America Saves established America Saves Week in 2007 to prompt individuals and families to pause and conduct an annual check-in to gain a clear view of their finances and begin taking steps toward financial stability. While saving money may be challenging for some, UT Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Assistant Professor and Consumer Economics Specialist Christopher Sneed explains that regularly putting away any amount of money can help everyday Americans get started on their savings journey.

“Saving is a habit, not a destination or an amount,” Sneed said. “Even the smallest amount saved can have the greatest impact.” Each day throughout America Saves Week focuses on a different theme related to saving money. Daily themes for 2024 include: Monday, April 8 | Saving Automatically Set up automatic savings, either through your employer or financial institution. Saving automatically is a great way to start, and most times, you don’t even miss the money that is going into savings. Tuesday, April 9 | Saving for the Unexpected It happens to all of us: you’re saving for something that you’re really excited about and before you know it an unexpected event occurs, causing you to dip into your designated savings. Every day, Americans are forced to use money they were saving to pay for an unexpected expense. Wednesday, April 10 | Saving for Major Milestones Life is full of major milestones. Be sure to plan for the big things, like homeownership, retirement and education. Thursday, April 11 | Paying Down Debt Just like having a plan for saving is important, so is having a plan to pay down your debt. In fact, paying down debt is a form of savings. Friday, April 12 | Saving at Any Age Good money habits are for any age. Talk to family members, whether it be your own children or to older generations, about your money story and goals. Resources and information on saving money for a variety of reasons including debt repayment, retirement, homeownership and vacations or special events are available on the America Saves website. Those wanting to commit to beginning their savings journey can make a pledge online and create a plan for saving money.

While everyday Americans can have unique circumstances that in many cases make saving money feel difficult, or nearly impossible, UT Extension is committed to helping Tennesseans learn how to take control of their finances and become more financially stable in every stage of life. The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is comprised of the Herbert College of Agriculture, UT College of Veterinary Medicine, UT AgResearch and UT Extension. Through its land-grant mission of teaching, research and outreach, the Institute touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. to Tennesseans and beyond. utia.tennessee.edu.

Salsa Chicken

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips

2 Tablespoons oil

1 (1.25 oz) package taco seasoning mix

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

½ cup apricot or peach preserves

Directions:

1. Empty taco seasoning onto a plate or into a plastic bag. Add chicken strips and toss to coat.

2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add chicken and sauté 5-7 minutes or until done.

3. Stir in tomatoes and preserves. Cover and simmer 10 minutes.

Serves 4. May serve it over cooked white rice.

Submitted by: Karen Hubbard, Carthage FCE Club.

Smith County Emergency Communications District is pleased to announce that Text-to-911 is now available in Smith County. Wireless customers can now send a text of up to 140 characters to 911 in an Emergency. Text-to-911 should only be used in an Emergency situation, when placing a call is not possible or safe. Some examples would be, if the caller is deaf, hard-of-hearing, speech impaired, or when speaking out loud would put the caller in danger. This can be done by opening up your text and simply sending the text to “911”.

If you have an Emergency and are unable to make a call, remember these steps:

*Don’t text and drive first and foremost.

*In the first text message, send the location and type of Emergency.

*Text in simple words. Send a short text message, in English, without abbreviations or slang.

*Translation can be done, but may take more time to exchange information.

*Be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the 911 operator.

Don’t abuse 911. Text-to-911 service is ONLY for Emergencies.

*It is a crime to text or call 911 with a false report. Prank texters can and will be located.

The Text-to-911 may have some challenges:

*A text or data plan is required to place a Text-to-911.

*As with all text messages, messages to 911 may take longer to receive, may get out of order, or may not be received at all.

*If within 30 seconds you do not receive a text response, try to contact 911 another way.

*Photos and Videos cannot be sent to 911 at this time.

*Text-to-911 cannot include more than 1 recipient. Do not send your Emergency text to anyone other than 911.

VOICE CALLS TO 911 ARE STILL THE BEST AND FASTEST WAY TO CONNECT TO 911.

Remember, Text-to-911 service is not available everywhere in Tennessee and the United States.

