The county commission met Thursday night at the courthouse to set tentative dates and times for public meetings on the proposal to increase the local option sales tax from 1.5% to 2.75%.
The issue will be decided by DeKalb County voters in a special election referendum on Thursday, May 17th. This will be a county wide election. Early voting will begin Friday, April 27th and end Saturday, May 12th.
On election day, May 17th, the polling places will open at 8 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.
County Mayor Mike Foster says these meetings will give the public a chance to express their views and ask questions.
In addition to setting the dates for the public meetings, the commissioners also signed a pledge that they will vote to decrease the property tax rate by at least 19 cents at the beginning of the new budget year, if the sales tax increase is approved at the polls. That pledge with the signatures will be published in the local newspapers next week.
The wording on the ballot will read:
“SHALL RESOLUTION 21-2-2007-1 PASSED BY THE DEKALB COUNTY COMMISSION ON FEBRUARY 26, 2007 PROVIDING FOR AN INCREASE IN THE LOCAL SALES TAX FROM 1.5% TO 2.75% WITH ONE-HALF (1/2) REQUIRED BY LAW AND THE REMAINDER AS PER AGREEMENT CONTRACTS, BE APPROVED?
FOR___
AGAINST___
The public meetings will be held on the following dates, times, and locations, subject to availability of the meeting places:
First District-
Tuesday, April 17th – the DeKalb County Fairgrounds at 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, April 17th- Temperance Hall Community Center at 7:15 p.m.
Second District-
Thursday, April 12th- Liberty Community Center at 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, April 12th- Dowelltown Community Center at 7:00 p.m.
Third District-
Monday, April 16th- Smithville Church of God Annex at 6:00 p.m.
Monday, April 16th- Snow Hill Community Center (second district location) at 7:15 p.m.
Fourth District-
Thursday, April 19th- Cherry Hill Community Center at 6:00 p.m.
Rock Castle- (date, time, and location to be announced)
Fifth District-
Tuesday, April 24th- Courthouse (4th district location) at 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, April 24th-Johnson’s Chapel Community Center at 7:15 p.m.
Sixth District-
Friday, April 20th- Belk Community Center at 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 21st- Keltonburg Community Center at 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 21st- Blue Springs Community Center at 6:30 p.m.
Seventh District-
Monday, April 23rd- Church of Christ Annex at 5:30 p.m.
The public is invited to attend any or all of the community meetings.

Members of the Smithville Volunteer Fire Department responded to a fire alarm after 3:00 a.m. today (Tuesday) at Walker Manufacturing on East Broad Street.
Fire Chief Charlie Parker says the blaze started in the industry’s air filtering system. “The system that filters the air out got some sparks or something in it which caused the fire. There’s about sixty filters in that particular unit and that’s where the fire was located just outside the building.”
“Smoke from the fire was forced inside through the vents and duct system. We did have to evacuate the building because there was a lot of smoke in there for a little while. We got everybody out and no one was hurt. We got all the burning filters pulled out and wet down to extinguish the fire and pressure fans inside the building were turned on to clear the smoke.”

