A 42 year old Smithville man received a five year sentence in DeKalb County Criminal Court Friday after pleading guilty to a charge of attempted aggravated sexual battery.
James Aaron Vinca was originally charged on August 18th, 2009 with having sexual contact with a four year old child.
The case went before the DeKalb County Grand Jury in April.
Sheriff Patrick Ray said at the time of Vinca’s arrest that on July 17th, 2009 Vinca was accused of having unlawful sexual contact with the child at his residence. The child is a member of his family.
Criminal Court Judge David Patterson sentenced Vinca under a negotiated settlement to five years in the Tennessee Department of Corrections to be served at 30%. He must also comply with all requirements of the sex offender registry.
Vinca was given jail credit for 269 days served.

A total of 1,211 people have taken advantage of early voting for the August 5th elections through Friday. Saturday, July 31st is the last day for early voting at the courthouse.
One hundred forty one people voted on Friday, July 30th including 137 in person and four by absentee. Forty seven voters cast ballots in the Tennessee Republican Primary, 83 in the Tennessee Democratic Primary, and eleven voted only in the county general election. Two voted in the Dowelltown Municipal Election.
To date, 1,211 have voted including 453 in the Republican Primary, 682 in the Democratic Primary, 75 in the general election only, and eleven in the Dowelltown Municipal election.
Early Voting will be held Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on the first floor of the courthouse.
Meanwhile in the three counties of the 40th State Legislative District combined (Smith, DeKalb, and Macon), the first seven days of early voting through Friday, July 23rd reveal that 1,877 persons have voted in the Tennessee Republican Primary and 1,864 have cast ballots in the Tennessee Democratic Primary.
In the counties of the 17th State Senatorial District combined through Friday, July 23rd, a total of 6,234 have voted in the Tennessee Republican Primary and 4,490 in the Tennessee Democratic Primary.
Turnout by county through Friday, July 23rd is as follows:
Smith County:
680- Republican Primary
1,277- Democratic Primary
Macon:
997 -Republican Primary
305- Democratic Primary
DeKalb:
200-Republican Primary
282-Democratic Primary
Clay::
369 -Republican Primary
355- Democratic Primary
Cannon:
329- Republican Primary
349- Democratic Primary
Trousdale:
240- Republican Primary
442- Democratic Primary
Wilson:
2,706- Republican Primary
1,389- Democratic Primary
Sumner (Hendersonville precinct)
713- Republican Primary
91- Democratic Primary

A Murfreesboro man caught with marijuana during a traffic stop last Thursday, July 22nd apparently attempted to conceal it from police by trying to eat it.
Smithville Police say 19 year old Nathan Ray King was arrested by Officer David Phillips for simple possession after stopping King’s vehicle for speeding. Deputy Houston Cantrell assisted in the traffic stop. While Officer Phillips was writing the citation, Deputy Cantrell saw King eating what appeared to be marijuana. Officers conducted a search of the vehicle and recovered approximately .3 grams of what is to be believed to be marijuana. Bond for King is $1,500 and his court date is August 12th.
Meanwhile, 38 year old Maria Kathleen Smith of 1001 Earl Avenue was cited for shoplifting on Friday, July 16th by Sergeant Joey Jones of the Smithville Police Department. Smith was observed by Wal-Mart employees taking items from the store. Her court date is July 22nd.
31 year old Sebrina Ann Lattimore and 72 year old Phyllis Angeline Thompson of 615 Foster Road were arrested by Officer David Phillips on Saturday, July 17th after he went to that address in answer to a complaint about a physical altercation. Upon arrival both women, Lattimore and Thompson claim they were assaulted. Bond for each is $1,500 and their court date is August 12th.
31 year old Michael Shone Saylors of 210 Village Place was arrested by K-9 Officer Bradley Tatrow on Monday, July 19th for possession of a schedule II controlled substance for resale and possession of drug paraphernalia. K-9 Officer Tatrow stopped a vehicle on North Congress Boulevard for a traffic violation and asked the driver, Saylors, to produce his license. He also asked Saylors if anything illegal was in the vehicle. Saylors handed over a case containing drug paraphernalia. K-9 Leo was deployed and indicated on the vehicle. Items found included a small altoid tin containing small baggies consistent with the sale of illegal narcotics. Also found in a camo bag was a small tin containing approximately 6 grams of a substance believed to be methamphetamine. Bond for Saylors is $4,500 and his court date is August 19th.
