Wendy Askins, 55, of Red Boiling Springs, former Executive Director for the Upper Cumberland Development District (UCDD), was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Aleta A. Trauger to 18 months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release, for misusing the organization’s funds, announced David Rivera, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee. Judge Trauger also ordered Askins to pay $233,000 in restitution.
Askins was previously charged in a 12-count superseding indictment charging conspiracy, bank fraud, embezzlement, and making false statements. Askins pleaded guilty on August 30, 2016, to theft of Federal program funds.
The fraudulent scheme was carried out from March 2010 through February 2012. During that period, Askins purchased a property outside of Cookeville, Tennessee which she named Living the Dream. Askins used funds belonging to UCDD and its sister agencies, including the Cumberland Regional Development Corporation (CRDC) and the Cumberland Area Investment Corporation (CAIC), to renovate the home. Living the Dream was to serve as an assisted living facility for senior citizens, however, Askins and her daughter moved into the property and made luxurious upgrades to their residential wings.
Askins also set up a company called L.A. Management to operate the senior living facility. In order to hide her wrongdoing, Askins directed employees to falsify the minutes of the board of director’s meetings. At other times, Askins lied about the circumstances of the fake board minutes.
According to court documents, Askins carried out the scheme with co-defendant Larry Webb, who previously pleaded guilty on August 17, 2015. Webb is scheduled to be sentenced on November 14, 2016.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division; the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Inspector General; the U.S. Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; and the U.S. Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie N. Toussaint and William F. Abely.

The DeKalb County Tigers shutout the Cannon County Lions 42-0 at Woodbury Friday night to close out the regular season 7-3 overall with a 5-1 record and a 2nd place finish in region play.
The Tigers will host a first round TSSAA Class 3A Play-Off game next Friday night, November 4 against East Ridge at 7:00 p.m. in Smithville.
After a Bradley Miller interception, DeKalb County got its first score of the night on a 4 yard touchdown run by Matthew Poss with 1:39 left in the 1st period. Poss added the extra point and the Tigers led 7-0.
The Tigers’ next score came as time ran out in the 1st period. A bad snap on a Cannon County punt sailed over the kicker’s head and into the endzone. DeKalb County’s Devin Bain recovered the ball for a Tiger touchdown. Matthew Poss booted the extra point and DeKalb County led 14-0.
DeKalb County extended its lead with 2:23 left in the 2nd period on a 14 yard touchdown run by Colton Seifert. Matthew Poss added the extra point and the Tigers led 21-0.
With 5:14 left in the 3rd period, Tiger Quarterback Tyler Cantrell found Isaiah Jones on a 24 yard touchdown pass play. The P.A.T by Matthew Poss was good and DeKalb County led 28-0.
The Tigers added another score with 11:09 left in the 4th period on an 18 yard touchdown pass from Quarterback Tyler Cantrell to Matthew Poss and with the extra point by Poss, DeKalb County took a 35-0 lead.
DeKalb County’s last touchdown of the night came on an 18 yard run by Colton Seifert with 39 seconds left in the game. Andrew Fuson kicked the extra point and the Tigers won 42-0.
The Tigers’ next opponent, East Ridge finished the regular season 5-5 and 3-2 in region play.
East Ridge defeated Brainerd 34-6, Signal Mountain 35-28, Chattanooga Central 13-6, Howard 13-7, and Chattanooga Christian 39-28. Their losses have been to Polk County 35-28, Red Bank 22-10, Hixson 7-0, Notre Dame 50-26, and Loudon 16-13.
WJLE will have LIVE coverage of the game between the Tigers and East Ridge with the Voice of the Tigers John Pryor and Luke Willoughby on WJLE AM 1480/ FM 101.7 and LIVE streaming at www.wjle.com at 7:00 p.m. Friday, November 4 in Smithville. Our pre-game shows begin with Coach to Coach at 5:00 p.m. and Tiger Talk at 6:30 p.m.

The DeKalb County Tigers will wrap up the regular season tonight (Friday) as they take on the Cannon County Lions at Woodbury.
Kick-Off is at 7:00 p.m.
(CLICK LINK BELOW TO HEAR TIGER TALK)http://www.wjle.com/audio/tiger-talk-october-28
No matter the outcome, the Tigers have secured a second place finish in the region and will host a first round state play-off game next Friday night, November 4 against East Ridge.
DeKalb County’s overall record is 6-3 and 5-1 in the region. Cannon County is 2-7 and 0-5 in region play.
WJLE’s coverage begins with “Coach to Coach” at 5:00 p.m. followed by “Murphy’s Matchups” at 6:00 p.m. “Tiger Talk” follows at 6:30 p.m. featuring Coach Steve Trapp and Tiger Football players Steven Jennings, Christian Pruitt, and Jesse Smith.
Listen LIVE for the Play by Play at 7:00 p.m. with the Voice of the Tigers John Pryor and Luke Willoughby.

