A sex offender appeared in DeKalb County Criminal Court on Tuesday, June 23 .
Judge David Patterson presided.
58 year old Charles Henry Ward pled guilty by information to violating terms of the sex offender registry. He received a two year sentence all suspended to supervised probation except for 231 days of time served.
Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on Monday, October 27, 2014 Ward was found to be living in his vehicle in the parking lot of a church on Old Snow Hill Road, within one thousand feet of a child’s athletic recreation center in violation of the sex offender registry law. According to Sheriff Ray, Ward committed the offense of second degree sexual assault in Texas on December 1, 1994 which resulted in him having to be included on the sex offender registry. Ward registered in DeKalb County on March 28, 2014.
Meanwhile, 32 year old Johnny Lynn Devault pled guilty to Kidnapping and two separate cases of aggravated assault. He received a four year sentence as a range one offender to be served on probation in each of the aggravated assault cases. The two terms are to run concurrently but consecutively with a four year TDOC sentence he got in the kidnapping case in which he is to serve one year and then be on probation. The combined total sentence is eight years. Devault was given 222 days of jail credit
Devault and three others were named in Grand Jury sealed indictments in December, 2013 for allegedly participating in the kidnapping and rape of a woman they thought stole money and Suboxone strips from them in October, 2013. The case was investigated by the Smithville Police Department.
In one of the aggravated assault cases, Sheriff Ray reports that on Friday, July 4, 2014 an officer was called to Devault’s residence in response to a physical altercation in progress. Upon arrival, the deputy spoke with a woman who said she had been assaulted by her boyfriend, Devault. He allegedly strangled the woman, grabbing her by the throat and the back of the neck, and squeezing her face. The assault resulted in the woman having physical marks on parts of her body. After the assault, Devault left the scene prior to the officer’s arrival.
53 year old Deborah Lynn Thistlethwaite, originally charged with driving under the influence and cited for possession of a schedule VI drug (marijuana) and possession of drug paraphernalia (pipe), pled guilty by information to public intoxication and received a thirty day sentence all suspended except for seventy two hours to serve. She will then be on good behavior probation. Smithville Police said that on Wednesday, October 22, 2014 an officer responded to a residence on West Main Street in reference to a possible DUI. Upon arrival, the officer spoke with Thistlethwaite who was in a vehicle. He detected a strong odor of alcohol coming from the automobile. As Thistlethwaite exited the vehicle, the officer smelled alcohol on her person. Her speech was slurred and she was unsteady on her feet. Thistlewaite submitted to and performed poorly on field sobriety tasks. While being placed under arrest, the officer found in Thistlewaite’s right front pocket a small plastic bag containing a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana and a small metal pipe commonly used to smoke marijuana.

Children participating in the summer reading club program at Justin Potter Library enjoyed a grand finale party on Monday, June 22
WJLE interviewed many of the children. Their comments were recorded. Play the video below

DeKalb County’s unemployment rate for May was 7.1%, up from 6.5% in April but below 7.9% in May, 2014.
The local labor force for May was 7,230. A total of 6,720 were employed and 520 were without work.
County unemployment rates for May show the rates increased in 92 counties, decreased in one county and remained the same in two
DeKalb County’s Jobless Rate for May was fifth highest in the fourteen county Upper Cumberland region.
Here’s how they rank from highest to lowest:
Clay: 8.8%
Van Buren: 8.1%
Jackson:7.8%
Overton:7.7%
DeKalb:7.1%
Cumberland:7%
Fentress:7%
Pickett: 6.9%
White: 6.3%
Putnam:6.1%
Warren:5.9%
Cannon:5.7%
Smith:5.4%
Macon:5.2%
Davidson County had the state’s lowest major metropolitan rate in May at 4.5 percent, up from 4.1 percent in April. Knox County was 4.7 percent in May, up from 4.3 the previous month. The Hamilton County May rate was 5.5 percent, up from 4.9 in April. Shelby County was 6.7 percent in May, up from 6.1 percent the previous month.
Tennessee’s preliminary unemployment rate for May was 5.8 percent, two-tenths of one percentage point lower than the April revised rate of 6.0 percent. The U.S. preliminary rate for May was 5.5 percent, one-tenth of one percentage point higher than the prior 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.

