2024 Smith County Chamber Annual Banquet – 50th Anniversary
Mayor Jeff Mason and Nobel Laureate and 45th Vice President Albert Gore, Jr. joins the Smith County Chamber of Commerce to celebrate its 50th anniversary on May 23rd, 2024 at the Smith County Agricultural Center in South Carthage. The former Vice President previously addressed the Chamber at its 10th, 20th, and 40th anniversaries.
A Legacy of Service and Growth
Since its founding in 1974, the Smith County Chamber of Commerce has followed its purpose to promote and support economic, civic, commercial, industrial and educational interest and the welfare of our area. With a vision to foster an environment in which business, industry and residents work together to achieve a prosperous future for Smith County. The Smith County Chamber of Commerce has secured the Governor’s Three Star Award for Excellence in Community Development for 41 consecutive years for the local government’s benefit.
A Vibrant Community and Active Chamber
The Chamber actively supports numerous events and initiatives that enrich the lives of Smith County residents: William Walton Days & Harvest Queen Pageant, Hometown Halloween and Christmas celebrations, Leadership programs for both adults and youth, Smith County Hunger Relief Fund, Smith County Disaster Relief Fund, Keep Smith County Beautiful, Carthage Junction Depot/ Pipers Ford, Smith County Living, to name a few.
Celebrating the Past, Embracing the Future
The 50th anniversary celebration is a time to acknowledge the Chamber’s past successes and chart a course for continued growth. The organization remains committed to supporting local businesses, attracting new investment, and enhancing the overall quality of life in Smith County.
Join the Celebration
The Chamber board of directors invites the community to join this momentous occasion. To learn details about the event, including registration information and RSVP requirements, contact the Smith County Chamber of Commerce 615-735-2093, info@smithcountychamber.org or stop by the office at 939 Upper Ferry Road, Carthage, TN 37030.
U.S. Representative John Rose Announces May Local Office Hours
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 May.
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, May 21, 2024
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.
River City Ball 2024 – Hearts of Gold 2024 Auction Benefitting The Spot and Smith County Humane NOW LIVE
The 2024 Silent Auction for River City Ball went LIVE this Sunday at 8 am and you don’t have to be attending the ball to participate and win the bid. The auction will feature over 100 items donated by businesses across the state, and all proceeds from the auction will go to The Spot and Smith County Humane Society.
Since 2018 The River City Ball has been a nonprofit event operating under Smith County Living to benefit other organizations home to Smith County. Each year the board meets with potential recipients to interview and vote upon which cause will become a beneficiary. We are proud to have the ability to benefit two organizations this year. The 2024 River City Ball, presented by Rackley Roofing Inc, will raise funds for The Spot and Smith County Humane.
The Spot began in 2007 and serves students in grades 6th through 12th in Smith County. The group’s goals are to build the community to EMBRACE healthy relationships, DISCOVER their purpose, and INFLUENCE others, through positive ACTION. The non-profit organization will use the funding to continue providing free “Choosing to Change Juvenile Program”, after school program, and fine arts workshops. In addition to existing programs they wish to expand programs towards parent education, and a 12 week “Step Up Program” for repeat juvenile offenders. For more information regarding their program or how to get involved visit their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/TheSpotinCarthage.
Smith County Humane Society a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, they strive to dedicate to the general welfare; prevention of cruelty to animals and animal overpopulation; education concerning humane treatment of animals and responsible pet ownership as well as continued involvement in other animal welfare issues. The organization wishes two use the funding to assist with the Trap/Neuter/Release costs, low cost spay and neuter program, animal welfare investigations, and medical expenses.
SC Humane hosts a winter ball fundraiser annually in December. For more information regarding their program or how to get involved visit their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/smithcountyhumanetn.
Tickets for the event are sold out, but you can still participate towards the cause! The River City Ball will host a silent and live auction to raise money for these beneficiaries in addition to the black tie formal event. Those interested in bidding on our online auction sponsored by Michael “Woody” Woodard- Realty Auctioneer can do so https://app.galabid.com/2024rivercityball/regiser. Create your account and start bidding now. The auction will end 8:30 p.m.Saturday, May 11th.
