Due to rate hikes and mandates of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), the county is being required to increase the amount it pays toward health insurance for employees under its group plan.
During Monday night’s monthly meeting, the county commission voted to spend another $21,450 covering the period of January-June, 2018 to meet the federal mandate in covering 65 county employees enrolled in the plan.
“The county pays $260 per month for each employee who takes insurance. Sixty five people have county insurance. We have to meet the Affordable Care Act. Under the law, the lowest paid full time employee cannot pay more than 9.565% of their salary for insurance. We are going to have to do something to come in line with the Affordable Care Act. If the county went from paying $260 per employee to $315 per month for each employee, then that would satisfy the requirements,” said County Mayor Tim Stribling.
The county could have chosen to increase its contribution to cover only the 51 employees enrolled in the Limited PPO plan and still been in compliance with the Affordable Care Act, costing the county an additional $16,830, but the commission opted instead to make it apply to all 65 employees.
First District Commissioner Julie Young said the county should start looking for another group plan to offer more affordable insurance
In other business, the County Commission has again rejected a request to post a speed limit on Ragland Bottom Road. Last month the proposal was denied on a voice vote but fifth district commissioner Jerry Adcock said he would have preferred a roll call vote. Monday night Adcock moved that a 25 mile per hour speed limit be posted on Ragland Bottom Road and that a roll call vote be taken. The request to post the speed limit failed 8-3. Only commissioners Adcock, Anita Puckett, and Julie Young voted for it.
Meanwhile action has been delayed on a Board of Education budget line item transfer request to move $25,000 within categories of the school budget to purchase a five acre tract of land adjoining the high school property for development of a new soccer field. Seventh district commissioner Larry Summers moved to table the request until commissioners learn more about the plans directly from the school board or director. Summers’ motion to table was adopted.

A man charged with statutory rape in February was in DeKalb County Criminal Court Friday.
21 year old Kristain Conley entered a plea to statutory rape and received a two year sentence on probation. He has applied for judicial diversion. He is under a restraining order to keep away from the victim.
25 year old Lisa Michelle Huard entered a plea to sale and delivery of a schedule II drug (Hydrocodone). She received a three year sentence on probation and has applied for judicial diversion. She must make restitution of $200 to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department.
21 year old Jacob Murphy entered a plea to sale of a schedule II drug (Hydrocodone). He received a four year sentence suspended and has been given credit for 112 days of jail time served. Murphy has applied for judicial diversion. He must make restitution of $200 to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department.
21 year old Jim Flesher entered a plea to simple possession of morphine and received a sentence of 11 months and 29 days on supervised probation. He was fined $750.The sentence is to run consecutive to a sentence against him in DeKalb County General Sessions/Drug Court. He must make restitution of $200 to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department.
38 year old Jessie Hall, II entered a plea to possession of a weapon as a convicted felon. He received a two year TDOC sentence on probation. He must forfeit the weapon.
36 year old Kimberly Beard entered a plea to driving under the influence. She received a sentence of 11 months and 29 days to serve 48 hours in the DeKalb County Jail and then be on supervised probation. She was fined $350 and will lose her license. She must undergo an alcohol and drug assessment.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol has filed charges against a man who left the scene on foot after being involved in a two vehicle crash on Saturday, September 16.
(CLICK LINK BELOW TO VIEW MUG SHOTS OF PERSONS RECENTLY BOOKED AT THE DEKALB COUNTY JAIL- Intakes & Releases From: 9/18/2017 Thru: 9/25/2017)
Seagate Crystal Reports – REPOR_40.pdf (2.62 MB)
43 year old Robin Clark Green of Sparta is charged with reckless endangerment, leaving the scene of an injury crash, driving while license revoked, improper passing, and failing to exercise due care. His bond is $11,500 and his court date is December 14.
According to the THP, the crash occurred at 9:26 p.m. on Highway 70 east (Sparta Highway) near Howard Redmon Road as Green, driving a 1994 Nissan Xterra east on U.S. 70, crossed into the westbound lane to pass another vehicle on a double yellow line. 30 year old Juan Delgado of Smithville, who was traveling west on Highway 70 in a 1998 Toyota Tacoma, swerved to avoid a collision but Green’s vehicle hit the Tacoma in the left front. Delgado’s truck then traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a ditch where it came to its final rest. Green’s Xterra traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a ditch and then a fence before coming to its final rest in a field.
After the crash, Green fled the scene on foot. He had three passengers in the vehicle with him, 39 year old Angela Atnip, 22 year old Zachary Walker, and 42 year old Barry Atnip all of Smithville. Both Angela and Barry Atnip were transported by ground ambulance to St. Thomas DeKalb Hospital while Walker was airlifted to Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga.
Delgado was not injured but he was cited for no drivers license and failing to provide proof of financial responsibility.
Trooper Jason Cobble was the investigating officer.

