NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (“TDCI”) and the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (“SFMO”) proudly announce that 196 Tennessee volunteer fire departments will receive grants totaling $10 million in 2024 through the Volunteer Firefighter Equipment and Training Grant Program. South Carthage Volunteer Fire Department received a portion of the funding.

Created through legislation overseen by Governor Bill Lee and approved by the Tennessee General Assembly, the Volunteer Firefighter Equipment and Training Grant Program provides grant monies to volunteer fire departments across Tennessee’s three Grand Divisions. The grants are used by volunteer departments to purchase firefighting equipment or help meet local matching requirements for federal equipment grants. 

Since the program’s launch in 2020, grants totaling $16.5 million have been provided to nearly 300 Tennessee volunteer fire departments. The allocation of $10 million in 2024 represents the largest amount yet for this vital, lifesaving program.  

A list of the departments receiving grants in 2024 can be found here.  

“Governor Lee and the General Assembly are committed to helping departments get the funding they need to help keep their firefighters safe,” said TDCI Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Carter Lawrence. “It is my honor to help serve the Tennessee fire service so that they can save lives and protect property across Tennessee.” 

Volunteer fire departments are crucial to providing fire safety in Tennessee as over 70% of the Volunteer State’s fire departments are staffed entirely by volunteers. Of Tennessee’s 19,510 active firefighters, an estimated 11,229 are volunteers. 

“Volunteer fire departments are the backbone of fire protection in our communities, and it is crucial that they have the equipment they need to safely complete their mission,” said Assistant Commissioner for Fire Prevention Gary Farley. “As a lifelong member of the fire service, I am proud to be associated with a program that is helping protect Tennessee firefighters who risk their lives every day.” 

During the application period (Nov. 1 – Nov. 30, 2023), the SFMO received 301 applications from Tennessee fire departments. The applications were reviewed, scored, and submitted to a seven-member committee for the final award selection. As required by law, the grants were awarded equally to fire departments across Tennessee’s three Grand Divisions. 

Madysin Griffin was named to The University of Alabama Deans List for fall semester 2023.

A total of 13,950 students enrolled during fall semester 2023 at The University of Alabama were named to the dean’s list with an academic record of 3.5 (or above) or the president’s list with an academic record of 4.0 (all A’s). These driven students are making waves across UA’s more than 70 undergraduate programs and 12 colleges and schools.

The UA dean’s and president’s lists recognize full-time undergraduate students. The lists do not apply to graduate students or undergraduate students who take less than a full course load.

For more information visit news.ua.edu.

The Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands, Tennessee’s largest nonprofit law firm, announced today the official launch of Community Classroom, an online source of information covering a wide range of civil legal issues.

Community Classroom, located at las.org/communityclassroom, contains more than 50 downloadable booklets explaining legal rights and offering self-help advice on various legal matters.

All the information is presented at a fifth-grade reading level, presenting legal concepts in plain, easily understandable language. In addition to English, some of the booklets are available in Spanish, Arabic, Korean, Thai, Russian and Vietnamese.

In addition, Community Classroom offers a collection of self-help videos, including some with Spanish or Arabic audio, covering the following topics:

· Reentry, including expungements, court costs, certificates of employability and restoration of citizenship.

· The Eviction Process, including notice from landlords, court hearings and lawsuits.

· Natural Disasters, including advance preparation tips and replacing important documents.

· Parent Mediation, including property division, alimony and marital debt, parenting plan and child support.

· Fair Housing, including reasonable accommodations under the Fair Housing Act and laws regarding assistance animals.

“Fifty years ago, Legal Aid Society became one of the first legal nonprofits to offer printed pamphlets so that people without a legal background could have a trusted source of information regarding common legal situations,” said DarKenya W. Waller, executive director of Legal Aid Society. “With Community Classroom, we’re bringing this concept into the digital age, making this valuable collection of resources easily accessible to anyone with internet access or a smartphone.”

Legal Aid Society also offers free legal clinics across Middle Tennessee where residents can speak with an attorney in person about civil legal matters. Legal Aid Society’s attorneys also provide free legal help to low-income and vulnerable residents in certain types of civil cases. For more information, call 1-800-238-1443.

