The first “Classroom Champion” has been recognized by Smithville Attorney Jim Judkins and WJLE.
13 year old Gracie Griffin, an 8th grader at DeKalb West School received the award and a special gift card on Thursday presented by Judkins and Dwayne Page of WJLE.
Griffin, daughter of Carol Ann and Bart Griffin of Alexandria, is a member of the BETA Club and the Lady Bulldogs basketball team. Gracie said she loves Science and History and plans to become a veterinarian someday.
“Gracie is a very high achiever. She is a well rounded student, admired by her peers, and a member of the basketball team. She is a wonderful student at DeKalb West School,” said Principal Sabrina Farler.
In an effort to recognize achievements of students in the DeKalb County School System, WJLE has partnered with attorney Judkins in featuring a “Classroom Champion” each week for the next several months.
The name of the student selected each week will be announced on WJLE and will be featured on the WJLE website. Each student winning will receive a plaque and a gift certificate.
“This is our way of recognizing and celebrating the achievements of the future citizens and leaders of the community. It can benefit their learning and overall school atmosphere and climate. The students’ selection will be based on academic performance, responsibility and work ethic, leadership abilities, and citizenship and character,” said Judkins.

The Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) recognized the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department with the “Zero Fatal Award” during the THSO’s annual Cumberland Region Awards Meeting on December 8 hosted by Law Enforcement Liaison Fred Sherrill at Fall Creek Falls.
Every year, the “Zero Fatal Award” recognizes law enforcement agencies that maintain zero fatal crashes within their jurisdictions. The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department is considered a key partner of the THSO for continuing to save lives by preventing fatal crashes.
Sheriff Patrick Ray says “About one in three traffic deaths in the United States involve a drunk driver and millions get behind the wheel intoxicated every year. Thanks to our dedicated Law Enforcement Officers here in DeKalb County, our traffic fatalities were at zero in this reporting period. I am very proud to accept this award for DeKalb County. I want the Citizens of DeKalb County to know local Law Enforcement Officers have worked very hard this year to combat Drunk Drivers on our highways here in DeKalb County”.

The Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce director, Suzanne Williams, was recently elected chairperson of the Upper Cumberland Chamber Executives Association.
The UCCEA is an organization composed of the leadership of the Chambers of Commerce that serve the 14-county Upper Cumberland area. The organization’s mission is to support the Upper Cumberland’s economic development as well as provide the opportunity to speak as a regional entity with the potential to benefit each county. It also serves as a forum for chamber directors to discuss best practices, challenges, and ideas.
In addition, Tennessee Tech, UCCEA, and other economic and community development agencies partner together annually in January to sponsor the “Redi for Action” conference hosted by Tennessee Tech. This year’s conference included 3 State Commissioners from the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, and the Department of Environment and Conservation as well as several state agency directors.
Williams has worked at the Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce since 2000, and has served as Executive Director since 2003.
Williams received her B.S. degree from Middle Tennessee State University, and continues her love of learning through attending leadership conferences, seminars, and training.
As director, she wears multiple hats while managing and directing local programs, operations, and numerous activities of the Chamber. She is also involved in community and economic development, grant writing, and a monthly Chamber television and radio program called “Chamber Chat.”
Williams and daughter Shan Burklow are the co-hosts of the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree and Crafts Festival national television broadcast, aired locally by Cookeville’s WCTE-TV, and broadcast by the Public Broadcasting Service throughout the year across the nation.
Williams is a native of Smithville and loves her community. She is very passionate about promoting DeKalb County, the Upper Cumberland region, and the beautiful state of Tennessee.
Williams says, “We are looking forward to the new year and working together for the purpose of improving not only our individual communities, but the Upper Cumberland as a whole.”

