Area News

TOP GHS SENIORS NAMED Melody Kate Roth is valedictorian and Maggie Mason is salutatorian of the 2019 graduating class at Gordonsville High School. Melody Kate Roth placed first in the top ten at Gordonsville High School (GHS). She is the daughter of Kirk and Diana Roth of Brush Creek. The granddaughter of Katie Roth. She…

SCHOOLS DIRECTOR COMMENTS ON AUDIT The Smith County audit for the 2017-2018 fiscal year was released by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office in February. One of the findings pertained to the county’s school system. “The school department was assessed a penalty of $37,180 by the Internal Revenue Service for noncompliance with the Affordable Care Act,” the…

CARTHAGE POLICE LOCATE VAPES WITH HIGH THC Carthage police have charged a man after he was found in possession of multiple vape cartridges filled with a liquid containing high levels of THC. THC is the abbreviation for tetrahydrocannabinol, the chemical responsible for most of marijuana’s psychological effects. The investigation began when Officer Hugo Teasley observed…

HWY 70 PROJECT SLOWED FOR NOW A $6 million state department of transportation rock mitigation project in South Carthage is expected to be delayed. The project includes removing loose rock and vegetation from the bluff located on Highway 70 at the end of the Cordell Hull Bridge. Based on talks with state transportation officials, some…

OFFICIALS SAY TRAFFIC RELIEF AT EXIT YEARS AWAY Relief for one of the county’s most congested sections of roadway, Interstate Exit 258 in Gordonsville, is years away, state transportation department officials indicate. With vehicles exiting and entering Interstate 40, in addition to local traffic, the Gordonsville Highway intersection is one of the worst congested areas…

ANIMAL RESCUE GROUP ASKS FOR LAND DONATION Property Would Be Used For Shelter The recently formed Smith County Animal Rescue Organization is looking to establish an animal shelter on property located within the Smith County Landfill. The site of the proposed shelter would be a tract of land which is not suitable for landfill use.…

SECOND RIVER CITY BALL SET FOR MAY Tickets are on sale for the second annual River City Ball. The fundraiser will be held on Main Street in front of the courthouse on May 11. The black tie event is for ages 21 and up. Attendees are encouraged to wear a masquerade ball type mask. Citizens…

1LB OF MARIJUANA FOUND UNDER CAR HOOD A sheriff’s department deputy located a pound of marijuana hidden under the hood of a vehicle during a traffic stop. The incident began when sheriff’s department Deputy Parker Thomas was patrolling Interstate 40 around 11:41 p.m., Tuesday, March 5. While on patrol, the deputy noticed a vehicle with…

CARTHAGE CITY ATTORNEY RESIGNS Carthage City Attorney David Bass is resigning his position with the city. During the city’s March council meeting Thursday night, Bass informed the council he was stepping down and hoped to be out of office by April 1. Bass, who has served under a number of mayors, said he had held…

PLANS FOR FORMER MARKHAM’S STORE OUTLINED A new drink, dining and entertainment venue is expected to open in the former Markham’s Department Store building in Carthage. Brian Soda, who owns The Filling Station which has two locations in Nashville, is looking to bring a similar establishment to downtown Carthage. Appearing before the city’s beer board…