The Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce presented a well-earned Community Improvement Award to Hardee’s of Smithville for their extensive interior and exterior renovations. Beautiful outside improvements include updated exterior, new signage, fresh landscaping, easy access walkways, new pavement and other parking lot upgrades. On the inside, everything the customer can see has been enhanced, and one entire interior wall is dedicated to custom-designed art that reflects iconic symbols from our local community. Since 1987, Hardee’s has been serving DeKalb County residents and its visitors, and Manager Mark Harrell wants to thank their numerous customers for the many years of continued support.
Pictured l-r:
Front Row: Chamber Board Member Kathy Hendrixson, Hardee’s employees Brandon Arnold & Roberta Wilkerson, Hardee’s Manager Mark Harrell, Hardee’s employees Judy McBride & Mia King, Chamber Board Member Sherry Harris Back Row: Chamber Director Suzanne Williams, Hardee’s employees Eloy Velazquez, Jordan Funk, Tierra Anderson, Caressa Parker & Carolyn Knowles, Chamber Adm. Asst. Josh Isaac

The DeKalb County Fire Department has received an elite award for 2014-15 Training Achievements
Of the 732 fire departments in Tennessee, both volunteer and paid, DeKalb County Fire Department ranks # 36 for 2014-15 training achievement by the Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy. Considering the ranking among departments that operate with 100% volunteer staff in the state, DeKalb County Fire Department ranks # 3
This is the seventh consecutive year the DeKalb County Fire Department has been recognized as one of Tennessee’s elite fire departments for outstanding training achievement. Last year, the department was the #2 volunteer fire department in Tennessee for training hours. This year, the department logged 1,394 training hours at the state fire academy and was recognized as a Silver Level fire department in Tennessee for 2014-15. Roger Hawks, Executive Director of the Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy, presented the department with a Certificate of Training Achievement.
DeKalb County Mayor Tim Stribling commended the department’s members and leaders for making DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department’s training program such a huge success. “Our county takes great pride in the level of commitment and service that we continue to see year after year from our volunteer firefighters who work hard and train hard to make sure our citizens have good fire protection here in DeKalb County. Getting this kind of statewide recognition for the seventh consecutive year makes it very clear that we have an excellent group of committed men and women who sacrifice many hours to be prepared to respond to the emergency needs of our citizens,” says Mayor Stribling.
Chief Donny Green says he wants to personally commend Assistance Chief David Agee, the department’s Training Officer, for his leadership in planning and coordinating the department’s training activities in a manner that spotlights our training program as one of top in the state; volunteer or career. In addition to the 1,394 hours at the Academy, Assistance Chief Agee coordinated 3,636 hours of in “in-house” training. Chief Green says that without the support of County Mayor Tim Stribling, the County Commission, the families of our volunteer firefighters, and the citizens of DeKalb County, the department could not have achieved such prestigious recognition. “Properly trained firefighters are the best tools available to any fire department. Without proper training, the best and most expensive equipment is useless. However, good training coupled with good equipment is priceless,” says Chief Green. Training performance and documentation are core elements in the Insurance Services Office’s (ISO) property protection that determine how much property owner’s have to pay in homeowners insurance premiums. The DeKalb County Fire Department’s proven success has resulted in a dramatic improvement to DeKalb County’s Public Protection Classification Rating of Class 6.
If you are interested in learning more about the DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department, or would like information on how to be a member of our team and become a volunteer firefighter, you can visit the Department’s website at: www.dekalbfire.com, or call 615-464-7176. You can also visit the Department’s FaceBook group page.

DeKalb County experienced a 6.5% growth in tourism in 2014 compared to the previous year.
According to the latest statistics from the 2014 Economic Impact of Travel on Tennessee as reported by U.S. Travel Association, Tourism expenditures in DeKalb County were $41.16 million in 2014, up by 6.5% from $38.64 million the year before. Payroll increased by 3.6%. State and local tax receipts from tourism in DeKalb County grew by 6.8% and 6.7% respectively from 2013.
DeKalb County was second in the fourteen county Upper Cumberland region in tourism growth behind Putnam County which had a 7.6 percent increase.
