Jaycee Rochelle Johnson of Alexandria won the Miss Sweetheart pageant Wednesday night at the DeKalb County Fair. She is the 10 year old daughter of Tim and Shelly Hearn and Jon and Jaylene Johnson.
Johnson succeeds the 2013 Miss Sweetheart Abigail Hope Taylor, the 13 year old daughter of Ken and Cindy Taylor of Smithville.
The pageant featured twenty five girls ages 10-12.
Kennedy Grace Agee, the 10 year old daughter of Josh and January Agee of Liberty was first runner-up in the pageant.
Madison Rae Rackley was second runner-up. She is the 11 year old daughter of Gordon and Jessica Rackley of Smithville.
Third runner-up was Addison Jean Puckett, the 10 year old daughter of Jimmy and Anita Puckett of Smithville.
Alexis Grace Atnip was fourth runner-up. She is the 11 year old daughter of Veronica Atnip of Smithville.
The Miss Congeniality of the pageant was Rebekah Haylee Adams, the 10 year old daughter of Brian and Carolyn Adams of Smithville.
Malia Stanley, the 12 year old daughter of Steve Stanley and Larry and Phyllis Stanley of Dowelltown was Miss Photogenic.
Elizabeth Reed was named Runway Queen, sponsored by Runway Rentals. She is the 10 year old daughter of Brent and Heather Reed of Smithville.
Rounding out the top ten were Kayley Marie Mooneyham, the 10 year old daughter of Tanna and Tony Harris of Smithville; Shelby Maylee Sprague, the 12 year old daughter of Jimmy and Johnna Sprague of Smithville; Natalie Morgan Snipes, the 10 year old daughter of Tim and Michelle Snipes of Smithville; Julia Grace Curtis, the 12 year old daughter of Bruce and Amy Curtis of Smithville; and Katherine Grace Colwell, the 10 year old daughter of Trent and Christie Colwell of Smithville.
Other participants were Lily Grace Martin, the 11 year old daughter of Gilbert and April Martin of Lancaster; Haylee Cassandra Merriman, the 10 year old daughter of Mike and Myra Merriman of Smithville; Lydia Ann Brown, the 12 year old daughter of Stephen and Amanda Brown of Liberty; Mariah Mofield, the 12 year old daughter of David and Teresa Mofield of Alexandria; Grace Howland, the 11 year old daughter of Rick and Nikki Harris of Alexandria; Sophia Mahan, the 12 year old daughter of David and Melody Mahan of Dowelltown; Skylar Fuson, the 11 year old daughter of Aleisha Burchett and Scotty Fuson of Smithville; Sarah Mahan, the 10 year old daughter of David and Melody Mahan of Dowelltown; Mackenzie Leigh Sprague, the 10 year old daughter of Wanda Sprague of Smithville; Holly Caroline Evans, the 12 year old daughter of Amy and Mike Evans of Alexandria; Riley Michelle Overstreet of Alexandria, the 11 year old daughter of Michelle Overstreet and the late Billy Overstreet; and Keri Dawn Winchester, the 11 year old daughter of Jason and Jennifer Winchester of Smithville
(TOP PHOTO: Miss Sweetheart Jaycee Rochelle Johnson)
(MIDDLE PHOTO: Addison Jean Puckett (3rd Runner-up), Kennedy Grace Agee (1st Runner-up), Jaycee Rochelle Johnson (Miss Sweetheart), Madison Rae Rackley (2nd Runner-up), and Alexis Grace Atnip (4th Runner-up)
(BOTTOM PHOTO: Elizabeth Reed (Runway Queen), Malia Stanley (Miss Photogenic), Rebekah Haylee Adams (Miss Congeniality)

The 2014 Miss Princess of the DeKalb County Fair is Carlee Elizabeth West, the nine year old daughter of D.J. and Megan Stewart of Smithville.
Twenty two girls ages 7-9 competed for the title Wednesday night.
West succeeds the 2013 Miss Princess Addison Jean Puckett, the 10 year old daughter of Jimmy and Anita Puckett of Smithville.
Annabella Eleni Dakas, the seven year old daughter of John and Mandy Dakas of Smithville was first runner-up in the pageant.
Second runner-up was Brooklyn Ponder, the seven year old daughter of Marvin and Peggy Barnes of Smithville.
