The cost to register a vehicle in Tennessee will increase beginning July 1, 2017.
The registration fee for passenger motor vehicles (standard, disabled, military, motorcycle, specialty) will be increased by $5. The registration fee for commercial motor vehicles for transporting passengers for hire (buses, taxis) will be increased by $10. The registration fee for commercial and freight motor vehicles (semis, tractor trailers) will be increased by $20.
There will be a new fee for electric vehicles beginning July 1, 2017. The registration fee for electric vehicles will be $100. The electric vehicle registration fee is in addition to the standard registration fee.
These fee increases are part of the 2017 IMPROVE ACT which has been signed into law by the Governor to help shore up funding for roads and bridges across the state. 100% of these fee increases go to the highway fund.
DeKalb County Clerk James L. (Jimmy) Poss advises individuals with upcoming renewals to take advantage of the current fees by renewing eligible vehicles prior to July 1, 2017. Previously, the county clerk’s office has been able to complete renewal transactions within a period of 60 days or less prior to the expiration date.
Meanwhile, County Clerk Poss has announced other changes that either have taken effect or are soon to take effect.
“After attending a three-day training last week our office has several updates to share with our citizens in the county,” said Poss.
These updates include the following:
•Fines from the law requiring insurance will now generate new fees in the county clerk’s office. Each fine of $25 will generate $5 to local clerks and the remainder to the state. The $100 fine will contribute $10 to local clerks with the remainder going to the state.
•To qualify for an antique plate, the vehicle must be over 25 years old and have a non-modified engine and body. It can be used for participation in or transportation to and from club exhibits, activities, tours, parades and general transportation on Saturday and Sunday. Also, it can be used on any day for the purpose of selling, testing or obtaining repairs to maintain the vehicle (Recently Federal Holidays were added to days of operation).
•Effective, April 4, 2017 ALL constables are eligible for Emergency tags.
•You may now go online to pay your state fee for reinstatement of a driver license. Also, an unrestricted intermediate driver may go online to upgrade that license.
•Hand Gun Permit Holders are not eligible to complete transactions on the Kiosk; However, you can now go online to renew or replace lost or stolen. In addition to this new feature, as before you may mail in your renewal or visit a full-service DVM to renew a hand gun carry permit.
•Until now the county clerk office has been in full compliance transferring all documents and certain payments electronically to the state. Recently, the state made a new request for Sales & Use Tax along with taxes collected from boat purchases to be transferred electronically. The county clerk office will be entering this ACH payment request to be completed and submitted electronically in the near future. Currently as few as 4 counties have complied and this request has no deadline as of yet.
•Effective July 1, 2017 the state will be offering a choice of two state plates. The current plate in use and a second very similar plate adding “In God We Trust” printed above and below the current state emblem.
•Heavy Vehicle Use Tax exemption: Reminder, if a registrant declared the vehicle is driven less than 5,000 miles (or less than 7,500 miles for agricultural vehicles), they do not have to pay HVUT (Heavy Vehicle Use Taxes); however, they must still have form 2290 stamped and dated by the IRS showing they are listed as “tax suspended”.
•The state attorney reminded all county clerks who have any type of “motor vehicle races” to ensure that any person, firm, or corporation operating or conducting any such event possess $100,000/$300,000 liability insurance. Accordingly, these statues apply to “any contest of speed among self-propelled wheeled conveyances not running on rails. This encompasses “all races of all vehicles that depend on a moor of propulsion, other than railroads. Such violation is a class A misdemeanor. A copy of this policy should be maintained in the county clerk’s office.
•Insurance Automobiles: Insurance requirements applicable to off-highway vehicles. Summary: Clarifies that off-highway vehicles operated on public roads are covered under the definition of “uninsured motor vehicle” for purposes of being covered under an uninsured motorist policy effective July 1, 2017.
•Also, a feasibility study is underway to determine if the state will start requiring titling of boats.

For the 2nd consecutive year, DeKalb County Insurance, Inc. is one of a select group of agencies honored by Erie Insurance Company with the Founder’s Award. Erie’s Founder’s Award is a measure of quality agency performance and service to customers.
