4-H News – Forks River Elementary 4-H’ers Compete in 2024 Clover Bowl Contest
by Rachel Petty, UT Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development
This year, Smith County 4-H partnered with Forks River Elementary School to prepare for and compete in the Central Region 4-H Clover Bowl Contest which was held at Hyder-Burks Ag Pavilion in Cookeville on Wednesday, May 15, 2024.
The 4-H Clover Bowl contest is open to 4th through 8th grade students and tests them on their knowledge of subjects like 4-H, agriculture, government, life skills, science, and Tennessee history. The competition consists of three- or four-member teams competing in a double elimination, quiz bowl-style tournament format.
Five teams of Smith County 4-H’ers competed, representing 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades.
Laikyn Bush, Scarlett Hicks, Ryker Medlin, and Natalie Russell competed in the 4th Grade Division.
Charlotte Driver, Clay Driver, Abby Heady, and Marshall Taylor competed in the 5th Grade Division.
Nora Davis, Avery Myers, Titus Russell, and Cole Williams competed in the 6th Grade Division.
Nathan Hileman, Reagan Ray, Brittany Shaw, and Lauren Vivas competed in the 7th Grade Division.
Alex Asbury, Everett Keys, Noah Massey, and Joshua Massey competed in the 8th Grade Division.
Each of these teams studied throughout the spring, putting time and effort into this contest, and they represented Smith County 4-H exceptionally well against some tough competition!
We would especially like to thank Mrs. Jill Huddleston and Ms. Amanda Thompson at Forks River Elementary for helping organize and coach these teams.
For further information relating to any of the many 4-H activities, events, and projects available to our local youth, please contact Rachel Petty in the Smith County office of the University of Tennessee Extension at 615-735-2900.
New Middleton, Gordonsville Middle and High School Congratulated District Teachers of the Year
Teachers from New Middleton, Gordonsville Middle School and High School were recently selected as District Teachers of the Year for 2023-24. Each were recently featured on the Smith County Board of Education Facebook page.
Mrs. Lisa Nixon was selected as the Pre-K-4th Grade Teacher of the Year for Smith County Schools. Mrs. Lisa Nixon has taught Kindergarten for 29 years for Smith County Schools. She began her career at Gordonsville Elementary, and later transitioned to New Middleton Elementary in 2017. Mrs. Nixon attended both Gordonsville Elementary and High School as a student herself. After graduating from GHS, she went on to receive her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Cumberland University. She then returned back to Gordonsville to begin a family and pursue her teaching career.
Sabrina Knowles, Gordonsville High School was selected for grades 9-12 Teacher of the Year for Smith County Schools. Mrs. Knowles teaches 9th grade English and sponsors Tiger TV at Gordonsville High School. She also sponsors the GHS Diamond Club, an organization of students who support softball and baseball through spirit signs, treat bags, and working the gate at games.
She earned her undergraduate degree in English at Cumberland University in 2010, where she received the Student Service Award. Knowles worked for 10 years as a reporter for The Lebanon Democrat and editor of The Wilson Post newspapers before beginning her second career in education. Knowles received her Master of Arts in Teaching from Cumberland University in 2021.
Stacy Reeves, Gordonsville Middle School was selected for grades 5-8 Teacher of the Year for Smith County Schools. Ms. Reeves has dedicated the last 17 years to teaching young people English Language Arts at her alma mater. Reeves, a 1987 graduate of Gordonsville High School, credits her former teacher, Ms. Patricia Poston, with fostering her love of English.
Reeves earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communications from Middle Tennessee State University. It wasn’t until her son, Neel, started kindergarten that Reeves revisited the idea of teaching as a profession. “I realized then that I felt as if I had ‘missed the boat’ the first time around while attending college,” she explained. She returned to MTSU in 2005 to continue her education and become certified to teach English in grades 7-12.
June 8th Bass Tournament to benefit the SCHS Lady Owls Softball Team
A bass tournament will be sponsored by the Lady Owls Softball Team at Cordell Hull Lake (Wartrace) on June 8th, 2024.
Only first place is guaranteed with $1000 payout ($75 entry fee); additional places may be paid out depending on the number of teams that enter
Big Fish is guaranteed $500 (participant must enter the big fish pot with additional entry fee of $25.00)
There is no pre-registration for this tournament, all registrations will be done the morning of the tournament.
Click on the following for more information including Official Rules, Release Form and Sponsorship Form .
Powered by HER Lunch and Learn May 28th 12 p.m.