Brad Mullinax has been named the ED Director (Director of Emergency Department) by DeKalb Community Hospital. Mullinax has served as a vital part of DeKalb County serving as the Director of Information Technology at the DeKalb County Board of Education and is also the current Director of Emergency Communications at the DeKalb County 9-1-1 office. Mullinax spoke candidly about his new position when asked about his new role, “I truly enjoy the diversity and excitement of my new position. It feels good to help people every single day. Our patients are my number one priority,” Mullinax continues, “Every decision my department makes is about the patient. Everything is patient centered. It’s not about what’s best for the hospital, nurses, or doctors. Saving lives and taking care of our patients is what we are all about.”
“Brad is such an asset to our Emergency Department,” said Sue Conley – CEO of DeKalb Community and Stones River Hospital, “He knows how to communicate with his staff effectively and makes sure that our patients’ safety and care are at the center of each decision. His leadership and positive energy have brought our patient satisfaction scores even higher. DeKalb Community Hospital is currently number one in the nation for patient satisfaction.” (Healthstream data for first quarter among Capella facilities nation-wide)
“My husband recently had a serious health issue, and I was so glad to have such a wonderful emergency room so close to my home. Brad and his staff kept me informed and educated every step of the way,” said Shan Burklow – Marketing Director for DeKalb Community and Stones River Hospital, “When you are scared and uncertain, it is nice to know that there are people that care about you as a person, not just a room number. The long history of caring for our patients would not be possible if not for the dedicated core group of family care physicians, nurses, staff and great directors and leaders like Brad. The hospital is most fortunate to have more than 80 physicians on staff representing nearly every available specialty. This collaborative network of doctors comes from all across Middle Tennessee and makes it possible for them to provide extraordinary care in close proximity to their patients. We are happy to help our patients receive expert, compassionate care close to home. I tell everyone…why drive out of town when you can see the same specialist just a few miles from your home?”
DeKalb Community Hospital and Emergency Department is an active part of the Saint Thomas Stroke Network since 2013, meaning the hospital is now capable of treating and stabilizing patients who present with stroke symptoms 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Saint Thomas Stroke Network was introduced as an expansion of network services provided by the Saint Thomas Chest pain Network. For more information on hospital services and specialty clinic physicians, visit their website at www.dekalbcommunityhospital.com

DeKalb County Criminal Court Judge David Patterson handed down sentences in several burglary, theft, and forgery cases Tuesday, June 23.
A man who allegedly broke into the same residence twice within nine days in June 2014 was among those sentenced after entering pleas under negotiated settlements.
50 year old Bobby Floyd Duggin, who was originally charged with two counts of aggravated burglary, one count of theft of property over $500, and one count of theft of property under $500 entered a plea to two counts of burglary and received two years in each case to run consecutively with each other for a total of four years. The sentence has been suspended to supervised probation. Duggin is to make restitution of $1,350 to the victim. He is also seeking judicial diversion.
Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on Saturday June 7,2014 Duggin allegedly broke into a residence on Lodge Street in Liberty through a kitchen window and took $450. The second offense occurred on Monday, June 16, 2014 at the same home and entry was made through the same kitchen window. Duggin allegedly stole $600. The cases were investigated by criminal detectives of the sheriff’s department.
45 year old Royce Foster, charged with burglary and theft over $1,000, pled guilty to burglary and received a six year sentence to serve at 60% before his release eligibility date. He was given jail credit from January 13 through June 23, 2015. Sheriff Ray said that on Monday, January 12 Foster entered an outbuilding on Jacobs Pillar Road and took green wrought iron furniture, a Stihl weedeater, a weedeater blade, and a Chaise lounge all valued at approximately $1,090. The cases were investigated by a sheriff’s department detective.
44 year old Lorie Denise Maclean, charged with theft over $10,000, pled guilty to one count of theft over $500. She received a one year sentence, all suspended to TDOC supervised probation. The term is to run concurrently with a Cumberland County case against her. Maclean was given twelve days of jail credit.
