The penalty fee for not having insurance has increased this year. If you can afford health insurance coverage in 2016, but don’t sign up, you may have to pay a penalty ($695 per adult, $347.50 per child – up to $2,085/family or 2.5% of family income, whichever is higher). You will have to pay the fee on the federal income tax return you file.
The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance reminds consumers that open enrollment for insurance coverage on the Federally Facilitated Marketplace (FFM) began Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015.
Since the conclusion of the last enrollment period, there have been several changes related to Tennessee insurance carriers. The Department wants consumers to be aware of those changes and make informed choices when it comes to choosing insurance coverage.
For 2016, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee and UnitedHealthcare will provide coverage across Tennessee. Cigna will provide coverage in Nashville, Memphis and Johnson City, and Humana will provide coverage in Nashville, Memphis and Knoxville. Copies of presentations from carriers describing their 2016 plans are available on our website.
Community Health Alliance (CHA) will not offer insurance coverage on the FFM in 2016. The company voluntarily entered runoff, and its coverage will end on Dec. 31, 2015. CHA policyholders will keep their insurance through Dec. 31, 2015, if they continue to pay premiums. CHA consumers have until Dec. 31, 2015 to enroll in a new healthcare plan in order to have coverage effective Jan. 1, 2016. Click here for details about CHA’s runoff and a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs).
The Department emphasizes the need for consumers to carefully review plan networks. If you like your physician, make sure he/she is included in the plan network. Also, consumers should review networks for their nearest and/or preferred hospitals. Several plans provide tight networks and/or limited out-of-network benefits. To avoid unexpected and unpleasant balance bills, always see network providers.
Important dates:
November 1, 2015: Open Enrollment starts for 2016.
December 15, 2015: Enrollees who want coverage to be effective on January 1, 2016 must act by December 15.
December 31, 2015: Coverage ends for 2015 Marketplace plans. CHA members must act by Dec. 31 to have coverage effective on Jan. 1, 2016.
January 1, 2016: Coverage can begin for 2016 Marketplace plans.
January 31, 2016: Open Enrollment ends.
Questions? TDCI is here to help. Contact us at 1-800-342-4029 or (615) 741-2218 if you have questions about Open Enrollment.

Candidates for Assessor of Property and Constable in DeKalb County have a little over a month to qualify with the election commission office.
The deadline to get in these races including Democrats, Republicans, and Independents is NOON, Thursday December 10. Independent candidates, like Democrats, must qualify through the petition process. The local Republican Party will select nominees by caucus.
The DeKalb County Democratic Primary will be held in conjunction with the Tennessee Presidential Preference Primary on March 1.
Incumbent DeKalb County Assessor of Property Scott Cantrell has already picked up and returned his petition to seek re-election. He will be running for his party’s nomination in the March 1 primary.
Meanwhile, Incumbent Constables Paul Cantrell in the 4th district, Mark Milam in the 5th district, Carl Lee Webb in the 6th district, and Johnny King in the 7th district have all been issued petitions and have returned them to the election commission. They will be running for their party’s nomination in the Democratic Primary on March 1.
Meanwhile Travis Bryant, who was elected constable last year as an Independent to fill an unexpired term in the 3rd district has picked up a petition for the same office but this time he plans to run for nomination as a Democrat in the March Primary. Bryant has not yet returned his petition.
Tom Theriaque has picked up and returned a petition to run as an Independent for 2nd district constable in the 2016 August General Election.
Chad Curtis, a Democrat in the 1st district and Republican Chris Tramel in the 2nd district were elected constable last year to fill vacant positions.
The last day to register to vote in the March 1 elections is February 1, 2016. Early voting will be held February 10 through February 23 (except Presidents’ Day February 15).
But the voting doesn’t end in March. The DeKalb County General and Tennessee State primaries are set for August 4.
Offices to be elected locally in August next year along with assessor of property and constable are school board seats for districts 4, 5, and 6. W.J. (Dub) Evins, III currently serves in District 5, Doug Stephens in District 6 and Kate Miller is filling her husband’s unexpired term in District 4.
Petitions for the county general and state primary will be available beginning January 8, 2016. The qualifying deadline for those offices is NOON April 7.