The Biz Foundry and Bank Tennessee will host a Powered by HER Lunch and Learn on Tuesday, May 28th at 12 p.m. at the Smith County Chamber of Commerce. Women entrepreneurs often juggle multiple roles and responsibilities. At this luncheon, you can explore how building a strong community can be a game-changer for your businesses and well-being.
During the event, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with other women in business, share your own experiences, and build meaningful relationships. Networking activities and discussions will be tailored to help you forge valuable connections and collaborations.
The event is FREE but you are asked to save your seat: https://hubs.li/Q02wg0Vz0 to help plan for enough food for the event.
2nd Annual Ricky Rankin Veterinary Outreach Day at Smith County Animal Clinic on May 17th
Thanks to some amazing donors Smith County Animal Clinic will host their 2nd Annual Ricky Rankin Veterinary Outreach Day Friday, May 17th. With this event they hope to fill a great need in the community and bridge the gap for families with pets who need help providing health care for their fur friends.
.If you know someone who would love FREE exams for their pets that day this event will take place from 8am-4pm. Helen’s Food truck and MoTown Treats will also be there, so stop by for some lunch, dinner or some sweets. For more information about the event you can check out the Smith County Animal Clinic facebook page or call 615-735-3330.
2024 National Safe Boating Week May 18-24
NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will participant in the 2024 National Safe Boating Week, May 18-24, reminding all boaters to brush up on boating safety skills and prepare for the boating season. This observance week is the annual kick-off of the Safe Boating Campaign, a global awareness effort that encourages boaters to make the most of their boating adventure by being responsible.
National Safe Boating Week is held each year on the week prior to Memorial Day weekend. Boating partners across the United States and Canada are teaming up to emphasize safe boating practices, including wearing life jackets for National Safe Boating Week and throughout the 2024 boating season. The TWRA and partner organizations continue to prioritize educating the boating community about the importance of wearing life jackets and available options that are more lightweight and comfortable.
“TWRA is committed in its mission to make Tennessee waterways safe for everyone to enjoy,” said TWRA Boating Education Coordinator Betsy Woods. “Be sure to boat responsibly, keep alcohol at a minimum, make sure your boat is in good working order and by all means wear your life jacket, it may indeed save your life. Boating is a wonderful activity for family and friends, so have fun but do so in a safe manner.”
Tennessee offers boating enthusiasts an abundance of opportunities to enjoy the resources across the state. Memorial Day weekend is May 25-27 and viewed as the unofficial start to the summer boating season.
TWRA reports there has been a continued increase in traffic on the state’s lakes and rivers the last few years, especially in paddlecraft. Two of the three boating-related fatalities in the state this year have involved paddlecraft.
Recommended tips for boaters:
· Take a boating safety course. Gain valuable knowledge and on-water experience in a boating safety course with many options for novice to experienced boaters.
· Check equipment. Schedule a free vessel safety check with local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons to make sure all essential equipment is present, working and in good condition.
· Make a float plan. Always let someone on shore know the trip itinerary, including operator and passenger information, boat type and registration, and communication equipment on board.
· Wear a life jacket. Make sure everyone wears a life jacket – every time. A stowed life jacket is no use in an emergency.
· Use an engine cut-off device. An engine cut-off device, or engine cut-off switch, is a proven safety device to stop the boat’s engine should the operator unexpectedly fall overboard.
· Watch the weather. Always check the forecast before departing on the water and frequently during the excursion.
· Know what’s going on around you at all times. Nearly a quarter of all reported boating accidents last year were caused by operator inattention or improper lookout.
· Know where you’re going and travel at safe speeds. Be familiar with the area, local boating speed zones and always travel at a safe speed.
· Never boat under the influence. A BUI is involved in one-third of all recreational boating fatalities. Always designate a sober skipper.
· Keep in touch. Have more than one communication device that works when wet. VHF radios, emergency locator beacons, satellite phones, and cell phones can all be important devices in an emergency.
SCHS Soccer Youth Skills Camp 2024 set for June 4-6th, 2024
The SCHS Soccer Youth Skills Camp for Kindergarten- 8th grade for the 2024-25 school year, will be on June 4th, 5th, and 6th from 9:00 am.- 11:00 a.m. Cost is $45.
- Players will learn individual and team skills appropriate to their age and skill level.
- Players will learn in a fun environment with players in the same age group.
- Players will be given instruction to help them increase their skill level and understanding of the game
- The camp will emphasize individual skills and how to apply them to the team setting
- Parents are welcome to watch and talk to coaches about the game.