Tourists are drawn to DeKalb County for attractions including Center Hill Lake, the Smithville Fiddlers Jamboree, and the DeKalb County Fair among others.
Visitors to the Upper Cumberland Region spent $377.34 million in 2014, up from $359.62 the year before. Payroll increased 2.6 percent.
Meanwhile, Governor Bill Haslam and Tourism Commissioner Kevin Triplett announced Tuesday that the state’s direct domestic and international travel expenditures from tourism reached $17.7 billion in 2014, up 6.3%, an all time high for Tennessee.
Tourism-generated jobs for Tennesseans reached 152,900, an increase of 2.8 percent. State and local sales tax revenue for the industry topped $1.5 billion, up 7 percent over 2013, and the ninth consecutive year tourism topped $1 billion, according to the latest statistics from the 2014 Economic Impact of Travel on Tennessee as reported by U.S. Travel Association.
For the first time in history, travel to Tennessee topped 100 million, achieving 101.3 million person stays, a 5.1 percent increase over 2013. International travel increased 8.4 percent, reaching $576.5 million in economic impact. All 95 counties in Tennessee had more than $1 million in direct travel expenditures, 19 counties saw more than $100 million, and three counties, Davidson, Shelby and Sevier, had more than $1 billion in economic impact. Knox and Hamilton Counties round out the Top 5 with nearly $1 billion in economic impact. Tennessee is ranked in the Top 10 destinations in the U.S. for total travel.
“This increase in tourism across the board is a result of the strategic work of Tourist Development, the Tourism Committee, and the entire tourism and hospitality industry,” Haslam said. “We want Tennessee to be a place people from all over the world want to visit. The data shows that’s happening, and more jobs and $1.5 billion in sales tax revenue is good news for every Tennessean.”
Tennessee’s customer satisfaction landed at an impressive 8.5 out of 10. The satisfaction scores are greater than those of the average U.S. destination.
“Tourists are drawn to Tennessee for our world-renown music, outstanding attractions, stunning scenic beauty,” Triplett said. “But, at the end of the day, people keep coming to Tennessee for our authenticity and exceptional, Southern hospitality. That is the ‘made in Tennessee’ brand delivered to our visitors every day by our communities and partners.”
Counties Expenditures 2014 (in millions)
Cannon $3.96
Clay $6.69
Cumberland $106.62
DeKalb $41.16
Fentress $12.26
Jackson $2.22
Macon $7.41
Overton $7.36
Pickett $7.45
Putnam $117.99
Smith $11.54
Van Buren $8.88
Warren $23.11
White $20.69
UCDD $377.34
TN $17,185.27

The Tennessee Department of Transportation has scheduled a public information meeting tonight (Thursday, August 20) on a project to reconstruct State Route 56 from south of the Warren County line to Magness Road in DeKalb County.
Bids are to be opened in December.
(CLICK LINK BELOW TO VIEW MAP)Dekalb 56 Location Map (EPD).pdf (307.76 KB)
The public meeting will be Thursday, August 20 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the auditorium of the DeKalb County Complex at 712 South Congress Boulevard in Smithville. The meeting will consist of a presentation of the project followed by a question and answer session. The public is invited to ask questions and make comments during the meeting. Representatives of TDOT will be present to answer questions on any aspect of the project.
Funding for the construction, $6.8 million, is included in the state’s 2015-16 budget under the general Expedited Project Delivery (EPD) category of the 2015-17 three year work program. However, the new stretch of highway to be built will look different from TDOT’s original, more costly plan.
Instead of building a four lane divided and five lane road, TDOT now proposes to build a two lane undivided section containing two 12 foot travel lanes and two 12 foot shoulders (10 feet paved). This proposed project will maintain corridor preservation and allow for future expansion. The project is 3.25 miles in length.
Meanwhile plans are available for public inspection at the offices of Robert Rodgers, 4005 Cromwell Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421. Phone 423-510-1138.

