In her latest Legislative Report, State Senator Mae Beavers says the General Assembly addressed bills this week that left many scratching their heads as to the role of government and the validity of the Constitution.
Senator Beavers says she saw herself as the sole “no-vote” in the Senate after debate on an energy bill that would heap huge costs and burdens on small counties in the form of mandated international building codes. In addition, bills were passed that stressed the importance of both the 10th and 2nd Amendments. The Senate hopes to wrap up its business within the next two weeks before adjourning for the summer.
Meanwhile Senator Beavers says the State Senate approved legislation this week that seeks to combat the destruction of the 10th Amendment of the Constitution by the Federal government in their attempt to infringe upon states’ rights. Senate Bill 1610, known as the “Tennessee Firearms Freedom Act,” sponsored by Senator Beavers, takes a step in the right direction to restore to the states control of intra-state commerce and the regulation of firearms manufactured and sold within Tennessee.
“Be it the federal government mandating changes in order for states to receive federal funds or the federal government telling us how to regulate commerce contained completely within this state – enough is enough,” urged Beavers. “Our founders fought too hard to ensure states’ sovereignty and I am sick and tired of activist federal officials and judges sticking their noses where they don’t belong.”
The Tennessee Firearms Freedom Act asserts that if a firearm and/or ammunition is made totally within the state of Tennessee, and stamped “Made in Tennessee”, then the federal government has no jurisdiction over that item in any fashion so long as it remains in state and outside of interstate commerce. All state regulations applying to the possession of firearms in Tennessee would still be applicable and must be complied with. This legislation is being proposed to prevent a federal attempt to legislate beyond the Constitutional limits of Congress. This bill is similar to one signed into law in Montana, and is currently pending passage in at least 30 other states.
The State Senate has approved legislation (SB 2300) aimed at drawing down stimulus funds for energy efficiency in Tennessee. Yet, opponents of the bill, most noticeably Senator Beavers, argued that such high energy standards would heap huge costs on local builders.
“The last thing we need to do during a housing slump is to raise the prices of homes so that environmentalists in Washington and Europe can have something to cheer about,” argued Beavers. “Protecting the environment and lowering future energy costs is important; however, for the state to mandate adoption of international building codes during a recession is pure stupidity.”
The Senate voted 21 to 9 on Thursday to override Governor Phil Bredesen’s veto of legislation that would allow law-abiding handgun permit holders to “carry” into restaurants that serve alcohol. The measure would apply as long as the owners of the premises have not posted notification that guns are banned and that the legal permit holder abides by current law which prohibits them from drinking alcoholic beverages while carrying their firearm.
The vote to override the bill was taken as crime victim Nicki Goeser, who supported the action, looked on from the floor of the Senate. Goeser’s husband Ben Goeser was shot and killed by Hank Calvin Wise in April in the Karaoke business he managed. There were about 50 people inside the business when the shooting occurred. Nicki Goeser and patrons who watched as the crime occurred were prevented from carrying a weapon in the establishment under current Tennessee law.
Thirty-six other states, including Tennessee’s neighbors, have a law that allows for legal permit holders to carry their firearms into restaurants or bars that serve alcohol. There has been no move to repeal any of those laws.
Two bills dealing with landowners and their responsibility when trespassers come onto their property were approved this week. One bill, SB 679, amends Tennessee’s criminal trespass law to shift the burden from individual property owners to the alleged trespassers. Current statute requires extensive posting and signage, and this bill shifts that burden to the individual who will be required to know if he/she has permission to be on the land. Farmland can prove to be especially difficult to post, and this bill will protect farmers to ensure that trespassers are held accountable for their actions.
The second bill, SB 2102 , addresses problems experienced by landowners and farmers where ATV riders or others have trespassed on private property. Under current law, if a trespasser is harmed by a dangerous condition created by a force of nature, like a ditch produced by heavy rainfall, the landowner could be responsible regardless of whether or not the person harmed was invited. This legislation seeks to remedy that action by protecting landowners when the condition is one created by natural forces.

The DeKalb County Fair in Alexandria is set for Monday through Saturday July 20th through July 25th.
