A 41 year old Smithville man charged with passing forged checks at local businesses last September was sentenced in DeKalb County Criminal Court Monday.
Judge David Patterson presided.
James Mitchell Johnson, originally charged with four counts of forgery, entered a plea to three counts. He received a two year sentence in two of the cases and one year in the third case all to run consecutively with each other for a total of five years. The term is also to run consecutively with a Wilson County sentence against him. Johnson must make restitution of $425 to Wilson Bank & Trust, $21.81 to Liberty State Bank; and $100 to DeKalb Market. He was given 300 days jail credit.
Sheriff Patrick Ray said that Johnson passed forged checks on the following dates: Friday, September 11, 2015 at Wilson Bank and Trust in the amount of $300; Sunday, September 13 at DeKalb Market in the amount of $100 and at Save-A-Lot for $125; and on Monday, September 14 at Walmart for $21.81.
Meanwhile, 45 year old Patricia Billings entered a plea by criminal information to burglary of a motor vehicle and theft under $1,000. She received a two year sentence in the burglary case and 11 months and 29 days for the theft all suspended to TDOC probation. The two terms are to run concurrently. Billings must make restitution to the victim in the amount of $560 and $183.67 to Discover.
According to the indictment, Billings entered the victim’s vehicle on May 20 and took a wallet containing $560 in cash and several credit cards.

Babies from one day to twelve months old were the center of attention during the annual Baby Show held Thursday evening at the DeKalb County Fair.
The winners (blue ribbon first place and red ribbon runner-up) are as follows:
Boys (1 day to 3 months)
Winner: Knox Carter Bowen, the one month old son of Jacob and Kayla Bowen of Dowelltown
Runner-up: Dyllan Thomas Bates, the two month old son of Thomas Bates and Ada Bates of DeKalb County
Other participants in this category were: Colton Graham Duke, the one month old son of John and Whitney Duke of Smithville; and Wesley Brock Bowen, the fifteen day old son of Joseph and Kimberly Bowen of Smithville
Girls (1 day to 3 months)
Winner: Tillie Kate Stanley, three month old daughter of Matt and Jessica Stanley of Alexandria
Runner-up: Jaedyn Claire Dunaway, the one month old daughter of Justin and Jessica Dunaway of Smithville
Boys (4-6 months)
Winner: Carson Blayne Turbeville, the five month old son of Andy and Emily Turbeville of Alexandria
Girls (4-6 months)
Winner: Kendyl Reign Atnip, the four month old daughter of Cody and Brooke Atnip of DeKalb County
Runner-up: Jazlin Cantrell, the six month old daughter of Joseph and Nikki Cantrell of Smithville
Other participants: Gibson Grace Luna, the six month old daughter of Mercedes Luna of Smithville; Peyton Elizabeth Knowles, the six month old daughter of Justin and Mary Knowles of Smithville; Rylee Jo Keith-Redmon, the four month old daughter of Joey and Stephanie Redmon and Dillyn and Alexis Keith of Smithville; and Liliana Grace Pendergraff, the six month old daughter of Destiny and Travis Pendergraff of Smithville.
Boys (7-9 months)
Winner: Caiton France, the seven month old son of Kaylyn and Casey France of Dowelltown
Runner-up: Cooper Jennings, the nine month old son of Dewaine and Tonya Jennings of Smithville
Other participants: Brantley Sebastian Littleton, the nine month old son of Tim and Andrea Littleton of Liberty; and Naziah Martinez, the nine month old son of Michelle Martinez and Charles Clark of Smithville.
Girls (7-9 months)
Winner:Rayleigh Grace Randolph, the seven month old daughter of Jared and Kayla Randolph of Smithville
Runner-up: Chloe Payton Myers, the eight month old daughter of Gary Myers and Crystal Stibil of Smithville
Other participants: Ivy Anna-Grace White, the seven month old daughter of Natasha White of Smithville; and Fayth Hale, the eight month old daughter of Austin and Kimberly Hale of Smithville.
Boys (10-12 months)
Winner: Navadius Cash, the ten month old son of Aaliyah Bass and Marv Cash of Alexandria
Runner-Up: Trenton Davenport, the eleven month old son of Crystal and Benjie Davenport of Liberty
Other participants in this category: Kye Austin Carter, the ten month old son of Derek and Kelley Carter of Liberty; and Korbin Cruze Brooks, the eleven month old son of Justin and April Brooks of Smithville.
Girls (10-12 months)
Winner: Nevaeh Anderson, the twelve month old daughter of Tori Tate and David Anderson of Liberty
Runner-Up: Isabella Rose Blackford, the ten month old daughter of Nichole and Bobby Blackford of Smithville
Other participants: Wrigley Marie Jared, the twelve month old daughter of Tim and Shelly Jared of Smithville; Ava Grace Caldwell, the ten month old daughter of Abbey Caldwell and George Roller of Smithville; and Addyson Hope Brown, the eleven month old daughter of Dustin and Karah Brown of Smithville.
The remainder of the week’s activities include the following;
Friday, July 22: Toddler Show for contestants 13 months to 48 months at 6:00 p.m. followed by Lip Sync Battle Finale at the Lions Club Pavilion: ATV/Mini-Rod/Outlaw Pull at 7:00 p.m. at the T.C. McMillen Arena; and (2- $500 cash drawings) at 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 23: Horseshoe Tournament at the Tot Kelly barn at Noon.; Gospel Singing at the Lions Club Pavilion at 5:00 p.m.; Super Tractor and Truck Pull at 7:00 p.m. at the T.C. McMillen Arena: and (2- $500 cash drawings) at 9:30 p.m.
Take a stroll down Memory Lane and enjoy nightly entertainment at the Memory Lane Stage in Memory Village.
Rides on the Midway will be provided by the Family Attractions Amusement Company. Unlimited rides will be available for $18.00 on Friday and Saturday.
Admission to the fair is $4.00 per person. Children age four and younger will be admitted free! Gates open at 4:30 p.m. Friday and at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. The exhibit building is open from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Parking is Free!
For more information, call 615-529-FAIR or visit on-line at www.dekalbcountyfairtn.com.

