New Automated Side Loader Garbage Truck Expected to Arrive Soon

The City of Smithville will be getting a new garbage truck for the sanitation department by June 1. The 2500 curbside trash containers to be distributed to households and businesses throughout the city have already arrived.
During Monday night’s monthly meeting, the Smithville Aldermen voted to transfer a $400,000 certificate of deposit from the bank to the city’s general fund to pay for the truck and cans. The total cost to the city for the new garbage truck and the 2500 trash containers is $313,064.
Unlike the city’s current garbage trucks, this new one will be manned only by the driver and equipped with an automated side loader for picking up curbside residential household garbage.
During the December meeting, the aldermen voted to purchase the garbage truck, a 24 cubic yard tandem axle Peterbilt 348, from Municipal Equipment, Inc. of Knoxville. Although the bid was highest of the six submitted at $192,564, City Administrator Hunter Hendrixson suggested it would be the best buy for the city.
The aldermen also voted to purchase 2500 curbside trash containers from Municipal Equipment, Inc. for $120,500 which was the lowest of the five bids submitted.
During Monday night’s meeting, Hendrixson recommended making the purchase from the CD saying it was earning less than 1% in the bank. Before the city starts the new garbage pickup system, an ordinance will be adopted by the aldermen and residents will be sent instructions on where to place their new garbage cans by the streets in order for the new truck to easily be able to access them.
Each home or business will be assigned one garbage can and it must be used but residents and businesses may purchase more cans if they wish.

Ray Donald “Rusty” Webb

Ray Donald “Rusty” Webb age 71 of Smithville passed away Saturday night, April 1, 2017 at NHC HealthCare Center of an extended illness. He was born December 13, 1945 to his parents, the late Clyde and Irene Webb. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, W.H. Webb. Ray Donald’s heartbeat and passion was baseball, he coached Little League Baseball from 1966 to 2005, he took the 1988 Little League Team to the CABA World Series in Des Moines, IA, where they came in 5th place. He was a member of Webb’s Chapel United Methodist Church and a farmer and nurseryman. He leaves behind to cherish his memory a family that loved him and to whom he was “Papa”, including his wife of 50 years, Betty Webb of Smithville; 4 children, Tracie (Greg) Baker, Tara (Michael) Hale, Trena (Anthony) Ferrell and Tad (Tracy) Webb all of Smithville; 10 grandchildren, Kalab Ferrell (Faith Eldridge), Rayanna (Chris) Chapman, Kayla (Chad) Harvey, Jaley Hale, Kadee Ferrell, Ty Webb, Maddox Hale, Tucker Webb, Tate Webb and J.T. (Roni) Baker; 3 great-grandchildren, Rusty Chapman, Jack Harvey and Haddeigh Harvey; 3 sisters, Sue Dexter Beshearse and Gail (Doyle) Slager both of Dowelltown and Patty (Eddie) Malone of Smithville. Several nieces, nephews and friends also survive. Funeral services will be held 4 PM Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Michael Hale and Don Nixon officiating and burial will follow in DeKalb Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday 12 Noon until 8 PM and Tuesday 10:AM until the time of the service at 4 PM. The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of NHC and Avalon Hospice for the wonderful care and love shown to Papa. So many went above and beyond the call of duty to care for him. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

Jose Rodriguez Wins DeKalb West Homerun 5K

The DeKalb West baseball team held the second annual Homerun 5K at their campus in Liberty on Saturday.
A total of 112 runners were registered and were rewarded with near perfect conditions. Many participants recorded personal bests with several people receiving their first ever medals.
The course, an out and back circuit, ran from the school parking lot, down Highway 70 into Liberty. There was also a 1 mile fun run held entirely on the school grounds.
The overall male winner was Jose Rodriguez, who won in spite of being at the registration table when the horn sounded to signal the start of the race. He completed the course, plus a little extra, in the time of 21:16.
The female division champ was Diana Moon who ran a 23:12.
The women’s age group winners are; 12 & under-Katherine Knowles; 13 to 15-Megan Cantrell; 16 to 20- Morgan Odom; 21 to 25-Jessica Styer; 26 to 30-Andrea Leon; 31 to 35-Cindy Pulley; 36 to 40-Diana Moon (women’s champ); 41 to 45-Kim Wheeler; 46 to 50-Anita Patrick; 56 to 59-Brenda Hooper; 60 to 65-Barbara Wall.
The men’s age group winners are; 12 and under-Cooper Brown; 13 to 15-Matt Sweeney; 16 to 20-Jose Rodriguez (men’s champ); 21 to 25-Riley Young; 26 to 30-Patrick Kent; 31 to 35-Josh Miller; 36 to 40-Cedron moon; 41 to 45-Kevin Malone; 51 to 55-Nathan Baker; 56 to 59-Mark
Sullivan; 65+-James Ervin.
Tucker Webb was the winner of the fun run

