78 year old Edna Mai Burton Ashford of Smithville passed away on Wednesday. She was a self employed upholsterer and a member of the Old Fashioned Freewill Baptist Church. The funeral will be Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Leonard Herman and David Lawson will officiate and burial will be in the Hale Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 4-8 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.; and Sunday from 10 a.m. until the service at 2 p.m. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Marshall and Etta Frances Barrett Burton; husband, James Edward Ashford; daughter and her husband, Tina Marie and Jerry Cantrell; sons, James David Ashford, Timothy Edward Ashford, and Jerry Allen Ashford; grandson, Gary Wayne Cantrell; son-in-law, Jimmy Mullican; sisters, Ava Paulette Burton, Frances Elizabeth Burton, Helen Faye Bowen, and Janice Renee McClanahan; father and mother-in-law, John and Maggie Ashford; brothers-in-law, Frank Bowen, Eugene McClanahan, and Owen Ashford. Survivors include daughters, Wanda Gail Mullican, Barbara and Steve Green, and Rhonda Cantrell; grandchildren, Lisa and Chris Barrett, Paul and Kaylee Mullican, Amanda and Anthony Hasemann, Hannah and Nathan Armour, and Felisha and Henry Cantrell; step-grandchildren, Rennie Young and John Mason; great grandchildren, Adrian Barrett, Austin Cantrell, Dakoda Cantrell, Aveya Cantrell, Kyler Turner, Braylee Turner, Auna Starnes, Klara Armour, and Khloee Armour, and special sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law. Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Author Archive: Dwayne Page
Nolan Richard Turner
77 year old Nolan Richard Turner of Smithville passed away Thursday at his residence. He was a retired manager of the Farm Bureau and Loan Officer and Public Relations Manager at DeKalb Community Bank. The funeral will be Saturday at 12 noon at the Smithville First Baptist Church, where he was a member. Rick Roberts and Bill Robertson will officiate and burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Nashville. Visitation will be Friday from 4-8 p.m. at Love-Cantrell Funeral Home and Saturday from 10 a.m. until the service at noon at the Smithville First Baptist Church. Turner was preceded in death by his parents, Brown and Pearl Ford Turner and a daughter, Jo Ellen Huffman. Survivors include his wife, Polly Nixon Turner of Smithville. Sons, Jamie Turner of Dowelltown and Jonathan Turner of Nashville. Daughter, Jennifer and Rich Wisthuff of Hermitage. Granddaughter, Emma Wisthuff of Hermitage. Brothers, Bratten and Annie Turner of Lebanon, Jimmy and Lynn Turner of Alexandria, Willie and Lavella Turner of Alexandria, Joe and Velma Turner of Watertown, and Don and Gail Turner of Smithville. Sisters, Faye Turner Evans and Jean Turner Hope both of Smithville. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Donations may be made to Gideons International. Pallbearers will be Stephen Officer, Dan Hancock, Mike Braswell, Mike Conley, Ernest Ray, Chad Colwell, Mark Willoughby, and Greg Evans. Honorary Pallbearers are Farm Bureau employees, DeKalb Community Bank employees, Agricultural Extension Committee and employees, Joe Stone, Gideons, First Baptist Sunday School Class, and Election Commission.
Nolan was born December 14, 1939 in Cannon County, Tennessee. At age one, the Turner family moved to DeKalb County. He was the 5th child of a family of eight children who was educated in the schools of DeKalb County, graduating from Liberty High School in 1957. He received his B.S. Degree in Agriculture (Agronomy) from Tennessee Tech in 1961. He received his C.L.U. Designation from American College in 1984. While at Tech, he was very active in school activities and he also worked for $.50/hour in the cafeteria and summer construction for all his college expenses.
Nolan was a member of the National Championship Collegiate Land Judging Team. He was instrumental in establishing an Agriculture Honor Society, known as Delta Tau Alpha, and became the Charter President at Tech. He was also Editor of “The Aggie Contact”, a magazine for all Agriculture graduates. He was President of the Agronomy Club and Vice President of the Aggie Club. He was honored with “Who’s Who in American College and Universities” from Tech. After graduation from Tech in 1961, he became the office manager for Production Credit Association in DeKalb County. He worked for them for 5 1/2 years and then changed jobs to Agency and Office Manager of DeKalb County Farm Bureau. He worked for Farm Bureau for 35 1/2 years before retiring. He won many awards and incentives in his insurance career.
