Smith County Lady Owls Soccer Senior Night
Thursday September 26th the Lady Owls hosted York Institute for a District Match. It was also Smith County’s Senior Night, honoring six players and one manager at the halftime break. The Seniors were Katie Flynn, Aubrey Felice, Briley Grisham, Kiley Jenkins, Madelyn Hula, Averi Hopkins and Mike Martin.
The game started with a light on and off rain but picked up as the game went on. It did not seem to bother the Lady Owls who won 8-0. The first half saw goals from Briley Grisham and Aubrey Felice, while the Lady Dragons were more focused on a complete defense rather than offense. York continued the second half the same way, making no shots on goal and failing to stop Smith County reaching the net. Smith County scored an additional six goals in the second half. Aubree Felice assisted by Aubree Spain, Kiley Jenkins assisted by Aubrey Felice, Jenkins would score the next goal followed two minutes later by Felice, giving Felice a hat trick. Aubree Spain assisted by Kacie Chiapperini, and the final goal scored by Kylee Brooks assisted by Bella Breece.
The Lady Owls have one more regular season game which will be Tuesday October 1st at Jackson County. The District Tournament will begin the next week in Jamestown, hosted by York. Currently Smith County leads the District Standings 5-0, followed by Cannon 3-2, Jackson 1-2-1 and York in last place with 0-5-1.
This has been a great season so far for the Lady Owls and they look forward to the post season journey. We hope everyone will come out and support them and give them the fire to keep bringing home the wins.
photos and article submitted by Vivian Schaffers
Fall Consignment Sale Pleasant Shade Community Center
Pleasant Shade Community Center will host a large Fall 2024 Consignment sale
Thursday, October 17th 9AM-6PM
Friday, October 18th – 9AM-6PM
Saturday, October 19th – 8AM-2PM
Any item (new or used) can be entered into the sale as long as it is in GOOD WORKING CONDITION. (i.e. kitchenware, bath items, tools, machinery, furniture, clothing, toys, jewelry, etc.) Keep in mind that Pleasant Shade Community Center is not liable for any of your items broken or damaged in the sale.
If you are interested in entering items in the sale, you may contact one of the following persons to get information and a number will be assigned to you for tagging your items:
Ann Gregory –615-670-9845
Wesley Rigsby –615-677-6514 or 615-683-7525
Gordonsville Task Force of the Tennessee National Guard deploying to Middle East; First responders line the streets for sendoff
At 4am Saturday morning, September 28, local first responders lined the roadway to send-off the Gordonsville Task Force of the Tennessee National Guard to a Middle East Deployment. Members of the Gordonsville, Carthage, and Lafayette Fire Departments along with Gordonsville Police, South Carthage Police, Smith County Sheriff’s Office and THP trooper Justin Cobble were among those who participated in the send-off.
More than 700 Soldiers from the Tennessee Army National Guard’s 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment are departing Saturday, September 28, on the first leg of a year-long deployment to the Middle East.
The Task Force, comprised primarily of Soldiers from the 278th’s 2nd Squadron, will initially deploy to Fort Bliss, Texas, for a few weeks of additional deployment training before flying to Kuwait.
“Our servicemembers have spent the last year conducting rigorous training and preparing to deploy in support of Operation Spartan Shield,” said Lt. Col. Jason Tomberlin, commander of the Task Force. “As an extremely formidable force of deterrence in the Middle East, we will accomplish our mission with dignity and honor, and look forward to returning home when our job is complete.”
Operation Spartan Shield builds partnerships in the Middle East to promote regional self-reliance and increase security. As a part of U.S. Central Command, the Tennessee Soldiers will assist in maintaining a military posture in the region, help strengthen defense relationships, and serve as an enhanced force throughout the area.
Prior to departing Tennessee, Task Force units in Cookeville, Crossville, Gordonsville, and Morrison will hold departure ceremonies for the Soldiers where families and friends can honor them for their service.
The 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, which is headquartered in Knoxville, is the largest unit in Tennessee and one of five armored brigade combat teams in the National Guard.
2024 4-H Chick Chain Show & Sale Held at Smith County Ag Center
by by Rachel Petty, UT Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development
Despite the stormy weather, the Carson Maxwell Livestock Arena at the Smith County Ag Center was packed with supporters who came out to the Smith County 4-H Chick Chain Show & Sale on Tuesday, September 24, 2024. This event was the culmination of over six months of hard work and responsibility for 19 Smith County 4-H’ers who completed this year’s Chick Chain project.