Keara McKinsey Milligan, the seven year old daughter of Josh and Cyndi Milligan of Smithville was third runner-up. She was also named Miss Photogenic.
Ansley Faith Cantrell was fourth runner-up. She is the eight year old daughter of Tony and Amee Cantrell of Smithville.
MaKinzy Lynn Jenkins Rackley was named Runway Queen, sponsored by Runway Rentals. She is the seven year old daughter of Wally Rackley of Smithville and Jessica Jenkins of Smithville and caretaker and aunt, Maranda Washer of Smithville.
Ellie Grace Vaughn, the nine year old daughter of Randy and Natasha Vaughn of Alexandria was Miss Congeniality of the pageant.
Others in the top eleven were Addison Isabella Kyle, the seven year old daughter of Kimberly Kyle of Dowelltown and Jamie Kyle of Liberty; Ella Rae Florida, the eight year old daughter of Brad and Dana Turner of Smithville; Allison Faith Marie Goodwin, the seven year old daughter of Roy and Anna Goodwin of Smithville; Kyleigh Breanne Hill of Smithville, the nine year old daughter of Colleen and David Clary and Kyle Hill; Ellie Grace Vaughn, the nine year old daughter of Randy and Natasha Vaughn of Alexandria; and Alexis Danyelle Rigsby of Dowelltown, the nine year old daughter of April Herron and Caleb Rigsby.
The remaining participants were Layla Lynn Walker, the nine year old daughter of Penny and Ed Walker of Smithville; Katherine Ann Vickers, the seven year old daughter of Crystal and Jonathan Vickers of Smithville; Peyton Marie Tyree, the seven year old daughter of Josh and Carrie Tyree of Liberty; Katie Patterson, the nine year old daughter of B.J. and Brandy Patterson of Smithville; Lindsey Faye Nokes, the nine year old daughter of Toby Nokes and Amanda Stephens of Smithville; Hannah Paige Trapp, the nine year old daughter of Jeremy and Jenny Trapp of Smithville; Madison Dawson, the seven year old daughter of Jarred and Jamie Dawson of Smithville; Madison Martin, the nine year old daughter of Terry and Jennifer Martin of Liberty; Hannah Hall, the nine year old daughter of Joseph and April Hall of Smithville; and Sophia Angeletti, the nine year old daughter of Stacy Angeletti of Smithville.
(TOP PHOTO: Miss Princess Carlee Elizabeth West)
(SECOND PHOTO FROM TOP: Keara McKinsey Milligan (3rd Runner-up), Annabella Eleni Dakas (1st Runner-up),Carlee Elizabeth West (Miss Princess), Brooklyn Ponder (2nd Runner-up), and Ansley Faith Cantrell (4th Runner-up)
(BOTTOM PHOTO: MaKinzy Lynn Jenkins Rackley (Runway Queen), Keara McKinsey Milligan (Miss Photogenic), Ellie Grace Vaughn (Miss Congeniality)

Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Cornelia “Connie” Clark visited DeKalb County Thursday morning campaigning to keep her seat on the state’s highest court.
Clark, along with Justices Sharon Lee and Gary Wade, are on the August 7 ballot. Voters across the state will be asked whether to “retain” or “replace” these three justices along with twenty appellate judges in Tennessee.
Most members of the DeKalb County Bar Association met with Justice Clark at the courthouse and presented a resolution to officially demonstrate their support for her and the other justices.
Attorney Vester Parsley, Jr. said he was contacted recently by former Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell about setting up a meeting between Justice Clark and members the local bar association and he was glad to help. “Bill asked me to set up this meeting with Justice Clark and others. I explained to him that the bar here, I felt like, was all for retention (of the justices). I also felt like it was a shame that politics was getting involved in it and that we have some folks who, just because they disagree with an opinion that you (justices) give in a case, that was their reason for getting rid of you. I feel like we need to have justices who are fair and impartial and follow the law and that’s what I feel like Connie Clark and others have done,” said Parsley
The resolution, presented by General Sessions and Juvenile Court Judge Bratten Hale Cook, II, President of the DeKalb County Bar Association, reads as follows:
“The DeKalb County Bar Association recognizes the importance of a fair and impartial judiciary, and the need for ensuring that the elections of Appellate Court Judges in the State of Tennessee are exercised in a manner that maintains the fairness and impartiality of the courts. Therefore, the DeKalb County Bar Association hereby resolves to officially support the retention of the judges on the Tennessee Supreme Court in the August 7, 2014 judicial retention elections, as recommended by the Tennessee Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission.”