The 13th Annual Habitat for Humanity Chili Cook-off and Bake Sale, held Friday, October 28, 2016, on the Town Square was a great success! According to the Chili Cook-off Committee, there was a record turnout and more than $5,400 was raised for Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County.
“Cowabunga Chili” from the DeKalb County Board of Education took Top Chili Honors, with “Cheese Wagon Chili” from the DeKalb County Department of Transportation coming in second place. Third place chili honors went to “Hot Checks Chili” from Wilson Bank and Trust.
The Best Decorated Booth Award also went to “Cowabunga Chili” from the DeKalb County Board of Education, with “Spooky Bean Chili” from Middle Tennessee Natural Gas and “Cheese Wagon Chili” from the DeKalb County Department of Transportation tying for second place.
The Golden Spoon Award went to “The Courthouse Gang” from the DeKalb County Officials, who raised $197.00 for Habitat in cash donations at their booth.
Rounding out the nine participating teams were “Around the Block” from H&R Block; “The Bean Counters” from Janney and Associates, CPA’s; “Savvy Chili” from Savvy Scrubs/Professional Testing Services; and “No Liability Chili” from the DeKalb County Bar Association.
Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County thanks each of these teams for their dedication and support of the event; all those who donated the delicious baked goods; city and county officials for facilitating the event space; and all the fine folks of the community who came out to support Habitat and this great community event.
Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County is a locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization. Habitat for Humanity builds and renovates houses in partnership with volunteers and families in need, regardless of their ethnic or religious background. The houses then are sold to those in need at no profit and with no interest charged. To contact Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County, please call 215-8181.

Students at DeKalb County High School participated in a College and Career Fair Friday.
Representatives of local businesses, universities, healthcare facilities, law enforcement, EMS, fire departments, and members of the armed services set up booths in the gym to share information and in some cases demonstrations.
In the video below, a student is shown wearing a pair of Fatal Vision goggles from the Smithville Police Department. An alcohol impairment simulation which provides a sobering view of what impairment can do.

Participants in the College and Career Fair were as follows:
Atnip Chiropractic Clinic
Caney Fork Electric Cooperative
Cumberland University
DeKalb County Bar Association
DeKalb County Board of Education
DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department
DeKalb EMS
DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department
DTC Communications
Federal Mogul
Georgia Career Institute
Huff & Puff Trucking
Motlow State Community College
MTSU
NHC Healthcare Center
Nossi College Arts
Smithville Volunteer Fire Department
Smithville Police Department
St. Thomas DeKalb Hospital
Suncrest Home Health
Tenneco
Tennessee College of Applied Technology of Livingston
Tennessee College of Applied Technology of McMinnville
Tennessee College of Applied Technology of Hartsville
Tennessee College of Applied Technology of Murfreesboro
Tennessee Tech University
Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency
U.S. Marine Corps
USDA
UT Knoxville
Vol State Community College
Wilson Bank and Trust
University of Northwestern Ohio

Applications will be available for pickup for the 21st Annual Angel Tree Project from Monday, October 31st through Friday, November 4th.
Spokesperson Laura Stone said that the application turn in date has been set for one day only. “Applications can be picked up October 31st through November 4th. You will continue to pick up your applications at the Department of Human Services, but the application must be returned in person on November 9th at the Smithville First Baptist Church Life Enrichment Center,” she said.
“Completed applications must be returned to the First Baptist Church Life Enrichment Center Building in downtown Smithville (on the corner across from First Baptist) on Wednesday, November 9th from 2:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. Applications not returned to the Church LEC Building on November 9th WILL NOT be accepted. There are no exceptions to the requirements of the application process. It is very important that you understand we will only accept applications this one day only,” said Stone.
“Applications can only be picked up at the Department of Human Services on October 31st through November 4th and can only be returned to the Church LEC Building on November 9th. In addition to bringing the completed application, applicants must provide photo identification of the person applying and social security cards and birth certificates for ALL children listed on the application. We will only be keeping the application; all other documents will be returned to the applicant. If an applicant cannot appear in person, their application can be submitted by a family member as long as all of the required information is presented.” Stone continued.
“Eligible children must live in DeKalb County and be no older than age 12 by December 25, 2016. The Department of Human Services will only be passing out the applications. Nothing will be returned to them and any questions should be directed to Laura Stone at 615-464-7135”. Do not contact anyone at the Department of Human Services or First Baptist Church or anyone other than Laura. Your application will be denied if these directions are not followed. Stone adds that “the Angel Tree has been such a tremendous success in the past and with economic times extremely tough for many in our area, we want this years Angel Tree to be no exception. The Angel Tree helps so many families who are struggling to make ends meet. It is sad to think about, but many of these children would not otherwise have a single present for Christmas. With the economy still struggling, we are expecting demand to be high.”

