Area News
Two killed in horrific accident
By Eddie West Staff Writer Two people were killed in a “wrong way” wreck which occurred Sunday night on Interstate 40 near the Gordonsville Exit. The two vehicle wreck occurred around 11:30 p.m., Sunday, in the east bound lanes at the 258.6 mile marker which is just east of the Gordonsville Exit. When emergency responders arrived…
Read MoreTransportation department alters plans because of bird’s nest
By Eddie West Staff Writer A special bird and its nest atop the Cordell Hull Bridge are expected to get special treatment from the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) during this week’s planned inspection. The bird and its nest were spotted at the top of the metal framework above the bridge’s deck on the Carthage side…
Read MoreOne found guilty after pain clinic investigation
By Eddie West Staff Writer An advanced nurse practitioner has been found guilty in federal court for illegally prescribing opioids medications at a former South Carthage pain clinic, according to federal sources. From September 2016 through May 2018, Advanced Nurse Practitioner Heather Marks, 43, operated the former Lifeforce Pain and Wellness Clinic, located on Highway 70/Lebanon…
Read MoreFood Truck – Mobile Pantry helps fill need
By Eddie West Staff Writer With the increasing cost of groceries and more recently the surging price of gasoline, many residents are finding themselves cutting back. Cutting back is not an option for some individuals on a limited to no income. There are a number of resources within our community to help those who may find…
Read MoreSchool board upholds teacher suspension
By Eddie West Staff Writer The county’s school board voted to uphold the suspension of a Smith County High School teacher. Jason Robert Smith, a tenured communications teacher, was placed on 30 day suspension by Director of Schools Barry Smith for alleged unprofessional conduct and making inappropriate comments to students. The school board was given the…
Read MoreProperty values up dramatically
By Eddie West Staff Writer Property values within the county continue to increase at a dramatic rate. Some residents were alarmed by the increase after receiving their 2026 property reappraisals through the mail. Countywide, the average increase was 38 percent, said Assessor of Property Terry Collins, noting overall the value of land increased at a greater…
Read MoreSchool board okays contract for director
By Eddie West Staff Writer Murfreesboro’s Central Magnet High School Principal John Ash is poised to become the county’s next director of schools. The county’s eight member school board unanimously approved a three year contract with Ash during this month’s regularly scheduled meeting held on Monday night of last week. There was no discussion among school…
Read MoreThree face charges after house search
By Eddie West Staff Writer Three people face charges in connection with a sheriffs department investigation which resulted in the discovery of multiple drugs and the seizure of more than 50 firearms. The discovery was made during the execution of a search warrant at a residence located on Brooks Hollow Lane which is located off Friendship…
Read MorePrimary Election; Sample ballot inside
By Eddie West Staff Writer Residents will be going to the polls Tuesday in the May 5 Democratic and Republican Primary Election. Meanwhile early voting in the election comes to an end this Thursday (April 30). The primary election sets Democratic and Republican candidates for the August County General Election. Through Saturday a total of 249…
Read MoreWork was ‘inspection’ of South Carthage bluff — TDOT says
By Eddie West Staff Writer An “inspection” conducted by a Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) crew took place at a section of Highway 70 in South Carthage long eyed as a potential rock (bluff) mitigation project. “Crews are inspecting this area, resulting in intermittent lane closures,” a TDOT spokesperson said, Wednesday. The lane closures took place…
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