In recognition of his success as softball coach, the DeKalb County Board of Education Thursday night voted to honor DCHS Tigerette Coach Danny Bond by naming the high school softball field after him.
Coach Bond is the only coach the DCHS girls softball program has had in its twenty nine year history and he reached a milestone this season, having won his 600th game as softball coach. He has added eleven more wins since then and has guided this year’s team to a district tournament championship. The Tigerettes will host Bledsoe County in the region tournament Monday, May 12 in Smithville. The team record is 38-5 overall.
School Board member W.J. (Dub) Evins, III said it’s time the board recognized Coach Bond. “He is a coach that has the respect of his students and players. He is a positive coach. He leads by example. I would like to read you some statistics. Before he started into softball, he was an assistant basketball coach for five years. He was a head basketball coach for seventeen years. He has been softball coach for twenty nine years. Out of those twenty nine years, he has had twenty nine winning seasons, sixteen district titles, twenty two regional appearances, nine sub-state appearances, and five state appearances. His overall record is 611-241. That’s a 72% winning percentage. His district record, which is a tough district, is 265-54 which is an 83% winning percentage. So for twenty two out of the twenty nine years, he went to the region,” he said.
In recent conversations with him, Evins said Coach Bond gives credit for his success to the players on his teams. “He told me, he said it’s not me, it’s the girls. Well, that is a two way street, ” said Evins. “They have respect for him and when you have respect for a coach like him, they feed off each other and they need each other. I think that is evident in the fact that there have been twenty one girls on his softball teams in twenty nine years that have signed scholarships to go play softball in college. That means a lot. I would like for this board to consider naming the girls softball field in honor of Coach Bond, even though he is still coaching. In most cases we name something in honor of somebody after they have finished coaching but it’s Teacher Appreciation Week. He has set all kinds of records and he is going to continue to do so and if no one has any objections I would like to put that in the form of a motion that we name the girls softball field after Coach Danny Bond,” Evins concluded.
The board gave unanimous approval.

Pre-K pre-registration is scheduled today (Friday, May 9) at Smithville Elementary School
“Smithville Elementary will have pre-K pre-registration on Friday, May 9 from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. DeKalb West School will be having a registration day at a later time,” said Michelle Burklow, Supervisor of Instruction for Pre-K through 6th grade in a recent interview with WJLE.
Julie Vincent, Principal of Smithville Elementary School, also mentioned the registration along with other SES school activities during Thursday night’s school board meeting at DCHS.

“Parents interested in applying for the pre-K program should be aware that your child must turn four years old on or before August 15. When you come to register the student for the pre-K program, parents you will need to provide the following information:
*Original certificate of birth. This is the birth certificate with the state seal.
*Paperwork showing an up to date physical examination. You can get this from your doctor or health department. Make sure they are aware that this form will be used for enrollment in school.
*A certification of immunization record or shot record. Again, make the doctor or health department aware that this form will also be used in registering the child for school.
*Proof of income for all household members.
*Proof of residency. An electric bill. Cable bill. Water bill. Any type of documentation that has your name and address on the paperwork.
Parents, you will be notified prior to the start of school if your child qualifies for the pre-K program. Once the committee meets, teachers will be given a list of their classroom names and they will call and let you know if your child has been accepted into the program. Again, this date is only for Smithville Elementary pre-K registration. DeKalb West School will be having a registration day at a later time,” said Burklow.
Meanwhile, Smithville Elementary and DeKalb West School will have kindergarten pre-registration on Friday, May 16 from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
Children who plan to attend kindergarten must turn five years old on or before August 15, 2014.
Parents, when you come for that registration, you will need to bring with you the following information:
*Original certificate of birth. The birth certificate with the state seal.
*The physical examination record. It must be current and up to date.
*Up to date certification of immunization record (shot record)
*Proof of residency for DeKalb County.
“Parents, please share with your child that he or she will be tested on registration day. This is an opportunity for your child to show the kindergarten teachers what he or she knows,” Burklow concluded

Susan Hinton, Adult High School Leader and Program Supervisor, gave her annual report to the Board of Education and the Director of Schools Thursday night.

Hinton explained that a total of twenty five students were served during the 2013-14 school year. There were six graduates for the year. “This includes some people who got regular diplomas and it also includes some people who got an alternative diploma but they still got a diploma. I want to say congratulations to those students, ” said Hinton. There are currently ten students in the program. “Some people meet with me weekly, every other day, they are working at home on computers. Some are there every day. It’s kind of a different program than it started out being,” she said.