If you are attending the Ball, don’t forget to get your Golden Ticket here: https://checkout.square.site/…/X33NVSF2ZT7LCEHBG7BWEOJ4.
The winner of the Golden Ticket will get the chance to choose any auction item (Live or Silent) before the live auction begins and the silent auction ends. Any item could be yours for just a $50 donation!
Mr. George McDonald will be hosting the event at his property, Catesa Farms. Dinner and beverages will be provided by Grade A Catering, Tenn Lakes Brewery, Cheers Liquor, a bourbon donation from Legacy Solutions Group LLC and The Golden Grounds Coffee Bar sponsored by Hannah Woodard, Realtor serving Rokabilly Coffee.
For more information concerning the event, please visit therivercityball.org or message us how to get involved on https://www.facebook.com/rivercityball.
4-H News: Smith County Archers Snag Two #1 Spots and Other Awards at State 4-H Archery Jamboree
Smith County 4-H archers ready to compete at the 2024 Archery Jamboree!
by Rachel Petty – UT Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development
Over 60 sharp shooters from all across Smith County participated in our 4-H Archery Group this year, making it far and away the largest afterschool activity we offer. Twenty-nine of those archers, who have been diligently practicing since February, took the opportunity to compete at the State 4-H Archery Jamboree, which was held at Hyder-Burks Ag Pavilion on April 19 & 20, 2024. Smith County had two archers compete in the Compound Division and 27 archers compete in the Genesis Division. Smith County snagged a handful of awards!
In the Senior Genesis Division (8th-12th), Easton Bibbings placed 1st overall, and in the Junior High Genesis Division (6th & 7th), Presley Claywell placed 1st overall.
In addition to those two top awards, Robert Purtee placed 5th in the Senior Genesis Division. Jessa Cowell placed 5th and Loften Trusty placed 7th in the Junior High Genesis Division. Lily Brawner placed 10th in the Junior High Compound Division.
Our 4-H Archery program wouldn’t be possible without our incredible team of volunteer coaches, Rocky Cowell, Kenny Claywell, John Laurie, Spencer Meeks, and Sheryl Taylor, who have dedicated their time and effort to make this season successful. Thanks also to Nancy Malone, Carson Meeks, and all of the parents and 4-H’ers who helped with set up and tear down at all of our practices. It truly takes a village to make our archery program go!
By participating in archery through 4-H, youth practice important shooting sports safety skills, spend time outside and away from screens, develop new friendships, and learn a new skill that can help boost self-esteem.
We have seen tremendous growth in our program this season and invested in new equipment to get more shooters on the line. We know the future is bright!
If you are interested in financially supporting our 4-H archery program, serving as a volunteer coach, or learning more about the many opportunities that 4-H can offer our local young people, call Rachel Petty in the Smith County Office of the University of Tennessee Extension at 615-735-2900.
(L to R): Kenny Claywell, Rocky Cowell, Spencer Meeks, Sheryl Taylor
Not Pictured: John Laurie
Food for Thought – FCE 2024 Rally
Our Smith County Family and Community Education (FCE) Clubs had their annual Rally on April 27th. This year’s theme was “Blooming with FCE.”
Thanks to everyone who attended and helped prepare for this event. Sixty members and guests came out and enjoyed the day. Each club decorated their own table with their own beautiful and unique style depicting the beautiful spring season in full bloom. The cultural arts entries were lovely. A special thanks was extended to our great sponsors: Granville Bed and Breakfast and Gifts for the Hallie Mai Clemons Award, Citizens Bank for the Colossal Cake Contest, Janice Lynch for the 100% Membership Award, Farm Bureau, Wilson Bank and Trust, DTC, Smith County Bank, and Sanderson Funeral Home for Rally sponsorships.
Special events included Cultural Arts, Fashion Review, and the Colossal Cake Contest. Judges for these events were Janice Garrett and Robin George judging Cultural Arts and Fashion Review and Seasons Catering judging the cake contest. First and second place winners are eligible to enter the Regional Cultural Arts and Fashion Review Contest.
A candle lighting memorial ceremony was held in memory of our four deceased club members: Nancy Allen, Riddleton Club; Marcia Tisdale, Elmwood/Chestnut Mound Club; Carolyn Blair and Mary Etta Nixon, Hickman Club.
