The Middle Tennessee Council of the Boy Scouts of America has just announced that Ephraim Alexander Rodenbach has been selected as a 2023 Scout of the Year:

“Ephraim gives his best to Scouting, including his current service as secretary of Wa-Hi-Nasa Lodge.  Ephraim attends Smith County High School where he is President of Beta Club, Vice President of the Interact Club, former Class President, and a teaching assistant in broadcasting class. He works for the local web-based news site, The Smith County Insider, producing articles and live streaming public community meetings. Ephraim was chosen as a broadcaster for the 80th Anniversary of D-Day.  He will memorialize his trip in a video blog for the members of the Smith County American Legion Post.”

He is the first Scout to be selected as Scout of the Year from Troop 367 and we congratulate him and share pride with his parents Stacey and Tracey Rodenbach of Defeated.

Rodenbach is currently an active member of Smith County Boy Troop 367 Scouts BSA. In January of 2021, at the early age of fourteen, he earned the Eagle Scout rank and became the fourteenth Eagle from Troop 367 (revitalized in 2007) to earn this high honor. For his community service project, he constructed a portable, propane-fueled flag retirement pit and built and decorated a solid cherry ceremonial box to serve as a storage container for flags awaiting retirement. The Charles E. Price American Legion Post 57 was the beneficiary.

Scouting offers opportunities to have fun while learning skills to prepare you for life.  What are you waiting for?  Call the Scoutmaster Josh Pedigo to learn more. 615-633-2080   Submitted by Vivian Reynolds, Boy Scout Leader

D&G Trailer Sales was founded in 2015 by Jim & Kathy Di Giovanni. They sell utility & landscape trailers, car hauler trailers, car tow dollies, equipment haulers & dump trailers as well as accessories. They have a selection of quality built manufactured trailers and accessories at an affordable price with excellent customer service in stock. They strive to place the customer with the perfect trailer or accessory to suit their needs.

The Giovannis came Smith County in 2012 and fell in love with the area and the people. They said “we are a family owned business that we run from our home lot allowing us to keep cost low and pass the savings along to our customer’s. We carry multiple, quality built manufacturer’s trailers allowing a variety of options to suit their particular needs. We enjoy meeting new people and helping them to find the trailer or accessory that best fits their needs. We want to make sure they leave the lot with the right fit for their situation and are happy with their purchase and the customer service they experienced.”

Owning and operating their own business allowed them to continue to work with less stress and more time to devote to other more important things. They shared “we love our Church and we wanted more time to be an Active member there and in the community. We have the joy of getting to serve people in our county and beyond. We always meet the nicest people! We have developed many friendships with the wonderful people that come through our doors.” In the future they hope to expand the styles of trailers that they stock and bring on new manufacturers.

If you are looking for a utility trailer, landscape trailer, car hauler, car tow dolly, equipment hauler or dump trailer give D&G Trailer Sales a call at 615-489-2102. They are open Monday -Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. -12 p.m. After hours appointments are available by appointment only.

They are located at 424 Lebanon Highway, in Carthage TN. You can check out their reviews and like them on Facebook at: facebook.com/dgtrailersales or website https://dgtrailersales.business.site/

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – 47 Smith County natives were named to Tennessee Tech University’s Dean’s List for the fall 2023 semester. The total includes one student from Alexandria, 10 students from Brush Creek, two students from Buffalo Valley, 18 students from Carthage, one student from Chestnut Mount, one student from Elmwood, five students from Gordonsville, two students from Hickman, one student from Lebanon, two students from Pleasant Shade, one student from Riddleton and three students from Watertown. 

To be included on the Dean’s List, students must attend the university full time and earn a grade-point average of at least 3.1 on the 4.0 scale.

Smith County students named to Tech’s fall 2023 Dean’s List include: Colby Adams, Hannah Anderson, Stevie Leeann Angel, Maggie Apple, Alexander Armour, Emma Baker, Lance Caleb Ballard, Hannah Bare, Adrian Bart-Plange, Adam Bingham, Robert Bingham, Madelynn Brewer, Olivia Grace Brown, Chloe Buckner, Gary Claywell, Rebecca Claywell, Austin DuCrest, Emma Mae Enoch, Payten Gibbs, Cody Givens, Allyson Hall, Rachel Howard, Nathan Johnson, Molly Jones, Dustin Lafleur, Augusta Leigh Long, Kacie Malone, Allie Elizabeth Manning, Mckenzie Mason, Matthew McDonner, Carson Meeks, Spencer Meeks, Tyler Myers, Emily Parker, Steven Tyler Peyatt, Carson Pope, Danielle Freedom Robinson, Emma Grace Scudder, Kensea Skelton, Charles Pearce Smith, Caiti Vaden, Morgan Lynn Valentine, Jon Evan Wagner, David William Wallace, Alexa Western, Austin Williams and Clayton Wilmore. 