With the theme “You need a FAIRCATION”, the Grandpa Fair of the South will feature a fun filled week of activities including a new event, an Open Rodeo, which will be held Thursday, July 23rd at 7:30 p.m. at the T.C. McMillen Arena.
Fair Manager Jeff McMillen says the fair has never before had a rodeo, so this should generate a lot of excitement.” It’s an open rodeo. Anybody can enter. The events include bareback riding, team roping, calf roping, one barrel speed race, three barrel speed race, bull riding, and there’s some kids events including a calf scramble and possibly money in a haystack and things like that. It’ll be a lot of fun.”
McMillen says the Off-Road Challenge, which made it’s debut last year, will return this year with a new twist. “We have a new event in the Off Road Challenge this year. It’s a two wheel drive class. It’s basically a speed course. Everything in this class is real fast. You (participants) are basically climbing things in an obstacle course. You won’t be going through things, you’ll be jumping them.” The Off-Road Challenge will be held on Monday, July 20th at 6:30 p.m. at the T.C. McMillen Arena.
Another crowd favorite, the demolition derby, will be featured on Friday, July 24th at 7:00 p.m. at the grandstand. McMillen says spectators may also notice some changes in this event “The rules have changed a lot in the demolition derby. We’re having to use newer model cars now because the older cars are gone. You’re probably going to see faster cars and probably less mud.”
The fair will also be bringing back the Antique Tractor Pull, Super Tractor and Truck Pull, Go Kart Racing, Four Wheelers and Motorcycle Racing, DeKalb Idol, the Vintage Fashion Show, and many other popular attractions. Missing this year will be lawn mower racing, which has been dropped from the lineup.
McMillen urges fair goers to 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 Monday through Friday from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and Saturday from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
All Non-Perishable exhibits ONLY will be accepted Saturday, July 11th from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
All Perishable exhibits ONLY will be accepted Saturday, July 18th from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
Exhibit rule books are available at your local banks and libraries, and at the Register of Deeds office at the courthouse or get the 2009 premium list of rules and regulations online at www.dekalbcountyfair.us or www.dekalbtn.com.
Enjoy nightly entertainment at the Memory Lane Stage in Memory Village
The following events are scheduled:
Monday, July 20th: National Anthem at 5:45 p.m. at the Lion’s Club Pavilion; T-Shirt Preview at 5:50 p.m. at the Lions Club Pavilion; Cattle Show at 6:00 p.m. at the grandstands ; Off-Road Challenge at the T.C. McMillen Arena at 6:30 p.m.; Junior Fair Princess Pageant at 6:00 p.m. followed by the Fairest of the Fair Pageant at the Lions Club Pavilion. $1000 cash giveaway at 9:00 p.m. and announcement of DeKalb Idol winners at the Pavilion.
Tuesday, July 21st: the Little Mr. and Miss Pageant at 6:00 p.m. followed by David Turner and Friends at the Lions Club Pavilion; Go-Cart Racing at 6:00 p.m. at the T.C. McMillen Arena; and a Horse Show at 7:00 p.m. at the Grandstand; $1000 cash giveaway at 9:00 p.m. and announcement of DeKalb Idol winners at the Pavilion.
Wednesday, July 22nd: Little Miss Princess Pageant at 6:00 p.m. followed by the Miss Sweetheart Pageant at the Lions Club Pavilion; Four Wheeler and Motorcycle Racing at 6:00 p.m. at the T.C. McMillen Arena; $1000 cash giveaway at 9:00 p.m. and announcement of DeKalb Idol winners at the Pavilion.
Thursday, July 23rd: 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 barn; Junior Goat Show at 6:00 p.m. at the 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 7:00 p.m.; $1000 cash giveaway at 9:00 p.m. and announcement of DeKalb Idol winners at the Pavilion.
