Wendy Askins, 55, of Red Boiling Springs, Tenn., pleaded guilty Wednesday before U.S. District Judge Aleta A. Trauger, to two counts of theft from a federally-funded entity, announced David Rivera, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee. At the time of the offenses, Askins was the Executive Director for the Upper Cumberland Development District (UCDD), and also oversaw the daily operations of the Cumberland Regional Development Corporation (CRDC) and the Cumberland Area Investment Corporation (CAIC). UCDD and its related organizations received thousands of dollars annually in federal funds during the time Askins led UCDD.
During the plea hearing, Askins admitted that she used UCDD and CRDC funds to purchase a property she named Living the Dream. Living the Dream was supposed to serve as an assisted living facility for senior citizens. Shortly after purchasing the home, Askins and UCDD Deputy Director Larry Webb set up a company called L.A. Management to operate the senior facility. Askins subsequently converted a portion of the property that was owned by the public agency into a home for her daughter and herself. Her upgrades to the property included adding elaborate, luxury showers in the bathrooms used by the Askins; wiring another bedroom to service a tanning bed, and spending an additional $25,000 to erect a double-winding staircase.
Askins admitted she moved money belonging to UCDD and its components to Living the Dream bank accounts, without the approval of the boards of directors. Askins attempted to hide the unauthorized transfer of other UCDD funds by directing an employee to falsify the minutes of a board of director’s meeting, in order to conceal the fact that she had spent a total of $233,000 without board approval. She also admitted that she lied to the media, board directors, and UCDD attorneys about why the meeting minutes were incorrect.
Askins will be sentenced by Judge Trauger on October 28, 2016. Federal program fraud carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release following a term of imprisonment.
Larry Webb, a co-defendant, pleaded guilty to bank fraud on August 17, 2015, and is currently scheduled to be sentenced on September 19, 2016.
The investigation was led by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Inspector General, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Internal Revenue Service- Criminal Investigation; the Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General; and the U.S. Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. The United States is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie N. Toussaint and William F. Abely.

DeKalb Telephone Cooperative, Inc. d/b/a DTC Communications will host its annual meeting on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016, at the DeKalb County Fairgrounds in Alexandria.
Directors will be elected in the Auburntown, Gordonsville, Temperance Hall, and Woodland exchanges.
Incumbents Roy N. Pugh, James H. Dillard, Jr., Jimmy Oakley, and David Parker are running unopposed in the Auburntown, Gordonsville, Temperance Hall, and Woodland exchanges, respectively.
Voting for directors will take place at the cooperative’s annual meeting on Saturday, Sept. 17. Gates to the DeKalb County Fairgrounds in Alexandria will open at 11:45 a.m., with voting from noon until 3 p.m. The business meeting will begin at 3 p.m. or once the last person in line at that time has voted.
Only DTC members may vote, and each member must present proper photo identification. For a single membership, only that individual may vote. Either member of a joint membership may vote, but not both. In the case of a business membership, a business affidavit is required.
The last day to make changes to your membership or to be eligible to vote in the 2016 election will be Thursday, September 8.
For questions regarding membership and voting, call DTC at (615) 529-2955.

WJLE’s “Fearless Forecasters” are returning for another season of college pigskin prognosticating today (Wednesday, August 31) at 4:30 p.m. After this week, the program will be on Thursday’s at 4:30 p.m.
This season’s regulars are Dewain Hendrixson, Scott Brown, Chad Kirby, Jeff James, Ricky Atnip, John Pryor, Joe Goodwin, and Darrell Gill. A different special guest will make an appearance each week. TWRA Officer Tony Cross will be the guest today.
The “Fearless Forecasters” pick who they believe will win in fifteen of the biggest or most interesting college football games of the week.
They also make an underdog selection each week, picking a team they think will win, even though that team is not favored to win.
The program is sponsored by Liberty State Bank, DeKalb County Ace Hardware, Middle Tennessee Natural Gas, Love-Cantrell Funeral Home, DeKalb County Insurance, DeKalb Tire and Service, and the Charles D. Atnip Realty & Auction Company.
Catch the “Fearless Forecasters” LIVE on WJLE weekly starting today.