Several youngsters participated in a Kiddie Tractor Pull at the DeKalb County Fair Tuesday evening.
Winners are as follows:
1st Category:
1st place: Maddox Pyburn
2nd place: Kara Joe
3rd place: Kenley Davison
2nd Category:
1st place: Taytom Reynolds
2nd place: Wade Webster
3rd place: Cadence Reynolds
3rd Category:
1st place: Dalton Bess
2nd place: Dallas Reynolds

Kenlee Renae Taylor of Smithville won the Miss Sweetheart pageant Wednesday night at the DeKalb County Fair. She is the 11 year old daughter of Ken and Cindy Taylor.
The pageant featured 15 girls ages 10-12.
Taylor, who was also awarded Miss Photogenic, succeeds the 2015 Miss Sweetheart Addison Jean Puckett, the 12 year old daughter of Jimmy and Anita Puckett of Smithville.
Twelve year old Haylee Cassandra Merriman, daughter of Mike and Myra Merriman of Smithville was first runner-up in the pageant.
Blair Gipe was second runner-up. She is the 10 year old daughter of Janice Gipe-Penny of Liberty. She was also named Miss Congeniality.
Third runner-up was 12 year old Kyleigh Breanne Hill, daughter of David and Colleen Clary and Kyle Hill of Smithville.
Kailey Nichole Harvey was fourth runner-up. She is the 11 year old daughter of Kevin and Angelia Harvey of Lebanon.
Others in the top ten were Mackenzie Leigh Sprague, 12 year old daughter of Wanda Sprague of Smithville; Lindsey Faye Nokes, 11 year old daughter of Toby Nokes and Amanda Stephens of Smithville; Hannah Dawn Hall, 11 year old daughter of Joseph and April Hall of Dowelltown; McKenzie Elizabeth Brown, 12 year old daughter of Adam Davis and Shelly Brown of Smithville; and Alanna Lashae Christian, 12 year old daughter of Lonnie Eaton and Wendy Stepp of Alexandria.
The remaining contestants were Chloe Hale, 12 year old daughter of Kevin and Judith Hale of Smithville; Ansley Faith Cantrell, 10 year old daughter of Tony and Amee Cantrell of Smithville; Elizabeth Carlene Gaines, 11 year old daughter of Beverly Anderson of Smithville; Tabitha Goodwin, 12 year old daughter of Patricia Grantham and Chuck Goodwin of Smithville; and Caley Grace Taylor, 10 year old daughter of Ashley Evans and Brandon Taylor of Smithville.

