Smithville Police Arrest Two On Drug Charges

Smithville Police arrested a Hendersonville man and woman on drug charges Tuesday night after finding marijuana, Valium, and drug paraphernalia in their automobile.
45 year old Ronald Wayne Mackie is charged with public intoxication and sale and delivery of a schedule IV controlled substance and 34 year old Karen K. Konstantynowicz faces charges of simple possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Officer Mike Billings says he was called to the BP Station on South Congress Boulevard Tuesday night around 7:00 p.m. in answer to a complaint about an intoxicated person.
In his report, Billings says, ” Upon my arrival, I noticed Mackie staggering in the parking lot. After making contact with Mackie and in talking with him, he appeared to be under the influence of drugs. Mackie was unsteady and his speech was slurred. He kept repeating himself.”
Konstantynowicz, who claimed to be the driver of the vehicle, gave officers consent to search the automobile and a small bag of a green leafy substance, believed to be marijuana, was found under the passenger seat. Officers also found a tin box containing another small baggie of marijuana, along with several prescription bottles including two bottles containing Valium, hemostats, a blade, and cut straws.
Mackie and Konstantynowicz were taken into custody and charged in the case. They will be in General Sessions Court on July 13th.
Officer Billings was assisted in the investigation by Officer Marcus Caldwell

Sheriff Emmons Applies For Tennessee Commissioner of Safety

DeKalb County Sheriff Lloyd Emmons is among twenty six persons who have applied for Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Safety.
The Tennessean is reporting Thursday that Interim Safety Commissioner Gerald Nicely is in the process of interviewing candidates to replace him atop the state Safety Department, which includes the THP and the state office that issues driver’s licenses.
Governor Phil Bredesen last week said “I want a real commitment to professionalism. I want somebody that I really believe is not just saying the words but I really believe is intent on creating a first-class, modern, professional Highway Patrol and all the stuff that that implies ? getting politics and all that kind of nonsense out of it.”
Bredesen says if the interviews go well, a new commissioner could be in place by next month, but if he doesn’t find the right person among these candidates, the process could take longer.
Nicely says the next commissioner will be tasked with seeing through changes in the department, which include a revamped professional standards division and the naming of several top command staff positions to be added after July 1.
The new commissioner will have to restore credibility to the agency and continue to get it back on track since its implosion in December. The top three officials stepped down amid scandal then, and Bredesen brought in Nicely from his regular job ? state transportation commissioner ? on a temporary basis.
Sheriff Emmons, former Tennessee Highway Patrolman and Lieutenant, left the patrol in 2002 to serve as DeKalb County’s sheriff, but he lost the May primary this year and will be leaving office in September.

Police Apprehend Suspect Near Scene Of Midnight Burglary

A 21 year old Smithville man is facing charges after being caught by police near the scene of a burglary on Luttrell Avenue early Wednesday morning.
Smithville Police Chief Gus Clemente says 21 year old Joshua Lynn McCowan of 434 Morgan Drive is charged with public intoxication, resisting arrest, possession of burglary tools, possession of a schedule IV controlled substance, and unlawful carrying of a weapon. He is also charged with burglary, theft of property valued at over $500, and theft of property valued at under $500.
Sergeant Steve Deffendoll and patrolman William Elliott were dispatched to 809 Luttrell Avenue around 1:04 a.m. Wednesday morning on a prowler call.
Officer Elliott’s report states that “Upon arrival, I saw one suspect between two houses. When instructed to stop, the suspect began to run. I chased the suspect behind the house where I then saw a second suspect lying on the ground. Both suspects ran between the houses and split up. I followed McCowan on a foot pursuit in between houses. McCowan ran across a porch and then around the corner of a house. As I came around the corner, I saw the suspect lying behind a bush. I instructed him to lie on his belly and outstretch his hands. I notified Sergeant Deffendoll. When he arrived I took the suspect into custody and called the county sheriff’s department to transport him to jail.”
A search was conducted in the neighborhood for a second suspect but no one else could be found
Police say McCowan had in his pocket, a knife exceeding four inches and an unlabeled bottle containing three blue pills believed to be xanax.
Officers also recovered a flashlight, tape, box cutters, screwdriver, and other tools consistent with items often used in committing a burglary.
A camouflaged duffle bag was also recovered containing a stereo cd player and tools.
Police say McCowan, upon his arrest, had a strong odor of alcohol on his person, and his speech was slurred.
Detective Sergeant Chris Russell, later Wednesday morning, spoke with a resident at 800 Luttrell Avenue who reported to police that his 1989 Chevrolet work truck had been burglarized. Entry was made by prying open the rear glass of the truck.
Russell, Thursday afternoon, said he had charged McCowan with theft over $500, theft under $500, and burglary resulting from an investigation into two vehicle burglaries which occurred during the early morning hours of Wednesday, June 21st. The thefts occurred on Luttrell Avenue And Anthony Avenue.
Detective Sergeant Russell says McCowan was arrested around 1:00 a.m. on June 21st by Sergeant Deffendoll and Officer Elliot on Luttrell Avenue after the officers saw McCowan and another male walking on Luttrell. When the officers attempted to talk to the subjects they fled on foot. McCowan was apprehended within a few minutes. McCowan had in his possession at the time of his arrest a camouflage cooler which had been reported stolen from the vehicle on Anthony Avenue. McCowan is scheduled to appear in General Sessions Court on July 20. His bond is set at $50,000.