In Tennessee, an estimated 950 men, women, and children die by suicide each year. More people die by suicide each year than from homicide, AIDS, or drunk driving. Suicide is the leading cause of violent deaths in our state, nationally, and worldwide, far above homicide and death due to natural disasters.
Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among youth and young adults ages 15-24 in Tennessee and for the United States at large. According to the Tennessee Department of Health, there were 945 recorded suicide deaths in our state in 2014, at a rate of 14.4 per 100,000 people.
On Tuesday, County Mayor Tim Stribling and Smithville Mayor Jimmy Poss signed proclamations designating September as Suicide Prevention Month in DeKalb County and Smithville.
In 2014, the latest year for which county-specific figures are available, DeKalb County’s age-adjusted suicide rate was 15.6 per 100,000 people, translating into three reported suicide deaths. This number of suicides in DeKalb County for 2014 is the same as the previous year but the local rate is higher than the state average of 14.4 per 100,000 population for 2014 as reported by the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network.
Clay County had the highest suicide rate among the fourteen counties of the Upper Cumberland Region at 38.6 per 100,000 with three deaths. Overton County had the fewest with one death at a rate of 4.5 per 100,000.
Stewart County had the state’s highest rate at 52.7 per 100,000 with seven deaths. Decatur and Houston Counties reported no suicides in 2014.
DeKalb County’s suicide rate was at 16.6 per 100,000 in 2006 and 2007 with three deaths each of those years. But the rate soared to 48.1 per 100,000 in 2008 with nine deaths. The rate dropped to 26.5 per 100,000 with five deaths in 2009 but went back up to 37.4 per 100,000 with seven deaths in 2010. DeKalb’s suicide rate for 2011 was 26.5 per 100,000 with five deaths and 15.9 per 100,000 in 2012 with three suicides and 15.7 per 100,000 in 2013 with three deaths.
In almost all cases, suicide can be traced to unrecognized, untreated, or poorly treated mental illness. It can happen to people of either sex, any race or ethnicity, and any economic status. The average suicide death leaves behind six survivors—family and friends of the deceased—all of whom are at increased risk for a suicide attempt themselves. As if the emotional and psychological toll were not enough, suicide and suicide attempts cost the state of Tennessee $1 billion a year in medical treatment, lost wages, and lost productivity.
The Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network (TSPN) and its allies in the public health, mental health, and social service fields are joining forces to recognize the month of September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. During this annual observance, TSPN and its allies arrange several educational and memorial events across Tennessee. These projects help teach the general public about the problem of suicide and how it can be prevented. They also give us an opportunity to remember those lost to suicide; to encourage survivors of suicide, survivors of suicide attempts, and people who have triumphed over mental illness; and to recognize individuals who have made notable contributions to suicide prevention efforts in our state.
As part of this observance, mayors and county executives across Tennessee will receive proclamations declaring September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, which they will sign in support of our state’s Suicide Prevention Awareness Month efforts. These proclamations will be presented at the annual Suicide Prevention Awareness Day event, scheduled for 10:30 AM on Wednesday, September 14, at Trevecca Community Church, located at 335 Murfreesboro Pike in Nashville.
Details about the Suicide Prevention Awareness Day observance and other events planned across the state will be announced on the TSPN website (www.tspn.org). Additional information about Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is available from the TSPN central office at (615) 297-1077 or tspn@tspn.org.

DeKalb County Cross Country Team is making great strides this year
The DCHS Cross Country Team had a very successful meet this past Saturday (August 27th) at the Voyles Classic in Sharp Springs with
the Boys Varsity clinching a top 10 team spot and medals going out to two of their top runners.
Receiving medals were: in Girls Varsity, Mya Ruch (freshman), out of 141 varsity girls, placed 9th with a time of 22:18 and in Boys Varsity, Will Stephens (sophomore), out of 192 varsity boys, placed 17th with a time of 19:23.
A neck n neck finish with the next two top runner of the boys varsity team kept the spectators on their toes as Luke Bryant (sophomore) battled Bill Miller (freshman) for another high spot at the finish line. Bryant edged out Miller by 19th of a second with Bryant’s time as 21:25.10 and
Miller’s time as 21:25.29.
The Boys Varsity also clinched a top 10 finish, placing 9th out of the 23 Boys Varsity teams at the meet!
DCHS Cross Country Team competed again Tuesday, August 30th at the MSCCA Midweek competition at Warren Co. High School.
The Head Coach is Melissa Ruch and the Assistant Coach is Sonja House

55 year old Gary Cantrell of Smithville was airlifted to Vanderbilt Hospital Wednesday morning after he lost control of his 1993 Jeep Wrangler and overturned on Keltonburg Road.
Trooper Jason Cobble of the Tennessee Highway Patrol told WJLE that Cantrell was east on State Highway 288 (Keltonburg Road) when the Wrangler went off the right side of road, came back across the highway and overturned, before going off the left side of the road. The Wrangler came to rest on its side.
Cantrell was partially penned underneath the roll bar of the Wrangler. Smithville Police Chief Mark Collins, a County Fire Fighter, and another passerby came upon the wreck and stopped to assist. They were able to lift the vehicle enough to free Cantrell.
DeKalb EMS treated Cantrell at the scene and transported him to the Keltonburg Community Center grounds where he was airlifted by helicopter ambulance and flown to Vanderbilt Hospital.
Members of the DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department’s extrication and rescue team were summoned and enroute to the scene but were not needed after Cantrell was freed from underneath the vehicle.
The Keltonburg Station of the County Fire Department established the helicopter landing zone.

