Danny Williams shares appreciation for continued support
I want to thank everyone who voted for me, to be your Alderman, Town of Gordonsville, for the next 4 years. I will continue to communicate openly and with transparency the actions of the Town’s Council, being frugal with Your collected monies and act wisely as the Town continue to grows.
As always, please contact me with any business that effects you and/or the Town.
(photos and article submitted by Danny Williams)
tnAchieves Surpasses 2025 Mentor Goal
tnAchieves is thrilled to announce that more than 5,350 Tennesseans have registered to volunteer as a tnAchieves mentor in 2025! In surpassing the goal of recruiting 5,000 volunteer mentors, tnAchieves is poised to provide meaningful local support to students across the state as they transition from high school to college and, ultimately, a gainful career.
“We are so grateful for the thousands of volunteers who have stepped up and answered the call to serve students,” shared tnAchieves President and CEO Krissy DeAlejandro. “I am constantly amazed by the community-first mindset of individuals across Tennessee and the selfless nature of our volunteers. tnAchieves mentors represent a crucial local connection for our students and program. As we begin our work with the Class of 2025, we are set up for success thanks to the more than 5,350 individuals committed to serving as a tnAchieves mentor.”
Mentors serve smaller groups of 2-3 students by establishing meaningful connections that cover topics relating to college, career and beyond. With just one hour per month, mentors can make a difference for students as they navigate the path to a post-secondary credential successfully.
“While we have met our statewide goal, there does remain a need for mentors in several counties across the state,” shared tnAchieves Vice President of External Partnerships Tyler Ford. “When we meet our goal in individual counties, we ensure that every local student can receive high impact, personal support in the college-going process.”
Anyone interested in becoming a mentor is still encouraged to join! The deadline to register has been extended to this Friday, November 22. Smith County still needs 4 Mentors.
Those interested in registering can visit http://www.tnAchieves.org/mentors. Volunteers have the power to choose the county and high school they serve.
tnAchieves is a privately funded scholarship and mentoring program that seeks to provide an opportunity for every Tennessee student to earn a post‐secondary degree. If you have questions about the tnAchieves mentoring program, please contact Tyler Ford at (309) 945-3446 or tyler@tnAchieves.org.
Heartland Real Estate Announces Online Equipment Auction
Heartland Real Estate & Auction is hosting an Online-Only Equipment Auction featuring a wide range of outdoor items, tools, farm equipment, and more. The bidding event is scheduled to begin closing on Thursday, November 21, at 10:00 a.m. CST.
This auction features a selection of items, including vehicles like a 2003 Toyota 4Runner, 1999 Jeep Wrangler, and a 2000 Ford 1700 Tractor, as well as various utility and farm essentials like a 2009 BMX Side-by-Side, Hustler Mower, Bad Boy Mower, and other outdoor tools. Key items include:
- Rotary Cutter and Hay Rake
- Air Compressors
- Power Tools such as Circular/Miter Saws
- Lawn Care Equipment including Sprayers, Grass Trimmers, and Blowers
- Utility Trailers
- Pressure Washers
- Air Tools, Hand Tools, and more
Interested bidders are encouraged to visit HeartlandREandAuctions.com to view the full catalog, inspect item descriptions, and familiarize themselves with terms and conditions. All sales will be conducted online, so participants should register and bid through the auction website.
Heartland Real Estate & Auction is located at 601 Main Street N, Carthage, TN 37030, and can be reached at (615) 735-9001 or (615) 735-7778 for additional inquiries.
Tennessee Tech’s Office of Financial Aid hosts free Nov. 21 event to guide students through FAFSA process
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – With the U.S. Department of Education announcing a nationwide delay of the 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) until Dec. 1, 2024, Tennessee Tech University is putting students first with a free event to answer common FAFSA questions and take the guesswork out of the financial aid process.
Tech’s Office of Financial Aid will host its fall 2024 “Early Bird Tour” on Thursday, Nov. 21 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Roaden University Center’s Tech Pride Room, located at 1000 N. Dixie Avenue on Tech’s campus.
The drop-in event will allow current and prospective Tech students to meet the Financial Aid team, get a head start on the FAFSA process, set up their student “Tech Express” accounts, and get questions answered by the university’s team of expert staff.
