and the Lockes have big plans for the future. They’re working toward expanding their offerings with monthly subscription boxes, shipping their fresh meats nationwide, and adding even more products to their shop.

“We want to make it easier for people to access high-quality, locally raised meat,” says Melissa. “Our goal is to serve our community and beyond, bringing a little bit of the farm to everyone.”

The Grazing Cow is open Friday from 1 PM to 5 PM, Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM, and Sunday from 12 PM to 4 PM. If you’re looking to visit during the week, you can call or text Melissa at 615-670-0199 to schedule an appointment.

To learn more about The Grazing Cow or to place an order, visit www.thegrazingcow.net.

From fresh, locally-raised meats to all-natural skincare, The Grazing Cow is committed to providing top-quality products that support the health of both families and the local farming community. Visit today and experience the difference for yourself!

With the 2024 holiday season here, many Americans are planning their holiday meals. Amid the rush, it’s easy to overlook essential food safety precautions, but following these tips from University of Tennessee Extension can help ensure you and your guests enjoy holiday meals that are both delicious and safe.

“Hosting a holiday gathering requires careful attention to food safety to prevent foodborne illnesses,” said Kristin Riggsbee, assistant professor and nutrition and food safety specialist with UT Extension Family and Consumer Sciences. “By following simple steps like proper handwashing and cooking foods to the right temperature, you can help protect your guests and make your celebration memorable for all the right reasons.”

So, what are the steps? Most cooks know, but they’re worth repeating:

1. Clean: The first step to preparing a meal safely is to ensure your cooking space, utensils and ingredients are clean. Start by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before handling food and after using the restroom, sneezing or handling raw meat. You should clean any surface that could touch food, including cutting boards, utensils and countertops with approved cleaning sprays, especially after contact with raw poultry, meats, seafood or eggs. Finally, be sure to rinse fruits and vegetables under cool running water, without soap, to remove harmful microorganisms.

2. Separate: To avoid cross-contamination, which occurs when raw foods or contaminated surfaces come into contact with cooked foods, wash your hands frequently and store raw meat on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. Consider using separate cutting boards for raw meats and other high-risk items. The USDA advises against washing raw poultry, as this can spread harmful bacteria like Salmonella.

3. Cook: Always cook food to the correct internal temperatures to eliminate harmful bacteria, keeping hot foods above 140 degrees Fahrenheit. For meat, use a meat thermometer and be sure to check the thickest parts of meat to confirm they reach the safe temperature:

· Ground meat: 160°

· Poultry: 165°

· Ham: 145°

· Casseroles: 165°

· Beef, veal, lamb: 145° (rest for 3 minutes)

4. Chill or Keep Warm: Leaving food at room temperature for more than two hours increases the risk of bacteria growth that can cause food-borne illness. Consider serving small amounts of food at a time, storing the rest in the refrigerator or a warm oven. If you think any leftovers have been at room temperature for too long, it is safer to discard them.

5. Store: Leftovers are a great perk of the holiday season! To ensure they remain safe for consumption, it is important to store them correctly. Allow hot foods to cool, then place leftovers in airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator or freezer as soon as possible. Most refrigerated leftovers should be eaten within four days of the initial meal and frozen items are usually safe for three to four months. Avoid overcrowding your refrigerator, as it will struggle to maintain temperatures below 40 degrees.

6. Reheat: When reheating leftovers, ensure they reach at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit to kill any bacteria. You can reheat leftovers that are frozen, thawed or from the refrigerator. However, thaw frozen items safely by using the refrigerator, cold water or the microwave. Thawing in the refrigerator takes longer but is the safest method, as it keeps the food safe while it thaws.

While the risk of food-borne illness can seem scary, following these easy steps can make the holidays safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is comprised of the Herbert College of Agriculture, UT College of Veterinary Medicine, UT AgResearch and UT Extension. Through its land-grant mission of teaching, research and outreach, the Institute touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. to Tennesseans and beyond. utia.tennessee.edu.

Easy Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy

2 Tablespoons butter

2 bags white chocolate chips (Do Not Use Chipits, they do not melt)

2 bags of mini marshmallows

1 ½ cups chopped red and green gumdrops

Instructions:

1. Prepare an 8×8 square baking dish by lining it with parchment paper.

2. Cut the gumdrops in half and set aside.

3. Melt the butter, white chocolate chips and marshmallows together over indirect medium heat. To do this I create a double boiler by putting a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of gently simmering water (making sure that the bowl and pan fit together snug). This ensures that the mixture doesn’t burn.

4. Continuously stir the mixture until it is smooth and melted together, making sure not to cook the mixture…. the goal is to just melt, not cook or boil.

5. Remove from heat.

6. Let cool for about 2 minutes.

7. Stir in the gumdrops and mix well.

8. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan.