The 2016 Miss Princess of the DeKalb County Fair is Kaylyn Isabelle Prichard, the 7 year old daughter of Andy and Chrissy Prichard of Liberty.
Nineteen girls ages 7-9 competed for the title Wednesday night at the DeKalb County Fair.
Prichard succeeds the 2015 Miss Princess, Annabella Eleni Dakas, the 9 year old daughter of John and Mandy Dakas of Smithville.
Seven year old Laurel Petty, daughter of Alexis Orcutt of Smithville was first runner-up in the pageant.
Second runner-up was 8 year old Danica Hope Collier, daughter of Matthew and Brooke Collier of Smithville and Brittany George of Smithville.
Averie Nicole McMinn, the 8 year old daughter of Nathan and Amanda McMinn of Smithville was third runner-up.
Isabella Faith Rackley was fourth runner-up. She is the 8 year old daughter of Gordon and Jessica Rackley of Smithville. She was also named Miss Photogenic.
Others in the top ten were Brianna Franklin, 7 year old daughter of Chris and Jamie Franklin of Smithville; Cadence Orcutt, 8 year old daughter of Jessica and Robert Orcutt of Smithville; Hailee Merriman, 8 year old daughter of Joyce and Jake Merriman of Smithville; Lola Klaire Chappell, 9 year old daughter of Tim and Jill Chappell of Watertown; and Olivia Anne George, 7 year old daughter of Rusty and Stacy George of Alexandria.
The title of Miss Congeniality went to Leauna Cullum, 9 year old granddaughter of Candy Hale of Smithville.
The remaining contestants were Brooklyn Ponder, 9 year old daughter of Marvin and Peggy Barnes of Smithville; Allison Goodwin, 9 year old daughter of Roy and Anna Goodwin of Smithville; Bailey Elizabeth Kidd, 8 year old daughter of Kelli Bess and Brandon Kidd of Smithville; Makinzy Lynn Jenkins, 9 year old daughter of Wallace Rackley of Smithville, helped raised by her aunt Maranda Washer of Smithville; Carleigh Isabella Beckham, 8 year old daughter of Nikki Beckham of Smithville; Bethany Dillon, 8 year old granddaughter of Candy Hale of Smithville; Abigail Lynn Boles, 7 year old daughter of Leslie Hale, and Kelly and Chad Boles of Alexandria; Honesty Woods, 9 year old daughter of Kammy Lewis and Justin Hoyt of Liberty.

A local man charged in a recent rash of forgeries appeared in DeKalb County Criminal Court Monday.
Judge David Patterson presided
21 year old Matthew Adam Cubbins entered a plea by criminal information to three counts of forgery and received a sentence of two years in each case to run consecutively with each other for a total of six years but suspended to TDOC probation.
Cubbins must make restitution to Wilson Bank & Trust in the amount of $1,650; to Regions Bank for $950; to Shiney Rock Market for $300; and to the Liberty Stop N Buy for $400.
Sheriff Patrick Ray said that Cubbins allegedly passed forged checks stolen from a family member at Wilson Bank & Trust in Smithville for $300 on Wednesday, May 25; for $200 on Thursday, May 26; for $300 on Friday, June 3; for $300 on Monday, June 6; and for $300 on Tuesday, June 7; at Regions Bank in Smithville for $250 on Friday, May 27; for $200 on Tuesday, May 31; and for $300 on Wednesday, June 1; at Shiney Rock Market for $200 on Sunday, May 29 and for $300 on Tuesday, June 7; and at Liberty Stop N Buy twice on June 13 in the amounts of $200 each.