About Legal Aid Society

Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands advocates for fairness and justice under the law. The nonprofit law firm offers free civil legal representation and educational programs to help people in its region receive justice, protect their well-being and support opportunities to overcome poverty. It serves 48 counties from offices in Clarksville, Columbia, Cookeville, Gallatin, Murfreesboro, Nashville, Oak Ridge and Tullahoma. Legal Aid Society is funded in part by United Way. Learn more at www.las.org or by following the firm on Facebook.

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) announces that workers’ compensation insurance premiums will decline for most Tennessee businesses in 2024 for the 11th consecutive year. 

 “The continued insurance premium decrease bolsters Tennessee’s pro-business climate and keeps our economy strong,” said Governor Bill Lee. “Lowered premiums mean business owners have the opportunity to re-invest in their companies and better serve their employees, and I thank the Department of Commerce and Insurance for its work to serve Tennesseans.” 

On December 30, 2023, TDCI Commissioner Carter Lawrence signed the order approving a 9.4% percent overall loss cost decrease for the voluntary market beginning March 1, 2024 on new and renewal policies.  

A copy of the order can be found here. Insurance carriers combine the National Council on Compensation Insurance (“NCCI”) loss cost filings with company experience and expenses to develop insurance rates. 

“Tennessee’s workforce will benefit from these loss cost reductions because they are the result of decreases in lost time claim frequency and more stable claims costs,” said Commissioner Lawrence. 

Since Tennessee’s workers’ compensation system reforms began in 2014, Tennessee employers have seen substantial savings with these loss cost reductions. Tennessee employers have also reported fewer significant workplace injuries, which have contributed to the reduction in loss costs. 

Washington, DC—U.S. Representative John Rose (TN-06),  joined Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-IA) and 161 Members of the U.S. House of Representatives in introducing the Death Tax Repeal Act. This legislation would permanently repeal the death tax, which imposes an unfair and costly tax on the transfer of property, land, and other assets from a deceased family member to heirs of family farms and small businesses.

Rep. Rose was a member of the Tennesseans Against the Death Tax group that spearheaded the successful effort to vanquish the inheritance tax in Tennessee in 2015. Now, he’s looking to take Tennessee values to Washington by ending the Death Tax nationally.

Over 99% of our country’s two million farms and ranches and over 95% of our nation’s small businesses are owned and operated by individuals and families, and this legislation would enable these multigenerational businesses to continue to support their families without having to pay a devastating tax upon the death of a family member. The Death Tax Repeal Act enjoys support from 194 organizations.

Rep. Rose released the following statement:

“Tennessee can always teach Washington a thing or two, and this is a prime example,” said Rep. Rose. “Farm families should be able to pass their family farms to the next generation without the heavy burden of the Death Tax. We repealed it in Tennessee, and it’s time we repeal it nationally. That’s why I am proud to support this legislation to axe the Death Tax once and for all.”

U.S. Representative John Rose is currently serving his third term representing Tennessee’s Sixth Congressional District and resides in Cookeville with his wife, Chelsea, and their two sons, Guy and Sam. The Sixth District includes Cannon, Clay, Cumberland, DeKalb, Fentress, Jackson, Macon, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, Smith, Sumner, Trousdale, Van Buren, and White counties as well as portions of Davidson, Scott, Warren, and Wilson counties. Representative Rose is an eighth-generation farmer, small business owner, and attorney, and currently serves on the House Financial Services Committee and House Agriculture Committee.  

The Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation recently awarded the Smith County Playhouse with a $2702.13 grant that will be used to help pay for costumes, shoes, microphones, headsets and hair/make-up for future performances.

The Smith County Historical Tourism Society was also funded for $540.00. Funds will be used to purchase advertising and saw dust.

The grants are funded by UCEMC members who choose to round up their electric bill to the nearest dollar.

UCEMC Cares, Inc. is a state chartered, nonprofit corporation designed to accumulate and disburse funds to improve the quality of life in the service area of Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation (UCEMC). For more information or to apply for the grant contact your local UCEMC office or visit the UCEMC customer portal at www.ucemc.com.

Smith County Insider would like to welcome Smith County’s newest restaurant to our community, Nobels. They offer a unique blend of Italian, Mediterranean, and American cuisine, providing a delectable experience for locals and visitors alike.

