DeKalb County has two new doctors, Podiatrist Dr. Timothy R. Merrell and Dr. Jyotheen Karam, Board Certified Nephrologist of Nephrology Associates, PC in Nashville.
Dr. Merrell specializes in medicine and surgery of the foot. He treats conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, heel pain, neuroma, ingrown toenails, and diabetic foot care.
Dr. Merrell received his medical degree from the University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences in Des Moines, Iowa. He completed his residency program in the James H. Quillen VA Medical Hospital. Dr. Merrell has had a successful practice in Fayetteville, Tennessee for the past nine years.
Dr. Merrell is married to Marnie Merrell and has two great children. His daughter, Rae, is studying to become a Registered Nurse and his son, Blake, is a member of the United States Air Force. His interests include playing the guitar, mountain bike riding, scuba diving, fishing and organic gardening.
Dr. Merrell will be seeing patients at the Family Medical Center.
Dr. Karam specializes in the care of patients with kidney diseases and high blood pressure.
Dr. Karam received his medical degree at the India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi, India in 1995. He completed his internal medicine residency at the State University of New York at Buffalo in 2001. In 2003, he received a nephrology fellowship and joined the faculty at SUNY Buffalo – where he taught until moving to Middle Tennessee.
Dr. Karam will see patients at the Medical Specialty Office.
Author Archive: Dwayne Page
Fire Damages Two Storage Buildings At Bluhmtown Road Residence
The DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 1:36 p.m.Wednesday at 600 Bluhmtown Road.
Chief Donny Green says some burning trash on the property apparently spread to a storage building and a smaller utility building next to it causing significant damage to both structures. He says firefighters were able to save the buildings and the contents, including tools, workout equipment, beds, and other miscellaneous items were also salvageable.
The fire apparently did not threaten the residence on the property, which belongs to Al Mahan but is being rented by Pam Gaus.
A relative and neighbor of Ms Gaus, Jason Gaus spotted the fire and reported it.
Members of the Short Mountain Highway, Blue Springs, and Cookeville Highway Stations responded along with DeKalb EMS and the Sheriff’s Department. No one was injured.
Studio Six Photography Announces Fashion Show Cover Model Winners
Isabella McCoy of Alexandria and Hannah Watson of Smithville were announced as the official Cover Models of the 2007 Studio Six Fashion Show during a LIVE radio broadcast Wednesday on WJLE. Contestants were voted on by the public through the Studio Six Photography website. The ballots were drawn from two age categories: Ages 6 to 15 and 16 to 20.
“We were amazed at the response and thousands of votes we received. We personally did not know how this would go, but the success was overwhelming. The fashion show committee was very nervous leaving our cover models up to chance,” Beth Chandler and Amelia Lynn of Studio Six stated. “We both agreed that a younger age category needed to be included so that all ages would have an opportunity to win. We could not be happier with the winners. The billboards and promotion will be fabulous because of them!”
Voters purchased ballots for 25 cents with all proceeds going to the Education Foundation of DeKalb County partnering with Operation Head to Toe. Over 90 children were clothed this year and multiple scholarships given through these two important charitable organizations working specifically for DeKalb County.
“Now that our Cover Models are in place, our next step is to contact local businesses to help us sponsor the show to raise even more money for these wonderful organizations,” said Shan Burklow, owner of Studio Six Photography. “Groups or individuals that would like to volunteer their time or money will have a great time doing something beneficial for their county. Busineses should be on the lookout because I will be coming soon.”
The cover models will be used in all fashion show publicity including billboards, website, tickets, posters, and all advertising materials. The billboards featuring the 2007 Fashion Show Cover Models will go up March 1st but you can check out a preview on the Studio Six website February 13th. The show will be held Thursday, March 29th at 7:00 p.m. downtown Smithville. Tickets are on sale now at Studio Six Photography or can be purchased online at www.StudioSixLimited.com.