DeKalb County Insurance, Inc. offers a full line of property & casualty products, as well as business, farm and life insurance.
The agency is located at 307 N. Public Square, Smithville. To learn more call: 615-597-0660

DWS Junior Beta President Garrett Hayes was the local nominee for the Beta Club’s Most Valuable Player trophy. Unfortunately, the 8th grader
didn’t make the final cut for the John W. Harris Leadership Award at the national level, but he still stands as a worthy contender. Not only has Garrett excelled academically, the gifted student also consistently demonstrates outstanding character with his compassion, dedication, and reliability in his service to others.
Garrett’s compassion is evidenced in part by his service to the Webb House Retirement home in Smithville where he volunteers twice monthly. “He has taken the time to get to know many of our residents, learning what they enjoy,” said Jenny Abernathy, Webb House Retirement Center Activities Director. “He spends time in our memory care unit with a lady who enjoys his piano playing and being read to. For our residents who have dogs, he lends a hand by taking their pups for a walk around the building. He helps the puzzle group with their latest jigsaw puzzle and even assists the kitchen staff by clearing tables after lunch. His service has not only been welcomed but greatly appreciated.”
Garrett’s dedication is displayed at his church home, Prosperity Baptist Church, where he performs with the group’s drama team as part of his service. “We can always depend on Garrett for cooperation, faithfulness, and dependability,” says Youth Leader Linda Hayes. “It is immediately clear that he has compassion for others and is always willing to raise his hand to answer, pray , or help another member of the group. Hayes says Garrett displays courage and loyalty among his peers and demonstrates “good Christian morals and leadership traits”
Garrett has shown initiative at school, helping to start our first-ever STEM Club. He assists with the care of younger students prior to the start of the school day. He regularly helps with Beta service projects and with outside projects like volunteering for the setup for the county fair and working during the county fair.
Besides Garrett’s academic talents, he has a flair for the creative. Entering the Visual Arts category for two years at the Tennessee Junior Beta State Convention, he placed second in Color Photography this school year, qualifying him to be the school’s first contestant to compete at the national level. He’ll be competing next month at the Junior Beta National Convention in Orlando, FL.

Thirty-nine 8th graders graduated from DeKalb West School on Tuesday (May 23).
In addition to the presentation of their certificates of recognition, students were honored for academic achievements. In Karen France’s homeroom, Jaden Johnson swept the academic achievements, winning awards for English/Language Arts (97.5), History (98.5), Math (99), and Science (100). In Cynthia Wilson’s homeroom, Jordan Crook won the ELA award (98) and tied with Gracie Griffin (98.75) for the History trophy. Ashlin Maynard and Crook tied for the highest math average with 99.5. Wilson’s homeroom had a four-way tie with a score of 100 for Science with Crook, Maynard, Lydia Davenport, and Jaya Tramel.
Students selected Jaden Johnson and Hannah VanDyne in Mrs. France’s room for the Citizenship Awards and Gracie Griffin and Nick Cothern in Cynthia Wilson’s homeroom.
The following students made the All A Honor Roll for the entire school year: Trevonte Alexander, Nick Cothern, Jordan Crook, Emma Damron, Lydia Davenport, Levi Driver, Lynsey Ellis, Gracie Griffin, Garrett Hayes, Jaden Johnson, Abby Lawson, Cassie Maxwell, Ashlin Maynard, Jaya Tramel, Parker Vantrease, and Cody Woodham. Making the A & B Honor Roll all year long were Katie Bain, Kyndal Cox, Nathaniel Dace, Sydney Hendrixson, Lily Martin, Michael Martin, Lacey McMillen, Riley Overstreet, Megan Price, Janelle Rodriguez, and Hannah VanDyne.
Jaden Johnson received the Tennessee Tech Math Award for placing 9th out of 61 other 8th grade students statewide. In 6th grade Johnson placed 6th in that competition.