On the state level, offices up for grabs are State Representatives in Districts 40 and 46 (currently held by Terri Lynn Weaver and Mark Pody, respectively) and 6th District Congressman, currently held by Diane Black.
Also on the ballot in August are three municipal elections—Dowelltown, Liberty and Smithville.
In Smithville, voters will elect three aldermen. The incumbents up for re-election are Shawn Jacobs, Josh Miller, and Danny Washer.
A mayor and two aldermen will be elected in Dowelltown. The positions are currently held by Mayor Gerald Bailiff and Aldermen Joe Bogle and Kevin Kent.
Liberty voters will choose four aldermen. Three of them to serve four years and the fourth to fill the remaining one year of an unexpired term. The three positions up for election to new four year terms are now held by Jason Ray, Paul Neal, and Todd Dodd. The person elected to the fourth seat will serve the last year of an unexpired term. J.D. Bratten currently holds that position.
To close out the year, the Presidential and Tennessee General elections will be held on November 8.

It’s time to roll up your sleeve for your annual flu shot.
Governor Bill Haslam said he hopes more Tennesseans will be vaccinated soon so they can reduce their risks of getting the flu themselves or possibly transmitting it to others. “It only takes a few minutes to get the vaccine through an injection or nasal spray and it is available in every county of Tennessee,” Governor Haslam said. “When a person gets immunized, he or she helps create a flu barrier that can help stop the spread of influenza to others.” Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH, said it appears the flu season may be starting earlier this year and getting the vaccine as soon as possible will improve a person’s chances for avoiding or preventing the spread of the illness. “When we receive the flu vaccine, by either injection or nasal spray, protection doesn’t start immediately; it takes about two weeks for most,” Dreyzehner said. “Getting the flu shot early gives our bodies time to create that barrier that protects us and people around us.” Flu vaccine is now widely available across Tennessee in primary care offices, pharmacies, county health departments and other locations. The low-cost vaccine is covered by many health insurance plans and is available via injections and, if eligible, nasal spray.
The DeKalb County Health Department will be doing walk in flu clinics on November 9 & 30 from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. The DeKalb County Health Department accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Community Health Alliance, all forms of TennCare, Medicare, and individuals without insurance.
After getting your flu vaccination, it’s still important to practice good health habits to protect yourself from the flu and other winter viruses, and to prevent spreading them to others if you do get sick. Good health habits include frequent hand washing with soapy water or use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, and covering coughs and sneezes with a sleeve or tissue. People who are sick should stay home to recover and to prevent spreading illness to co-workers, friends and others.

A Veterans Appreciation assembly program is set for Friday morning, November 6 at Smithville Elementary School in recognition of Veteran’s Day.
Students from pre-K to the second grade will join in a program of patriotic songs in honor of veterans who have served in each branch of the military.
All veterans and their families are urged to attend to be recognized. Please arrive at 9:15 a.m. to register. For more information call 615-597-4415.
Meanwhile, a Veteran’s Day Program will be held at the County Complex on Wednesday, November 11. Music will begin at 9:00 a.m. featuring Susan Hinton. The flag will be presented by Pack 035 which includes Bear Den, Cub Scouts, and Weblos. The Guest speakers are Darrell Day, and Ben Franklin. Ben and his wife, Linda will recognize all veterans with a star from an American flag. Special recognition will be given to the WWII veterans. Afterwards, the veterans will enjoy a bus ride to the courthouse compliments of the School Board and the school bus garage for a laying of a wreath by American Legion Post 122 Commander William Edmonds and the veterans. Taps will be played.
Liberty State Bank will be having their 10th Annual Veterans Breakfast Tuesday November 10th. The breakfast will be held at the West Main Baptist Church Fellowship Building in Alexandria. The breakfast will begin at 7:30 a.m. They look forward to seeing all Veterans. Please call 615-529-2375 for more information.

The City of Smithville is expected to enter into a lease agreement next month with the DeKalb Coalition for the Humane Treatment of Animals.
The issue was discussed during Monday night’s city council meeting. Although the aldermen favor an agreement they decided to postpone action until they have more time to study the contract.
Under the plan, the Coalition proposes to build a new animal shelter on a four acre site near the solid waste transfer station, behind Tenneco off of Highway 70 east. The property, owned by the Smithville Industrial Development Board, has been deeded to the city, which will enter into a 99 year lease with the Coalition, a 501 (c) 3 charity organization.
