Area News
County looks to set budget for upcoming fiscal year in August
By Eddie West Staff Writer Discussion of a proposed 2026-2027 county budget by the full county commission is anticipated to take place during a meeting scheduled for Monday, August 10. Earlier this year, the county adopted a state certified property tax rate of $1.3023 for 2026 but that rate could change as the full county…
Read MoreCounty’s rescue squad formed 60 years ago by residents
Sixty years ago, the Smith County Rescue Squad was founded on a simple but powerful desire—to help families and people in need. Over the decades, faces have changed, equipment has evolved, and generations of volunteers have answered the call, but the mission has remained the same: serving others in their time of need. The story…
Read MoreCommittee, school board at odds
By Eddie West Staff Writer The county’s Budget and Finance Committee and school board are at odds over the school system’s proposed 2026-2027 fiscal year budget. During a meeting held Thursday night, the Budget Committee and Finance Committee voted down a proposed 2026-2027 fiscal year school budget which the school board had approved by a 6-2…
Read MoreCarthage leaders eye renovation of city hall
By Eddie West Staff Writer The town of Carthage has taken a step forward in the potential rehabilitation of the James A. Clay Municipal Building (city hall/police station). City officials are soliciting “statements of qualifications from professional architectural/engineering firms to provide expertise, guidance and preliminary design services for the town of Carthage’s proposed Town Hall Building…
Read MoreTanglewood house destroyed in fire
By Eddie West Staff Writer Fire destroyed a house and its contents in the Tanglewood community Wednesday evening. The fire was reported at 7 p.m., Monday, at 9 Hills Dale Lane East which is located in the Hackett Subdivision off Highway 25/Dixon Springs Highway. Central District, Riddleton/Dixon Springs and Defeated fire departments were dispatched to the…
Read MoreOne person injured in Carthage wreck
By Eddie West Staff Writer One person was injured and Main Street North in Carthage was temporarily shutdown following a wreck Thursday afternoon. The accident occurred shortly before 4 p.m. in the Beulahland area. Traveling out of town on the right side of the roadway, the vehicle struck a mailbox, grazed a pickup truck before crossing…
Read MoreHotel Walton opening nears
By Eddie West Staff Writer Following an approximately three year, multi-million dollar renovation, opening of Hotel Walton is nearing. The hotel, featuring a restaurant, is expected to open around the end of August or first of September, according to management. Final renovation work and operational details for the hotel to begin accepting guests are being devised.…
Read MoreAugust elections near; sample ballot, information inside
By Eddie West Staff Writer “Out of the ordinary” describes this summer’s August 6 County General Election. Only one of six full-time offices will be challenged in this summer’s election. Meanwhile, it’s a mixed bag when it comes to county commission races. Only two of eight county commission districts are challenged in the upcoming election. …
Read MoreDoctor faces federal indictment; Allegations pertain to distribution of controlled substances
(A Gordonsville doctor has been indicted for alleged health care fraud and unauthorized distribution of controlled substances, according to the Office of the United States Attorneys Middle District in Tennessee. The office issued the follow news release on Tuesday, June 23. Last week’s edition of the Courier had already been printed prior to the news…
Read MoreLocal drugstore celebrating 50 years
By Eddie West Staff Writer Smith County Drug Center is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The drugstore was founded by Steve Wilmore a Dixon Springs resident and 40-year pharmacist who retired in 2016. Today, the drugstore has four co-owners. The founder’s son Jay Wilmore, Jan Broyles Trainham, Lisa Kemp Harville and Cozette West Manus. At…
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