By Katie Martin – Smith County Extension Agent

If you stop by the Smith County Extension Office this summer, you may see a new face in the office. We are happy to have Victoria Prichard working with us as our summer intern. Victoria is currently a senior at Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville majoring in Agriculture Science and Management focusing on Animal Science. While at school, she is a barber at Blackbeard Barbershop in Lebanon, Tennessee.

Victoria was introduced to 4-H in elementary school. After competing in different speech competitions and livestock judging competitions, she became an avid member in her hometown of Pickett County. She attended the Junior 4-H camp at Clyde M. York 4-H Camp in the sixth grade, meeting many new friends and gaining new experiences. “I was very shy growing up. 4-H helped me break out of my shell and gain confidence talking to people. 4-H camp was an amazing experience and really helped me be comfortable letting my personality shine. Being able to positively influence 4-H members is an invaluable opportunity,” Victoria says.

Over the summer, Victoria will be assisting with the Smith County Fair, going on farm visits, observing FCS programs, helping with 4-H Day Camps, and much more. Victoria has a passion for the agricultural community and is excited to spend the summer helping Smith County Extension serve the local farming community. Victoria states, “Agriculture is so much of who I am. As a sixth-generation cattleman, I’m very proud and aim to keep it going. The chance to turn my passion into a career is so exciting and I’m honored to have been selected to take the next step with my internship at Extension.” We look forward to great things from Victoria as our intern this summer. We hope you will help us make her feel welcome as you see her at Extension events this summer!

Lish Foam Insulators recently celebrated their grand opening. The Smith County Chamber of Commerce welcomed them as a Chamber Member and provided a Ribbon Cutting. Dozens of community members and business leaders came out to celebrate and enjoy lunch.

For more than five decades the Lish family has been deeply rooted in the insulation industry.  Now with the rising popularity of spray foam insulation, they saw a great opportunity to jump back in with a fresh perspective.

Lish Foam Insulators offers fiberglass batting insulation, air sealing and weatherization, poly encapsules, fungal growth treatment, and dehumidifier installation. The ability to build trust between their business and the community is their favorite thing about being a business owner in Smith County.  They hope to lead the industry in providing innovative, sustainable insulation  solutions that create comfortable efficient houses.  They are committed to excellence, quality and customer service aiming to build healthier, energy-efficient homes for generations.

For more information about Lish Foam Insulators you can call 615-752-9073, check out the website https://lishinsulators.com/ or email lishfoamllc@gmail.com,.

On May 20th, 2024, Sgt. Woodard observed a gray Toyota Scion parked in the middle of Williams Lane South at the intersection with Alexandria Highway. Upon approaching the vehicle, he noticed a male driver asleep behind the wheel and a female passenger slumped over with her head on the floorboard.

Additional units arrived at the scene, including Sgt. Junior Fields and Officer Ian Grigg. Despite knocking on the windows, the occupants were initially unresponsive. The passenger, identified as Mrs. Christa Johnson, eventually raised her head and rolled down the window but could not unlock the door. Officer Grigg then unlocked the vehicle.

The driver, Mr. Brian Johnson, was found with his foot on the brake and the car still in drive. He displayed signs of severe impairment, including slurred speech, sluggish movements, and extremely constricted pupils. Upon searching Mr. Johnson, officers found two hypodermic syringes and a yellow plastic bag containing five Xanax bars.

A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a bottle with ten Suboxone pills and one unidentified white pill. Mr. Johnson, who could barely stand without assistance, admitted to having injected Xanax. He consented to a blood draw for chemical testing.

Mrs. Johnson also exhibited signs of severe impairment and explained to Sgt. Fields that she had taken at least one Xanax bar that day. Due to her condition and proximity to the highway, she was deemed a danger to herself and was placed in custody for public intoxication.

Both Brian and Christa Johnson were transported to the Smith County Jail for processing. The charges include drug possession and public intoxication.

The 50th Annual Smith County Chamber of Commerce Banquet and meeting was held on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at the Smith County Ag Center. Over 200 community members and business owners attended. Several awards were presented.