Students can even complete an on-the-spot application for admission to Tech ahead of the university’s Dec. 15 priority deadline for scholarship consideration. All prospective first-time domestic freshman students who apply to Tennessee Tech at the event will have the $25 application fee waived. Students in attendance will also be entered in drawings for giveaways and prizes.
“We know the FAFSA process can feel daunting for some students and families, but our team is here to help and make the process as simple and straightforward as possible,” said Mary McCaskey, Tech’s associate vice president for enrollment and student success. “At Tennessee Tech, it’s personal to us. We are here to answer questions and help guide students and their parents through the financial aid process so that they receive every last dollar of federal, state and institutional aid for which they are eligible.”
Tech is ranked as a “Best National University” by U.S. News & World Report and offers more than 200 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.
Interested students can register for the Early Bird Tour at https://www.tntech.edu/financialaid/events.php and can contact the Office of Financial Aid with questions at financialaid@tntech.edu.
Tech’s Appalachian Center for Craft to host annual Holiday Festival
Guests of all ages are invited to the Appalachian Center for Craft’s Annual Holiday Festival on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at its campus in Smithville. The event will feature a discount in the retail gallery, free kids’ crafts and short workshops in the glass, metals, wood and clay studios.
Families and kids of all ages can participate in free kid’s activities in the Craft Center cafe. Activities include paper marbling, beaded ornaments, holiday cards and more. These drop-in crafts are free and available throughout the day while supplies last. Minors must be accompanied by parents or guardians at all times.
Holiday Festival workshops are now open for online registration. Participants will learn craft techniques and take home handmade wares that make perfect gifts. Workshops include blown-glass holiday ornaments, cold metalsmithing techniques for jewelry, textured ceramic trays and wood-turned bottle openers. Workshops are open to beginners and participants of all skill levels. The price to participate in a workshop ranges from $50 to $65 per participant. Visit the Craft Center website for registration and more information, including workshop times, descriptions and required age limits. Advanced registration is recommended due to limited seating, however workshop registrations are also available at the door, subject to availability.
All weekend, visitors can take advantage of a special Holiday Shopping discount in the Craft Center’s retail gallery. Handmade goods from local and regional artists will be 25% off, including handmade cards, jewelry, ornaments, glassware, textiles, prints, paintings and more. The gallery is open on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
The Appalachian Center for Craft is located at 1560 Craft Center Drive in Smithville, Tenn. Learn more and register for workshops at tntech.edu/craftcenter/holiday or call 931-372-3052.
aCross Tennessee Celebrates Christmas by Lighting Up Yards and Neighborhoods Across the State
This holiday season, aCross Tennessee is once again bringing the true spirit of Christmas to neighborhoods across the state, marking its sixth year of spreading festive cheer with lighted crosses. The event, which has become a beloved tradition, encourages residents to light up their yards with the symbol of the cross, a powerful reminder of the reason for the season.
On Saturday, November 23, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., aCross Tennessee will kick off the holiday celebrations with a special giveaway event at Crump Paris Park in South Carthage. The first 100 families to arrive will receive a free five-foot lighted cross to display in their yards. The giveaway is on a first-come, first-served basis, with each family limited to one cross. This is a wonderful opportunity for local residents to participate in this meaningful event and bring a touch of light and hope to their communities during the Christmas season.
The aCross Tennessee initiative has grown steadily over the years, with participants from across Smith County and beyond joining in to light up their homes with these iconic crosses. Whether you’re driving down a country road or passing through a neighborhood, it’s hard to miss the glowing crosses, which serve as a visual reminder of the holiday’s Christian roots.
What started as a local event has since blossomed into a statewide movement, uniting communities in the shared message of faith, hope, and joy. This year’s official event will run from November 23, 2024, through December 31, 2024, with people across Tennessee decorating their homes and yards to celebrate the Christmas season.
For those interested in learning more about aCross Tennessee and its cross-lighting ministry, you can visit their website at www.aCrossTenn.com or find them on Facebook at aCross Tennessee.
As this heartfelt tradition continues to grow, it serves as a powerful reminder that Christmas is not just about decorations and gifts but about coming together in faith and sharing the light of Christ with the world.
Food for Thought: Medicare Annual Enrollment
Each year, Medicare’s open enrollment happens October 15th-December 7th. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CSM), more than 67 million Americans are enrolled in Medicare, between traditional Medicare and Medicare advantage. This year may be harder for many seniors choosing a plan. A few of the biggest changes to take effect in 2025 are highlighted below.