Lois Williams
76 year old Lois Williams of Smithville died Tuesday at DeKalb Community Hospital. She was a member of the Allen’s Chapel United Methodist Church and a retired factory worker. The funeral will be Thursday at 1:00 p.m. at DeKalb Funeral Chapel. Royce Martin and Phil Tollett will officiate and burial will be in DeKalb Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 1:00 p.m. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clifton Floyd and Dora Ethel Hullett Robinson; a brother, Edward Robinson; and two sisters, Delia Foutch and Clysta Pedigo. Survivors include two daughters, Patti and her husband Jim Coe of Lascassas and Annette and her husband David Medley of Smithville. Three grandchildren, Jenny Lynn and her husband Jeremy Hudgens of Murfreesboro, Louie Jack and his wife Constance Medley of Smithville, and Cindy Nicole Medley of Smithville. Two great grandchildren, Dustin and Kinsey Hudgens. Three sisters, Jo and her husband Jess Baker, Omega Hayes, and Mary and her husband Paul Parsley all of Smithville. Three brothers, Charles and his wife Jacqueline Robinson of Smithville, Carl and his wife Jo Robinson of Morrison, and Brisco and his wife Helen Robinson of Cookeville. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Ou Chen
45 year old Mr. Ou Chen of Palm Coast, Florida and formerly of Liberty died Sunday at the Halifax Medical Center in Daytona, Florida. He was a Christian and owner of the China American Garden Restaurant in Florida. The funeral will be Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at the Liberty United Methodist Church. Wilson Williams will officiate and burial will be in Salem Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at DeKalb Funeral Chapel and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 1:00 p.m. at the church. He was preceded in death by his father, Boun Chen and a nephew, Ming Chansiya. He is survived by his wife, Lyla Hong Chen of Florida. A son, David Tyler Chen of Florida. His mother, Onith Heuang Chen of Tennessee and Florida. Two sisters, Wai Ying of Hong Kong and Song and her husband Vang Chansiya of Florida. Four brothers, Kiang and his wife Pinoy Chen of Canada, Siao Tsan Chen of Japan, Tiu Joe and his wife Thann Chen of Chattanooga, and Pheng and his wife Lynne Chen of Florida. Seven nephews and six nieces survive, Wilson and Lois Williams of Liberty and many friends and loved ones. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Mobile Home Destroyed In Early Morning Fire-Two Escape Unharmed
Two people escaped injury in a mobile home fire early Tuesday morning at 230 Huddleston Loop off Adcock Cemetery Road.
Captain Jeff Williams says firefighters received a call at 3:45 a.m. to come to a trailer belonging to Melissa King being rented by Billy C. Cantrell.
Cantrell and his caretaker Cissy Petty, who were inside the trailer at the time of the fire, escaped unharmed but the mobile home was destroyed.
Captain Williams says Petty told firefighters that she was on the couch asleep when she awoke to the screams of Cantrell, who was in the same room, lying in a hospital bed, which had caught fire.
Firefighters speculate that Cantrell, who was on oxygen, may have been smoking in bed.
Members of the Cookeville Highway, Short Mountain Highway, and Midway Stations responded along with a tanker truck. DeKalb EMS was also on the scene as a precaution.
Estelle Grider Hutchins
76 year old Estelle Grider Hutchins of Smithville died Saturday at DeKalb Community Hospital. She was a retired factory worker and attended the First Baptist Church. The funeral will be Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at the Chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Virgil Hibdon, Jr. will officiate and burial will be in Whorton Springs Cemetery. She was preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Nancy Thomas Grider; two sons, Phillip and Patrick Hutchins; and two brothers, Everette and Lilbern Grider. Survivors include two daughters, Paula and her husband Bobby Pinegar of Smithville and Pam Davenport of Smithville. Two sons, Paul and his wife Treva Hutchins of McMinnville and Perry Hutchins of Kentucky. Nine grandchildren, Sandy and her husband Darrell Knowles of Smithville, B.J. Pinegar of Smithville, Tony and his wife Shellie Davenport of Kentucky, John Davenport of Smithville, Alon and his wife Cristy Hutchins of McMinnville, Alicia and her husband Robert Garza of McMinnville, Amy Hutchins of California, Angela Hutchins of Nashville,and Dustin Hutchins of Smithville. Six great grandchildren, Breanna and Britney Knowles of Smithville, Cameron and Ty Davenport of Kentucky, and Kolton and Haylee Hutchins of McMinnville. Four brothers, Dillard Grider of Cookeville, Howard Grider of Cookeville, Virgil Grider of Cookeville, and Clarence and his wife Linda Grider of Cookeville. One sister, Billie Palk of Cookeville. Two sisters-in-law, Juanita Dunn and Mary Grider of Cookeville and Alberta Davis of Florida. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will be Monday from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.; and Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m.