DWS Making Tracks awards for most improved went to Trevonte Alexander and Cody Woodham. Garrett Hayes received the Mrs. Georgia Young Award for his high academic ability and outstanding character, and the “4 PAWS” or teacher’s choice award went to Katie Bain and Nick Cothern.
Junior Beta students who earned a minimum of 10 service hours were honored at the ceremony. For the second year in a row, Emma Damron had the highest number of service hours followed by Jaden Johnson and Garrett Hayes.
Congratulations to the 8th grade graduates: T.J. Alexander, Jordan Bailiff, Katie Bain, Victoria Billings, Hailey Bogle, Kaileigh Brandon, Nick Cothern, Kyndal Cox, Jordan Crook, Nathaniel Dace, Emma Damron, Lydia Davenport, Levi Driver, Lynsey Ellis, Dakota Faulk, Gracie Griffin, Hannah Grisham, Vanessa Harn, Garrett Hayes, Sydnee Hendrixson, Jaden Johnson, Justin Johnson, Abigail Lawson, Harley Mace, Lily Martin, Michael Martin, Cassie Maxwell, Ashlin Maynard, Lacey McMillen, Riley Overstreet, Megan Price, Janelle Rodriguez, Arthur Sulivan, Damien Sullivan, Jaya Tramel, Hannah VanDyne, Parker Vantrease, Cody Woodham, and Ciara Young.

After devoting her life to education for 40 years, Regina Kent is retiring from her professional passion. When the longtime educator walks out the door for the final time on May 26, she will be leaving behind an impressive legacy. During her four decades of teaching, Kent has taught hundreds of children the building blocks of education no doubt, but she also has been a comforter for crying children, an encourager to the downtrodden, and a motivator to the uninspired.
“For the better part of my life, this school has been my second home,” Kent said. “It is finally dawning on me what a big piece of my life I’m leaving behind. It means more to me than words can express, and my life will not be the same without it,” she added.
The second grade teacher has been a beacon, leading children to the next level in their academic development while inspiring a love for learning.
“Mrs. Kent has a long, valuable history with our school,” says Principal Sabrina Farler. “I don’t know what it is, but among her many talents, she has always had the ability to motivate her students to be voracious readers. She has been a great asset. We’ll miss her, but her retirement is richly deserved.”
“The last day of school will be a bit different for “Miss” Kent this year, for when she closes her classroom door on the last day of school, she will also be closing the door on a successful teaching career,” said Donna Davis, who, until her retirement, taught second grade alongside Mrs. Kent for many years.
“I always admired “Miss” Kent’s artistic abilities; with her guidance her students were able to complete many artistic projects which enhanced and supplemented the curriculum and, just as importantly, which the students enjoyed. I’m sure that in the homes of many of her former students who are now adults there may be one of those coffee-can Santas which they made in her room at Christmas! As we worked side-by-side and collaborated and commiserated, we also developed a friendship. Our tradition of attending the Southern Women’s Show each year became a bit of West School lore! So I say to “Miss Kent” as you close that classroom door this year and open the door to the next chapter in your life, “Welcome to the world of retirement! You’re going to love it! Grab your passport and let’s go!”
Kent began teaching in 1977. Friends, family, and colleagues will honor Mrs. Kent at a reception in her honor May 24.
“It has been a blessing to have had the opportunity to work at such an outstanding school as DeKalb West,” Mrs. Kent said. “I know I am going to miss it, but I am looking forward to retirement and starting a new chapter in my life.”

Smithville Police arrested a man last week after he allegedly pulled a gun on another person during a confrontation outside at Walmart.
34 year old Nathan Joe Trapp has been charged with aggravated assault, violation of bond conditions and he was cited for unlawful possession of a firearm.
