The City of Smithville may soon allow stores with off premises permits to sell packaged beer twenty four hours a day, seven days a week including Sundays and to allow eligible restaurants to obtain an on-premises permit to serve beer with meals in their establishments.
By a vote of 3-1-1, the Smithville Aldermen Monday night voted to adopt an ordinance amending the Smithville Code of Ordinances regulating beer sales.
(PLAY VIDEO BELOW OF CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF CHANGES TO BEER REGULATIONS)
Alderman Danny Washer proposed the changes and made a motion to adopt the ordinance amendment on first reading. Alderman Gayla Hendrix offered a second to the motion. Alderman Jason Judd Murphy joined Washer and Hendrix in voting for it. Alderman Tim Stribling voted against it. Alderman Shawn Jacobs passed saying he could not support it because of his being an elder at the Smithville Church of Christ.
Second and final reading will follow a public hearing at a special meeting set for Thursday, December 27 at 5:30 p.m. at city hall.
Under the city’s existing beer regulations, “It shall be unlawful for any beer permit holder to make or allow any sale of beer between the hours of 12:00 midnight and 6:00 a.m. during any night of the week, at any time on Sunday, and at any time on Christmas Day”
The proposed ordinance amendment would change the regulations to simply make it lawful for a beer permit holder to sell beer twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.
A new section would be added to the ordinance allowing eligible restaurants to obtain an on-premises permit to sell beer with meals.
Alderman Hendrix said she believes Smithville is losing a lot of tax revenue by not lifting the restrictions on beer sales. “With Center Hill Lake, we’re such a tourist area and something like this can bring in a lot of tax revenue to our small city because we have so many people coming into the lake from March through October and then even fishermen in the winter. By not doing this all we’re doing is giving our tax revenue to surrounding areas. I think it would generate a lot of money for our city. I’ve heard a lot of comments from people at Center Hill Lake that are coming in from Nashville, Franklin, and Rutherford County, because they come here and then they’re frustrated because a lot of them don’t realize they can’t buy this here and then they have to drive to Cookeville because it’s the closest. It’s not convenient for our tourists. I’d like to bring more tourism into this community and not have obstacles preventing this,” she said.
“I know there will be some concern about the hours,” said Alderman Washer. “But we get a lot of tourists who come in here and utilize our lake. They’re not coming in here at twelve o’clock and going to the lake. They’re coming early. They want to come and make one stop. And they don’t just buy beer. They buy gas. They buy snacks, everything they need. Ice, whatever. They want to get it in one stop. They don’t want to have to haul it down here. They want to wait until they get here. About the early morning or late at night. If you work second shift and you get off and want to go buy beer, you can’t do it because everything is shut down. Right now I think we only have one store that stays open twenty four, seven. You’re putting it into a small area but it will allow it for people who want to take it home and relax and not have to get up and go get it the next day. Its just a convenience. And to keep the money in town, that’s going out of town. We need that. We’ve been wasting a lot of money, letting it go somewhere else. I hope people understand that,” said Alderman Washer
“I would like to say that I don’t doubt that this is a good policy decision for the board to make,” said Alderman Jacobs. ” I am concerned however that we have had on the ballot this year two referendums that would have liberalized the sale of alcohol in the city limits and both of those were defeated so that gives me some concern. But I want to say up front that I have a clear conflict of interest in this in that I am a church elder and I don’t think I can vote on this ordinance as an alderman and then also as a church elder I don’t think I can vote yes to it and still honor God and honor the commitment I have to my congregation. That’s the reason I am voting the way I’m voting is because I do feel I have a definite conflict of interest,” he said.