Joann C. Braswell
52 year old Joann C. Braswell of Smithville died Sunday at her residence. She was a Baptist and a co-owner of J & J Game Room. The funeral will be Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. David Mahan will officiate and burial will be in DeKalb Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Monday from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.; Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.; and Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 1:00 p.m. She was preceded in death by her parents, Caine and Anna Golden Conley; three brothers, Jim, Charles, and Jack Conley; and a sister, Bernice Conley. Survivors include her husband, James Braswell of Smithville. Three daughters, Teresa and her husband Brad Long of Cookeville, Stephanie Braswell of Smithville, and Lisa and her husband Terry Pease of Smithville. Four step-sons, Randy Braswell of Smithville, Johnny and his wife Maria Braswell of Nashville, David and his wife Brenda Braswell of South Carolina, and Jerry and his wife Carolyn Braswell of McMinnville. Thirteen grandchildren, Kayla and Bradley Long of Cookeville, Michael and Kelsey Braswell, Skylar, Tiffany, and Hannah Pease, Jimmy Pirtle, Christopher and Justin Braswell, and Shondra Braswell all of Smithville and Holly and Crystal Braswell of Nashville. One great grandchild also survives. Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. The family requests that donations be made to the Hospice Institute of your choice, in lieu of flowers.
Drivers License Roadside Safety Checkpoints Scheduled Friday
The Tennessee Highway Patrol will be conducting driver license
roadside safety checkpoints Friday, June 15th on State
Routes 53, 56, 83, 96, and 146 in DeKalb County.
Recognizing the danger presented to the public by unqualified
drivers, Troopers will concentrate their efforts on vehicles being
operated by drivers who would violate the driver license laws of
Tennessee.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol has found these driver license
roadside safety checkpoints to be an effective means of enforcing driver
license laws of Tennessee while ensuring the protection of all motorists.
Stepped Up Police Visibility and Enforcement Efforts Lead To Several Arrests
Smithville Police Officers working traffic enforcement and drug interdiction were busy over the past few days in stepped up efforts to have more police visibility.
Chief Thomas J. Stufano says on February 2nd Officers stopped 38 year old Celina Rena Tate of 848 Foster Road in Smithville leaving the Bridgeway Motel at 4:30 a.m. on a reported Domestic disturbance complaint. During the course of the investigation Officer?s found that Tate was under the influence of a drug or alcoholic beverage and was acting in a disorderly manner by beating on motel doors disturbing patrons. A records check disclosed that this was Tate?s 3rd offense for driving under the influence. She was eventually charged with DUI 3rd Offense, Refusal to Sign a Citation, Disorderly Conduct and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Syringes), and Simple Possession of a Scheduled III Drug. She was transported to the Dekalb County Jail under an $8,500 Bond. Tate?s vehicle, a 2000 Chevy S-10 4×4, was seized under the State?s Seizure Statute.
Meanwhile, Chief Stufano says on February 4th, 25 year old Juan A. Hernandez of 962 Blue Springs Road was stopped for a traffic infraction when Smithville Officers learned that Hernandez did not have a license due to it being revoked for a DUI. He was arrested and charged with a traffic citation and Driving on a Revoked License. He was transported to the DeKalb County Jail under a $1,500 bond and his vehicle, a 2002 Chevy Avalanche, was seized under the State?s Seizure Statute.
Also on February 4th, 19 year old Leon Birlain of 122 Delano Street in McMinnville was arrested for having an open container of an alcoholic beverage while driving, speeding and he did not have a valid Driver?s License or Insurance. Smithville Officer?s working a dedicated traffic enforcement detail on Highway 70 originally stopped Birlain for speeding. He was eventually arrested and transported to the Dekalb County Jail under a $1,500 bond.
In a separate case 33 year old Jason Cripps of 774 Four Seasons Road was arrested for Theft under $500.00 from the Walmart store on Highway 70. Smithville Police responded to the store after a Night Manager stated that Cripps was seen concealing a Dremmel Power tool under his clothing and leaving the store. He was eventually stopped and the item recovered. At the time of arrest Cripps had $420 in cash on him. He was arrested and transported to the DeKalb County Jail under a $1,500 bond.
Chief Stufano says traffic enforcement efforts over the weekend yielded 18 citations for speeding infractions, no driver?s license, no insurance and DUI. The Smithville Police Department is committed to providing the citizens and guests of Smithville a safer driving experience and would like to thank the motoring public for helping identify those drivers that put us in jeopardy.