The goal of the coalition is for the county to have a permanent and safe location for neglected, abandoned and abused animals; to provide an alternative low-kill policy so these animals receive medical attention, reduce overpopulation, and be cared for until they can be placed in permanent homes.
The City of Smithville and DeKalb County have each pledged to appropriate $75,000 for the erection of a facility. The new shelter will take the place of a smaller one which has been in existence for years on county property but operated by the city behind the DeKalb County Highway Department Headquarters off Smith Road.
The city currently employs one full time person and one other person half time and also provides an animal control vehicle for the purpose of running the existing animal pound. Under the proposed agreement, the city will continue to provide the personnel and vehicle to assist in the day to day operation of the animal shelter to be erected by the Coalition.
The proposed lease/contract between the City of Smithville and the Animal Coalition specifies the following terms and conditions:
* The City is to lease to the Coalition the property for a term of 99 years beginning September 1, 2015 and ending August 31, 2114.
*The City shall pay to the Coalition the sum of $75,000 that has been appropriated for one-half of the anticipated cost for the erection of the animal shelter upon the land leased by the City to the Coalition.
*The Coalition shall be responsible for the erection of the building
*The City agrees to pay all utility bills connected with or which may accumulate directly or indirectly to Coalition’s term of occupancy.
*The City agrees that it shall be liable for and make all maintenance and structural repairs for the outside of the building, including roof and the heating and air conditioning units, except if caused by the negligence of the Coalition. The Coalition shall be responsible for maintenance of the inside of the building.
*The City shall not be responsible for any personal property placed on the premises by the Coalition, its agents, servants or employees, and it is understood and agreed that it is the Coalition’s responsibility to secure appropriate insurance to cover its personal property from any losses. Any personal property remaining on the premises 30 days after termination of this lease shall be and become the property of the City.
*The City shall insure the building with a reputable insurance company in a sufficient amount to replace the building if destroyed by natural disaster, fire, or other means.
*The City shall continue to provide to the Coalition the full time employee, as well as the part time employee and the animal control vehicle, to assist in the day-to day operation of the animal shelter and will budget funds for this purpose from year to year, subject to approval of the Coalition.
*The Coalition will maintain proper shelter and care for all domestic and wild animals and fowl that come into its custody.
*The Coalition will maintain suitable office hours at the animal shelter for the convenience of the public and for the purpose of transacting business in connection with the duties under this lease and for the purpose of receiving animals or for accepting applications for the redemption of impounded animals.
*The Coalition will, through duly appointed and legally qualified agents and officers, diligently enforce all animal regulation laws and ordinances and will capture and impound animals found running at large in the City in violation of those certain ordinances relating to stray animals and to the restraint of dogs running at large.
*The Coalition will provide proper food, water, shelter, and other humane treatment for such animals and fowl while they are in the Coalition’s possession and until placed or otherwise humanely disposed of by the Coalition.
*The Coalition will cooperate with the Health Department by following procedures required by the ordinance concerning persons or animals bitten by an animal in the City.
*The Coalition will investigate all reports of violations of City ordinances relating to animal control and regulation and, when warranted by the facts, shall cause to be prosecuted all persons charged with violation of said ordinances.
*The Coalition will be responsible for scheduling and overseeing all volunteers and staff.
*The Coalition will be responsible for providing foster homes and the adoption of the animals.
*The Coalition agrees to indemnify and keep harmless the City from all losses, damages, liabilities and expenses which may arise or be claimed against the City and be in favor of any person arising from the use or occupancy of said premises by the Coalition or arising from any acts, omissions, neglect or fault of Coalition, Coalition’s agent, employees or invitees.
*The Coalition agrees to take out and maintains public liability insurance with a reputable insurance company against property damage, personal injury, or death arising out of the use or occupation of the leased premises. The City shall be named as co-insured on all such policies, and Coalition shall furnish the City with a certificate of said coverage. Such coverage shall not be decreased or canceled without 30 days’ written notice to the City. All such policies shall be written as primary policies. This section shall not affect the indemnity or hold harmless provision in Section 17.
