Sheriff Patrick Ray says if you receive any phone calls, text messages, or emails indicating you have won a prize and need to send money … don’t do it!
A few persons in DeKalb County have already fallen victim to the scams. “We’ve had reports here of some people losing a few hundred dollars. Others here have lost thousands of dollars. We’re asking everyone to beware of it,” said Sheriff Ray.
According to Sheriff Ray, the scammer will call and tell the victims that they have won the lottery or the Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes. “The scammer tells them the only thing they have to do to receive their winnings is to pay taxes on it. The scammer tells how much the taxes are and then asks the victims to go to Walmart or some other place to purchase a green dot money pack card, to put the amount of the taxes owed on that card, return home, telephone the scammer and to give him the number on the back of that card. But by doing so, Sheriff Ray said the scammer is able to go on line and access cash from the victims’ card. The scammer tells the victims that he will process their order to get them their winnings but after a few hours or days, the scammer usually calls again to tell the victims that the order can’t be processed because more money is owed the IRS for taxes. The scammer instructs the victims to go back to Walmart and get another green dot money pack card, put on the card the amount still owned, and then call the scammer again to give him the number off the card. Sheriff Ray said the scammer will continue calling the victims to repeat this process until the victims no longer send money. After the money stops coming, the scammer will then become rude, profane, and threatening to the victims over the phone. The scammer often threatens to obtain warrants against the victims for not paying the taxes. Sheriff Ray said the threats are meant to make the victims feel obligated to put more money on the card.

The Tennessee General Assembly has recognized the DeKalb County High School Fighting Tiger Marching Band on its 50th anniversary.
During half time of the DeKalb County high school football game with York Institute Friday night, State Representative Terri Lynn Weaver read the following proclamation:
“Whereas, the art of creating music has long been an important part of humanity, serving as a voice for those traits that make us truly human, preserving our history and forging bridges between diverse cultures; and
Whereas, the members of the General Assembly are proud to recognize the DeKalb County High School Marching Band on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of that August and
Whereas, with the consolidation of the county’s high schools in 1963 the formation of the DeKalb County High School Fighting Tiger Marching Band, under the directorship of Don Behm, came about, and from 1964 through 1968, Mike Williams stood as the band director; and
Whereas, in 1969 the gentleman who would come to be known as the Grandfather of the DeKalb County High School Marching Band, Fowler Stanton, began an eight-year stint as director, during which time the Fighting Tiger Marching Band excelled and was a force of over 100 students; and
Whereas, from 1977 until 2007, a plethora of others served as director of this distinguished group of student musicians; however, Mr. Stanton was never far away from the practice of performance fields. Faithfully, he encouraged every student who pursued their musical talents in band and steadfastly, he supported every director who led the band over the last one-half of a century;
Whereas, from 1980 until 1997, with the exception of a one- year hiatus, Randy L. Rhody, a former student of Mr. Stanton was director of bands, and he ushered in a new era of music and growth for DeKalb County High School. His leadership would take this program to new levels and create a wealth of talent that would garner regional and national recognition for the program, and he kept it on a continuous track of distinction and high acclaim for which it is still known today; and
“Whereas, in 1997, Shannon Pirtle became band director and for seven years, he, too marshaled continuous improvement in the excellent band program of DeKalb County Schools, and
Whereas, ensuing yearly changes of directors, however, deterred stability and disrupted the continuity necessary to foster and affirm musical excellence among individual students and the body collectively and produce the stellar field performances to which the schools and the community were accustomed; and
Whereas, now under the directorship of Jonathan Wright, who assumed that position in 2008, the DeKalb County Schools band program has thrived and regained its high status as a powerhouse of talent, fostering the musical talents and performance interests of middle school students now as has been done with high schoolers across the past five decades; and
Whereas, over the past 50 years, the DeKalb County Schools’ band program and music instruction has enriched the lives of students and yielded countless awards in scholastic competitions; and
Whereas, as in the past, today’s band members enjoy the unfettered support of staff, band boosters and alumni; and the businesses and people of the community as a whole, and it is fitting and timely that this legislative body recognize the DeKalb County Fighting Tiger Marching Band on their 50th anniversary; now, therefore.
I, Beth Harwell, Speaker of the House of Representatives of the One Hundred Eighth General Assembly of the State of Tennessee, at the request of and in conjunction with Representatives Terri Lynn Weaver and Mark Pody and Senator Mae Beavers, do hereby proclaim that we congratulate the director and members of the DeKalb County High School Fighting Tiger Marching Band on the occasion of their 50th anniversary and extend to them our best wishes for success in every future endeavor.
Proclaimed in Nashville, Tennessee on this the 10th day of October, 2013.”