“Therefore, be it resolved that the DeKalb County Bar Association encourages its members to vote in favor of the retention of the Supreme Court Justices in the August 7, 2014 judicial election and further encourages the citizens of DeKalb County to vote accordingly.”
“There are persons inside Tennessee and persons and interest money from outside Tennessee that have decided that they would like for judges to be chosen or retained on the basis of things other than the oath that we take,” said Justice Clark.
“We have very strict ethical rules and I cannot promise you anything. I can’t promise that I will fix your tickets. I can’t promise that any case that you bring into this court will be decided in your favor. I can promise you really just one thing and that is I will uphold the oath that I have taken. The oath which says that I will obey and enforce the laws of this state, the Constitutions of this state and of the United States. That’s a very simple and narrow thing but it’s also a very broad and all encompassing thing. Partisan politics has no place in the courtroom. I’m not a politician but I’m pretty sure I know that you want fair and impartial courts like I do and above all things that justice is not for sale in Tennessee,” Justice Clark concluded
Justice Clark was appointed to the Tennessee Supreme Court in September 2005 by former Governor Phil Bredesen and was elected to a full eight-year term in August 2006. On September 1, 2010, she was sworn in as chief justice, becoming the second woman in Tennessee history to serve in that role. Wade became Chief Justice in September, 2012
(PICTURED ABOVE: Local attorneys Hilton Conger, Jon Slager, David Lawrence, Keith Blair, Sarah Cripps, Sue Puckett Jernigan, Justice Connie Clark, Gayla Hendrix, Vester Parsley, Jr., Judge Bratten Cook II, Frank Buck, Lena Buck, Brandon Cox, and Jeremy Trapp)

Four persons were sentenced in DeKalb County Criminal Court Monday on charges ranging from the sale of drugs to auto burglary and theft.
Judge David Patterson presided.
20 year old Jessie Herman pled guilty to two counts of auto burglary and received a two year sentence in each case to run concurrently with each other all suspended to supervised probation. He is seeking judicial diversion. Herman was given jail credit from April 27 to July 21.
Smithville Police Chief Randy Caplinger said that on Sunday, April 27 police were dispatched to NHC Healthcare Center concerning two cars that had been burglarized. After the incident, Herman was observed on foot in the area. Police were notified and confronted Herman on White Street. He was allegedly found with items taken from the vehicles and placed under arrest.
19 year old Brittnay Lykins pled guilty to two counts of theft under $500 and received a sentence of 11 months and 29 days in each case to run consecutively for a total of almost two years but all suspended to supervised probation. She is seeking judicial diversion. Lykins was given jail credit from June 27 to July 10.
Lykins and 32 year old Crystal Deweese were each charged by Smithville Policefor the recent theft of two television sets from Walmart. Deweese is also charged with criminal trespassing and evading arrest.
According to Police Chief Caplinger, Lykins picked up Deweese at her home on Friday, June 27 and went to Walmart. While in the store, Deweese allegedly stole two television sets and took off running when confronted by Walmart employees. Deweese left the store and ran toward West Broad Street. She was found behind the Tannery building. As police tried to arrest her, Deweese ran toward Duncan Street but the officer caught up with her. She was handcuffed and brought to the police department. When questioned by police Lykins said she and Deweese had entered Walmart together and that she knew Deweese was going to steal the TV’s. Apparently because of her history, Deweese had previously been warned several times to stay away from Walmart stores.
29 year old Donald “Ricky” Atnip Jr. of Natchez Lane, McMinnville pled guilty to two counts of attempted delivery of a schedule II drug. Atnip received a three year sentence in one case and two years in the other to run consecutively for a total of five years. He was given credit for 91 days of time served from January 15 through April 16 and he will be on state probation. Atnip was fined $2,000. His five year sentence is also to run consecutively with a sentence he is currently serving in another case.