The DeKalb County Grand Jury returned indictments against more than 40 people Monday and Tuesday and many others have been named in sealed indictments.
All those indicted will appear for arraignment in DeKalb County Criminal Court Monday, April 16th at 9:00 a.m.
The names of those charged in sealed indictments cannot be released until they are arrested.
Among those indicted are:
Amanda May Hicks- Possession of a schedule II controlled substance for sale and delivery
Art Dawson- Sale and delivery of a schedule II controlled substance
Vickie Ann Cantrell- Possession of a schedule II controlled substance for sale and delivery, simple possession of a schedule IV controlled substance, and possession of paraphernalia.
Eddie Lattimore- Possession of a schedule II controlled substance for sale and delivery (2 counts), illegal possession of a handgun as a convicted felon, and possession of paraphernalia
Darryl Wayne Cantrell- Aggravated assault and possession of paraphernalia
Calvin Kent Adcock- Burglary (2 counts) and Vandalism over $1,000
Kathyerine Michelle Carr- Sale and delivery of a schedule II controlled substance, possession of a schedule II controlled substance for sale and delivery (2 counts), possession of a schedule IV controlled substance for sale and delivery, possession of a prohibited weapon, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Andy Joe Certain- Possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, possession of paraphernalia, theft under $500, domestic assault, and telephone harassment
Joshua W. Goff- Sale and delivery of a schedule II controlled substance and possession of a schedule II controlled substance for sale and delivery
Thomas Jacob Sims- Aggravated burglary and theft over $1,000, and driving while suspended
Steven James Baker- Rape of a child (2 counts) and aggravated sexual battery (3 counts)
Garth L. Cantrell- Attempted first degree murder
Vickie Dornes Marsh- Possession of paraphernalia
Dallas E. Hannah- Simple possession of a schedule VI controlled substance, criminal conspiracy, possession of a schedule IV controlled substance for sale or delivery, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor
John T. Prater- Domestic assault
James N. McKissack and Joshua P. Knowles- Aggravated burglary (3 counts), theft over $500, theft under $500 (2 counts), and resisting arrest
Wilburn Estes and Margaret Lack-Attempted arson
David Allen Boss- DUI and violation of the implied consent law
Michael Lynn Vance- Aggravated burglary, burglary of an auto, theft under $500, evading arrest with a motor vehicle, and driving while revoked (2nd offense)
Timothy Wade Ford- Aggravated kidnaping and car jacking
Jimmy B. Martin- DUI 2nd offense and violation of the implied consent law
Richard B. Turner- theft under $500 and public intoxication
Nathaniel K. Murray- DUI 2nd offense and violation of the implied consent law
Roger Tremain Rapp III- Possession of a schedule II controlled substance for sale and delivery, simple possession of a schedule IV controlled substance and possession of a legend drug for sale and delivery
Carlos Garcia- Domestic assault
Larry J. Keaton- Driving on a revoked license (4th offense)
Halton Wayne Hicks- Failure to appear
John Lane Wilson- Domestic assault
Dennis M. McBride- DUI and violation of the implied consent law
Scottie Lenn Baird- Burglary (2 counts), theft over $1,000 (3 counts), and theft under $500
John R. Gentry II and Jeffrey L. Hendrix- Burglary, theft over $500, aggravated burglary, and vandalism over $10,000
Homer A. Petty and Homer Anthony Petty II- Burglary and theft over $1,000
Gary Wayne Adcock- DUI and violation of the implied consent law
James F. Summers, Carrie Young, and Randy A. Caldwell- Aggravated burglary and theft over $1,000 (2 counts)
Clenton Jerome Maples- Worthless check
Charles E. Kirby- DUI and violation of the implied consent law
Lorenzo Hawkins, Jr.- Driving on a revoked license (9th offense)
Joel Torres- No drivers license, violation of the seat belt law, violation of the registration law, and violation of the financial responsibility law
Jiminy Harris- Assault

Smithville Police arrested two persons on drug charges Friday as the result of a call from a concerned citizen .
Chief Thomas Stufano says Smithville Police Investigators working an undercover operation responded to the Walmart parking lot after a citizen called reporting that numerous people were getting in and out of two vans bearing out of state plates. “Upon arrival and contact with the occupants, officers detected a strong odor of marijuana emanating from inside one of the vans. Further investigation noted that the occupants had been smoking the substance and were intoxicated as a result. The subjects were arrested and additional drugs were found.”
Stufano says “Smithville Police were advised that the defendants were in the area selling magazines door to door. A check with the city clerk’s office could not provide a valid occupational license for the sales.
Arrested were 23 year old Veronica Ferrer of 3730 South Delsea Drive in Vineland New Jersey and 22 year old Cedric Antoine Sims of 604 North Avon Street in Rockford, Illinois. Both listed their occupation as Sales Managers supervising a crew of approximately 6 people each working in this area.”
The two were charged with Simple Possession of Drugs and transported to the DeKalb County Jail under a $1,500 bond each. The vans were also towed.
In another case, Smithville Officers working an enhanced DUI enforcement detail Sunday night, spotted 31 year old Cristobal Vazquez of 261 Park Drive, Rock Island driving his vehicle in a reckless manner and at a high rate of speed on Highway 56.
Chief Stufano says “Upon stopping the vehicle, officers smelled a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on Vazquez’ breath. Standardized sobriety tests confirmed that he was intoxicated. Also present at the scene was a substantial amount of a schedule III & IV narcotics along with some cash. Vazquez was arrested for DUI 2nd Offense and Possession of Schedule III & IV controlled substance for resale. He was transported to the DeKalb County Jail under a $13,000 bond. Vazquez was also ticketed for Violation of the Open Container Law, Unregistered vehicle, No License and No Insurance. The Vazquez’ vehicle was impounded pending forfeiture under the state’s DUI & Drug Law. He admitted to the officers that he was an illegal alien from Mexico working at one of the local nurseries.”
In other news, the Smithville Police Department is stepping up it’s DUI enforcement as summer approaches. High Schools are getting ready to graduate and parties and proms have already been planned. In a planned effort by the Smithville Police and the Tennessee Traffic Safety Council, literature and visual effects are being used to convey a strong public safety message. Parents are encouraged to set workable parameters with their children during party seasons that involve driving a motor vehicle.
Some Prom and Graduation Celebration tips include:
? Make sure your teen has a plan for the evening and that you know the plan.
? If your teen is driving, check the brakes, fluids and tires before they use the vehicle.
? Tell your teen not to drink and drive and lead by example.
? Limit the number of passengers your teen is allowed to transport.
? Take stock of the alcohol in your home.
? If you’re using a limousine service-allow no booze or drugs. Ask parents and passengers to sign a contract allowing the driver to phone the parents if alcohol or drugs are detected.
? Work with the school or a post-prom party host to have food, activities and a safe place for the teens to gather afterwards.
? Communicate with other parents and school officials.
? Insist that your teen and his/her passengers wear a seat belt and again lead by example.
? Parents remember to enforce the rules that you set.
? Teens remember to follow the plans you made with your parents.
Chief Stufano says “the Smithville Police Department commends our merchants and residents for their strong support in keeping our roadways free from Drug and Alcohol abuse. Your reporting of suspicious activity is making a difference!”