Everyone enjoyed a delicious meal catered by Seasons Catering. After the meal, the cakes entered in the cake contest were enjoyed. A $600 check was presented to Riverview Regional Volunteers Making a Difference, from this year’s Chocolate Extravaganza fundraiser.
We invite everyone to join one of the eight FCE clubs around the county or become a mailbox member. The University of Tennessee Extension of Smith County offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, or veteran status and is an equal opportunity employer. For more information contact Mary Parker Draper at the Extension Office at 615-735-2900.
Pictured below is FCE County Council officers presenting donation to Riverview Regional Volunteers Making a Difference. (L-R): Peggy Kemp, Carolyn Sparks, Jill Mears, Lisa Harville, Myra Fisher, and Wendy Drumm.
Pork Chops & Rice
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
2 cups chicken broth
1.5 cups rice
1 packet dry onion soup
8 boneless pork chops
Mix all ingredients except chops and pour into backing dish coated with Pam.
Place seasoned chops on top
Bake at 350 degrees for 1.25 to 1.5 hours.
Submitted by: Maggie Klenke, Grant FCE Club
UT Extension News: The Cicadas are Coming
By Katie Martin – Smith County Extension Agent
Have you heard? Our area is due to see an increased presence of cicadas this year with Brood XIX of the 13-year periodic cicadas emerging soon. Across middle and southeastern Tennessee, residents may begin seeing adult cicadas emerge in early May when soil temperatures reach above 64 degrees Fahrenheit.
Periodical cicadas spend most of their lives, either 13 or 17 years underground (depending on the species), as immatures feeding on plant roots. After they emerge, the males start “singing’’ to attract the females which is why they are so loud. After mating, the females begin to lay eggs by making slits in twigs of woody plants using her knife-like ovipositor. Cicadas, while harmless to people and pets as they do not sting or bite, can cause damage in nurseries and newly planted orchards due to their egg-laying. Young trees are the most at risk, therefore, young, valuable shrubs, trees and ornamentals can be covered with a light, airy fabric such as cheesecloth or tobacco canvas for protection while adult cicadas are present. Ensure netting is secured around the trunk to prevent cicadas from climbing up into the tree canopy. Studies have found netting is more effective than insecticides as the periodical cicada can still cause egg-laying damage before insecticide residue kills them.
For more information about cicadas, you can check out UT Extension publication SP 341 Periodical Cicadas for more details.
For more information about any agriculture-related topic please contact the UT Extension office at 615-735-2900.
SCHS 2024 Award Day Celebrates Scholarship Recipients
Smith County High School celebrated the success of many students at their 2024 Awards Day on May 2, 2024. Congratulations to the 37 recipients of the scholarships from SCHS.
Seniors were awarded $91,000 in National Scholarships, $71,200 in Local Scholarships, $920,000 in College Scholarships. The grand total for SCHS students receiving scholarships today was $1,082,200 of scholarships.
May 11th Art Show at the Carthage Junction Depot
The Saturday, May 11th art show at the Carthage Junction Depot will feature Ceramic Works by Carolyn Ford. The Carthage Junction Depot is located at 185 Gordonsville Highway.
The event is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
On display will be pieces from Carolyn Ford’s ongoing body of work commemorating nostalgic traditions from trades, crafts, and skills to vividly descriptive Southern colloquialisms and long-winded yarns.
Carolyn grew up here in middle Tennessee, in her teens relocating to the family’s Smith County farm. From family members telling about ghosts and aliens to whittling strangers on the courthouse benches stretching tales about the fish that got away, listening to storytellers left an impression and would inspire her future work. Today, Carolyn works from her studio in South Carolina but still draws inspiration from her Smith County roots.