Tennessee Tech is ranked as a “Best National University” by U.S. News & World Report. The university offers more than 200 programs of study and 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.

For the full roster of Dean’s List students searchable by name, state and county, visit https://www.tntech.edu/academics/deanslist

Tractor Supply announced the completion of an exciting remodel of the entire store at the Carthage location that will transform the shopping experience for local customers.

The enhanced store features an improved layout for convenient and accessible shopping as well as a new Customer Service Hub with upgraded digital tools to help customers find what they need. Additionally, customers can now shop from an expanded assortment of apparel, tools, hardware, pet food, animal feed and more.

“At Tractor Supply, we constantly work to improve the customer experience, from product offerings to in-store features. These exciting upgrades have completely transformed our store, making it an even better option for customers shopping for Life Out Here,” said Michelle Wishard, manager of the Carthage Tractor Supply store. “We are excited for customers to visit our new space that now features more products than ever before, including our new apparel department, expanded feed and food selection and broader tool assortment. We know that customers will love these upgrades as much as we do, and we hope to share them with both familiar and new faces from the Carthage community.”

Additional improvements to the Carthage location include a new Tractor Supply Pet Wash for owners and their friendly, four-legged family members. Customers can now pamper their pets with a bath in an easy and convenient washing station loaded with professional-grade equipment and high-quality products. Pet owners will have access to elevated wash bays, grooming tables, specialty shampoos, use of brushes, combs and towels as well as a waterproof apron and professional dryer, all for just $9.99. Tractor Supply also carries an assortment of pet accessories for customers to shop for after the bath, including toys, beds, collars, leashes and more.

With these enhancements, the Carthage Tractor Supply continues to serve the needs of homeowners, livestock and pet owners, gardeners, hobby farmers, ranchers, tradesmen and others. Tractor Supply customers can shop from a wide range of products including workwear and boots, equine and pet supplies, zero turns and riding mowers, pet food, lawn and garden supplies, power tools, fencing, welding and more.

The Carthage Tractor Supply store, at 59 Dixon Springs Highway, keeps regular business hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. To learn more about Tractor Supply Company, visit TractorSupply.com. For information on Tractor Supply’s Neighbor’s Club loyalty program, please visit NeighborsClub.com.

Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ: TSCO), the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States, has been passionate about serving its unique niche, targeting the needs of recreational farmers, ranchers and all those who enjoy living the rural lifestyle, for more than 80 years. Tractor Supply offers an extensive mix of products necessary to care for home, land, pets and animals with a focus on product localization, exclusive brands and legendary customer service for the Out Here lifestyle. With 50,000 Team Members, the Company’s physical store assets, combined with its digital capabilities, offer customers the convenience of purchasing products they need anytime, anywhere and any way they choose at the everyday low prices they deserve. At September 24, 2022, the Company operated 2,027 Tractor Supply stores in 49 states, a consumer mobile app and an e-commerce website at TractorSupply.com. In October 2022, Tractor Supply acquired 81 stores from Orscheln Farm and Home that will be rebranded to Tractor Supply by the end of 2023.

Tractor Supply Company also owns and operates Petsense by Tractor Supply, a small-box pet specialty supply retailer focused on meeting the needs of pet owners, primarily in small and mid-size communities, and offering a variety of pet products and services. At September 24, 2022, the Company operated 180 Petsense by Tractor Supply stores in 23 states. For more information on Petsense by Tractor Supply, visit Petsense.com.

Are you raising a relative child or need housing assistance?

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.

A Christmas/New Year Party was held Friday night at the Elizabeth Chapel Baptist Church gym for youth involved in the recently created “Choosing to Change” program in DeKalb County.

“Choosing to Change” began locally six months ago modeled after “The SPOT” in Smith County, an outreach program of the Youth and Family Resource Network, a non-profit, faith-based organization.

The program operates under the direction of Justin Cantrell, Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist for the Upper Cumberland area and facilitator for SPOT Youth and Family Resources Network Center in Carthage and DeKalb County and Director Barbara Kannapel, who was instrumental in starting “The SPOT” in Smith County several years ago.

The goal is to help students from 6th to 12th grade, who have committed minor infractions at school, to make better life choices and build positive relationships with others.