25 year old Josh Lynn McCowan, of 1121 Earl Avenue was arrested on Thursday, July 22nd for disorderly conduct. Sergeant Randy King was dispatched to that address to check out a possible intoxicated individual lying in the roadway and being loud. Upon arrival Sergeant King saw McCowan, who was intoxicated, on the porch of his residence. Sergeant King instructed McCowan several times to go back inside the home. McCowan eventually complied. As Sergeant King moved his patrol car, McCowan came back outside and began yelling obscenities at police and throwing items across the lawn. McCowan, who continued to yell as Sergeant King approached the residence, was arrested for disorderly conduct. His bond is $1500 and his court date is July 29th.
30 year old Russell Shannon Estes of Liberty was recently arrested by Corporal Travis Bryant for public intoxication. While in the General Sessions Court room, Corporal Bryant saw Estes approach the podium to speak with the judge. Corporal Bryant noticed that Estes’ speech was slurred and he was unsteady on his feet. Estes returned to his seat where Corporal Bryant witnessed him going in and out of consciousness. Bond for Estes is $1,000 and his court date is August 5th.
Anyone having any information on crimes is asked to please contact the Smithville Police Department at 597-8210 or the Tip Line at 464-6046.
Any information received that will help Smithville Police solve any criminal offense will be greatly appreciated. All information is confidential.

22 year old Jordan Beasley of Nashville was the winner of the DeKalb Idol competition held Friday night at the DeKalb County Fair in Alexandria.
Seventeen contestants competed for the title and Beasley was among the top six called back.
Brian Wyre received second place and Jaime Nokes came in third place. Noah Jones received the “People’s Choice Award” and $100
As the winner of DeKalb Idol, Beasley received a $300 cash prize.
Shan Burklow and Josh Melton co-hosted the program which also featured a panel portraying American Idol judges Simon Cowell (Joseph Chandler), Paula Abdul (Amanda Stanley), and Kara Dioguardi (Victoria Tatrow)
This is the last night of the DeKalb County Fair for this year.
Fair goers are urged take the time to enjoy lots of delicious foods from the food booths and stop by to see the many commercial, agricultural, and women’s exhibits.
The Kenneth Sandlin Center will be open from 4:00 p.m.. until 9:00 p.m.
Enjoy nightly entertainment at the Memory Lane Stage in Memory Village
Saturday Night July 24
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.- The Springs Band
7:45 p.m. – until- Lakeside Drive
The following events are scheduled:
Saturday, July 24th: Horseshoe Tournament at the Tot Kelly barn at 3:00 p.m.; Gospel singing at the Lions Club Pavilion at 6:00 p.m.; Super Tractor and Truck Pull at 7:00 p.m. at the T.C. McMillen Arena: and a $4000 cash giveaway at 9:30 p.m. in increments of $1,000 each
ALL NEW RIDES on the Midway will be provided by the Family Attractions Amusement Company. Unlimited rides will be available for $16.00.
Admission to the fair is $3.00 per person. Children age four and younger will be admitted free! Gates open at 4:00 p.m.. Parking is Free!
For more information, call 529-FAIR or visit on-line at www.dekalbcountyfair.us.

Winners of the annual Toddler Show were announced Friday evening at the DeKalb County Fair.
This year’s recipients are as follows:
Twins (12 to 47 months)
Winners-Bryson and Brayden Lawson, the 19 month old sons of Tim and Christy Lawson of Smithville.