Jeff Mason, Smith County Mayor, shared some updates and plans for the county. Special guest speaker was Smith County born Albert Gore, Jr. Gore is a former U.S. vice president and Nobel Peace Prize winner. He was recently recognized by President Joe Biden with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Gore was present at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Smith County Chamber of Commerce in 1974 and has supported Smith County and the Chamber for decades. Click the link above to see the full video of the speakers.

Several awards were given to citizens and business leaders:

• Leadership Award – Sue Teat
• Community Service Award – Melissa Hebert
• Woman Business Leader Award – Robin Underwood
• John Carson Maggart Business Leader Award – Anthony Apple

A special proclamation celebrating the 50 years of the Smith County Chamber was made by Senator Paul Bailey.

Denise Givens was elected as president of the Smith County Chamber of Commerce for the 2024-2025 year.

The Smith County Chamber would like to thank all who attended and the amazing sponsors who helped make the event a success including DTC Communications, Nyrstar, Bonnell Aluminum, Citizens Bank, Powell & Meadows Insurance Agency, Wilson Bank & Trust, Bank Tennessee, Smith County Bank, Riverview Regional Medical Center, Rackley Roofing, Better Letter, The Carthage Pavilion, Upper Cumberland Electric Cooperation and the Smith County Insider.

The Carthage City Council held a Special Called Meeting on May 15, 2024. Several items were discussed. Watch the full meeting below.

Thanks to Teresa’s Gifts for sponsoring Smith County Insider’s 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!

The Carthage City Council meets at 6:00 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at Carthage City Hall, located at 314 Spring Street in Carthage, Tennessee – 37030.

All meetings are open to the public and streamed live at https://www.facebook.com/smithcountyinsider/.

The Gordonsville City Council held its monthly meeting on Monday, May 13, 2024

You can watch the full council meeting below.

Subscribe to Smith County Insider’s YouTube channel to stay up-to-date on meeting coverage, business spotlights, video features, and more!

The Gordonsville City Council meets at 6:15 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at Gordonsville City Hall, located at 63 Main Street in Gordonsville.

All meetings are open to the public and streamed live at https://www.facebook.com/smithcountyinsider/.

Mr. Ethan Davenport

On April 29th, 2024, Deputy Prevec was dispatched to the Pea Ridge Road area after a call reported unwanted individuals on the property. Upon arrival, Deputy Prevec spoke with the caller, who suspected Mr. Bobby Hickman of being around the back of the property with drugs. When Deputy Prevec made contact with Mr. Hickman, he explained that he and his friends were working on a truck in the shop on behalf of his father. Deputy Prevec informed Mr. Hickman that he needed permission from the property owner to be on the property.

Deputy Prevec identified the other individuals present as Ally Wilson and Ethan Davenport. Davenport emerged from the bushes near the wood line, explaining that he had been urinating. As Deputy Prevec spoke with the individuals and awaited the arrival of Sgt. Chris Lynn, he noticed Davenport becoming increasingly uneasy.

Upon Sgt. Lynn’s arrival, Deputy Prevec revisited the area where Davenport had been seen. There, he discovered a red and black backpack hidden behind some old cars. A search of the backpack revealed various drugs and Davenport’s driver’s license. Initially, Davenport denied ownership of the backpack, but after realizing his license was inside he admitted the backpack belonged to him.

The contents of the backpack included: 6.75 grams of a crystal-like substance, 3.25 grams of a white powdery substance, 9 grams of a green leafy substance, and A folded dollar bill containing a white powdery substance.

Davenport was arrested on the spot and charged with possession of multiple controlled substances.

The Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation (UCEMC) has an opening for a Groundman/Apprentice/Journeyman Lineman. The successful applicant for the position will be assigned to UCEMC’s Cookeville District Office. All Applicants should note that this position includes a residency requirement. The standard maximum distance employees hired shall be no more than twenty (20) miles or the service area perimeter of the Cookeville Office to which assigned. UCEMC offers a competitive salary and benefits package together with a working environment conducive to personal and professional growth.

