Singer Songwriter Festival at Wildwood Resort & Marina November 2nd
Fall Expo and Craft Fair at Pleasant Shade Community Center on November 2nd
Join us for a delightful Fall Expo and Craft Share at the Pleasant Shade Community Center on Saturday, November 2024, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.! This event promises to be a wonderful opportunity to explore a variety of unique crafts and handmade goods from local artisans.
We still have vendor spaces available for those interested in showcasing their talents and products.
For more information or to reserve your vendor space, please contact the number provided above. We look forward to seeing you there!
New Local Podcast Shines a Spotlight on Smith County Sports
A new podcast is making waves in Smith County, providing local athletes with the recognition they deserve. The Dugout Dads Local Sports Podcast, launched in August 2024, is dedicated to covering all sports at Gordonsville High School and Smith County High School. Co-hosted by Michael Hughes and Jonathan Parker, with Matt Inyart serving as the producer, the podcast brings a fresh perspective on the athletic talent in the community.
The weekly live show is held every Sunday evening at Nobel’s Restaurant in Carthage, where local coaches and athletes are invited to discuss their recent games and seasons. Whether it’s football, basketball, golf, volleyball, or even cheerleading, no sport is left uncovered.
Michael Hughes, one of the podcast’s founders and co-hosts, shared the inspiration behind the podcast: “We started this podcast to bring recognition to all athletes and coaches of all sports in this county. They all deserve it from football to basketball, soccer, softball, baseball, volleyball, golf, cross country, and cheerleaders. If we can accomplish this just a little then we are doing what we set out to do.”
The origins of the podcast began with a simple conversation between Michael and Jonathan. “Michael and I were talking one day, and he made mention about wanting to start a local sports podcast,” Jonathan explained. “He asked if I’d have any interest in doing it, and I jumped at the opportunity. Our area is saturated with athletic talent, and we want to highlight those athletes.”
Both Michael and Jonathan have coached multiple sports within the county, giving them unique insights into the local athletic scene. They began recording remotely, but the podcast has since grown into a live show at Nobel’s Restaurant, where fans can watch in person and interact with the hosts and guests.
Jonathan Parker adds: “Our local athletes deserve the recognition, and we are enjoying every minute of it. We hope everyone is enjoying the Podcast, where our skills are questionable, but our spirit is unstoppable.”
Producer Matt Inyart plays a crucial role in the podcast’s success, managing production and bringing technical expertise to the table. The team is constantly learning and refining their process to improve the quality of the show.
Covering sports from high school to college and professional levels, Dugout Dads has quickly become a community favorite. Each episode not only highlights individual athletes but also fosters a sense of pride in Smith County’s sporting achievements.
With its casual yet passionate approach, the Dugout Dads Local Sports Podcast is set to become a staple in local sports media, giving both athletes and fans a platform to celebrate the love of the game.
Be sure to catch the next live show at Nobel’s Restaurant in Carthage this Sunday evening, and tune in for interviews, recaps, and all things Smith County sports.
Follow Dugout Dads Local Sports Podcast on Facebook or Spotify.
Smith County Lady Owls Soccer Team 2024 District Champions
The Smith County Lady Owls Soccer Team has done it again. For the fifth year in a row they are District Champions. The Lady Owls finished this regular season 11-2-1 with a District Record of 6-0. This past week the District Tournament was hosted at York Institute. On Tuesday Smith County played York in the Semi Finals and came away with a 7-0 win. Aubrey Felice scored four times with assists from Sophie Shoemake, Catie Belle McCarter, Briley Grisham, and Addie Cripps. Aubree Spain scored with an assist from Kiley Jenkins. Kiley Jenkins added two scores with assists from Aubrey Felice and Addie Cripps. Jackson County then played Cannon County, Cannon won 4-0 to land their spot in the Championship vs Smith County.