Paul L. Thiele

70 year old Paul L. “Pete” Thiele of Sparta died Tuesday at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. He was a native of Mongaup, New York, a retired fire fighter, and a Korean War U.S. Marine veteran. A memorial service will be held Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at the First Methodist Church in Sparta. Larry Burke will officiate. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry H. and Anna Jane Carr Thiele. He is survived by his wife, Dare Thiele of Sparta. Two sons, Wayne Thiele of Glen Spey, New York and Craig Thiele of Brush Creek, Tennessee. One daughter, Donna Rains of Aubrey, Texas. Seven grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and four sisters, Florence Hunt, Deline Norris, Louise Mckerell all of Glen Spey, New York, and Marjorie Bachledar of Belleview, Florida. Hunter Funeral Home in Sparta is in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be made in lieu of flowers to the Sparta First United Methodist Church or to Relay for Life.

DeKalb County Fair To Celebrate 150th Year

The 150th DeKalb County Fair in Alexandria will be held July 24th through July 29th.
The theme of this year’s fair is “Spotlighting 150 years of Memories”
The following events are scheduled:
Monday, July 24th: Junior Fair Princess Pageant at 6:00 p.m. followed by the Fairest of the Fair Pageant at the Lions Club Pavilion.
Tuesday, July 25th: Little Mr. and Miss Pageant at 6:00 p.m. at the Lions Club Pavilion; Go-Cart Racing at 6:30 p.m. at the Hilltop Arena; and a Horse Show at 7:00 p.m. at the Grandstand.
Wednesday, July 26th: Little Miss Princess Pageant at 6:00 p.m. followed by the Miss Sweetheart Pageant at the Lions Club Pavilion; a Cattle Show at 6:00 p.m. at the Grandstand; and Four Wheeler and Motorcycle Racing at 6:00 p.m. at the Hilltop Arena.
Thursday, July 27th: Senior Citizen Day activities at 9:00 a.m. at the Lions Club Pavilion; a Baby Show at 6:00 p.m. followed by a Vintage Fashion Show at the Lions Club Pavilion; and Lawn Mower Racing at 7:00 p.m. at the Hilltop Arena.
Friday, July 28th: Toddler Show at 6:00 p.m. followed by Gospel Singing at the Lions Club Pavilion; an Antique Tractor Pull at 6:00 p.m. at the Hilltop Arena; and a Demolition Derby at 7:00 p.m. at the Grandstand.
Saturday, July 29th: a Horse Shoe Tournament at 3:00 p.m. at the barn; a performance by the DeKalb County High School Band at 5:00 p.m.; Karaoke and Games at 5:30 p.m. at the Lions Club Pavilion; Live Band and Dancing at 8:30 p.m. at the pavilion; and a Super Tractor and Truck Pull at 6:00 p.m. at the Hilltop Arena.
Music in celebration of the decades will be featured each night around 5:45 p.m. and there will be a $1,000 cash give away each night at 9:00 p.m. at the Lions Club Pavilion. You must be present to win. Any unclaimed money during the week will be given away on Saturday night.
WSMV Channel 4’s Snow Bird will be at the fair on Tuesday, July 25 from 5-7 p.m.
Rides on the Midway will be provided by the Family Attractions Amusement Company. Unlimited rides will be available each night for $14.00.
The fair will feature lots of delicious foods and many commercial, agricultural, and women’s exhibits.
Admission to the fair is $3.00 per person. Children under age six will be admitted free! Gates open at 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. Parking is Free!
All non-perishable exhibit items must be brought to the fairgrounds on Saturday, July 15 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. and all perishable exhibit items must be brought to the fairgrounds on Saturday, July 22 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
Premium (Exhibit) books containing detailed information on entering items in the fair are available at the Smithville and Alexandria libraries; DeKalb Community Bank; Liberty State Bank; Regions Bank; and at the Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce.
For more information, call 529-FAIR or visit on-line at www.dekalbcountyfair.us or dekalbtn.com.