For the first time, out-of-pocket covered prescription drug costs will be capped annually at $2,000 on Part D plans. The $2,000 cap does not include premiums. More than 80% of traditional Medicare participants buy a Part D plan. According to AARP, the cap will have a ripple effect on Part D and Medicare Advantage plans’ other prices and coverage, making it especially important to review options offered this year. The AARP estimates about 3.2 million Americans with a Part D drug plan will reach the cap in 2025. This can be a positive change for them.
There will not be a coverage gap for Part D plans. In 2025, Part D plans can have a deductible up to $590. Then co-payments for your medications kick in until your total out-of-pocket reaches $2,000.
People with expensive drug costs tend to pay a lot at the first of the year. The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan will allow participants the option to pay their prescription costs monthly rather than all at once. This does not reduce the total cost, but it can be beneficial to plan for budgeting in smaller increments.
There may be a large inconsistency in premiums, copayments and covered drugs during open enrollment. The AARP advises an individual to look at the annual notice of changes that your plan must send in September outlining changes to your plan for 2025. An individual can compare coverage and costs for all the plans in their area using the Medicare Plan Finder and choose a 2025 plan during open enrollment now through Dec. 7th. You can get help for free from your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). For more information visit https://www.aarp.org/health/medicare-insurance/info-2024/medicare-changes-coming-in-2025/.
Spaghetti Pie
This spaghetti pie recipe pulls together all of the best aspects of this Italian classic – pasta – cheese, meat sauce, and more cheese!
Topping Ingredient
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Spaghetti Crust
6 oz spaghetti
2 tablespoons butter
2 eggs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Cheese Layer
1-2 cups cottage cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley
½ teaspoon dried basil or 1 tablespoon fresh
Meat Sauce
1 lb. lean ground beef
½ small onion diced
1 cup pasta sauce
1 cup tomato paste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Cook spaghetti and drain. Toss with butter. Stir in eggs and parmesan cheese.
3. Place spaghetti in a greased deep dish pie plate. Press to form a crust.
4. Combine cottage cheese, parsley, and basil. Spread mixture over spaghetti crust. Set aside.
5. Brown beef and onion until no pink remains. Drain any fat. Add tomato paste and pasta sauce. Simmer 10 minutes or until thickened. Spread over cheese layer.
6. Bake 20-25 minutes. Top with mozzarella and bake an additional 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Cool 10 minutes before serving.
Submitted by: Myra Fisher, Carthage FCE Club.
Application Period for Late-Season ,Youth & Military WMA Waterfowl Hunts
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has announced the application period for the 2024-25 Late-Season, Youth, and Military Waterfowl Quota Hunts is open Nov. 13 through Dec. 3.
Applications can be made online at QuotaHunt.gooutdoorstennessee.com, the TWRA mobile app, TWRA regional offices, or any TWRA license agent. Mailed applications will not be accepted. Applicants must be at least 16 years old for the Late Season WMA Hunt. The Youth Hunt is for ages 6-15, and only veterans and active-duty military can participate in the Military Hunt.
Detailed application instructions, general waterfowl quota hunt information, and WMA locations are available at TNWildlife.org on the Quota Hunts page.
A $12 application fee and vendor fee that varies on method of submission is assessed to each application, except for individuals possessing a valid Annual, Lifetime, or Senior Sportsman License. There is no application fee for the Youth or Military Waterfowl Quota Hunt.
For Late Season Waterfowl, a person may only submit one application with up to 48 unique hunt choices; hunt choices may not be repeated. Qualifying parties must have at least four members, with a maximum of eight. There are two hunt choices for the Youth Waterfowl and two for the Military Waterfowl.
A party must be established by a party leader who will select the hunt choices for the entire party. A party number will be assigned to the leader after the application has been submitted. The leader informs the person(s) wishing to join the party of the party number. The members will choose “join a party” on their application and input the leader’s party number onto their application.
TWRA’s priority drawing system gives one priority point to applicants each year they apply and are not successful for any hunt. Applicants who were successfully drawn will start over with a priority of zero on their next application. If applicants in a party have varying priority points, the party will assume the highest point status of the party. If a party is unsuccessful, each party member’s individual priority will increase by one point. There are no priority points for the Youth Waterfowl or the Military Waterfowl.