Through the 4-H Chick Chain, each participating 4-H’er received either 12 or 24 one-day-old baby chicks in April and was responsible for feeding and caring for the chicks throughout the spring and summer, ultimately raising them to become the outstanding laying hens that were brought to our show. This year, each 4-H’er raised either Barred Rock or Rhode Island Red hens.
We were proud of all of the birds that were exhibited, but two pens deserved special recognition. Jay Driver was named Grand Champion, and Kynlee Davis was named Reserve Champion. Both 4-H’ers raised some impressive Rhode Island Red hens.
At the conclusion of our show, each pen of birds was auctioned off to an eager crowd of more than 20 buyers.
We want to say a special thank you to our judge, 4-H Agent Sarah Brazle from Cannon County. After she concluded judging, Sarah took the time to get hands-on with our participants for a teaching demonstration.
Thank you also to our auctioneer Jason Martin with Heartland Real Estate and Auction who comes back with us year after year to share his time and talents to support our local program.
Mike Sircy with Smith Farmers CO-OP also continues to support our Chick Chain project year after year, as well. During the auction, Mike purchased almost every single pen of birds and then donated them back to directly benefit our 4-H’ers.
It takes a village to run a 4-H program, and we couldn’t be more thankful for all of the 4-H’ers, family members, volunteers, community supporters, and buyers who came out to attend this event, purchased birds, and helped us put on another successful event for our local young people who are participating in and learning about agriculture through 4-H.
For further information regarding the 4-H Chick Chain project or any of the many other opportunities that 4-H has to offer the youth in Smith County, call 615-735-2900.
Fall Festival hosted by Gordonsville Church of the Nazarene on October 5th
Gordonsville Church of the Nazarene invites you to our Fall Festival + Car Show fundraiser! The event is being held at the church on October 5th from 10-4 at 168 E. Main Street in Gordonsville.
This family friendly event will be open for all ages. The car show will be open to anything with wheels. Registration is $15 per vehicle, and registration will be open from 9AM-12AM.
The festival will host over 20 vendors, including some of Smith County’s favorites, food, and lots of fun! For our youngest attendees, we will be selling armbands for $5 which will include unlimited bounce houses, games, paint your own pumpkin, and a ticket for a sweet treat.
Come hungry and ready for fun while supporting Gordonsville Church of the Nazarene in our first ever fall festival fundraiser! We can’t wait to see you!
Smith County Health Department offers FREE Flu Shots
The Smith County Health Department will offer FREE flu shots on October 15, 2024 at the Health Department located at 251 Joy Alford Way, South Carthage, TN. For more information you can scan the QR code above.
SCMS hosts Monster Mash Halloween Dance for Smith County 5th-8th grade students
Smith County Middle School is excited to announce its annual Monster Mash Halloween Dance, set to take place on Thursday, October 31st, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the school.
This festive event welcomes all 5th to 8th grade students within the Smith County School District. For students not enrolled at SCMS, a principal or parent permission slip is required for admission. The cost to enter is just $10, and attendees can enjoy a variety of tasty concessions available for purchase throughout the evening.
One of the highlights of the dance is the costume contest! Students are encouraged to come dressed in their most creative, spooky, or fun costumes for a chance to win prizes. Whether you go all out with elaborate costumes or keep it simple and silly, everyone is invited to participate.
Come out for an evening filled with music, dancing, and Halloween fun! It’s a great opportunity to celebrate the season with friends and enjoy a night of excitement.
Cruisin For Cothron Car Show on Saturday October 19th
The FOP State Trooper Lodge #44 will host “Cruisin for Cothron Car Show” on Saturday, October 19th at the Putnam County Expo Center, Cookeville TN. Registration starts at 9 a.m. Entry Fee is $20
All proceeds will benefit Trooper Adam Cothron who was shot while conducting a traffic stop on July 19, 2024. Trooper Cothron is currently undergoing extensive physical therapy at the Shephard’s Center in Atlanta, GA.
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William Walton Harvest Festival Postponed Due to Predicted Inclement Weather
The William Walton Harvest Festival, originally set for this Saturday, September 28th, has been postponed to Saturday, October 26th, due to anticipated adverse weather conditions from Hurricane Helene.
