DeKalb West School celebrated World Milk Day on Wednesday, September 30.
Cafeteria Manager Nancy Mulloy and her staff stashed 4 cartons of specially marked milk in the regular milk crates, and four lucky students won.
Pictured from left to right are Lauren Fry from Lori Pryor’s 3rd grade classroom, Kindergarten student Lucy Moore from Tonya Ellis’s class, Mulloy, Trenten Shores from Cynthia Preston’s 8th grade class, and William Buterbaugh from Jessica Antoniak’s 6th grade room.

A drunk driver who had his five year old daughter in the vehicle with him at the time was arrested last week after a traffic stop in Alexandria.
37 year old Eric Lee Linder of Kennedy Street, McMinnville is charged with reckless endangerment and a second offense of driving under the influence. His bond totals $5,500 and he will be in court on November 5.
Sheriff Patrick Ray said on Tuesday, September 29 a deputy was dispatched to the area of Highways 70 and 53 in Alexandria in reference to a reckless driver who was operating a Chevrolet Camaro. The deputy spotted the vehicle crossing the center line and right shoulder of the road. He made a traffic stop and spoke with the driver, Linder who was found to have slurred speech and an odor of alcohol on his person. Linder performed poorly on all field sobriety tasks. He also submitted to a blood test.
33 year old Zachary Patrick Greene of Oaks Street, McMinnville is charged with driving under the influence. He was also issued a citation for shoplifting, violation of the open container law, simple possession, and violation of the implied consent law. His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court October 15.
Sheriff Ray said that on Thursday, October 1 a deputy was dispatched to DeKalb Market in reference to a suspicious man in the parking lot. Upon arrival the officer spoke with the man, Greene who was found to be unsteady on his feet. His speech was slurred and he seemed to be very nervous. Although Greene told the officer that someone in the parking lot was trying to fight him, no one else could be found there. During a pat down search of Greene, the officer found a small baggie containing a white pill believed to be Xanax. The deputy also found an open container of vodka on the front passenger side seat of Greene’s vehicle. Greene further had in his possession an electric charging device taken from the store. Greene performed poorly on field sobriety tasks but he refused to submit to a blood test. He was placed under arrest.

The DCHS Golf Team finished second in the district tournament at Fall Creek Falls this week. The boys advance to the regional tournament at Fall Creek Falls on Monday, October 5.
Pictured left to right top row: Lance Davis, Braxton Pugh, Coach Joe Pat Cope, Austin Poss, Isaac Walker, Marshal Evins Left to right bottom row: Hannah Brown and Lexi Spry. Not pictured Abby Evans

Smithville Police have arrested a man believed to be responsible for a recent break-in at Center Hill Wine and Spirits.
Captain Steven Leffew said that while conducting an investigation concerning a burglary earlier in the morning on Friday, September 25 at Center Hill Wine and Spirits, Detective Brandon Donnell arrested 50 year old John Amail Land for burglary, vandalism, and theft. At approximately 5:12 a.m. that morning Sergeant Travis Bryant responded to the store in reference to a burglar alarm. Upon arrival he noticed that the door to the business was busted out and a large rock was lying inside the store. Upon speaking with the owner of the business, it appeared that two bottles of Vodka had been taken. Land became a suspect in the case from store surveillance video. Bond for Land is $8,000 and he will be in court on October 29.
Meanwhile, 46 year old John Micheal Turner was arrested on Friday, September 25 for public intoxication and simple possession. Officer Andy Snow was called to Center Hill Wine & Spirits to check on a possible DUI incident. Upon arrival he spoke with Turner, who was inside the store at the counter. Turner had an odor of alcohol on his person and he became loud and belligerent as Officer Snow spoke with him. Turner was placed under arrest due to his level of intoxication and for being a nuisance in a public place. Upon making an inventory of his person, Officer Snow found white oval shaped pills believed to be Hydrocodone in Turner’ss front pocket for which he had no prescription. Turner’s bond is $3,000 and his court date is October 15.
31 year old Randall Ross Stanley was arrested for DUI on Sunday, September 27. Officer Will Judkins found Stanley passed out behind the wheel of a vehicle in the left lane of West Broad Street facing eastbound at the intersection of Short Mountain Highway. Officer Judkins woke Stanley and found him to have slow slurred speech, red watery eyes, and he was unsteady on his feet. Stanley submitted to field sobriety tasks but performed poorly. His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court on November 9.
Corporal Chip Avera responded to a half way house on Monday, September 28 in response to a resident having illegal drugs in his possession. Upon arrival, he spoke with 20 year old Samuel Dalton Hatfield who had five Oxycodone and 12 Neurotin in his possession. An investigation revealed that Hatfield had allegedly sold one Oxycodone to another roommate in the house. Hatfield was arrested for sale and delivery of a schedule II drug. His bond is $5,000 and he will be in court on October 29.
71 year old Lloyd P Webb was arrested for DUI on Thursday, October 1. Officer Will Judkins conducted a traffic stop after observing Webb failing to drive within his lane of travel. While speaking to him, Officer Judkins found Webb to have red watery eyes, slowed slurred speech, and he was unsteady on his feet. Webb submitted to field sobriety tasks but performed poorly. His bond is $1,500 and he will make a court appearance on November 19.

The Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon cutting for new Chamber member, Smithville Sleep Center, 402 East Broad St., Smithville.
This new, locally-owned and operated mattress store offers a wide variety of mattresses to fit any budget, including mattresses from traditional spring to memory foam, along with adjustable bases, and a wide range of pillow options. Statistics show the wrong mattress can actually rob you of sleep and that mattresses are not one-size-fits-all.
Shown from left, are Chamber Director Suzanne Williams, Chamber President Jeff Crips, SSC employee Jonathan Morris, Smithville Sleep Center Owners Chris Wyke and Kyle Casper, Jessica Casper, Chamber Board Members Brandy Lawson and Julia Vanderpool, and Leadership DeKalb Director Jen Sherwood.

A great crowd of approximately 400 turned out on Friday, October 2, 2015, to enjoy chili and delicious baked goods at Habitat for Humanity’s 12th Annual Chili Cook-off and Bake Sale, which was held at the DeKalb County Complex.
“Wonderland Chili” from the DeKalb County Board of Education won the “Best Chili” award, and “The Courthouse Gang” from the DeKalb County Officials followed in second place. In the decorating contest, the DeKalb County Officials won first place honors with their M*A*S*H themed booth, and the DeKalb County Board of Education came in second place with their Wonderland theme.
According to Tecia Puckett Pryor, Development Committee member, the event raised over $4,500.00, which will be used toward the building of the next Habitat house in early 2016. “We had a great turnout for the Chili Cook-off in spite of the rain and raised more money than any previous cook-off,” said Pryor. “We had three new chili teams this year, and everyone enjoyed coming out and visiting with their friends and neighbors, while sampling all the delicious chili. We truly appreciate all the chili teams for their hard work, enthusiasm and dedication to this event year after year. We also thank everyone who brought the delicious baked goods, including the Tiger Pride Kitchen from DCHS.” Pryor added.
Nine teams participated in the event, including “Wonderland Chili” from the DeKalb County Board of Education; “Hot Checks Chili” from Wilson Bank and Trust; “The Courthouse Gang” from the DeKalb County Officials; “Around the Block” from H&R Block; “Natural Gas Gang” from Middle Tennessee Natural Gas; “The Bean Counters” from Janney & Associates; “No Liability Chili” from the DeKalb County Bar Association; “Laughing Gas Chili” from DeKalb Dental Center/Mitchell Tatum, DDS; and “Red Hot Chili Bankers” from Regions Bank.
Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County is a locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization. Habitat for Humanity builds and renovates houses in partnership with volunteers and families in need, regardless of their ethnic or religious background. The houses then are sold to those in need at no profit and with no interest charged. To contact Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County, please call 215-8181.

Kelsey Hedge of Smithville, is a member of Lipscomb University’s 2015-16 freshman class.
Hedge, a DeKalb County High School graduate, is one of 669 freshmen enrolled at Lipscomb University, contributing to the university’s overall record year enrollment of 4,686 after the first week of classes. The university has experienced an 86% jump in overall enrollment over the last decade.
Lipscomb University was named the 18th best college in the South, according to the U.S. News and World Report’s “2016 America’s Best Colleges” guidebook as well as one of the best colleges in the region for veterans and one of the most innovative schools.
Lipscomb University delivers a complete liberal arts education characterized by an integration of Christian faith and practice with academic excellence, preparing each student spiritually, intellectually, socially and physically for life and eternity. Lipscomb’s innovative curriculum and graduation requirements challenge students academically, spiritually, and in their role as global community citizens.
Students at Lipscomb University can earn a bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate, or graduate certificate in 188 fields of study. The university offers several pre-professional programs, an accelerated adult degree program and an associate’s degree for residents at the Tennessee Prison for Women

Lee University of Cleveland recently awarded scholarships to 34 women for the 2015-16 school year including Lydia Trail from Liberty.
Trail is a 2015 graduate of DeKalb County High School and is majoring in Biological Science with a focus in Pre-Med with a minor in Spanish.
She is the granddaughter of George and Linda Tripp from Liberty and the daughter of Heidi Trail Herman.
The Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation, a Georgia nonprofit organization that is dedicated to the education of female students with financial need from nine southeastern states, funded the scholarships.
Each woman was awarded a scholarship of $2,500. In accordance with the guidelines prescribed by the Foundation, scholarships were awarded to women who reside in one of nine specified southeastern states. Recipients were chosen based on a combination of factors including financial need, academic merit, and character.
The Foundation aims to inspire women to stand out as leaders in their communities and to support them in their quest for education. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the scholarship program at Lee.
A reception to celebrate the 34 women chosen for the award this year was held on September 24 in the John D. Nichols Room of the Lee University Chapel.