DeKalb County High school seniors can now retake the ACT for free on October 22.
The statewide “ACT Senior Retake Opportunity” allows seniors at all Tennessee public high schools who took the test as a junior to retake the test regardless of socioeconomic status, according to the Tennessee Department of Education.
The ACT is used across the country as an assessment of college and career readiness. Many colleges require the ACT or the SAT for admission and the tests are often used to determine eligibility for scholarships.
“DCHS seniors received their wavier/vouchers last week with their registration codes and directions to register for the retake test on October 22 at any National test site. Each student will be responsible for their own registration, transportation, and documentation by the registration deadline of September 16th. Many students across the state will be registering, so register now to ensure your first site choice. By retaking the ACT, many students will gain valuable scores that will help in admission or placement into their technical programs, colleges and career choices,” said Lisa Cripps, Supervisor of Instruction for 7th through 12th grade in DeKalb County.
Historical ACT data for Tennessee shows that students who take the test again typically increase their composite score by one to three points, according to the state department of education.
That could make the difference for students to qualify for the HOPE scholarship by earning a score of 21 out of 36 and also would allow more students to avoid remediation courses when they get to college.
“Allowing students an additional opportunity to show what they know by retaking the ACT can expand the possibilities for our students’ futures,” said State Education Commissioner Candice McQueen.
The statewide goal is to have an average ACT score of 21 by 2020, according to the department. A score of 21 is the benchmark for college readiness according to the ACT.
As of August 2015, the state average score was 19.8.
The registration deadline for the October 22 test is September 16 and if students register late, they are responsible for paying the late fees. The retake voucher expires on the late registration deadline, Sept. 30, and can’t be used for another national test date.
If students were to pay to retake the test, the cost is $39.50 for the test and $56.50 with the writing portion, according to the department.
If you have questions concerning this ACT RETAKE opportunity please contact Lisa Cripps at 615-215-2107. And If any DCHS senior missed taking the ACT last year as a junior they may take it this year with the junior class on April 19, 2017. Just notify your school counselor
You may also visit http://tn.gov/education/topic/act-sat. for more information.

The Tinsley Asphalt Company this morning (Tuesday) began milling downtown city streets in preparation for repaving.
The work has primarily been done today (Tuesday) on Don Cantrell Street and West Walnut Street on the north side of the courthouse. Traffic has been blocked in that area.
According to City Public Works Director Kevin Robinson, Officials of Tinsley have informed him that all the milling work downtown should be completed within three days and then the paving project will begin.
As a convenience to downtown businesses and their customers, the City of Smithville will provide transportation to anyone needing to get to a downtown business who cannot park on or near the public square because of the milling and paving project. You are asked to park in the city parking lot across from Love-Cantrell Funeral Home and call 615-597-6318 extension 1 to make arrangements for a city worker to pick you up and transport you by golf cart downtown and then back to your vehicle.
In addition to the public square around the courthouse, streets to be milled and repaved are Don Cantrell Street by City Hall, West Walnut Street, East Main Street, West Main Street, and West Market Street. The work is being done in sections and only the sections being worked on will be closed. The remainder of the square and streets are open
The courthouse and all businesses in the area will also remain open during this period

