Pursuant to Chapter 442, Tennessee Public Act of 1974, “The Sunshine Law” the Dale Hollow Rural Planning Organization will hold a meeting on Tuesday, June 11, 2024. The meeting will be held at 11:00 AM (CST) at the Upper Cumberland Development District, located at 1104. England Drive in Cookeville. Anyone interested in attending will need to contact Mark Dudney
at (931) 476-4152 or mdudney@ucdd.org for more details.

The Dale Hollow RPO is responsible for comprehensive transportation planning for Clay, Fentress, Jackson, Macon, Overton, Pickett, Smith and Trousdale counties.

This is an open public meeting. To request an agenda, please call Dale Hollow RPO Coordinator Mark Dudney at (931)476-4152. If you need assistance or accommodations due to disability, please contact Mark by Friday, June 7, 2024.

by Rachel Petty – UT Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development

Recently, a group of our Smith County 4-H’ers may have begun to pay closer attention to the natural world around them. As a result of participating in 4-H Wildlife Judging, students may have found themselves identifying bird song in the trees, paying special attention when cottontail rabbits or eastern gray squirrels cross their paths, or even keeping an eye out for invasive plants in the landscape.

During the regional 4-H Wildlife Judging contest, 4-H’ers are tested on their knowledge of native wildlife species as well as a number of different conservation and management practices and how to apply them to a real-world habitat for certain species.

The Central Region Wildlife Judging Contest was held on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at the beautiful Batey Farms in Murfreesboro. Seventeen of our Smith County 4-H’ers really showed up and showed out on contest day!

Our Junior High Team A, made up of Charlotte Driver, Josie Harville, Aubrey Hicks, and Scarlett Hicks, won 1st place in their division. Scarlett placed 10th, Charlotte placed 8th, and Josie was the 1st place High Individual overall.

Our Junior High Team B, made up of Titus Chartier, Clay Driver, Marshall Taylor, and Avery Yerge, placed 5th overall.

Our Junior High Team, made up of Luke Chartier, Jay Driver, Turner Harville, and Tana Harville, placed 2nd overall. Tana placed 8th and Turner placed 2nd individually.

Our Senior High team, made up of Easton Bibbings, Emmy Bibbings, Gabe Harville, and Owen Meeks, placed 1st in their division and earned themselves a bid to the State Wildlife Judging Contest in June! Owen placed 5th, Easton placed 3rd, and Gabe was the 1st place High Individual overall. Bradley Yerge also competed in the Senior High division.

Our students were coached by Smith County 4-H alumni Spencer Meeks and Carson Meeks, a pair of brothers who both competed as 4-H’ers themselves and who were instrumental in getting the program established locally several years ago.

We hope that by participating in Wildlife Judging through 4-H, our 4-H’ers are more conscious of their environment and practice and rely on these skills throughout their lives as they birdwatch, hunt, fish, enjoy nature, or even go on to pursue careers in the natural resources sector.

We are so proud of all of these students!

For more information about the many activities available to our local young people through the 4-H program, please call 615-735-2900 or email rpetty@utk.edu.

By Katie Martin – Smith County Extension Agent

Do you ever see people arguing on social media? Maybe over politics or religion, maybe over something silly like music or sports. Do you immediately head to the comments to see what everyone is saying and decide who is right and who is wrong? Each year, in gardening pages I am part of, there is inevitably an argument over the identification of a plant someone thinks is poison hemlock. Sometimes it is, and sometimes it isn’t, but it always creates a spirited discussion! People are worried about this weed, and for good reason.

Poison Hemlock is a highly toxic plant that poses a significant risk to both humans and animals. It is sometimes referred to as deadly hemlock, spotted hemlock, or poison parsley, and can be found growing in cool-season grass pastures, roadsides, drainage ditches, and stream banks.

Poison Hemlock is recognizable due to its small, white flowers that form umbrella-shaped clusters, bright green and fern-like leaves, and smooth, hollow, stems which are marked with characteristic purple blotches or streaks. Mature plants typically grow to three to four feet tall. Queen Anne’s Lace or wild carrot is commonly mistaken for poison hemlock. However, their flower shapes differ and Queen Anne’s Lace does not share the purple streaking on the stems. Fortunately, Queen Anne’s Lace is not toxic.

Poison Hemlock is dangerous to grazing livestock, but thankfully deaths are rare due to the plant’s unpalatability. However, that changes after herbicide application. After spraying, the palatability increases, and animals are more likely to graze the plant. Livestock should be excluded from infested areas before applying herbicide. They should continue to be excluded until the plants have died and are brown and dry.