Business Overview:

• Business Name: Nobels
• Location: 323 Main St N, Carthage, TN 37030
• Hours of Operation: Monday – Saturday 11 am – 11 pm, Sunday 11 am – 8 pm
• Contact: 615-489-0059
• Website: NobelsTN.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nobelstn

Nobels is not just a restaurant; it’s a culinary journey. Offering dine-in and take-out options, Nobels specializes in handmade artisan pizza, pasta, burgers, salads, and more. Their commitment to quality is evident in their homemade dough, sauces, and even the legendary Nobels Ranch dressing.

When you step into Nobels, you step into Smith County history. The décor reflects local landmarks and legendary establishments, creating an environment that resonates with the community’s roots. Pronounced “No Bells,” the name pays homage to the two Nobel Peace Prize winners from Smith County.

Jim and Melissa Hebert, the owners of Nobels, moved to Smith County 13 years ago. Active in the local community, they believe in giving back. Nobels started as a private venue in 2020 and transitioned into a restaurant in September 2023. During this “soft launch” phase, they are fine-tuning their menu, processes, and expanding their service hours.

Nobels aims to be more than just a restaurant. They are introducing discount programs for seniors and heroes, a Community Partner program allowing organizations to benefit from orders, live music events, and plans to add breakfast to their offerings this spring. Front and back patio seating will also be available when the weather permits.

The owners express their gratitude for the community’s support during this learning and adjustment period. As they continue to grow, Nobels envisions becoming a hub for not just exceptional dining but a place where the community comes together, enjoys live music, and supports local organizations.

For more information and to stay updated on Nobels’ journey, visit their website.

Smith County Government offices will open at 10 a.m. in the morning on Friday, January 19th. All Convenience sites will open at 10 a.m. The health department will open at 10 AM. The landfill will open at 8AM.

The Smith County Library and Smith County Senior Center will remain closed until Monday.

If conditions change over night on Thursday these schedules may be adjusted according to the Smith County Mayor, Jeff Mason’s Facebook page.

Former TV journalist Andy Johnston reached out to Smith County Insider with memories of a story he covered in the 1970s about the Carthage Junction Depot.

Andy, known for the Tennessee Traveler TV series, recalled his visit to Gordonsville in 1973 to film a story about the Carthage Junction Depot. He recently discovered old tapes of his stories and shared them on YouTube, including the Carthage Junction Depot segment. He thought it would be a great way for people to connect with Smith County’s history. He has been adding his old stories to his YouTube channel, “The Original Georgia Traveler”.

The Carthage Junction Depot, standing for over a century, witnessed the lively movement of people, freight, and mail along the Tennessee Central Railroad. Opening its doors in 1888, it became a crucial crossroads for Smith County, linking Lebanon to Gordonsville and serving as a lifeline for Carthage.

Facing uncertain times in 1970, the depot was saved by Mr. John Waggoner, Sr., who relocated it a few miles away. In 2014, it embarked on a three-mile journey to South Carthage, overlooking the Caney Fork River. The Smith County Chamber of Commerce led a community-driven effort to preserve and transform the depot into a haven for local artists.

For those eager to learn more, contribute, or become involved, visit Carthage Junction Depot on Facebook or contact the Smith County Chamber of Commerce at 615-735-2093.

The Carthage Junction Depot stands as a testament to community spirit—a legacy nurtured by generations and poised for a future filled with culture, recreation, and economic vitality. Each step forward honors the spirit of those who walked through its doors, creating a story that continues to unfold.

The Smith County Buildings and Offices will remain closed on Thursday, January 18th. The Smith County Senior Center will be closed Thursday, January 18th and Friday, January 19th. However some offices and services will reopen.

The Smith County landfill will open at 10 AM tomorrow January 18th.

Hwy 25, Popes hill and Gordonsville convenience centers will open at 12 tomorrow.

The offices of the Upper Cumberland Development District and Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency will re-open Thursday, Jan. 18. UCHRA Public Transportation will operate at a limited capacity, observing driver’s discretion.

Smith County Insider welcomes a new business to the Gordonsville area, D&B Towing. They are a service provider in the towing and recovery industry, owned by Douglas Hodge.

D&B Towing offers a comprehensive range of services, including towing and recovery, lockouts, jump starts, tire changes, and more. Notably, their 24/7 service ensures that assistance is just a call away, day or night. They also have the capability to haul campers, boats, and trailers, providing a one-stop solution for various towing needs.

Contact Information:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DandBTowingTN
• Phone: 615-359-9334

Whether you find yourself in need of towing, recovery, or other roadside services, D&B Towing is the name to remember in Gordonsville, TN and surrounding areas.