The proposed ordinance states as follows:
Section 1: A Class 1 On Premises Permit shall be issued for the consumption of beer only on the premises. To qualify for a Class 1 On Premises permit, an establishment must, in addition to meeting the other regulations and restrictions in this Chapter:
(A) Be primarily a restaurant or an eating place; and
(B) Be able to seat a minimum of thirty people in booths and at tables, in addition to any other seating it may have; and
(C) All seating must be part of the premises. In case of any outdoor seating, the outdoor seating area must be accessible from the inside of the restaurant or eating place and the outdoor seating area must have some type of enclosure around it, such as a wall or fencing; and
(D) In addition to the requirements of subsection 8-210(1) (a) through (c), the monthly beer sales of any establishment which holds a Class 1 On Premises Permit shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the monthly gross sales of the establishment. As used herein, the term “gross sales” means all retail sales of the permit holder plus any applicable taxes. As used herein, the term “beer sales” includes all retail beer sales plus any taxes applicable to beer sales”
Section 2: Section 8-211 Prohibited conduct or activities by beer permit holders: Section 8-211 (2) is hereby amended by changing the following text: “Make or allow any sale of beer between the hours of 12:00 midnight and 6:00 a.m. during any night of the week, at any time on Sunday, and at any time on Christmas Day to the following: “Make or allow any sale of beer between the hours of 12:00 midnight and 6:00 a.m. during any night of the week”.

Kimberly Frazier, RN, BSN, has been named Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) for DeKalb Community Hospital (DCH) and Stones River Hospital (SRH), according to Sue Conley, Chief Executive Officer, effective January 2.
Frazier has worked at DeKalb Community Hospital since 1998, serving since 2011 as Director of the Medical Surgical nursing units as well as ICU and ER. She has been serving as Interim CNO since September. She has also served as Director of Implementations / Clinical Informatics for both DCH and SRH.
“Kim is an outstanding leader who brings significant clinical experience to her new role,” said Conley. “Having her assume expanded responsibilities as Chief Nursing Officer for our two facilities will benefit our patients, our staff and the community. This is a well-deserved promotion for Kim.”
Frazier earned her bachelor’s of science degree in nursing from Middle Tennessee State University and is in the process of completing her master’s of science degree in nursing administration. She has earned certifications in Chemotherapy, Advanced Continued Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Basic Life Support, Crisis Prevention Intervention and Emergency Preparedness.
A native of Smithville, Frazier was born in DeKalb Community Hospital. She and her husband Will have four children – Gavin, Isabella, Mackenzie and Alex. She is very involved with DeKalb County High School, having spearheaded DCH’s involvement with the school’s Athletic Department. She also coaches Junior Pro basketball and fast-pitch softball. Additionally, Frazier has served on the Smithville Chamber of Commerce Board.
About DeKalb Community and Stones River Hospitals
DCH and SRH are a part of the Capella-Saint Thomas system of hospitals, a joint venture between Capella Healthcare and Saint Thomas Health, along with sister hospitals Highlands Medical Center in Sparta and River Park Hospital in McMinnville. There are approximately 80 physicians on the combined medical staffs, representing nearly every medical specialty. Both are accredited by The Joint Commission. Established in 1969, DCH is a 71-bed hospital located in Smithville offering 24-hour emergency services and comprehensive diagnostic, medical, surgical and rehabilitative services. Established in 1980, SRH is a 60-bed hospital located in Woodbury. The hospital provides 24-hour emergency care as well as surgical procedures, same day outpatient services, cardiac rehabilitation services, and comprehensive imaging services. Through the Riverside Center, a full range of mental health services for older adults is available, with intensive inpatient services at a 22-bed gero-psychiatric unit at the hospital.
About Capella Healthcare and Saint Thomas Health
Capella Healthcare partners with communities to build strong local healthcare systems that are known for quality patient care and exceptional service. Based in Franklin, Tenn., Capella owns and/or operates 15 acute care and specialty hospital facilities in seven states. For more information, visit www.CapellaHealthcare.com Saint Thomas Health is the market share leader in Middle Tennessee with 6,500 associates serving the region. Saint Thomas Health’s regional health system consists of five hospitals and a comprehensive network of affiliated joint ventures in diagnostics, cardiac services and ambulatory surgery as well as medical practices, clinic and rehabilitation facilities. Saint Thomas Health is a member of Ascension Health, a Catholic organization that is the largest not-for-profit health system in the United States. For more information, visit www.sths.com.

A new self-service kiosk for renewing driver’s licenses was recently placed at the DeKalb County Complex. It’s part of a statewide effort that Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security officials hope will reduce wait times at driver’s license testing centers.