The next three years he spent helping his son in the Auto Parts business, taught school, enjoyed being at home, relishing in his vegetable and rose gardens. In 2005, he went to work for DeKalb Community Bank (now known as Wilson Bank and Trust). He worked in loans and later as Business Development for about twelve years before retiring.
Community & Civic Activities
*Chairman of the DeKalb Utility District Board of Directors when the 1st water lines were laid.
*Chairman of the Board of DeKalb Farmer’s Co-op. The Co-op building was built under his leadership
*Spent 32 years on the DeKalb County Election Commission, 25 years as Chairman
*Spent 23 years with the Fiddlers’ Jamboree as official photographer, and souvenir booklet layout for 15 years
*Helped establish Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County, President for two terms and helped build new houses
*He helped in starting The Gideons International Smithville Camp and served in almost all programs with them. He served 25 years as Gideon Memorial Bible Representative.
*He served as Cub Master and on the Boy Scouts Advancement Committee
*He was awarded the Long Rifle Award by the Boy Scouts of Middle Tennessee Council
*He trained Land Judging Teams for the F.F.A. and 4-H Clubs that won district and state titles.
*He served as State Chairman of the 4-H Volunteer Leaders’ Committee in 1993-1994 and 1998-1999.
*He served on the county Agriculture Committee of U.T. Extension, and was Chairman for several years.
*He was awarded the Outstanding Agriculture Alumnus Award from T.T.U. in 1993
*He served on the Soil Conservation Committee of DeKalb County
*He was awarded The Legacy Award by the County Leadership Committee
*He served on the TN 4-H Foundation Board of Directors
*He served on the U.T. Extension District Advisory Board and was Committee Chairman
*He helped organize the Liberty High School Alumni Association and served as President for 13 years.
*He was President of the PTO of Smithville Elementary and DeKalb Middle School.
Hobbies
*Growing roses and sharing them with others
*refurbishing antique lamps
*Gardening
Church
*Taught youth and adults in Sunday School, RA’s
*Served on Property & Finance Committees as Chairman
*He was in the Church Choir
*He was Church Treasurer for 9 years
*He was Salem Baptist Association Clerk for 5 years
*He was on the Salem Association Mission & Stewardship Committees
“I hope I have done something to make this county a better place to live under God’s leadership”
“Loving self will soon pass, but loving God and others will last.”
“Trick or Treat Halloween Downtown” Just Days Away
Parents, children, and local businesses are invited to join the City of Smithville and the Police Department’s “Trick or Treat Halloween Downtown” Tuesday, October 31 from noon until 5:00 p.m.
Some offices in the DeKalb County Courthouse, Smithville City Hall, Smithville Police Department, Justin Potter Library, and participating businesses downtown will have candy and special treats for the children. Look for the stores and offices with a picture of an orange pumpkin on their windows. Maps are available at the police department and Justin Potter Library to show parents which businesses will be taking part in the event.
(CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO VIEW THE MAP HERE)
Scan20001.pdf (355.45 KB)
For more information call Beth Adcock at the Smithville Police Department at 615-597-8210 extension 1 or check out the police department’s face book page soon for details at https://www.facebook.com/SmithvillePoliceDepartment.
This event is sponsored by the Smithville Police Department and the Smithville City Hall.
Meanwhile, the Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a “Best Costume Contest” for downtown businesses and offices. Take pictures with your phone and send them to Shan Burklow at 615-594-2792 by 1:30 p.m. on October 31. First, second, and third place winners will be presented a “Halloween on the Square Best Costume Award”, media recognition, and bragging rights.
The Smithville Volunteer Fire Department will have special treats for children Tuesday, October 31 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Stop by for a hot dog, candy, and a tour of the Smithville Fire Hall. Meet with Smithville Fire Chief Charlie Parker and the Smithville Fire Department Volunteers.
Other communities and churches in the county will also be observing Halloween events in late October.
4-H Poultry Show
DeKalb County members recently finished the Chick-Chain poultry project with the annual show and sale which was held at the Farmers Market. Each participant received 15 Red Sex Link or Barred Rock chicks in early May and raised them throughout the spring and summer. These 4-H’ers are learning responsibility, hard work, patience, and much more all while having fun by raising chickens.