We are excited to announce that the Harvest Queen Pageant, along with our fantastic vendors, food trucks, and entertainment, will still take place on the new date. This festival is a beloved community tradition, and we can’t wait to celebrate with everyone once the weather clears up.
For those interested in being part of this year’s festivities, there are still vendor spaces available. If you’d like to showcase your goods or services, please reach out to the Smith County Chamber of Commerce at 615-735-2093 for more information.
We appreciate your understanding and support as we adjust the festival date, and we look forward to a wonderful celebration on October 26th. Mark your calendars, and get ready for a fantastic day filled with fun, food, and community spirit!
Glow Walk for Recovery Postponed til October 24th at 6:30 p.m.
The Smith County Drug Prevention Coalition has postponed the annual GLOW WALK to celebrate recovery to Thursday, October 264h at 6:30 p.m. This is a FREE event, no need to register. Just meet at the Rails to Trails in South Carthage at the Gazebo across from the Town Hall.
It is a glow walk, glow sticks will be given away and the path will be lit up. Individuals may want to bring a flashlights since there may be dark areas on the trail.
There will be food available for purchase, vendors, free face painting, and free glow in the dark t-shirts for participants. It’s a great time to come out and walk with your family and show support to the recovery community in Smith County! This is all about breaking the stigma surrounding addiction and supporting those doing their best to overcome it!
Auction and Fish Fry to benefit Smith County foster children October 19th 2024
On Saturday, October 19, 2024, a Fish Fry and Benefit Auction to benefit foster children in Smith County will be held at the Smith County Ag Center. The Fish Fry will begin at 4:00 p.m. and the Benefit Auction will start promptly at 5:00 p.m.
Items for the auction include tools, home decor, gift certificates, and much more. Food will be provided from Helen’s Restaurant including fried fish and chicken along with all of the fixings.
All proceeds from the event will benefit foster children in Smith County during the upcoming Christmas season and throughout the year as needs arise.
Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance at the various local banks including Citizens Bank, Smith County Bank, BankTennessee, or Wilson Bank & Trust.
Carthage Rotary Club will host Pancake Breakfast in Gordonsville
The Carthage Rotary Club will offer their fall “all-you-can-eat” pancake breakfast on Friday, October 11 and Saturday, October 12 at the former Gordonsville Shop Rite. Breakfast will be served from 6:00 AM until 9:30 AM on Friday and from 7:00 AM until 9:30 AM on Saturday. Tickets may be purchased for $7.00 from any Rotarian or at the door. Children 4 years and under eat free. Rotarians will deliver carry-out orders to Carthage for free.
Proceeds will benefit the scholarships awarded to seniors at Gordonsville High School and Smith County High School. The former Gordonsville Shop Rite is located on Main Street across fromTown Hall and Bass Funeral Home in Gordonsville.
Tennessee Tech hosts Preview Day on October 5
Tennessee Tech University will host its annual open house Preview Day on Saturday, Oct. 5. The university will welcome students, parents and guests to campus with a full itinerary of activities to discover all that life at Tech has to offer.
The free event will begin with check-in at 8:30 a.m. in the Multipurpose Room of the Roaden University Center. Outside, guests can enjoy coffee, music and donuts on Centennial Plaza. The Golden Eagle marching band and Tech cheerleading squad will welcome visitors with a performance on the plaza beginning at 8:45 a.m.
From 9 a.m. to noon, prospective students and parents are invited to visit with representatives from each of Tech’s academic departments at the Academic Discovery Fair on the main quad. Beginning at 9:30 a.m., guests can tour residence halls, classroom and laboratory spaces or even take a full guided campus tour.
Across campus at the Lab Science Commons building, guests can visit the Student Organizations & Club Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., where free t-shirts will also be distributed.
From 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., registered guests can enjoy a free lunch in The Caf or grab a meal on the go from food trucks lined up along Wings Up Way.
Then, at noon, guests are invited to get a first look at the university’s new state-of-the-art Ashraf Islam Engineering Building during a talk with President Phil Oldham in the building’s atrium.
To round out the day, prospective students and parents are encouraged to come cheer on the Golden Eagles at their home football game against South Carolina State University at 1:30 p.m. Students registered for Preview Day will receive a voucher for free admission.