Are you having trouble managing your diabetes? You are not alone. Your DeKalb County Health Department and Justin Potter Library is partnering together to offer the, Take Charge of Your Diabetes Program. According to Michal Deaver, Health Educator at the DeKalb County Health Department, this is a series of workshops, every Wednesday from September 16th –October 21st. from 12:30p.m.-2:30p.m. Classes will be held at the Justin Potter Library in Smithville.
Join the Take Charge of Your Diabetes Program to learn how to control your blood sugar, manage medications and prevent health problems. Get great nutrition and exercise tips. With the right information and support, anyone with diabetes can lead a healthy lifestyle.
To register or to find out more about the workshop please stop by the Justin Potter Library or the DeKalb County Health Department both located in Smithville, TN

In his latest report on city crime news, Captain Steven Leffew of the Smithville Police Department reports that 38 year old Jason Billy Lackey was arrested for domestic assault on July 25. According to Police, the victim approached Sergeant Brad Tatrow on the public square to report that she had been assaulted. The victim’s head and ear appeared to be red and swollen. Sergeant Tatrow was informed that Lackey had struck her in the head after a verbal argument turned physical. Upon investigation it was determined that Lackey was the primary aggressor and he was arrested for domestic assault. His bond is $2,500.
25 year old Christopher Brock Tatrow was arrested for violating an order of protection on July 26. Officer Lance Dillard was called to a residence concerning this matter and spoke with Tatrow who was inside the home. The victim who resides there was determined to have an active order of protection against Tatrow which placed him in violation. His bond is $2,500.
37 year old Holly Suzanne Woodside was arrested for disorderly conduct on July 27. Sergeant Travis Bryant made the arrest after witnessing Woodside cussing others as she stepped out into the public area of Center Hill Village Apartments. After being advised to calm down, Woodside became more belligerent with law enforcement. Her bond is $1,500 and she will be in court on August 20.
42 year old Regina C Valdez was arrested for DUI and cited for violation of implied consent on August 2. Officer Lance Dillard observed a vehicle traveling on East Broad Street crossing over the center line without properly functioning tail lights. He initiated a traffic stop and spoke with Valdez who had a strong odor of alcohol on her person. Valdez performed poorly on sobriety tasks. Her speech was slurred and she was unsteady on her feet. Valdez refused to submit to a blood test. Her bond is $1,500 and her court date is September 10.
40 year old Misty Dawn Bush was arrested on August 5 for a second offense of DUI and driving on a revoked license. She was also cited for simple possession and violation of implied consent. According to the warrant Sergeant Brad Tatrow was called to the Wal-Mart parking lot in reference to someone passed out in the driver’s seat of a vehicle. Upon arrival Sergeant Tatrow found Bush passed out with the key in the ignition. He awoke Bush. She appeared to be intoxicated and unaware of her surroundings. Her speech was slurred and her movements were slow. Bush performed poorly on field sobriety tasks. Her driving history revealed a previous DUI conviction in DeKalb County in 2013. Bush was also found to be in possession of a metal vial containing a pill believed to be Oxycodone for which she had no prescription. Bush refused to submit to a blood test. Her bond is $4,500 and she will be in court on August 27.
24 year old Hillary Elizabeth Knowles was cited for shoplifting on August 6. Officer Lance Dillard responded to McDonald’s in reference to a theft which had occurred at Mapco minutes before. He initiated a traffic stop of the vehicle, driven by Knowles, that matched the description given by Central Dispatch in regard to the theft. Upon speaking with Knowles he discovered that she had taken a 12 ounce beer from Mapco without paying for it. Her court date is September 24.
35 year old Abigail Vogel was arrested on August 7 for public intoxication and cited for simple possession. Sergeant Travis Bryant was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to an intoxicated person. Upon arrival he spoke with Vogel who was unsteady on her feet. Her speech was slurred and she appeared to be trying to fall asleep while pushing a shopping cart. Due to her safety, she was placed under arrest. A search incident to arrest revealed a Suboxone strip in her possession for which she had no prescription. Her bond is $1,500 and she will be in court on August 20.