The DeKalb County Walk Across Tennessee contest kicked off Thursday night at Greenbrook Park.
A total of eight teams and nearly 80 individuals will be vying for the rotating trophy as well as cash prizes. The teams participating this year are the Tenacious Turtles, Southern Discomfort, Red Hot Chili Steppers, Greyhound Zippers, Stranger Than Fiction, Far and Wide Walkers, The Lunatics, and The Dream Team. The contest is conducted by the UT Extension office in DeKalb County.
According to UT Extension Agent April Martin, “If you didn’t get to attend the kickoff and sign up your team, registration will still be accepted through Thursday, October 17. There is a very small registration fee of $5. Just stop by our office, the Smithville Senior Citizens Center, or the County Complex building. Information can also be download from the UT website at http://dekalb.tennessee.edu.” Call 597-4945 for more information.

Two people are accused of breaking into and stealing items from a residence on Oak Drive last week.
37 year old Lynda Michelle Neville of Smith Road, Smithville and Don Diamond Groshon of Cookeville Highway, Smithville are each charged with aggravated burglary and theft of property over $1,000. Bond for each is $10,000 and they will be in court November 7. Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on Friday, October 11 Neville and Groshon allegedly entered a residence on Oak Drive by removing a window and took two push mowers, a full DVD case, a knife, cell phone, a VCR, DVD player, xbox and games, several power tools, and other items all valued at over $1,000. According to Sheriff Ray, Neville and Groshon admitted to committing the crimes.
47 year old Earl Dyer, Jr. of Snow Hill Road, Dowelltown is charged with domestic assault. His bond is $2,500. Sheriff Ray said that on Monday, October 7 Dyer allegedly assaulted his 17 year old nephew by extending a service baton, pointing it at him, and then pushing him with the baton. Dyer told the officer that he was only trying to scare his nephew with the baton. Dyer was arrested and brought to the jail for booking.
60 year old Virginia Diane Presnell of Morgan Drive, Smithville is charged with filing a false report. Her bond is $1,500 and she will be in court on November 7. Sheriff Ray said that on Tuesday, October 8 a deputy went to her residence to serve a warrant on Robert Nichols, Jr. The officer asked Presnell if Nichols was there. She replied “no” several times. Presnell gave the officer consent to search and Nichols was found inside the residence. Presnell was arrested and brought to the jail for booking.
38 year old Catherine Claudette Lasser of Fairlane Circle, Smithville is charged with unlawful possession of a weapon. Her bond is $1,000 and she will be in court October 31. Sheriff Ray said that on Saturday, October 12 central dispatch received a call concerning a woman with a loaded handgun on Briarwood Court. An officer responded and spotted Lasser with her purse. She was coming out of a residence. Lasser got into a vehicle and started the engine. Lasser’s husband drove up behind the deputy. He asked the officer whether he had taken the gun from Lasser. The deputy checked her vehicle and retrieved a loaded 40 caliber weapon he found laying on the passenger side floorboard. Lasser was arrested and brought to the jail for booking.
49 year old Floyd Caulder of Cookeville Highway, Smithville is charged with violation of an order of protection. His bond is $2,500 and he will be in court on Thursday, October 17. Sheriff Ray said Judge Bratten Cook, II signed an order of protection against Caulder on Thursday, October 10 and that the next day, Friday October 11, Caulder allegedly violated the order by sending his ex-girlfriend several threatening text messages, calling her names. She is currently at a safe house.