Runners-up- Jesse and Thomas Foutch, the 22 month old sons of Michael and Nocola Foutch of Liberty
(Click here to view video clip of demolition derby at the fair Friday)
Girls (13 to 18 months)
Winner- Jaycee Daley, the 15 month old daughter of Megan Linder of DeKalb County
Runner-up-Alexis Faith Reynolds, the 17 month old daughter of Keith Reynolds and Teesha Gibbs of Smithville
Boys (13 to 18 months)
Winner- Riley Wayne Wilson, the 14 month old son of Jennia Wilson of Dowelltown
Girls (19 to 24 months)
Winner- Kaylee Brooke Kent, the 23 month old daughter of Kevin and Beth Kent of Dowelltown
Runner-up- Sarah Olivia Jewel Grisham, the 24 month old daughter of Kevin and Amanda Grisham of Alexandria
Boys (19 to 24 months)
Winner- Jordan Reed Miller, the 23 month old son of Bradley and Lynn Miller of Smithville
Runner-up- Jacob Stewart, the 19 month old son of D.J. and Megan Stewart of Smithville.
Girls (25 to 30 months)
Winner- Isabella Faith Rackley, the 30 month old daughter of Gordon and Jessica Rackley of Smithville
Runner-up- McKenna Reece Miller, the 26 month old daughter of Christen Hale and David Miller of Dowelltown.
Boys (25 to 30 months)
No entries
(Click here to view video clip of Super Tractor Pull at the Fair)
Girls (31 to 36 months)
Winner- Carleigh Isabella Beckham, the 31 month old daughter of Nikki Beckham and Bryan Brannon of Smithville
Runner-up- Cadence Morgan Reynolds, the 34 month old daughter of David and Danielle Reynolds of Alexandria
Boys (31 to 36 months)
Winner- Jaxson Panker, the 31 month old son of Richard and Tonya Panker of Smithville
Runner-up- Skyler Chase Sullivan, the 35 month old son of Jamie and Charity Sullivan of Smithville..
Girls (37 to 47 months)
Winner-Lily Cantrell, the 37 month old daughter of Rocky and Andrea Cantrell of Smithville
Runner-up- Averie Nicole Agee, the 39 month old daughter of Joey and Casey Agee of Dowelltown.
Boys (37 to 47 months)
Winner- Garcin South, the 39 month old son of Amanda and Scott South of Smithville
Runner-up-Hunter Jackson Lawrence, the 42 month old son of Kendra and Benjamin Lawrence of Alexandria
(Pictured Above: Twins Winners-Bryson and Brayden Lawson (left) the 19 month old sons of Tim and Christy Lawson of Smithville. Runners-up- Jesse and Thomas Foutch (right), the 22 month old sons of Michael and Nocola Foutch of Liberty)

County commissioners may be getting a pay raise with the passage of the new county budget for the 2010-11 fiscal year that they themselves will be voting on next month.
The county’s budget committee is recommending that the pay for each county commissioner be increased from $75 to $150 per regular meeting. The commissioners meet once per month in regular session for a total of twelve regular meetings per year. Under this proposal, each of the fourteen county commissioner’s pay to attend regular meetings would increase from $900 to $1,800 per calendar year.
County commissioners are not to receive pay for any meetings they miss.
In addition to the pay hike for regular meetings, the budget committee is proposing that county commissioners who meet in committee receive a $35 increase in pay, going from the current $40 per meeting to $75 per meeting.
County Mayor Mike Foster says under state law, pay to each member for committee meetings must be at least half of what is paid to them for regular meetings.
Foster says he anticipates fewer committee meetings in the future now that the entire county commission usually meets once a month, a few days prior to the regular meeting, in an “ALL committee’s meeting”. “We also put in there (budget) if you come to an ‘ALL committee’s meeting’ you’ll only be paid for one committee (meeting) even though you may serve on as many as six committees.”
According to Foster, these proposed pay raises are to cover expenses of commissioners, going to and from meetings. “Some of the commissioners travel to and from here about thirty five to forty miles at times. We’ll have one (member) now who will be traveling eighty miles. It’s been put in there (budget) just to help cover their costs of coming to the meetings.”
Foster added that commissioners would not be paid for attending ‘workshops’. “The ones (meetings) where they come and we talk for maybe three hours about taking something (an issue) to the full commission. That would be a committee meeting (where members would be paid). But if they’re having a training session or an informational meeting or something like that, it would be a work session.”
