Smithville Municipal Election set for June 15th

Candidates interested in running for mayor or alderman in the Smithville Municipal Election this summer may now pick up qualifying petitions at the DeKalb County Election Commission Office in the courthouse.
Dennis Stanley, Administrator of Elections, says candidates have until Thursday, March 18th to qualify.
A mayor and two aldermen will be elected on Tuesday, June 15th. The positions are currently held by Mayor Taft Hendrixson and Aldermen Stephen White and Cecil Burger. Each term is two years.
The election commission reports that the following candidates have picked up petitions:
Alderman:
Steve White (picked up petition)
Alderman:
Cecil Burger (picked up petition)
Mayor:
Taft Hendrixson (picked up petition)
Mayor:
Bruce Medley (picked up petition)

Election Administrator Reminds Potential Candidates of Qualifying Deadlines

The DeKalb County Election Commission reminds potential candidates for local offices of the approaching qualifying deadlines.
Dennis Stanley, Administrator of Elections says noon on Thursday, February 18th is the qualifying deadline for the May 4th DeKalb County Democratic Primary.
Offices eligible for the May ballot are County Mayor, County Clerk, Circuit Court Clerk, Trustee, Register of Deeds, Road Supervisor, and Sheriff, county commissioners in districts one through seven, 13th Judicial District Circuit Court Judge Part 1 and District Attorney. The judge and D.A. elections are to fill unexpired terms.
Independent candidates have the same qualifying deadline, Noon, February 18th..
The following persons have picked up and or returned petitions to run for local public offices in the May DeKalb County Democratic Primary
County Clerk:
Mike Clayborn
Glynn Merriman
Chris Smithson
Road Supervisor:
Jimmy Sprague
County Mayor:
Mike Foster
David C. Redmon (picked up petition)
Robert (Bob) Snyder
Register of Deeds:
Jeff McMillen
Clarence R. Trapp
Circuit Court Clerk:
Katherine Pack
Candidates for county offices running as Republicans or Independents in the August General Election:
Sheriff:
Patrick Ray (Republican)
Trustee:
Sean Driver(Republican)
Road Supervisor:
Kenny Edge (Republican)
County Commission Candidates in May Democratic Primary (two can be nominated from each district to run in August)
First District:
Elmer Ellis, Jr.
Second District:
Jack E. Barton, III
Third District:
Jerry Scott
Roy Merriman
Bradley Hendrix
Johnathan W. Willoughby (picked up petition)
Fourth District:
Wayne Cantrell
Ronald H. Rogers
David L. McDowell
Jesse Baker
Fifth District:
Johnny Ringo Colwell
Randy Braswell
Bobby R.Taylor
John D. Green
Sixth District:
Jeff Barnes
Marshall Ferrell
Seventh District:
Larry A. Summers
Jimmy W. Poss
County Commission candidates running either as Republicans or Independents in the August General Election (Two to be elected from each district in August)
First District:
Mason Carter(Republican)
Second District:
Bobby Joines (Republican)
Fifth District:
Jerry Adcock (Republican)
Fifth District:
Lloyd Emmons (Independent)
Seventh District:
Richard Kinsey (Independent)
School Board:
First District:
John David Foutch (picked up petition)
Second District:
Charlie Robinson
Third District:
Kenny Rhody
Seventh District:
Johnny Lattimore (picked up petition)
Smithville Alderman:
Steve White (picked up petition)
Smithville Alderman:
Cecil Burger (picked up petition)
Smithville Mayor:
Taft Hendrixson (picked up petition)
Smithville Mayor:
Bruce Medley (picked up petition)
State Representative:
James Hale (picked up petition) DeKalb County
Jamie Winkler (picked up petition) Smith County
Sarah Marie Smith (picked up petition) Smith County
Tommy Hay of DeKalb County has qualified to run for the U.S. House of Representatives in the Sixth District