Friday, July 24th: WSMV Channel 4 Snow Bird from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Toddler Show at 6:00 p.m. followed by DeKalb Idol Final Competition atthe Lions Club Pavilion; an Antique Tractor Pull at 7:00 p.m. at the T.C. McMillen Arena; and a Demolition Derby at 7:00 p.m. at the Grandstand; $1000 cash giveaway at 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 25th: A Horse Shoe Tournament at 3:00 p.m. at the barn; Gospel Singing at the Lion’s Club Pavilion at 6:00 p.m. and a Super Tractor and Truck Pull at 6:00 p.m. at the T.C. McMillen Arena: and a $1000 cash giveaway at 9:00 p.m.
One thousand dollars in cash will be given away each night, Monday through Saturday 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.
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. 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 or www. dekalbtn.com.

The Smithville- DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce is encouraging all local businesses to participate in “Project Welcome Mat”.
“Project Welcome Mat” is an effort by the Chamber to ensure that our Fiddler’s Jamboree visitors feel welcome. Businesses are urged to use their signs to promote tourism and to show hospitality to people visiting DeKalb County.
The Fiddler’s Jamboree will be held Friday and Saturday, July 3rd and 4th
“Project Welcome Mat” awards three categories, “Most Original” sign, “Best Worded” sign, and the “People’s Choice”
For more information, call the Chamber of Commerce Office at 597-4163
(Pictured left to right: Louis Colombarini, Roger Sharp, Suzanne Williams, Jen Sherwood, and Larry Green)

The Savage-Goodner Camp, Sons of Confederate Veterans has placed wreaths at three DeKalb County sites in honor of Confederate Memorial Day. June 3, also the birthday of Confederate States of America President Jefferson, is a “special day of observance” under the Tennessee Code Annotated.
Patriotic red, white, and blue flower arrangements, donning the Confederate St. Andrew’s Cross, have been placed at the Confederate monument on the DeKalb County Courthouse lawn, at the grave of the Unknown Confederate Soldier in the Smithville City Cemetery, and at the monument to Confederate General John Hunt Morgan on the Alexandria square.
The Savage-Goodner Camp, SCV encourages all DeKalb Countians to reflect upon the noble sacrifice of their ancestors during the War Between the States on this important day of remembrance.
With over 35-thousand members worldwide, the Sons of Confederate Veterans is a historial and educational organization composed of male descendants of Confederate military personnel who died in action or were honorably discharged from military service to the South.

The Smithville Volunteer Fire Department wants the city to invest in aerial apparatus, commonly referred to as a ladder truck.
Wallace Caldwell, member of the department and a training instructor addressed the mayor and aldermen Monday night. “I know you’re probably thinking that we can’t afford this at this time, with all the other problems that the city has. But I think, not as a fireman, but as a citizen that we cannot afford not to have one. We’ve lived on luck and borrowed time for sometime. I know we only have a few buildings downtown that are considered tall by a lot of people, the Board of Education, the Courthouse, and the white corner there at Cantrell’s Jewelry. These people think that would be the only place that it would be used. But the buildings and the entire downtown area are old and very old. If an aerial apparatus was not readily available and if we had a fire downtown, we could be in a situation that would be much worse than a lot of us could even imagine.”
“If we were to get a call late at night and the fire is not caught before it spreads or begins to get large, we could lose an entire city block, if not more. Because a working fire will double in size every sixty seconds. Yes, we could get mutual aid from another county, but by the time they got here, it would be too late.”
“We have a lot of industries in Smithville in the area in which we cover, Shiroki Wickes, Walker, Star, Ferodo, the old shirt factory, and all the buildings downtown just to name a few. Industries that would like to locate here or might be looking at locating here would look at the infrastructure of a city, look at water and power, the workforce, and fire protection. Not to mention the ISO also looks at an aerial apparatus, which would help every person that has insurance inside the city, whether they own a business or home.”
“The last point I’d like to make is can we really afford not to give the firemen of this city the tools that they need to fight the fires? Not only that, we need to give the kind of protection to the citizens and to the industries of this city that they deserve. So please, don’t send us as firefighters to a gunfight with just a knife.”
A ladder truck to meet Smithville’s needs could cost from $800,000 to $900,000. The aldermen listened to Caldwell but gave no commitment .
In other business, the aldermen adopted an ordinance on first reading amending the city’s personnel policy to give city employees with ten consecutive years of service a three week vacation with pay.