Hinton read essays by two of her students. “At the end of the year, I always ask the students to tell the board what you think about the program, so I am going to read to you what my students said”.
One of the essays is as follows:
“Adult high school will change my whole life for the better. If not for the adult high, I would not be going to school right now. I never went to regular school because I didn’t have any friends at the new school and didn’t want to make any so it was awkward. Adult high gives adult students a second chance to get a diploma or do pre-GED work. Education means a lot now, and without any education you can’t even work at McDonald’s
I think every county should have an adult high school. You can’t even get a job without any source of education. Therefore, there will be more homeless or persons without a way to make a living because they can’t get a job without some type of education.
We make progress in this room every day. When I first came here, my scores were not the best, but they’re coming up more and more every day I am working.
There are not as many students in adult high school and it should stay that way because it’s hard to get help when you are in a room full of students in a regular high school class. You are able to get more attention in adult high school on subjects you need help because of getting individual help.
With the hours being flexible the way they are, you can also work around your job or any personal responsibilities you may have or you may need to. It makes it fairly easy to do your work and get your hours. I like it in here in adult high school and so does everyone else and I am sure they would say the same. Adult high school helps change people’s lives around whether they know it or not. Sometimes, older students visit the class and tell about the mistakes they made in dropping out or not taking advantage of the time they had in here.
It makes me realize how very important getting a high school education means for my future”.

DeKalb Community Hospital celebrated National Nurses Week recently awarding Lindi Carter, RN with the hospital’s annual ‘Nurse of the Year’ award. The honor was awarded to Carter by her peers in nursing and presented by OR Director Nancy Trapp, along with ER Director Daniel Goodson, Chief Nursing Officer Kim Frazier and Chief Executive Officer Sue Conley.
“We are very proud to work with such dedicated nurses, and it is no surprise that Lindi was voted to receive this much deserved award. She gives one hundred and ten percent each and every day and always puts our patients first,” said CNO Kim Frazier of DeKalb Community Hospital and Stones River Hospital.
Upon receiving the award, Carter humbly replied, “I am shocked. There are so many wonderful nurses that work here (DeKalb Community Hospital), and I am humbled and overwhelmed. I have been so very proud to be a part of our hospital nursing team. I have watched them care for our patients, including many of my friends and family with dedication and heart. They always go the extra mile along with a good working knowledge about medicine and nursing care and the personal care to back it up. I would like to take a moment to honor all of the nurses at DCH. Many people never get to see the sacrifices these fine people make to save lives and care for patients day after day, but I do.”
Carter received a plaque along with flowers donated by DeKalb County Florist. Additional door prizes for various nurses were donated by DeKalb Farmers Co-op, China Garden, A-1 Hair Salon, Bert Driver Nursery and White Possum Grille.
Pictured: OR Director Nancy Trapp presents the Nurse of the Year Award to Lindi Carter alongside CEO Sue Conley and CNO Kim Frazier of DeKalb Community Hospital.

You can “Stamp Out Hunger” on Saturday, May 10 by joining with the Letter Carriers (NALC) union in its 22nd annual food drive–the largest one-day food drive in the nation. Letter carriers collected more than 74.4 million pounds of food last year, bringing the 21-year total to 1.3 billion pounds. All you need to do is collect canned goods and dry food, such as tuna, canned meat, soups, pasta, rice and cereal, and leave them in a bag or box by your mailbox. Your letter carriers will pick them up as they deliver your mail.
Letter Carriers will be collecting food for the drive from postal customers in the Smithville area.
Donations are given directly to local food pantries. While most food pantries get the bulk of their donations around Christmas and Thanksgiving, the NALC drive is done during the spring, when many food pantries are struggling. Also, since many school meal programs are suspended during summer months, millions of children are left scrambling to find alternate sources of nutrition and the food banks are a vital resource for families in need.
Every second Saturday in May, letter carriers in more than 10,000 cities and towns across America collect the goodness and compassion of their postal customers, who participate in the NALC Stamp Out Hunger National Food Drive–the largest one-day food drive in the nation.
Led by letter carriers represented by the National Association of Letter Carriers (AFL-CIO), with help from rural letter carriers, other postal employees and other volunteers, the drive has delivered more than one billion pounds of food the past 20 years.