County to Consider Helping Control Weight Loads over Hurricane Bridge

The county has apparently reached an agreement with officials of the Tennessee Department of Transportation to help enforce weight limits on Hurricane bridge by escorting across large trucks, fire engines, school buses, and other vehicles carrying heavy loads.
County Mayor Mike Foster, during an all-committees meeting with members of the county commission Tuesday night at the courthouse, said this issue would be discussed during Monday night’s regular monthly meeting of the commission and he will ask that the plan be approved.
Under the proposal, Foster says the county would appropriate around $20,000 to hire at least a couple of people with experience in law enforcement or traffic control who would work a forty hour week, monitoring traffic across Hurricane bridge. These officers would be responsible for making sure that no more than one large truck passes over the bridge at a time.
Foster says this would ease concerns about public safety and keep industries from having to detour through Alexandria or Dale Ridge Road to access the Interstate.
According to Foster, he met with officials of TDOT and the Tennessee Highway Patrol earlier this month at his office to discuss the plan and he says they have given their approval. If accepted by the county commission, Foster says the proposal could be implemented as early as next month, subject to a few more details being worked out with TDOT.
“TDOT has told us in the meeting we had a week ago Friday that if we will escort the trucks across and make sure that there’s no more than one big truck on the bridge at a time, the factories can haul up to 72,000 pounds. That will be a big help and save them from having to go around (detour). It will save them a couple a hundred dollars a load. Their (TDOT) engineering report says that the bridge doesn’t need to have more than 72,000 pounds on it at a time. They’ve got it restricted to 18 tons, but that’s only if a truck is crossing from each direction. As long as we keep only one truck on it then they feel like it’s safe to go up to 72,000 pounds.”
Foster says TDOT officials liked the escort idea better than posting traffic lights on either end of the bridge. “They felt like the lights were not as safe as this and would cause more problems.”
The escorts would not be provided around the clock, but Foster says arrangements could be made for after hours if needed. “It won’t be twenty four hours a day. Right now it’ll be 40 hours a week and if there is a special need then we can do that. We’ll try to work out something with law enforcement so that kids going on school bus trips (such as basketball tournaments) can be escorted across the bridge for the safety of them going and coming.”
He added that fire trucks might also need an occasional escort. ” On Christmas eve, there was a fire on the other side of the lake. They (fire fighters) went all the way around (detoured). We’ve got it worked out now so they can escort that truck across by blocking the ends (of the bridge) to keep more than one truck from getting on the bridge at a time. That way they can cross it and it will be legal.”
Foster says the persons hired to do the escorts would not necessarily have to be active law enforcement officers “They could probably be non-commissioned officers, not necessarily post certified, but someone with a law enforcement background or experience in traffic control. It could be like a constable or someone possibly supervised by the sheriff’s department.”
According to Foster, this is probably the best solution to the problem until TDOT begins rehab work on Hurricane bridge, and no date has yet been set for that. “It will help our industries, provide for the safety of our school buses, and help fire firefighters and ambulances. It’s a small price for us to pay.”
At a public meeting hosted by State Representative Terri Lynn Weaver and State Senator Mae Beavers in November, Ed Wasserman, TDOT Director of Structures, addressed the safety issue regarding Hurricane bridge and the timetable for getting it repaired. “With regard to the Hurricane bridge, if you observe the postings that are on it, then the bridge is perfectly safe. As to the scheduling of things, these are very expensive structures, we have a limited overall amount of money to deal with statewide. While you have every right to be concerned and feel that your bridge is the top priority in the state, there are people in other areas in the state with a bridge in similar condition and they feel theirs needs to be top priority. We are going to keep your bridges safe until such time as they get repaired or replaced on whatever schedule that works out to be. If the revenue stream continues, then we’re going to be able to get to your bridge. But with the Hurricane bridge, it will be repaired because there’s not any chance that we can afford to replace that bridge.”
Wasserman said that Hurricane bridge had not deteriorated to the point that it would have to be closed and added that the state would spend funds to do emergency repairs to keep it open if need be.

Bonnie May Bain Roberts

62 year old Bonnie May Bain Roberts of Murfreesboro died Monday at Middle Tennessee Medical Center. She was a DeKalb County native, a housewife, and a member of the Riverdale Church of Christ Inner City Ministries. The funeral will be Thursday at 2:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home. Bud Mitchell will officiate and burial will be in the Hale Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from noon until 9:00 p.m. Bain was preceded in death by her parents, Jessie Mae Stanley Bain and Sammy Richard Bain; siblings, Bobby, Sammy J., Gertrude, Jessie Belle, Donald Edward, Willie Dean, James, Sammy Clifton, Harrison, and Lillie and her great grandchild, Alexnia Joelene Scribner. Survivors include her husband, Ridley B. Roberts (Reel Foot) of Murfreesboro. Two daughters, Tina Rena Bain Harris of Murfreesboro and Bonnie Joan Bain of Kentucky. Two sisters, Carmine Bain of Smithville and Charity Douglas of Murfreesboro. Three brothers, George and Charlie Bain of Kittrell and Ricky Bain of Smyrna. Grandchildren, Angel Rena Bain Cates Scribner of Columbia, Josh, Melanie, Monica, and Tiffany Bain of Murfreesboro, Daryl Tittle, and Samantha Purkerson of Kentucky. Great grandchildren, Joshua Myles Scribner and Alliene Renee Scribner. Woodbury Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Lady Tigers Snap Ten Year District Losing Streak

The streak is over!
After more than ten years, the DeKalb County Lady Tigers snapped their 128 game district losing skid with a victory Tuesday night over the Smith County Owlettes in Smithville. The final score was 57 to 35.
The last time the Lady Tigers won a district game was on January 6th, 2000 against the Smith County Owlettes at Carthage under coach Jerry Foster.

