WJLE’s “Fearless Forecasters” are returning for another season of college pigskin prognosticating today (Wednesday, August 31) at 4:30 p.m. After this week, the program will be on Thursday’s at 4:30 p.m.
This season’s regulars are Dewain Hendrixson, Scott Brown, Chad Kirby, Jeff James, Ricky Atnip, John Pryor, Joe Goodwin, and Darrell Gill. A different special guest will make an appearance each week. TWRA Officer Tony Cross will be the guest today.
The “Fearless Forecasters” pick who they believe will win in fifteen of the biggest or most interesting college football games of the week.
They also make an underdog selection each week, picking a team they think will win, even though that team is not favored to win.
The program is sponsored by Liberty State Bank, DeKalb County Ace Hardware, Middle Tennessee Natural Gas, Love-Cantrell Funeral Home, DeKalb County Insurance, DeKalb Tire and Service, and the Charles D. Atnip Realty & Auction Company.
Catch the “Fearless Forecasters” LIVE on WJLE weekly starting today.

The Tinsley Asphalt Company this morning (Tuesday) began milling downtown city streets in preparation for repaving.
The work has primarily been done today (Tuesday) on Don Cantrell Street and West Walnut Street on the north side of the courthouse. Traffic has been blocked in that area.
According to City Public Works Director Kevin Robinson, Officials of Tinsley have informed him that all the milling work downtown should be completed within three days and then the paving project will begin.
As a convenience to downtown businesses and their customers, the City of Smithville will provide transportation to anyone needing to get to a downtown business who cannot park on or near the public square because of the milling and paving project. You are asked to park in the city parking lot across from Love-Cantrell Funeral Home and call 615-597-6318 extension 1 to make arrangements for a city worker to pick you up and transport you by golf cart downtown and then back to your vehicle.
In addition to the public square around the courthouse, streets to be milled and repaved are Don Cantrell Street by City Hall, West Walnut Street, East Main Street, West Main Street, and West Market Street. The work is being done in sections and only the sections being worked on will be closed. The remainder of the square and streets are open
The courthouse and all businesses in the area will also remain open during this period

DeKalb County High school seniors can now retake the ACT for free on October 22.
The statewide “ACT Senior Retake Opportunity” allows seniors at all Tennessee public high schools who took the test as a junior to retake the test regardless of socioeconomic status, according to the Tennessee Department of Education.
The ACT is used across the country as an assessment of college and career readiness. Many colleges require the ACT or the SAT for admission and the tests are often used to determine eligibility for scholarships.
“DCHS seniors received their wavier/vouchers last week with their registration codes and directions to register for the retake test on October 22 at any National test site. Each student will be responsible for their own registration, transportation, and documentation by the registration deadline of September 16th. Many students across the state will be registering, so register now to ensure your first site choice. By retaking the ACT, many students will gain valuable scores that will help in admission or placement into their technical programs, colleges and career choices,” said Lisa Cripps, Supervisor of Instruction for 7th through 12th grade in DeKalb County.
Historical ACT data for Tennessee shows that students who take the test again typically increase their composite score by one to three points, according to the state department of education.
That could make the difference for students to qualify for the HOPE scholarship by earning a score of 21 out of 36 and also would allow more students to avoid remediation courses when they get to college.
“Allowing students an additional opportunity to show what they know by retaking the ACT can expand the possibilities for our students’ futures,” said State Education Commissioner Candice McQueen.
The statewide goal is to have an average ACT score of 21 by 2020, according to the department. A score of 21 is the benchmark for college readiness according to the ACT.
As of August 2015, the state average score was 19.8.
The registration deadline for the October 22 test is September 16 and if students register late, they are responsible for paying the late fees. The retake voucher expires on the late registration deadline, Sept. 30, and can’t be used for another national test date.
If students were to pay to retake the test, the cost is $39.50 for the test and $56.50 with the writing portion, according to the department.
If you have questions concerning this ACT RETAKE opportunity please contact Lisa Cripps at 615-215-2107. And If any DCHS senior missed taking the ACT last year as a junior they may take it this year with the junior class on April 19, 2017. Just notify your school counselor
You may also visit http://tn.gov/education/topic/act-sat. for more information.