Carriers collect non-perishable food donations left by mailboxes and in post offices and deliver them to local community food banks, pantries, and shelters. Nearly 1,500 NALC branches in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands are involved.
To donate, just place a box or can of non-perishable food next to your mailbox before your letter carrier delivers mail on the second Saturday in May. The carrier will do the rest. The food is sorted and delivered to an area food bank or pantry, where it is available for needy families.
With more than 50 million people facing hunger every day in America, including nearly 17 million children, this drive is one way you can help those in your own city or town who need help.

The DeKalb County Tigerettes claimed the District Tournament Championship Tuesday night with a 6 to 3 victory over Upperman at Baxter.
Meanwhile, members of the All District Team from DeKalb County have been named.
Danielle Tyson is the District’s Co-MVP and Best Offensive Player while Tigerette Coach Danny Bond has been named the District Coach of the Year.
Chelsey Brannon, Kayley Caplinger, and Danielle Tyson were named to the All District First Team while Lauren Colwell, Tyra Graham, and Katie Hall made the All District Second Team. Kayley Caplinger was named Freshman of the Year on the District’s All Freshman Team.
Members of the All Tournament Team from DeKalb County are Chelsey Brannon, Danielle Tyson, Tyra Graham, and Dani Meadows. Kayley Caplinger was named Most Valuable Player of the District Tournament.
In the District Tournament Championship game Tuesday night, the Tigerettes scored six runs on nine hits and made one error. The Lady Bees scored three runs on eight hits and made an error.
DeKalb County scored four runs in the first inning and two runs in the fifth. Upperman scored one run in the fourth inning and two runs in the fifth
Kayley Caplinger was the winning pitcher.
Danielle Tyson had a single and a double. Katie Hall, Chelsey Brannon, Lauren Colwell, and Dani Meadows each had a single. Tyra Graham had two singles and Kayley Caplinger had a double.

Gary McKenzie, Bryant Dunaway, and Craig Fickling won their respective races in the seven county 13th Judicial District Republican Primary Tuesday.
McKenzie defeated Wesley Bray for the Republican nomination for Criminal Court Judge, Part I by a final count of 7,819 to 6,883. Bray carried six of the seven counties in the district but lost to McKenzie in Cumberland County 4,597 to 1,988. Bray won Clay County 381 to 63, 114 to 83 in DeKalb County, 590 to 209 in Overton County, 682 to 263 in Pickett County, 2,767 to 2,250 in Putnam County, and 361 to 354 in White County.
McKenzie will face Democratic nominee William Fred Roberson, Jr in the August 7th General Election. Roberson was unopposed for the Democratic nomination Tuesday and received 6,095 votes district-wide. Roberson received 48 votes in Clay County, 591 in Cumberland, 1,019 in DeKalb, 1,582 in Overton, 19 in Pickett, 1,437 in Putnam, and 1,399 in White County.
Meanwhile Dunaway won the Republican nomination for District Attorney General, beating Shawn C. Fry 7,874 to 6,991. Dunaway carried all seven counties of the district winning 256 to 107 in Clay County, 3,298 to 3,199 in Cumberland County, 129 to 77 in DeKalb County, 447 to 343 in Overton County, 501 to 393 in Pickett County, 2,851 to 2,546 in Putnam County, and 392 to 326 in White County. Dunaway will be running against Tony Craighead, the Democratic nominee for District Attorney General in August. Craighead ran unopposed in the Democratic Primary on Tuesday and received 6,376 votes in the district. Craighead received 58 votes in Clay County, 644 in Cumberland County, 1,313 in DeKalb County, 1,561 in Overton County, 21 in Pickett County, 1,457 in Putnam County, and 1,322 in White County.
Craig P. Fickling won the Republican primary for District Public Defender with 4,695 votes. His opponents, John Milton Meadows had 4,634 votes, and Edwin G. Sadler received 4,097 votes. Meadows carried five of the seven counties. Fickling won the other two counties.
