tnAchieves needs 5,000 volunteer mentors by November 15, 2024 to meet student demand. tnAchieves is kicking off its annual mentor recruitment effort by highlighting past successes and future optimism for this critical volunteer role.

tnAchieves mentors work with students who asked for the opportunity to connect with a volunteer mentor. Each volunteer mentor serves a smaller group of 2-3 high school seniors who are engaged and invested in the local support that a mentor provides.

“2024 was a year of strong connections and meaningful outcomes for tnAchieves mentors,” said tnAchieves Senior Director of Mentors Tyler Ford. “Students choosing to work with a mentor benefitted greatly from the local nudges and encouragement that a mentor provides, completing key TN Promise requirements at a rate 20 percentage points higher than their peers. Local support makes an impact!”

While the TN Promise scholarship ensures that every Tennessee high school senior has the opportunity to attend community or technical college tuition and mandatory fee-free, tnAchieves provides all students with critical non-financial support as they transition from high school to college.  tnAchieves mentors help students navigate the college-going process, provide important deadline reminders and most importantly encourage students to make the leap to college as many students are the first in their families to attend college. 

Whether a mentor gives back to support students, break family cycles, reverse negative enrollment trends or prepare tomorrow’s workforce, tnAchieves mentorship is an opportunity to invest in the community.

“I met with my assigned students, and they shared incredible stories. It warms my heart to be a support system for the next generation of college students,” said Amber, a Cumberland County mentor. “As a first-generation college student myself, tnAchieves helped me on my journey to a degree. I am honored to have the opportunity now to help students as a tnAchieves mentor on their path to a successful future!”

In 2025, mentors commit just one hour per month at the high school of their choosing. tnAchieves provides a brief orientation, handbook and weekly guidance to all volunteers. tnAchieves mentorship does not require extensive college-going experience. Anyone willing to invest in their community and support students can serve as an effective support for students.

Those interested can visit https://tnAchieves.org/mentors to complete the brief registration form and begin their journey as a mentor!

tnAchieves is a 501©3 nonprofit that has been providing scholarships with mentor support since 2008. Any interview requests or questions can be directed to Tyler Ford at tyler@tnAchieves.org or (309) 945-3446.

U.S. Representative John Rose’s (TN-6) district staff will hold a series of local office hours for constituents to connect directly with caseworkers and receive assistance with federal agencies throughout the month of August.

During the local office hours, district staff will be available to answer questions and assist constituents with federal casework, such as social security and veterans’ benefits, steps for obtaining a passport, and more. Local office hours occur monthly. If you have questions, please contact one of Representative Rose’s offices so a staff member may help you.

“We are ready to assist constituents with federal casework and welcome anyone with questions to sit down with staff,” said Representative Rose. “My goal is to make the expertise of my staff and the resources of this office easily accessible to every person I represent.”

Details for local office hours can be found below and on Representative Rose’s website.

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

TIME: 1:00pm-2:00pm

WHAT: Smith County Local Office Hours
LOCATION: Smith County Admin Building, 122 Turner High Circle, Carthage, TN 37030

WHO: Representative Rose will be represented by Field Representative Lou Nave during this visit.

We all know the farmers’ market is an excellent place for picking up fresh fruits and vegetables. On August 9th, in addition to picking up some home-grown tomatoes, you can pick up some research-based knowledge, as well. UT Extension will be at the Smith County Farmers’ Market offering a food demonstration, along with suggestions for selection and storage of the flavorful fruits and vegetables available at the market. This demonstration and outreach are part of a UT Extension program called Farmers’ Market Fresh. The principal objective of the Farmers’ Market Fresh program is to encourage the purchasing of fresh fruits and vegetables at local farmers’ markets.

The best part of the program is that each person who stops by the UT Extension booth will receive a recipe card for the food being demonstrated. The recipe to be featured will depend on what our local farmers have harvested recently. We have had a hot Tennessee summer, so the recipe will not involve standing over a hot stove or oven!

Mark your calendars for Friday, August 9, 2024, from 8-11 a.m. for this tasty and educational event. Of course, plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables will be available for purchase, as well! Hope to see you there!

Fruit Salad

1 can chunk pineapple drained

1 can Lucky Leaf peach pie filling

1 package sweet frozen strawberries

1 cup of pecans

1 small jar of maraschino cherries

1 small can mandarin oranges drained (Optional based on preference. I do not add to mine.)