It’s again fire season in Tennessee, and the Division of Forestry is reminding everyone in DeKalb County that if they intend to do any outdoor burning they are required by state law to obtain a burning permit. The free permits are required October 15th through May 15th and can be obtained by telephone or on line. A poorly prepared or unattended burning debris pile can, under the conditions common in autumn, escape control and become a destructive wildfire. The Tennessee Division of Forestry asks everyone to be cautious when doing any outdoor burning.
Before doing any outdoor burning:
•First call the Division of Forestry for a burning permit at 597-4015 between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM Monday through Friday (call on Friday for the weekend) or obtain a permit on line at www.burnsafetn.org. If weather conditions permit you will be issued a burning permit. If the permit is obtained by phone they will also advise you of any weather conditions such as predicted wind, low humidity or other factors which might call for extra precaution.
•Establish wide control lines down to bare mineral soil around brush piles or other piled debris to be burned. The larger the debris pile, the wider the control line needs to be to ensure that burning materials won’t be blown or roll off the pile into vegetation outside the line.
•Keep water, tools, and plenty of help ready in case your fire should attempt to spread.
•Stay with all outdoor fires until they are completely out.
•Be aware of where your smoke is going. Avoid burning when your smoke will be bothersome to neighbors or when near sensitive locations such as highways.
Remember, you as a homeowner have control over the most basic things that will make your house safer from wildfires and allow the local Fire Dept. and the Division of Forestry to protect your home. This includes:
•Clear away flammable brush and other materials at least 30 feet from your house.
•Don’t pile firewood or other flammable materials near your house or on your porch or deck.
•Keep your yard, roof, and gutters free of leaves, pine needles and other debris.
•Keep leaves, pine needles and other debris off of or from under decks.
The only materials for which a permit can be issued are brush, leaves, grass, or plant materials that are grown on the property or untreated and unpainted lumber. Anything else such as automobile tires, roofing shingles, household garbage, feed sacks or anything not grown on the property cannot be legally burned. Failure to obtain a permit or the burning of illegal materials could result in a citation to court and a fine. For more information on this or any other forestry related matter, call the Division of Forestry at the above phone number or visit the Division of Forestry’s wildfire safety web-site at www.burnsafetn.org. And remember, ONLY YOU CAN PREVENT WILDFIRES!!

Wendy Askins is facing more charges.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s case against the former executive director of the Upper Cumberland Development District resulted in a grand jury indictment against her Tuesday for taking money from the Upper Cumberland Development District to use toward the Living the Dream home, a home built as an independent living home for middle income seniors in Putnam County.
The 52 year old Askins of Cookeville was indicted by the Putnam County grand jury on one count of theft over $60,000, one count of money laundering and one count of forgery. While employed as the executive director Askins inserted into the February 16, 2010 Upper Cumberland Development District board meeting minutes a paragraph stating that $300,000 was to be transferred to the Cumberland Regional Development District for an independent living home. TBI’s investigation revealed that the transfer of funds was never discussed at the meeting. Askins transferred $300,000 out of the Upper Cumberland Development District account and used the money for the Living the Dream home. The home was built to provide an independent living environment to middle income seniors in the area. Although Askins had a residence in Putnam County, she and her daughter used the Living the Dream home as their primary residence. TBI investigated the case with the Office of the Attorney General and the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office.
The UCDD employed Askins as its executive director for 17 years prior her being released from the position. Askins turned herself in on the charges Tuesday at the Putnam County Jail and was released on a $25,000 bond. She is scheduled to appear in court on November 12, 2013.
Askins was indicted by a federal grand jury two weeks ago on a variety of charges, including conspiracy, theft of more than $1,000, bank fraud, money laundering and making a false statement.
Askins’ assistant, Larry Webb was also indicted on those same charges, while former UCDD Board Chairman and DeKalb County Mayor Mike Foster was indicted on one charge of making a false statement.