Another grand jury sealed indictment has been served.
38 year old Phillip Edward Miranda of Short Mountain Highway, Smithville was arrested on Wednesday, August 17 after being named in a recent Grand Jury sealed indictment for three counts of simple possession of a schedule II drug (Cocaine, 4.5 Oxycodone tablets, and 1 Hydrocodone tablet). His bond is $2,500 and he will make a court appearance on September 12.
39 year old Randall Tittle of Earl Avenue, Smithville is cited for driving on roadways laned for travel and simple possession of a schedule VI drug. He will make a court appearance on September 15. Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on Wednesday, August 10 a deputy stopped Tittle’s vehicle for failure to maintain lane of travel. Upon a consent to search a bag of a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana was found on Tittle. It weighed .23 ounces.
37 year old B.J. Lee Brown of Earl Avenue, Smithville is cited for driving on a suspended license and possession of drug paraphernalia. His court date is September 15. Sheriff Ray said that on Friday, August 12 a detective saw Brown operating a motor vehicle and made a traffic stop knowing that Brown did not have a valid driver license. A computer check confirmed that Brown’s license were suspended in April, 2011 for failure to provide proof of insurance. The detective conducted a search and found Brown with a pill grinder and a straw.
49 year old William Hardie Morris of Old Snow Hill Road, Smithville is charged with resisting arrest. His bond totals $11,000 and his court date is September 29. Sheriff Ray said that on Monday, August 15 a deputy went to Morris’ home to serve active arrest warrants against him for driving under the influence and driving on a suspended or revoked license. While trying to conduct a search of his person, Morris retrieved from his pocket a pill in a small container and placed the pill in his mouth. Morris then began to pull away from and fight with the officer as the deputy was trying to get the pill from him. After telling him several times to spit the pill out and stop fighting, Morris finally did so and was taken into custody.
33 year old Jacob Lee Tramel of Coconut Ridge Road, Smithville is cited for driving on a suspended license, no insurance, and failure to maintain lane of travel. His court date is September 8. Sheriff Ray said that on Tuesday, August 23 a deputy stopped a blue SUV after observing the vehicle leave its lane of travel several times. Tramel was the driver. A computer check revealed that his license were suspended for failure to show proof of insurance on October 31, 2012. The officer learned that Tramel was also wanted in a local case for theft of property over $500 after conducting a warrants check.
19 year old James Paris Goff of Cookeville Boat Dock Road, Baxter is charged with assaulting another inmate while in jail. He is under a $1,500 bond and his court date is September 1. Sheriff Ray said on Thursday, August 18 a correctional officer witnessed Goff on video surveillance hit another inmate about his face and body. The other inmate suffered what is believed to be a broken nose.
52 year old Loretta Lynn Morgan of Malone Hollow Road, Smithville is charged with domestic assault. Her bond is $1,500 and her court date is November 17. Sheriff Ray said that on Wednesday, August 24 a deputy was dispatched to a residence on Malone Hollow Road in answer to a domestic assault complaint. Upon arrival the officer found that Morgan allegedly assaulted her roommate by hitting him in the side of the head with a closed fist. Morgan was placed under arrest.
29 year old Stephanee Joyce Wright of Frazier Street, Smithville is charged with domestic assault. Her bond is $2,500. Sheriff Ray said that on Tuesday, August 23 Wright allegedly assaulted her boyfriend at their residence on Ponder Lane in Smithville. Both parties admitted to the altercation having been physical in nature. Physical marks were apparent on both parties. After an investigation it was determined that Wright was the primary aggressor.
36 year old Randy Allen Maddux of Sparta is charged with failure to appear. His bond is $1,500 and his court date is September 1. Sheriff Ray said that Maddux was served two criminal summons earlier this month for criminal trespassing and theft of property under $50 at the White County Sheriff’s Department. He had ten days to be booked into the DeKalb County Jail but he failed to do so resulting in the failure to appear warrant.
35 year old Andrew Douglas Jackson of Hayes Street, Smithville is charged with criminal impersonation. His bond is $2,000 and his court date is September 15. Sheriff Ray said that on Saturday, August 27 a deputy stopped a Ford SUV for a traffic violation (head light out) and spoke to the driver, who identified himself as Terry Jackson and gave his date of birth as December 31, 1980. Upon further investigation, the officer learned that the man had not revealed his true identity or birth date. His real name is Andrew Douglas Jackson and his actual birthday is November 6, 1980.