Mix above ingredients together and place in refrigerator until ready to serve.

Before serving add 6 bananas sliced.

Submitted by: Judy Long, Gordonsville FCE Club

Photos taken by photographers from Smith County have a chance to be featured in Tennessee Wildlife Federation’s 2025 calendar.

Every year, the Federation holds a wildlife and landscape photography contest to showcase Tennessee’s unique natural beauty and spread the conservation message throughout Tennessee and beyond.

Tennessee Wildlife Federation’s 10th Annual Wildlife and Landscape Photo Contest is open for submissions until Aug. 31, 2024.

Photographers of all skill levels are invited to share their perspectives of Tennessee’s wildlife and wild places, and to join the Federation in highlighting the importance of conservation. Photos of Tennessee’s incredible wildlife and wild places can be submitted at tnwf.org/photo-contest.

Photographers can submit one photo with a $5 suggested donation, up to five photos for $10, and up to 20 photos with a $20 donation. This donation helps support the Federation’s mission to lead the conservation, sound management, and wise use of Tennessee’s wildlife and great outdoors.

A panel of judges will select the best photos to be featured in the Federation’s 2025 calendar and across the Federation’s digital platforms. Prizes for winning photographers include gift cards to Bass Pro Shops, Tennessee Wildlife Federation, and more.

The deadline to submit photos is 11:59 p.m. CT Aug. 31, 2024. Voting for the People’s Choice winner will be open to the public on Sept. 6, 2024.

For contest guidelines, submission details, and more information, visit tnwf.org/photo-contest.

About Tennessee Wildlife Federation
Tennessee Wildlife Federation leads the conservation, sound management and wise use of Tennessee’s great outdoors. Since 1946, the Federation has spearheaded the development of the state’s wildlife policy, advanced landmark legislation on air and water quality and other conservation initiatives, helped restore numerous species, and introduced thousands of kids to the great outdoors. To learn more, visit tnwf.org.

Tennessee Health Commissioner Ralph Alvarado, MD, FACP, attended a groundbreaking ceremony today at the Smith County Health Department in South Carthage, TN, to celebrate the state and local partnership investing in renovating the health facility to expand health care access to care for Smith Countians.

“Our focus on access to quality health care and healthcare facilities in Tennessee’s local communities is more important than ever,” Dr. Alvarado said. “Leadership in both the public and private sectors is exactly how we improve the culture of health and healthcare in Tennessee, and how our state becomes the model in the southeast U.S. for meeting the needs of citizens where they live, work, play, and worship.”

The Smith County Health Department is using more than $465,000 in local and state funding to renovate the conference room and add an additional exam room, office, and large supply room.

“We are very excited about the expansion. Our primary care clinic continues to grow, and we have recently added dental services, so the timing is perfect.” said County Director, Michael Railling.

The total funding for the Smith County Health Department’s renovation project includes a $349,000 Tennessee Department of Health allocation with $116,400 in matching funds from Smith County Government.

The Smith County Help Center has a long history of helping families in Smith County. The thrift shop offers plenty of great deals. Items donated from the community are featured in the store. The store offers plenty of variety from home goods, clothing and much more. The Help Center also assist families with utility bills and food needs.

160 families were served in May and June with either food or utility needs.. The Help Center also assists during devastating events like home fires. They were able to help 4 families who lost everything in house fires with clothes, furniture, and household items. .

Donations to the Smith County Help Center help Smith County residents with immediate needs. Director Pamela Farris expresses her appreciation saying “We thank each one of you for all your donations and we hope you always remember us when you want to donate items and always keep our mission in your prayers most of all. We will always be a “Hand Up Not a hand out”

George McDonald, owner and operator of Catesa Farms has been named as the 2024 Tennessee Farmer of the Year. McDonald was also the 1996 Tennessee Farmer of the Year.

Catesa Farms is located in the community of Riddleton, Tennesse where they grow more than 9,000 acres of corn, soybeans, wheat, milo, hay, watermelons and strawberries. McDonald is proud to farm alongside his daughter Sarah, his mother Linda, Kyle Cato, and more than 40 full and part-time employees and contract workers.

The Tennessee Farmer of the Year is chosen after a detailed and rigorous application process coordinated by University of Tennessee Extension and the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation. Katie Martin, agriculture agent and director of UT Extension Smith County, was proud to nominate McDonald for the award. “George is a smart businessman, a passionate agriculturist, and an integral part of our community,” Martin says. “I do not know anyone who is a better spokesperson for agriculture, whether he is speaking with high schoolers or members of Congress, he is an outstanding advocate for our industry. I admire his commitment to efficiency, sustainability and diversification, but most of all I admire his commitment to his employees, who he treats like family.”