A Smithville woman indicted on charges of TennCare Fraud and theft of services over $10,000 appeared in DeKalb County Criminal Court on Wednesday.
46 year old Kimberly Dawn Griffin of Page Lane, Smithville entered a plea to theft of services over $10,000. Judge Gary McKenzie gave her a four year sentence all suspended to TDOC probation under judicial diversion. She must make restitution of $30,498. If the restitution is not paid in full by the end of the diversion period, the balance will be converted to a civil judgment.
Griffin was named in a sealed indictment on Monday, November 23, 2015.
According to count 1 of the indictment, “Kimberly D. Griffin, between the 15th day of December, 2008 and the 29th day of October, 2012 intentionally did obtain certain services, to wit: medical assistance benefits for herself and her minor child, provided by the State of Tennessee, of the value of over $10,000 but less than $60,000, by means of deception, fraud, coercion, false pretense, or other means, with the intent to avoid payment for the services, constituting the offense of theft of services over $10,000”.
Count 2 of the indictment alleged that “Kimberly D. Griffin, between the 15th day of December, 2008 and the 29th day of October, 2012 did knowingly obtain medical assistance benefits for herself and her minor child, by means of her willfully false statement, representation or impersonation or by concealment of a material fact, to wit: fraudulently reporting to DHS that her minor child resided with her, in order to be eligible for TennCare benefits, constituting the offense of TennCare Fraud”.

A 54 year old Smithville man indicted last year for the rape of a child was in DeKalb County Criminal Court Wednesday.
Jacky Lynn Fults entered a plea to the lesser offense of attempted aggravated sexual battery. Judge Gary McKenzie gave him a three year sentence to serve in the Tennessee Department of Correction. Fults will be in the sex offender registry for the rest of his life and he is restrained from having any contact with the victim. He was given jail credit of 38 days.
Fults was accused of committing anal penetration with his finger on a seven year old girl at his Foster Road residence on September 28, 2014. According to the warrant at the time of his arrest, the child was examined by Our Kids in Nashville on September 29 and doctors did find evidence consistent with abuse. The child did give disclosure on September 30 at the Child Advocacy Center in Cookeville.
The case was investigated by Lieutenant Matt Holmes of the Smithville Police Department
The Grand Jury indicted Fults in July, 2015. The indictment alleged that “Fults, between September 25 and 28th, 2014 did intentionally and or knowingly engage in unlawful sexual penetration of a seven year old child constituting the offense of Rape of a Child.”

The DeKalb Animal Coalition for the Humane Treatment of Animals got a nice Christmas gift last month when word came that it was being awarded a $25,000 grant from the Roger T. Moore Revocable Trust Foundation.
The grant will be put toward the new animal shelter which is under construction behind Tenneco near the county’s soon to open solid waste transfer station.
Sue Puckett Jernigan, a member of the Coalition, told WJLE that she had not even heard of the foundation until Pete Siggelko mentioned it during a coalition meeting last year. “He attended some of our meetings and he mentioned that there might be a grant available from this foundation. He said I’ll get you the ladies name and number. He did. He sent me a text and last June I called her and she told me what to do to make the application. The lady I dealt with is Belinda Leslie, a Trustee of the Foundation. I just wrote a letter outlining what our Coalition did and the need for it. I included the history of how we had come about organizing and that we were a 501c3 organization. I wrote that we were trying to garner some funds and mentioned our 99 year lease,” said Jernigan.
“In December I received a call from this lady. She told me we had been awarded the grant and I was so excited. She said it was for $25,000 and Merry Christmas. I believe that is the max that the foundation grants,” added Jernigan.
This is great news for the Coalition which is still in search of donations to help equip and furnish the new shelter before it opens. “We have enough money to complete the building but I’m not sure we’re going to have enough to equip it so we’ll have to have some fund raisers,” said Jernigan.
Mike Foster, who is also involved with the Coalition, said the building should be completed within the next six weeks. “I think the building will be finished in three weeks and then it will be ready for the interior stuff which may take another three weeks. The outside concrete pours that makes the runs were completed today (Wednesday). They finished up the central heat and air today (Wednesday). The electrical is also now ready for a rough in inspection. It’s really coming along. Of course some things like the Guillotine doors and things like that can’t be put in until it’s painted,” said Foster.
If you would like to volunteer or make a donation toward the shelter, contact Marsha Darrah, Sue Puckett Jernigan, or any member of the Coalition. Donations may be made by Pay Pal or at Post Office Box 354.

Payton Anderson, a 5th Grader at Northside Elementary School won a bicycle for the first semester through the Attendance Incentive Program sponsored by Mabe Distributing.
Thanks to Barry Mabe of Mabe Distributing, Northside Elementary School is able to offer an extra incentive for students to be at school on time every day.
It’s simple. Students who come to school each day of the week, arrive on time, and stay all day will get their name in a weekly drawing for a box of “Little Debbie” snacks.
In December and May, another drawing is held and the winner gets a bike that Mr. Mabe has donated to the school.