The kiosk is only for renewal of expired Tennessee driver’s licenses or replacement of lost licenses. “It will not do CDL’s (Commercial Driver’s Licenses) and it will not do a license where the owner has a handgun carry permit,” said County Clerk Mike Clayborn.
(PLAY VIDEO BELOW TO SEE COUNTY CLERK MIKE CLAYBORN DEMONSTRATE HOW TO USE THE KIOSK)

The license-holder pays at the kiosk by credit or debit card and poses for a photo. A receipt is printed out which serves as a temporary driver’s license until the real license arrives in the mail a few days later.
The kiosks are networked with state driver’s license records and have facial-recognition software which compares the person posing for the new photo with the previous license photo to avoid fraud.
The new kiosk is now available for use whenever the county complex is open. Its located in the hallway near the County Clerk, Trustee, Assessor of Property, and Register of Deeds offices.
People getting Tennessee licenses for the first time must still go to a driver’s license testing station and renewals and replacements will still be available there as well.

Three people have lost their lives in DeKalb County traffic accidents this year and the Tennessee Highway Patrol and other local law enforcement agencies will be working over the next two weeks to keep that number from going any higher.
The THP will be conducting driver license roadside safety checkpoints this week on State Route 146 and sobriety roadside safety checkpoints next week on Highway 56 in DeKalb County. Two of the three fatal wrecks this year in DeKalb County occurred on Highways 146 & 56 while the other took place on Highway 70 at Snow Hill. At least one of them involved alcohol. Meanwhile, two others from DeKalb County died in traffic accidents in Rutherford and Smith Counties this year.
30 year old Chris Gammons of Smithville, involved in a two vehicle crash on Saturday, June 23 died Monday, July 9 at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga. Gammons was one of four people in that accident which occurred on Highway 70 near the intersection of Highway 96 (Dale Ridge Road) on Snow Hill. Gammons and Troy Bruno, both of Smithville were airlifted from near the scene of the crash by Life Force and Air Evac helicopter ambulances. The other two in the wreck were 32 year old Cleva Elaine Gammons of Smithville, wife of Chris Gammons, and 52 year old Johnny Hickey of Liberty. Hickey was traveling west on Highway 70 in a 2004 F350 full size flat bed truck when he crossed the turning lane and into the path of an eastbound 2002 Nissan Altima, driven by Cleva Elaine Gammons. Chris Gammons was a front seat passenger and Troy Bruno was a back seat passenger of the Altima. Chris Gammons was ejected and landed on the highway, in front of the Altima. Bruno was trapped in the backseat and had to be extricated by members of the DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department’s Extrication and Rescue Team.Bruno and Chris Gammons were transported by DeKalb EMS to a helicopter landing zone on Highway 70 at the intersection of Toad Road. One of them was airlifted by a Life Force helicopter and the other was flown out by an Air Evac helicopter. Mrs. Gammons was transported to DeKalb Community Hospital, where she was treated and released. On November 26, Hickey was indicted by the grand jury on one count of vehicular homicide, two counts of vehicular assault, and driving under the influence.
41 year old William Larry Dyle, II of McMinnville was found dead at the scene of a motorcycle crash on Highway 56 south on Thursday, September 27. Dyle was operating a 2007 Honda Gold Wing motorcycle southbound and failed to negotiate a curve. He ran off the right side of the roadway, struck two mailboxes and a utility pole near the home of Phillip Cantrell. Dyle, who died at the scene, was wearing a helmet but was thrown from the bike. He landed about ten yards away from the motorcycle. It is unknown when the accident occurred. A couple out walking discovered the crash and reported it to 911 at around 6:19 a.m. Dyle’s body was taken by DeKalb EMS to DeKalb Community Hospital.