The amendment states that “after ten years of consecutive service of full time officers and employees, there will be three weeks of paid vacation.”
The ordinance will be up for second and final reading passage following a public hearing at the June 15th meeting.
The aldermen also adopted an ordinance amendment on first reading establishing a flat rate court cost of $85.00 for the Smithville City Court.
Mayor Taft Hendrixson says “the city currently has court costs ranging from $20 to $95. Most towns around us have gone to a flat court cost. This ordinance proposes an $85 court cost straight across the board. It just simplifies the court costs and the record keeping.”
The ordinance states as follows: Whereas, the Municipal Court Reform Act of 2004 allows cities to set and collect reasonable municipal court costs in the amounts prescribed by ordinance;
Whereas, the City of Smithville has determined that it is necessary to establish reasonable court costs for the City Court.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Smithville, as follows:
Section 1. The following section is hereby amended:
In all cases heard and determined by him, the city judge shall impose court costs in the amount of $85.00.
One dollar of the court costs in each case shall be forwarded by the court clerk to the state treasurer to be used by the administrative office of the courts for training and continuing education courses for municipal court judges and municipal court clerks. The above amount does not include the $13.75 litigation tax levied by the State of Tennessee.
The ordinance will be up for second and final reading passage following a public hearing at the June 15th meeting.
An ordinance was approved on first reading levying a litigation tax for the City of Smithville
Mayor Hendrixson says “On every case that goes before our city court, there’s a state litigation tax of $14.75 which goes to the State of Tennessee. Our clerk has to send it to the state. DeKalb County and, as far as I know, everyone around us, has their own litigation tax. It’s only people that break the laws of the City of Smithville, who will be paying this, it won’t be your taxpayers. It’s just a way to help operate the police department without raising taxes on the taxpayers. It will be an additional $13.75 city litigation tax.”
The ordinance states as follows: Whereas, Public Chapter 488 of the Public Acts of 1981, which imposed a state litigation tax, has been interpreted by opinions of the State Attorney General as allowing cities to levy a litigation tax in the same manner as the litigation tax now levied by state law in an amount not to exceed the amount of such state litigation tax; and
Whereas, the City of Smithville does not impose a litigation tax as authorized by law and desires to levy such a tax to help pay for court and police related expenses; and
Now therefore, be it ordained by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Smithville that:
Section 1. Effective on the first day of each month following passage of this ordinance, a city litigation tax shall become effective as follows;
On cases in the city court there is hereby levied a city litigation tax to match the state litigation tax of $13.75
Section 2. The privilege taxes levied pursuant to this ordinance shall be paid to the City Recorder monthly to be used to assist in paying for the operation of the city court and the police department.
Section 3. This ordinance shall become effective on the first day of the month following the final passage of this ordinance.”
The ordinance will be up for second and final reading passage following a public hearing at the June 15th meeting.

Water and sewer rates for Smithville customers may increase as of July 1st with passage of the budget for the 2009-2010 fiscal year.
The proposed new budget totals $6-million 074 thousand 558 dollars but the Smithville aldermen took no action on it Monday night.
Alderman Tonya Sullivan said she is concerned that the proposed rate hikes are too high and wants more time to study the budget. She recommended that a workshop be held. ” As I looked over the water and sewer rates that are in here, they’ve increased drastically. We were supposed to have a workshop on this budget. We have not had a workshop and I feel that at this time that we need more time to consider this budget. I put that in the form of a motion. There may need to be an increase. I think that’s something we need to work out to see where we might can cut our budget. Economic times are tough. I don’t know if we can hit the public with a large amount all at one time. It may need to be spread out over a period of time.”
Mayor Taft Hendrixson said the water and sewer fund is currently running in the red and if that continues two years in a row, the state will adjust the rates if the city doesn’t act. Mayor Hendrixson says the major reason for the higher costs of operation is in electricity and to a lesser extent, chemicals. “We haven’t had an increase since 1998. Right now the minimum bill for a thousand gallons of water is $7.47, I believe. With the new rate, it would be $10.00. We’re operating the water and sewer department in the red this year to the tune of probably close to $200,000. Now the state department will only let us do that for two years, then they will come in and set our rates. If our rates remain the same, they’re (water and sewer fund) is probably going to operate in a deficit again next year. I want to do it (rate increase) as less as I can, but for a minimum usage of two dollars and a half a month (increase), it is not a large amount.”