“Choosing to Change” works with the Juvenile Court in DeKalb County and the students who participate must attend a series of classes over eight weeks.

“In our juvenile program with delinquent and unruly offenses we sometimes do an informal adjustment, sort of a diversion, if it’s the first time they have been in trouble or if its a really minor offense,” said General Sessions and Juvenile Court Judge Brandon Cox. “For example, if they are in court for truancy issues, being a runaway, for vaping etc. when they come to court the first time, they are given the option to attend this class for eight weeks and if they do then we will re-evaluate the case and see how it is going at that point, checking their grades, attendance, etc. We have already had probably 30 or so youth go through the program and we have seen a lot of success with it. Friday night a Christmas party was held to celebrate the kids in the program as well as Justin and Barbara,” added Judge Cox.

“We meet from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. every Tuesday at the courthouse and we are hoping to expand it by starting an afterschool program here,” said Cantrell.

This event was published by WJLE, Smithville TN. The DeKalb Prevention Coalition participated in the Christmas Party Friday night in support of the “Choosing to Change” program.

by Katie Martin, UT Extension Agent

As backyard poultry flocks continue to increase in popularity and Avian Influenza continues to be a threat, good biosecurity practices are essential. Avian influenza (AI) is a highly contagious viral disease. As of November 29th, 399 commercial flocks and 574 backyard flocks totaling 67.79 million birds have been affected since the most recent avian influenza outbreak started in 2021.

Warning signs of Avian Influenza include sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge, watery eyes, twisted neck, decreased feed and water intake, lethargy, and increased mortality. If your birds are showing symptoms, don’t wait to get help. Contact us at the extension office, your local veterinarian, or our State Veterinarian at the Tennessee Department of Ag.

Six basic biosecurity steps to remember include keep your distance, keep it clean, don’t haul disease home, don’t borrow disease from your neighbor, know the warning signs of infectious bird diseases, and report sick birds. Keep your distance by restricting access to your birds. Keep it clean by properly cleaning and disinfecting not only equipment that comes in contact with the birds but your hands and shoes as well. Don’t haul disease home by taking precautions when you have been near other birds and bird owners and keeping birds that have been to a fair or show separate for at least two weeks after the event. Don’t borrow disease from your neighbor by refraining from sharing lawn and garden tools as well as poultry supplies. Know the previously mentioned warning signs of sick birds and report sick or dying birds.

Backyard flocks that are free-range or have open roofs are particularly at risk. Ideally, birds should be kept in pens that are covered with roofs or tarps to prevent exposure to wild bird feces as the avian influenza virus is in the manure of wild waterfowl. Also, keep poultry away from any pond or other water source that wild waterfowl may visit. Backyard flock owners should quarantine and isolate any new or sick birds from their other birds for thirty days. Do not allow unnecessary visitors near your birds and, if you visit an area where there are waterfowl or other poultry, do not visit your birds until you change shoes/clothes, take a shower and wash your hands. Keep hand sanitizer at the coop and use it before and after visiting your birds.

Since Avian Influenza has no cure, biosecurity practices are the best option to keep birds healthy and mitigate the spread of disease. By being intentional about basic biosecurity steps, you can greatly lower your flock’s risk of becoming infected with Avian Influenza or other communicable diseases.

For further information about Avian Influenza or any other agriculture topic, please visit our website at smith.tennessee.edu or call our office at 615-735-2900.

The annual Smith County 4-H Public Speaking Contest was held at Smith County Middle School on Tuesday, December 12, 2023. Sixty-seven talented 4-H’ers from across Smith County competed by giving a prepared speech, ranging from 1-7 minutes depending on grade level.

4-H’ers received an invitation to the county contest by placing 1st or 2nd in their classroom speech contest. Over 800 speeches were given by 4-H’ers at the local 4-H club level this year! We are incredibly proud of every student who gave a speech and especially proud of the ones who chose to move on to the next level of competition.