“I work with clay as a cathartic response to my tangent-filled thoughts. Drawing inspirations from Southern traditions of spinning yarns, I narrate my experiences. The physicality of working with clay, the risk and surprise, and flexibility of the medium are all part of the process. My disks, plates, and tile works are unified by the use of the circle or tondo format: a portal, a cycle, and a repeated pattern. These pieces are a part of a larger series representing my wanderlust and the importance of experiences. Travel fills one with new ideas as well as a reflection or appreciation of home. Parallels can be made when investigating customs, storytelling, language, euphemisms, music, skills, and heritage. As traditions loose priority, I immortalize the foundations of my Southern roots cultivating a stronger love and gratitude of the Southeast. These nostalgic images represent family traditions, and origin stories paying homage to the love and labor put into establishing the legacy of the land while maintaining colorful humor through irreverent colloquiums.”
Carolyn Ford attended Middle Tennessee State University where she earned her BFA with an emphasis in Ceramics, Drawing, and Painting. There she studied abroad and exhibited in Italy. She then earned her MFA from Washington State University in Ceramics and Drawing. Ford has worked at Limestone University since 2003 where she is a Professor of Art and served as the Chair of the Art Department for ten years. Actively creating while teaching, her works have been exhibited nationally and internationally. She was a part of the Asheville Art Museum’s inaugural reopening exhibit Appalachia Now where six of her pieces were purchased for the museum’s permanent collection. Ford earned sabbatical spending research time as an artist-in-residence at Mission Clay Art and Industry in Phoenix, AZ where she has carved three two-ton pipes for public art. One of her works is currently on display in Napa, California as the Rail Arts District Terracotta Corridor public art exhibit along the Napa Wine Train tour. Ford has been a featured demonstrating artist for Laguna Clay, one of the largest ceramic clay manufacturer and distributor in the United States
If you can’t make it to the exhibit, you can find out more about Carolyn’s illustrative and functional works on her website www.carolynfordart.com
Taiho Recognized as an Empower Certified Employer
Taiho Manufacturing in Gordonsville was recently recognized as an Empower Certified Employer. Taiho is a leader in the automotive parts industry. The Empower program recognizes employers who are committed to providing workforce opportunities in Smith County.
SCP/SCAST Banquet Saturday, May 4th
The first annual Smith County Playhouse/Smith County After School Theater Banquet is this Saturday, May 4th beginning at 6:30 PM at Smith County High School. Tickets are only $20! The guest speaker for the evening is Jenny Baxter, who played Maria in Bill Reece’s first ever musical production- The Sound of Music.
Tickets can be purchased online or in-person at Rokabilly Coffee. Limited tickets are available at the door. Use the ticket link: http://smithcounty.booktix.com/ to purchase online.
This banquet will celebrate the most recent show Les Miserables along with our previous shows dating back to 2006! There will be performances from various shows from 2006-2024. The Fall 2024 show and 2025 spring musical will also be announced.
Tennessee Maneuvers Remembered Event This Weekend May 4th on Courthouse Lawn and Main Street in Carthage
The Smith County Historical Tourism Society is hosting “Tennessee Maneuvers Remembered” set for this Saturday, May 4, 2024. The event will be held in downtown Carthage on and around the Historic Smith County Courthouse Lawn and Main Street.
The event will consists of living history, military & vintage vehicles, 1940s entertainment, educational activities for children, artifact displays, authors and vendor area featuring handmade items, and much more.
The event begins at 10 a.m. and there will be continuous activities going on all day until around 4:00pm. Music and a dance will also be hosted at 6 p.m. on the Courthouse Lawn.
For more information regarding vendors and events check out the Tennessee Maneuvers Remembered Facebook page. See lots of previews and the recent interview of Tressa Bush, event founder and organizer featured on WKRN.com News channel 2 Newsmakers segment.
Center Hill Dam Powerhouse Tour Schedule Now Available
Center Hill Dam will host several free public tours of the Center Hill Dam Powerhouse this summer.
Reservations, and security background checks are required one week prior to the tour date, so plan ahead. Tours are limited to 15 people. The link below includes more information regarding dates and times, and to sign up details.
Go to https://www.signupgenius.com/…/5080948A4A92EAAFA7… to schedule your tour. The Center Hill Dam and Powerhouse is located at 270 Lancaster Rd. in Lancaster, Tennessee.
Food for Thought – Spring Cleaning
Spring is here and with that comes the time for “spring cleaning.” Spring cleaning is a traditional ritual of getting the spring season off to a good start by cleaning, organizing, and decluttering the home. With modern cleaning equipment and more convenient cleaning supplies, you may prefer a regular scheduled cleaning.