*The Coalition will collect all board, adoption, and impoundment fees and shall keep proper financial records to account for same. The Coalition will permit the City, at all reasonable times, to inspect and audit such records and shall make such reports of monies received as shall be required.
*The Coalition shall keep full and accurate records of all animals taken into custody and impounded, showing the date, place, reason, and manner whereby animals were brought into custody with a description of the animal and a record of its final disposition.
*The Coalition shall, in addition to the other duties outlined herein, be subject to call to rescue any injured animal or any animal or creature which is trapped, or is other unnaturally restrained and shall be responsible for providing humane treatment for same.
*The City hereby reserves the right to inspect the premises occupied by Coalition at any reasonable time.
*In the event the property is destroyed by fire or other acts of God or perils, the City is obligated to rebuild the building with the insurance proceeds, and, when rebuilt, this lease shall continue. Upon destruction or condemnation of all or a portion of the demised premises, the Coalition shall have the right, at its sole discretion, to stay at the premises or to cancel this agreement, on 30 days’ written notice without any further liability.
*In the event of failure of the Coalition to perform the terms and provisions of this lease, same shall constitute a breach of this lease and shall give the City, at option, the right to declare this lease forfeited, without notice or demand, and to take possession of said property and to recover any damages sustained as a result thereof, and, likewise, a failure on the part of the City to perform the terms and provisions of this lease shall give the Coalition the right to declare this lease forfeited and vacate said property without liability resulting from such breach.
*The property herein leased and the contract herein is not to be subleased, sold, mortgaged, or assigned by the Coalition, except with the written consent of the City. However, the City shall not unreasonably withhold or delay such consent.
*This agreement is to be governed by the laws of the State of Tennessee, and it is mutually understood and agreed to by the parties hereto that the City will defend this contract with all due and proper diligence should it be challenged by any action in law.
*City covenants and agrees with the Coalition that upon Coalition observing and performing all the terms, covenants, and conditions herein that the Coalition may peaceably and quietly enjoy the premises hereby demised.
*All covenants, promises, and agreements herein contained shall be binding upon, apply, and inure to the benefit of the devisees and successors of the parties hereto.
*This agreement contains the entire contract and agreement of the parties hereto and is signed in duplicate by the authorized officials of each party, with each party holding an executed copy hereof.

A Liberty man who eluded authorities for several weeks, having been involved in two separate law enforcement pursuits and crashes before escaping on foot, has finally been arrested.
32 year old Warren Brandon Glasby of Clear Creek Road, Liberty was taken into custody on Wednesday, October 28. The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department has him charged with felony evading. The Tennessee Highway Patrol has him charged and cited for various offenses including leaving the scene of an accident (2 counts), failure to exercise due care, failure to give information and render aid (2 counts), and violation of the financial responsibility law (no insurance). 30 year old Juanita Young of Smithville, alleged in the warrant to be his wife, also has him charged with assault.
Glasby made an appearance in DeKalb County General Sessions Court on Thursday, October 29 but his cases were continued until Thursday, November 5. He is to be represented by the district public defender’s office. His bond totals $33,500.
In the assault case, the warrant states that “Glasby and Juanita Young, who are married got into an argument on Friday, September 11. Glasby did have a knife and held her down on the bed and started punching her and then he pushed her through the door. He then hit her in the head with an amplifier and fan”.
Four days later, a county deputy spotted Glasby in a pickup truck and tried to stop him. Young was a passenger with Glasby.
According to Sheriff Patrick Ray, the incident began to unfold at 12:37 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15 when the Sheriff’s Department received a call from central dispatch in reference to a wanted person. “Dispatch stated that Warren Glasby of Clear Creek Road, Liberty had an assault warrant out of DeKalb County and that he had just picked up the victim from the complainant’s home in White County enroute to DeKalb County in a green 2004 Ford Explorer,” he said.
“A DeKalb County deputy made contact with the vehicle on Highway 53 in Liberty and observed it pass several cars and take off at a high rate of speed. The officer activated his blue lights and sirens in an attempt to stop the automobile and pursued it onto highway 70 heading west. The suspect then attempted to turn onto Old Highway 96 but due to his high rate of speed, he lost control of the vehicle and it flipped several times, ejecting the female occupant (Young). Glasby then fled on foot toward Highway 96. Officials of the Tennessee Highway Patrol came to the scene to work the accident,” said Sheriff Ray.