Requirements: All players are required to wear shin guards and appropriate shoes (cleats or tennis shoes) at all times, and to bring a soccer ball.
Registration due by May 20 in order to receive a camp soccer ball. You may turn in registration the first day of camp but will not receive a camp t-shirt.
If you have more than one child that would like to participate. Please contact one of the coaches for more information to help with that.
Please contact Nicholus Bussell or Wesley Kemp at 615-735-9219 ext 7868. You can also email us at nicholus.bussell@smithcoedu.net or wesley.kemp@smithcoedu.net if you have any questions.
You can registration online using the QR code or go to https://gofan.co/event/1398336?schoolId=TN8689
Community Field Day & Yard Sale May 25th at the Smith County Ag Center
The Smith County Events Committee will host the 2nd Annual Community Field Day, Handmade Market and Yard Sale on Saturday, May 25th 2024 at the Smith County Agricultural Center from 10 am. to 4 p.m. It will be a fun filled day for the family.
The fundraising event will support two major upcoming event that are free to the community including the Back-2-School Bash (school supply give-away) and Hometown Halloween. The Community Field Day will feature many nostalgic activities and fun races for high school students and adults. Registrations for participants is $5.
Field Day Competition events are for Adults and High School Students. There will be eight different competitions between 10 AM and 3 PM with an award ceremony at 3:30 p.m. Sign up to compete here: https://forms.gle/b4KWvsuq4Bzbcy829
Handmade Market: Vendors can set up in Grass surrounding Crump Paris parking lots! A market area with all handmade items. Sign up for a booth here: https://forms.gle/CHkaV7jLyBvfsYUh9
Community Yard Sale: Community Individuals and groups can set up in grass along Crump Paris Walking track. Sign up for a space here: https://forms.gle/oRgXjwx3Q8BPhfH9A
Community Outreach Corner: Information regarding local, community-centered organizations’ information will be available. Sign up for a space here: https://forms.gle/sRZHDAJVE1NNGxsi6
Food Vendors can submit an application here: https://forms.gle/9XiK8u1oVwjenfTT7
There will also be a KIDS area with yard games, coloring, and more!
Smith County High School Owls Soccer District Champions
Smith County High School Owls Soccer finished the regular season with a record of 9-2-2, which included winning the Smoky Mountain Cup at Gatlinburg. This is one of the most resilient groups we have seen, every obstacle was a training ground and they learned each lesson and became stronger. It was not a bad season for a first year coach and Coach Wes Kemp didn’t stop there.
The Owls finished first in the District which led to them playing Cannon County in the District Semi-final on May 7th. The other side of the district semi-final was Jackson County vs York Institute. Jackson County won 1-0 which advanced them to the Championship game. Then Smith County won 7-0 against Cannon County, sending them forward. Jarrain Smith scored the first two goals with assists from Abi Martinez on both. The third goal came from Blake Baird assisted by Aldrin Jimenez and they would finish the half with Jimenez scoring the 4th goal with an assist from Baird. The second half started with Blake Baird scoring with an assist from Aldrin Jimenez. Jimenez scored with an assist from Jarrain Smith. The punctuation mark came from Santos Damian, his first goal as an Owl, assisted by Gavin Kemp. The Goalkeeping duo of James Bunn and Jacob Vandebiezen kept a clean sheet in the win.
The Championship game was to be played at Jackson County but the storms caused problems with the Cannon County venue and the game was set forFriday May 10th. However, extenuating circumstances caused the game to be canceled with no time to make it up. Going off of the stats from the tournament it was Smith County who would be crowned Champions.
Region play starts on Tuesday May 14th. Smith County will play at home vs the loser of Liberty Creek and Whitehouse Heritage. Jackson County will travel to the winner of that game.
Congratulations to the Owls, Coach Kemp and Coach Bussell for all of the accomplishments this far. Keep up the great teamwork!
Article and photo submitted by Vivian Schaffers
Food for Thought – Dry Drowning
My two-year-old daughter, Ellie, has already asked about going swimming several times this month. She loves the water as do many, both young and old, during the hot summer months.
Most people know to keep a watchful eye on youth during water activities. However, many people think the risk of drowning ends when their child leaves the water. Not so! According to Mark A. Mitchell, DO, an osteopathic emergency medicine physician from Chicago, danger can exist up to 24 hours after being out of the water.