The county results are as follows:
Clay: Meadows 114, Sadler 110, and Fickling 91
Cumberland: Meadows 2,239, Fickling 1,794, and Sadler 1,555
DeKalb:Fickling 72, Sadler 69, and Meadows 58
Overton: Meadows 415, Fickling 213, and Sadler 151
Pickett: Meadows 409, Fickling 320, Sadler 132
Putnam: Fickling 2,044, Sadler 1,926, and Meadows 1,004
White: Meadows 395, Fickling 161, and Sadler 154
Fickling’s Democratic opponent in August will be the incumbent Public Defender David N. Brady. Unopposed on Tuesday, Brady received 6,133 votes district-wide for the Democratic nomination. Brady received 55 votes in Clay County, 644 votes in Cumberland County, 1,185 in DeKalb County, 1,567 in Overton County, 19 in Pickett, 1,360 in Putnam County, and 1,303 in White County.
Incumbent Circuit Court Judge, Part I Amy Hollars was unopposed for the Democratic nomination Tuesday and she will be unopposed in August. She received a total of 6,730 votes district-wide.
Incumbent Criminal Court Judge, Part II, David A. Patterson was unopposed for the Republican nomination Tuesday and received 11,945 votes district-wide. He will be unopposed in August.
Jonathan Young won the Republican nomination for Circuit Court Judge, Part II in the district with 10,330 votes. He was unopposed Tuesday but will face Randall A. York in August. York was unopposed for the Democratic nomination and received 6,971 district-wide. Young received 184 votes in Clay County, 4,463 in Cumberland, 175 in DeKalb, 602 in Overton, 652 in Pickett, 3,673 in Putnam, and 581 in White County. York’s vote was 55 in Clay County, 774 in Cumberland, 1,274 in DeKalb, 1,795 in Overton, 21 in Pickett, 1,450 in Putnam, and 1,605 in White County.
Incumbent Chancellor Ronald Thurman was unopposed for the Democratic nomination Tuesday. He received 6,855 votes district-wide. His Republican opponent in August will be J. Lee Burgess, who received 9,722 district-wide in his uncontested bid for the GOP nomination.
Thurman received 56 votes in Clay County, 653 in Cumberland, 1,209 in DeKalb, 1,875 in Overton, 17 in Pickett, 1,596 in Putnam, and 1,449 in White County. Burgess’s vote was 182 in Clay County, 4,517 in Cumberland, 165 in DeKalb, 561 in Overton, 642 in Pickett 3,103 in Putnam, and 552 in White County.

Three term incumbents County Mayor Mike Foster and County Clerk Mike Clayborn lost their bids for a fourth term Tuesday in the DeKalb County Democratic Primary. Three incumbent county commissioners were also defeated including Jerry Scott in the third district, David McDowell in the fourth district, and Marshall Ferrell in the sixth district.
A total of 3,313 persons voted in the primaries including 1,701 election day and 1,612 either during early voting or by absentee. Circuit Court Clerk Katherine Pack led the ticket with 2,426 complimentary votes.
Smithville Alderman Tim Stribling defeated Foster by a final total of 1,770 (59.92%) to 1,183 (40.05%). Stribling carried every precinct but Edgar Evins State Park. Stribling also had a majority of the early votes and absentees.
Clayborn lost to James L. (Jimmy) Poss by a final count of 1,681 (57.06%) to 1,265 (42.94%).
Eleven precincts went for Poss. Clayborn carried the remaining five precincts. Poss also had a majority of the early votes/absentees.
(Click Link Below to View Election Results from Each Precinct)
http://www.wjle.com/may-6th-election
Stribling will face Republican Challenger Chris Smithson and Independent candidate Chris Bratcher in the August 7th DeKalb County General Election. Poss will be unopposed.
Foster and Clayborn’s terms will end August 31.
Meanwhile, Incumbent General Sessions/Juvenile Court Judge Bratten H. (Butch) Cook, II defeated challenger Margie Rigsby Miller.
Judge Cook received 1,664 votes (57.94%) to 1,208 votes (42.06%) for Miller. Cook carried nine precincts and he had a majority of the early votes/absentees. Five precincts went for Miller and the two candidates had a tie vote in two precincts.
Judge Cook will face Republican challenger Mingy Colwell Bryant in the August General Election. The term is for eight years.
Larry Flair defeated Michael Agee for the Democratic nomination for Sheriff winning 1,306 (57.11%) to 967 (42.28%)
Flair carried fourteen of the sixteen precincts. Agee carried one precinct and the two candidates had a tie vote at one precinct. Flair also had a majority of the early votes/absentees.
As the Democratic nominee, Flair will face two term Republican incumbent Sheriff Patrick Ray in the August General Election.