The DeKalb County Fair featured Championship Wrestling Tuesday evening.

The remainder of the week’s activities include the following;
Wednesday, July 20: Snow Bird from 5-7 p.m.; Little Miss Princess Pageant for contestants ages 7-9 at 6:00 p.m. followed by the Miss Sweetheart Pageant for those ages 10-12 at the Lions Club Pavilion; Go Cart Racing at 7:00 p.m. at the T.C. McMillen Arena; Kiddie Tractor Pull at the Grandstand at 6:00 p.m. ; and (2- $500 cash drawings) at 9:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 21: Senior Day at 9 a.m. at the Lions Club Pavilion; Junior Goat Show at 6:00 p.m. at the Tot Kelly Barn; Baby Show at 6:00 p.m. at the Lions Club Pavilion; ATV/Motorcycle Racing at 6:30 p.m. at the T.C. McMillen Arena; and (2- $500 cash drawings) at 9:30 p.m.
Friday, July 22: Toddler Show for contestants 13 months to 48 months at 6:00 p.m. followed by Lip Sync Battle Finale at the Lions Club Pavilion: ATV/Mini-Rod/Outlaw Pull at 7:00 p.m. at the T.C. McMillen Arena; and (2- $500 cash drawings) at 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 23: Horseshoe Tournament at the Tot Kelly barn at Noon.; Gospel Singing at the Lions Club Pavilion at 5:00 p.m.; Super Tractor and Truck Pull at 7:00 p.m. at the T.C. McMillen Arena: and (2- $500 cash drawings) at 9:30 p.m.
Take a stroll down Memory Lane and enjoy nightly entertainment at the Memory Lane Stage in Memory Village.
Rides on the Midway will be provided by the Family Attractions Amusement Company. Unlimited rides will be available for $14.00 on Wednesday and $18.00 on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Admission to the fair is $4.00 per person. Children age four and younger will be admitted free! Gates open at 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. The exhibit building is open from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Parking is Free!
For more information, call 615-529-FAIR or visit on-line at www.dekalbcountyfairtn.com.