Thursday Smith County and Cannon County met up for the Championship game. Smith County won with a score of 2-0. Kiley Jenkins scored on a free kick and Aubrey Felice scored on a penalty kick. Felice now has a career goal count of 129. These two games added onto the regular season District matches brings the Lady Owls District tally to 8-0 with a 40-0 scoresheet.
The District 5 Awards beyond Smith County being awarded Champions and Cannon County the runner ups saw Senior Kiley Jenkins as District Midfielder, Sophomore Chloe Gill District Defender, and Aubrey Felice was District MVP. Lady Owls on District First Team are Goal Keeper Catie Belle McCarter, Freshman Julie Bowker, Juniors Jordyn Brown and Addie Cripps. Lady Owls on Second Team are Senior Madelyn Hula and Sophomore Aubree Spain.
With the win it gives Smith County home field for the Region Semi Finals that are to be played Tuesday October 15 vs White House Heritage. WHH lost to Liberty Creek in their District Finals, Cannon County will travel to Liberty Creek for their Region match. Last year Smith County Hosted White House Heritage in this game and it went to two Over Times and then to Penalty Kicks to decide the winner. While that was an intense, exciting game, Smith County is hoping to have a different outcome this time around.
This is a huge game and Crump Paris needs to be packed with Smith County supporters to cheer the Lady Owls on to the next round.
(articles and photo submitted by Vivian Schaffers)
Gordonsville First Citywide Christmas Lights Contest, High School Art Student Wins Design Challenge
Gordonsville is preparing to light up the holiday season with its inaugural citywide Christmas lights contest, “The Lights of Gordonsville,” this December. Spearheaded by City Councilman Joe Robinson, the festive event aims to bring the community together in celebration of creativity and holiday cheer.
As part of the preparations, Robinson enlisted the talents of local students, inviting Gordonsville High School’s Art Club to participate in a special design challenge. Their task? Create the official artwork for the event’s banners and flyers. Not only would the winning student receive a cash prize, but their design would be featured across the city to promote the event.
The winner of the challenge was 9th-grader Scarlett Wilson, whose designs impressed the judges with their clarity, creativity, and memorable style. “Her designs were clear, memorable and creative. We are very impressed with Scarlett’s work,” Robinson commented. “Who knows, maybe she will decide to become a graphic designer one day, and we’ll be able to say we commissioned her first work!”
Robinson visited Gordonsville High School this week to personally present Scarlett with her $150 cash prize, along with a $100 donation to the GHS Art Club for their participation. Scarlett, age 14, was thrilled with the recognition, though she surprised many with her long-term career aspirations. “I’ve always loved drawn and animated media, and I think it’s cool to whip an idea out of my brain and onto paper,” she shared. Despite her love for art, Scarlett added, “I hope to become a mortician or embalmer.”
The Lights of Gordonsville contest promises to be a dazzling holiday spectacle, inviting residents to showcase their creativity through festive light displays. For more information or to enter the competition, visit the event’s Facebook and Instagram pages @TheLightsofGordonsville or email lightsofgordonsville@gmail.com.
Congratulations to Scarlett Wilson on her artistic achievement and to the community of Gordonsville for bringing such a festive event to life!
Summer Photo Deadline for Calendar Contest November 1st
The deadline for submitting your summer photos for the Hull Lake Calendar Contest is fast approaching—be sure to enter by November 1st! To participate, please email your entries to friendsofcordellhulllake@gmail.com.
When sending your photos include your first and last name, as well as the season for which you’re submitting your image. This information will help us ensure your submission is properly categorized. We can’t wait to see your beautiful summer captures and celebrate the stunning views of Hull Lake together! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to showcase your photography!
Danny Williams Candidate for Alderman in Gordonsville
I am Danny Williams, a current Alderman of the Town of Gordonsville.
I was appointed to an open seat in 2019, elected to the remainder of a two-year un-expired term in 2022, and now running for a full four-year term this November 5, 2024. I am a 13 year Inspector with the U.S. Dept. Of Labor’s, Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). I retired with 22-1/2 years from a law enforcement career. I am a graduate from Nashville State Community College (Cum Laude), 2008 and Gordonsville High School, 1980. I also maintain an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician license.
