2016 is coming to a close, and with that, we take a look back at some of Smith County’s top stories of the year.
New Caney Fork Bridge Closure/Reopening
Smith County residents on the east side of the new Caney Fork Bridge were outraged when TDOT suddenly closed the bridge to traffic in January.
Cracks had developed in the pier caps supporting the bridge structure, prompting TDOT to shut it down until repairs could be made. Repairs included adding walls underneath the bridge for additional support.
While the bridge was under repair, motorists had to take lengthy detours around it, turning 10 minute trips to and from Carthage into 30 minutes or longer. Gordonsville Highway near the Interstate was particularly congested in mornings and afternoons with school traffic, forced to detour around the closed bridge.
The bridge reopened to traffic in June.
Original articles:
(US Hwy 70) New Caney Fork Bridge Closed Indefinitely
Citizens Speak Out About Highway 70 Bridge Closure; Petition Formed
Heated Discussion at TDOT Bridge Meeting; $2.5 Million Cost to Fix
Update: Caney Fork Bridge Scheduled to Reopen July 31 or Sooner
The Highway 70 Caney Fork Bridge is NOW Open to Traffic
Mines Close, Reopening Announced
2015 ended in uncertainty for families impacted by the sudden closure of the county’s three mines just before Christmas.
In August, it was reported that Nyrstar would not be resuming mining operations, and any future activity would take place after a potential sale of the mines was completed.
However, Nyrstar released a statement in late September announcing their intentions to resume mining operations in 2017 due to strengthened zinc prices and their projected sustainability.
Original articles:
Gordonsville Zinc Mine Shuts Down, Hundreds Find Themselves Unemployed
Nyrstar Not Resuming Mining Operations Despite Rising Zinc Prices
New Businesses Open Across the County, More Planned for 2017
Several new businesses came to Smith County in 2016.
Smokies Rib Shack filled the void left by Sonic’s former building after they relocated a couple of years ago, bringing “the best BBQ Ribs and chicken this side of heaven” to Carthage. The Candy Bar is another destination bringing a touch of nostalgia to Main Street, offering all sorts of enjoyable treats.
In Gordonsville, Bellacino’s Pizza & Grinders is another welcomed addition to a growing populace of restaurants near the interstate, where folks can enjoy fresh grinders, pizzas, salads, and appetizers.
Those in the Pleasant Shade and Defeated communities no longer have to travel a long distance for household essentials with the opening of a new Dollar General on Highway 80 near the intersection of Highway 85.
And while still in the early stages of construction, Carthage will soon have a Dollar Tree, set to open by late spring 2017!
Original Articles:
Business Spotlight: Smokie’s Rib Shack
Business Spotlight – The Candy Bar
Bellacino’s Opening Soon in Gordonsville
Highway 80 Dollar General Nearing Completion
Dollar Tree Breaks Ground in Carthage
Drought Hits County Hard
Fall 2016 saw the worst drought to strike the county in over four years.
Numerous fires were reported in grassy areas throughout the county in October and November due to extreme drought conditions.
A Burn Ban was in effect until around the middle of December in an effort to combat the possibility of future fires.
Fortunately, numerous rounds of heavy rain throughout the month of December have drastically improved drought conditions — so much so that the latest U.S. Drought Monitor has Smith County only in the ‘abnormally dry’ category, which is the first stage for drought and just one category away from being removed completely.
Fire articles:
Five Smith County Fire Departments Fight Brush Fire on Flatt Rock
Grass Fire Near Several Homes in Carthage
Cigarette Causes Hillside to Burn on Pig Branch
Brush Fire Burns 30+ Acres in Difficult
These are just a few of Smith County’s top stories of 2016.
From all of us at Smith County Insider, have a safe and happy new year!