UT Extension has developed a list for home cleaning tips to maintain a well-kept home. How often houses need cleaning depends on family size, season, pets, etc. Some cleaning jobs need to be done daily, and some should be done weekly, monthly, or as needed.
Daily cleaning jobs include the following: clean the kitchen, tidy up the living room, clean the sink and tub in the bathroom, replace dirty towels, make beds, put away clothes, and straighten dresser tops.
Weekly jobs include the following: In the kitchen, dispose of leftover foods, clean refrigerator, clean floor, and empty garbage can. In the living area, clean floors and rugs and dust and polish furniture. In the bathroom, wash floor, clean toilet bowl, mirrors, and fixtures, and wipe tile surfaces. In the bedroom, change sheets, clean floor, dust furniture, and empty wastebasket.
Do the following jobs as needed: clean range and oven, cabinets, floors, and windows, wash curtains, and clean woodwork. In the living area, move and clean under furniture, and clean light fixtures and figurines. In the bathroom, clean walls, wash bathmat, bathroom rug, curtains, and light fixtures and clean inside medicine cabinet.
Do these jobs seasonally: clean closets, store holiday decorations, and clean outdoor furniture.
Follow your plan for an easier kept house. A good idea for a neat, stress-free house is to have a place for things and keep in place.
Mrs. Fields Chocolate Chip Cookies
Cream together:
1-pound softened butter
2 cups dark brown sugar
1 ½ cups sugar
Beat in:
2 teaspoons vanilla
Add and beat in over 3-4 minutes:
3 eggs (at room temperature)
Stir together and add:
6 cups flour
1 ½ teaspoon soda
1 ½ teaspoon salt
** Mixture will be sticky and dry**
Stir in 4 cups chocolate chips and 2 cups nuts
Drop by small ice cream scoop onto waxed paper lined cookie sheets
Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes
Cool 5 minutes before removing from cookie sheets
Do not reuse wax paper.
Submitted by: Dezi Gage, Grant FCE Club
UT Extension News – Women in Ag Summit
by Katie Martin – UT Extension Agent
If you are one of the many females in Smith County who is involved in agriculture, I hope you will mark your calendar for the third annual “Women in Ag Summit” hosted by the Upper Cumberland Extension Team. This year the Women in Ag event will be held on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at Bilbrey’s Crossing in Rickman. The goal of this event is to celebrate the impact that female producers are having in Tennessee Agriculture and provide skills for their future success. We will have a mix of lectures and hands-on demonstrations from Extension & industry professionals as well as an opportunity for networking and learning from other producers.
According to the 2022 census of agriculture, over one-third of the agricultural producers in Smith County are female. These women are a vital part of producing food, fuel, and fiber right here in our local communities, across the country, and even globally. Our hope is that this event will equip them with the skills and tools they need to meet the unique challenges and opportunities that being a woman in agriculture brings.
Highlights of the Women in Ag Summit include a session on farm stress, time for networking, and a keynote address from former National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Jennifer Houston. There will also be opportunities to attend breakout sessions covering gardening, caring for beef cattle, food preservation, and agriculture in the classroom.
The Women in Ag Summit is open to women of all ages and backgrounds who are involved in agriculture, from farmers to educators to industry professionals. We hope you will make plans to join us as we learn, network, and grow together!
The cost for this event is $20 per person. A catered lunch will be provided. Please call the Smith County Extension Office at 615-735-2900 to register. Space is limited, so sign up early and join us as we celebrate and educate our wonderful female farmers!
We want to especially thank Farm Credit Mid America for their generous sponsorship and support of this event.
April 2024 Meeting of the Smith County Commission
The Smith County Commission held its February meeting on the evening of Monday, April 08, 2024
You can watch the full meeting below.
Thanks to Powell & Meadows Insurance Agency for sponsoring the 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!
Commission meetings are held in the Smith County Agricultural Center, 159 Ag Center Lane, Carthage, TN.
All meetings are open to the public and are streamed live at https://www.facebook.com/smithcountyinsider/.