36 year old Jessie Eugene Thomas pled to sale of a schedule II drug and was granted judicial diversion for a period of three years. He will be on supervised probation. He was fined $2,000 and must make $30 restitution to the sheriff’s department. Thomas was given three days of jail credit from January 15 to January 18.
Both Atnip and Thomas were among sixty four persons named in sealed indictments by the DeKalb County Grand Jury on Monday, January 13 after a three month undercover drug investigation by the Sheriff’s Department. Atnip was indicted at the time for 1 count of Sale and Delivery of a Schedule II drug (Roxycodone) and 1 count of Sale and Delivery of a Schedule II drug (Opana). Thomas was indicted on 1 count of Sale and Delivery of a Schedule II drug (Percocet) and 1 count of Drug Free Zone.

Abram James Koegler and Graycie Bowman were crowned Little Mister and Miss at the DeKalb County Fair Tuesday night.
Koegler is the five year old son of Brian and Leticia Koegler of Smithville and Bowman is the five year old daughter of Phillip and Natasha Waggoner of Liberty. Koegler was also named Little Mister Manners.
They succeed the 2013 Little Mister and Miss Chase Bowman and Isabella Faith Rackley. Bowman is the six year old son of Phillip and Natasha Waggoner of Liberty and Rackley is the six year old daughter of Gordon and Jessica Rackley of Smithville.
First runner-up in the Little Miss contest was Hannah Brown, the five year old daughter of Bradley and Cassie Brown of Alexandria..
Second runner-up was Camri Layne Johnson, the six year old daughter of Jeremy Johnson and Julia Boulton of Alexandria
Leah Elisabeth Trapp was third runner-up. She is the five year old daughter of Jeremy and Jenny Trapp of Smithville
Kaydence Shontae Johnson, the four year old daughter of Jeremy Ashburn and Trista Johnson of Smithville was fourth runner-up.
Meanwhile, Megyn Patterson, the six year old daughter of B.J. and Brandy Patterson of Smithville was named Little Miss Manners.
Little Miss Photogenic went to Kaylee Brooke Kent, the five year old daughter of Kevin and Beth Kent of Dowelltown.
Isabelle Reed, the six year old daughter of Brent and Heather Reed of Smithville received the Runaway Queen honor sponsored by Runway Rentals.
Others in the top ten were Brooklyn Kate Fuson, the five year old daughter of Sarah and Billy Fuson of Smithville; Brianna Nicole Carr, the five year old daughter of Sherry Ann Hattaway and Kyle Carr of Smithville; Kaylee Brooke Kent, the five year old daughter of Kevin and Beth Kent of Dowelltown; Olivia Ann George, the five year old daughter of Rusty and Stacy George of Alexandria; and Bailey Kidd, the six year old daughter of Kelli Bess and Brandon Kidd of Smithville.
The remaining participants were Jakayta Odom, the six year old daughter of Rebecca Waggoner of Smithville; Lillie Grace Young, the five year old daughter of Michael and Crystal Young of Smithville; Kaylyn Isabelle Prichard, the five year old daughter of Andy and Chrissy Prichard of Liberty; Sydney Ragan Polk, the six year old daughter of Chad and Kerry Polk of Smithville; Khloe Grace Lawson, the five year old daughter of Josh Lawson and Kelly Ring of Liberty; Karah Jo Ford, the four year old daughter of Amanda Ford of Smithville; Averie Nicole McMinn, the six year old daughter of Nathan and Amanda McMinn of Dowelltown; Lilliana Grace Vickers, the six year old daughter of Brandi Norton of Smithville; Audrey Elisabeth Colwell, the four year old daughter of Sarah McBride and Scotty Colwell of Smithville; Graciella Marie Johnson, the four year old daughter of David and Patricia Johnson of Dowelltown.
First runner-up in the Little Mister contest was four year old Jaxsen Theryn Speaks of Smithville, son of Justin and Donna Speaks. He was also named Little Mister Photogenic.