A Wednesday, November 28 traffic accident claimed the life of 72 year old Martha J. Thomason of Short Mountain Highway, Woodbury. The accident occurred on Highway 146 between the Game Ridge and Whorton Springs Roads. Thomason was driving south on Highway 146 in a 2004 Honda CRV when she went off the right side of the road, struck an earthen embankment, and overturned in a field. The car came to rest upright on its wheels. Members of the DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department’s Rescue Team were summoned to perform extrication in order to get Thomason out of the car. She was treated on site by DeKalb EMS and then loaded onto an Air Evac helicopter ambulance which landed at the scene. Thomason was flown to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville where she later died.
18 year old Zack Ferrell of Smithville, on his way to work at Nissan, lost his life in a pickup truck crash around 5:00 a.m. Sunday morning, July 1 on Highway 96 near Lascassas in Rutherford County. Trooper Michael Cummins of the Tennessee Highway Patrol said Ferrell was driving a 1986 Chevy pickup truck, heading toward Murfreesboro, when he ran off the right side of the highway and struck a guardrail. Ferrell apparently overcorrected and came back across the highway, crossing the center line and oncoming lane. The truck then went off an embankment and into a line of trees. The truck ran head on into a tree. Ferrell was partially ejected. Trooper Cummins said Ferrell died at the scene. His body was taken to Middle Tennessee Medical Center in Murfreesboro. Ferrell graduated from DeKalb County High School in May.
19 year old Johnny Ray Farless of Smithville died and two others were injured after their car ran into a tractor trailer rig on Interstate 40 in Smith County early Thursday morning, October 25. Those injured were 21 year old Amanda Price of Liberty and 19 year old Zachary Barlow of Lebanon. Farless and Barlow were passengers of a 2009 Hyundai, driven by Price. The accident occurred at around 2:06 a.m. Price was driving east on I-40 near the 252 mile marker when she apparently fell asleep and ran into the back of a 2012 tractor trailer, which was parked off the roadway near a truck rest stop area. The driver of the rig, 44 year old Alvin Walker of Olive Branch, Mississippi was asleep in the sleeper cab compartment of the truck at the time of the accident. The truck was loaded with general freight. After making impact with the rear of the trailer, Price’s car spun around and came to rest halfway in the slow lane and the entrance ramp to the rest stop. Walker was not injured. Neither Farless, Price, nor Barlow were wearing a seatbelt.
Impaired driving is a serious crime that kills more than 16,000 people and injures 305,000 others every year in the United States. During the sobriety checkpoints, Troopers will evaluate drivers for signs of alcohol or drug impairment. Troopers will target those who operate a vehicle while impaired and take corrective actions for other violations observed while ensuring the protection of all motorists.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol recognizes that sobriety checkpoints are highly visible and effective tools in the battle against impaired driving.

The DeKalb County Board of Education is looking to partner with Johnson Controls to bring more energy efficiency to existing school buildings.
During Thursday night’s meeting, the board voted to enter into a project development agreement with the company to continue a study already begun to determine what improvements are needed that would deliver a certain amount of energy savings over a period of time. After the study is completed, officials of Johnson Controls will return to the school board with a detailed scope of the work to be done and the savings projections. At that time the board can vote to proceed with a contract with Johnson Controls or opt out. The cost for the study is $11,000.
But the costs of making any facility and infrastructure retrofits or renewal projects recommended by the study could be offset from the energy and operational savings that are achieved as a result, according to Joe Bond of Johnson Controls, who addressed the board. Project improvements may include lighting system enhancements; HVAC upgrades; and water conservation measures. “We were able to come out and do a preliminary assessment a couple of month ago,” said Bond. ” Our engineers came on site and spent a couple of days walking the buildings with your maintenance director and what we found was an opportunity to help upgrade the buildings with no extra tax dollars affected. This is money you are already spending today. You just happen to be writing the check out to the utility company whether its TVA or your natural gas provider or water company. This money will be redirected back into your buildings and to upgrade your facilities especially at the high school. The high school is the culprit of a lot of the energy use in the county but that’s not unusual because most high schools are going to run a lot more than elementary or middle schools. What we learned here in DeKalb County is that you spent a little over $570,000 in utilities last year. You have right at 412,000 square feet. The buildings vary in age. Some of them are over thirty years old and with various updates and additions throughout them,” said Bond
Once the study is completed possibly by early March, Bond said he will return to the board with a detailed scope of the proposed work to be done and the savings projections. If the board votes to proceed with a contract, the work will begin, mostly after school and possibly at night.