9. The mixture will be very sticky, so I use a lightly greased piece of parchment paper or wax paper to help spread and pat the mixture down into the pan.

10. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting. Refrigerating overnight is best.

11. Slice into 60 bite sized pieces.

12. To store the candies, use parchment paper between the layers so the candies don’t stick together.

13. Enjoy this nougat recipe!

Submitted by: Wendy Drumm, Carthage FCE Club

Tennessee’s 2024-25 statewide gun hunting season for deer opens Saturday, Nov. 23. The season traditionally opens each year on the Saturday prior to Thanksgiving. During gun season, sportsmen may also use muzzleloaders or archery equipment.

The statewide bag limit for antlered bucks is two. No more than one antlered deer may be taken per day, not to exceed two for the season. In Units 1, 2, and 3 there is an antlerless bag limit of three per day, and a limit of two antlerless for this season in Units 4, 5, and 6. The bag limit may only be exceeded as part of the Earn-A-Buck program or as replacement buck in a CWD positive county.

During season setting, new hunting units were implemented for this season. Hunters should refer to the 2024-25 Tennessee Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Guide for specific information about their hunting unit and complete license requirements.

Anyone born on or after January 1, 1969, is required to carry proof of satisfactory completion of a hunter education class or be in possession of the Apprentice Hunter Education Permit (along with other required licenses) while hunting any species in Tennessee. Hunter education can be completed online for free along with in person options offered by TWRA.

The statewide deer hunting season will continue through Jan. 5, 2025. The second Young Sportsman Hunt is Jan. 11-12.

The American Red Cross is hosting a community Blood Drive at the Kempville Chapel Old Time Methodist Church Gym, located at 196 Kempville Hwy, Carthage, TN 37030, on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

This holiday season, make a difference by donating blood and giving the gift that truly means something. Your contribution can help save lives and provide critical support to patients in need.

Donate between December 9 and December 15, 2024, and you’ll receive a $15 e-gift card as a token of appreciation (terms apply; see RedCrossBlood.org/gifts for details).

Schedule an Appointment by visiting RedCrossBlood.org and use the sponsor code Kempville19 to book your donation time. You can streamline your donation by using the RapidPass feature online to complete pre-donation reading and health history questions on the day of your appointment, saving up to 15 minutes. You can also download the Blood Donor App that allows you to track your donation, access your donor card, and monitor health stats like blood pressure.

Every drop counts. Take the time to give back to your community and ensure local hospitals have the blood supplies they need. For more information, call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit RedCrossBlood.org.

K9 Comfort Paws Kennel and Training Facility, located in Carthage, TN, offers a unique blend of dog care services with a heartfelt mission. Founded by Kerry Kirchenberg, a seasoned K9 trainer, the facility provides top-quality boarding, training, and grooming for dogs.  Recently they celebrated a grand re-opening with a ribbon cutting.

Kerry’s journey to opening K9 Comfort Paws started in 2017, after a life-saving heart surgery and a recommendation to get a medical alert and mobility service dog. Her Saint Bernard, Ireland, became her lifeline and inspired Kerry to create a business that would provide exceptional care to other dogs  and humans in need.

Originally a self-wash dog spa, the business expanded in 2024 to include boarding and training, thanks to a suggestion from her manager, Jacob Massey, and support from the local community. Kerry quickly built a dedicated team of young local high school and college students, including Cassi Hayes, Austin McGowan, Alyssa Ash, Morgan Ash, Allie Rich, and Nick Chaffin.  The team stands out for their genuine love for dogs and their commitment to providing personalized, high-quality service.

What sets K9 Comfort Paws apart is the care they provide—dogs are never left alone overnight during boarding. In fact, “Principal” Nick Chaffin stays onsite overnight to ensure the dogs are safe and comfortable. “We don’t just take care of dogs,” Kerry says. “We provide peace of mind to our clients. We treat every dog as if they were one of our own, and we work hard to create a positive, enriching environment for all the dogs in our care.”

Kerry, who has five working Saint Bernards, often travels for K9 training but ensures that her own dogs, and those at K9 Comfort Paws, receive ongoing training and attention in her absence. The facility also uses high-quality grooming products, including Let’s Groom Spa products, and will begin offering full-service grooming in Summer 2025.

K9 Comfort Paws is located at 217 Upper Ferry Road in Carthage, TN. The facility is currently open by appointment only Monday through Wednesday. Regular hours are Thursday and Friday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

For more information about services, to book an appointment, or to purchase TableScraps©️ Human Grade Dog Food and Sweet Treats, visit www.k9comfortpaws.com. Kerry is also available for direct messaging at 615-626-2826.

With a focus on safety, comfort, and personalized care, K9 Comfort Paws is more than just a kennel—it’s a place where dogs can thrive, and their owners can feel confident that their pets are in the best possible hands.