42 year old Carl Bryant Henry was arrested on August 9 for DUI. Sergeant Travis Bryant stopped Henry for speeding and he exited the vehicle as Sergeant Bryant approached. Henry was unsteady on his feet and his speech was slurred. Henry performed poorly on field sobriety tasks. His bond is $1,500 and he will make a court appearance on September 3.

Many residents in the Austin Bottom community of DeKalb County met with officials of the Corps of Engineers, county commission, sheriff, and county mayor Tuesday evening at the fire station there to vent their frustrations about public nuisance issues at a boat ramp in the area.
Center Hill Lake Resource Manager Kevin Salvilla took questions and comments from the group. County Mayor Tim Stribling, Sheriff Patrick Ray, County Fire Chief Donny Green, and Fourth District County Commissioners Wayne Cantrell and Jonathon Norris were also there.
While most of the residents at the meeting said they don’t want the Putco Boat Ramp (Austin Bottom Lake Boat Access Area) closed, they would like to see more law enforcement to keep undesirables out.
Complaints range from issues of illegal drug activity, public intoxication, excessive noise during the night, using the area as a camp ground, non-boaters parking on the ramp preventing access, littering the area with beer bottles, cans, etc. One person was wounded in a recent shooting there. A contributing factor is that the lake level is lower than normal due to work on the dam which exposes more beach area for patrons to congregate.
Sheriff Ray said his officers patrol the area but residents are concerned about the time it takes DeKalb County law enforcement to respond if called. Because the community is cut off from the rest of the county due to the lake, residents say it could be as much as forty five minutes to an hour before help arrives.
DeKalb County has mutual aid agreements with surrounding counties including Putnam to assist in case of emergencies.
Officials said they would take the concerns of the community into consideration and assess options for addressing the problems.

After agreeing on the terms, Director of Schools Patrick Cripps signed his new two year employment contract Monday, August 17.
The deal was also signed by School Board Chairman W.J. (Dub) Evins, III and Vice Chairman Doug Stephens.
(CLICK LINK BELOW TO VIEW ACTUAL CONTRACT)
DS Contract for DeKalb County BOE 2015.pdf (108 KB)
Cripps was hired by the Board on July 16 and has served in the position for the past month under a temporary contract until finishing touches could be put on the final deal subject to a review by legal counsel.
The term is for a period commencing July 17, 2015 and ending June 30, 2017.
The contract calls for Cripps’ annual salary to be $85,000 paid in twelve equal monthly installments in accordance with the policy. The Board shall evaluate the Director annually and shall review the Director’s salary annually. In no event shall the Director’s salary be reduced except as provided by law. If any adjustment in salary is made during the term of this Contract, all of the other provisions of the Contract, including its termination date, shall remain as stated herein.
Under terms of the agreement, the Board will provide a medical insurance plan for Cripps on the same terms that it is made available to other employees. The Director will be able to participate in any other insurance program offered by the Board on the same terms as any other employee of the Board.
Cripps will also be provided with an automobile and all expenses involved in said automobile for him to carry out his official duties. He may use the automobile for personal purposes not interfering with school purposes, provided he shall pay or reimburse the cost of all fuel during such use.
The Director’s year shall consist of 240 duty days of normal office hours. Vacation time should be avoided at the beginning and end of the school year. The Director serves and is on duty during regular school session. Non duty days include 10 holidays and 12 annual leave days.
Cripps shall be granted one day of sick leave for each month of contractual employment. Sick leave days shall be cumulative and unused sick leave days may be used for retirement credit in accordance with the policies of the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System,
The evaluation of the Director shall occur no later than January 31 each calendar year during the term of the contract. The board shall review with the Director his performance, progress toward established goals, and the working relationships between the Director and Board, the staff, students, and community at large; and any other matters relative to the employment of the Director.
As part of the evaluation process, by July 30 of each year, the Director will present a Strategic Plan to the Board for the upcoming school year. The plan will incorporate the results of the Director’s most recent evaluation, will identify the strengths and needs of DeKalb County Schools, and will describe the Director’s Plan of Action to reach the goals adopted by the Board.