Mettie Miller Weston

89 year old Mettie Miller Weston of Lebanon died Tuesday at Quality Health Care Center in Lebanon. She was a retired factory worker and a Baptist. The funeral will be Thursday at 1:00p.m. at the Chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Bernard Houk will officiate and burial will be in the Banks Cemetery. She was preceded in death by her parents Alfred and Mary Etta Williams Miller, four brothers Luther, Valter, Toy and Orville Miller, and one sister Nettie Kelly. She is survived by one daughter Sue Cunliffe of Nashville, two sons Alfred Reeves, and Giles Weston of Lebanon, eight grandchildren, thirteen great-granchildren, and one sister Velma Hale of Arkansas. Visitation will be Thursday from 10:00a.m until the time of the service at 1:00p.m. Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Hendrixson Elected Mayor- White & Burger Win Alderman Seats

Taft Hendrixson has been elected Mayor of Smithville.
Hendrixson defeated challenger Jerry Hutchins’, Sr. in Tuesday’s Municipal Election 365 votes (55%) to 301 votes (45%)
Incumbent Smithville Mayor Cecil Burger, who has served sixteen years as the city’s chief executive, decided not to seek re-election this year, opting instead to run for alderman.
Both Burger and Incumbent Alderman Stephen White were elected to the city council.
White led the ticket with 380 votes (34%) while Burger received 350 votes (31%).
Incumbent Alderman Jackie Rigsby, who is serving an unexpired term, lost his bid for election coming in third place with 322 votes (29%) and Alford Webber received 68 votes (6%).
A total of 696 people voted in the city election, including 425 early voters and 271 on election day. There are almost 3,100 registered city voters.
The vote in the mayor’s race breaks down as follows:
Taft Hendrixson: Early Voting- 199, Absentees- 16, and Election Day- 150.
Jerry Hutchins. Sr.: Early Voting- 182, Absentees- 10, and Election Day- 109
The vote in the aldermen race breaks down as follows:
Stephen White- Early Voting- 207, Absentees- 13, Election Day- 160
Cecil Burger- Early Voting- 210, Absentees- 17, Election Day- 123
Jackie R. Rigsby- Early Voting- 184, Absentees- 9, Election Day- 129
Alford H. Webber- Early Voting- 34, Absentees-3, Election Day- 31
The new make up of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen will be as follows:
Mayor Taft Hendrixson and Aldermen Stephen White, Cecil Burger, Aaron Meeks, W.J. (Dub) White, and Paul Young.
Each term is for two years.
The newly elected mayor and aldermen will be sworn into office to begin their new terms during a special meeting on Saturday, July 1st at 8:00 a.m. at city hall

Bernice Vance

83 year old Bernice Vance of Smithville and formerly of White County died Saturday at NHC of Sparta. The funeral will be Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Thurman Funeral Home in Sparta. Burial will be in the Lost Creek Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home. Survivors include a daughter, Starla Neely and her husband Kevin of Smithville. Two sons, Ralph Vance and his wife Effie and Ronald David Vance all of Sparta. Two sisters, Grace and her husband Jack Billings of Sparta and Evelyn and her husband Ken Jensen of New Mexico. Thirteen grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren, and two great great grandchildren survive. Thurman Funeral Home in Sparta is in charge of the arrangements.

Jessie Bing Smith

93 year old Jessie Bing Smith of Hurlock Maryland and formerly of Smithville died Sunday at Homestead Manor in Denton, Maryland. She was a retired school teacher. The funeral will be Wednesday at 7:00p.m at Zeller Funeral Home in Maryland. Delmer Willey will officiate and burial will follow in Arlington National Cemetery. She was preceded in death by her parents William and Ova Bing. Husbands Tillmon Brownlow “Brown” West, and Aubrey Boyd Smith. Two sisters Bertie Gill, Doris Bing, and one brother W.H. “Dub” Bing. Local survivors include two sisters Betty Smith and Billie Robinson both of Smithville. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5:00p.m. until the time of the service at 7:00p.m. This information provided as a courtesy of Love Cantrell Funeral Home.

Dorothy Edna Skinner

92 Year old Dorothy Edna Skinner of Smithville and formerly of Yorktown,Indiana died saturday at NHC Healthcare Center in Smithville. She was a florist, life time member of the Eastern Star in Dunkirk,Indiana, and a member of the Mt. Talbor United Methodist Church in Dunkirk,Indiana. She was preceded in death by her parents Dallas L. and Edna Vogt Radcliff, husband George I. Skinner. She is survived by two children Darla and her husband Ed Hickman, and James and his wife Elizabeth Wood all of Smithville. One brother Dallas L. Radcliff of Laguna Woods,California. Five grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. Ms. Skinner’s remains have been cremated. There will be a family graveside memorial service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Justin Potter Library in memory of Ms. Skinner. Dekalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.