Austin Merriman and Lakelyn Brooke Nelson were crowned Little Mister and Miss at the DeKalb County Fair Tuesday night.
Merriman, who was also named Mister Manners, is the 6 year old son of Joyce and Jake Merriman of Smithville. Nelson is the 5 year old daughter of Dustin and Kristian Nelson of Smithville.
They succeed the 2015 Little Mister and Miss, Levi Hamilton Cripps and Ella Grace Kirksey. Cripps is the 6 year old son of Kevin and Liz Cripps of Alexandria. Kirksey is the 5 year old daughter of Graden and Sabrina Kirksey of Smithville.
First runner-up in the Little Miss contest was Cora Marie Cox, the 5 year old daughter of Brandon and Whitney Cox of Smithville.
Second runner-up was Caitlyn Lee Adcock, the 5 year old daughter of Jessie and Tia Adcock of Smithville.
Annabelle Merriman was third runner-up. She is the 5 year old daughter of Joyce and Jake Merriman of Smithville. She was also named Miss Congeniality.
Kenna Blythe Sykes, the 5 year old daughter of Jennifer and Robbie Sykes of Smithville, was fourth runner-up.
Meanwhile, Emily Danielle Johnson, the 5 year old daughter of Clint and DeDe Johnson of Smithville, was named Little Miss Photogenic.
Others in the top ten were Madison Bogle of Dowelltown, 6 year old daughter of Holly Owen and Travis Bogle; Haiden Robinson of Smithville, 6 year old daughter of Melissa Boehm and Chip Robinson; Layla Jayde Dedmon of Smithville, 4 year old daughter of Misty Dedmon; Alexis Nicole Graham of Smithville, 4 year old daughter of Derek and Andria Graham; and Charley Loren Prichard of Liberty, 4 year old daughter of Andy and Chrissy Prichard.
Remaining contestants were Heaven Grace Farris of Smithville, 5 year old daughter of Jessica Guess and Jimmy Vaughn; Tanisha L. Owens of Smithville, 6 year old daughter of Julia Owens; Savannah Faith Stibil of Smithville, 6 year old daughter of John and Glenda Stibil; Shelby Jean Elam of Sparta, 6 year old daughter of Andrew and Bethany Elam; Brylee Michelle Key of Alexandria, 4 year old daughter of Shannon and Holly Key; Paizlee Dae Taylor of Smithville, 4 year old daughter of David and Susan Taylor; Hannah Lynnlee Hubner of Lebanon, 4 year old daughter of Charles Hubner and Amanda Hutchinson; Emily Grace Roberts of Liberty, 4 year old daughter of Kevin and Tonya Roberts; Mia Nicole Hall of Alexandria, 5 year old daughter of Bradley and Lacy Hall; and Lyra Dell McMinn of Smithville, 4 year old daughter of Nathan and Amanda McMinn.
First runner-up in the Little Mister contest was Collin Lee Hale, the 5 year old son of Austin and Kimberly Hale of Smithville.
Four year old Caysen Josiah Hale was second runner-up. He is the 4 year old son of Austin and Kimberly Hale of Smithville.
Third runner-up was Zailan Martinez, the 4 year old son of Michelle Martinez and Michael Martinez of Smithville.
Fourth runner-up went to Justice O’Fallon Nokes, 5 year old son of Toby and Jamie Nokes of Smithville.
Six year old Jaxsen Theryn Speaks of Smithville was named Little Mister Photogenic. He is the 6 year old son of Justin and Donna Speaks.
Others in the contest were 4 year old Emmitt Hale of Smithville. His grandmother is Candy Hale; 4 year old Cain Hall of Smithville; and Joseph Wayne Jenkins, Jr. of Smithville, the 5 year old son of Rachel and Michael Lawrence.

An annual prayer for our schools observance will be held Sunday, July 31 at Northside Elementary School starting at 2 p.m.
Parents, church leaders, educators, and community leaders are invited to attend this special “BACK 2 SCHOOL -CALL 2 PRAYER” gathering. Information from the past year and projections related to the new school year will be presented.
The prayer service has become an annual event conducted by local pastors and youth pastors offering prayers for each school in DeKalb County and for school sponsored activities. A special prayer will be offered for our law enforcement agencies.
This year, instead of a closing prayer, those present will be asked to go to the geographical location of each school and pray. A prayer of blessing and protection will be offered for the students and faculty for the school year .
For more information please call Donnie Kelly 931-260-1763 or Graden Kirksey at 931-260-9297

National Miss Teen Tennessee, Morgan Faith Green, 16, of Smithville will compete for the title of National Miss Teen 2016 on July 27 and 28, 2016 at the Music Road Resort. Pigeon Forge, TN. Miss Morgan Faith Green is the daughter of Jon and Suzanne Harrison. She attends DeKalb County High School and is a member of “Crowns for a Cause” which is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people in need. Morgan brings awareness to her platform, which is “improving the health and wellbeing of children”, by spending time at the Ronald McDonald House. Morgan is competing for a Presidential Community Service Award by completing a minimum of 100hrs of community service.
Morgan would like to thank her sponsors. Her sponsors for the pageant are Auto Hut, B & G Supply Company, Brittany West and family, D& S Special Tees, DeKalb County Florist, DeKalb Funeral Chapel, Florence & White Ford, Judge Bratten Cook II, Tammy Stevens, and last but not least family and friends.