If Johnson Controls doesn’t achieve the guaranteed savings for the school system, the company would pay the difference between what was guaranteed and what was actually achieved, according to Bond. “A performance contract generates guaranteed utility savings. Our firm does guarantee the savings and we do write you a check if we fall short of those savings,” he said.
Director of Schools Mark Willoughby said he believes this is a great opportunity to make school buildings more energy efficient and save money. “The costs for the study is $11,000 but that money could be absorbed through cost savings if the school system later decides to proceed with work to implement the recommendations of Johnson Controls,” said Willoughby. “They work with several different school systems in basically saving them a significant amount of money on energy and utilities. He (Bond) and his company have done a preliminary study and he would like to present to the board the study thus far. If we did enter into a contract with Johnson Controls we would not be using any additional money from the school system. We would not be using any additional tax dollars to do this project. If we do this, it would upgrade our climate control systems, possibly our use of water in the schools, and make everything more efficient. And the savings would go toward funding these projects where each year we’re spending several thousand dollars on replacing air conditioning and heating units at schools. This is a way that we could possibly go ahead and do everything and get upgraded so we’re not trying to do catch up all the time. We have some units that have been running since 1963. Our maintenance people do an excellent job patching them and keeping them going. But we could replace some of those and save a lot of money. We could enter into a contract with Johnson Controls and they would come out and do a study. The study cost $11,000 and if we do business with Johnson Controls and they come in and update our facilities then we wouldn’t ever pay that ($11,000). That (fee) is absorbed through the project. If we vote tonight to let them do the study then we can decide by April whether we’re going ahead or not,” said Willoughby.

Director of Schools Mark Willoughby was recognized Thursday night for having been named the 2013 Upper Cumberland Superintendent of the Year.
Keith Brewer of the Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents presented a plaque to Director Willoughby for this honor during the monthly school board meeting.
Brewer said Willoughby was also in the running for Superintendent of the Year in the state but lost out to the eventual winner by less than a point. “It’s my privilege tonight to recognize your Director of Schools Mark Willoughby. He is one of the outstanding leaders for the 2012-13 school year,” said Brewer. “We have a competition for Superintendent of the Year. That is based on finalists that we have from each developmental district. Mr. Willoughby represented the Upper Cumberland District. He was nominated and elected as the finalist for the Upper Cumberland. He joined seven other superintendents across the state. It was a close competition this year. Some outstanding leaders were there. The Upper Cumberland (Superintendent of the Year) won last year (State Superintendent of Year) and she is now the current deputy commissioner from Putnam County which is in the Upper Cumberland so whatever you’re doing down here it’s right in the Upper Cumberland District. It represents about twenty two districts,” he said.
“This year, Mr. Willoughby did not win (State Superintendent of Year) but what separated him from the eventual winner as Superintendent of the Year representing Tennessee in Los Angeles this year was less than a point,” said Brewer. “We have independent readers, about nine of those are judges from across the state and they are made up of retired superintendents, higher education, supervisors, and practitioners in the field and they do the judging. That’s a process that takes them sometimes a week and then they send the scores to us and we certify those scores and count those,” he said.
In other business, Director Willoughby presented his monthly report on personnel.
Those employed since the last meeting are as follows:
Evelyn Wray and Luanna Tollett, substitute teachers
Mary Margaret Tripp, Smithville Elementary School
Ricky Edwards, substitute bus driver
Resignations/Retirement
Bonnie Rigsby, Educational Assistant at Smithville Elementary School
Leave of Absence:
Ginger Wenger, Teacher at Northside Elementary School as requested
Kristy Williams, Teacher at Smithville Elementary School as requested
Christy Young, Teacher at Smithville Elementary School as requested
Jim Harrison of Civil Site Design Group updated the board on plans for the DeKalb West School building program. Harrison, the civil engineer for the project, said the targeted bid date is March 28. “We’ve been on site looking at utilities, grades, and that sort of thing. The architects have proceeded with the floor plan. We’ve made some adjustments looking very closely at parking and everything else so we are proceeding nicely with some of the more schematic design elements. We are currently shooting at a target date of bid date of March 28, trying to complete all the design work. We were out there with maintenance today just doing some on ground work just to make sure everything fit within the site to accomplish the goals we needed to for not just what’s inside the building but what’s outside as well,” said Harrison.