DeKalb County Volunteer Firefighters were called to a structure fire at 3:22 a.m. Monday on Magness Road.

Upon arrival, the firefighters found an abandoned house, in the midst of trees and overgrowth, fully involved in flames.
County Fire Chief Donny Green said the property owner is Russell Norton. Although a line extended to the house, it had no electrical service.
Members of the Belk, Short Mountain Highway, and Main Stations responded from the DeKalb County Fire Department along with the Sheriff’s Department and DeKalb EMS. There were no injuries.

A 50 year celebration was observed Sunday for Justin Potter Library.
Members of the community stopped by during the two hour event to visit and enjoy refreshments. State Representative Terri Lynn Weaver presented a proclamation signed by herself, State Representative Mark Pody, and Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives Beth Harwell marking the occasion and Chamber Director Suzanne Williams honored the library with a Milestone Award.
Current and past Library Board members, Directors, and employees joined in the celebration including Jenelle Pugh, the only surviving 1967 library board member.
Justin Potter Library opened in June 1967 followed by an official dedication and open house on September 17, 1967. It was named for the late Justin Potter, a DeKalb County native and successful Nashville businessman, whose family provided funds to help build the library through the Justin and Valere Potter Foundation.
Potter’s grandson, Justin Wilson was among those in attendance for the celebration.
“This was done by Congressman Joe L. Evins from Smithville in 1967. I remember going up to see him in Washington to talk about how to get this funded. I am really pleased to see how wonderfully the library is doing today for the community,” said Wilson, who also is the current Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury.
For eleven years prior to 1967, the library was located in a room on the main floor of the Veterans Memorial building downtown.
DeKalb County Historian Thomas G. Webb, also in attendance at the observance, said Justin Potter Library is a great asset to the community. “When I was growing up DeKalb County had no library at all. You don’t know what a change it is to have this from no library. We’re proud of our library,” he said.
“The library is important to DeKalb County and it is run by a great board and staff. They are very professional. We can all be proud of them,” said County Mayor Tim Stribling.
The state proclamation honoring Justin Potter Library follows:
“Whereas, the members of this legislative body take great pleasure in recognizing those venerable institutions that are devoted to serving their communities; and
Whereas, one such institution is the Justin Potter Library, which is this year celebrating its fiftieth anniversary, a hallmark occasion for this community gathering place that supports and informs its patrons and serves as the heart of the DeKalb County community; and
Whereas, on September 24, 2017, the DeKalb County Library Board and staff will host a fiftieth anniversary celebration, joining with members of the community to reflect on the library’s history and success; and
Whereas, organizational efforts for the Justin Potter Library were spearheaded by Emma Burton; in 1966, when available federal money for library construction required a matching donation, Mrs. Burton found a willing benefactor in the Justin and Valere Potter Foundation; and
Whereas, a 3,764 square foot edifice was built in 1967 to house the Justin Potter Library; the library opened its doors to the public in June of that same year, hosting a formal opening celebration on September 17, 1967; and
Whereas, in 2003, the building underwent a 2,000 square foot expansion funded by the DeKalb County Court, with donations from members of the community providing shelving and furniture; while the original structure was built to hold 10,000 volumes, the expanded building now contains over 25,000 items; and
Whereas, featured in the library’s more than 25,000 items is an extensive collection of county genealogy and Historical materials, thanks to the combined efforts of Jorene Parsley, Earl France, County Historian Thomas G. Webb, and many others; and
Whereas, the library’s mission has always been to provide all DeKalb County residents with opportunities to improve the quality of their lives by offering quality materials and services that fulfill the educational, informational, cultural, and recreational needs of the entire community in an atmosphere that is welcoming and respectful; and
Whereas, the Justin Potter Library has been successful in fulfilling its mission; throughout the last five decades, it has been home to many educational and cultural programs, including summer reading, author book signings, holiday events, Older American’s Day celebrations, art and computer classes, homeschooling events, discussion groups, school field trips, and volunteer opportunities for Tennessee Promise students and others; and
Whereas, in addition to making available thousands of volumes in print and online, the Justin Potter Library has worked to get books in the hands of as many individuals as possible; it facilitates sign-up for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and engages in book outreach to area schools; and
Whereas, the library also provides other services to the community, including interlibrary loans, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency boating exams, and tax and voter registration forms; and
Whereas, from 2016 to 2017, there were nearly 40,000 visits to DeKalb County libraries, with 8,000 registered borrowers, 64,000 materials checked out, 112 programs offered that saw 2,000 in attendance, and approximately 15,000 computer users; and
Whereas, the members of the DeKalb County Library Board of Trustees at the time of the opening of the Justin Potter Library were W.R. Lassiter, chair; Emma Burton, chair building committee; Otha Dell Conger, building committee; Nell McBride, building committee; Bessie May White; Rosa John Twilla; and Jenelle Pugh; and
Whereas, current library board members are Genrose Davis, Annette Greek, Jane Hobson, Brenda Hooper, Betty Pankey, Jane Ramsey, Pam Redmon, Board Chair Jan Thomas, and Bobby White; and
Whereas, the Justin Potter Library has enjoyed the superb leadership of four directors since 1967: June Vaughn (1967-68, 1991-2004), Idell Spann (1968-91), Kathy Winchester Vardy (2004-07), and Kathy Hendrixson (2007-present); and
Whereas, the success of the library is wholly attributable to the dedication and hard work of the library board members, staff, and volunteers and the support of the Justin and Valere Potter Foundation, Smithville Study Club,, DeKalb County, City of Smithville, State and federal government, and the community throughout the last fifty years; and
Whereas, the Justin Potter Library has served the citizens of DeKalb County for five decades now, and it is fitting that the organization be honored; now, therefore,
I, Beth Harwell, Speaker of the House of Representatives of the One Hundred Tenth General Assembly of the State of Tennessee, at the request of and in conjunction with Representative Mark Pody and Representative Terri Lynn Weaver, do hereby proclaim that we congratulate the Justin Potter Library upon fifty years of devoted service to the DeKalb County community, extending our sincere best wishes for much continued success in the future.
Proclaimed in Nashville, Tennessee, on this the 31st day of August, 2017.”