According to page 13 of the proposed 2009-10 budget, the water and sewer fund ended the year on June 30th, 2008 with a net income of $330,384.
When the 2008-09 budget was adopted in June, 2008, the projection was that on June 30th, 2009 the water and sewer fund would be in the red by $149,410 as indicated on page 13 of the (2008-09) budget. The revised budget shows that the water and sewer fund will be in the red by $229,344 as indicated on page 13 of the proposed (2009-2010) budget.
The water and sewer fund is projected to finish the year on June 30th, 2010 in the red by $35,308 as indicated on page 13 of the proposed 2009-2010 budget.
Alderman Cecil Burger agreed with Alderman Sullivan that a workshop should be held before any action is taken on the new budget. ” I thought for about three months we were going to set a date to do that and then last week I got this (budget), just figures thrown out with no explanation, where they come from, who put them there, or nothing.”
The aldermen voted 5-0 to schedule the workshop for Monday, June 8th at 6:30 p.m. at city hall.
Alderman Sullivan said the firefighters and other department heads could also have input at the workshop. “They (firefighters) have provided a list of equipment they need. We could discuss it at the meeting. Any other department heads can come to that meeting if they are not happy with this budget.”
The city’s financial consultant, Janice Plemmons will be asked to attend the workshop.
Under the proposed new budget, the rate for city water customers would increase from the current level of $3.50 to $5.00 for the first one thousand gallons of water usage plus a $1.25 increase from the current rate of $3.50 to $4.75 for each additional one thousand gallons of usage. Rates for customers outside the city limits are 50% higher. Outside city rates would increase to $7.50 for the first one thousand gallons of water usage plus $7.25 for each additional one thousand gallons of usage
The rate the city charges the DeKalb Utility District is $1.85 per thousand gallons but will increase to $1.90 for January 1st, 2010 sales.
The rate for city sewer customers, under the new budget, would increase from the current level of $3.62 to $5.00 for the first one thousand gallons of usage plus a one dollar increase from the current rate of $3.25 to $4.25 per thousand gallons thereafter.
Water tap fees for customers inside the city limits would jump from $400 to $1,000 for a three quarter inch water line and the sewer tap fee would go from $400 to $800 for a four inch sewer line. If the lines are larger, the fees are $2,000 for water and $1,200 for sewer..
For customers outside the city limits, water tap fees would increase from $525 to $1,500 for a three quarter inch line. Fees would go from $525 to $1,000 for a four inch sewer line. If the lines are larger, then the fees would be $2,500 for water and $2,000 for sewer.
Mayor Hendrixson says the city has been losing money under the current rate structure for tap fees.
The single largest project in the proposed new budget is the renovation of the water treatment plant which is to be funded from almost $4 million in available water and sewer department reserves..The city is also hoping to receive a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant to help fund the project. The rehab is not the reason for the proposed water and sewer rate increases.
The proposed budget does not include funds for any full time volunteer firefighters. In April, Fire Chief Charlie Parker and other members of the department met with the mayor and aldermen in a workshop to formally make the request. The firefighters want their all volunteer unit to become a combination department with a few full time firefighters as well as volunteers.
In the proposal, the firefighters requested that the city fund two full time firefighter positions per 24 hour shift, for a total of six positions along with an administrative person. They also asked that some extra funds be designated in the budget for training and that the firefighters pay scale be changed. Currently, the firefighters each receive $15 per call.
Under the new spending plan, the property tax rate will remain the same at almost 62 cents ($.6194 cents) per $100 of assessed value.
The proposed budget calls for city employees with up to four years of service to get their automatic step pay increases as defined in the wage scale but there would be no cost of living increase. City employees with more than four years of service, who have topped out on the wage scale would also get no cost of living adjustment.