Maclean and a co-defendant were charged last year in a suspected theft of approximately 175 credit cards valued at more than $15,000 and other Walmart merchandise. The two were arrested by Smithville Police during a theft investigation on Thursday, April 24, 2014 at Wal-mart.
Corporal Travis Bryant told WJLE that Smithville Police were called to Walmart after a woman (Maclean) tried to leave the store with stolen merchandise. “She (Maclean) was caught trying to push items out of Walmart in a shopping cart. But when a loss prevention officer of the store tried to stop her, she abandoned the cart, ran to her pickup truck and drove away. She also left behind her boyfriend who was still inside the store,” said Corporal Bryant.
After police were notified, Corporal Bryant, and Lieutenant Matt Holmes responded and pulled over Maclean’s truck at the intersection of Broad Street and Anthony Avenue. As Maclean was placed under arrest, officers noticed items inside her truck that aroused their suspicion. They executed a search warrant and found around 175 American Express prepaid credit cards totaling $15,525 that had apparently not been activated along with approximately $2,700 worth of other merchandise. Police suspect many of these items may have been stolen from various Walmart stores in Tennessee and in other states.
28 year old Demelza Grisham, charged with aggravated burglary, theft over $500, and aggravated assault, pled guilty to aggravated burglary and aggravated assault. She received a three year sentence in each case to run consecutively for a total of six years on probation. The term is also to run consecutively with a Putnam County case and concurrently with a Smith County probated sentence. Sheriff Ray said that on Monday, November 18, 2013 Grisham made entry into a residence on New Hope Road in Alexandria and stole a Hewlett Packard Laptop computer, $300 worth of rolled change, and a book of checks all valued at under $500. The case was investigated by a criminal detective of the Sheriff’s Department.
30 year old Melinda Beth Murphy pled guilty to two counts of forgery and received a three year sentence in each case to run consecutively for a total of six years at 35%. The term is also to run consecutively with a parole violation against her. Murphy must make restitution to the victims in amounts of $293 and $260. She was given jail credit for 293 days served.
40 year old Jo Ann Luna, originally charged with forgery and resisting arrest, pled guilty to forgery and received a sentence of two years as a range one offender to serve 120 days and then be on probation. She was given jail credit from January 8 to June 23.
27 year old Molly Lawrence pled guilty to three counts of forgery and received two years in each case to run consecutively for a total of six years at 30% but concurrently with a probation violation against her. She must make restitution to the victims in amounts of $293 and $200. Lawrence was given jail credit of 162 days.
37 year old Lavar Bass pled guilty to theft under $500 and received a suspended sentence of 11 months and 29 days to run consecutively with his current probation.
34 year old Garth Cantrell pled guilty to theft under $500 and received a suspended sentence of 11 months and 29 days to run consecutively with another case against him.

The Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce has announced the winners of the 2015 “Project Welcome Mat” in time for the Fiddler’s Jamboree and Crafts Festival July 3 & 4.
This year’s winners are as follows: People’s Choice – DeKalb Community Hospital; Best Worded- Wilson Bank & Trust; Most Original –Liberty State Bank
The Project Welcome Mat Honorable Mentions include Cumberland Insurance whose sign read “Welcome to you far and near, The Jamboree is finally here. Music, Craft, and Food Galore, It’s Fiddler’s #44” and First Assembly of God whose revolving digital sign message complete with musical notes and fun graphics read “Grab Your Guitar and Tune Your Banjo, It’s off to the Fiddlers’ Jamboree, Getting Ready to Go, Smithville Fiddlers Jamboree and Crafts Festival, July 3rd and 4th, Ya’ll Come.”
“We want to thank all the businesses and churches for participating in the 14th Annual Chamber of Commerce “Jamboree Project Welcome Mat” contest and using your message signs to welcome Jamboree visitors. It’s vitally important to make sure that our guests know how appreciated and important they are. This year was extra tough trying to decide on the winners,” said Suzanne Williams, Executive Director of the Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce.
DeKalb Community Hospital received the Chamber’s “People’s Choice” award for helping to promote the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree and Crafts Festival on the highly visible, digital billboard next to Hardee’s. The beautiful custom artwork reminds locals and tourists alike “That the Jamboree You Love Just Got Better!”
