Area News

By Eddie West Staff Writer Two new principals have been named within the county’s school system, according to school officials. Scott Apple has been named principal at Smith County High School. Randy Jennings has been named principal at Smith County Middle School. With the school year ending, the two new principals are transitioning into their…

By Eddie West Staff Writer Governor Bill Lee made what was termed a “private” visit to Smith County, Friday afternoon. The governor was at the courts facility to observe a special court session, sources say. In a county of less than 20,000, an appearance by a governor is a unique happening. As an obligation to…

By Eddie West Staff Writer As voters head to the polls Tuesday (May 3) for the first ever Republican and Democratic primary election, the significance of the election can’t be understated. In the Republican Primary Election, voters will essentially be electing a sheriff and county mayor. For these two reasons alone, it’s important residents participate…

By Eddie West Staff Writer A fatal automobile accident in which two people were killed has resulted in criminal charges.  The wreck occurred in the Sullivans Bend community in June of last year. Justin Caleb Hickman, 29, Elmwood, has been indicted by the county’s grand jury on two counts of vehicular homicide by intoxication and…

Residents will have the opportunity to view an award winning short film documentary, offering a glimpse of life in Smith County. “Carthage House of Beauty,” an 11-minute documentary filmed by Allison Inman and the Moving Picture Boys, will be screened in Carthage on Saturday, April 30, at 6:30pm at the Smith County Heritage Museum.  The…

By Eddie West Staff Writer A man who was the subject of a manhunt in the Flat Rock community in August of last year was indicted by the county’s grand jury this month. Matthew Madewell, 37,  whose address was listed as homeless, was indicted for burglary of an auto, aggravated burglary and theft under $1,000…

By Eddie West Staff Writer Going into this week, almost 400 residents had voted early in the first ever county Democratic and Republican primary elections. During two and one-half days of early voting, 393 residents voted early, last week. Early voting in the May election started on Wednesday (April 13) when 148 residents voted. The…

By Eddie West Staff Writer The county’s grand jury met for its April session and returned 41 indictments. Of those 41 indictments,  32 were not sealed, as of Tuesday morning of last week. Of the 32 indictments which were not sealed, 17 involved one or more drug related charges. The most common drug was methamphetamine.…

By Eddie West Staff Writer A Pleasant Shade man, employed as a Smith County Middle School coach/PE instructor who was charged in March with inappropriate conduct with a minor has been indicted by the grand jury. A sealed indictment charging Jamal Carter, 26, with three counts of sexual battery by an authority figure and three…

By Eddie West Staff Writer South Carthage is expected to have a new mayor after this summer’s election. South Carthage resident Joey Nixon was the only candidate to meet the noon, Thursday, April 7 deadline to file qualifying papers for the position. Nixon now serves on the county commission but is not seeking re-election to…