Proposed capital outlay expenditures in the general fund for the new year come to $860,000. Specific projects are as follows: Financial Administration- $20,000 unspecified; Parks and Recreation- $15,000 unspecified; Public Works/Buildings and Grounds- $20,000 unspecified; City Hall Building Alteration per ADA- $30,000 including $5,000 for handicapped rehabilitation and $25,000 unspecified; Fire Protection- $15,000 unspecified; Street Department- $20,000 including $10,000 for downtown beautification and $10,000 unspecified; Police Department- $15,000 unspecified; Swimming Pool- $10,000 for capital repairs; Airport- $730,000 unspecified (grant funds); Animal Shelter- $5,000 unspecified; Sanitation Fund- $5,000 and Drug Fund- $10,000 unspecified.
Proposed water and sewer fund Fixed Asset Additions: 1 truck- $5,000; an update of the water plant and engineering fees- $1,750,000; a sewer rehabilitation camera-$25,000. Debt repayment-principal: bonds- $220,000.
Although these capital outlay projects are budgeted, they all may not be funded during the year.

The Smithville Police Department plans to crack down on unauthorized parking in handicapped spaces and in fire lanes on private or city property.
Chief Richard Jennings, in a news release Monday, says that “the police department is enforcing state law which states that stopping, standing, or parking is prohibited in specific places. A vehicle parked in a handicapped parking place that does not display a certificate, placard, or a disabled veteran’s license plate will be cited. This also includes parking in the fire lane on private or city property.”
Chief Jennings says the Smithville Police Department would like to remind citizens that this is an enforceable violation and to take care when parking.

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department has arrested several people since last Tuesday on various charges including DUI, driving on revoked, suspended, or no license, and public intoxication,
Sheriff Patrick Ray, in his weekly update, says deputies arrested 25 year old Lorenzo Aguilar Hernandez of Mitchell Avenue, Cookeville on Tuesday, May 26th after he was involved in a one car accident on Vaughn Lane, Smithville. Authorities learned that Hernandez’s license was revoked for a driving under the influence charge on February 28th, 2008 in Wilson County and November 28th, 2008 in Putnam County. Hernandez was charged with a third offense of driving on a revoked license and his bond was set at $3,000. He will appear in court on June 11th.
County officers responded to an accident at the intersection of Webb Lane and Students Home Road on Thursday, May 28th and arrested 47 year old James Allen Hargrove of Old Bildad Road, Smithville. Deputies detected an odor of alcohol on Hargrove’s person. Hargrove submitted to field sobriety tasks which he failed. He did admit to drinking a 12 pack of beer. Hargrove was charged with a first offense of driving under the influence, driving on a suspended driver’s license, and violation of the implied consent law. His bond was set at $2,500 and he will appear in court on June 11th.
On Friday, May 29th, deputies responded to a domestic call at a business in the Ragland Bottom area of the county. 48 year old Rickey Dewayne Hice of Salem Road ,McMinnville was arrested for public intoxication. Hice was very loud and arguing with his wife in the business and he had a strong odor of alcohol on his person. Hice’s bond set at $1,000 and he will appear in court on June 11th.
Also on Friday, deputies arrested 45 year old Donald E. Maxey of Earhart Road, Hermitage for driving on a suspended license. Maxey was stopped on Highway 70 East for a traffic violation and upon running Maxey’s driver’s license; officers learned Maxey’s license was suspended for failure to file security after an accident. Maxey’s bond was set at $3,000 and he will appear in court on June 24th.
County officers responded to an accident on Dale Ridge Road Friday and found 25 year old Joseph Lee Merriman of Dale Ridge Road to be the driver of the vehicle. Deputies noticed Merriman to be unsteady on his feet and he had slurred speech. Merriman submitted to field sobriety tasks which he failed. Merriman admitted to taking a pill but he could not tell the officer what the pill was. Merriman was charged with driving under the influence His bond was set at $1,500. He will appear in court on June 18th.
Deputies stopped a vehicle on 70 West for a traffic violation on Saturday, May 30th. The driver, 20 year old Paulino Roberto Depaz of Oberlin Circle, Maryland, did not have a license. Depaz was charged with no driver’s license and his bond was set at $1,000. He will appear in court on June 25th.
