61 year old David Gipson of Sevierville died Thursday at LeConte Medical Center in Sevierville. He was retired from the Army National Guard with more than 27 years. He was also a Baptist and a former State Trooper and electrician. The funeral will be Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at the Chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Gaylon Dawson and Dean Gipson will officiate and burial will be in DeKalb Memorial Gardens with military honors. Visitation will be Tuesday from 3-8 p.m. and Wednesday from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. He was preceded in death by his wife, Kristie Cook Gipson; parents, Joe Gipson, Jr. and Ruby E, Shrum. Grandparents, Joe and Nelly Gipson, Sr. and Walden Shrum and Cora Drake. Survivors include a daughter, Misty and Tim Pomplun of Murfreesboro. Three step children, Justin and Mary Lohorn of Smithville, Darin and Cheyene Caldwell of McMinnville, and Erica and Austin Highers of Smithville. Six grandchildren. Four brothers, Billy Gipson of Murfreesboro, Larry and Kathy Gipson of Murfreesboro, Dean and Shirley Gipson of Shelbyville, and Rickey Gipson of Murfreesboro. Mother-in-law, Faye Cook of Smithville. Father-in-law, Eddie Cook of Smithville. Several aunts, uncles, nephews, and nieces, and his dog Bella. Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Author Archive: Dwayne Page
David Gipson
61 year old David Gipson of Sevierville died Thursday at LeConte Medical Center in Sevierville. He was retired from the Army National Guard with more than 27 years. He was also a Baptist and a former State Trooper and electrician. The funeral will be Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at the Chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Gaylon Dawson and Dean Gipson will officiate and burial will be in DeKalb Memorial Gardens with military honors. Visitation will be Tuesday from 3-8 p.m. and Wednesday from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. He was preceded in death by his wife, Kristie Cook Gipson; parents, Joe Gipson, Jr. and Ruby E, Shrum. Grandparents, Joe and Nelly Gipson, Sr. and Walden Shrum and Cora Drake. Survivors include a daughter, Misty and Tim Pomplun of Murfreesboro. Three step children, Justin and Mary Lohorn of Smithville, Darin and Cheyene Caldwell of McMinnville, and Erica and Austin Highers of Smithville. Six grandchildren. Four brothers, Billy Gipson of Murfreesboro, Larry and Kathy Gipson of Murfreesboro, Dean and Shirley Gipson of Shelbyville, and Rickey Gipson of Murfreesboro. Mother-in-law, Faye Cook of Smithville. Father-in-law, Eddie Cook of Smithville. Several aunts, uncles, nephews, and nieces, and his dog Bella. Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Sarah Frances Walker
73 year old Sarah Frances Walker of Alexandria died Friday at NHC Healthcare of Smithville. She was a former secretary at DeKalb West School. Walker was also a member of the Dry Creek Baptist Church. A graveside service will be Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at the Prosperity Cemetery. Donald Owen will officiate. Visitation will be Saturday from 4-8 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter Ray and Maibell Bethel Jennings; and brothers, Van Jennings and Donald Jennings. She is survived by her husband of 32 years, James Robert Walker of Alexandria. A daughter, Dawn and husband Jon Hall of Crossville. Grandsons, Mason Hall and Tyler Hall both of Crossville. A sister, Linda and husband Roy D. “Pig” Curtis of Watertown. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria is in charge of the arrangements
Candidates for School Board, City, and State Races May Obtain Petitions Starting January 8
While the first election of 2016 is the local Democratic Primary and Presidential Primary, potential candidates for August can soon pick up qualifying petitions
Dennis Stanley, Administrator of Elections, says candidates for local school board, city and state representative races can obtain qualifying petitions beginning January 8. Those petitions must be returned by Noon April 7
The DeKalb County General and Tennessee State primaries are set for August 4.
Offices to be elected locally in August along with assessor of property and constable are school board seats for districts 4, 5, and 6. W.J. (Dub) Evins, III currently serves in District 5, Doug Stephens in District 6 and Kate Miller is filling her husband’s unexpired term in District 4.
On the state level, offices up for grabs are State Representatives in Districts 40 and 46 (currently held by Terri Lynn Weaver and Mark Pody, respectively) and 6th District Congressman, currently held by Diane Black.
Also on the ballot in August are three municipal elections—Dowelltown, Liberty and Smithville.
In Smithville, voters will elect three aldermen. The incumbents up for re-election are Shawn Jacobs, Josh Miller, and Danny Washer.
A mayor and two aldermen will be elected in Dowelltown. The positions are currently held by Mayor Gerald Bailiff and Aldermen Joe Bogle and Kevin Kent.