Gordonsville has been my roots from 1962 to present, and that is why I am asking for your vote.
Since being appointed, I have been able to acquire a Caterpillar 426C Backhoe from the TVA, free of charge to the Town. This was a tremendous help to the Street and Maintenance Crew in performing daily work, saving man-hours and manual labor task. Also, the Tornado sirens at the Town Hall and in the Industrial Park was something that I felt was needed to protect the citizens with the past storms that came thru our Town, May 3, 2020, missing us and causing fatalities in Putnam County. With Gordonsville getting our sirens, now South Carthage and Carthage have one each, giving residents even more advance warnings to protect lives.
Gordonsville will be experiencing more growth as Lebanon and Cookeville/Baxter industrial and residential development approaches us in both directions. That is obvious with what we see daily. I have asked questions about the I-40 exit onto Hwy 53 and the problematic traffic we suffer, with the State of TN DoT exclaiming it is in their 5-Year plan. I personally want a fix to the problem for our local citizens sooner. Maybe a By-pass around Exit #258 to circumvent the congestion; from down-town Main Street, to Hogan Road and across to Rogers Road, and back onto Hwy 53 at Waffle House intersection?
What do you think? This is a burden on the tax payers and I will only do what the resident majority wants.
I am conservative with the monies collected for the Town’s budget, living with-in our means, not to be a burden on the tax paying residents and businesses. With growth, we need to be prepared and harness our expenditures so not to be “ran over” by development. I served on the Town’s Planning Committee for the past year, hearing the future plans of construction developers. WOW. It is coming to Gordonsville, because we have a low property tax, low crime stats, new schools, and people who care about our Town.
I want to be in the seat around the Alderman table for you, listening to your concerns, saving your and my property tax money, acting conservative but being realistic too.
Please VOTE for Danny Williams on November 5, 2024 or by early vote during October 16 thru October 31 (Halloween). Thank You. (photos and article submitted by Danny Williams)
Smith County Amateur Radio Club hosts Go Kit Challenge
HAM Radio is not just a relic of the past, but an active, vital resource that serves our communities today. On Saturday, October 19, 2024, the area’s amateur radio operators and their clubs will showcase their skills and equipment in a competition at the Ag Center in Smith County.
During this event, participants will demonstrate their “Go Kits”—essential equipment that HAM operators can mobilize within one hour of being notified of a need. 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. This means they can function effectively in local environments and transmit messages globally, ensuring reliable communication in times of crisis.
Many of these dedicated HAM operators collaborate with local and regional organizations, providing backup communication services when emergencies arise. They play a crucial role in supporting local hospitals, ensuring that their long-range communication equipment remains operational during critical times. Interestingly, most Tennessee Health Departments are equipped with communication radios that have yet to be tested or even unboxed since their delivery.
As public service sectors increasingly rely on digitally encoded, trunked, and linked systems—often dependent on internet connectivity—there is a significant risk that these systems may fail during a disaster. While these modern solutions work well most of the time, they can leave communities without communication capabilities when it matters most. HAM Radio serves as a reliable bridge in such situations.
We hope you’ll join us for this event to learn more about how HAM Radio continues to be a crucial tool for community resilience and safety. Additionally on this day a technician licensing study and testing class will be offered.
Chili Cook-off on October 18th at Smith County Farmers Market
Smith County Young Farmers and Ranchers will host a Chili Cook-Off on Friday, October 18th, 5 p.m. at the Smith County Farmer’s Market.
For $8 you can get a bowl of chili, drink and chips. Every ticket purchased not only guarantees you a tasty dinner but also enters you into a drawing for exciting additional prizes throughout the event.
SCHS Lady Owls Soccer vs Jackson County
The Smith County Lady Owls traveled to Jackson County for the last regular season game on Tuesday, October 1st. Smith County would take this District match 6-0 and follow it up with a JV win of 1-0. Smith County finishes the regular season 11-2-1 with a district record of 6-0.