According to Foster, the rate of pay the county commissioners receive here is still much lower, even with the proposed increases, compared to many other counties. He says some counties pay their county commissioners as much as $400 per month.
Foster says the proposed pay hikes would take effect, September 1st if the budget is approved in August.
Meanwhile, the county budget committee has proposed giving full time county employees a $400 pay raise in the new budget for the year.
The county commission is expected to act on the proposed new budget during the August regular meeting, which has been rescheduled from August 23rd to August 10th at 6:30 p.m. at the courthouse.

Babies from one day to twelve months old were the center of attention during the annual Baby Show held Thursday evening at the DeKalb County Fair.
The winners are as follows:
Girls (1 day to 3 months)
Winner- Chloee Cantrell, the three month old daughter of Rocky and Andrea Cantrell.
Runner-up- Katelyn Elizabeth Brown, the two month old daughter of Robert and Sarah Brown.
Click here to view video clip of rodeo steer riding event at DeKalb County Fair Thursday
Boys (1 day to 3 months)
No entries
Girls (4-6 months)
Winner- AnnaLi Haynes, the five month old daughter of Cardelly Haynes
Runner-up- Liliana Faith Judkins, the five month old daughter of Will and Britni Judkins
Click here to view video clip of Tony Luna portraying Billy Ray Cyrus at Vintage Fashion Show Thursday
Boys (4-6 months)
Winner- Keaton Fish, the six month old son of Samantha Napier and Matthew Fish
Girls (7-9 months)
Winner- Jesse Nevaeh Sanders, the nine month old daughter of James and Misti Sanders
Runner-up- Jordyn Allison Agee, the nine month old daughter of Joey and Casey Agee
Boys (7-9 months)
Winner- Jaxsen Theryn Speaks, the nine month old son of Justin and Donna Speaks
Runner-up-Matthew Thomas Blankenship, the nine month old son of Jon and Samantha Blankenship.
Girls (10-12 months)
Winner- Lilly Grace Anderson, the ten month old daughter of Caitlin and the late PFC Billy Anderson.
Runner-up- Tatum Harper Reynolds, the ten month old daughter of David and Danielle Reynolds
Boys (10-12 months)
Winner- Preston Taylor, the eleven month old son of David and Susan Taylor
Runner-up- Justin Johnson, the twelve month old son of Brad and Nikki Johnson
(Pictured Above: Lilly Grace Anderson (left), the ten month old daughter of Caitlin and the late PFC Billy Anderson; and
Tatum Harper Reynolds (right), the ten month old daughter of David and Danielle Reynolds)
Click here to view video of Calf Roping Event at DeKalb Fair Rodeo Thursday
Two more nights remain of this year’s DeKalb County Fair.
Enjoy nightly entertainment at the Memory Lane Stage in Memory Village
DeKalb County Fair Memory Lane Stage Line-Up:
Friday Night July 23
6:00 – 7:00 p.m- Terri Weaver
7:45 – 9:45 p.m- Jubal’s Cry
Saturday Night July 24
6:30 – 7:30 p.m- The Springs Band
7:45 p.m – until- Lakeside Drive
Click here to view video clip of barrel racing at the DeKalb Fair Rodeo Thursday
The following events are scheduled:
Friday, July 23rd: Toddler Show at 6:00 p.m. followed by DeKalb Idol Final Competition at the Lions Club Pavilion; a Super Truck and Tractor Pull at 7:30 p.m. at the T.C. McMillen Arena; and a Demolition Derby at 7:00 p.m. at the Grandstand; $1000 cash giveaway at 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 24th: Horseshow Tournament at the Tot Kelly barn at 3:00 p.m.; Gospel singing at the Lions Club Pavilion at 6:00 p.m.; Super Tractor and Truck Pull at 7:30 p.m. at the T.C. McMillen Arena: and a $1000 cash giveaway at 9:30 p.m.
One thousand dollars in cash will be given away each night through Saturday at 9:30 p.m. at the Lion’s Club Pavilion and you must be present to win. If no one presents the winning ticket within three minutes, the money will be saved and given away on Saturday night in increments of $1,000. Your fair admission ticket is your ticket for the cash drawing.