A successful applicant may bring up to seven additional hunters (guests) of their choice, each day of the hunt. The number of adults in a blind or pool may not exceed eight, one of which must be a permit holder. No additional party members can be added after the drawing. Permits are nontransferable.
Successful applicants will receive an email with instructions to log-in and claim their permit before 11:59 (CST) on Dec. 3. Each party member must claim their own permit. Permits will be available to print after the permit has been claimed. Individuals in the party that fail to claim their permit forfeit their individual permit but may still hunt with a permit holder in attendance at the blind. If the entire party fails to claim their permits, the site location will be forfeited.
The leftover drawings will be held Monday, Dec. 30 at 6 p.m. local time. The drawing locations are listed on page 85 of the 2024-25 Tennessee Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping Guide.
Upper Cumberland Legislative Forum and Joint Meeting of the Dale Hollow and Center Hill RPO’s
Pursuant to Chapter 442, Tennessee Public Act of 1974, “The Sunshine Law” the Dale Hollow and Center Hill Rural Planning Organizations will hold a joint meeting on Thursday, November 21, 2024. The meeting will be held at 9:30 AM (CST) at the Upper Cumberland Development District, located at 1104 England Drive in Cookeville.
The Dale Hollow RPO is responsible for comprehensive transportation planning for Clay, Fentress, Jackson, Macon, Overton, Pickett, Smith and Trousdale counties. The Center Hill RPO is responsible for comprehensive transportation planning for Cannon, Cumberland, DeKalb, Putnam, Warren, White and Van Buren counties.
This is an open public meeting. To request an agenda, please contact Mark Dudney at (931)476-4152 or via email at mdudney@ucdd.org.
Smith County Chamber Corner Show – November 2024
Check out the November 2024 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.
October 2024 Meeting of the Smith County Commission
The Smith County Commission held its meeting on the evening of Monday, October 28, 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/.
Deputy District Attorney Justin Harris Awarded Prestigious Honor for Exceptional Service to the Criminal Justice System
Justin Harris, Deputy District Attorney of the 15th Judicial District of Tennessee, has been honored with the prestigious President’s Award at the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference’s (TNDAGC) annual three-day training conference.
The Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference convenes every October for its statewide Fall Conference, during which the President’s Award is presented to Assistant District Attorneys, Victim/Witness Coordinators, or criminal division employees who demonstrate exceptional performance and service to the criminal justice system.
Deputy DA Harris has earned a reputation as one of the most prolific trial lawyers in his district. Over his 18-year career, Harris has consistently demonstrated his ability to handle highly complex and circumstantial cases, expertly navigating the challenges of expert witness testimony and courtroom strategy. He frequently secures multiple major jury trial verdicts each year and has, on several occasions, stepped in at the last minute to assist or take the lead on trials when his colleagues needed him to.
“Justin Harris is a credit to our office, and an effective advocate for the people of our district that we serve. He conducts jury trials on the most serious crimes of our district, and has an outstanding conviction rate to ensure that the people of our district receive justice. He is a very worthy recipient of this state-wide recognition by his fellow prosecutors.”
2024 William Walton Harvest Queen Pageant Winners Crowned
The 2024 William Walton Harvest Queen Pageant took center stage on Saturday, October 26th, at the Historic Smith County Courthouse, as over twenty young ladies competed for the titles of Harvest Queen in various age groups. The event, part of the annual William Walton Harvest Festival, brought together a talented group of contestants who dazzled the crowd with their lovely dresses and beautiful smiles.
Bailey Stewart was crowned as the new 2024 Harvest Queen. Sydney Raby, last year’s winner was on hand to pass the crown.
The 2024 Teen Harvest Queen Winner was Hailey Ray Overstreet (right) pictured with Sophie Mae Lawson earning first runner-up. Lawson also won several special awards, including Best Dress, Best Smile, and People’s Choice.
In the Junior division, Kylie Nicole East was named the 2024 Junior Harvest Queen Winner, with Natalie Denton taking first runner-up and Kenli Scott coming in second runner-up. Denton also earned Best Dress and Most Photogenic awards, while Scott won Best Smile.
The 2024 Petite Harvest Queen winner was Jade Marie East (2nd from left). 1st Runner-up was Cali Mae Johnson (left) who also won best dress and best smile. 2nd Runner-up was Everly Flippin (2nd from right). Maci Jo Stone (right) was 3rd runner-up and people’s choice.