DeKalb County dominated the game from the beginning leading 17 to 2 after the first period, 34 to 10 at the half, and 48 to 20 after the third quarter before winning 57 to 35.
Martha Webb led the team in scoring with 21 points. Cynthia Woodward had 14, Kristina Stephens and Alex Meadows each had 9 points, and Morgan Page and Nikki Bass each scored 2 points.
With the win the Lady Tigers improve to 11-7 on the season and 1-4 in district play.
Meanwhile in the nightcap, the Tigers and the Owls played into overtime before the issue was settled, but DeKalb County prevailed, winning 69 to 61.
DeKalb County led 17 to 14 after the first period, 32 to 24 at halftime, and 47 to 41 after the third period. In the fourth quarter, the Owls outscored the Tigers 12 to 6 to tie the game at 53 by the end of regulation. In the overtime, DeKalb County outpaced the Owls 16 to 8 and won 69 to 61.
Sonni Young had high scoring honors for the Tigers with 20 points. Payne Denman scored 15. Seth Willoughby 13, Hunter Poteete 7, Abram Edwards 5, Zach Neal 4, Destry Wiggins 3, and Cody Puckett with 2 points.
The Tigers improve to 11-7 overall and go to 2-3 in district play.
DeKalb County will host Monterey Friday night starting with the girls game at 6:00 p.m. WJLE plans LIVE coverage.

Troy H. Hinton

90 year old Troy H. Hinton, Huntsville, Alabama died Sunday.
He was born on April 9, 1919 to Samuel Manley and Alsey Davis Hinton in Fayette Co. Alabama. Eva Lee Hinton, wife of more than sixty years, preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his brothers: Murray, Ulyss, Loyd, and Lebron and sisters; Velma Sanders, Delia Noles, Trudie Sivley, Jewel Harbinson, He is survived by his sons and their wives, Wayne and Gay Hinton, of Huntsville, and Jerry and Susan Hinton, of Smithville, TN; grandchildren, Troy E. Hinton and Jill Hinton, of Union Grove, AL, Sara Hinton Lanwer and Bjorn Lanwer, of Huntsville, AL, David L. Hinton and Crystal Hinton, Norfolk, VA, Matthew Hinton, of Huntsville, AL, and R.D. Kelly, Jr., Union Grove, AL; great grandsons, Michael Hinton, and William L. Hinton; great granddaughters, Ella Lanwer, and Destiny Hinton along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Troy graduated from Curry High School and received a B.S. Degree from Jacksonville State University, and a Master’s Degree from Alabama A & M University in Huntsville. He retired from Huntsville City Schools in 1985 after serving as a Coach in several middle schools as well as Monrovia High School in the Madison County system.
He was also employed with PR Mallory Co. for twelve years from 1955 to 1967.
Troy was a World War II Veteran and served as a Sergeant in North Africa, Italy, and other
locations in Europe.
He also served as an official for over thirty years for high school and middle school football, basketball, baseball, and softball games. He also volunteered for Meals on Wheels until he was eighty-eight.
He was a member of Southside Baptist Church, from 1955 to present. Other organizations include: VFW, American Legion, Huntsville/Madison County Retired Teacher’s Association. Lifetime Supporter of Jacksonville State University. Coach Hinton can be best remembered as a loving husband to his wife, Eva, for 60+ years, father, and motivator of people. His wit, intelligence, and humor is an inspiration to all those who knew him. Although coaching was his chosen profession, he believed in people, young and old, and encouraged them daily. He had the heart of a servant and was always willing to go that extra mile, Yes, Coach will live on in those whose lives he touched and perhaps will inspire generations to come.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at Laughlin Service Funeral Home, Huntsville, AL. The funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at Laughlin’s Chapel with the Rev. Johnny Padalino officiating.
In lieu of flowers, family requests donations be made to Big Oak Ranch, Springville, AL or St. Judes Children’s Hospital, Memphis in his memory.