On October 5th, 30 4-H’ers completed the project by bringing 3 chickens back to the 4-H Poultry Show and Sale. The pullets, or young hens, are carefully judged on maturity, egg laying ability, and overall health. A Grand Champion and Reserve Champion is each breed was selected along with other awards. The Grand Champion Red Sex Link went to Clayton Crook, a 10th grader at DCHS, and the Reserve Champion was awarded to Dare Collins, 5th grader at Northside. The Grand Champion Barred Rock went to Luke Magness, 6th grader at DMS, while Reserve Champion went to Cale Brown, 5th grader at Northside.
After awards were handed out, it was time for the auction! The money raised goes back to the 4-H members to refund their original deposit on the chicks and to help fund other 4-H programs. They also received additional prize money. A special thank you goes out to all the bidders, buyers, sponsors, and volunteers who came out to support the 4-H poultry project this year. This is always one of our biggest community events!
4-H members who completed the project should feel proud of all their hard work and accomplishments! If you are interested in the Chick Chain project, or any other 4-H program, please call 615-597-4945. 4-H is a proud part of UT and TSU Extension. UT/TSU Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment through the cooperation of county, state, and federal governments.
Twenty Eight Cast Ballots in First Three Days of Early Voting
A total of 28 people have cast ballots during the first three days of early voting for the Special 17th Senatorial District Republican and Democratic primaries set for November 7.
On Wednesday, 11 people voted in person and there were 7 absentees. Four people voted on Thursday. On Friday, 6 people voted including 5 in person and 1 absentee.
Eighteen have voted in the Republican Primary and 10have cast ballots in the Democratic Primary.
The election is the result of a vacancy created in the district when State Senator Mae Beavers resigned to focus on her gubernatorial campaign. The District includes DeKalb, Smith, Macon, Cannon, Clay and Wilson counties.
Only one candidate is on the ballot for both primaries. State Representative Mark Pody is looking to move to the upper chamber and is on the Republican primary ballot. Wilson County attorney Mary Alice Carfi is the lone candidate on the Democratic primary ballot. They will face each other in the General Election set for December 19th.
Early voting hours for the primaries are as follows: Mondays 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesdays 9 a.m. until Noon; Wednesdays 9 a.m. until Noon; Thursdays 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Fridays 9 a.m. until Noon and Saturdays 9 a.m. until Noon. All early voting will be held on the first floor of the DeKalb County Courthouse.
Prescription Drug Take-Back Day Set for October 28
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is set for Saturday, October 28. As part of this major health and safety initiative, the DeKalb Prevention Coalition will host a take-back event at Smithville City Hall from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on October 28. More than 15 tons of drugs were collected statewide on the last National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day in April.
Community members are encouraged to stop by this local take-back location to drop off their unused or expired medications, especially pain relievers and other prescription drugs. Pharmacists and law enforcement officers will be on hand to accept the medications and safely dispose of them, no questions asked.
“Two-thirds of Tennesseans said the main sources of prescription pain pills for those who abuse them are family members or friends,” said Lisa Cripps, Coordinator, DeKalb Prevention Coalition. “Take-back days are a safe and easy way to get these drugs out of your home.”
“Count it! Lock it! Drop it! Is a comprehensive community program for prescription drug abuse prevention. The program’s focus is for all Tennesseans to count their pills, keep them locked away, and safely drop them in an official drop box to prevent others from accessing them, “said Kristina Clark, co-founder of Count It! Lock It! Drop It!”.
“With 52 percent of individuals statewide having concerns about a loved one’s becoming addicted, we want to provide more opportunities for people to safely dispose of their medications. National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day occurs twice a year, so we can better prevent these addictive drugs from getting into the wrong hands.”
“If you can’t make it to a take-back event, visit www.countitlockitdropit.org/drog-box-finder/ to find a drop box in your community.
Trapp Sentenced for Two Aggravated Assaults Involving a Gun
A man charged twice within ten days for aggravated assault involving a gun has been sentenced in DeKalb County Criminal Court.
35 year old Nathan Trapp entered a plea on Friday, October 6 to two counts of aggravated assault and received a six year sentence in each case on TDOC probation with 120 days to serve in the DeKalb County Jail. The two terms are to run concurrently with each other. Trapp was given jail credit from May 19 to October 6, 2017.
Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on Tuesday, May 9 two deputies were dispatched to a residence on Magness Road due to a report of a physical domestic with shots fired. Trapp had already left the home by the time the officers arrived.