James D. (Jimmy) Sprague was unopposed for the Democratic nomination for Road Supervisor. He received 2,176 complimentary votes. Sprague will face Republican nominee Wallace (Butch) Agee in the August General Election.
Three term Incumbent Circuit Court Clerk Katherine Pack was unopposed and led the ticket Tuesday receiving 2,426 complimentary votes. She will also be unopposed in August.
Seven term incumbent Register of Deeds Jeff McMillen received 2,377 complimentary votes. McMillen was unopposed Tuesday and he will also be uncontested in August.
(Click Link Below to View Election Results from Each Precinct)
http://www.wjle.com/may-6th-election
Democratic nominees for the county commission in the second district are Clarence Trapp with 171 votes and Joe N. Johnson who had 160 votes. They beat out Frank D. Thomas who had 131 votes and Jerry Hutchins, Jr. with 81 votes. Trapp and Johnson will be on the August ballot along with Republican incumbent Bobby Joines and Independent candidate James “Jimmy” E. Midgett. Two will be elected.
In the third district, Incumbent Jerry Scott lost his re-election bid for the county commission. The winners were Incumbent Bradley Scott Hendrix with 253 votes and Jack E. Barton who had 215 votes. Scott received 194 votes. Hendrix and Barton will be on the August ballot with Independent candidate Wesley Nokes. Two will be elected.
Fourth district incumbent county commissioner David McDowell also lost. The winners were Incumbent Wayne Cantrell with 248 votes and Jonathan Norris who had 176 votes. They defeated Anthony (Tony) Poss who had 156 votes, Bobby R. Taylor with 131 votes, and McDowell at 122 votes. Cantrell and Norris will be unopposed in August.
Sixth district voters nominated Betty Jean Atnip and incumbent Jeff Barnes for the county commission. Incumbent Marshall Ferrell was defeated. Atnip received 234 votes. Barnes had 210 votes and Ferrell polled 195 votes. Atnip and Barnes will be on the August ballot with Independent candidate Danny McGinnis. Two will be elected.
In the seventh district, Incumbent Larry A. Summers and Kevin Robinson were winners, beating David Agee. Summers received 189 votes. Robinson had 178 votes and Agee got 169 votes. Summers and Robinson will be unopposed in August.
In the fifth district, Incumbent Rick Cantrell and Anita Puckett were unopposed for the county commission. Puckett had 305 votes to Cantrell’s 228. They will be on the ballot in August along with Republican incumbent Jerry Adcock. Two will be elected.
First district county commission candidates Bennett Armstrong and incumbent Elmer Ellis, Jr. were unopposed. Ellis received 146 votes. Armstrong had 95 votes. They will be running in August along with Republican incumbent Mason Carter. Two will be elected.
Chad Curtis received 174 complimentary votes to fill a vacancy for constable in the first district. He will be running in August against Republican nominee Lee Plummer.
In the 13th Judicial District Republican Primary, DeKalb County voters chose Bryant C. Dunaway over Shawn C. Fry for District Attorney General. Locally, Dunaway received 129 votes to 77 for Fry.
(Click Link Below to View Election Results from Each Precinct in the GOP Judicial District Primary)
http://www.wjle.com/republican-primary-results
For Criminal Court Judge, Part I Wesley Bray topped Gary McKenzie in DeKalb County 114 to 83.
In the race for District Public Defender, DeKalb County Republicans gave the nod to Craig P. Fickling with 72 votes compared to 69 votes for Edwin G. Sadler and 58 votes for John Milton Meadows.
Republicans for other Judicial offices who were unopposed are Jonathan Young for Circuit Court Judge, Part II, J. Lee Burgess for Chancellor, and Incumbent Criminal Court Judge, Part II David A. Patterson. In DeKalb County, Young had 175 votes, Burgess received 165, and Patterson garnered 180 votes.
In the Democratic Primary, all the judicial candidates were unopposed including Incumbent Circuit Court Judge, Part I Amy Hollars, Randall A. York for Circuit Court Judge, Part II, Incumbent Chancellor Ronald Thurman, William Fred Roberson, Jr. for Criminal Court Judge, Part I, Tony Craighead for District Attorney General, and Incumbent District Public Defender David N. Brady. In DeKalb County, Judge Hollars received 1,136 votes, York had 1,271, Chancellor Thurman 1,209, Roberson 1,019, Craighead 1,313, and Brady received 1,185 votes.