The first half the Lady Owls would find the net four times. Senior Kiley Jenkins started it off with an assist from Chloe Gill. Senior Briley Grisham would add the next goal with an assist from Jenkins. The third scoring was made by Senior Aubrey Felice assisted by Lexie White. Kacie Chiapperini would win a battle in front of the Jackson County net to earn the fourth goal. The second half Aubrey Felice scored early bringing the score to 5-0 and earning her 124th career goal. The game was put to bed when Smith County was awarded a penalty kick, taken by Freshman Matty Walker which she sent to the back of the net with ease. The Varsity win was followed by a JV game that only resulted in one goal scored by Kylee Brooks and assisted by Kacie Chiapperini.
October 8th the District Semi finals will be hosted in Jamestown by York Institute. Smith County will play York at 5 PM, followed by a game between Cannon County and Jackson County. The winners of these two games will play for the District Championship on Thursday October 10th.
Riverview hosted Italian Day Fundraiser for Emmanuel House
Highpoint Health – Riverview recently hosted its Annual Italian Day Fundraiser to raise money for The Emmanuel House. With the help of community members ordering meals, and the hospital staff and nutritional services team prepping and delivering food, 250 meals were delivered raising a total of $2,625.48. The Emmanuel House is a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting women and their children as they overcome addiction, incarceration, homelessness, and other challenges. Highpoint Health – Riverview thanks the local community for helping to make this year’s Italian Day the most successful to date. As your local hospital, Highpoint Health – Riverview is proud to give back and support The Emmanuel House’s vital mission.
Keep Smith County Beautiful Fall Clean-up Day Tuesday, October 15, 2024
The Keep Smith County Beautiful committee is hosting a Fall Break clean-up day on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, The day will begin at the Smith County Chamber of Commerce at 9 a.m. and end at 1 p.m.
Thanks to the generous support of UCEMC CARES and Project Hometown Help grants a light breakfast and lunch will be provided. Clean-up supplies will be provided to all volunteers. Community service hours will be verified if needed.
Cordell Hull Lake taking applications for Defeated Creek youth deer management hunt
Join us for the 2024 Defeated Creek Youth Deer Hunt at Cordell Hull Lake on December 7th and 8th! This is a fantastic opportunity for youth hunters to experience the thrill of the hunt in a safe and supervised environment.
Applications are attached! You can submit your application to garrett.s.fagan@usace.army.mil or pick up/drop off at our Visitor Center located at 71 Corps Ln, Carthage, TN.
There are 5 gun spots and 3 archery spots, with 2 alternates. Application deadline is Friday, November 1st at 4:00 p.m. CST
#CordellHullLake #YouthDeerHunt #OutdoorAdventure #Hunting2024
Vote for favorite employee pumpkin painting at Citizens Bank
Citizens Bank will be hosting an Employee Pumpkin Painting Contest from October 15- October 26th. Pumpkins will be on display and the community can cast their votes from Oct. 15-26th. Citizens Bank is excited to celebrate the season with creativity and community support.
Anthony Hackett Announces Run for Carthage City Council
Hello. My name is Anthony Hackett, and I am running for Carthage City Council.
I was born and raised in Carthage. My mother is Nancy Hackett and my father is the late Randall Hackett. Although I left to work in another city in 1990, Smith County has always been home to me. I moved back to Smith County in 2007 and to Carthage in 2017.
I have three sons Tyler, Cole, and Walker. They are great young men who keep me on my toes and energized. Farm Bureau hired me as an insurance agent twenty-seven years ago, and I have thoroughly enjoyed serving people in this capacity.
If elected to the Carthage City Council, I will be fiscally conservative with taxpayers’ money. Our public funds need to spent for the good of all citizens, not for the special interests of a few. As a councilmen, I would do my best for Carthage and the people who live here.
I would appreciate your vote on November, 5th or during the early voting period that starts on October, 16th.
(article and photo submitted by Anthony Hackett)