One last thing to always remember: “Call if you can, Text if you can’t”

In the last few weeks, this has been fully tested with all of the Wireless Carriers in our area. DO NOT TEXT 911 to “try it out” or “see if it works”. We are simply letting all those we serve know that this service is now available to you, to use in one of those situations listed above.

The Relative Caregiver program offered through the Upper Cumberland Development District offers housing assistance to those who are raising a relative child. For more information on assistance and support, please contact Melissa Allison at the Upper Cumberland Development District toll-free at 1-877-275-8233.

A support group meeting will be held for relatives that are caring for relative children during this month. Please contact Melissa Allison at 931-476-4127, if you are interested in attending this meeting.

For housing assistance, while caring for a minor child, contact Myra Walker at 931-432-4111

The Upper Cumberland Development District provides regional planning and assistance to the 14-county Upper Cumberland region to promote economic growth and community enhancement. Find UCDD on the web at
www.ucdd.org and at facebook.com/UCDDconnect.

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Tech University will welcome its newest class of Golden Eagles to campus for Student Orientation, Advisement and Registration (SOAR) sessions throughout the summer. University leaders encourage students to sign up early to lock in their preferred dates.

SOAR is a two-day program to help admitted freshmen get acclimated to Tech, finalize information for their academic major, set a class schedule for the fall semester and learn about student life on campus.

Registration for SOAR opened on March 19 and continues throughout the summer. Incoming students and their families can choose from among 10 different session dates, with the first kicking off on May 28 and the final session beginning on July 29. Space is limited at each SOAR session, but students can attend a session that works for their summer travel schedule by completing their SOAR registration now.

“There are many different facets to my job, but leading and organizing SOAR is one of my favorites,” said Courtney Brehm, director of New Student & Family Programs at Tech. “I love seeing the campus come together to support the transition process of our incoming students and roll out the welcome mat for them.”

Assisting Brehm in facilitating SOAR sessions will be a group of 17 student orientation assistants (SOAs) – current Tech students who help guide incoming freshmen through the orientation process and stay connected to them even after their SOAR session ends.

“When students and their parents come to campus for SOAR, we want them to feel welcomed and connected to Tech. The SOAs play a crucial role in that by answering questions, connecting with students and their parents and providing insight into their own personal experiences as a student here on campus,” Brehm explained. “They truly are there to be a resource and assist students throughout the entire transition process.”

As Brehm looks ahead to this summer’s sessions, she hopes each SOAR participant will come away with their questions answered and a sense of confidence in their decision to enroll at Tech.

“You’ll be provided with resources to help you remember all the important details, so just fully enjoy the experience and soak it all in – and maybe wear a comfortable pair of shoes!” she concluded.

Tech is ranked as a “Best National University” by U.S. News & World Report and offers more than 200 programs of study. Tech grads leave with the least debt of all public universities in the state. In fact, based on total cost and alumni earnings, Tech provides students with the highest return on investment for any public university in Tennessee, according to PayScale.

Incoming Tech freshmen can register for SOAR at www.tntech.edu/soar.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – April 2, 2024 – Tennessee Department of Transportation’s (TDOT) Nobody Trashes Tennessee (NTT) litter prevention campaign has once again expanded its youth group partnerships. All six Boy Scouts of America councils serving Tennessee have joined with Nobody Trashes Tennessee to offer scouts the opportunity to earn a Nobody Trashes Tennessee patch.

Boy Scouts of all ages have multiple ways to earn the patch by completing Nobody Trashes Tennessee educational worksheets and participating in litter cleanups in their community, coordinating their own cleanup in their neighborhood or school grounds, or through existing beautification and service projects.

For Boy Scouts ages 12 and older, the Adopt-A-Highway program is an opportunity to earn both a patch and a roadway recognition panel for committing to quarterly pickups. Patches are provided by Nobody Trashes Tennessee and do not cost the councils or individual scouts. 

“Scouts are always out serving their communities through various service projects and citizenship and community service is woven into the fabric of our programs,” said Casey Norwood, Scout Executive/CEO, Boy Scouts of America, Chickasaw Council. “I believe the goals of the Nobody Trashes Tennessee campaign aligns well with our Scouts giving back to the communities in which we all love and live.”