ALL NEW RIDES on the Midway will be provided by the Family Attractions Amusement Company. Unlimited rides will be available each night for $16.00.
Admission to the fair is $3.00 per person. Children age four and younger will be admitted free! Gates open at 4:30 p.m. Friday and at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. Parking is Free!
For more information, call 529-FAIR or visit on-line at www.dekalbcountyfair.us.

DeKalb County’s unemployment rate inched higher in June to 10.1%, up slightly from 9.9% in May, but down from 11.3% in June, 2009.
The local labor force for June was 9,760. A total of 8,770 were employed and 990 were without work.
Eleven Upper Cumberland counties had higher unemployment rates than DeKalb County in June.
Pickett- 13.9%
White- 12.8%
Clay- 12.5%
Van Buren- 12.5%
Jackson- 11.9%
Warren- 11.9%
Fentress- 11.7%
Overton- 11.1%
Cumberland- 10.7%
Macon- 10.6%
Smith- 10.3%
DeKalb- 10.1%
Cannon- 9.6%
Putnam- 9.5%
Tennessee’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for June was 10.1 percent, down three-tenth of a percentage point from the May rate of 10.4 percent. The national unemployment rate for June 2010 was 9.5 percent.
County non-seasonally adjusted unemployment rates for June 2010, released today, show that the rate decreased in 17 counties, increased in 72 counties and remained the same in six counties.
Lincoln County registered the state’s lowest county unemployment rate at 6.8 percent, up from 6.6 percent in May. Scott County had the state’s highest unemployment rate at 20.9 percent, up from 19.6 percent in May, followed by Marshall County at 16.7 percent, up from 16.6 percent in May.
Knox County had the state’s lowest major metropolitan rate of 7.8 percent, up from 7.7 percent in May. Davidson County was 9.1 percent, up from 8.9 percent in May. Hamilton County was 9.1 percent, up from 8.6 in May, and Shelby County was 10.6 percent, up from 10.0 in May.

The 2010 DeKalb County Fair Miss Sweetheart is 12 year old Jailyn Bolding, the daughter of Lori Hendrix and Brad Bolding of Dowelltown. The pageant was held Wednesday night during the fair in Alexandria
Bolding succeeds the 2009 Miss Sweetheart Liz Abigail Qualls of Smithville, the twelve year old daughter of Brad and Kim Trapp and Jason and Stormy Qualls of Smithville.
The first runner-up in the pageant was Kyra Agee, the ten year old daughter of April and Donny Agee of Smithville.
Emily Hope Burklow was the second runner-up. She is the ten year old daughter of Andy and Shan Burklow of Dowelltown.
Click here to view a video clip of motorcycle racing at the fair Wednesday
Twelve year old Bethany Brooke Poss, daughter of John and Lori Poss of Smithville was the third runner-up.
The title of Miss Congeniality went to Hannah Ashtyn Lasser, the twelve year old daughter of Kristy Lasser and Brian Lasser of Smithville
Kaitlyn Roller, the eleven year old daughter of John and Michelle Roller of Smithville, was named Miss Photogenic
The “Extreme Queen” crown went to Wendy Fachelli, the eleven year old daughter of Mary Gamboa of Smithville.
Rounding out the top eleven in the pageant were Reagan Kori Taylor, the eleven year old daughter of Jason and Marie Taylor of Alexandria; Tyra Graham, the eleven year old daughter of Kyle and Doris Graham of Smithville; Maleah Celeste Scott, the ten year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ricky Scott of Liberty; Destiny Danielle Franklin, the eleven year old daughter of Charlie and Jennifer Ware of Smithville; Carlee Colvert White, the twelve year old daughter of Stephen and Lou Ann White of Smithville; Rachel Olivia Fuson, the eleven year old daughter of Joe and Missy Fuson of Smithville; and Caitlin Leigh Tyree, the ten year old daughter of Josh and Carrie Tyree of Liberty.
