Area News

By Eddie West Staff Writer Residents need to remain vigilant to protect themselves from becoming victims of fraud. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) recently released crime data for individual counties in Tennessee. The number of fraud cases occurring in Smith County is a significant concern for Fifteenth Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson. Last…

By Eddie West Staff Writer For many, career choices are quite often made based on childhood interests. Others may turn to their parents or a school guidance counselor for suggestions.  But on a roadside in the Stonewall community while in distress and in the company of a complete stranger is a highly unusual place to…

By Eddie West Staff Writer During warm weather months, Dixon Springs resident Jackie Oldham can quite often be found working in his garden during the early mourning. Located directly behind his Dixon Springs Highway house, it’s not your typical backyard garden. Then again, Oldham is not your typical gardener. At 83 years-old, Oldham’s first task…

By Eddie West Staff Writer Tragedy struck at the county fairgrounds as a Smith County man died from injuries sustained in a work related accident, Thursday morning. Meanwhile, Tennessee Occupation Safety and Health Administration (TOSHA), is heading an independent investigation into the incident. The victim was identified as Oval Mudd, 45, a South Carthage resident.…

By Shea Haile Courier Sports The prestigious and legendary U.S. Women’s Open included one of Smith County’s own last week as the event was held at California’s historic Pebble Beach golf course.  Carthage native and 2023 Gordonsville High School graduate Sophie Linder competed in the 78th U.S. Women’s Open.  Linder shot a combined 163 (19…

By Eddie West Staff Writer A sheriffs department deputy’s investigation led to the arrest of a man wanted in Missouri. When Deputy Nathan Williams stopped a vehicle on Interstate 40 because its driver was not wearing a seat belt, the officer discovered the operator of the Ford Fusion had no driver’s  license. The man’s drivers…

By Eddie West Staff Writer The Smith County Fair is underway. Pre-fair events were held Friday and Saturday with the official opening of the county fair held at 5 p.m., Monday (July 3). The first night for carnival rides was Monday. The fair continues through Saturday, July 8. This year’s fair includes a fireworks display…

By Eddie West Staff Writer The county’s property tax rate will remain unchanged from last year. The proposed rate of $1.7331 was approved by commissioners during their June meeting Monday night (June 26). The new rate will fund the 2023-2024 fiscal year budget which was also approved by commissioners during the meeting. Of the $1.7331…

By Eddie West Staff Writer In spite of it’s quirky name, pickleball is set to become the county’s next emerging sport. Many local residents may have never heard the word “pickleball” much less be familiar with the game’s rules. While popular among middle age to older adults for its exercise value, it’s also a game…