November or March to April are the ideal times for treatment. With thorough coverage that is achievable with spot sprays, products such as 2,4-D, Brash, GrazonNext HL, and Duracor are fairly effective. Before spraying, be sure to thoroughly read the herbicide label and follow all directions and precautions. Realize that plants that are growing upright and nearing the seed head stage will be very hard to kill with herbicides. Bush-hogging to prevent seed formation may be a better option.

For more information about poison hemlock or other weeds, go online to smith.tennessee.edu and check out our weed control page under the agriculture tab. There you can find fact sheets on Poison Hemlock and many other common weeds, as well as UT recommendations for control or contact the UT Extension office at 615-735-2900.

Mr. Zakery Mays

On March 24th, 2024 a routine “knock and talk” operation at a residence in Gordonsville resulted in the discovery of multiple illegal substances and the arrest of one individual. The operation was carried out by a team of law enforcement officers, including Sgt. Junior Fields, Sgt. Robbie Woodard, Deputy Levi Grigg, Deputy Burl Johnson, and Officer Ian Grigg, based on information received about drug use at the property.

The officers arrived at the property and spoke with the homeowner, Mr. David Williams, who consented to a search of his residence. During the search, officers found Mr. Zakery Mays and his girlfriend in the bathroom, both appearing to be under the influence of drugs.

When Sgt. Fields attempted to pat down Mr. Mays, he became verbally aggressive. A pen tube was found in Mays’ right front pants pocket, and further search revealed burnt tin foil and a straw with white powder on the bathroom floor. Mays was placed into custody and held in the living room.

A search of Mr. David Williams’ bedroom uncovered a bottle of Gabapentin. Williams admitted that the medication was given to him by his sister, who lives in Indiana, and that he did not have a prescription for it.

Upon further questioning, Mr. Mays, who had been read his Miranda Rights, confessed to having heroin (1.2 grams), cocaine (1 gram), and a small amount of fentanyl (0.37 grams) hidden in his pants. These substances were contained in three small metal containers along with a small metal spoon with powder residue. Additionally, Mays was found with a single Clonazepam pill in his bag.

David Williams was issued a state citation for simple possession of a Schedule V controlled substance. Zakery Mays was arrested and transported to the Smith County Jail for processing multiple drug charges.

During Gordonsville Elementary School’s 6th Grade Awards ceremony on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, Ms. Amelia Williams was presented with the Adam Hearn Academic Achievement Award.

Each year, the Southside Lions Club recognizes a 6th-grade student who has maintained the highest grade point average for the year.

This award is given in honor and memory of Adam Hearn, son of Ben and Kathy Hearn of Gordonsville. Adam passed away at the age of 9 in April 1991.

Williams received a commemorative plaque and $100 from the Southside Lions Club. She will also have her name engraved on a permanent plaque that hangs in the office of Gordonsville Elementary School, alongside past winners of the Adam Hearn Academic Achievement Award.

Congratulations, Amelia!

Decoration will be observed on Memorial Day Weekend for the following cemeteries:

Smith County Memorial Gardens

Dixon Springs Cemetery

Defeated Creek Memorial Gardens

Gordonsville Cemetery

Baird Cemetery

No formal services are planned.

Join our Dynamic Team as a Human Resources Director at UCEMC!

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About UCEMC: Empowering Communities, Enhancing Lives
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 Must have the ability to identify, understand and solve problems relating to benefits,
compensation, conflict resolution, employee development/training, employee orientation, job description development, handbook administration, policy and procedure development, recruitment, workers compensation administration, employment practices, payroll, training, etc.
 Must possess knowledge in the personnel related field, cooperative policies, business and labor
laws, labor relations, health/life/long term disability insurance plans, pension plans, payroll,
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 Must possess knowledge to prepare and present comprehensive reports and be able to
communicate ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in written format.
 Must be knowledgeable in collecting, compiling and analyzing information and data, and be able
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 Must be skilled in the use of a personal computer and have the ability to utilize different software
applications. Experience with Microsoft Word and Excel preferred.
 Valid Class D Tennessee Driver’s License (or ability to obtain)

A Drug Free Workplace and Equal Opportunity Employer
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,
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Apply Today!
Seize this rare opportunity by applying on UCEMC’s website at https://go.bear.agency/4a89wcs through
June 7, 2024. For more details, contact UCEMC’s Human Resources Department at 800-261-2940, ext.
123.

On April 8th, 2024 at approximately 8:36 PM, K-9 Deputy Brady Dodson observed a red Acura TSX failing to maintain its lane twice.

Upon pulling over the vehicle, Deputy Dodson identified the driver as Ms. Melissa Tollison, who admitted that her driver’s license was revoked. This was confirmed through dispatch. Ms. Tollison was asked to exit the vehicle, and during this process, Deputy Dodson noticed a THC “Dab” vape lying in the seat under her.