Enjoy nightly entertainment at the Memory Lane Stage in Memory Village
DeKalb County Fair Memory Lane Stage Line-Up:
Thursday Night July 22
6:00 – 7:00 p.m.- Kenny Lee and Deidre Bentley
7:15 – 8:00 p.m.- The Under the Hill Gang
Thursday, July 22nd: Senior Citizen Day activities at 9:00 a.m. at the Lions Club Pavilion; 4-H Chick Chain Show at 5:00 p.m. at the Tot Kelly barn; Junior Goat Show at 6:00 p.m. at the Tot Kelly barn; a Baby Show at 6:00 p.m. followed by a Vintage Fashion Show at the Lions Club Pavilion; and a Rodeo at the T.C. McMillen Arena at 7:30 p.m.; $1000 cash giveaway at 9:30 p.m.
One thousand dollars in cash will be given away each night through Saturday at 9:30 p.m. at the Lion’s Club Pavilion and you must be present to win. If no one presents the winning ticket within three minutes, the money will be saved and given away on Saturday night in increments of $1,000. Your fair admission ticket is your ticket for the cash drawing.
ALL NEW RIDES on the Midway by the Family Attractions Amusement Company. Unlimited rides will be available each night for $16.00.
Admission to the fair is $3.00 per person. Children age four and younger will be admitted free! Gates open at 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. Parking is Free!
For more information, call 529-FAIR or visit on-line at www.dekalbcountyfair.us.
(Top picture left to right: 3rd runner up Bethany Brooke Poss, Miss Sweetheart Jailyn Bolding, 2nd runner up Emily Hope Burklow, and 1st runner up Kyra Agee)
(Middle picture left to right: Miss Photogenic Kaitlyn Roller, Extreme Queen Wendy Fachelli, and Miss Congeniality Hannah Ashtyn Lasser)
(Bottom Picture: Miss Sweetheart Jailyn Bolding)

Nine year old Sarah Anne Colwell of Smithville was crowned Little Miss Princess at the DeKalb County Fair Wednesday night.
Colwell is the daughter of Trent and Christie Colwell of Smithville
She succeeds the 2009 Little Miss Princess, Kayla Jayne Belk, daughter of Chris Anne Belk of Smithville and Wendell Belk of Christiana
First runner-up in the pageant was Mya Katherine Ruch, the eight year old daughter of Joe and Melissa Ruch of Smithville.
Click here to view video clip of square dancers at Memory Lane Stage Wednesday
Eight year old Julia Grace Curtis of Smithville was the second runner-up. She is the daughter of Bruce and Amy Curtis of Smithville.
Third runner-up was Jaya Tramel, the seven year old daughter of Sebrena and Travis Tramel of Alexandria
The title of Miss Congeniality went to Thea Marlene Anderson, the nine year old daughter of Chad and April Walker of Smithville.
Seven year old Emma Brooke Jennings was named Miss Photogenic. She is the daughter of Chad and Shelly Jennings of Smithville
The Extreme Queen crown went to Madison Elaine Colwell, the nine year old daughter of Gabriel and Heather Colwell of Smithville.
Others in the top ten were Brooklyn Storm Estes, the nine year old daughter of Chris and Shanna Bogle of Dowelltown; Lacey Jade McMillen, the seven year old daughter of Chris and Kristina McMillen of Alexandria; Madison Rae Rackley, the seven year old daughter of Jessica and Gordon Rackley of Smithville; Holly Caroline Evans, the eight year old daughter of Mike and Amy Evans of Alexandria; Nine year old Anna Rachel Blair, the daughter of Keith and Amanda Blair of Smithville; and Emma Brooke Jennings, the seven year old daughter of Chad and Shelly Jennings of Smithville.
(Top picture: Little Miss Princess Sarah Anne Colwell)
(Middle Picture left to right: 2nd runner-up Julia Grace Curtis, Little Miss Princess Sarah Anne Colwell, 3rd runner-up Jaya Tramel, and 1st runner-up Mya Katherine Ruch)
(Bottom Photo left to right: Extreme Queen Madison Elaine Colwell, Miss Photogenic Emma Brooke Jennings, and Miss Congeniality Thea Marlene Anderson)