The wreck was investigated by Trooper Adam Cothron and Sergeant Eric McCormick of the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Young, the passenger of Glasby’s vehicle was airlifted from near the scene and flown to Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga.
The September 15 incident resulted in the felony evading charge against Glasby. The THP also charged him with leaving the scene of an accident. The warrant states that ” Glasby was being pursued by a DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department deputy when he turned onto Old State Route 96 from Highway 70 and lost control. Glasby’s vehicle overturned and went off an embankment and rolled into a field. During the crash, Glasby’s front seat passenger was thrown out of the vehicle through the front windshield causing injuries. Glasby fled on foot. He did not remain with the wrecked vehicle and injured passenger.”
Another THP warrant against Glasby alleges that “he failed to give any of his information and he did not render any aid to her (passenger involved in the wreck) though she received critical injuries”.
Almost a month later, Glasby was involved in a separate pursuit and crash near Alexandria.
According to the warrants, a Smith County deputy got in pursuit of Glasby on Saturday, October 10 at 12:20 a.m. The pursuit continued into DeKalb County to Goose Creek Road where Glasby drove off the right side of the road into a fence causing damage to both the vehicle and fence. He and a passenger of the automobile both fled the scene.
As a result of the Goose Creek crash, Glasby is charged or cited for failure to exercise due care, leaving the scene of an accident with property damage, failure to give information and render aid, and violation of the financial responsibility law (no insurance).
In other cases, 24 year old Hillary Elizabeth Knowles and 25 year old Christopher Alan Medlin both of Oak Place Drive, Smithville have been charged with burglary, theft, and violation of probation. They were arrested on Tuesday, October 27. Bond for each is $11,000 and they will appear in court on January 11.
Sheriff Ray said that on September 13 Knowles and Medlin allegedly broke into an outbuilding at a residence on Oak Place Drive and took property valued at $550 including a Troybilt pressure washer and a tool box full of various tools. Medlin allegedly admitted to selling the stolen property. The case was investigated by a sheriff’s department detective.
28 year old Heather Alice Luffman of Johnson Chapel Road, Smithville is charged with domestic assault. She is under a $2,500 bond and she will make a court appearance on November 12. Sheriff Ray said that on Tuesday October 27 a deputy responded to a domestic disturbance call at a residence on Johnson Chapel Road. Upon arrival the officer spoke to Luffman and her husband who had gotten into an argument over supper. The deputy learned that Luffman allegedly grabbed a pot of boiling water and threw it at her husband burning his stomach. She was determined to have been the primary aggressor and was charged in the case.
41 year old Jess Christopher Zaderiko of Green Acres Drive, Smithville is charged with theft of property. His bond is $5,000. Sheriff Ray said that on September 4 Zaderiko allegedly broke into a residence and took a wedding band set and pawned it for $200 at a pawn shop in Warren County. The case was investigated by a sheriff’s department detective.
69 year old Winston Morelock of Nashville is charged with domestic assault. His bond is $3,000 and he will be in court November 19. Sheriff Ray said that on Thursday, October 29 a deputy was dispatched to a residence on Medlin Drive in answer to a domestic disturbance. Upon arrival the officer spoke with a woman who said that her stepfather, Morelock had assaulted her. After asking him several times to leave, the woman claims Morelock grabbed her by the arm and tried to pull her out the door. The officer observed blood on her arm and blood on Morelock’s fingernails.
20 year old Dustin Allen Sullivan of Jackson Street, Smithville and 20 year old Ernest Willard Dodd, Jr. of Highland Drive, Smithville are each charged with burglary and theft over $10,000. Each is under a $10,000 bond and they will make a court appearance November 5.
Sheriff Ray said that on Thursday, October 22 Sullivan allegedly broke into a building on Sink Creek Road and took several mechanics tools including wrenches, rachets, sockets, and pliers valued at more than $12,000. Tools from the victim’s property were later found in the homes of both Sullivan and Dodd.