Who makes the best chili in DeKalb County? Find out on Friday, October 2nd when Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County hosts its 12th annual Chili Cook-off and Bake Sale at the DeKalb County Complex.
Chili will be served from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the DeKalb County Complex. For a cash donation, eat all the chili you want and vote for your favorite chili and the best decorated booth. Habitat plans to have ceramic bowls with the event’s logo available for a donation $20.00, which includes chili and a drink. Delicious baked goods prepared by members of local churches will also be for sale. Take out is also available.
“We are looking forward to another great day of good food and fellowship at the chili cook-off,” said Chad Driver, president of Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County. “The proceeds from the Chili Cook-off will be used towards building the next house in early 2016, so we hope everyone will come out and eat lots of chili for a great cause.”
At press time, the teams competing in the Chili Cook-off are “Wonderland Chili” from the DeKalb County Board of Education; “Hot Checks Chili” from DeKalb Community Bank; “The Courthouse Gang” from the DeKalb County Officials “Around the Block” from H&R Block; “Natural Gas Gang” from Middle Tennessee Natural Gas; “The Bean Counters” from Janney & Associates; “No Liability Chili” from the DeKalb County Bar Association; “Laughing Gas Chili” from DeKalb Dental Center/Mitchell Tatum, DDS; and “Red Hot Chili Bankers” from Regions Bank.
Last year, “Superhero Chili” from The DeKalb County Board of Education took first as both “Best Chili” and “Best Decorated Booth”. The DeKalb County Officials followed in second place for both categories. The 2014 event raised over $3,000. This year, a “Golden Spoon” award will also be given for the team that collects the most extra cash for Habitat at their booth.
Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County is a locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization. Habitat for Humanity builds and renovates houses in partnership with volunteers and families in need, regardless of their ethnic or religious background. The houses then are sold to those in need at no profit and with no interest charged.
For more information on the Chili Cook-off and Bake Sale, contact Tecia Puckett Pryor at 615-597-7370. To contact Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County, call 615-215-8181.

Store owners or clerks at four local businesses have been cited for selling beer to minors as a result of an undercover investigation conducted jointly by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department and the Smithville and Alexandria Police Departments.
25 year old Langed Bassem Nabil Samir of Alexandria, owner of the Alexandria Discount Beer and Tobacco store on Nashville Highway; 32 year old Jennifer Sims of McMinnville, an employee of the Tobacco Discount Store on West Broad Street, Smithville; 56 year old Allison Ferguson of Smithville, an employee of Mapco Express on East Broad Street, Smithville; and 42 year old Areceli Soto Godinez of Smithville, owner of Nicole’s Market on Short Mountain Highway, have each been cited for the illegal sale of alcohol to a minor under 21 years of age.
All four defendants will appear in General Sessions Court on October 29. If found guilty, these businesses could face fines and the loss of their beer licenses.
The undercover operation occurred over a two week period.
In the first case, Alexandria Police Chief Mark Collins said “On September 22, an undercover operative who was under 21 years of age, entered and attempted to illegally purchase beer within the city limits of Alexandria. The operative was denied beer purchases from C&C Market and the Alexandria Dollar Store but an illegal purchase of beer was made from the Alexandria Discount Beer and Tobacco on Nashville Highway. The store owner, 25 year old Langed Bassem Nabil Samir of Nashville Highway Alexandria was cited for illegal sale of alcohol to a minor under 21 years of age,” said Chief Collins.
Meanwhile, Smithville Police Lieutenant Matt Holmes said “On September 23, the same undercover operative, attempted to illegally purchase alcohol from all businesses who are licensed to sell beer and/or liquor within the city limits of Smithville. All but two businesses refused to sell beer to the operative. An illegal purchase of beer was made from the Tobacco Discount Store on West Broad Street. An employee of the store, 32 year old Jennifer Sims of West End Avenue, McMinnville was cited for the illegal sale of alcohol to a minor under 21 years of age. An illegal purchase of beer was also made from the Mapco Express Store on East Broad Street. 56 year old Allison Ferguson of Hurricane Ridge Road Smithville, a store clerk was cited for the illegal sale of alcohol to a minor under 21 years of age,” said Lt. Holmes.
In the last case, DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department Detective Jeremy Taylor said “On September 28, the same undercover operative attempted to purchase beer from numerous businesses within the county. An illegal beer purchase was made from the owner of Nicole’s Market on Short Mountain Highway. 42 year old Areceli Soto Godinez of Short Mountain Highway Smithville was cited for the illegal sale of alcohol to a minor under 21 years of age,” said Detective Taylor.
Authorities wish to thank all of the businesses who followed the law during this investigation.