Liberty voters will choose four aldermen. Three of them to serve four years and the fourth to fill the remaining one year of an unexpired term. The three positions up for election to new four year terms are now held by Jason Ray, Paul Neal, and Todd Dodd. The person elected to the fourth seat will serve the last year of an unexpired term. J.D. Bratten currently holds that position.
To close out the year, the Presidential and Tennessee General elections will be held on November 8.
Smithville Police Arrest Two in Burglary at Broad Way Market
Smithville Police have made two arrests stemming from a recent burglary and theft at Broad Way Market.
24 year old Anthony W. Hale and 38 year old Jeremy W. Fenton are each charged with theft of property under $500 and burglary. Fenton was also charged with vandalism. Bond for Hale is $6,500. Fenton’s bond is $8,000. Both will make a court appearance on January 21.
Chief Mark Collins said that at 1:56 a.m. on Wednesday, December 16 police were dispatched to Broad Way Market due to a burglar alarm. Upon arrival, officers noticed the front door broken and a large rock lying on the floor inside the store. The owner provided video surveillance footage which showed two persons making their way through the store and taking 10 cartons of cigarettes. Later that day detectives identified the men and spoke with them at their residence. Another person, 36 year old Tara Kay Campbell gave police consent to search the premises where they found the stolen carton of cigarettes taken from Broad Way Market along with two scales used in illegal drug activity and four hypodermic needles.
As a result of the investigation, Hale and Fenton were placed under arrest. Campbell was cited for possession of drug paraphernalia. Her court date is January 7.
28 year old Antolin Guerra Castillo was arrested Friday, December 11 for a second offense of driving under the influence and driving on a revoked license. Smithville Police were dispatched to the area of South Congress Boulevard and East Broad Street in reference to a possible intoxicated driver. Officers located the vehicle, unoccupied, at Kwik N Ezy and they were able to identify Castillo as the driver from store surveillance
cameras. Castillo had a strong odor of alcohol on his person. His speech was slurred and he was unsteady on his feet. A computer check through Central Dispatch revealed Castillo’s driver’s license were revoked for a DUI in 2009. His bond is $4,000 and his court date is January 7.
24 year old Eric Dewayne Judkins was arrested for domestic assault on Sunday, December 13. Police were dispatched to a domestic violence call and learned that Judkins punched and choked the victim before their arrival. His bond is $1,500.
55 year old Nickey E. Cantrell was arrested for DUI on Monday, December 14. Police received a call of a driver traveling all over the highway on South Congress Boulevard. The investigating officer was informed that the vehicle had turned into Jewel’s Market. He found the automobile in the parking lot of the business with a man passed out at the wheel. The officer awoke the driver, Cantrell who was confused and his speech was slow and slurred. Cantrell submitted to and performed poorly on field sobriety tasks. Bond is $1,500 and his court date is January 28.
42 year old Bobbie Freddie Phillips was arrested on Friday, December 18 for domestic assault. On that day police responded to a possible domestic and upon arrival spoke with the victim. After a further investigation, it was determined that Phillips and the victim had gotten into a verbal argument that became physical. According to the warrant, the victim was pushed into a corner and then fell on the floor. Phillips then got on top and hit the victim in the face. Bond for Phillips is $5,000 and the court date is January 1.