When asked about how he got his start farming, McDonald says that he always knew he wanted to continue the family legacy. Just three years from now, the McDonald family will celebrate a centennial of caring for and managing Catesa Farms. Still, McDonald was not always sure what the legacy would look like. He credits youth organizations like the FFA with broadening his horizons and focusing his energy and passion for agriculture. There have been challenges and growing pains along the way as McDonald found his place as the youngest generation on the farm; however, as he explains, “After my dad passed, the pressure was truly on me to do the things I had dreamed of and talked about for years. Over time, we have transitioned out of the dairy business, experimented with multiple commodities, and had many learning experiences along the way, which ultimately led us to where we are today.”

Today they are a thriving agriculture business with continued plans for growth and vertical integration. In addition to the farm, McDonald also operates Cumberland Valley Ag, which sells fuel, fertilizer and seed in addition to drying and storing corn, wheat and soybeans for local producers. As the business looks to the future, Catesa Farms continues to focus on incorporating emerging technologies that improve efficiency and environmental stewardship and direct marketing products to capture value-added premiums as well as succession planning for the future.

As the Tennessee Farmer of the Year, McDonald will be honored at the Institute of Agriculture’s annual Ag Day event, to be held September 14 in Knoxville. He will also compete in the Sunbelt Ag ExpoSoutheastern Farmer of the Year competition, the winner of which will be announced in October at the Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie, Georgia. The Sunbelt Ag Expo is coordinating the Southeastern Farmer of the Year awards for the 34th consecutive year. Over the years cash awards totaling $1,324,000 and other honors have been presented to 296 southeastern farmers since the award was initiated in 1990.

Catesa Farms can be found on Facebook at Catesa Farms LLC and on Instagram at catesafarms.

We are very happy to welcome both Angela Bates and Tammy Maggart back home to Heartland Real Estate & Auction! They have always served the Smith County real estate market, even as their careers took them into other markets. Both Angela and Tammy are proven top producers over the course of their real estate careers spanning the last 18 years. They are both very professional and have a desire to give their clients the best representation possible. Whether buying or selling, put their experience and dedication to work for you.

Call Tammy (615)418-5487 or Angela (615)418-5601 for all of your real estate and auction needs. And always remember, at Heartland Real Estate & Auction “We take your best interest to heart!”

The Smith County Board of Education has several open positions to be filled for the 2024-24 school year. Check out the employment opportunities listing on the Smith County Board of Education website.

Contact the Smith County Board of Education at 615-735-9625 for more information.

On Wednesday, July 24, Smith County Mayor Jeff Mason graduated as a commissioned fellow of the 2023-2024 Appalachian Leadership Institute in the historic capitol city, Washington, D.C. The Appalachian Leadership Institute, or ALI, is a leadership program under the Appalachian Regional Commission, ARC. In 1963, President Kennedy formed the President’s Appalachian Regional Commission to assist in advancing legislation to bring federal dollars to Appalachia. ARC is led by two co-chairs. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee currently is the stateside co-chair, and Gayle Manchin, wife of West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin, is the Federal co-chair.

In September of last year, Mayor Mason was selected to participate in this program, along with 39 other Appalachians from across the 13 states and 423 counties that make up Appalachia.

The first session was in October at the beautiful New River Gorge area of West Virginia. This session covered the history of the ARC and different leadership styles.

December brought the cohort to Spartanburg, South Carolina, to discuss economic development. That area is booming with Industrial growth. It is an anchor area to the BMW auto plant located in this region. They also visited a business incubator location on steroids with manufacturing space and office space for free use by companies expanding or moving to the area.

In February, the group traveled to Tupelo, Mississippi, the birthplace of Elvis Presley, to learn what they are doing with workforce development. They visited an old furniture manufacturing facility that had been converted into a CTE training location. In this space, school children and post-secondary education students learned about automation, industrial maintenance, tooling and machining, and robotics. Companies like Toyota use it for their onboard training for new hire employees. There was also a classroom with an ambulance box for EMT training and certification.

In March, Rome, Georgia was the location to tour their wastewater treatment facility and learn about critical infrastructure needs for growing communities.

In May, they traveled to historic Berea, Kentucky, to learn about tourism and how to grow and cultivate that market in their areas.