The deputies spoke with Trapp’s sister who said that Trapp had called wanting her to bring him some butterfly bandages for his head. Trapp’s sister arrived at the residence and heard a woman screaming. She then opened the door and saw Trapp hitting his girlfriend, 22 year old Taylor Nicole Hensley, in the head with a pistol. After trying to put Taylor in a head lock, Trapp placed the gun to her head and said he was going to shoot her. He then pointed the gun at his sister and said he was going to shoot her too. Trapp’s sister called for him to let Taylor go. Trapp then came at his sister, picked her up by her throat, and carried her out the door. Once outside the door, he shoved his sister down the steps. Trapp’s sister got into her vehicle and drove next door to call 911. As she was leaving, Trapp came out the door, pointed the gun at his sister, and fired several shots at her. She was not hit by the gunfire.Trapp was arrested the following day, Wednesday May 10.
Trapp was arrested days later by Smithville Police after he allegedly pulled a gun on another person during a confrontation outside at Walmart.
Police were called to Walmart on Friday, May 19 after receiving information that Trapp had pulled a gun on someone there. Officers spoke with the victims who stated that Trapp almost hit one of them with his vehicle as they were walking to enter Walmart. One of the victims waited outside the front doors to ask Nathan what his problem was and he made a rude reply. The other victim pushed Trapp back away from the first victim and he (Trapp) reached for a pistol in his waistband. The victims then backed off to avoid escalating the situation and Trapp entered Walmart. Officers found Trapp inside the store and detained him. It was discovered that Trapp didn’t have a license to carry the firearm and he was also under bond conditions barring him from possessing a firearm.
In a separate case, 39 year old Michael Alan Hendrix entered a plea to simple assault and received a sentence of 11 months and 29 days, all suspended. He will be on supervised probation and is seeking judicial diversion. He is under a restraining order to keep away from his victims.
Smithville Police received a 911 call on November 20, 2016 of shots being heard outside a residence. Upon arrival, police were informed that Hendrix had been observed leaving the area in a dark green Ford truck. Seven 9 millimeter shell casings were recovered from the front yard near the road. Police later spoke with Hendrix and determined through an investigation that he had fired rounds into the ground as a warning to one of his victims that he was coming for him.
Taylor Charged in Several Burglaries and Thefts
A Smithville man has been arrested by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department in several burglaries and thefts which have occurred over the last three months
24 year old Ryan Davis Taylor of Holmes Creek Road, Smithville is charged with one count of aggravated burglary, five counts of burglary, one count of theft of property under $1,000, three counts of theft of property over $1,000, two counts of theft over $10,000, and two counts of vandalism. His bond totals $160,500 and his court date is November 2.
Initially, Taylor was charged in two burglaries and thefts after he allegedly broke into the same shed twice on Hannah’s Branch Road at Liberty.
Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on Tuesday, October 3, Taylor entered a shed, cut a padlock and chain secured to a generator, and stole the generator, two log chains, grease gun, tamping bar, an adjustable wrench, and rubber handled pliers all valued at $690. He returned to the same shed on Thursday, October 5 and stole a 22 rifle, 22 pistol, Milwaukee band saw, threading set, Makita angle grinder, Makita drills, Makita saw, laser mark, three chainsaws, floor jack, extension cord, and grease fitting valued at $2,786.
Additional charges were filed against Taylor on Monday, October 16 after Sheriff Ray, detectives, and deputies went to Taylor’s home on Saturday, October 14 to serve a search warrant and found more stolen property from other burglaries.
The other cases against Taylor are as follows:
*On July 14, Taylor entered a barn on Game Ridge Road, Smithville causing damage to it and took several hunting bows, hunting clothes, a computer, bullets, reloading equipment, rods and reels, and lights, valued at $10,000
*On July 18, Taylor assisted in the forcible entry into a mini-storage building on Nashville Highway. Entry was made by removing the lock to a storage container at the mini-storages. He then assisted in the theft of several musical instruments, cameras, cds, video games, and jewelry, valued at $34,276.
*On September 30, Taylor entered a motor vehicle and stole a custom built AR-15, Craftsman tool set, drill, floor jack, Garmin GPS, and boots and glasses, valued at $2,120
*On October 6, Taylor entered a residence on Allen Ferry Road and stole various jewelry, TV, coffee pot, keys, remotes, laptop, and a tablet, valued at $1,300
Smithville Elementary School to Pay Tribute to Veterans
Students and teachers at Smithville Elementary School will pay tribute to hometown heroes during the school’s annual Veterans Appreciation assembly program on Friday morning, November 3 at 9:30 a.m.
Veterans Day is Saturday, November 11
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.