Ponder Found with Drugs at Walmart Parking Lot

A suspected drug dealer was arrested last week after officers checked out a suspicious vehicle at Walmart and found the driver slumped over the steering wheel of his pickup truck. The man, 39 year old Michael Alex Ponder of Robinson Road, Smithville, appeared to be intoxicated and he had on him methamphetamine and suboxone. He was also in possession of a handgun.
(CLICK LINK BELOW TO VIEW MUG SHOTS OF PERSONS RECENTLY BOOKED AT THE DEKALB COUNTY JAIL- Intakes & Releases From: 3/27/2017 Thru: 4/03/2017)
Seagate Crystal Reports – REPOR_17.pdf (2.94 MB)
Ponder is charged with driving under the influence, driving while in possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine for sale, delivery, or process, and possession of a handgun under the influence. Ponder was further cited for violation of the implied consent law and for simple possession of a schedule III drug. His bond totals $16,500 and his court date is April 27.
Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on Friday, March 31 a deputy responded to Walmart Drive due to a suspicious white Ford Ranger setting in the parking lot. The officer noticed the driver was slumped over the steering wheel. After several attempts, the deputy was able to awaken the man, Ponder. His eyes were bloodshot and watery and his speech was slurred. Ponder performed poorly on field sobriety tasks and he was placed under arrest.
A search of Ponder’s person produced two round white containers. In one of the containers, the officer found a baggie of a crystal like substance believed to be meth weighing 0.4 grams. In another container was two halves of a pill believed to be suboxone. A zip lock bag pouch was also found in his jacket pocket. In a black pouch, the deputy found three baggies of a crystal like substance believed to be meth. Individual weights were 3.7 grams, 1.1 grams, and 1.3 grams. The total weight of all the baggies was 6.5 grams. The substances field tested positive for meth.
A Smith & Wesson 40 caliber handgun was recovered from the floor board on the driver side. The officer conducting the search reported that he observed Ponder take something, believed to be the gun, from the small of his back and drop it on the floor board of the vehicle.
The cash found on Ponder during the investigation was also seized.

Lisa Peterson Appointed to DeKalb County Election Commission

A new member has been named to the DeKalb County Election Commission by the Tennessee Election Commission.
Mrs. Lisa Peterson, a resident of Smithville and former DeKalb County Administrator of Elections, is replacing Hearon Puckett as one of the two democratic members of the local commission. “I am honored and pleased to receive this appointment from the State Election Commission. I appreciate the opportunity to serve the voters of DeKalb County. It is my pledge to serve with honesty and integrity, and to carry out the duties of Commissioner to the best of my abilities,” said Peterson.
The former administrator lost her position (as administrator) in April, 2009 when the Republican controlled election commission took over and she later mounted an unsuccessful legal challenge over the decision.
The other Democrat on the DeKalb County Election Commission is Mrs. Jackie Smith. Smith was appointed in October, 2015 to fill a vacancy, and she has been re-appointed by the State Election Commission for her first full term. “I am really excited to be reappointed to the county election commission. It’s a duty that I take very seriously, and I am honored to serve in this capacity,” said Smith
The term for each member is for two years.
Since the state legislature is made up of a majority of GOP lawmakers, Republicans have the right to hold majority memberships on the Tennessee Election Commission as well as all county election commissions in Tennessee. The appointments to local commissions are made by the state election commission.
Jordan Wilkins, Chair of the DeKalb Democratic Party, stated: “ I want first to thank Mr. Hearon Puckett for his honorable years of service to our party. And, I’m thrilled to have Mrs. Peterson join the county election commission to represent the Democratic Party. Both Lisa and Jackie have been lifelong members of this party. They are progressive, strong, and talented women, and I am confident they will perform these positions with integrity .”
The Republican members of the local election commission, reappointed by the Tennessee Election Commission, are Walteen Parker, Barbara Vanatta, and Jim Dean. Vanatta and Dean are beginning their fifth terms. Parker has served since 1992.