The contract may be terminated by mutual agreement of the parties or due to the retirement, disability, or death of the director. It may also be terminated by the Board for cause pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in TCA, the Teacher’s Tenure Act. If the Board terminates the contract for cause, the Director would be entitled to no further benefits of compensation.
The Board reserves the right to transfer the Director to any position within the system; however compensation and insurance benefits included in this agreement shall remain in full force and effect for the duration of the contract as specified in Article 1. In the event the Director declines to accept the transfer, this contract shall be terminated and the Director would be entitled to no further benefits or compensation.
The Director retains any rights to tenure as a teacher that he has already acquired in the DeKalb County Schools. Even so, the Director understands and agrees that, upon the termination of his duties as Director, he will be placed in a position for which he is licensed and qualified by the Board or any subsequent director of schools. No rights to a particular position are retained by seniority or any other means, and the Board or any subsequent director of schools, as appropriate, has the sole right to determine placement. However after placement, he will return to the pay scale prior to his appointment as Director.
The Director will not hire immediate family members in new administrative roles. Prior job assignments are grandfathered.

Larry Webb appeared in U.S. District Court Monday and entered a guilty plea to one count of federal bank fraud stemming from the “Living the Dream” investigation.
The former deputy director at the Upper Cumberland Development District will face no prison time nor fine as a result of the plea deal with federal prosecutors. He will be on three years of supervised release as approved by the Court.
Webb has also reportedly agreed to testify against former UCDD Executive Director Wendy Askins as part of the plea deal. Her trial is scheduled for next month in U.S. District Court.
Webb, charged with Askins in a federal indictment with conspiracy, theft of government money, bank fraud, money laundering, and making a false statement, agreed to enter a voluntary plea of guilty to Count Eight of the indictment, charging bank fraud. Court documents obtained by WJLE state that “after sentence has been imposed on the count to which defendant (Webb) pleads guilty as agreed herein, the government will move to dismiss the remaining counts and forfeiture allegations of the indictment.”
According to court documents, “The parties understand and agree that the offense to which defendant (Webb) will enter a plea of guilty (bank fraud) carries the following maximum penalties: (a) a maximum term of 30 years imprisonment; (b) a fine not to exceed $1,000,000; (c) a term of supervised release of not more than five years; and (d) a mandatory special assessment of $100 to be deposited into the Crime Victim Fund.
Had he gone to trial on all counts and been convicted, Webb could have faced a potential 220 years in federal prison and $6.75 million in fines.
Askins is accused of diverting hundreds of thousands of dollars of agency money into a million-dollar luxury home in rural Putnam County called “Living the Dream”. What was intended to become a home for needy seniors also allegedly became Askins’ home.
Although Webb’s attorney Ed Yarbrough said he never profited from the scheme, Webb admitted that he was guilty of Count Eight of the federal indictment, which accused him and Askins of securing a $250,000 loan from the Bank of Putnam County “for their own use and benefit” and “falsely representing” that it was for a project that had been approved by the UCDD board of directors.”
In pleading guilty, court documents state that defendant (Webb) admits the following facts and that those facts establish his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt:
“At all times relevant to this case, defendant Larry Webb was the Deputy Director of the Upper Cumberland Development District (UCDD), and the Director of the Cumberland Regional Development Corporation (CRDC). UCDD is a quasi-governmental agency responsible for promoting economic development in the Upper Cumberland area. UCDD is governed by a Board of Directors made up of County Executives and Municipal Mayors from within the 14-county Upper Cumberland area of Tennessee. The UCDD office is located in Cookeville.”
“Likewise, CRDC is an organization which operates under the UCDD umbrella, and is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of county executives and municipal mayors from within the 14-county Upper Cumberland area of Tennessee. The CRDC Board of Directors has membership separate from the UCDD Board of Directors. In some instances, however, individuals may be members of both the UCDD and CRDC boards. One purpose of the CRDC is to create affordable housing within the Upper Cumberland region.”