Awards for the night went to:

4th Grade

· 1st Place – Scarlett Hicks, FRS

· 2nd Place – Katie Wilson, Homeschool

· 3rd Place – Mason Grisham, GES

· 3rd Place – Jax Mason, GES

5th Grade

· 1st Place – Tripp Medley, SCMS

· 2nd Place – Chloe Williams, GES

· 3rd Place – Cecelia Cowan, SCMS

· 3rd Place – Evie Wilson, Homeschool

6th Grade

· 1st Place – John Haynes Winkler, GES

· 2nd Place – Avery Myers, FRS

· 3rd Place – Luke Chartier, Homeschool

7th Grade

· 1st Place – Tana Harville, Homeschool

· 2nd Place – Makenna Hassler, GMU

· 3rd Place – Kara Brooks, SCMS

· 3rd Place – Kylee Overall, SCMS

8th Grade

· 1st Place – Turner Harville, Homeschool

· 2nd Place – Kasie Thomas, SCMS

· 3rd Place – Bella Anderson, SCMS

11th Grade

· 1st Place – Gabe Harville, SCHS

· 2nd Place – Kynlee Davis, Homeschool

· 3rd Place – Cheyenne Ricketts, SCHS

The top two contestants in each grade level will have the opportunity to move on to compete at the sub-regional contest in January. Congratulations again to all of these fine young people!

Smith County 4-H would like to thank the administrators and faculty at Smith County Middle School for allowing us to host our event there.

Thank you also to following community members who graciously volunteered their time and attention to serve as judges: Dennis Banka, Diann Bussell, Holly Harper, Matt Inyart, Taylor Martin, Justin Mauldin, Stephanie McCaleb, Joey Nixon, and Sarah Marie Smith.

Current 4-H’ers and 4-H Alumni Emmy Bibbings, Abby Malone, Carson Meeks, and Spencer Meeks helped facilitate the event by serving as room chairs.

Finally, thank you to all of the family members, teachers, principals, and others who have encouraged and assisted these 4-H’ers with their speeches. Your support and their hard work is evident and appreciated!

The 4-H Youth Development Program delivers programs through cooperative efforts of the University of Tennessee, Tennessee State University, and public and private sector volunteers. 4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. 4-H educational programs are offered to all youth, grades 4-12, on an age-appropriate basis, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or disability.

Please call 615-735-2900 for further information regarding the many 4-H activities and events available for our great young people in Smith County.

The results are in and the votes have been tallied for the 2nd annual Smith County Insider ‘Best of the Best’ Awards. Nominations were taken for two weeks, the nominations were compiled onto a ballot, then voting began on December 11 and ended on December 22. Voting and nominations were done via Google Forms. 1,122 people casted a vote!

Smith County Insider would like thank everyone who participated by either nominating or voting.

Below is the list of businesses and organizations that won the ‘Best of the Best’ in each category:

• Community/Neighborhood – Carthage
• Non-Profit Organization – Smith County Humane
• Elected Official – Jeff Mason
• Fitness Center/Gym – Cumberland Athletic Club
• Agribusiness (Farm, Produce, Greenhouse, etc…) – Catesa Farms
• Overall Restaurant – El Corral Mexican Restaurant
• Burger – Roja’s
• Pizza – Pizza Hut
• Mexican Food – El Corral Mexican Restaurant
• BBQ – Timberloft
• Ice Cream/Desserts – The Candy Bar
• Coffee/Tea/Shakes – Rokabilly Coffee
• Antique Store – River’s Edge Antiques
• Boutique/Clothing – #Holly’s
• Building Supply/Hardware – Cumberland Supply
• Furniture/Home Decor – Stephanie McCaleb Interiors
• Pharmacy – Smith County Drug Center
• Medical Office (Chiropractor, Family Practice, Physical Therapy, etc…) – Carthage Family Wellness
• Auto Service/Mechanic – Pit Stop Oil & Tire
• Car Dealership – Smith County Motors
• Auto Parts Store – O’Reilly Auto Parts
• Attorney/Law Office – Bass & Bass Attorneys
• Realtor (Individual/Team) – Robin Underwood
• Real Estate Company – Underwood Hometown Realty
• Bank/Financial Institution – Wilson Bank & Trust
• Barber/Beauty Shop – Classic Cuts
• Dentist – Dr. Casey J. Owen – OwenFamily Dentistry
• Heat and Air Company – Dyer Heating and Cooling
• Insurance Agent/Agency – Farm Bureau – Smith County
• Landscaping/Lawn Services – Tri-Star Lawn & Landscaping
• Veterinary Clinic – Smith County Animal Clinic
• Roofing Company – Rackley Roofing
• Florist – Flowers by Leanne
• Manufacturing/Industrial – Bonnell Aluminum
• Photography Company/Photographer – Angel’s Photography
• Event Venue – The Rose Building
• Best ‘Hangout Spot’ – Rokabilly Coffee
• Best Spa – Moonstone Spa

The Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency (UCHRA) will hold a commodities distribution for Smith County on Monday, January 29, 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