(Click Link Below to View Election Results from Each Precinct in the Democratic Judicial District Primary)
http://www.wjle.com/democratic-primary-results
Winners of the GOP and Democratic primaries in the six county 13th Judicial District will face off in the August General Election. All judicial office terms are for eight years.

A Smithville couple was arrested by members of the Sheriff’s Department last week during a burglary in progress.
38 year old Stephen Jason Moore and 33 year old Julie Elaine Moore both of Cookeville Highway, Smithville are each charged with burglary and theft of property under $500. Bond for each is $3,000 and they will be in court on May 15.
Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on Monday, April 28, both Stephen and Julie Moore broke into a vacant house on Cookeville Highway. “We received a call of them breaking into the house. Deputies and detectives of the Sheriff’s Department got down there and caught both of them in the house,” said Sheriff Ray. The Moore’s were caught taking a Jesus figurine, metal pots and pans, and electronic devices. Sheriff Ray said they admitted to committing the burglary and thefts.
40 year old John Allen Judkins, Jr. of Jefferson Road, Smithville is charged with the domestic assault of his ex-wife, with whom he was still living. His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court June 19.
Sheriff Ray said that on Monday, April 28, a deputy was dispatched to a residence on Jefferson Road in response to a physical domestic. The officer made contact with Judkins and the victim. She said that Judkins had lunged at her and when she turned her back to him, Judkins hit or slapped her in the back. She had a large red mark and scratches on her back. Judkins was arrested and brought to the jail for booking.
39 year old Autumn Danielle White of Page Drive in Smithville is charged with public intoxication and simple possession of a schedule II drug. Her bond is $3,500 and she will be in court on May 22. Sheriff Ray said that on Tuesday, April 29 a deputy responded to Nashville Highway in Liberty where a woman was reported to be passed out in a vehicle. Upon arrival, the officer found White passed out in the driver’s seat of a black Nissan Maxima. In the cup holder next to the driver’s seat was an open 40 ounce bottle of Smirnoff Ice Beer half full. On the driver’s seat between White’s legs was a plastic bag containing three grams of a powdery substance believed to be methamphetamine. When she awoke, White’s speech was slurred and she was very unsteady on her feet. She was believed to be under the influence of alcohol and or drugs. To prevent her from operating a motor vehicle for her safety and that of the public, White was arrested for public intoxication and taken to the jail. She was also charged with the drug offense. Sheriff Ray added that White has had two or more prior convictions of possession of a schedule II drug.
39 year old Donna Annette Bogle of Barnes Mill Road, Smithville is charged with disorderly conduct. Her bond is $1,000 and she will be in court May 15. Sheriff Ray said that on Tuesday, April 29 a deputy was dispatched to a residence on Barnes Mill Road in response to an unwanted guest call. The officer observed Bogle yelling and screaming at a family member. When the deputy tried to speak with Bogle, she refused to stop talking and would not answer any of the officer’s questions. She was asked several times to calm down and stop talking so the deputy could find out what was going on. After several unsuccessful attempts to get her to calm, the deputy placed Bogle under arrest for disorderly conduct.
46 year old Lori Denise Bogle of Walker Drive, Smithville is charged with driving under the influence. Her bond is $1,500 and she will be in court on May 22. Sheriff Ray said that on Thursday, May 1 a deputy was dispatched to Marina Drive in response to a non-personal injury auto accident with property damage. Upon arrival, the officer observed a blue Toyota that had struck a tree The deputy spoke with the driver, Bogle who said she was driving home when her car left the roadway and hit the tree. Bogle was very unsteady on her feet and she had trouble keeping her eyes open. Her speech was also slurred. Bogle submitted to but performed poorly on field sobriety tasks. She also submitted to a blood test. For her safety and that of the public, Bogle was arrested and brought to the jail.
44 year old David D. Anderson of Gard Lane, Smithville is cited for simple possession of a schedule II drug (Dilaudid). He will be in court on May 15. Sheriff Ray said while talking to Anderson at a place of business in Alexandria, a drug detective of the Sheriff’s Department spotted a plastic bag in Anderson’s front right pocket. Anderson pulled the bag from his pocket and handed it to the detective. The bag contained one Dilaudid pill for which Anderson had no prescription.