Police were called to Walmart on Friday, May 19 after receiving information that Trapp had pulled a gun on someone there. Officers spoke with the victims who stated that Trapp almost hit one of them with his vehicle as they were walking to enter Walmart. One of the victims waited outside the front doors to ask Nathan what his problem was and he made a rude reply. The other victim pushed Trapp back away from the first victim and he (Trapp) reached for a pistol in his waistband. The victims then backed off to avoid escalating the situation and Trapp entered Walmart. Officers found Trapp inside the store and detained him. It was discovered that Trapp didn’t have a license to carry the firearm and he was also under bond conditions barring him from possessing a firearm. Bond for Trapp is $45,000 and his court date is June 8.
37 year old Abadih Lopez Ruiz was arrested for driving under the influence and a fourth offense of driving on a revoked license. Police were called to Los Lobos for a hit and run on Saturday, May 13 and while enroute to the scene, the officer got behind the described vehicle on Hayes Street and pulled it over. The driver, Ruiz, got out of the automobile. The officer observed him to be unsteady on his feet and he had an odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his person. Ruiz submitted to field sobriety tasks but performed poorly. A computer check with Central Dispatch revealed that Ruiz was driving on a revoked license. His bond is $6,500 and his court date is May 25.
32 year old Jessica Taylor Lane was cited for two counts of simple possession on Tuesday, May 16. Lane was involved in a hit and run accident outside the city limits but was stopped inside the city. Police asked for and received consent to search her vehicle where they recovered 2 1/2 white pills identified as Acetaminophen and Hydrocodone, a schedule II drug. Incident to arrest a total of six pills identified as xanax were found on her person and in her purse. Lane’s court date is June 8.
21 year old Alejandro Garza was arrested on Saturday, May 20 for evading arrest and he was cited for speeding. Police observed a silver Jeep traveling west on East Broad Street at a speed of 63 mph in a 40mph speed zone confirmed by radar. The officer got behind the vehicle and attempted to make a traffic stop. After several turns onto other roads the vehicle finally stopped and the officer spoke with the driver, Garza who said he had just gotten off work. Garza claims he failed to stop because he didn’t want to get another ticket. His bond is $3,500 and his court date is June 15.
60 year old Fred Thomas Dowell Jr. was arrested on Tuesday, May 23 for simple possession, a ninth offense of driving while license revoked, and illegal possession of a weapon. Police spotted Dowell driving a white Infinity on West Broad Street. Knowing that Dowell’s license are revoked, the officer stopped him on Bryant Street. A computer check of his license showed them to be revoked for a DUI offense and eight prior charges of driving on a revoked license. A convicted felon, Dowell was also found to be in possession of a 22 caliber handgun and approximately 0.5 grams of a white crystal like substance believed to be methamphetamine.His bond is $25,000 and his court date is June 8.

The DeKalb County Ambulance Service along with hospital and emergency room staff at St. Thomas DeKalb Hospital have been awarded the “Pediatric Call of the Year” award for their efforts in trying to save the lives of victims in a mobile home fire in December. That fire claimed the lives of three people including a four year old child.
The 2017 Erlanger Life Force awards were presented Tuesday to Greta Stone, EMT-PCC/IC and Jamie Parsley, AEMT, members of the DeKalb EMS crew who were on duty and responded to the call on Sunday, December 4 at 1276 South Mountain Street in Smithville. The EMS awards ceremony was held in Chattanooga.
The fire claimed the lives of 27 year old Jeremy Shelton, 36 year old Crystal Fults, and 4 year old Caylix Johnson. Two others, 26 year old Heather Standridge and 23 month old Brantley Johnson were injured.
The DeKalb EMS crew treated Standridge and the Johnson children while transporting them to St Thomas DeKalb Hospital. The 4 year old child, Caylix Johnson died at the hospital. Standridge and the 23 month old, Brantley Johnson were later taken to Vanderbilt Hospital.
Upon arrival at St. Thomas DeKalb Hospital, the victims were treated by hospital and emergency room staff including Melody Judkins, Andria Nokes, and Diana Hardin. Brad Mullinax also arrived to assist.
Life Force was summoned to airlift the surviving victims but rainy weather that day prevented them from flying. Instead, the Life Force flight crew Susan Musilli and Corey Guy arrived at the local hospital to help in stabilizing the victims before accompanying them by ground ambulance transport to Vanderbilt Hospital.