13 year old Heather Marie Hughes was chosen from a group of twenty eight girls as the 2007 Junior Miss DeKalb County at Saturday night’s Spring Blossom Pageant, sponsored by the Smithville Women’s Club.
Hughes is the daughter of Shawnn Meadows and Mike Hughes of Smithville.
She succeeds the retiring Junior Miss, Kristen LaCole Smartt, the 13 year old daughter of Paula and Aaron Taylor and Leslie and Diedre Smartt.
Meanwhile, 14 year old Chris Byrd, son of Rhonda Perez and Lee Byrd, was selected from a field of eight boys as the Junior Mister DeKalb County.
Byrd succeeds the retiring Junior Mister, 13 year old Jake Odom, son of Lisa Barnes and Shayne Odom.
First runner-up in the Junior Miss pageant was 14 year old Felicia Marie Ingram, daughter of Mary and Virgilo Verhelio. Second runner-up was 12 year old Victoria Dawn Tatrow, daughter of the late Shanna Tatrow and James and Vicky Funk. Third runner-up was 14 year old Camry Lou Colvert White, daughter of Steve and Lou Ann White. Fourth runner-up was 13 year old Ashlee Michelle Whitehead, daughter of Kenneth and Tina Whitehead. Fifth runner-up was 12 year old Sydney Jay-Ann Robinson, daughter of Charles and Rita Robinson.
14 year old Martha Allen Webb was chosen Miss Congeniality. She is the daughter of Alan and Lora Webb.
First runner-up in the Junior Mister pageant was 13 year old Daniel Young, son of Chris and Ami Fults and Brian and Mary Young.
Justin Allen France was selected as Mister Congeniality. He is the 14 year old son of Danny and Debbie France.

Deering Grace Hendrixson and Triston Bailey Stanley were selected Little Miss and Mister DeKalb County Saturday night at the Spring Blossom Pageant.
Hendrixson, the five year old daughter of Tiffany Hill Hendrixson and Darbie Hendrixson, succeeds the retiring Little Miss, Elizabeth Grace Guinn, the five year old daughter of Kendra and Ricky Guinn.
Stanley, the five year old son of Kym Curtis and Steve Stanley, succeeds the retiring Little Mister, Elijah Thomas Hall, the five year old son of April and Joseph Hall.
First runner-up in the Little Miss pageant was Melanie Odom, the six year old daughter of Tatiana and Shayne Odom. Second runner-up was Abigail Hope Taylor, the six year old daughter of Ken and Cindy Taylor. Third runner-up was Sarah Anne Colwell, the six year old daughter of Trent and Christie Colwell. Fourth runner-up was Madison Elaine Colwell, the six year old daughter of Gabriel and Heather Colwell.
Brittney Lynn Edwards was chosen Miss Manners. She is the four year old daughter of Ricky and Amanda Edwards..
First runner-up in the Little Mister pageant was Malachi Harrison Hall, the four year old son of Joseph and April Hall. He was also named Mister Manners.