Suzanne Nicole Mitchell of Evins Mill Road, Smithville is charged with simple possession of a schedule IV drug and domestic assault. Her bond is $3,500 and she will be in court on May 22. Sheriff Ray said that on Sunday, May 4 a deputy responded to a residence on Evins Mill Road in response to a domestic assault call. Upon arrival, the officer spoke with a Mitchell family member who said that Mitchell had become upset and started screaming at her, pushed her, and chased her out of the house. Fearing imminent bodily injury, the victim ran next door to her brother’s residence for safety where another family member called 911. Mitchell was determined to be the primary aggressor and was placed under arrest. Upon receiving consent to search Mitchell’s belongings, the officer found inside a brown leather clutch purse, a small black container which held eight oval peach colored pills believed to be xanax. She was charged with the drug offense.
18 year old Robert Austin Hale of Lower Helton Road, Alexandria is charged with aggravated assault. His bond is $5,000 and he will be in court on May 15. Sheriff Ray said that on Sunday, May 4 a deputy was dispatched to a residence on Lower Helton Road for a physical domestic in progress. The officer spoke with Hale and the victim (Hale’s wife). The woman said that she had come to the residence to pick up a house key so that she could get her clothes. When she pulled into the driveway, Hale told her to get out and come in. He said no one was there and that she would not get hurt. The woman’s three year old son got out of the car and went to get the keys off the tailgate of the truck. Hale took the keys away from the child and placed them back on the tailgate, saying these were not the right keys. The woman then got out of the car and picked up the keys off the tailgate, but Hale took the keys away from her. She got back into her car but as she tried to start it, Hale reached in and forcibly took the car keys from her, put them in his front pocket, and walked inside the house. The woman followed him into the house, asking for him to give her back the keys so that she and the child could leave. As she picked up a phone and tried to call another family member to come and get her, Hale took the phone from her, grabbed her by the throat, and slammed her to the ground. Hale then held the woman to the ground by trying to strangle her. After he stopped trying to strangle her, Hale got up and walked outside. The woman, in fear of her life, called 911. The deputy arrived and saw that the woman had red marks on her chest and hand prints around her neck. After an investigation, Hale was determined to have been the primary aggressor and he was arrested.

An eighth grade teacher at DeKalb Middle School was named “DeKalb County Teacher of the Year” Monday night during the seventh annual Teacher of the Year banquet at the Elizabeth Chapel Baptist Church.
Anita Puckett received the honor and a check for $150 from Liberty State Bank, the sponsor of the banquet. The presentation was made by Director of Schools Mark Willoughby and Roy Nelson Pugh of Liberty State Bank.
Puckett was among five local educators who were recognized during the banquet for being chosen by peers as “Teacher of the Year” at their schools. The others were LeVaughnda Midgett, a kindergarten teacher at Smithville Elementary School; Kathryn Wisinger, an ESL(English as a Second Language) teacher at DeKalb Middle and DCHS grades 6-12; Elizabeth Nolt, a fourth grade educator at Northside Elementary School; and Tammy Payne, a sixth grade teacher at DeKalb West School.
Every year DeKalb County participates in the Tennessee Teacher of the Year program. Each school picks a Teacher of the Year from their school who is in the running for honors at the county and regional level. Teachers are selected in the categories of Pre-K through 4th grade, 5th through 8th grade, and 9th through 12th grade. The overall Teacher of the Year from DeKalb County is selected from among the five teachers of the year at the school level.
Principals and assistant principals introduced the Teachers of the Year at their schools and remarked on how they deserved the honor.
(Top Photo: Director of Schools Mark Willoughby, DeKalb Teacher of the Year Anita Puckett of DeKalb Middle School, Assistant DMS Principal Amanda Dakas, and Roy Nelson Pugh of Liberty State Bank)
(Bottom Photo: Smithville Elementary Principal Julie Vincent, SES Teacher of the Year LeVaughnda Midgett, DeKalb West Principal Danny Parkerson, DWS Teacher of the Year Tammy Payne, Director of Schools Mark Willoughby, Northside Elementary Principal Gayle Redmon, Northside Teacher of the Year Elizabeth Nolt, Roy Nelson Pugh of Liberty State Bank, DCHS Teacher of the Year Kathryn Wisinger, DCHS Principal Patrick Cripps, DeKalb County Teacher of the Year and DeKalb Middle School Teacher of the Year Anita Puckett, and Assistant DMS Principal Amanda Dakas)