“Jamie and myself never left the patients’ side until released to Vanderbilt Children’s hospital. We continued assisting ER staff and Lifeforce for Brantley’s stabilization,” said Stone.
The Erlanger and Life Force Awards Ceremony is a yearly event that honors the accomplishments of EMS personnel who have provided exemplary life-saving care to both adults and children.
DeKalb EMS Director Hoyte Hale said he is proud of his staff and for the great job they do.

State lawmakers hosted a luncheon Wednesday, May 24 at Sundance Restaurant to honor the DCHS Class of 2017 Valedictorian Rachel Fuson and Salutatorian Hunter Robinson.
Both Fuson and Robinson were formally presented copies of resolutions paying tribute to them as adopted in the State House of Representatives and State Senate and signed by the Governor. The presentations were made by State Senator Mae Beavers and State Representatives Terri Lynn Weaver and Mark Pody. DCHS Principal Dr. Kathy Bryant and Director of Schools Patrick Cripps also attended the Luncheon.
The Joint Resolution honoring and recognizing Fuson states as follows:
“WHEREAS, it is fitting that the members of this General Assembly should pause to pay tribute to those students who, through their natural talents and unflagging commitment to academic excellence, have distinguished themselves in the classroom; and
WHEREAS, Rachel Olivia Fuson is one such exceptional student who was recently named Valedictorian of the 2017 graduating class at DeKalb County High School; and
WHEREAS, through diligent study, steady composure during examinations, and steadfast commitment of time and talent, Rachel Fuson achieved outstanding academic success and joined the ranks of the best and brightest students in Tennessee and our country; and
WHEREAS, in her remarkable high school career, she earned an exemplary grade point average while participating in a variety of extracurricular activities, including Beta Club, Future Business Leaders of America, Science Club, Literature Club, and the Climate Crew; she is a football cheerleader and a member of Girls Scouts USA Troop 343; and
WHEREAS, her display of intellectual aptitude and ambition surely bodes well for her future success as a student at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Fuson’s noteworthy achievement is a tremendous source of pride for her parents, Joe and Melissa Fuson, her school, and her community; and
WHEREAS, Rachel Fuson’s dedication to excellence is clearly deserving of the respect, admiration, and commendation of the members of this General Assembly; now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED TENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE SENATE CONCURRING, that we hereby commend and honor the 2017 DeKalb County High School Valedictorian, Rachel Olivia Fuson, on her impressive academic achievement and extend to her our best wishes for a happy, successful future.”
The resolution honoring Robinson states as follows:
“WHEREAS, it is fitting that the members of this General Assembly should pause to pay tribute to those students who, through their natural talents and unflagging commitment to academic excellence, have distinguished themselves in the classroom; and
WHEREAS, Jacob Hunter Robinson is one such exceptional student who was recently named Salutatorian of the 2017 graduating class at DeKalb County High School; and
WHEREAS, through diligent study, steady composure during examinations, and steadfast commitment of time and talent, Hunter Robinson achieved outstanding academic success and joined the ranks of the best and brightest students in Tennessee and our country; and
WHEREAS, in his remarkable high school career, he earned an exemplary grade point average while participating in a variety of extracurricular activities, including the Senior Beta Club and the soccer team; treasurer of his FFA chapter, he received the FFA state degree in March 2017; and
WHEREAS, his display of intellectual aptitude and ambition surely bodes well for his future success as a student at the University of Alabama in Huntsville; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Robinson’s noteworthy achievement is a tremendous source of pride for his parents, Lynn and Regina Robinson, his school, and his community; and
WHEREAS, Hunter Robinson’s dedication to excellence is clearly deserving of the respect, admiration, and commendation of the members of this General Assembly; now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED TENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE SENATE CONCURRING, that we hereby commend and honor the 2017 DeKalb County High School Salutatorian, Jacob Hunter Robinson, on his impressive academic achievement and extend to him our best wishes for a happy, successful future.”