Letters to Santa & Business Greetings inside
While youngsters from pre-school through third grade seldom find themselves among the print pages of newspapers, here in Smith County they take CENTER STAGE every Christmas week issue. This year around 750 hand-written Letters To Santa are published in their entirety — and typed by our staff exactly as each author submitted — with spellings…
Read MoreChristmas spirit lives inside Coogan’s Smith County residence
By Eddie West Staff Writer Stepping inside the front door to Mikie and Ed Coogan’s home is not an ordinary experience. An eight feet tall snowman, which greets guests just inside the home’s entrance, is the first sign of an out of the ordinary experience which lies ahead. Next to catch the eye are the precisely…
Read MoreFUTURE PLANS; GHS softball trio sign with college programs
By Shea Haile Courier Sports GORDONSVILLE — While the high school sports landscape is currently centered around basketball and the hardwood, the Gordonsville Tigerettes softball team is preparing for their 2026 campaign. A trio of Tigerettes made decisions regarding their paths after their 2026 senior season. Big Blue outfielder Camri Johnson has signed with East Tennessee’s…
Read MoreLegal & Public Notices For The Week Of 12/25/25
STATE OF TENNESSEE PROBATE COURT OF SMITH COUNTY AT CARTHAGE NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF Stallie Lee Bush Case#80CH1-2025-PR-2918 Notice is hereby given that on the 11th day of December, 2025, Letters Testamentary in respect to the estate of Stallie Lee Bush, Deceased, who died on the 6th day of September, 2025, were issued to the undersigned by the Probate Court…
Read MoreObit – Mr. Neal Lankford
A well-known, long-time South Carthage businessman. Mr. Neal Lankford, transitioned from this earthly life to his heavenly home at the age of 88 at 11:33 a.m. Sunday morning December 14, 2025 with his family at his bedside. He was admitted to the Highpoint Health – Riverview Medical Center on December 7th. His pastors, Bro. Jim…
Read MoreObit – Mrs. Sue Thomas Preston
Mrs. Sue Thomas Preston departed this earthly life to begin her heavenly walk with Jesus at the age of 91 with her family present at her bedside. She was pronounced deceased at 12:43 p.m. E.S.T. Wednesday afternoon December 17, 2025 at the Wellington Manner Assisted Living in Newport, Tennessee where she made her home. Her…
Read MoreObit – Mr. Rex Adams
Mr. Rex Adams age 79 of Lebanon passed away on Sunday evening December 14, 2025. Rex leaves behind a legacy of faithfulness, love, hard work, and integrity. Funeral services from the Carthage Chapel of Sanderson Funeral Home were on Saturday, December 20th at 11 a.m. His son, Pastor Scott Adams officiated the service and his…
Read MoreObit – Mrs. Linda Joyce Bogle
Mrs. Linda Joyce Bogle, age 76, of Brush Creek, TN, passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. Mrs. Bogle was born January 28, 1949, in Woodbury, TN, a daughter of the late Lester White Walls and Altie Pearl Murphy Walls. She was also preceded in death by siblings; Margie Brown Gunter, Helen Davis, Ricky Walls,…
Read MoreObit – Mr. Johnny Ray Williams
Mr. Johnny Ray Williams, age 65 of Everett, Washington passed away Wednesday November 26, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. Johnny was raised in the Sykes community of Smith County, Tn a son of the late George Kenneth Williams and Mabel Arlene Stage Williams. Johnny was predeceased by two brothers: George Williams and Ricky Williams. Johnny is…
Read MoreObit – Tom “Tommy” Thompson, Jr.
General Tom P. “Tommy” Thompson, Jr., a respected public servant, longtime District Attorney General, and devoted family man, passed away on December 12, 2025. Known for his integrity, deep sense of justice, and unwavering commitment to the people he served, Tommy leaves behind a legacy that spans more than five decades of legal and civic…
Read More