Four year old Matthew Orcutt, Jr. of Smithville, son of Loni Easterwood and Matthew Orcutt, Sr. was the second runner-up
Third runner-up was Skylar Chase Sullivan of Smithville, the six year old son of Charity Sullivan and the late Jamie Sullivan
(TOP PHOTO: Little Mister Abram James Koegler)
(SECOND PHOTO FROM TOP: Little Miss Graycie Bowman)
(THIRD PHOTO FROM TOP: Skylar Chase Sullivan (3rd runner-up), Jaxsen Theryn Speaks (1st runner-up) Abram James Koegler (Little Mister), and Matthew Orcutt, Jr. (2nd runner-up)
FOURTH PHOTO FROM TOP: Leah Elisabeth Trapp (3rd runner-up), Camri Layne Johnson (2nd runner-up), Graycie Bowman (Little Miss), Hannah Brown (1st runner-up) and Kaydence Shontae Johnson (4th runner-up)
FIFTH PHOTO FROM TOP: Little Mister and Mister Manners Abram James Koegler and Mister Photogenic Jaxsen Theryn Speaks
BOTTOM PHOTO: Isabelle Reed (Runway Queen) , Megyn Patterson (Miss Manners), and Kaylee Brooke Kent (Miss Photogenic)

Julia Little, daughter of Dr. Scott Little and Kristin Raymond, was invited to participate in a Medical Mission trip June 7-14 to Guatemala. She is an upcoming Senior at DeKalb County High School, and is contemplating a career in Medicine.
She was part of a team of Doctors, Surgeons, Nurses, and Assistants, who were sponsored by Health Talents International under the leadership of Rick Harper. The team members came from various states. They worked at Clinica Ezzel, a Hospital in Guatemala. She accompanied her Step-Father, Nurse Anesthetist Brian Raymond, of Lexington, Kentucky. Raymond is also a native of Smithville.
Julia’s main focus of the trip was working in Post Op. (especially in the Children’s Ward) and as Translator for the patients. She was allowed to “scrub in” at five different surgeries and got a real taste of the Operating Room procedures. The Medical Team actually did 75 surgeries in five days!. One day they set up a mobile location away from the Hospital on a front porch of a building. This was a screening clinic where they did Vitals, Blood work, etc. Julia especially enjoyed interacting with the patients at the Hospital and teaching them to play UNO. One little 4 year old who lived by the Hospital, came in every day for her special time with Julia.
On their last day of the Mission, the Team went to the Market in Antigua, where some of the people recognized them as being part of the Mission and insisted on giving them free trinkets from the Market.
When asked to sum up her feelings about the trip, Julia replied, “Beside getting to experience first hand the joy of helping to make people whole and well again, I came home with a firm belief that missions such as I was part of are vital to the needs of the World!. A few people can make such a big difference in the well-being of such grateful and loving recipients in only a week’s time. That’s how it is with God’s Love, once you experience it, you’ve GOT to Pass it On”, she said.

A total of 1,227 persons have cast ballots during the first seven days of early voting for the August 7 elections. That’s 1,140 in person and 87 by absentee.
Of the 1,227 voters, a total of 433 have voted in the Tennessee Republican Primary, 347 have voted in the Tennessee Democratic Primary, and 447 have voted only in the DeKalb County General Election without voting in either state primary.
Early voting continues through Saturday, August 2. All Early Voting will be in the first floor courtroom of the courthouse. The hours are as follows:
Mondays– 1 p.m.to 6 p.m.
Tuesdays– 9 am. to 1 p.m.
Wednesdays– 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Thursdays– 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Fridays-9.a.m. to 1 p.m.
Saturdays- 9 a.m. to Noon

18 year old Lauren Ashley Medlin is the 2014 Fairest of the Fair
Medlin, daughter of Greg and Teresa Medlin of Smithville, won the crown Monday evening during the annual pageant held on opening night of the DeKalb County Fair in Alexandria. Seven contestants competed for the title.
The new queen succeeds her cousin, 19 year old Rebekah Grace Webb, the 2013 Fairest of the Fair
17 year old Taneah Brooke Cantrell of Smithville was named first runner-up. She is the daughter of Scott and Tammy Cantrell of Smithville.
Lauren Elizabeth Colwell, the 17 year old daughter of Trent and Christie Colwell of Smithville, was named second runner-up in the pageant.
Third runner-up went to Kaitlynn Jones, the 18 year old daughter of Bryan and Michelle Jones of Smithville.
Kami Denise Bogle, the 18 year old daughter of Amy Dobbs and Chris Bogle was fourth runner-up.