The DeKalb County Officials “Courthouse Gang” claimed first place for “Best Chili” at the 10th Annual Habitat for Humanity Chili Cook-Off Friday downtown.
Approximately 500 bowls of chili were served and over $3,500 was raised towards the building of the next Habitat house in DeKalb County.
The DeKalb County Board of Education “Storybook Chili” won first place for “Best Decorated Booth”.
Receiving second place for “Best Chili” was The Inn at Evins Mill “Groundbreaking Chili”, and Middle Tennessee Natural Gas “Pipeline Pirates” took third place.
DeKalb County Officials “The Courthouse Gang” received second place for “Best Decorated Booth” and Indian Creek Baptist Church “Indian Summer Chili” got a third place award.
Eight teams participated in the annual event, including “Storybook Chili” from the DeKalb County Board of Education; “Hot Checks Chili” from DeKalb Community Bank; “The Courthouse Gang” from the DeKalb County Officials; “Pipeline Pirates” from Middle Tennessee Natural Gas; “The Bean Counters” from Tom Janney, CPA and Associates; “Indian Summer Chili” from Indian Creek Baptist Church; “Groundbreaking Chili” from The Inn at Evins Mill; and “No Liability Chili” from the DeKalb County Bar Association.
Delicious baked goods were provided by members of area churches, DCHS cheerleaders, and the DCHS Tiger Pride Bakery.
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.

A fisherman found a badly decomposed body floating in Center Hill Lake Friday morning in the area of Edgar Evins State Park and Center Hill Marina.
The identity of the deceased has not been determined. An autopsy will be conducted.
Officials say the body was face down in the water about four hundred yards upstream from the mouth of Cove Hollow. The water depth in that area is about ninety feet.
Members of the TWRA, DeKalb County Rescue Squad, DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department, DeKalb EMS, Corps of Engineers Park Rangers and Edgar Evins Park Manager Carl Halfacre responded.
The body was brought to shore by boat and loaded onto a mini van at an Edgar Evins State Park Boat Ramp.

As part of October Fire Safety month, Chief Charlie Parker and members of the Smithville Volunteer Fire Department paid a visit to Smithville Elementary School Friday morning to talk about fire safety and to show the children the new ladder truck.
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Over the past few weeks several dead walleye have been observed at Center Hill Lake. Walleye prefer a cool-water habitat, which means they are usually located fairly deep in the lake this time of year. This year the dissolved oxygen levels in this zone are very low. Data collected yesterday indicated that the only area deeper than about 35 feet that contains any oxygen is a zone between depths of 60-to-90 feet, and even there the levels are quite low.
“This isolated zone of cool, oxygenated water has gotten much smaller over the last few weeks as natural processes in the lake have depleted oxygen from the water. If there are significant numbers of walleye and other fish trapped in this zone they may not be able to survive long enough for the lake to mix and restore oxygen to these lower depths,” said Bob Sneed, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District Water Management Section chief.
The low oxygen levels are primarily due to a series of rainfall events during the spring and summer that resulted in a loss of oxygenated water from persistent higher flows from the dam. A lower lake pool while maintenance is ongoing at the dam is also a contributing factor.
Cooler nights are helping to restore oxygen levels at lower depths, but Corps officials aren’t sure yet if large numbers of fish could be affected before mixing of oxygen at lower depths can occur.
Sneed said that warmer lake temperatures also translate into warmer water temperatures in the Caney Fork River downstream of Center Hill Dam where a major put, grow, and take trout fishery is managed by the Tennessee Wildlife and Resources Agency.
“The trout are likely to be stressed and they may not feed as aggressively as normal, but I would not expect a major die-off of fish in the river,” Sneed said. “We will continue to blend sluice gate releases with hydropower releases to support the downstream environmental resources.”
There are no physical or operational actions that can be applied to alleviate this condition. Corps of Engineers and TWRA staff will continue to work together and monitor the situation.
For more news and updates please go to http://www.lrn.usace.army.mil and follow the Nashville District at http://www.facebook.com/nashvillecorps.