Another grand jury sealed indictment has been served.
38 year old Phillip Edward Miranda of Short Mountain Highway, Smithville was arrested on Wednesday, August 17 after being named in a recent Grand Jury sealed indictment for three counts of simple possession of a schedule II drug (Cocaine, 4.5 Oxycodone tablets, and 1 Hydrocodone tablet). His bond is $2,500 and he will make a court appearance on September 12.
39 year old Randall Tittle of Earl Avenue, Smithville is cited for driving on roadways laned for travel and simple possession of a schedule VI drug. He will make a court appearance on September 15. Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on Wednesday, August 10 a deputy stopped Tittle’s vehicle for failure to maintain lane of travel. Upon a consent to search a bag of a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana was found on Tittle. It weighed .23 ounces.
37 year old B.J. Lee Brown of Earl Avenue, Smithville is cited for driving on a suspended license and possession of drug paraphernalia. His court date is September 15. Sheriff Ray said that on Friday, August 12 a detective saw Brown operating a motor vehicle and made a traffic stop knowing that Brown did not have a valid driver license. A computer check confirmed that Brown’s license were suspended in April, 2011 for failure to provide proof of insurance. The detective conducted a search and found Brown with a pill grinder and a straw.
49 year old William Hardie Morris of Old Snow Hill Road, Smithville is charged with resisting arrest. His bond totals $11,000 and his court date is September 29. Sheriff Ray said that on Monday, August 15 a deputy went to Morris’ home to serve active arrest warrants against him for driving under the influence and driving on a suspended or revoked license. While trying to conduct a search of his person, Morris retrieved from his pocket a pill in a small container and placed the pill in his mouth. Morris then began to pull away from and fight with the officer as the deputy was trying to get the pill from him. After telling him several times to spit the pill out and stop fighting, Morris finally did so and was taken into custody.
33 year old Jacob Lee Tramel of Coconut Ridge Road, Smithville is cited for driving on a suspended license, no insurance, and failure to maintain lane of travel. His court date is September 8. Sheriff Ray said that on Tuesday, August 23 a deputy stopped a blue SUV after observing the vehicle leave its lane of travel several times. Tramel was the driver. A computer check revealed that his license were suspended for failure to show proof of insurance on October 31, 2012. The officer learned that Tramel was also wanted in a local case for theft of property over $500 after conducting a warrants check.
19 year old James Paris Goff of Cookeville Boat Dock Road, Baxter is charged with assaulting another inmate while in jail. He is under a $1,500 bond and his court date is September 1. Sheriff Ray said on Thursday, August 18 a correctional officer witnessed Goff on video surveillance hit another inmate about his face and body. The other inmate suffered what is believed to be a broken nose.
52 year old Loretta Lynn Morgan of Malone Hollow Road, Smithville is charged with domestic assault. Her bond is $1,500 and her court date is November 17. Sheriff Ray said that on Wednesday, August 24 a deputy was dispatched to a residence on Malone Hollow Road in answer to a domestic assault complaint. Upon arrival the officer found that Morgan allegedly assaulted her roommate by hitting him in the side of the head with a closed fist. Morgan was placed under arrest.
29 year old Stephanee Joyce Wright of Frazier Street, Smithville is charged with domestic assault. Her bond is $2,500. Sheriff Ray said that on Tuesday, August 23 Wright allegedly assaulted her boyfriend at their residence on Ponder Lane in Smithville. Both parties admitted to the altercation having been physical in nature. Physical marks were apparent on both parties. After an investigation it was determined that Wright was the primary aggressor.
36 year old Randy Allen Maddux of Sparta is charged with failure to appear. His bond is $1,500 and his court date is September 1. Sheriff Ray said that Maddux was served two criminal summons earlier this month for criminal trespassing and theft of property under $50 at the White County Sheriff’s Department. He had ten days to be booked into the DeKalb County Jail but he failed to do so resulting in the failure to appear warrant.
35 year old Andrew Douglas Jackson of Hayes Street, Smithville is charged with criminal impersonation. His bond is $2,000 and his court date is September 15. Sheriff Ray said that on Saturday, August 27 a deputy stopped a Ford SUV for a traffic violation (head light out) and spoke to the driver, who identified himself as Terry Jackson and gave his date of birth as December 31, 1980. Upon further investigation, the officer learned that the man had not revealed his true identity or birth date. His real name is Andrew Douglas Jackson and his actual birthday is November 6, 1980.

Two people were injured in a crash Monday morning on Highway 70 east near Potters Home Center.
Trooper Jason Cobble of the Tennessee Highway Patrol told WJLE that 31 year old Bryan Gibbs of Alexandria was traveling east in a 1994 white GMC pickup truck when he crossed the center line and turning lane and into the path of a westbound 2016 Honda Pilot driven by 36 year old Sommer Britt of Smithville.
Britt was taken by DeKalb EMS to St. Thomas DeKalb Hospital where she was treated and released. Gibbs was placed under arrest and charged with a second offense of driving under the influence and cited for failure to exercise due care. He was taken to the hospital by law enforcement but was not seriously injured.
Trooper Cobble was assisted by Trooper Bobby Johnson
Members of the Smithville Police and Fire Departments were also on the scene.