All scouts are encouraged to participate in spring and summer cleanup events in their communities, including the Great American Cleanup, which continues through June. Observances including Earth Day on April 22 offer additional opportunities for troops to join existing events or conduct their own community cleanup. 

“Boy Scouts are known for their commitment to community and partnering with Nobody Trashes Tennessee underscores their dedication to instilling values of environmental stewardship, civic responsibility, and leadership in young people,” said Brittany Morris, transportation program supervisor, TDOT. “We are thrilled to have participation from all six councils representing the state.”

The Boy Scouts join Tennessee’s three Girl Scout councils, and additional youth groups in offering the NTT patch. To learn more about the program, access downloadable educational resources, and register cleanups visit: 

• Sequoyah Council, Boy Scouts of America (nobodytrashestennessee.com/scbsa)
• Middle Tennessee Council, Boy Scouts of America (nobodytrashestennessee.com/mtcbsa)
• Cherokee Area Council, Boy Scouts of America (nobodytrashestennessee.com/caccbsa)
• West Tennessee Area Council, Boy Scouts of America (nobodytrashestennessee.com/wtacbsa)
  Great Smoky Mountain Council, Boy Scouts of America (nobodytrashestennessee.com/gsmcbsa)
• Chickasaw Council, Boy Scouts of America (nobodytrashestennessee.com/ccbsa)

All residents are encouraged to show their support for a litter-free Tennessee. To find a local cleanup event, visit nobodytrashestennessee.com/events.

Keep Smith County Beautiful hosted their annual spring cleanup event last Thursday. Many volunteers came out to help clean up litter from the roadsides and help beautify some landscaping areas. Dozens of bags of trash were collected. Keep Smith County Beautiful is grateful for the support of Tractor Supply, UCEMC Cares, Hometown Help grants and the Smith County Chamber Of Commerce for their continued support. To connect with Keep Smith County Beautiful join them at their meetings on the 4th Thursday, of every month at 7:30 at the Smith County Chamber of Commerce or check out their facebook page.

Did you know that Smith County has its own Quilt Trail? When one think of quilts, a beautiful crafted piece of work to snuggle under probably comes to mind. However, a Quilt Trail is made up of Barn quilts, and while they are a beautiful crafted piece of work, barn quilts are not made to snuggle under.

Barn quilts are not actually quilts. They are paintings of quilt blocks. Initially, barn quilts were painted directly onto the barn. Then the quilt blocks were painted on wood and hung on the barns, homes, and sheds. Today many of the quilt blocks are made of aluminum composite material to withstand longer duration. A full-size barn quilt is 8-feet by 8-feet. Paired with bright colors, they easily are visible on barns and buildings.

Barn quilts originated in the late 1980s when Donna Sue Groves and her mother, Maxine, purchased a farm in Adams County, Ohio. The property had a small and simple tobacco barn on it. Groves had the idea to have a quilt block painted on it to honor her mother, who was a talented quilter. It was a way to show pride in their Appalachian heritage, as well. After talking with friends and neighbors, and having much encouragement, Groves initiated the project. The barn quilts had wide appeal and benefit to the community. The Adams County trail was completed in 2003 and features 20 quilt patterns found on a typical sampler.

Smith County has a Quilt Trail with many pieces around the county. A Quilt Trail is a collection of quilt blocks mounted on locations that make a driving tour possible. Quilt Trails are a great way to promote tourism. To see where the quilts are located as well as the name of the quilt and owner visit https://smithcountyquilttrail.com/quilts/.

On March 20th, UT Extension Smith County, Smith County Chamber of Commerce, and Regina Young partnered together to offer a barn quilt class in hopes of growing Smith County’s Quilt Trail. Participants were able to pick their paint colors and pattern all suited for beginners and bring home their very own 2- foot by 2-foot barn quilt. The class was led by Karen Young, Regina Young, and Sheryl Hankins. If you are interested in participating in a barn quilt class in the fall, give the extension office a call at 615-735-2900.

Bunny Bait

Ingredients:

3 ½ cups Rice Chex cereal

3 ½ cups honey nut cheerios

1 ½ cups pretzel sticks

½ cup salted peanuts

16 oz vanilla almond bark, chopped (2 cups or 8 squares) 10 oz bag easter M&Ms

12 cup butterscotch chips

Instructions:

1. Prepare a sheet pan by lining it with parchment paper. Set it aside.

2. Mix together the rice Chex cereal, honey nut Cheerios, pretzel sticks, and salted peanuts in a large bowl.

3. Melt the vanilla almond bark in the microwave using a large microwave safe dish. Microwave it in increments of 15 seconds, stirring after each interval, until it has melted completely.

4. Pour the melted almond bark into the bowl with the cereal mixture and then toss together until thoroughly combined.

5. Gently fold in the easter M&Ms and butterscotch chips.

6. Transfer to the prepared sheet pan.

7. Spread everything out onto the sheet pan evenly and let it set for about 45 minutes.

8. Once the almond bark has hardened, break into pieces.

Submitted by: Myra Fisher, Carthage FCE Club.

Wish You Were Here! Adventures in Tennessee’s Upper Cumberland has officially launched its third season. The ten-episode television and YouTube series, highlighting tourism attractions and small business destinations of the Upper Cumberland region, aired the new season’s first episode on WCTE/PBS Channel 22 and YouTube TV on March 21.

Wish You Were Here! is a collaborative project born from a partnership of entities with a passion for promoting tourism in the 14-county region. Those partners include the Upper Cumberland Development District (UCDD), WCTE/PBS, Tennessee Tech University Center For Rural Innovation, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, Upper Cumberland Tourism Association, and local chambers of commerce.

The goal of the series is to highlight the region’s tourism assets to inspire viewers to plan a trip to the Upper Cumberland, and in turn, increase regional economic impact through visitor spending. “The Upper Cumberland has so much to offer visitors,” said Molly Brown, Tourism Recovery Coordinator for UCDD. “The show is a creative way to showcase the hidden gems of the region and grow its visibility as a desired Tennessee travel destination.”

From stepping into the kitchen of a local bread maker to stepping back in time to see the world as a Great War soldier to stepping aboard a pontoon for a unique lake and waterfall excursion, each episode takes viewers behind the scenes for a special and hands-on experience with local correspondents as their adventure guides.

To learn more about the award-winning series Wish You Were Here! Adventures in Tennessee’s Upper Cumberland or to watch the latest episode and past seasons, visit www.ucdd.org or https://linktr.ee/wywh_uc.

Gordonsville, TN – Wilson Bank & Trust proudly announces the return of Sue Teat to its team, where she assumes the role of Consumer Lender at the Gordonsville branch. Teat, a seasoned professional with 37 years of experience in the financial services industry, will work part-time, lending her expertise on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

In her new position, Teat will leverage her extensive background in sales and lending to drive business growth, fostering connections with clients and facilitating both loan and deposit transactions. Her dedication to cultivating relationships extends beyond her immediate responsibilities, as she actively mentors colleagues, enabling them to nurture client connections in her absence.

A familiar face to many in the community, Teat previously served in various capacities within the banking sector, including roles at Lebanon Bank, Bank of Goodlettsville, and Cumberland Bank. Her return to Wilson Bank & Trust marks a homecoming of sorts, as she reunites with colleagues and clients alike.

“Sue’s wealth of experience and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction make her a valuable addition to our team,” said Chad Colwell, Regional President. “We are thrilled to welcome her back and look forward to her continued contributions to our success.”

Beyond her professional achievements, Teat is an active member of the community, having served in various organizations such as Lions Club, Habitat for Humanity Board, and Rotary Club, among others. She currently lends her expertise to the Adult Leadership Board of Smith County, Foster Care Review Board of Smith County, and Real Life Recovery Board of Putnam County.

Outside of work, Teat enjoys spending time with her husband Randy, children Lee and Nicole, and her six grandchildren, with one great-grandchild and another great-grandchild expected soon.

About Wilson Bank & Trust Wilson Bank & Trust (www.wilsonbank.com), member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender, is a community bank established in 1987 to provide personal and professional service in a hometown setting. One of the top banks in the South in stability, products, technology, growth and earnings, WBT currently operates 30 full-service offices in ten Tennessee counties, offering a full range of financial products that include secondary market mortgage loans and online banking services.