UCEMC is a Tennessee Drug-Free Workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants must be presently legally authorized to work in the United States. UCEMC will exercise its right to select an applicant for hire. Persons interested in applying for these positions may read the Notice of Position Open and the position’s description at www.ucemc.com; www.JOBS4TN.GOV; or the local Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development Office. Apply on UCEMC’s website www.ucemc.com/careers through June 7, 2024. No application will be accepted after 4:30 p.m. Friday June 7, 2024. For more information on this position contact UCEMC’s Human Resources Department at 800-261-2940 ext.123.

UCEMC is an EEO employer and an affirmative action employer. UCEMC is committed to guaranteeing to its employees and all applicants for employment equal employment opportunities regardless of race, gender, age, religion, national origin, genetic information, disability or veteran status, or any other protected status, except where such status is a bona fide occupational qualification.

Sgt. Fields consulted with Sheriff Hopper and Deputy Collins about a situation involving Mr. Robert Joseph Hickman allegedly chasing individuals around Elmwood. Hickman reportedly attempted to gain entry into a vehicle. To establish Mr. Hickman’s involvement, Sgt. Fields organized a photo lineup, in which the vehicle owner positively identified Mr. Hickman as the suspect on April 16, 2024.

Following the identification, charges for Criminal Attempt to Commit Auto Burglary were filed against Hickman after consultation with ADA Williams.

On June 16, 2024, Sgt. Fields detained Mr. Hickman at his shop building while attempting to regain entry after locking himself out. Before the arrest, authorities received information suggesting Hickman might have illegal substances on him. However, a search conducted at the jail did not uncover any drugs on Mr. Hickman’s person, leading officers to believe the substances were still on his property.

Sgt. Fields obtained a search warrant for Hickman’s residence, with Lt. Dusty Hailey, Sgt. Robin Bellar, and Sgt. Jimmy Lankford assisting in the search. During the search, officers discovered a small quantity of crystal methamphetamine on an equalizer/bass booster. Additionally, they found a plastic tube with powder residue and a magnetic box with residue.

Mr. Hickman was provided with a copy of the search warrant by Sgt. Fields. As a result of the search, Robert Joseph Hickman now faces additional charges of Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Mr. Robert Neathery

On March 30th, 2024 at approximately 7:06 PM, Deputy Collins observed a motorcycle traveling westbound on Cookeville Highway at a speed significantly above the limit.

The rider, identified as Robert Neathery, was also noted for failing to wear a helmet. Deputy Collins attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but Neathery refused to comply, accelerating to speeds over 100 mph. The pursuit intensified as Neathery turned onto Gordonsville Highway, heading towards Gordonsville, with units from the Gordonsville Police Department, South Carthage Police Department, and Smith County Sheriff’s Office joining the chase.

Neathery’s reckless driving continued onto Interstate 40 eastbound, where he weaved through traffic at high speeds, posing significant danger to other motorists. The chase extended into Putnam County, where Neathery exited at Exit 273, only to re-enter the interstate westbound, heading back towards Smith County.

The pursuit saw Neathery take Exit 268, then continue on Buffalo Valley Road and onto Highway 70 towards South Carthage. Once in South Carthage, at the Cordell Hull Bridge, Neathery struck Assistant Chief Shane Gregory’s patrol vehicle, causing damage to the door and handle.

The chase concluded when Neathery lost control of his motorcycle after hitting a curb near the Quick & Easy Market and Deli in Carthage. He fled on foot into a nearby grassy area but was swiftly apprehended by Sgt. Chris Lynn and Assistant Chief Gregory.

A subsequent search revealed Neathery was carrying brass knuckles, a loaded Glock 41 .45 caliber pistol, 2.5 grams of cocaine, and a partially burnt marijuana joint. Neathery admitted to possessing the cocaine.

Neathery was transported to Smith County Jail and faces numerous charges, including Possession of a Weapon While in Commission of a Felony, Prohibited Weapon (Brass Knuckles), Manufacture, Delivery, Sale of Schedule II (Cocaine), Felony Evading by Motor Vehicle, Reckless Endangerment, Aggravated Assault with Motor Vehicle, Resisting Arrest,

Reckless Driving, and Simple Possession of Schedule VI (Marijuana).

The owner of the motorcycle reclaimed it at the scene where the pursuit ended.