Highpoint Health is making it easier for students to prepare for the upcoming school year by offering free sports physicals for all eligible participants. Hosted by Highpoint Health in partnership with Smith County Schools, this event ensures students can meet required health guidelines before joining athletic teams or band programs.

The physicals will take place at the Wellness Center behind the Board of Education from 3:00 to 5:30 PM. Students in grades K–7 can attend on May 4th and 5th, while those in grades 8–12 are scheduled for May 6th and 7th. The event is designed to be quick, convenient, and accessible for families.

To participate, students should bring a completed physical form, wear comfortable clothing, and come with a positive attitude. Forms will be distributed through schools in advance, allowing parents to complete them ahead of time.

This initiative not only removes financial barriers but also helps ensure that students are safe and ready to take part in extracurricular activities. By providing professional medical evaluations at no cost, Highpoint Health continues to support student wellness and community engagement.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 25, 2026 — it’s going to be an adventure you won’t want to miss!

Shuttle Service
Starting at 8:30 AM, the first shuttle will depart from Defeated Creek Park, with shuttles running every 30 minutes until 9:30 AM. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just out for a fun day, we’ll get you to the Overlook trailhead so you can take on the Bear Waller Gap Trail with ease!

Complimentary Lunch
After your adventure, we’ve got you covered with a delicious FREE lunch provided by the awesome folks at Friends of Cordell Hull Lake. Come hungry, and celebrate your day of outdoor fun!

This is a perfect day for family, friends, or anyone who loves the outdoors. Whether you’re hiking, biking, or just soaking in the scenery, it’s going to be a day to remember.

Don’t miss out — we’ll see you on April 25, 2026!

For more from the Friends of Cordell Hull Lake view their newsletter here.

Smith County High School is proud to announce its Senior Graduation Ceremony for the Class of 2026, taking place on Saturday, May 16th at 10:00 a.m.

The ceremony will be held at the SCHS Owl Football Stadium, located at 312 Fite Avenue East in Carthage, weather permitting. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will move indoors to the SCHS Bill Landreth Gymnasium.

Family, friends, and community members are invited to join in celebrating the achievements and bright futures of the graduating class. This milestone event marks the culmination of years of hard work and dedication, as students prepare to take the next step in their journeys.

APEX Academy registration has been extended through April 20 for rising Kindergarten through 9th graders. Contact your student’s school for more information. Contact your student’s school for more information.

On Thursday, April 16 at 11:30 AM all kids, parents, grandparents are invited to participate in fun space-themed science activities before the Smith County Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting of the new Storybook Trail in Carthage at noon. The Carthage Walking Track is at 350 Industrial Drive, north of the intersection of Jefferson Ave W and near the city pool.

For His Glory Ministries will be giving out FREE food on April 25th at he Spot in Carthage. The Baked Potato Bar will be open from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Animal lovers and bargain hunters alike will have something to look forward to as the Smith County Humane organization prepares for its upcoming “Pancakes for Paws” breakfast and community yard sale. The event, set for April 4th from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., will take place at the Smith County Ag Center.

The day will kick off with a pancake breakfast served from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., giving attendees a chance to enjoy a warm meal while supporting a good cause. Following breakfast, visitors can browse a wide selection of gently used items during the yard sale, with proceeds benefiting local animal care efforts.

Community members are encouraged to contribute by donating gently used items ahead of the event. Drop-off times are scheduled for March 30 through April 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with extended hours available April 2 and 3 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Smith County Humane relies on community support to continue its mission of helping animals in need. This event offers a fun and meaningful way for residents to get involved—whether by donating, shopping, or simply enjoying breakfast for a cause.

A community-focused lunch workshop is set to take place in Carthage, offering a meaningful opportunity to explore emotional well-being in a supportive environment. Titled “A Sharper Look at Emotional Health,” the event aims to help attendees better understand their feelings and discover practical ways to navigate them.

Scheduled for Saturday, March 28 at 3:30 p.m., the workshop will be held at “The Spot,” a local resource center dedicated to serving youth and families. The session will be led by licensed professional counselor John Michael Dixon, whose experience in mental health counseling brings both credibility and compassion to the discussion.

Participants can expect an open, informative conversation centered on emotional health, along with helpful insights tailored to everyday challenges. The event is sponsored by the Youth and Family Resource Network, reinforcing its mission to strengthen community support systems.

With snacks provided and a welcoming atmosphere, the workshop is designed to be accessible and engaging for individuals and families alike. For those seeking guidance, connection, or simply a deeper understanding of emotional wellness, this event offers a valuable space to start.

An upcoming estate sale in Elmwood, Tennessee offers a unique window into a lifetime of collected items, with something for nearly every kind of shopper. The sale will take place on Friday and Saturday, April 3–4, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM at 25 Danny Lane, drawing in both locals and visitors looking for great finds.

Shoppers can explore a wide range of items, from furniture, kitchenware, and books to tools, antiques, and decorative pieces. A standout feature of this sale is the extensive selection of farm equipment, including tractors, mowers, and hay tools—ideal for farmers, landowners, or hobbyists in need of dependable machinery.

In addition to practical goods, the sale also features vintage and collectible items such as cast iron cookware, glassware, figurines, and antique toy tractors. With everything priced to sell, it’s an excellent opportunity to score deals and uncover one-of-a-kind treasures.

Whether you’re furnishing a home, adding to a collection, or simply enjoying the experience of browsing, this Elmwood estate sale is well worth a visit.

On Thursday, April 16, 2026 at Noon, the Smith County Chamber of Commerce and the Carthage Rotary Club will host a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Storybook Trail at the Carthage Walking Track/ Dog Park at 350 Industrial Dr in Carthage. The trail is on the east side of Industrial Dr, and north of the intersection at Jefferson Av. West, near the City Pool.

This is the first Storybook Trail in the Carthage area. The trail is the result of a year of planning by the Carthage Rotary Club and partly funded by the Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation. There are 76 Storybook Trails in Tennessee intended to strengthen early literacy through interactive reading experiences on trails for children from birth to third grade.

The Carthage Storybook Trail features pages from the book by local author, inventor and retired electrical engineer, Larry Puhl. Ethan’s Space Adventure features art work based on the author’s animated video and a story to inspire interest in space science for young readers.

Parents and children of all ages are invited to participate in space themed games, including stomp rockets, space bean bags, hand speed challenge and demonstrations on magnets, radio communication and gravity beginning at 11:30 AM. All are welcome to stay for the ribbon cutting at Noon and to walk the Storybook Trail.