“On February 23, 2010, Defendant Webb incorporated “Living the Dream/Independent Living for Seniors, Inc.” (Living the Dream). While “Living the Dream” had the appearance of being a project approved by CRDC, it was in fact owned and operated by defendant Webb and codefendant Wendy Askins. A portion of the property was intended to be used as an independent living facility, while another portion was used as a luxury home for codefendant Askins.”
“In order to partially fund the purchase of the “Living the Dream” facility, defendant Webb and codefendant Askins obtained a loan from the Bank of Putnam County. To obtain this loan, Webb made false statements to loan officers relating to the true nature of “Living the Dream”. Specifically, defendant Webb told the loan officers that “Living the Dream” was an approved UCDD/CRDC project. Additionally, Webb presented false documents, including CRDC resolutions dated May 7, 2010 purportedly authorizing a loan application for “Living the Dream” in the amount of $750,000. As defendant very well knew, the CRDC had not approved the “Living the Dream” project, and had not authorized a $750,000 loan application.”
“In reliance upon these false statements and representations, the Bank of Putnam County on May 27, 2010 approved a loan in the amount of $250,000 for “Living the Dream”. Defendant Webb and codefendant Askins applied the loan proceeds to the purchase of “Living the Dream”. The bank would not have approved the loan or disbursed funds had it known UCDD and/or CRDC did not approve of the project or the loan application.”
“The bank eventually foreclosed on the property and subsequently recovered all of its loan proceeds.”
“At all times relevant to Count Eight of the indictment, the Bank of Putnam County was insured by the Federal Depository Insurance Corporation (FDIC)”.

For the first time, all students in the DeKalb County School System are getting free breakfasts and lunches regardless of their families’ household income. The move is meant to ensure that all students get the nutrition they need. But bureaucratic rules also mean it could cost schools state and federal funding.
It depends on how many parents return a form being sent home this month asking them to provide income information on a voluntary basis. A shift in how the school district accounts for the number of low-income students it has could potentially impact how much funding the district receives for crucial services funded by federal grants. If too many parents don’t turn in their income information to schools, it will appear that the number of low-income students has dropped, and the district could get less money.
In a letter to parents, Director of Schools Patrick Cripps is asking parents to complete a “Household Information” survey in order for local schools to show continued eligibility for various state and federal program benefits.
“The income level of the families in our school system determines the funding that each school receives from the federal and state government such as: additional instructional materials, computers and additional teachers and staff. The information you provide will help ensure that your child continues to have access to the level of resources he/she currently has at school,” said Director Cripps, in the letter.
“All information provided is private and confidential as required by state and federal statute. State and federal formulas use only aggregate information for funding calculations,” said Cripps.
(CLICK LINK BELOW TO VIEW SURVEY)
cep household survey.pdf (295.27 KB)
The actual letter states:
Dear Parents and Guardians:
“We are pleased to announce that all schools in DeKalb County will be implementing a new option available to select schools in Tennessee that participate in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. It is called the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) and will begin in school year 2015-16.”
“What does CEP mean for my child(ren) who attend a school in DeKalb County? In a CEP school, all students receive a nutritious breakfast and lunch at no cost.”
“What if my child changes schools? Your child is eligible for free meals at any school in DeKalb County.”
“Why is the district requesting financial information? The income level of the families in our school system determines the funding that each school receives from the federal and state government such as: additional instructional materials, computers and additional teachers and staff. The information you provide will help ensure that your child continues to have access to the level of resources he/she currently has at school.”
“How will this information be protected? In keeping with current practices, all information provided is private and confidential as required by state and federal statute. State and federal formulas use only aggregate information for funding calculations.”
“What do I need to do? Please complete the attached form and return it to your child’s school. Your assistance in maintaining current funding levels is greatly appreciated.”
“If you have any questions, please contact Danielle Collins at 615- 597-4084.”
Beginning this month, the school system joined the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Community Eligibility Program, a universal meal plan under the National School Lunch Program that permits eligible districts and schools to provide meal service to all students at no charge. DeKalb County schools also offer free breakfasts under the Universal Breakfast Program.
All students in the DeKalb County School System, regardless of income, now have access to free lunches and breakfasts under the program.