The Smith County Board of Education met at 5:00 p.m. on April 16, 2024

You can watch the full meeting below.

The live broadcast of this meeting is sponsored by Teresa’s Gifts.

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

The Smith County School Board meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 5:00 p.m. at the Smith County Board of Education, located at 126 Smith County Middle School Lane in Carthage, Tennessee.

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

The Carthage City Council held its monthly meeting on April 11th 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/.

Highpoint Health Senior Life Solutions – Riverview with Ascension Saint Thomas was selected to be a LEAD training site by Psychiatric Medical Care, a behavioral health management company that has more than 250 hospital and health system partnerships across the country.

The Senior Life Solutions Program at Highpoint Health – Riverview is a hospital-based program designed to support the mental health of older adults (typically 65 and older) who face depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Attendees often experience improved physical and mental health through services such as a comprehensive assessment, group and individual therapy, guidance in coping skills, medication management, aftercare planning and family therapy to continue to support patients after they leave the program. The team includes Sharon Jendras, MSN, RN, program director, Amy Bennett, LMSW, therapist, Megan England, office patient coordinator, and Medical Director and Board-Certified Psychiatrist, Dr. William M. Petrie.

“I work closely to communicate and collaborate with our patients’ primary care provider,” Jendras said. “By doing so, our program has shown to decrease doctor and emergency department visits due to the frequent monitoring of physical health that occurs.”

LEAD sites offer interactive training for new program staff, emphasizing Leadership, Excellence, Accountability, and Development. Staff undergo region-specific training for hosting new employees, receive guidance on modeling a clinically compliant Senior Life Solutions program, and demonstrate a commitment to Psychiatric Medical Care’s values: care, compliance, and community. These sites foster a positive work environment and deliver outstanding patient outcomes.

LEAD site programs are compliant with all required reports, hold regular treatment team meetings, and provide routine community education opportunities about the importance of mental health.

The Highpoint Health Senior Life Solutions – Riverview staff have demonstrated their commitment to healthcare excellence,” said JD Frattini, Regional Director, Psychiatric Medical Care. “As a LEAD Training site, they’ll now be able to share their experience and commitment to providing outstanding care to programs around the country.”

Senior Life Solutions is proud to serve Smith County and surrounding communities in providing mental health services. Anyone can make a referral to the program, including family members, healthcare providers, or individuals in need of mental health support. For more information or questions about the Senior Life Solutions program please call 615-735-5310 or visit HighpointHealthSystem.com/behavioral-health/senior-life-solutions.

About Psychiatric Medical Care

Founded in 2003, Psychiatric Medical Care (PMC), is a leading behavioral healthcare management company. PMC manages inpatient behavioral health units, intensive outpatient programs, and telehealth services in more than 35 states. For more information, visit www.seniorlifesolutions.com. 

About Highpoint Health with Ascension Saint Thomas

Highpoint Health with Ascension Saint Thomas, part of Lifepoint Health, is a regional health system dedicated to making communities healthier in northern Middle Tennessee. It is composed of Highpoint Health – Sumner, the 167-bed flagship hospital, and Highpoint Health – Sumner Station located in Gallatin; Highpoint Health – Riverview, a 35-bed critical access hospital in Carthage, and Highpoint Health – Trousdale, a 25-bed critical access hospital in Hartsville. The system’s innovative partnership with Ascension Saint Thomas brings together the organizations’ clinical excellence, best practices, and talented caregivers to collaborate in new ways that improve access to high quality clinical programs and specialty care for patients and communities. To learn more, visit HighpointHealthSystem.com

What comes to mind when you hear the words physical activity? If you are like many, your thoughts may race to images of gym memberships, confusing workout equipment and intimidating classes. Yet, this does not have to be the case. Physical activity can be fun, simple, and with a little planning easy to fit into your daily routine. Soghra Jarvandi, Assistant Professor with UT Extension, says adults should strive to begin or maintain a physically active lifestyle. “Adults should work toward at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week, which is about 30 minutes of physical activity five times per week. That’s the recommendation listed in the most recent Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans by the U.S. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion,” states Jarvandi. “This activity can be anything you enjoy doing, and it does not have to involve any special equipment or gym memberships.” If you are not ready to take on 30 minutes of physical activity, five times per week, don’t worry. According to Christopher Sneed, a Family and Consumer Sciences Specialist with UT Extension, it is okay to start small and work toward a longer-term goal of meeting the physical activity guidelines. “To get started”, reiterates Sneed, “you can begin to think of ways to incorporate physical activity into your day whether at home, at work or at play.”

Jarvandi and Sneed offer these simple suggestions to get you started:

At Home: • Exercise while watching television. • Use chores as a way to move more – clean the house or wash the car. • Walk the dog – don’t just watch the dog walk. • Play with the kids – splash in a puddle, dance, toss a softball or kick around a soccer ball. • Push the baby stroller.

UT Extension, Smith County offers a variety of physical activity programs, such as Walk with Ease, Matter of Balance, Walk Across Tennessee, Yoga for Kids, Chair Volleyball, and coming up in May-May Marathon Month! If you are in any of these physical activity programs, contact Mary Parker Draper at the Extension Office at 615-735-2900.

Regular physical activity controls weight, reduces the risk of health conditions and diseases, improves mood, boosts energy, and improves sleep quality. Move! It matters!

Microwave Potatoes

Sliced potatoes

Onions (1/4 cup) or 1 teaspoon onion powder

All-seasoning salt

2 Tablespoons butter

Peel and slice enough potatoes to fill a 2-quart Pyrex dish. I use a square Pyrex dish. Put sliced potatoes in dish and add chopped onions or onion powder. Sprinkle with all-seasoning salt (I use Morton Season-All) on top. Stir. Slice butter into small pieces over the top and cover with Saran Wrap. Microwave for 12-15 minutes or until tender.

Submitted by: Karen Hubbard, Carthage FCE Club.

By Katie Martin – Smith County Extension Agent

Over 500 2nd and 3rd graders got to experience what it is like to be a farmer at Smith County Farm Day on Friday, April 12th. The Smith County Ag Center was full, both inside and outside with sixteen booths that taught about different aspects of the agriculture industry. Everything from row crops, beef, sheep, soil and natural resources, poultry, and even exotic animals were explored! Youth were able to enjoy hands-on interactive learning at each booth. They received a Farm Day shirt as well as a goody bag.

With the average age of a farmer in the United States reaching nearly sixty and with less than 2% of the population involved in production agriculture, it is more important than ever to educate our youth about where their food, fuel, and fiber comes from. The young people who participated in Farm Day may be future farmers, agribusiness leaders, crop scientists, livestock nutritionists, or one of the many other important jobs in the agriculture industry. They will also grow up to be consumers who make decisions at the grocery store for themselves and their families. We hope to play a small role in making sure they have an appreciation for agriculture and can make informed decisions in purchasing their food.

We want to thank the Smith County Farm Bureau for their leadership in organizing and hosting this event. Thank you to the Smith County FFA and Gordonsville FFA programs for serving as group leaders. We are so appreciative of all community members who brought animals, taught at a booth, and helped support this important effort to educate our young people!

For more information about any agriculture-related topics, contact the UT Extension office at 615-735-2900.

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — The state’s 2024-25 hunting and trapping seasons were set by the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission at its two-day April meeting. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s recommendations included simplifying regulations, improving consistency across the state, and increased opportunity for hunters.

The Commission approved a new deer hunting unit map which includes six deer units and a statewide antlered bag limit of two. Agency review of harvest data shows the expanded weapon types and seasons have not had an overall impact in Unit CWD where harvest has been slightly declining even with more liberal regulations. Overall, the average number of deer harvested per hunter has remained consistent with pre-CWD numbers. Therefore, the Commission supported the Agency proposal to remove the “Unit CWD” designation and simplify regulations across West Tennessee. Feeding and transport regulations in CWD positive counties are still in place, and CWD management and incentive programs such as CWD Landowner Management Permits and Earn-A-Buck are still available in CWD positive counties.

The Commission also approved a new turkey hunting unit map with five units. All five units will have the same season dates and a statewide bag limit of two bearded birds, one of which may be a jake. The Commission set the first weekend in April as the Young Sportsman Turkey Hunt and the second weekend as the full season opener. No bearded hens will be allowed for harvest and fall season will be closed in Wayne, Lawrence,

Lincoln, Giles, Lake, Tipton, Haywood, Crockett, Lauderdale, Shelby, and Dyer counties.

The Commission approved the Agency’s proposals for two new wildlife refuges including Holly Fork Creek, a 125-acre property in Henry County, and Catoosa Ridge Refuge, a 1,750 acre property adjacent to Catoosa Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Cumberland County. The additions will increase opportunity by adding two new Youth Deer Hunts at Holly Fork Creek and additional small game hunting opportunity at Catoosa Ridge. Due to increased lease price, the Commission did not renew the lease for Arnold Hollow WMA in Wayne County, which will be closed to public access effective July 1, 2024.

Statewide WMA regulations were changed to now prohibit the placement of salt products, minerals, and other consumable products on WMAs. Dogs must also be restrained on WMAs unless hunting or training. Additional WMA specific regulations were made and will be published in the 2024-25 Tennessee Hunting and Fishing Guide.

Agency bear proposals were passed without changes from the March preview meeting.

In the Furbearer Hunting and Trapping regulations, the Commission voted to

remove the legal take of long-tailed weasels and spotted skunks due to their elevated status on the State Threatened and Endangered Species list.

The Commission also voted to create a night hunting season for coyotes and bobcats. Night hunting is on private land only and requires a hunting license and written landowner permission. The season will open the day after the end of deer season and run through the second Sunday in March then reopen the first Saturday in June through the second Sunday in August. Hunting hours are 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise. The limit for bobcats is one per night (the daytime limit of one bobcat is separate), and there is no limit on coyotes. Hunting with dogs is not allowed during the night season and only shotguns are allowed, no single projectiles. Night vision and thermal imaging equipment are allowed. Lights are allowed but not from or attached to a mechanized vehicle or cast from public road. Hand, mouth-operated, and electronic calls that imitate wounded prey or coyote calls are allowed. Additionally, the Agency clarified that depredation of animals causing damage is allowed for protection of personal property only.

No regulatory changes were proposed for migratory game bird season or bag limits, only date changes to reflect the 2024-25 calendar. The Commission voted to

maintain the current split structure with Phase 2 opening on a Thursday and ending January 31.

In the regulations for the Take of Raptors for Falconry, the Commission moved to adjust the timing of allowable take of nestling Raptors to May 1 through July 31. Additionally, passage birds may be taken year round except for American Kestrels which may be taken August 15 through January 14 and Great Horned Owls which may be taken August 15 through October 31.

In other presentations, Region IV Fisheries Program Manager Jim Habera gave an update on Upper East Tennessee Tailwater Trout Fisheries. There are six tailwater fisheries in the area covering 65 miles. He explained the success of anglers and the challenges the Agency faces in management work.

Boating and Law Enforcement Lt. Col. Matt Majors made a presentation on wildlife officers making a variety of contributions outside of enforcing wildlife, fish, and boating regulations. Officers supply assistances to other agencies, organizations, and encounter situations outside their normal duties such as natural disaster aid, car accidents, and community support.

The 2023 Shikar-Safari Club International Tennessee Officer of the Year Award was presented to Jefferson County wildlife officer Justin Pinkston. He was honored for his work in wildlife enforcement, boating safety, and outreach events. The annual award from the conservation-based organization honors the officer whose efforts during the year show outstanding performance and achievement among TWRA law enforcement personnel.

The Smith County Board of Education is pleased to announce that Forks River Elementary School has been recognized as a 2022-2023 Tennessee Reward School by the Tennessee Department of Education for a second consecutive year. Each year, schools and districts are eligible for designations based on their overall performance across indicators that are essential to student success, including how they prepared students to be proficient (achievement), accelerated student learning (growth), and encouraged students to attend school regularly (chronically out of school). Schools are designated as reward schools when they receive an overall performance score of 3.1 or higher on a 4.0-point scale across all performance indicators.

This is a tremendous accomplishment and a testament to the hard work the educators, administrators, and students at Forks River Elementary School put forth daily. The Smith County Board of Education is thankful to have so many dedicated educational professionals, students, parents, and community members working together to provide our students with the best education possible.

The Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation (UCEMC) has an opening for a Consumer Services Clerk. The successful applicant for the position will be assigned to UCEMC’s Gainesboro 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 Gainesboro 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 the position 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 May 3, 2024. No application will be accepted after 4:30 p.m. Friday May 3, 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 i occupational qualification.