Two people were injured in a crash Monday morning on Highway 70 east near Potters Home Center.
Trooper Jason Cobble of the Tennessee Highway Patrol told WJLE that 31 year old Bryan Gibbs of Alexandria was traveling east in a 1994 white GMC pickup truck when he crossed the center line and turning lane and into the path of a westbound 2016 Honda Pilot driven by 36 year old Sommer Britt of Smithville.
Britt was taken by DeKalb EMS to St. Thomas DeKalb Hospital where she was treated and released. Gibbs was placed under arrest and charged with a second offense of driving under the influence and cited for failure to exercise due care. He was taken to the hospital by law enforcement but was not seriously injured.
Trooper Cobble was assisted by Trooper Bobby Johnson
Members of the Smithville Police and Fire Departments were also on the scene.

The son of a DeKalb County native baseball star is making a mark in the sport himself.
Darien Tubbs of Cookeville, son of Greg Tubbs, recently belted the first of two homeruns of his professional career as a member of the Class Low-A Great Lakes, Michigan Loons. His first homerun came with a leadoff shot during the Loons 3-1 loss to the South Bend Cubs on Monday, August 8. He followed with another solo shot during the third inning and had a walkoff single in the bottom of the 10th inning to give the Loons’ an 11-10 victory over the Lake County Captains on Thursday, August 11.
In 52 games with Great Lakes, the 21 year old outfielder is batting .239 with two homeruns, 25 runs scored, 11 doubles, 17 runs batted in and 13 stolen bases.
Tubbs played for Cookeville High School and the University of Memphis before being taken by the Dodgers in the 16th round of the 2016 MLB Draft with pick No. 491 overall.
Tubbs hit .304/.379/.441 with 12 doubles, five triples and three home runs in 57 games in 2016, leading Memphis in both walks (26) and stolen bases (22), the latter in just 24 attempts.
The 5’9 Tubbs bats right-handed and throws left-handed, and he started 156 games in center field in his three years in school, and stole 66 bases.
Originally drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 22nd round of the 1984 June Amateur Draft, Darien’s father Greg Tubbs played 11 combined seasons in Atlanta’s Pittsburgh’s and Cincinnati’s farm systems. In 1,243 minor league games, the outfielder hit .285 with 1,267 hits and 262 stolen bases. Tubbs made his Major League debut with the Reds in 1993 and hit .186 (11-59) with a home run and two RBI in 35 career games. The elder Tubbs, who is now an assistant baseball coach at Cookeville High School, played in the outfield for the Pittsburgh Pirates-affiliated Buffalo Bisons in 1991, 1992 and 1994 and was inducted into the Buffalo Baseball Hall of Fame on July 11, 2014 in New York.