(NOTE: VIDEOS BELOW ARE FROM LAST YEAR’S VETERANS APPRECIATION PROGRAM)
Smithville Elementary School Students sang for the veterans last year (BELOW)
Adrienne McCormick read the following “Veterans Day” poem by Cheryl Dyson:
“On Veterans Day we honor all,
Who answered to a service call,
Soldiers young, and soldiers old,
Fought for freedom, brave and bold
Some have lived, while others died,
And all of them deserve our pride,
We’re proud of all the soldiers who,
Kept thinking of red, white, and blue,
They fought for us and all our rights,
They fought through many days and nights,
And though we may not know each name,
We thank ALL veterans just the same.”
Veterans either attending or who were recognized or remembered for their service last year were:
Edsel Frazier, U.S. Army in World War II-
Edward Frazier, U.S. Army in World War II-
Ben Franklin, U.S. Army in Vietnam-
Bethel Golden, U.S. Army in Korean Conflict-
John Washer, U.S. Air Force in Operation Iraqi Freedom-
William Russell, U.S. Marine Corps, Vietnam Era-
Brian Reed, U.S. Air Force in Desert Storm/Euduring Freedom-
Jimmy Sprague, U.S. Army in Operation Just Cause-Panama
Walter Johnson, U.S. Army in the Korean Conflict-
Tommy Webb, U.S. Army in the Korean Conflict-
Barbara Boehm, U.S. Army Nurses Corps in Iraq and Afghanistan-
Clyde Thomas family. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War-
Jerry and Judy Pistole, U.S. Navy in Vietnam
Jack Allen Midgett, Jr., U.S. Navy in Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and the Global War on Terror
Ricky L. Fury, U.S. Marine Corps in Vietnam
James T. Owen, U.S. Army in Vietnam
Vance Walker, U.S. Army in Operation Iraqi Freedom
Wayne Storey, U.S. Air Force, Army, and Navy in Vietnam
Eddie M. Young, U.S. Navy in Vietnam and Desert Storm
Allen Morse, U.S. Army
Jason Moseley, U.S. Marine Corps
Ronald W. Gray, U.S. Army in Desert Storm
Jason Oakley, U.S. Army in the War on Isis
William Heath Phillips, U.S. Navy
Earl Sims, U.S. Army in World War II
Wayne Vanderpool, U.S. Marine Corps in Vietnam
Family of Gene Cripps
Suzanne Williams Sends Letter of Thanks to Community (READ LETTER HERE)
Almost two weeks after suffering a serious injury to her throat in a fall leaving her unable to breathe on her own, Chamber Director Suzanne Williams remains hospitalized at the LeConte Medical Center in Sevierville.
If you would like to send Suzanne a card, mail it to LeConte Medical Center, Patient Suzanne Williams, ICU Room 6, Sevierville, TN 37862.
Meanwhile, in appreciation for the prayers and outpouring of community support, the family has sent WJLE the following letter from Suzanne to share with you:
“Dear Community Friends,
I wanted to take a moment to say a very heart-felt thank you for all of the support and prayers during my recent injury. Although I am miles away in Sevierville, TN ICU, I can feel your love from here. I am overcome with emotion as I think about all of the cards, baskets of food, monetary donations, help with travel, and personal visits that I, along with my family, have received over the past 13 days.
After my most recent run of tests, I have been told that I will remain unable to speak for many weeks to come, so I wanted to use this opportunity to share my written voice of gratitude with all of you. First, I would like to thank each one of you that took time out of your busy lives to pray for me upon hearing of my accident. Second, I am humbled and overwhelmed to know that many of you stepped up to volunteer to answer phones and keep the Chamber office open during my absence, and thirdly, for those of you that coordinated and participated in a prayer vigil in my honor at the courthouse, ‘thank you’. It still brings tears to my eyes. In addition, I would like to acknowledge and thank my friends in tourism, across the state of Tennessee, that joined together to offer lodging for my family, and came back to visit multiple times to lend a hand and a smile.
To anyone that had even the smallest part in supporting me through this challenging time, I want you to know that I have prayed for the Lord to bless you and yours. Although I have always known that DeKalb County was one of the finest places on earth to live, I now have an even greater reason to know how right I was. I hope to come home soon, and get back to work promoting the people and place that I love most on this earth.
My deepest thank you until I see you again,
Suzanne
Suzanne Williams
Executive Director
Smithville-DeKalb Chamber of Commerce”