The Chamber of Commerce presented the Project Welcome Mat’s “Best Worded” award to Wilson Bank and Trust for their inventive messages that will most certainly bring a smile to our Jamboree visitors. They creatively used every square inch of their marquee on both sides to get their fun welcome message across to tourists. This year’s greetings are: “Welcome Jamboree 44. Music’s not all that’s in store. Food & Fun. Even a 5K Run” (sign one) and “Welcome Jamboree. Listen, Relax under a tree. Music & Crafts too waiting for you” (sign two)
The Chamber of Commerce presented the Jamboree Project Welcome Mat award for “Most Original” sign to Liberty State Bank providing imaginative messages on both sides of their sign ensuring a warm reception for our tourists. This year’s greetings are” Jamboree 44 is Knocking on the Door” (sign one) and “Pickin’, Grinnin’, Cloggin’ Oh How Great! See this & more at Jamboree 44” (sign two)
DeKalb Community Hospital– Winner of People’s Choice Award (Digital Billboard)
Pictured l-r:
Row 1: Chamber Board Member Kathy Hendrixson, Erika Jenkins, Mandy Young, Chamber Board Member Julia Vanderpool, Chamber Director Suzanne Williams
Row 2: Chamber Board Member Shannon Adkins, Chamber President Jeff Crips, Tia Young, Sarah White, Phyllis Good
Wilson Bank and Trust – Winner of Best Worded Sign
Picture – Sign 1
Pictured l-r: WB&T Consumer Lender Alex Woodward, WB&T Adm. Asst. June Keith, Chamber Director Suzanne Williams, Chamber Board Members Kathy Hendrixson & Julia Vanderpool
Picture – Sign 2
Pictured l-r: Chamber Board Members Julia Vanderpool & Kathy Hendrixson, Chamber Director Suzanne Williams, June Keith, Alex Woodward
Liberty State Bank – Winner of Most Original Sign
Picture – Sign 1
Pictured l-r:
Chamber Director Suzanne Williams; Liberty State Bank Employees: Charlene Adcock, Lisa Garrison, Amanda Green, Annette Jacoby, Denise Barrett, Madison Hayes, Chamber Board Members Kathy Hendrixson & Julia Vanderpool
Picture – Sign 2
Pictured l-r:
Denise Barrett, Chamber Board Members Julia Vanderpool & Kathy Hendrixson, Madison Hayes, Amanda Green, Lisa Garrison, Charlene Adcock, Annette Jacoby, Chamber Director Suzanne Williams
Cumberland Insurance – Honorable Mention
Pictured l-r:
Chamber Director Suzanne Williams, Cumberland Insurance employee Kim Kyle, Cumberland Insurance Employee & Chamber Board Member Julia Vanderpool, Cumberland Insurance Employee Glenda Randolph, Chamber Board Member Kathy Hendrixson
First Assembly of God – Honorable Mention

The DeKalb/Cannon County Amateur Radio Club will be conducting a Special Event Station during the Smithville Fiddlers Jamboree on Saturday, July 4th, 2015 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the front entrance of the Justin Potter Library. Ham radio operators will utilize their skills to contact other amateur (Ham) stations throughout the US and worldwide to publicize and show local support for the Smithville Fiddlers Jamboree. These contacts will take place on the following frequencies in the Amateur Radio Bands: 14.280 (USB), 14.045 (CW), 7.275 (LSB) & 7.045 (CW) MHZ. The public is invited to come by and participate in this event. All amateurs in the area are asked to monitor 145.49 MHZ for more information.
The DeKalb/Cannon County Amateur Radio Club is an organization of amateur radio operators from DeKalb and Surrounding Counties and is an affiliated club of the American Radio Relay League. Call 597-9563 for additional details and information.
Attached Picture Caption = Amateur Radio Operators at the Special Event Station operate under the tent at the 43rd Annual Smithville Fiddlers Jamboree and Crafts Festival last year 2014 included: Left to Right – W4WFC ex:KC4GUG – Freddy Curtis and N4LZY – Jerry Elkins. Photo Courtesy of NF9G – Kathy Kujawski.