Shauna Faith Taylor, the 18 year old daughter of Ken and Cindy Taylor of Smithville, was named Miss Photogenic
17 year old Taylor Brooke Ellis was Miss Congeniality. She is the daughter of Donnie and Tonya Ellis of Alexandria.
(Top Photo: Fairest of the Fair Lauren Ashley Medlin)
(Middle Photo: Kaitlynn Jones (3rd runner-up), Lauren Elizabeth Colwell (2nd runner-up), Lauren Ashley Medlin (Fairest of the Fair), Taneah Brooke Cantrell (1st runner-up), and Kami Denise Bogle (4th runner-up).
(Bottom Photo: Miss Congeniality Taylor Brooke Ellis and Miss Photogenic Shauna Faith Taylor)

The 2014 Junior Fair Princess of the DeKalb County Fair is 14 year old Caitlin Leigh Tyree, the daughter of Josh and Carrie Tyree of Liberty.
Tyree was among seventeen young ladies who competed for the crown on the opening night of the DeKalb County Fair Monday night. She succeeds the 2013 Junior Fair Princess, 15 year old Mary Elizabeth Murray, the daughter of Angel Brown of Smithville.
The first runner-up was Tyra Grace Graham, the 15 year old daughter of Kyle and Doris Graham of Smithville.
Second runner-up was Addison Grace Oakley, the 13 year old daughter of Clark and Lisa Oakley of Liberty.
Sarah Anne Colwell was third runner-up. She is the 13 year old daughter of Trent and Christie Colwell of Smithville. Colwell was also named Miss Congenality.
The fourth runner-up was Abby Marie Evans, the 13 year old daughter of Amanda Mathis of Smithville.
Liz Abigail Qualls of Smithville was named Miss Photogenic. She is the 16 year old daughter of Brad and Kim Trapp and Jason Qualls.
Madison Noyola received the title of Runway Queen sponsored by Runway Rentals. She is the 15 year old daughter of Barbara and Sam Noyola of Smithville.
Rounding out the top ten were Brooklyn Storm Estes, the 13 year old daughter of Shanna and Chris Bogle of Smithville; Liz Abigail Qualls, the 16 year old daughter of Brad and Kim Trapp and Jason Qualls of Smithville; Destiny Danielle Franklin, the 15 year old daughter of Jennifer Ware of Smithville; Bethany Brooke Poss, the 16 year old daughter of John and Lori Poss of Smithville; and Morgan Faith Green, the 14 year old daughter of Suzanne and Jon Harrison of Smithville.
Other participants were Allison Brooke Maynard, the 14 year old daughter of Stacey Maynard of Smithville; Shelby Elizabeth Clayborn, the 13 year old daughter of Brian Clayborn and Holly Clayborn of Liberty; Judith Kelnhofer, the 16 year old daughter of Melinda and Chris Bundy of Smithville; Abigail Hope Taylor, the 13 year old daughter of Ken and Cindy Taylor of Smithville; Shaunta Rose Koegler, the 13 year old daughter of Brian and Leticia Koegler of Smithville; Madison Noyola, the 15 year old daughter of Barbara and Sam Noyola of Smithville; Emily Hope Burklow, the 14 year old daughter of Andy and Shan Burklow of Dowelltown
(Top Photo: Junior Fair Princess Caitlin Leigh Tyree)
(Middle Photo left to right: Abby Marie Evans (4th runner-up), Sarah Anne Colwell (3rd runner-up), Caitlin Leigh Tyree (Junior Fair Princess), Tyra Grace Graham (1st runner-up), and Addison Grace Oakley ( 2nd runner-up)
(Bottom Photo: Runway Queen Madison Noyola, Miss Congeniality Sarah Anne Colwell, and Miss Photogenic Liz Abigail Qualls)

Three men accused of kidnapping a man and woman and beating them with an axe handle Friday night have been arrested by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department.
42 year old Jimmy Tolbert (J.J.) Hendrixson, Jr., 36 year old Casey Joseph Jacobs, and 48 year old Comas Brian Higgins all of Old Snow Hill Road, Dowelltown are each charged with two counts of especially aggravated kidnapping. Bond for each is $150,000 and they will be in court July 31.