In June, the class visited Erie, Pennsylvania, to learn about building human capacity in our communities.

July concluded their journey as they reflected on what they learned and dug into their personal leadership styles and how they interact with other styles, culminating in Graduation.

Below are remarks from Smith County Mayor Jeff Mason.

“When I was first selected, I felt apprehensive and like a fish out of water. I looked at my fellow’s education and accomplishments and thought that, as an old country boy mayor from Smith County, Tennessee, I didn’t belong in this group!

One of the many things I learned through this endeavor is that I did belong. Though we were all individuals with different views and opinions, we all shared one common goal. That goal is to collectively work to make our communities, our states, and the whole Appalachian region better. I learned a lot about Appalachia and its struggles and ways to make it better. I also learned about myself and what I need to work on to improve as a leader. I will take some time to reflect and review all this acquired knowledge and make a plan that all of you will help me execute to make Smith County the best it can be and Jeff Mason the best he can be!

Thank you, ARC, for the opportunity to be a part of what we believe was the best group to ever be in this program. Thank you to my Smith County Government team for working with me when my travels took me out of the county. A huge thank you to my wife and kids for supporting me through this program. Thank you to my fellows for being some of the best humans I have had the opportunity to be around for the last nine months.

#leadeship looks a lot like loving people!

I love this place, and I love my job! Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to be your mayor!

May God bless Smith County, and may God bless you!”

Smith County has its own Quilt Trail. A Quilt Trail is made up of barn quilts. Barn quilts are not actually quilts. They are paintings of quilt blocks. Initially, barn quilts were painted directly onto the barn. Then the quilt blocks were painted on wood and hung on the barns, homes, and sheds. Today many of the quilt blocks are made of aluminum composite material to withstand longer duration. A full-size barn quilt is 8-feet by 8-feet. Paired with bright colors, they easily are visible on barns and buildings.

Smith County has a Quilt Trail with many pieces around the county. A Quilt Trail is a collection of quilt blocks mounted on locations that make a driving tour possible. Quilt Trails are a great way to promote tourism. To see where the quilts are located as well as the name of the quilt and owner visit https://smithcountyquilttrail.com/quilts/.

On July 19th, UT Extension Smith County, Smith County Chamber of Commerce, and Karen Young partnered together to offer a barn quilt class in hopes of growing Smith County’s Quilt Trail. Participants were able to pick their paint colors and pattern suited for their experience and bring home their very own 2- foot by 2-foot barn quilt. The class was led by Karen Young and Sheryl Hankins. If you are interested in participating in a barn quilt class on November 7th, give the extension office a call at 615-735-2900.

Seafood Gumbo

1 onion

1 green pepper

1 can tuna (drained)

1 can shrimp (drained)

1 – 15 oz can tomato sauce

1 can hot tap water or 1 can Ro-tel tomatoes

¼ cup rice (uncooked)

Salt & pepper to taste

Brown onion and green peppers. Add remaining ingredients and heat thoroughly. (Add water if needed when using Ro-tel tomatoes.) Simmer on low until rice is done.

Submitted by: Phyllis McKinney, Gordonsville FCE Club

Pictured below: (L-R) Teresa Gentry, Janice Fox and Leah Gregory with their barn quilt paintings.

Bowmans Small Engine and Tractor Tire Repair is located at 437 Pleasant Shade Highway. It is owned and operated by Cayde Bowman. Currently he works out of a a 20×10 shed in the back yard. However, he has broke ground on a new 40×40 shop about 300 yards away from the current location with hopes of it being ready by winter.

Bowman offers a variety of small engine repair including mowers, weedeaters, and saws. He also offers mobile repair at the customers farm in order to repair tractor tires..

Bowman is born and raised in Pleasant Shade. He is gold certified with stihl power equipment and has 10 years experience with tire repair and probably over 5 years with small engine repair. He is excited to be able to help others with their equipment needs. He says it is a bonus as the owner to set my own hours.

Future plans after getting moved into the new shop is to purchase a a tire machine and a balancer and start offering service for car and truck tires along with the tractor tires.

Shop hours are Monday-Friday 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. However it is best to call before you come to schedule service since he is also a volunteer fire fighter with the Pleasant Shade Fire Department and on the Smith County Rescue Squad. Due to his volunteer service there may be times when he is unavailable.

To schedule service call or text 615-670-2298 or email bowmansmallengine@gmail.com