67 year old Gracie Colwell of Petty Road, Smithville is charged with aggravated assault. Her bond is $15,000 and she will be in court November 5. Sheriff Ray said that on Saturday, October 31 a deputy was dispatched to a residence on Petty Road in response to a complaint of someone shooting at another person. Upon arrival the officer spoke with Colwell who said she allowed her son to drive her car and became upset after learning he was going to Nashville in it. Colwell’s son told the officer that he and his mother began arguing at the residence and that as he was leaving she came out of a bedroom with a 22 caliber pistol. After going outside toward the car, the man said Colwell followed after him and began firing rounds toward him. As he jumped in the vehicle and drove away toward a neighbor’s house, Colwell continued firing shots at him and in the direction of other homes in the area. Colwell was placed under arrest.
48 year old Frank Ervin Morris of Gene Vaughn Road, Smithville is charged with domestic assault. His bond is $5,000 and he will make a court appearance December 17. Sheriff Ray said that on Saturday, October 31 a deputy responded to a residence on Gene Vaughn Road in reference to a domestic assault. Upon arrival the officer spoke with a woman who said that her boyfriend, Morris grabbed her hair and began jerking her around after she denied him sex. As she fought to get away Morris allegedly punched her in the back of the head causing a large lump on the top of her head. Morris was placed under arrest.

Members of the Alexandria Fire Department are preparing to conduct a survey of residents in the city limits of Alexandria and five miles into DeKalb County. The purpose of this survey is to satisfy the requirements of a Community Development Block Grant from the State of Tennessee. If awarded the grant, funds would be used to purchase a new fire engine for the Alexandria Fire Department which will replace a nearly forty year old truck.
Surveys will be completed by phone and door-to-door by members of the Alexandria Fire Department. Households are chosen at random to accurately represent the entire service area of the department. The survey will only take a few minutes and it asks questions about demographics as well as what range your total annual household income falls into.
Surveys will begin November 1st and last until the end of the year. If any residents have questions or concerns about the survey contact Fire Chief Brian Partridge at 615-308-1615 or Assistant Chief John Partridge at 615-587-3940 or email PartridgeJ@Alexandria-Fire.com.

The DeKalb County Tigers closed out the regular season Friday night with a 69-3 win over the visiting Cannon County Lions on Senior Night in Smithville.
The victory gives DeKalb County a 7-3 record and they finished the region in second place with a 5-1 mark.
DeKalb County will host Chattanooga Christian in the first round of the Class 3A state play-offs Friday night, November 6 at 7:00 p.m. in Smithville.
The Chargers are 7-3 overall and 3-2 in their region. Under TSSAA rules, admission for the game will be $8.00 per person.

The City of Smithville has a new Police Chief.
During Monday night’s regular monthly meeting the Board of Aldermen voted 5-0 to hire Mark Collins as chief. He will assume the duties within the next two weeks. Collins has served as the Alexandria Police Chief since 2006.
“I look forward to serving the people of Smithville and working with the Smithville Police Department. I think there is a fine group of young officers here and I am honored and blessed to have this opportunity. I look forward to getting in here and doing the citizens of Smithville some good,” said Collins after the meeting.
Collins was one of three applicants for the job. Patrolman Matt Farmer of the Smithville Police Department had also applied along with Algood Police Chief Gary Harris.
The mayor and aldermen held a 90 minute forum Saturday at city hall to interview each applicant. Collins, Harris, and Farmer were brought in separately and given about 30 minutes each to answer questions.
Collins, a resident of McMinnville Highway, Smithville, worked for the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department from 1995 through 2006, where over the years he served as deputy, sergeant, lieutenant, and then captain. Collins was a Sergeant in the United States Air Force from 1988-90. He graduated from Gordonsville High School in 1983 and attended David Lipscomb University in Nashville from 1983-85.
Collins said while he is looking forward to this career move, he will miss the people of Alexandria. “The residents of Alexandria have been a blessing to me. I have enjoyed working there. They have been good to me and hopefully I have been good for them. I have made friends there I will cherish for the rest of my life. I will hate to leave Alexandria but this is a lot closer to home. It’s a bigger challenge and I think it was the thing for me to do,” said Collins.
In other business, the aldermen authorized Fire Chief Charlie Parker to apply for a FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant to purchase up to $50,000 in equipment for the fire department. If approved, the city would have to pay a five percent match or up to $2,500. Funds are allocated in the fire department budget to cover the costs.