“We know that choosing where to attend college is a personal decision for students and their families. At Tennessee Tech, it’s personal to us, too. That’s why we want to invite prospective students and parents to come experience our campus for themselves with an entire day tailored just for them,” said Frank Tittle, director of admissions at Tech. “Guests will be able to meet with representatives from each academic department, engage with student organizations, tour new campus spaces, enjoy a free meal and take in a Tech football game. Preview Day is truly a one-stop shop to discover what this community is all about.”
Registration for Preview Day is currently open. There is no cost for the event, but all students and guests are asked to register in advance. To learn more, visit www.tntech.edu/previewday or call (931) 372-3635.
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.
Multiple fatalities following two wrecks on I-40 in Smith County
At approximately 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday (9/24/24), a devastating accident occurred on I-40 near mile marker 263 westbound, when a car went over the bridge and into the Caney Fork River. The crash, reported to 911, involved a 2016 Honda Civic that collided with a tractor-trailer before careening off the roadway. The vehicle flipped over the bridge and landed upside down at the edge of the river.
Emergency responders from multiple agencies, including Smith County and Putnam County EMS, the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), Smith County Sheriff’s Office, Smith County Rescue Squad, Putnam County Rescue Squad, Gordonsville Police Department, South Carthage Police Department, New Middleton Fire Department, Gordonsville Police Department, Putnam County Fire Department, Vanderbilt Ground Ambulance, and M&W Towing were dispatched to the scene.
Four passengers were in the Honda Civic; two were severely injured, and two were killed. The identities of the victims have not been released, as authorities are working to notify the families. The driver of the Civic is currently under investigation, with charges pending.
While emergency personnel were still managing the first crash, traffic along I-40 began to back up, leading to a second fatal accident an hour later, approximately two miles behind the original crash site. This second collision involved a tractor-trailer, a Chevrolet Equinox, and a Ford Transit van. The tractor-trailer had come to a stop in the right lane due to the backed-up traffic, with the Equinox stopped behind it. The driver of the Ford Transit van failed to stop, slamming into the back of the Equinox and pushing it into the left lane, before striking the tractor-trailer.
Both occupants of the Chevrolet Equinox, identified as 69-year-old Glenda Tidwell and 42-year-old Windy Tidwell, both of Tennessee, were killed. The driver of the Ford Transit van, 32-year-old James Paul Hillard of North Carolina, is facing potential charges as authorities continue to investigate the tragic incident.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into both crashes, and charges are pending against both the driver of the Honda Civic from the first wreck and the driver of the Ford Transit van from the second. Further updates, including the release of victims’ names from the first crash, are expected once next-of-kin notifications are made.
SCHS Lady Owls Soccer defeat White and Cannon County
On September 17th, Smith County hosted 2A White County for a non-district match, showcasing a dominant performance from the Lady Owls. The defense played exceptionally well, with goalkeeper Catie Belle McCarter earning a clean sheet, while the White County goalkeeper faced a challenging night. The Lady Owls overwhelmed the Lady Warriors, finishing with an impressive 9-0 victory.
Senior Aubrey Felice was a standout, netting three goals. Two of her goals were assisted by Addie Cripps, while Lexie White provided the assist for her third. Chloe Gill also contributed to the scoreline, finding the back of the net with help from Kiley Jenkins. Aubree Spain added two goals to the tally, with one assist from Chloe Gill and another from Kiley Jenkins. Kiley herself scored on a well-placed free kick and later added another goal, assisted by Kylee Brooks. The match even included an own goal from White County, further solidifying the Lady Owls’ commanding victory.
Two days later, on September 19th, Smith County faced off against Cannon County for the second time this district season. The Lady Owls had previously triumphed in their first meeting, winning 4-0, and Cannon County came into this match looking to avenge their only loss. It turned out to be a heated and chippy affair, with both teams displaying their competitive spirit. However, the Lady Owls remained resilient, securing a 2-0 win. Kiley Jenkins opened the scoring with a stunning free kick, and Addie Cripps sealed the victory with a goal assisted by Chloe Gill.
Looking ahead, the Smith County Lady Owls will travel to Dekalb County on September 24th before returning home to host York Institute for Senior Night. Their final regular-season game is scheduled for October 1st at Jackson County.
The SCHS Cheer squad showed great support during the match against Cannon County, highlighting the camaraderie among student-athletes. It’s heartening to see such school spirit, and the stands have been packed this season. If you haven’t yet attended a game, you’re truly missing out on an exciting experience!
photo and article submitted by Vivian Schaffers