“Under the Lake”, a new book featuring Historic images, stories, and genealogy of life along the Caney Fork River before the impoundment of Center Hill Lake, has now arrived.
Authors of the book, Carol Williams, Judy Fuson, and Ria Baker will be at the DeKalb County Complex in the Senior Citizens Center on Thursday, September 1 from 9 a.m. until noon to sell and sign copies of the book. Those who have already ordered a copy may pick them up as well. Please bring your receipt.
“Under the Lake” chronicles four years of research and interviews with families revealing stories associated with the removal of homes, cemeteries, churches, and schools to make way for the lake.
Center Hill Lake was formed as the result of the Federal Flood Control Act of 1938 under which the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was authorized to erect a dam on the Caney Fork River to provide electricity and flood control to the area.
“Under the Lake” is a 9” x 12” inch hardback book with 304 pages. The cost is $40. More than half the 400 copies available have already been sold.
For more information contact Carol Williams at 931-260-5844, Judy Fuson at 615-464-5305, or Ria Baker at 615-529-2840.

The DeKalb County Community Health Center/Health Department celebrated National Health Center Week Aug. 7-13. The goal of this observance was to raise awareness about the mission and accomplishments of America’s health centers over the course of more than five decades.
There are 14 community health centers/health departments across the Upper Cumberland Region. These health centers provide full service adult and pediatric primary care as well as preventive health services to anyone with private insurance, TennCare or Medicare as well as those without insurance.
“I would like to recognize Merrill Harris for being a valued member of the Upper Cumberland Primary Care Board,” said DeKalb County Health Director Michael Railling “
To learn more about the services of your local community health center, please call 615-597-7599.

DeKalb County’s jobless rate for July was 5.9%, down from the rate of 6.1% for June and well below the 7.7% rate for July, 2015.
The local labor force for July was 7,580. A total of 7,140 were employed and 450 were without work.
Jobless rates for July among the fourteen counties in the Upper Cumberland region were as follows from highest to lowest:
Jackson:7.7%
Clay: 6.9%
Fentress: 6.6%
Van Buren: 6.4%
Pickett:6%
DeKalb: 5.9%
Cumberland: 5.9%
Overton: 5.9%
White: 5.3%
Putnam: 5.2%
Warren: 5.1%
Cannon: 4.9%
Macon:4.7%
Smith:4.7%
County unemployment rates for July 2016 show the rates decreased in 73 counties, increased in 11, and remained the same in 11 counties.
For the month of July, Davidson County had the state’s lowest major metropolitan rate at 3.7 percent, decreasing from 3.8 percent the previous month. Knox County was 4.2 percent in July, decreasing from 4.3 percent the previous month. The Hamilton County rate was 4.9 percent, unchanged from the previous month. Shelby County was 5.6 percent, down from 5.8 percent the previous month.
Tennessee’s preliminary unemployment rate for July was 4.3 percent, increasing two tenths of a percentage point from the previous month’s revised rate. The U.S. preliminary rate for July was 4.9 percent, remaining unchanged from the previous month.
The state and national unemployment rates are seasonally adjusted while the county unemployment rates are not. Seasonal adjustment is a statistical technique that eliminates the influences of weather, holidays, the opening and closing of schools, and other recurring seasonal events from economic time series.

Anyone who has plans to be downtown Smithville for any reason over the next couple of weeks may have to find a place to park outside the public square starting next week.
The City of Smithville has contracted with a company to begin a milling and repaving project on the public square and surrounding streets.
City Public Works Director Kevin Robinson told WJLE Thursday that the equipment is expected to be brought in Monday and the milling should get underway on Tuesday. Milling is a process of removing at least part of the surface of a paved street in preparation for repaving. The project is expected to take about two weeks to complete.
In June, the Aldermen voted to award the bid to Tinsley Asphalt Company of Tullahoma for $203,460, which was the lowest of the three bids submitted.
In addition to the public square around the courthouse, streets to be milled and repaved are Don Cantrell Street by City Hall, West Walnut Street, East Main Street, West Main Street, and West Market Street.The work will be done in sections and only the sections being worked on will be closed. The remainder of the square and streets will remain open
The courthouse and all businesses in the area will remain open during this period and persons may park in the City of Smithville parking lot located on the north side of the square across from Love-Cantrell Funeral Home.
The city’s 2016-17 State Street Aid budget has $350,000 for paving including $250,000 for the streets around the public square and $100,000 for other city streets.