Dr. Mitchell states that dry and secondary drowning can occur after inhaling water through the nose or mouth. This causes the water to trigger a spasm in the airway causing the airway to close and impact breathing.
According to Dr. Mitchell, symptoms of dry drowning usually occur right after a water incident, but symptoms of secondary drowning can appear hours later.
Watch for these warning signs:
· Trouble breathing
· Coughing
· Sleepiness or a drop in energy level
· Irritability
· Chest pain
· Vomiting
Although dry and secondary drowning are rare, treat this as a medical emergency if symptoms appear. Doctors can tell if the airways are blocked, if water is in the lungs, or if oxygen level is low. The doctor will be able to provide the best treatment.
To help prevent water-related injuries and emergencies, Dr. Mitchell encourages parents and caregivers to:
· Teach water safety, including no diving in shallow waters and only swimming in areas with lifeguards.
· Help your kids learn to swim as early as possible.
· Ensure pools are properly guarded.
· Warn teens of the risk of swimming under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
· Never let children swim alone. Be vigilant when watching them swim or play around large and small bodies of water such as plastic pools or bathtubs.
· Discourage rough play, such as head dunking, in and around water.
Dry and secondary drowning can be prevented. Always be attentive to sudden changes in behavior after your child has been in the water. Be safe and have fun in the water!
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars
What You’ll Need
3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
3 eggs
¾ cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 (16.5 oz) rolls refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough
What to Do
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9 x 13-inch glass baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese, eggs, sugar, and vanilla until well mixed; set aside.
3. Slice cookie dough rolls into ¼ inch thick slices. Arrange slices from one roll on bottom of prepared baking dish; press together so there are no holes in dough. Spoon cream cheese mixture evenly over dough; top with remaining slices of cookie dough.
4. Bake 45 to 50 minutes, or until golden and center is slightly firm. Remove from oven, let cool, then refrigerate. Cut into slices when well chilled.
Check This Out!
· Keep the cookie dough refrigerated until just before slicing. You can serve these as-is, or top with chocolate sauce, fudge, whipped topping, or anything else you might like!
Submitted by: Rita Klenke, Grant FCE Club
1st Annual Pleasant Shade Community Market June 15th
Jane Reeds Pleasant Shade Cafe will host the 1st Annual Pleasant Shade Community Market on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at 725 Pleasant Shade Highway in Pleasant Shade TN.
There will be over 50 vendors offering a great variety of merchandise, activities and fun. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Pleasant Shade Fire Department. Vendor applications are still being accepted email pleasantshadecommunitymarket@gmail.com.
Commodities Distribution on May 21st Smith County Ag Center
The Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency (UCHRA) will hold a commodities distribution for Smith County on Tuesday, May 21st, from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the Smith County Agricultural Center. Sign-up will be available at the distribution site or online at uchra.org/communityservices.
The Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, sex, color, national origin, religion, or disability in admission to, access to, or operations of its programs, services, or activities. This project is funded under a Grant Contract with the State of Tennessee.
TDOT announces several roads closed due to flooding, storm debris
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has closed several state routes due to flooding and downed trees after severe storms passed through the region overnight.
TDOT and contracted maintenance crews worked throughout the night to clear roads as they became obstructed by debris or downed trees. Many crews are still working this morning to clean up debris that is either still on our routes or monitor flooded roads as the water recedes. The following roads listed below are currently closed.
Macon County: SR 141, SR 56, SR 80
Smith County: SR 24, SR 80, SR 53, SR 25
Montgomery County: SR 12
Robertson County: SR 25
Maury County: SR 373
Rutherford County: SR 266
Conditions are quickly changing, and we are working to reopen roads as soon as we safely can.
From your desktop or mobile device, get the latest construction activity and live-streaming SmartWay traffic cameras at www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic. Travelers can also call 511 for travel information. As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for your destination. Drivers should never tweet, text, or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.
May 2024 Meeting of the Carthage City Council
The Carthage City Council held its monthly meeting on May 2nd at 6:00 pm. 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/.
Gordonsville High School Class of 2024; Graduation set for May 17
Gordonsville, Tenn.— Smith County Board of Education will host a graduation ceremony for the Gordonsville High School Class of 2024 on Friday, May 17 2024, at 7:00 p.m. at GHS.
Below are pictures of the graduating seniors in the GHS Class of 2024.
From Smith County Insider and all of our advertisers, congratulations and best of luck, graduates! We have every confidence that you will continue to succeed and do remarkable things in the future.