One candidate has had a change of heart and will not seek the seat of former State Senator Mae Beavers in the special election this fall.
Steve Wilson of Lebanon, who had previously announced his intentions to be a candidate for the Republican nomination in the November 7 primary, has decided to withdraw
Wilson sent a letter to the DeKalb County Election Commission and to other counties in the 17th district making the withdrawal official.
State Representative Mark Pody, a Republican, is now the only announced candidate for the special election. No other Republican and no Democrat has yet announced a bid. Pody’s name will be on the GOP primary ballot.
The special election was created due to the September 1 resignation of Senator Beavers, who is running for governor. Her senate term expires after the 2018 elections next November.
The qualifying deadline for candidates is Noon Thursday, September 28th.
The primary will be held on November 7th followed by the General Election on December 19th.
Early voting for the primary will be held October 18 through November 2 on the first floor of the DeKalb County Courthouse. Early voting hours are Mondays 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesdays 9 a.m. until Noon; Wednesdays 9 a.m. until Noon; Thursdays 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Fridays 9 a.m. until Noon and Saturdays 9 a.m. until Noon.
Voting hours for election day, December 19 at all precincts will be 8 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Tennessee’s 17th Senate District includes Wilson, Cannon, DeKalb, Clay, Smith and Macon counties.

The DeKalb County Tigers celebrated a homecoming victory Friday night over the visiting Cannon County Lions 42-0.
The Tigers are now 2-4 on the season and will travel to Livingston Academy next week. The Wildcats are 5-1 on the season and 2-0 in Region play. Cannon County falls to 0-6 on the season.
After getting the ball on a Cannon County turnover at the Lions 20 yard line, DeKalb County Quarterback Tyler Cantrell threw a 20 yard touchdown pass to Paxton Butler with 8:20 left in the 1st period. The PAT by Andrew Fuson was good and the Tigers led 7-0.
The next score came as the Tigers capped a 52 yard drive on a 40 yard touchdown pass play from Quarterback Axel Aldino to Braxton Linder with 10:41 left in the 2nd period. Andrew Fuson added the extra point for a 14-0 Tiger lead.
DeKalb County extended its advantage on a 2 yard touchdown pass play from Aldino to Bradley Miller, capping a 74 yard drive. Fuson’s PAT gave the Tigers a 21-0 lead with 2:30 left in the 2nd period.
After the Tigers blocked a Cannon County punt, Jesse Smith scooped up the loose pigskin and raced 25 yards for a Tiger touchdown with 48 seconds left in the 2nd period. Fuson booted the extra point and the DeKalb County lead at halftime was 28-0.
The Tigers cashed in on two more Cannon County turnovers in the second half. After a Lions interception by Tiger Bradley Miller, DeKalb County capped a scoring drive on a 15 yard pass from Quarterback Axel Aldino to Riley Sexton with 7:53 left in the 3rd period. Fuson added the extra point and the Tigers held a 35-0 lead.
On the ensuing kick-off, the return man for Cannon County fumbled in the air and DeKalb County’s Bradley Miller grabbed it and rambled 25 yards for a touchdown with 7:30 left in the 3rd period. Fuson booted the PAT and DeKalb County went on to win 42-0.