Also on Saturday, deputies arrested 47 year old Joe R. Hall of Mack Floyd Road, Sparta for driving under the influence. Hall was involved in an accident at the intersection of Dale Ridge Road and Chapman Hollow Road. Officers noticed that Hall was unsteady on his feet and had a strong odor of alcohol on his person. Deputies performed field sobriety tasks on Hall which he failed. Bond for Hall was set at $1,500 and he will appear in court on June 25th.

A tractor trailer rig, driven by 42 year old William Gossett of Gordonsville, crashed through the dining area of the Dairy Queen building on West Broad Street around 7:04 a.m. this morning (Monday)
Gossett, who was driving for Classic Carrier Express of Monteagle, was not injured. The restaurant was also closed at the time of the accident and no one was there.
Trooper Dewaine Jennings of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, who is investigating, said Gossett was traveling east on Highway 70 when “the tractor trailer exited the roadway to the right, struck a sign in front of Larry’s Discount Grocery. The sign was then thrown through and busted the front door of the store (Larry’s).”
“The tractor trailer continued eastbound traveling through the parking lot of Susie’s Restaurant. It also took down their sign.” (Susie’s Restaurant was also closed at the time).
“The truck then entered the westbound side of Dairy Queen, went completely through the building, and exited through the other side, where it came to a final rest, with most of the vehicle still inside the building.”
Trooper Jennings says Gossett was enroute to Monteagle at the time of the crash and there was no load on board. “It’s unknown at this time why the driver exited the roadway. He states that the the only thing he remembers is leaving DeKalb Market after getting something to eat. We don’t know if he had a medical problem or what at this time. That’s still under investigation.”
Others on the scene were Trooper Allen England of the THP and members of the Smithville Police and Fire Departments.
Larry Hancock, owner and operator of Larry’s Discount Grocery, says he was outside loading dog food into a customer’s vehicle when he heard a noise. Hancock said the semi then brushed against a utility pole as it went by and then proceeded straight through the parking lot in front of Susie’s Restaurant and into the Dairy Queen.”
Hancock says other than the sign and the front door glass, his building received no other damage but the electricity was off for a while this morning while the electric company replaced a transformer on the utility pole hit by the truck.
John and Amy Bourne, owners and operators of the Dairy Queen, say while they are still in shock with what happened to the restaurant, they are very happy that the truck driver, nor anyone else was injured in the accident. “It was in God’s hands for sure with him not being hurt after seeing what the truck looks like and with it going clear through the building,” said Amy Bourne.
Ms. Bourne says the Dairy Queen usually opens for business at 8:30 a.m. so no one was in the building at the time of the crash, but if the mishap had occurred an hour later, there probably would have been someone there. “The first thing I thought about was the person driving the truck. After I found out that he was okay then everything else started racing through my mind about the building and how that the Dairy Queen has been a landmark for Smithville. It was heart breaking.”
It’s unknown right now if the restaurant can be repaired or will have to be rebuilt, but Ms Bourne says the business will be re-opened. “We have structural damage all the way to the back of the building. We have roof damage from the front to the back. Equipment, cake cases, we don’t have any idea as to the dollar amount of the damage. If you think it looks bad outside, you ought to see what the inside looks like. It is really, really, bad.”
“We ask the public to be very patient. It’s going to take a while to get everything up and going again. We don’t know if this building will have to be completely torn down or if it can be repaired. It’s so early, we don’t know anything right now.”

A fire this morning (Monday) caused extensive damage to Chad’s Auto Sales at 415 Dry Creek Road.
A passerby spotted the fire and reported it at 3:58 a.m.
Members of the Smithville Volunteer Fire Department quickly responded but Chief Charlie Parker says the blaze was well underway by the time it was reported and firefighters found the structure fully involved upon their arrival..
Chief Parker says two or three vehicles in the car lot received some heat damage but were not destroyed.
The cause of the fire is undetermined. No one was there at the time of the blaze and no one was injured.
The Smithville Police Department and DeKalb EMS were also on the scene.