Director Willoughby said he is hopeful construction can begin by late spring. “Hopefully we’ll bid it out in March and come back in April and accept the bids. Hopefully the bids will come in within reason and we’ll accept those bids and start on the project,” he said.
The board had planned to act Thursday night on the Architectural contract with Kaatz, Binkley, Jones & Morris Architects, Inc for the building project at DeKalb West School but delayed a vote until a special meeting in January so that the attorney reviewing the contract for the school board can attend to answer any questions.
Meanwhile, the board has scheduled a workshop to conduct its annual evaluation of Director Willoughby for Monday, January 14 at 6:00 p.m. followed by a special meeting for a board self evaluation at 7:00 p.m.

The DeKalb Middle School Student Council wanted to lend a helping hand in the community. Susan Webb, club president, contacted Habitat for Humanity sponsors to inquire where DMS students could be useful. The Student Council decided to prepare a meal for the workers. Smithville Church of Christ members were working on Saturday December 8th and were delighted to enjoy a variety of soups, sandwiches, chips, cheese and crackers and homemade desserts.
Chairpersons Isaac Smith and Malone Fletcher headed this service project. 6th grade student council members did a great job getting involved in such a great community service. Dosson Medlin, Luke Bryant, Derek Young, Braya Murphy, Madison Whitehead, Joni Robinson, Dulce Maciel and Anna Rachel Blair were very helpful and directly involved in making this project a huge success.
Group Pict-1st row sitting- Isaac Smith, Anna Rachel Blair, Madison Whitehead, Malone Fletcher,
2nd Row-standing- Dosson Medlin, Braya Murphy, Derek Young, Luke Bryant, Joni Robinson and Dulce Maciel

The United States Postal Service is advising customers to keep track of shipping deadlines to ensure presents arrive in time for the holidays.
David Walton, Postal Service spokesman, told WJLE Wednesday that packages should be mailed earlier rather than later to get them to their destination by Christmas. “This year we urge our customers to mail early because we’re expecting record breaking volumes this year, especially with our package services. We’re expecting about a 20% increase over last year due to more people doing on-line shopping. So our deadlines for mailing First Class Mail, we’d like you to have that in the mail by December 20. For Priority Mail, its December 21 and for Express Mail its December 22,” said Walton. “Our busiest day that we’re expecting most people to come to the Post Office is next Monday, December 17. Our busiest delivery date for letters is going to be December 19 and for packages its December 20,” he said
As a convenience to postal customers, on-line services are available, according to Walton. “For a lot of people who don’t want to stand in line at the post office, it’s unbelievable what you can do these days on-line. If you go to www.usps.com you can pretty much print out a mailing label postage and put it on your package and you can schedule your carrier to pick up that package. That saves you the time and gas in going to the post office. You can also order stamps on-line,” he said.
Walton also offers some tips for customers planning to ship packages during the holidays. “Just a couple of tips for sending packages, always be sure that you include the same name and address that’s on the outside of the package on the inside as well. Put that on the inside because there have been instances where a label has fallen off or maybe weather has gotten to it and caused the label to come off. That way we can make sure that the package is returned either to the sender or the addressee,” said Walton. “Of course, if you’re sending anything electronic always take the batteries out. Also be sure to use a (shipping) box that’s strong and use packing tape. A lot of people forget about that. If you don’t know the zip code where the package is going to, don’t guess the zip code. The best thing to do is go to www.usps.com and you can easily find a zip code there,” said Walton.
Meanwhile, the Smithville Post Office will close Christmas Eve at 10:00 a.m.. and be closed all day on New Year’s Eve. That’s only for their window lobby service. Mail delivery will continue as usual on those days.