DeKalb County High School students celebrated the last day of Spirit Week with a Homecoming Day parade Friday afternoon
The Tiger football team’s homecoming opponent Friday night is the Cannon County Lions and the floats in the parade had a Tiger versus Cannon County theme.

The parade featured Homecoming Queen Allison Maynard and Attendants Kaitlyn Cantrell, Kayla Belk, Leah Davis, Alley Sykes, and Callie Mulloy; class and club floats, the football team, lots of decorated cars and trucks, county and city law enforcement officers, fire fighters, and other emergency vehicles, among others.
The event concluded with a pep rally led by DCHS Football cheerleaders and a performance by the DCHS band on the square.
Winners of the float competition were as follows:
First Place: Junior Class
Second Place: DCHS Tiger and Lady Tiger Basketball Players and Cheerleaders
Third Place: Senior Class
Best Decorated Automobiles:
First Place: Noah Martin
Second Place: Christina Bain
Third Place: Hannah Brown
Honorable Mention: Braya Murphy

Who makes the best chili in DeKalb County? Find out on Friday, October 27th when Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County hosts its 14th annual Chili Cook-off and Bake Sale.
Chili will be served from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the DeKalb Courthouse Lawn. In case of bad weather, the event will be moved to 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. Ceramic bowls with the event’s logo are available for $20.00. Delicious baked goods prepared by members of local churches will be for sale. Take out is also available. Awards and bragging rights will be given in the following manner: 1st and 2nd place Chili. People’s Choice Chili (Golden Spoon Award), and Best Decorated Booth.
The event drew a record turnout last year and more than $5,400 was raised for Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County.
“Cowabunga Chili” from the DeKalb County Board of Education took Top Chili Honors, with “Cheese Wagon Chili” from the DeKalb County Department of Transportation coming in second place. Third place chili honors went to “Hot Checks Chili” from Wilson Bank and Trust.
The Best Decorated Booth Award also went to “Cowabunga Chili” from the DeKalb County Board of Education, with “Spooky Bean Chili” from Middle Tennessee Natural Gas and “Cheese Wagon Chili” from the DeKalb County Department of Transportation tying for second place.
The Golden Spoon Award went to “The Courthouse Gang” from the DeKalb County Officials, who raised $197.00 for Habitat in cash donations 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 Pryor at 615-597-7370. To contact Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County, call 615-215-8181.

The DeKalb Utility District Board of Commissioners met in special session Thursday afternoon and took action that will soon provide water to 33 new customers on Tramel Branch Road, Oakley Road, Carter Lane, and the Alexandria to Dismal Road
Bids were awarded to two contractors to extend water lines to the targeted areas. The $930,000 project will be funded through a $500,000 Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Block Grant and $430,290 in funding from the DeKalb Utility District.
The DUD had originally intended to provide only $121,000 but decided to add another $309,290 after bids for the project came in higher than expected.
The board accepted a bid of $392,865 from Flo-Line Contracting of Monticello, Kentucky to do the work on Alexandria to Dismal Road and for $294,345 for the project on Carter Lane and Oakley Road. Mofield Brothers Construction of Carthage got the bid for $148,580 to extend water lines on Tramel Branch Road.
According to the DUD, the water line extensions will provide water to fourteen customers on the Alexandria to Dismal Road, seven families on Tramel Branch Road, and twelve households on Carter Lane and Oakley Road.
The original plans were to also include Old Givens Hollow Road, which would have served seven customers, but that portion of the project was excluded due to the costs. “The low bid on that alone was $315,000 just to do it (Old Givens Hollow). It was just too cost prohibitive. Had we done this we wouldn’t have been able to do anything else and we wouldn’t have gotten the grant because we wouldn’t have qualified with enough people (customers). Even though we are putting a lot more money into this overall project, it just wasn’t feasible to do this portion (Old Givens Hollow),” said DUD Manager Jon Foutch.
The DeKalb County Commission adopted a resolution in January, 2016 authorizing the filing of the grant application.
The county had applied for and been denied the grant twice within the previous two years. But this time in order to improve its chances, the county asked for a little less grant money while the DeKalb Utility District committed to ante up more in its local match commitment.
Amanda Mainord of Grassroots Planning & Consulting, was the grant administrator for the project.