WJLE and participating local businesses are giving you a chance to bid on and buy merchandise at a discount in the RADIO SHOPPER on Thursday, January 26.
Starting at 9:00 a.m. that morning, WJLE will be opening up the phone lines for you to bid on various items from local businesses.
WJLE will set a minimum bid on each item and continue the bidding until the item is sold. The program on Thursday will be limited to around three hours. If we have more items to sell, the program will resume on another day. For bidders, they have a chance to buy merchandise or services at a discount. For the businesses, they get ads on WJLE just for putting items up for bids.
If your business would like to participate, contact Dwayne Page at 615-597-4265.
It’s going to be fun and exciting! Be sure to be by your radio and your telephone on Thursday, January 26 at 9:00 a.m. and call in a bid to RADIO SHOPPER on WJLE. The program will also be streamed LIVE at www.wjle.com.
Here’s what we’ve lined up for the auction to date:
Jamie A Boutique: 3 pairs of assorted print leggings, one size; one pair of print leggings, size L/XL, and a pair of solid black fleece lined leggings, one size. Total retail. $99.95.
Evins Mill Resort: Dinner Package (one couple) includes light Hors d’ Oeuvres, Four Course Dinner, soup and salad du jour, choice of two entrees, delicious dessert, non alcoholic beverage. Value $100. Valid from January 26, 2017 until January 31, 2018. (Must make reservation). Number to call is 615-269-3740. Web site is www.evinsmill.com.
DeKalb Farmers Coop: Gallagher S10 Portable Solar Fence Energizer. Charges up to 3 miles/15 acres. Valued $124.99
DeKalb Memorial Gardens: Bronze Vase (Value at $300) with purchase of companion bronze marker.
Angie’s Diner: 2 (2 lunch bars with drinks valued at $15); 2- (2 breakfast specials includes drinks valued at $11.50)
Bryan’s Auto Repair and Towing: 6 quart oil change and filter valued at $45
Bumpers Drive-In: 5 Biggie Bags (2 Bumpers Burgers, 2 Large Fries, 2 Large Drinks, & 2 Apple Turnovers). Valued $13.00 each.
DeKalb Tire & Service: Certificate worth $300 toward purchase of a new set of tires.
DeKalb Funeral Chapel: Set of Cemetery Vases valued at $125.
K & M Jewelry: 3- $100 certificates.
Cantrell’s Furniture and Appliances: Rocker/Recliner Upholstered Chair by the Washington Manufacturing Company. Choice of 3 colors. Valued at $399.00.
DeKalb County Ace Hardware: Living Accents Roma Cushion Glider for decks and patios valued at $129.99.
Cantrell’s the Home of Fluty and Fluty’s Shoes: Ladies Neyelle Rain Jacket (Small to 2X). Valued $128.00; Not Your Daughters Jeans (2 to 18 Regular and Petite). Valued $110.00; Ladies Foxcroft No Iron Blouse 100% cotton (4 to 16) Valued $72.00; Spanx Bra-llelujah (32-38 A to D). Valued $62.00; Carhartt Overalls (Denim or Brown Duck). Value $65.00; Man’s suit. Valued up to $200.00; Man’s Enro No Iron Shirt (2 to be sold). Value $79.50 each; Columbia Polar Fleece Vest. Value up to $45.00; Pair of Ladies Shoes by Born. Value $80.00.
F.Z. Webb & Sons Gifts: 11” x 14” Sligo Bridge Print by Gary Keeble. Valued at $25.00; Proud to be an American Garden Flag. Valued at $13.00; Chip and Dip server. Valued at $42; Large coconut scented Woodwick Candle. Valued at $24.99; Mika Body Massage Kit with electric warmer and scented massage oil. Valued at $19.99; Snowbuddies Spring Time Collection “A Rite of Spring” figurine. Valued at $15; Evergreen Bird Bath platter with fish designs. Valued at $49.99; Melissa and Doug Wooden Press & Serve Waffle Set for ages 3 and up. Valued at $19.99; and Melissa and Doug Santa & Reindeer Chunky Puzzle for ages 2 and up. Valued at $19.99.
R&B Crafts: 4 foot cedar swing. Valued $125.00.
Kilgore’s Restaurant: 3- $25 certificates