DeKalb Recovery Court to Host Art Exhibit and Reception

The DeKalb County Recovery Court will be hosting an Art Exhibit and Reception April 5-7 at the County Complex History Room in the Mike Foster Multi-Purpose Center.
Recovery Court participants throughout Tennessee will join participants from the DeKalb County Recovery Court Program to share their experiences, strength and hope through art.
“We will be having an amazing art exhibit featuring the works of Drug/Recovery Court participants from across the state in DeKalb County,” said Norene Puckett, DeKalb Recovery Court Program Coordinator.
Tennessee Association of Drug Court Professionals solicited work from participants and staff in programs throughout the state with the prompt “what does recovery mean to me?” Art has a special way of helping people express their feelings in a safe and non-judgmental format. April is also Alcohol Awareness month so we will have an exciting virtual reality simulation of a drunk driving experience at the exhibit as well,” she said.
“The exhibit will open Wednesday, April 5th at 3:00 p.m. with an opening reception to follow at 5:00 p.m. Please join us in celebrating the work of these participants and the programs that help them be successful. The event is open to the public,” added Puckett.
This event is a partnership between the Tennessee Association of Drug Court Professionals, the DeKalb County Recovery Court, and the DeKalb Prevention Coalition.
For more information call Norene Puckett at 615-215-8690 or norene.drugcourt@gmail.com

Training Simulation at Center Hill Dam Rescues Dummy to Save Lives

Maintenance workers, mechanics, electricians and safety personnel recently descended into confined spaces deep within Center Hill Dam to rescue a trapped dummy in a training simulation. The group set up a tripod rescue system, placed it over an opening in the power plant floor and used a horizontal lift technique to hoist the mock victim 30 feet to safety.
Michael A. Krzychi, Detroit District Operations Branch safety specialist, and Phillip Harrell, Nashville District Safety Office industrial hygienist, provided 20 hours of classroom instruction and four hours of practical exercises to 32 employees who participated in the “Permitted Confined Space” training March 14-17, 2017.
“This type of training is very important to us because it acts as a protector for the men and women who go into dangerous permitted confined spaces,” Harrell said. “Permitted confined space training allows them to know specific requirements for a rescue and practice what to do if the need ever arises.”
Krzychi said the instruction also included hands-on interactive sessions with demonstration, written exams, and field exercises. Participants learn the basics of rescue techniques as well as assisting a fallen victim deep inside Center Hill Dam’s power plant using a no-entry rescue.
Power houses contain spaces that are considered “confined” because their configurations hinder the activities of employees who must enter, work in, and exit them.
Harrell said the class taught participants about identifying spaces, simulated rescue, and understanding Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements.
Krzychi said by practicing hands-on exercises, teaching the basics of self-rescue, and simulating assisting an unconscious victim, participants gain a clear understanding of the communication and team work need for a rescue.
James Sowell, Nashville District Operations safety officer and Crane and Hoist Program manager, coordinated the class with Krzychi.
“We are very fortunate to have both instructors,” said Sowell.
Sowell said 96 district employees attended 15 fall protection and rescue training classes in 2016 at Lake Barkley, Cordell Hull Lake, Lake Cumberland, Cheatham Lake, Wilson Lock, and at the Cumberland River Operations Center located at Old Hickory Lake.
The benefit of bringing in Krzychi from the Detroit District is he is able to “train the trainer.” The 32 designated employees that completed the training at Center Hill Dam will be able to train others around the district at their work spaces resulting in a cost savings of $100,000.
“It’s always great to see our employees receive training that is needed and in this case, we save some money by using the ‘train the trainer’ program,” said Sowell.
Sowell said that even though the training is required by the USACE Safety and Health, and also Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the need for confined space rescue training is sometimes overlooked by many facilities.
Harrell said other class specific topics covered regulations, hazard elimination and control methods, protection procedures, inspections, and components. He said a confined space has limited or restricted means for entry or exit, and it is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.
“Permitted confined spaces are called that for a reason,” said Harrell. “These spaces can be storage areas, tanks, storage bins, manholes, underground vaults, pits, silos, process vessels, and some pipelines.”
The training is critical for safety because mechanics, electricians, maintenance and engineers work in these environments every day at the locks, dams, powerhouses, in and around moving machinery every day.
The district’s goal is to certify training for rescue personnel and this includes requirements for different levels of responsibility. Operations Division personnel have completed more than 95 percent of the required training.
Krzychi said rescue after a fall must be a pre-planned and coordinated event. Current best-practices call for a thoughtful approach to retrieve a fallen worker as soon as possible without endangering the lives of those who must conduct the rescue operation.
Jerry Wisdom, an electrician from Lake Barkley Lock and Dam, practiced a rescue with his group by hoisting a dummy 100 feet from a permitted confined space.
“I think this is good training that I hope we’ll never have to use,” said Wisdom. “If I am ever in a situation where I needed assistance, I feel these guys could safely bring me out and save my life.”
Harrell said safety is always the number one priority, ensuring everyone is paying attention to detail.
According to Sowell, it takes patience and is a timely process for mechanics and electricians to learn new techniques and safety practices.
“Safety and training go hand-in-hand,” said Sowell. “Training is just like insurance for a car. It’s there if you have to use it or if you ever need it.”

TDOT Rejects Bid for Bridge Repair Project

Its going to take even longer before repairs begin on the Veterans Memorial Bridge on South College Street over Highway 70.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation has rejected the bid on the project.
According to Jennifer Flynn, TDOT Community Relations Officer, “all bids were rejected in the February letting. The project has not been re-let.”
Flynn said she plans to have more details next week.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation let bids for the project Friday, February 10 and Mid-State Construction Company, Inc. had the apparent lowest bid at $238,600.58.
The bid was initially expected to be awarded by mid-March with construction to follow. The completion time on the project was to have been on or before September 30.
The bridge was damaged in June, 2016 when a DeKalb County Landfill truck, driven by 54 year old Roger Chapman, hit the underside of the bridge as it was traveling east on Broad Street. Although the truck carried no dumpster at the time, the lift was up.

Steven Lee Gandy

62 year old Steven Lee Gandy of Smithville died Thursday at Alive Hospice in Nashville. He was a Baptist and a retired construction worker. The funeral will be Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Burial will be in Whorton Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from 2-8 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. until the service at 2 p.m. Gandy was preceded in death by his parents, Lee Van Gandy and Lillian Inez Moore Rigsby; and a brother, Dwight Redmon. Survivors include two daughters, Leslie and Bruce Parsley of Smithville. and Stephanie and Glenn Sparks of Sparta. One son, Steven Levan and Paula Gandy of Smithville. Four grandchildren, Courtney and Dustin Estes, Conner Rice, Micah Gandy, and Nevaeh Gandy all of Smithville. Three step grandchildren, Jacob, Kristen, and Katherine Parsley of Smithville. One sister and brother-in-law Patricia and David Redmon of Smithville and one brother and sister-in-law, Dwayne and Ponzella Redmon of Smithville. Several nieces and nephews survive. Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations please be made to help with funeral expenses.

Ella Rich

Ella Rich age 67 of Smithville, passed away Thursday night at NHC HealthCare Center in Smithville. She was born December 4, 1949 to her parents, the late Isaac Richard and Ruth Arrie West Melton. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Donnie Rich; 2 brothers, Harlon and James Melton; 1 sister, Anna Belle “Ann” Young. Ella was a faithful member of the Mt. Hope The Baptist Church and was a retired Daycare Provider and Homemaker. She leaves to cherish her memories 2 children, Kevin (Nikole) Rich of Meridianville, AL and Kortny (Eric) Blaylock of Sparta; 5 grandchildren, Landin, Dylin, and Masin Rich, Brooklynn and Brody Blaylock; 1 brother, Carlon (Mainell) Melton of Smithville and 1 sister, Eva (Dennis) Roller of Dowelltown; several nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and church family also survive. Funeral services will be Sunday, April 2, 2017 at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bros. Frank Randolph and Garry McBride officiating and interment to follow in DeKalb Memorial Gardens. Visitation with the family will be on Saturday 1PM until 8 PM and Sunday 9:AM until the time of the service at 2 PM. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.