The 2024 Little Miss Harvest Queen Winner was LillyAnn Brooke Lloyd, (center) who also won most photogenic and best dress. 1st Runner-up (right) was Ellie Kate Hopkins and Harper Marshall was 2nd Runner-up.
The 2024 Tiny Miss Harvest Queen Winner was Collins Everleigh Johnson who also won best dress and best smile. 1st Runner-up was Hattie Lynn Warden. 2nd Runner-up was Saylor Kate Wade. 3rd Runner-up was Mary Anne Hartley who also won People’s Choice. (pictured left-right)
The Harvest Queen Pageant was one of the events held on the stage of the Historic Courthouse during the William Walton Harvest Festival. The Smith County Chamber of Commerce, which hosts the pageant, extends thanks to Coordinator Jerri Lin Vaden-Malone, MC Emily Wade, and pageant judges April Holt, Sarah Dickerson and Linsey Pullum
Congratulations to the 2024 Harvest Queens. Mark your calendar for next year’s event on Saturday, September 27, 2025
Smith County Humane’s 4th Annual Paws-itively Magical Winter Ball
Smith County Humane’s 4th Annual Paws-itively Magical Winter Ball is taking place on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at the National Guard Armory, 101 Transport Drive, Gordonsville, TN 38563. This is their largest event of the year and aims to raise funds to support the programs offered to animals and families in Smith County.
This formal gala is proudly presented to you by Smith County Animal Clinic. You will be welcomed to the ball on the red carpet with photos by Pheonyx Media Management, grab a cocktail at the bar presented by Cumberland Supply Co. and start your night with delicious hors d’oeuvres and dinner by What’s Cookin’ 615?. Enjoy listening to dinner music by Kenny Lee and end the dinner hour with delicious desserts, sponsored by Chris Steele of Blackwell Realty and Auction. Have your bidding card ready to place your bids on unique and exciting items during the live auction sponsored by Josh Kirby of Blackwell Realty and Auction. But don’t forget to check your bids throughout the evening in the silent auction, sponsored by Michael “Woody” Woodard of Discover Realty and Auction, where you can win exquisite items donated by many local businesses in and around Smith County. And what gala would be complete without dancing? Dance the night away on the dance floor sponsored by Tom Arnold Construction Co., with music by DJ Troy Productions, sponsored by Cumberland Cannabis Co. Tickets are $100 each and can be purchased at smithcountytnhumane.com/ball. Unlimited drink armbands can be purchased additionally.
The Paws-itively Magical Winter Ball promises an unforgettable evening with all proceeds directly benefiting Smith County Humane’s various programs. Their programs include low cost spay and neuter services, a TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) program that helps stray community cats, food and care assistance to help pet owners keep their pets in the home and happy and healthy, and their newly expanded adoption programs.
“We have recently added a voucher program to our low cost spay and neuter services that is available to all Smith County residents, regardless of income. Our goal is to decrease pet overpopulation in our community and improve the lives of all pets in Smith County. We need the help of the community to do this. So come join us for an elegant night out and help us raise money to Stop Pet Overpopulation,” states Jessica DiFiore, President and Event Chair for Smith County Humane.
The Paws-itively Magical Winter Ball is limited to 200 reserved seats. Get yours now!
2nd Annual Benefit Coon Hunt to Support Jude’s Hallelujah Story
The Willette Volunteer Fire Department in Red Boiling Springs, TN, will host the 2nd Annual Benefit Coon Hunt for Jude’s Hallelujah Story on Saturday, November 30, 2024. The event aims to raise funds for young Jude Thayer McCaleb, who was diagnosed with the rare genetic disorder MPS1 two years ago, following years of testing, specialists’ visits, and prayers.
The hunt will feature a $500 first-place prize, with a $50 entry fee per cast. Participants can increase their chances by bringing in a coon, which earns them an additional entry for the cash prize. Sign-up runs from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., and the hunt deadline is set for 11 p.m. Winners must be present to claim their prizes.
All proceeds from the event will go directly to support Jude’s ongoing medical journey. His treatment includes regular enzyme infusions at home and frequent visits to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. Funds raised will help the family cover expenses associated with his condition.
For more information, call 615-735-7817 or 615-735-7796.