Ms. Tollison admitted to having CBD marijuana, although it was not in its original packaging. Additionally, Deputy Dodson detected the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. A thorough search of the vehicle yielded several items, including: a baggie of crystal methamphetamine, an empty baggie with white residue, eight THC vapes, a marijuana pipe, and two sandwich bags containing a total of 6 grams of marijuana.

Ms. Tollison was placed under arrest and transported to the Smith County Jail for booking. Before leaving the scene, Sgt. Lynn asked her if she had any other illegal substances on her person, to which she responded no.

Upon arrival at the Smith County Jail, Correctional Officer Marissa Anderson searched and once again asked Ms. Tollison if she had any concealed substances. Ms. Tollison again denied having anything else. However, during the search CO Anderson discovered another baggie of methamphetamine in Ms. Tollison’s pocket. The combined weight of the methamphetamine from both baggies was approximately 1 gram.

Ms. Tollison faces multiple charges, including possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, and driving on a revoked license.

On April 24th, 2024 at 9:59 AM when Sgt. Fields was stationed at the Hiwassee Road and Lebanon Highway intersection, he observed the suspect’s vehicle with a dirt bike in the truck bed. Recognizing the truck, Sgt. Fields initiated a traffic stop. Mr. Don Griffith complied and pulled over.

Upon request, Mr. Griffith stepped out of the vehicle and was placed in handcuffs. Sgt. Fields informed Mr. Griffith of his knowledge of the drugs in the vehicle, to which Mr. Griffith confirmed their presence. He also acknowledged that he was on probation.

Mr. Griffith disclosed that he had two kilos of drugs in a backpack behind the seat. After placing Mr. Griffith in the patrol unit, Sgt. Fields retrieved the backpack. The passenger, identified as Mr. Arelious Eden, was also detained but later released as he was found to have no involvement in the drug distribution.

A search of the vehicle yielded no additional drugs. However, Mr. Griffith revealed that he had 13 more kilos at his residence. Sgt. Fields, accompanied by K-9 Deputy Brady Dodson, proceeded to another location where they discovered the additional drugs.

The final search included 10 additional kilo bricks of a white powder believed to be fentanyl, along with multiple baggies of white powder and digital scales, found on the property. K-9 Udo was deployed to search multiple other vehicles on-site.

Mr. Griffith was charged with Possession of Schedule I and II substances with Intent to Deliver and Driving on a Revoked License. The 15 kilos of fentanyl were placed into evidence and submitted to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for analysis.

In a heartfelt ceremony today, Vanderbilt Lifeflight presented the “Outstanding Performance Award” to several local heroes for their extraordinary actions in saving a man’s life last summer. The recognition comes after a critical incident on a Sunday in August 2023, when Greg Pilant, a resident of Gordonsville, went into cardiac arrest at Christ Community Church in Gordonsville.

The life-threatening emergency was first reported through a 911 call, which prompted an immediate response from the Gordonsville Police Department, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, and Smith County EMS. The swift arrival and decisive actions of these responders were instrumental in saving Pilant’s life.

Officer Scott Hale of the Gordonsville Police Department was the first to arrive at the scene. Officer Hale promptly used an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on Pilant, who had collapsed and was unconscious. The early defibrillation, a crucial step in cardiac arrest response, helped stabilize Pilant until further medical assistance arrived.

Shortly thereafter, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office and Smith County EMS arrived, working collaboratively to continue providing life-saving measures. Smith County EMS then transported Pilant to a designated location where he was met by Vanderbilt Lifeflight. He was subsequently airlifted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville for advanced treatment.

Today’s award ceremony, held in Smith County, was attended by community members, local officials, and representatives from Vanderbilt Lifeflight. The event was a moving tribute to the quick-thinking and heroic actions of those involved. They were each presented with the “Outstanding Performance Award,” symbolizing their exceptional service and dedication to the community.

Greg Pilant, who has since made a full recovery, was present at the ceremony to personally thank his rescuers.

The ceremony highlighted not only the individual acts of heroism but also the importance of coordinated emergency response and the critical role of community preparedness. Vanderbilt Lifeflight’s recognition underscores the value of training and readiness in emergency situations, reaffirming the life-saving impact of prompt and effective intervention.

Starting on May 28, 2024 Free Summer meals will be available for pick-up at Gordonsville High School, Smith County Middle School and Smith County High School from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

All children in Smith County 18 and younger are eligible to receive these free meals. For more information call the School Nutrition Department at 615-735-2321.

Watch for more information regarding The Magic Food Bus starting June 3rd. Visit the Smith County Board of Education site for updated information.