Chief Parker also announced that Robin Summers and Kim Johnson have begun their 90 day probationary period in becoming members of the volunteer fire department.
The aldermen voted to hire Tyler Patterson as a patrol officer in the police department.
The aldermen voted to accept a bid from King’s Firearms and More Law Enforcement Division in Columbia to purchase thirteen fully stocked semi-automatic Smith & Wesson assault rifles for the police department. The total cost is $18,223. This was the only bid received.

After ministering there for almost 30 years, Bill Robertson will preach his last sermon as pastor next Sunday, November 8 at the Elizabeth Chapel Baptist Church.
The church honored Robertson Sunday, November 1 with a retirement reception.
While he has enjoyed his years at Elizabeth Chapel, Robertson told WJLE that retirement time has come. “I never thought I would get to it (retirement). I have some solemn thoughts about the day. I’ve thought about Monday, November 9 which will be my first day after my actual retirement. I won’t have anywhere to go. I won’t have an office to go to. I won’t have anything to do. On the other hand I have to admit that I look forward to maybe not having anything to do for a while. Maybe I’ll be able to use an old fishing boat that I just bought. I intend to continue to preach as people will allow me or invite me. I won’t be completely useless but I am looking forward to the day. It’s time. I am 72 years old now and the time has come for me to slow down a little bit. I preached my first sermon on March 23, 1963. I have been pastoring churches for 50 years. I’ve been here more than half of that time in Tennessee,” he said.
Robertson shared how he came to be pastor of the church. “It’s a good story. My son, Bill had met a fellow from here in Smithville when he was at Belmont College in those days. He came to Smithville to visit in this fellow’s home over the weekend on a few occasions and the father of the guy he came home with knew about Elizabeth Chapel and told Bill about it. He (Bill) wrote a letter to the Director of Missions here in DeKalb County and that’s how it all started,” said Robertson.
After almost 30 years, Robertson now holds the distinction of being the second longest tenured minister of Elizabeth Chapel. “I’m number 2 on the list. A fellow by the name of Whitlock pastored Elizabeth Chapel for 33 years as I am told back when they were down on Holmes Creek. Those were the days of maybe meeting once or twice a month. I really don’t know. But it’s quite a bit different living right here and being here all day long everyday with three regular services a week. But yeah, I’m number 2. I thought I might try to hang on til 30 years. That would be in July. But I don’t want to be just a hanger on. I don’t want to just be picking up a paycheck and so forth. If I’m tired and not doing everything I think I need to do it was time to leave so that’s what I’ll do,” he said
A native of Florida, Robertson said he and his wife plan to continue living in Smithville. “We live here. We own a house here. My wife taught school here in DeKalb County for 19 years after we married. All but two of my children live in Tennessee now and one of the two (not here) is moving back here as soon as they can. This is kind of a central location. I like it here so we plan to stay in Smithville as long as you will have us,” Robertson continued.
Robertson said he and his family love the people here and the community has been supportive through good times and sad times. “Smithville has been extremely gracious to me. In times of great happiness and in some pretty sad times that we have had since we’ve been here, Smithville has stepped up and really been our friends. You have supported, prayed for, and ministered to us when we had needs. I’ve enjoyed getting to know so many people. My dad would come to town and we would ride around town together and people would wave at us and I’d wave back. He asked me one day “do you really know all those people or is that just the way it’s done in Smithville?” I said dad that is the way it’s done in Smithville but on the other hand I know a lot of them. I have enjoyed being a part of the community. Smithville has been a very enjoyable place for me to live and you all have welcomed my wife. After my first wife died and Joyce and I married you welcomed her and I appreciate that so much,” he said.
Robertson said he has been honored to have witnessed the growth of Elizabeth Chapel in the last three decades. “Elizabeth Chapel has grown. No doubt about it. We’ve got a good group. A good fellowship of people at Elizabeth Chapel and between them and what the Lord has done I’ve had the privilege to pastor a growing church for almost 30 years.” he said
“I’d just like to thank you for loving me and my family. I’m just thankful for God putting me here. I’ll never forget all the experiences I’ve had. Thanks for letting me just say to Smithville thank you. Continue to pray for us. We’ll be here and help you anyway we can. It’s been a really good time,” Robertson concluded.