Area News

16LBS OF MARIJUANA FOUND A Smith County Sheriff’s Department deputy made a major drug discovery during a routine traffic stop. K-9 officer Sgt. Junior Fields located 16.5 pounds of well packaged marijuana inside a vehicle which the officer stopped for questionable driving. While on patrol, Sgt. Fields got behind a 2004 Chevrolet Impala on Interstate…

ELECTION PROCESS CHANGING ADMINISTRATOR OF ELECTIONS EXPLAINS (Smith County Administrator of Elections Yvonne Gibbs has released the following information in an effort to help—both potential candidates and residents—better understand the changes in next year’s election cycle.) “The Smith County Republican Party has called a primary to be held on May 3, 2022, for all county…

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY •Residents can expect government offices and many businesses closed Monday (July 5) for the Fourth of July holiday. This year, the holiday falls on Sunday (July 4) but will be observed on Monday. •The Courier office will be closed on Friday (July 2) in observance of the Fourth of July holiday…

CARTHAGE FIREWORKS ORDINANCE This year, the Fourth of July holiday, known for fireworks, falls on a Sunday. The town of Carthage has an ordinance addressing fireworks and the Fourth of July falling on a Sunday. “The discharge of fireworks shall only be for two holidays per year: Independence Day (Fourth of July) and New Year’s…

COUNTY FAIR UNDERWAY Carnival rides arrived Monday night and the Smith County Fair—The Fair On The River—is well underway. Some of the headline events will not take place until later in the week. Each year the demolition derby is a major draw, filling the grandstands at the Russell Nixon Outdoor Arena. The first of two…

LANCASTER INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE POSTPONED The annual Lancaster Independence Day Parade and community gathering will not be held this year. The parade was not held last year because of the COVID pandemic and has been postponed until 2022. Planning begins months before the event takes place. Those who would like to volunteer to participate in…

DRUGS FOUND BY SHERIFF’S DEPT. OFFICERS A sheriff’s department investigation has resulted in the discovery of multiple drugs. Meanwhile, two people face a host of charges in connection with the discovery. The investigation began when Sgt. Terrance Adams stopped a Toyota Camry at Bonnell Lane on Highway 53/Gordonsville Highway for having an expired registration. After…

CANDIDATES SEEK CO. ROAD POSITION Two candidates will be seeking appointment by the county commission to fill the unexpired term of former Road Superintendent Steve Coble. Candidates include Michael Anthony Kemp and Kenneth Allen Shores. Both candidates have been approved by the Tennessee Highway Officials Certification Board in Nashville. Also, both individuals have previously been…

FAIR TIME – DAILY SCHEDULE INSIDE The Smith County Fair (The Fair On The River) begins Monday. This year’s fair runs from June 28 through July 3. Meanwhile, competitions and events associated with this year’s fair begin this week. Events leading up to the fair begin as soon as Friday, June 25 with the archery…