Area Breaking News

CORONAVIRUS NUMBERS INCREASE Coronavirus cases in Smith County continue to steadily increase. (As of Sunday, August 2)The number of cases listed as confirmed and probable were 361, positive tests were at 435, negative tests were at 3,090, active cases was at 164, 194 people have recovered and there have been three deaths recorded. Compared to…

VOTERS HEAD TO THE POLLS Residents will be casting their ballots on Thursday (August 6). The election includes a County General Election, South Carthage Election and State Primary Election. Here’s the races and candidates: County offices: Incumbent Road Superintendent Steve Coble is being challenged by Michael Anthony Kemp. Assessor of Property Terry Collins is running…

 LARGE AMOUNT OF METH FOUND; TWO CHARGED Two people face charges in which a large amount of methamphetamine was located during an undercover operation conducted by the sheriff’s department at a Bedgood Court residence in Elmwood, Saturday. Jeffrey Alan Bullington, 58, has been charged with leaving the scene of an accident, no drivers license, felony…

STUDENTS BACK TO SCHOOL FOR REAL After an extended layoff students are back to school this week in-person. With COVID-19 numbers increasing, some school board members wanted to begin the school year with remote learning; however two motions which would have delayed in-person attendance in two separate special called meetings ended in deadlock four-to-four votes…

  A Hickman area man has been charged with attempted murder for allegedly shooting his son with a shotgun. David Eugene Waters, 61, Creekview Lane, was charged with attempted first degree murder and aggravated domestic assault, following a shooting incident which occurred Wednesday, around 4:30 p.m. The incident began when Craig Waters, the suspect’s son,…

  When retired Sergeant Major Jon (Jonathan) Henry attended a political event earlier this year, the Cages Bend resident wasn’t particularly impressed by the guest speaker. The Smith County native felt as though he were hearing a well-rehearsed speech from an individual who had been groomed by a high-paid campaign manager to make all the…

  Early voting in the August 6 election ends Saturday (August 1). During full days, more than 100 residents are showing up at polls each day. Through Saturday, a total of 1,233 residents voted early. Here are the totals: July 17—311 residents voted. July 18—65 residents voted (half-day). July 20—179 residents voted. July 21—175 residents…

  County commissioners have approved a property tax rate unchanged from last year. A 2020-2021 fiscal year budget was approved by commissioners last week, meeting for their July session. In addition, a county property tax rate was set at $2.73. Days prior to the meeting, commissioners had been presented the proposed coming fiscal year’s budget…

  With COVID-19 increasing in Smith County, the Tennessee Department of Health is reporting some patients and staff at Smith County Healthcare and Rehabilitation have tested positive for the virus. The cases were reported in the “Clusters in long term Care Facilities” in the coronavirus section on the state health department’s website.  Seventeen patients and…