A Smithville woman who allegedly broke into a barn and stole some tools and an air tank last month has been charged with burglary and theft under $500.
25 year old Stephanie Michelle Maloney of Jefferson Road, Smithville is under a $6,500 bond and her court date is January 26.
Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on December 7 Maloney allegedly broke into a barn on Long Branch Road and stole an air tank, tool box, and tools valued at $135. The case was investigated by a Sheriff’s Department Detective.
24 year old Christopher Jacob Roach of Summer, Tennessee is charged with unlawful possession or carrying of a weapon. His bond is $5,000 and his court date is January 26. He was arrested on Friday, January 13. Sheriff Ray said that on August 15 a detective and deputy responded to West Main Street in Alexandria on a complaint that a felon was living there and that he was illegally in possession of a firearm. Upon arrival, the officers spoke to the complainant who said that Roach had three firearms in his home. A further investigation revealed that Roach did live at the residence and that he is a convicted felon.
25 year old Carlos Emmanual Santos of Poplar Street, Smithville is charged with possession of a controlled substance in a penal institution. His bond is $3,500 and his court date is January 26. Sheriff Ray said that on Friday, January 13 while being held prisoner at the jail, Santos was found to have 0.12 ounces of a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana in his possession along with three blue pills thought to be Oxycodone (30 milligrams). Marijuana is a schedule VI drug. Oxycodone is a schedule II controlled substance.
31 year old Patricia Yvonne Peachey of Pea Ridge Road, Liberty is charged with a second offense of driving on a revoked license. Her bond is $3,000 and her court date is January 26. Sheriff Ray said that on Wednesday, January 11 a deputy was patrolling on New Home Road when he spotted a vehicle in front of him leaving its lane of travel multiple times. He stopped the automobile and spoke with the driver, Peachey. A computer check revealed that her license were revoked due to a DUI offense in 2013 in Rutherford County. She was also charged with DRL in Rutherford County three years ago.
21 year old Kandy Ashton Goldstein of Blue Springs Road, Smithville is charged with filing a false report. Her bond is $1,500 and her court date is February 9. Sheriff Ray said that on December 14 Goldstein filed a vandalism report with the Sheriff’s Department. Goldstein reported that her 2014 Dodge Avenger had sustained heavy damage to the driver side due to vandalism and that she noticed it from her home when she looked outside on December 15. Goldstein further stated she did not know how it happened or who did it. She later admitted during an interview that she caused part of the damage after running into a ditch on Old Blue Springs Road and that a friend had hit a pole while driving the vehicle both on December 14. The case was investigated by a Sheriff’s Department Detective.
56 year old Melody Ann Thomas of McMinnville is charged with driving under the influence. She was further cited for driving on roadways laned for travel. Her bond is $1,500 and her court date is February 9. Sheriff Ray said that on Sunday, January 15 a deputy received a call about a black Nissan car headed toward Smithville on Short Mountain Highway and traveling recklessly. The officer spotted the vehicle and observed it failing to maintain its lane of travel. The deputy made a traffic stop and spoke with the driver, Thomas. Her eyes were bloodshot and she had a strong odor of alcohol on her person. She initially admitted to having consumed one beer but later said she had several beers. Thomas performed poorly on field sobriety tasks and she submitted to a blood test.

A man who allegedly left two youngsters home alone, including one who wandered out into the road has been charged with child abuse or neglect.
26 year old Jeffery Mark Hatfield of Adcock Cemetery Road, Smithville is charged with two counts of the offense and is under a $20,000 bond. His court date is January 26.
Sheriff Patrick Ray said that a detective was patrolling Adcock Cemetery Road just before dark on Thursday, January 12 when he came upon a three year old girl standing in the center of the road. After almost hitting the child, he stopped and tended to the youngster while contacting the Department of Children Services. After searching for more than an hour, authorities finally located the child’s home. Upon arrival, they found a two year old boy who was home alone. According to Sheriff Ray, Hatfield left the children in an unsafe situation placing them in imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury.