The Smith County Lady Owls soccer team returned to action at home on October 15th, hosting the Region 3 semifinals against White House Heritage. Having faced the same opponent last year in a memorable match, this year’s game was anticipated to be equally special. It was a tightly contested and clean matchup, ending the first half at 0-0. In the second half, Lady Owl Aubree Spain dazzled the defenders with her footwork, delivering a stunning shot from outside the box that found the back of the net. Catie Belle McCarter and her defensive line effectively shut down the Patriots throughout the game. With a final score of 1-0, the Lady Owls secured a spot in the Region 3 finals and a berth in the sectionals.

Post-game celebrations were twofold, as this victory also marked Coach Nicholus Bussell’s 100th career win since taking over the team. During his eight years as head coach, the Lady Owls have claimed the district championship seven times and been runners-up once. They have finished as region runners-up four times and made four sectional appearances. Congratulations to Coach Bussell and all the players and support staff who have contributed to this impressive journey. We look forward to continued success under his leadership.

On October 17th, Smith County traveled to Liberty Creek for the Region Championship. Playing on their campus was a unique experience, especially since Liberty Creek will be moving up to 2A, possibly making this the last matchup between the two teams. Having won state last year, Liberty Creek proved formidable, and Smith County fell 9-0. Despite the score, the Lady Owls fought hard and returned home with the Region runner-up trophy. Keeper Catie Belle McCarter had an outstanding performance, facing 26 shots and making 17 saves, showcasing her incredible skill.

On October 19th, the Lady Owls traveled to Merrol Hyde for a sectional match, where they faced a tough loss of 9-0, ending their season and sending Merrol to the state tournament. Eight teams will compete in Chattanooga from October 23rd to 26th.

Aubrey Felice capped her high school career with a remarkable 129 goals, setting a program record. According to Max Preps, she ranks 6th in Tennessee this season with 37 goals and 8th for points with 81. Kylie Jenkins is ranked 44th in assists, while Catie Belle McCarter stands at 29th for saves with 101 and 11th for goals against average at .654. We are immensely proud of these girls and the entire team. A heartfelt thank you to all the fans who supported them this season; the park was more packed than ever, and the traveling supporters were impressive. Their dedication makes all the difference!

(article and photo submitted by Vivian Schaffers)

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Tech University is recognizing National Transfer Student Week, held from Oct. 21 – 25, by waiving spring 2025 and fall 2025 application fees for domestic undergraduate transfer students.

“Tennessee Tech celebrates the contributions of our transfer students and is committed to making it as simple as possible for them to transition to our university,” said Tech’s Director of Admissions Frank Tittle. “Waiving domestic undergraduate application fees for transfer students during National Transfer Student Week is a simple way we can let these prospective students know they are welcomed and wanted here at Tech.”

Tech’s Office of Admissions has a longstanding commitment to taking the guesswork out of the transfer process, including maintaining a dedicated transfer specialist to help onboard new transfer students and offering transfer-specific VIP campus visits, typically held on the last Wednesday of every month.

The university also partners with Roane State Community College to provide a seamless transition for incoming students through the “Roane to Tech” program.

Students enrolled in Roane to Tech are guaranteed admission to Tech without losing any credits they earned during their time at Roane State. Roane to Tech participants are considered students at both institutions, receiving advising and other services from the two schools to support them in their journey. Students in certain degree programs can even earn their bachelor’s degree entirely on Roane State’s campus.

For those Roane to Tech students who elect to receive their degrees on Tech’s campus, the university is now also offering guaranteed on-campus housing.

“Whether you arrive on our campus via Roane to Tech, from another community college or are transferring from a four-year institution, you’re going to find a community of support here at Tech and a team of faculty and staff dedicated to your success,” concluded Tittle.

Tech additionally provides guaranteed Tech Transfer Pride Scholarships of up to $3,000 per year for eligible transfer students with at least a 3.0 GPA.

Prospective transfer students can apply to Tech today at tntech.edu/apply. The application takes only 10 to 15 minutes to complete. The priority application deadline for scholarships is Dec. 15.

Tennessee Tech is ranked as a “Best National University” by U.S. News & World Report. The university offers more than 225 programs of study and 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.

Find out more at tntech.edu/admissions.

The Smith County Amateur Radio Emergency Services held its first annual Go Kit Challenge this past Saturday at the Smith County Ag Center at the Fairgrounds. During the challenge participants had to demonstrate their “Go Kits”—essential equipment that HAM operators can mobilize within one hour of being notified of a need to assist EMS officials or the public in an emergency. These kits are designed to operate independently of traditional communication infrastructures, such as cellular networks, fiber optics, copper wiring, the internet, or even the power grid. Participants were not provided any advanced warning of the challenge, but had to be able to establish communication utilizing just the equipment they brought. No power or other such normal services were provided, mimicking an actual event and ensuring reliable communication in times of crisis based on their preparedness

Many of these dedicated HAM operators collaborate with local and regional organizations, providing backup communication services when emergencies arise. The Smith County Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) provides such service to Smith County as they play a crucial role in supporting local hospitals, ensuring that their long-range communication equipment remains operational during critical times in addition to having portable equipment ready if called upon by Smith County EMS or EMA.

As public service sectors increasingly rely on digitally encoded, trunked, and linked systems which are often dependent on internet connectivity, HAM Radio serves as a reliable backup support in a disaster situation.

by Susanna Clouse, TSU Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development

Hello, everyone! My name is Susanna Clouse, and I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself to the readers of the Smith County Insider. As of October 17, 2024, I began my time with Smith County Extension as the new TSU 4-H Agent.

I grew up in Cookeville, TN where I was heavily involved in our local 4-H Program. Participating in clubs, various judging teams, and competitions. I continued my time with 4-H while attending Tennessee Tech University, serving as an officer for the Collegiate 4-H Club. After graduating with my Bachelor of Science in Agriculture I began working on my master’s degree from The University of Tennessee with the intention of becoming a 4-H Agent. This brings us back to the start of my Extension Agent career here in Smith County having received my Master of Science in Agriculture degree in May 2024.

With Rachel Petty, our UT 4-H Agent, getting the clubs started I am excited to jump in and help now that fall break has come to an end. While clubs are a very important part of 4-H there are many after-school opportunities for 4-H’ers of all ages! This spring we will have livestock judging, wildlife judging, our archery group, and many other amazing opportunities for Smith County 4-H’ers.

I am thrilled to be part of such an amazing team and look forward to keeping making the best better! If you have any questions about the many opportunities that Smith County 4-H can offer our local youth, please email me at sclouse@tnstate.edu or call our office at 615-735-2900.

Join us next week at Citizens Bank as we celebrate a remarkable milestone: turning 95 years old on October 26, 2024! We invite you to participate in a week-long series of activities planned at each of our branches, showcasing our commitment to our customers and community.

Throughout the week, you can explore a variety of services designed to meet your financial needs, including free checking accounts, online banking, bill pay, debit cards, mobile banking, and text alerts. We also offer free student checking to help young people get a head start on their financial journeys, along with convenient ATM access for all your banking needs.

Since its establishment in 1929, Citizens Bank has proudly supported the individuals and organizations within the communities we serve. Our employees are not just staff members; they are your neighbors and friends. They share the same schools, parks, and experiences as you and your family. This is the essence of community banking, and for 95 years, Citizens Bank has remained dedicated to fostering these local connections.

We look forward to celebrating with you and expressing our gratitude for your support over the years. For more information about our services and events, visit us at citzcar.com.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This is something I am passionate about as my mother lost her battle to breast cancer at an early age. October is a great time to raise awareness of the disease. Check out the following facts to learn more about the disease.

· Just being a woman puts one at risk for breast cancer. Increasing age in another risk factor.

· One in eight women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime.

· Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis among women, other than skin cancer.

· It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer.

· African American women have greater mortality rates than Caucasian women.

· For Tennessee, the mortality rates for both African American women and Caucasian women fall below national mortality rates.

The earliest sign of breast cancer is an abnormality that is spotted on a mammogram before it can be felt by the woman or her doctor. On April 30, 2024, the United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) updated their recommendations for breast cancer screening. It is now recommended that all women get screened every other year starting at age 40 and continuing through age 74. For more information on breast cancer visit http://teamup.tennessee.edu/bcsp/bc_facts.htm.

Broccoli Casserole

1 large package broccoli

1 small onion, chopped

1 Tablespoon margarine

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 small jar cheese spread

1 cup minute rice

Cook broccoli until tender. Melt margarine and sauté onions. Cook rice as directed. Mix all ingredients together and pour in baking dish. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and bake for 30 minutes. Submitted by: Laura Gibbs, Night Owl FCE Club.

The first of two Tennessee young sportsman deer hunts for the 2024-25 season will be held the weekend of Oct. 26-27.

Youth ages 6-16 may participate. Participating youth can use gun, muzzleloader, or archery equipment.

Young sportsmen must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult, 21 or older who must remain in position to take immediate control of the hunting device. The adult must also comply with the fluorescent orange regulations as specified for legal hunters. Multiple youth may be accompanied by a single qualifying adult.

Youth ages 6-9 are not required to have a license or hunter’s education certification. Youth ages 10-12 must meet hunter education requirements or have an apprentice license. In addition to the requirements for youth 10-12, youth 13-15 must have a junior hunting license and 16-year-olds must have the appropriate adult licenses.

Archery season began in the state on Sept. 28 and the first segment ends Oct. 25, the day prior to the opening of the young sportsman hunt. The second segment of archery only season is Monday, Oct. 28 through Friday, Nov. 8. Muzzleloader/archery season starts Nov. 9. The statewide gun/muzzleloader/archery season has the traditional opening date of the Saturday before Thanksgiving which this year is Nov. 23.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency recommends that all hunters obtain a 2024-25 Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide. The guide lists license requirements, the counties and bag limits for each of the six deer management units. The guide is available on the TWRA website, www.tnwildlife.org, the TWRA App, and where hunting and fishing licenses are sold.

Preparation is underway for the 2024 Annual Upper Cumberland Senior and Caregiver Expo, hosted by the Upper Cumberland Area Agency on Aging and Disability (UCAAAD).

UCAAAD is excited to announce this year’s event theme: “Powered by Connection.” This theme highlights the strength and impact of coming together, emphasizing how collaboration and relationships foster positive change and collective success.
This regional event traditionally focuses on the care needs of older adults and their caregivers. The Expo offers an opportunity for individuals seeking assistance with their loved one’s care to connect with businesses and service providers.

This annual event takes place on Oct. 29 at Life Church of Cookeville and will feature a new timeframe: 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Thanks to the Diamond Lunch Sponsor, the Quality Family of companies, which includes Quality Home Health, Buckeye Home Medical Equipment, Quality Private Duty Care, Quality Hospice Care, and Access, lunch is free for attendees.

Platinum sponsors of the 2024 Senior and Caregiver Expo include Cookeville Regional Medical Center, Hospice of Tennessee, Life Care Center of Crossville and Sparta, Saint Thomas Ascension Regional Behavioral Health, and Tennessee SMP.

More than 60 vendors are registered to attend, many hosting informational booths and offering interactive games and activities for guests. The Tennessee Jewels will also perform for Expo attendees.

For more information about the event please contact Lynn Drew (ldrew@ucdd.org) or Carlee Bean (cbean@ucdd.org) at (931) 432-4111 or visit https://ucdd.org/aaad/senior-expo.

The Area Agency on Aging and Disability (AAAD), a division of the Upper Cumberland Development District, connects older adults and adults with disabilities in the 14-county Upper Cumberland region with services and resources to improve their quality of life. Find AAAD on the web at www.ucdd.org and at facebook.com/UCDDconnect.

With just one month remaining until the November 15, 2024 deadline, tnAchieves still needs 950 volunteer mentors to meet student demand. Several counties in the Upper Cumberland region have an outstanding need for mentors as well.

Smith County still needs 4 Mentors. Volunteer mentors provide a critical link between students and their community. When tnAchieves students are supported by a mentor, they not only receive college-going guidance and encouragement but also gain exposure to their community and workforce opportunities that exist in it.

“tnAchieves mentoring offers the opportunity to make an impact that goes beyond an individual student,” shared tnAchieves Vice President of External Partnerships Tyler Ford. “Mentors play an important part in ensuring that first-generation, low-income students have the support necessary to begin their college careers. In doing so, mentors break down barriers for students and open doors to high-paying, in-demand careers. Every day, tnAchieves mentors help students to achieve their goals while ensuring that the workforce of tomorrow thrives.”

tnAchieves mentors ensure that students meet critical deadlines by sending reminders, answering questions and providing encouragement.  The time commitment is small, only about one hour per month, and volunteers do not need an extensive background in the college-going process to succeed. tnAchieves provides resources, training and support to ensure each mentor has the tools necessary to support students. tnAchieves mentors work with 2-3 students who have each asked for the opportunity to work with a mentor.

Mentors will meet their students in December, January or February at the student’s high school. Mentors choose which county and high school they would like to serve.

To learn more and register as a volunteer mentor, visit http://www.tnAchieves.org/mentors.

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

Wildwood Resort & Marina is pleased to announce the appointment of Jesse Myer as its new General Manager. Myer brings a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry and will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the resort’s operations.

Myer joins Wildwood Resort & Marina from Evergreen Lodge, a boutique destination mountain resort bordering Yosemite National Park, where he held various leadership roles leading to the Assistant General Manager. Prior to working at Evergreen, Myer worked as hotel manager for Xantarra Travel Collection in Yellowstone National Park. His expertise in resort management, guest services, and operations will be invaluable in guiding the resort to continued success.

“We are excited to welcome Jesse to the Wildwood family,” said John Deane, Wildwood Resort Co-owner. “His passion for
hospitality and proven leadership skills make him an excellent fit for this role. We are confident that under his guidance,
Wildwood Resort & Marina will continue to provide exceptional experiences for our guests.”

As Myer takes on the role of General Manager, the resort also extends its sincere gratitude to Karen Tillman, who is retiringafter seven years of dedicated service. Tillman has played a vital role in the growth and success of Wildwood and will be greatly missed.

“Karen has been an invaluable asset to the Wildwood family,” said Deane. “Her hard work, dedication, and commitment to providing exceptional guest service have been instrumental in making Wildwood Resort & Marina a premier destination. We wish her all the best in her retirement.”

Wildwood Resort & Marina is a boutique resort and marina with 7 unique styles of boutique accommodations, boat rentals, live music, massage therapy and authentic lakeside dining. In addition to hosting couples and families for getaways, Wildwood serves as a venue for executive corporate retreats, weddings and family reunions. The resort is located on beautiful Cordell Hull in historic Granville Tennessee. For more information, go to WIldwoodResortTN.com