Ressie “Bill” Luna
89 year old Ressie “Bill” Luna of the Johnson Chapel Community died Friday afternoon at her residence. She was a homemaker and a member of the Johnson Chapel Freewill Baptist Church. The funeral will be Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Peeled Chestnut Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from 5-8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. She was preceded in death by her husband, Reefus Luna; parents, William Richard and Minnie Acuff Luna. Four brothers, Burt, Hack, Wayne, and Otis Luna and two infant sisters. Survivors include a daughter, Bonnie and Marco Chacon of Sparta. Two sons, Larry and Angela Luna and Dwight and Maria Luna of Sparta. Seven grandchildren, Lisa Haycox, Larry Luna, Heather Guy, Brian Luna, Angel and Erick Chacon, and Kristi Gallahand. Four great grandchildren. Three great great grandchildren. Three sisters, Margaret Moore of Nashville, Bee Cook of Dickson, and Jessie Hawkins of Alabama. One brother, Ernest Luna of Colorado. Special caregiver, Veronica Cantrell of Sparta. Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangments
Jo Ann “Mama Jo” Robinson
Jo Ann “Mama Jo” Robinson age 79 of Smithville passed away Thursday night at her residence. She was born February 20, 1936 to her parents, the late Kise and Pauline Bennett Kelly. zin addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Robinson and 1 brother, Troy Kelly. Ms. Jo was a member of the Elizabeth Chapel Baptist Church, a retired shirt factory worker and a homemaker. Survivors include 3 children, Gloria (Steve) Losie of Cumming, GA; Tammy (Charles) Lowe of Smithville; Beckie (Richard) Werpecinisky of Smithville; 7 grandchildren, Charity Rodriquez, Kristopher Robinson, Chris (Rachel) Lowe, Jamie Werpecinisky, Dowing Burke, Jonah Burke and Briley Werpecinisky; several great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted 2:PM Sunday, December 20, 2015 at DeKalb Funeral Chapel and burial to follow in Bonham Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be on Saturday 2:PM until 8:PM and Sunday 10:AM until the time of the service at 2:PM. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Ressie “Bill” Luna
89 year old Ressie “Bill” Luna of the Johnson Chapel Community died Friday afternoon at her residence. She was a homemaker and a member of the Johnson Chapel Freewill Baptist Church. The funeral will be Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Peeled Chestnut Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from 5-8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. She was preceded in death by her husband, Reefus Luna; parents, William Richard and Minnie Acuff Luna. Four brothers, Burt, Hack, Wayne, and Otis Luna and two infant sisters. Survivors include a daughter, Bonnie and Marco Chacon of Sparta. Two sons, Larry and Angela Luna and Dwight and Maria Luna of Sparta. Seven grandchildren, Lisa Haycox, Larry Luna, Heather Guy, Brian Luna, Angel and Erick Chacon, and Kristi Gallahand. Four great grandchildren. Three great great grandchildren. Three sisters, Margaret Moore of Nashville, Bee Cook of Dickson, and Jessie Hawkins of Alabama. One brother, Ernest Luna of Colorado. Special caregiver, Veronica Cantrell of Sparta. Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangments
Jo Ann “Mama Jo” Robinson
Jo Ann “Mama Jo” Robinson age 79 of Smithville passed away Thursday night at her residence. She was born February 20, 1936 to her parents, the late Kise and Pauline Bennett Kelly. zin addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Robinson and 1 brother, Troy Kelly. Ms. Jo was a member of the Elizabeth Chapel Baptist Church, a retired shirt factory worker and a homemaker. Survivors include 3 children, Gloria (Steve) Losie of Cumming, GA; Tammy (Charles) Lowe of Smithville; Beckie (Richard) Werpecinisky of Smithville; 7 grandchildren, Charity Rodriquez, Kristopher Robinson, Chris (Rachel) Lowe, Jamie Werpecinisky, Dowing Burke, Jonah Burke and Briley Werpecinisky; several great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted 2:PM Sunday, December 20, 2015 at DeKalb Funeral Chapel and burial to follow in Bonham Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be on Saturday 2:PM until 8:PM and Sunday 10:AM until the time of the service at 2:PM. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
2016 Presidential Primary Ballot Now Set
Thursday marked an important milestone on the road to the White House, which will cross Tennessee during the 2016 election cycle. Secretary of State Tre Hargett has now certified the names of presidential candidates for the March 1 presidential preference primary, or “SEC Primary,” when Tennessee will join six other southern states to help decide who will be the next president of the United States.
“It is likely one of these men or women will hold our country’s highest elected office. Hopefully Tennesseans understand how much of an impact their votes will make,” Secretary Hargett said.
It’s important to note that once a candidate is certified for a party primary they are unable to appear on the November 8 general election ballot as the nominee of a different political party. Hargett presented the list of 14 Republicans and three Democrats to the State Election Commission December 1.
The following candidates will be placed on the March 1 ballot:
Republican Primary Ballot
•Jeb Bush
•Ben Carson
•Chris Christie
•Ted Cruz
•Carly Fiorina
•Jim Gilmore
•Lindsey O. Graham
•Mike Huckabee
•John R. Kasich
•George Pataki
•Rand Paul
•Marco Rubio
•Rick Santorum
•Donald J. Trump
Democratic Primary Ballot
•Hillary Clinton
•Martin J. O’Malley
•Bernie Sanders
Noon Thursday was also the withdrawal deadline for 2016 presidential delegate candidates. Delegate candidates cannot be considered qualified unless the Division of Elections received a letter from a presidential campaign identifying them. The finalized list is posted at: sos.tn.gov/elections.
Both the Tennessee Republican Party and the Tennessee Democratic Party have their own rules about how someone becomes a presidential delegate. The Republican presidential delegates are decided by election, which is coordinated through the division. The Democratic presidential delegates are decided by party rules. More information can be found here: sos.tn.gov/products/elections/qualifying-procedures-2016-presidential-delegates.