According to Sheriff Patrick Ray, Hendrixson, Jacobs, and Higgins met their victims at a bridge on the New Bildad Road Friday night, July 18 and assaulted them with an axe handle. Both victims were then tied up and their mouths were taped shut. The male victim managed to escape and ran to a residence nearby where he called for help. The three abductors then drove the female victim to their home on the Old Snow Hill Road.
“After we got the call, I along with detectives and deputies of the sheriff’s department arrived (on New Bildad Road) and found an individual (male victim) who had minor injuries. We took a statement from him and learned who the individuals were who assaulted and tied him up. He told us of a female that had been done the same way. We found her (at residence on Old Snow Hill Road) and took her into safe keeping. We arrested the three individuals responsible,” said Sheriff Ray.
The arrest warrants against Hendrixson, Jacobs, and Higgins all allege that on Friday, July 18 they held a woman and man against their will. The man and woman were tied up with a rope and their mouths were taped shut. The man and woman had each been assaulted with an axe handle. The woman had several marks on her body from the axe handle and rope. The man suffered bodily injuries causing him to be transported by DeKalb EMS to the hospital where he was treated and released. Neither victim was seriously hurt in the attack.
Sheriff Ray gave no motive for the kidnapping and assault saying the case remains under investigation by the Sheriff’s Department.
Meanwhile in other cases, 53 year old David Michael Petty of the Loop Road, Smithville is charged aggravated burglary and theft of property over $1,000. His bond is $17,000 and he will be in court August 21. Petty was arrested on Monday, July 14. Sheriff Ray said that on Tuesday, July 8 Petty allegedly broke into a residence on Man Hill Road and stole jewelry which he later pawned at a local jewelry store and at a pawn shop in Warren County. The case was investigated by a criminal detective of the sheriff’s department.
25 year old Toni Michelle Lloyd-Turner of Old Bildad Road, Smithville is charged with failure to appear and criminal impersonation and she will be in court July 17. Her bond totals $7,000. Sheriff Ray said that on Wednesday, July 9 a deputy went to a residence on Old Bildad Road to serve an arrest warrant on Turner. Upon arrival, the officer spoke with a woman (Turner) who identified herself several times as “Jessica”. The officer placed the woman (Turner) under arrest after recognizing her as the woman pictured on the warrant. Turner later admitted to being Turner.
43 year old Christopher Brian Pack of Morrison is charged with driving on a revoked license. He was further issued a citation for no tail light. His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court July 24. Sheriff Ray said that on Wednesday, July 16 a deputy initiated a traffic stop on a 1994 Ford Escort on Highway 70 for having a tail light out. Pack was driving the car. A computer check revealed Pack’s drivers license were revoked for DUI. He was arrested and brought to the jail for booking.
51 year old David Ray Johnson of Old Blue Springs Road, Smithville is charged with theft of property under $500. His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court July 24. Johnson was arrested on Thursday, July 17. Sheriff Ray said that on Friday, July 11 Johnson allegedly stole a gold ring bearing the victim’s engraved initials and sold it to a local jewelry store. The case was investigated by a criminal detective of the sheriff’s department.
60 year old Thomas Bruce Greene of Anderson Hollow Road, Liberty is charged with a second offense of driving under the influence and a second offense of driving on a suspended license. He was further issued a citation for failing to maintain his lane of travel. His bond is $6,000 and he will be in court July 24. Sheriff Ray said that on Thursday, July 17 a deputy initiated a traffic stop on a 1987 Chevy pickup truck for failing to maintain its lane of travel (crossing the white line of the road several times). Greene was the driver. The officer spoke with Greene and detected a strong odor of alcohol on his person and his speech was slurred. The deputy asked Greene to step out of the truck. Greene was very unsteady on his feet. Greene submitted to but performed poorly on field sobriety tasks. He also took a blood test. A computer check revealed his license were suspended for a DUI in Georgia.
60 year old Dale Allen Golden of North Congress Boulevard, Smithville is charged with violation of an order of protection. His bond is $2,500 and he will be in court July 31. Sheriff Ray said that on Saturday, July 19 Golden allegedly violated an order of protection taken out against him by his wife. The arresting officer witnessed Golden standing in the yard of a residence where his wife was present. Golden told the officer he was aware he was violating the order of protection by being there.