Area News

By Eddie West Staff Writer The 2025 version of the Smith County Fair was one of the biggest ever in terms of attendance and participation, fair officials say. This year was the largest ticketed attendance since its rebirth. Meanwhile, Thursday broke  an all-time attendance record (including day-long Saturdays). With events such as a fireworks display, musical…

By Eddie West Staff Writer County commissioners are expected to vote on a proposed 2025-2026 fiscal year budget this month. Commissioners will meet on July 28 when the vote is expected to take place. As proposed, the current budget proposal will not result in a county property tax increase. The county’s property tax rate stands at…

By Eddie West Staff Writer The Smith County Fair arrives next week. While Friday and Saturday nights are traditionally the most attended nights of any county fair, many are eying Tuesday night’s Sav-Way Grocery’s free admission night. Anyone can attend and experience a night at the fair for free as there is no admission cost on…

By Eddie West Staff Writer Apparently there were no major problems located in the latest Cordell Hull Bridge inspection. The inspection took place last week as the bridge was closed on and off during daytime hours for inspectors to examine the structure. Gone are the portable message board and construction barrels required when closing the bridge.…

By Eddie West Staff Writer While one bridge crossing the Cumberland River in Carthage is being inspected, a second is expected to be examined later this month. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has plans to also inspect the Veterans Memorial Bridge. When contacted, TDOT officials say the bridge is set to be inspected this month…

By Eddie West Staff Writer Criminal charges related to the recent riot at the Trousdale Turner Correctional Center were anticipated to come as soon as this week. Evidence gathered by law enforcement authorities following the riot was expected to be presented to a Trousdale County Grand Jury as soon as this week. On Tuesday (June 10)…

By Eddie West Staff Writer The Cordell Hull Bridge is now being inspected annually, Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) officials say. “Due to the age and condition of the steel members, the bridge’s superstructure must be inspected each year,” TDOT officials say. Typically, bridges are only inspected by TDOT every two years. Constructed in 1934, the…

By Eddie West Staff Writer Following a riot which took place Sunday night, Fifteenth Judicial District Attorney Jason Lawson is calling for the Tennessee Department of Corrections to assume management of the Trousdale Turner Correctional Center which sits near the Trousdale/Smith County line. This comes after three guards were reported taken hostage and inmates took control…

By Eddie West Staff Writer One of the year’s more anticipated events will be taking place this weekend. The annual Defeated Creek Bluegrass Festival will held June 13 and June 14.  Performing on Friday night will be Bluegrass Solutions and Avery Trace.  Performing Saturday night will be Mountain Ridge Five and Clearview.  Performing both nights will…

By Eddie West Staff Writer The Smith County Fair tabloid can be found inside this week’s edition of the Courier as preparations continue for the much anticipated event. The county fair tabloid is a go to guide, providing times, dates, rules, regulations for various events and activities. This year’s fair runs from Monday, June 30 through…