An early voting record could be shattered before the week is out. That’s the word from the DeKalb County Election Commission.
“Through Friday, 2,695 votes had been cast (that number includes absentee ballots) and that’s over 500 less than the entire early voting period in 2012,” said Dennis Stanley, Administrator of Elections.
“The turnout has been phenomenal with an average of 290 voters each day. With that pace, we should come close to reaching the 4,000 mark,” he continued. “That would definitely be a record here.”
On Friday, 293 voted including 287 in person and 6 by absentee.
Meanwhile, Stanley had a few reminders for voters who are making their way to the polls.
•There is a 100-foot campaign free zone around the voting location so voters should not be discussing the candidates while in line.
•You may not use a mobile electronic or communication device for telephone conversations, recording or taking photographs or videos while inside the polling place. Under state law, you may use a mobile electronic or communication device for informational purposes to assist you in making election decisions in the polling place.
•State law requires voters who vote by personal appearance to present a Tennessee or U.S. Government issued photo I.D.
“We also want to remind the trick-or-treaters and their parents who will be in town Monday afternoon to use the second floor entrance to the courthouse,” Stanley said. “Early voting is conducted on the first floor and we hope those participating in the annual ‘Trick or Treat on the Square’ event to be mindful of the voters and the voting process.”

The DCHS Football Program received a check from Florence & White Ford of Smithville Wednesday evening in the amount of $6,020.
The check was presented to DCHS Football Coach Steve Trapp and DCHS Quarterback Club President Darrell Gill by Jimmy White of Florence & White Ford. The funds were raised in a Ford Test Drive Event held during “Football Community Night” at the high school in August sponsored by the Quarterback Club. Florence & White Ford brought in new Ford vehicles and donated money to the football program based on the number of test drives taken during the evening. Football fans also enjoyed a barbeque dinner and a scrimmage game between the Tigers and Friendship Christian.
Coach Trapp said he appreciates the support of Florence & White Ford and the community for the football program at DCHS. “This is something that will really help our program. Florence & White Ford supports DeKalb County athletics and especially football and we appreciate them. It was a good event that came together well with a lot of great people including our quarterback club. I can’t say enough how much we appreciate our county and Florence & White Ford. The money raised will be put to good use as far as supporting our program,” said Coach Trapp.
“We really appreciate Jimmy and the kind folks at Florence & White Ford. This Test Drive for Ford is great for our football program and it’s great for our community. It allowed fans to come out, enjoy barbeque, and help kick off the football season. We are looking at doing this as an annual thing and if you’re going to buy a new ford make sure you go to Florence & White Ford and give these guys a first chance,” said Darrell Gill, President of the DCHS Quarterback Club.
“We’re just happy to be able to help out and give back to the community,” added Jimmy White of Florence & White Ford.

Cumberland University President Paul C. Stumb will be the keynote speaker for the annual Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber Prayer Breakfast.
The event will be held Tuesday, November 22 from 7 a.m. until 8 a.m. at the DeKalb County Complex Theatre, 712 South Congress Boulevard, Smithville. Doors open at 6:30 a.m.
Dr. Stumb officially became the 26th president of Cumberland University on April 29, 2016. Dr. Stumb has served Cumberland University since 2003, when he became an Adjunct Professor, a capacity in which he served for two years before becoming Dean of the Labry School, now the Labry School of Science, Technology and Business.
Also on the program, Suzanne Slager will be singing the National Anthem and the special music. Local Boy Scout Troop #347 will present the flags. Leaders from our community will lead prayers for our Children and Families, Health and Healing of our Communities, and Military and Emergency Response Personnel making this a meaningful and memorable experience. A delicious breakfast will be prepared by Jason Evans, head chef of The Inn at Evins Mill. The menu includes homemade buttermilk biscuits and sausage gravy, scrambled eggs, country ham, fruit platter, fresh baked muffins, orange juice, and coffee. Breakfast will be served with the help of the 2016 Chamber Board of Directors.
Tickets are $12 per person and can be purchased at the Chamber office, from the Chamber Board of Directors, by calling the Chamber office, or emailing swilliams@dekalbcountychamber.org. We’ll be glad to hold your tickets at the door.
Chamber Executive Director, Suzanne Williams says, “I would like to invite everyone to join us at this special and inspirational event in giving thanks to God for the abundant blessings He has given us in our county and for His direction as we move forward into the future.”
The Chamber Prayer Breakfast is a wonderful way to begin the holiday season. A BIG THANK YOU to our current Chamber Prayer Breakfast Sponsors: Saint Thomas DeKalb Hospital, DTC Communications, Caney Fork Electric Cooperative, and Sunbelt Realty. For tickets or additional information, call the Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber at 615-597-4163.

The annual Veterans Appreciation assembly program will be held Friday morning, November 4 starting at 9:30 a.m. at Smithville Elementary School in recognition of Veteran’s Day which is November 11.
All veterans are invited and will need to be at the school by 9:15 a.m.
Last year, Kelly Birmingham led students from pre-K to the second grade in singing “God Bless the USA” and other patriotic songs in honor of veterans who have served in each branch of the military. Adrienne McCormick also read the “Veterans Day” poem by Cheryl Dyson.
For more information about this year’s program call 615-597-4415