Area News

SCHOOLS WAITING ON STAFF IMMUNIZATIONS Despite a dramatic decline in active COVID-19 cases during the month of February, the county’s director of schools says it’s still not time to return to a traditional schedule. Director of Schools Barry Smith says the school system should continue with its current plan, allowing teachers and staff the opportunity…

AMERICA’S FUNNIEST VIDEO – LOCAL FAMILY WINS Four-year-old Harlan Hensley likes his independence. Holding his mother’s hand while walking to pre-k at Carthage United Methodist Church is sometimes a bit uncomfortable for the youth who seems to consider it a little childish for someone of his age to be led by an adult. Described by…

CRIMINAL HOMICIDE CHARGES FILED IN FRIDAY MORNING SHOOTING A Gordonsville woman faces charges in the shooting death of a 47-year-old Hogans Creek area man. Tara Leigh Greene, 33, has been charged by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) with criminal homicide and theft of property between $2,500 and $10,000, according to the affidavit of complaint…

GORDONSVILLE WOMAN ARRESTED, CHARGED IN SMITH COUNTY HOMICIDE CASE   SMITH COUNTY – Special Agents from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation have arrested and charged a Gordonsville woman accused of killing a Smith County man. At the request of 15th District Attorney General Tom Thompson, TBI Agents began investigating the death of 47-year-old Wendell Wilkey…

2020 COUNTY PROPERTY TAXES DUE THIS WEEK Annually, the last week in February marks the final days for residents to pay their county property taxes. Trustee Lee Ann Williams says her office will be open extended hours this week to accommodate those who are looking to pay their county property taxes. Each year, residents have…

UPPER CUMBERLAND ELECTRIC SLAMMED, THOUSANDS LOST POWER IN STORMS Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation (UCEMC) is calling last week’s system-wide power outage a natural “disaster” of “historic” proportions. It was the first of two winter storms which brought hours of freezing, rain, sleet and snow on Monday night into Tuesday to the electric company’s coverage…

ICE, SNOW STORMS STRIKE COUNTY Up To Six Inches In Areas The worst winter weather in some time swept through the county last week, bringing back-to-back ice and snow storms as well as persistent sub-freezing temperatures. Thursday morning, residents in most areas of the county awoke to six inches or more of icy precipitation on…

FUGITIVE FOUND LIVING AT CRUMP PARIS PARK A man wanted in Alabama was discovered in South Carthage after taking up temporary residence at Crump Paris Park. The man, identified as Curtis Edward Bakley, 32, Vinemont, Alabama, had been charged with first degree kidnapping, attempted assault, attempting to elude, reckless endangerment and criminal mischief, according to…

HALL PROMOTED AT WILSON BANK Jason Hall has been promoted to Smith County market leader at Wilson Bank & Trust, bank officials announced recently. In this role, Hall will provide oversight for the bank’s Smith County offices and lead efforts for continued growth in this market. Hall’s 27 years of experience in the banking industry…

COUNTY MAYOR SEES LIKELY DECREASE IN PROPERTY TAX County property owners could receive some much welcomed news in the weeks ahead. As county budget discussions are nearing, there’s an indication a decrease in the county’s $2.73 property tax this year could be upcoming. With a positive financial outlook for the county going into budget talks,…