Jo Jacobs Robinson

74 year old Jo Jacobs Robinson of Morrison and a native of Warren County died Sunday at her residence following an extended illness. A retired employee of McMinnville Garment Company and member of the Bascom United Methodist Church, she was the daughter of the late Andrew and Minnie “Ma” Hollis Jacobs. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one sister, Waldine Whitehead; brothers, Leslie, Gene, Harris Sr., Ted, Clarence and Bill Jacobs and granddaughter, Ella Rose Robinson. She was married to Carl M. Robinson of Morrison. In addition to her husband, she is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, Kenneth Robinson of Nashville, Michael and Leela Robinson of Morrison, and Mitch and Stephanie Robinson of Murfreesboro; grandchildren, Kalyn, Kaine, Rhyan, Seth and Sam Robinson; great-grandchild, Kyler Robinson; brothers and sisters-in-law, John and Helen Jacobs of Morrison and Charles and Lynne Jacobs of McMinnville; sister, Vivian Toman of Naperville, Illinois and sisters-in-law, Grace Jacobs of McMinnville, Edna Jacobs of Winchester, Jean Jacobs of Oneida, and Juanita Jacobs. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at Bascom United Methodist Church with Stacy Cowan and Doug Jacobs officiating. Burial will follow in the Bascom Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Monday and 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at Bascom United Methodist Church. Memorial contributions may be made to Bascom United Methodist Church Building Fund or Lazarus House Hospice both in care of High Funeral Home in McMinnville, in charge of the arrangements..

DeKalb Rescue Squad Helps Save Cow and Horse

The Smithville-DeKalb County Rescue Squad was called to an area close to the Center Hill Dam on the Dale Ridge Road to rescue a cow that was stuck in the lake.
The cow was rescued sucessfully and was not injured.
This is the second incident within the week. Early Monday morning, (last week) the rescue squad was called to Evins Mill Road for a horse that was stuck in a pond. The horse was also successfully rescued , without injury.
(Story and photo by Dustin Johnson)

Sheriff’s Department Makes Arrests in Child Abuse and Theft Cases

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department made one arrest for child abuse last week while five others have been charged in various theft investigations.
In his weekly report on crime, Sheriff Patrick Ray says 23 year old Jo Carol Summers of Students Home Road Smithville was arrested Tuesday, January 12th for child abuse of a 4 year old. Through an investigation, deputies learned that Summers struck a 4 year old child with a paint stir stick, hitting the youngster several times on the back and buttocks areas with the stick, causing bruising to those areas. Bond for Summers was set at $5,000 and she will appear in court on January 28th.
27 year old Jacob L. Tramel of Whaley Street Smithville was arrested on Tuesday, January 12th for theft of property over $1,000.. Detectives received a report of a theft on Short Mountain Road, Smithville where the victim stated that on December 15th a diamond ring, valued at over $1,000, was taken from the victim’s residence without consent. Tramel sold the stolen ring to a jewelry dealer in Smithville. Bond for Tramel was set at $10,000 and he will appear in court on February 4th.
26 year old Thomas Jacob Sims of Snow Hill Road, Dowelltown was arrested on Wednesday, January 13th for aggravated burglary and theft of property over $1,000. Detectives received a report of a theft on January 10th in which someone had stolen a freezer, food, television, and a microwave. These items were taken from a home on Robinson Road without the owner’s consent. Entry was made through a back door to the residence. Though an investigation, detectives identified Sims as a suspect in the crimes. The stolen items have since been recovered. Bond for Sims was set at $50,000 and he will appear in court on February 4th.
On Thursday, January 14th, detectives received a report of a burglary, theft, and vandalism which occurred on January 11th on Cherokee Drive in Smithville. As a result of the investigation, detectives learned that 22 year old Travis Dewayne Rich of Bear Hollow Road, Liberty had broken into the home and stolen a 32 inch television, cable box, sink faucets, and parts to two central heating and air units. During the crime, Rich cut the faucets off from the water lines causing over $10,000 worth of water damage to the homes’ structure and furnishings. Rich was charged with aggravated burglary, theft of property over $10,000 and vandalism over $10,000. Bond for Rich was set at $45,000 and he will appear in court on February 18th. Rich is also a suspect in other break-ins in the county where items such as copper, and televisions, among other items were taken. If you have bought anything from Rich, you are urged to contact DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department detectives or Sheriff Ray at 597-4935.
32 year old Steve A. Stanley and 45 year old Jeffery S. Ponder both of Old Mill Hill Road Dowelltown were arrested on Saturday for burglary and theft of property over $500. After receiving a complaint call of a break-in, deputies caught both men taking items out of a storage building on Dale Ridge Road. Both men had entered a storage building by forcing open a front door and loaded a propane tank, 2 stoves, an electric pump, catalytic converter, and other scrap metal into a truck that they were in. Bond for both men was set at $35,000 and they both will appear in court on February 4th.

Cub Scouts Visit WJLE

Members of Cub Scout Pack 347, Den 9 visited WJLE on a field trip Saturday.
WJLE Manager Dwayne Page gave the scouts a tour of the station and interviewed them LIVE on the radio.
(Pictured- left to right: Seated below and wearing cap- David Robinson, Kneeling at right- Jamie Waggoner; Kneeling left- Eric Birmingham; Seated in chairs- Cody Robinson, Nicholas Birmingham, and Darren Waggoner)