The Christmas season has arrived and you are invited to join in the celebration Thursday evening, December 7 downtown Smithville for “Christmas on the Square”.
The event will be held from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on the public square.
The fun begins at 5:00 p.m. with special singing in the 303 building on the north side of the square along with a LIVE nativity (no animals), the cast of Steel Magnolias, and a festival of trees provided by local businesses and organizations.
The Community Chorus will perform Christmas Classics inside the 303 building beginning at 5:30 p.m. along with the flag and pledge presentation by members of Boy Scout Troop #347. This portion of the program has been rescheduled from outside to the 303 building because of expected cold weather.
Courthouse officials and the Chamber of Commerce will have an Open House starting at 6 p.m. Visit county officials on the main floor (2nd floor) of the courthouse where you’ll find lots of goodies to enjoy. A Free Photo Booth and Holiday DJ Music will be featured in the courthouse compliments of the City of Smithville.
Santa will be making an appearance at Justin Potter Library at 6:30 p.m. so remember to bring your camera. A Santa’s Workshop will also give children a chance to make their own Christmas ornament and do other activities at the library.
The DeKalb Animal Shelter will have an Adopt-A-Pet event at the DeKalb Animal Coalition’s Restore building on West Walnut Street from 5-8 p.m.
A tree lighting ceremony is also planned outside the courthouse. Beautiful outdoor Christmas trees, courtesy of the City of Smithville, will be displayed on the east and west sides of the courthouse.
And don’t forget about all the great downtown shopping!
Hope you can come for this special night – Thursday, December 7 from 5 to 8 PM – Christmas on the Square!

A 50 year old man was scheduled to stand trial today (Tuesday) in a three and a half year old aggravated burglary case but he decided instead to enter a plea in DeKalb County Criminal Court.
Shannon Lynn Newby received a sentence of fifteen years in the Tennessee Department of Corrections as a career offender. He must serve at least 60% of the term before becoming eligible for parole. The sentence is to run consecutive to a five year term he is already serving in another case.
Newby and two others, 28 year old Brandon Wayne Hutchings, and 38 year old Sherry Kay Malone were arrested in a burglary and theft investigation in June, 2014 after a concerned citizen came forward to report suspicious activity in the neighborhood.
The three were believed to have been responsible for a burglary and theft at a residence on Early Bain Road on Monday, June 2, 2014. Sheriff Patrick Ray said at the time that the investigation revealed that Malone dropped off Newby and Hutchings at the residence, drove away, and then parked nearby. While Malone was gone, Newby and Hutchings allegedly broke into the residence and removed from the home a 32 inch Element television, a 42 inch Sanyo television, several nail guns, and assorted tools. Malone was to have picked up Newby and Hutchings after they brought the stolen goods outside the home but a neighbor, who became suspicious when he saw Malone parked in the driveway of another residence in the area, went to confront her. The neighbor then notified central dispatch by cell phone and officers of the sheriff’s department were sent to investigate. The officers found the stolen items from the victim’s home outside near the garage but by that time Newby and Hutchings had already fled the scene.
Prior to the burglary and theft, the observant neighbor had already become suspicious when he spotted more than one person in a strange car driving back and forth several times down the road in the area. Later, he saw the same car again going down the road with only one person inside.
According to Sheriff Ray, Malone was questioned by detectives and subsequently charged in the case. Later that night, Newby was found walking on Robinson Road while Hutchings was picked up on Dry Creek Road. Both were wet and had scratches on them. Detectives believe at least one of the burglars cut himself during the break-in because blood was found inside the victim’s home. The DNA evidence was collected and sent to the crime lab.
Malone entered a guilty plea to a charge of aggravated burglary in December, 2015 and received a five year sentence all on TDOC probation. A theft charge against her was dismissed. The sentence was to run consecutively with another case against her.
Brandon Hutchings pled guilty in August, 2015 to aggravated burglary and received a five year sentence to serve. The term was to run consecutive to a violation of probation sentence against him. He was given jail credit at the time of 420 days.

DeKalb County Clerk James L. “Jimmy” Poss has announced his intentions to seek re-election in 2018.
Poss will be a candidate for nomination in the DeKalb County Democratic Primary on March 1.
“I have enjoyed serving as your County Clerk and I am very humbled and honored for the support I have received while serving as DeKalb County Clerk,” said Poss.
“I am asking for each person’s continued support while seeking to serve a second term, in the office as DeKalb County Clerk”.
“During my first term as your County Clerk, I have begun fulfilling my campaign promises, which was to provide efficient and courteous service in the Clerk’s Office and to complete County Technical Advisory Service (CTAS) training. I have completed the (COCTP) training receiving my Certified Public Administrator certificate. We have worked hard on improvements throughout the office. We are providing an increase in transactions across the board, but are most proud of new services now offered to our citizens previously not available”.
“I’ve worked with both civic organizations and individuals, providing assistance throughout the county assisting with various individual requests”. I have and will continue making myself available to provide assistance at all times. I would like the opportunity to continue to lead our County Clerk’s Office in a forward direction,”.
“Changes that have been implemented during the last 3 years have proven positive, providing more service and convenience to every citizen who utilize our office. Revenue collected ending Fiscal year June 30, 2017 increased more than $200,000.00. Also, the number of completed daily transactions continue to rise. While we have brought change to our office, my commitment for fair and equal, courteous and efficient service has not changed. “It is my desire to continue to work with honesty and integrity for the citizens of DeKalb County,” said Poss.

You have until Friday, December 8 to support this year’s 22nd Annual DeKalb County Angel Tree Project.
The Angel Tree provides Christmas gifts for underserved and needy children in DeKalb County. You can pick up your Angel at any local bank in Smithville or Alexandria. This year there were 368 children representing 175 local families. The adoption tags have suggested wish items but it is not necessary to purchase everything listed. Donations can also be made at any bank branch if you would prefer to have someone do the shopping for you. It is always the goal to have each child adopted but for those who are not, the shopping will be done for them by others.
The deadline to return your gifts is Friday, December 8th. The continued support of the community is what makes this such a successful program.

A convicted felon was arrested last week after sheriff’s department detectives found drugs and paraphernalia in her possession while serving a warrant in a separate case.
(CLICK LINK BELOW TO VIEW MUG SHOTS OF PERSONS RECENTLY BOOKED AT THE DEKALB COUNTY JAIL- Intakes & Releases From: 11/27/2017 Thru: 12/04/2017)
Seagate Crystal Reports – REPOR_50.pdf (3.89 MB)
42 year old Patty Sue Tatrow of Jackson Street, Smithville is charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell or deliver and unlawful possession of a weapon. She was further cited for simple possession of schedule II & VI drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia, Her bond is $23,000 and her court date is December 21.
Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on Tuesday, November 28 two detectives went to a residence on McMinnville Highway to pick up Tatrow on an active warrant. Upon entering her bedroom, they spotted a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana on a small mirror and a marijuana cigarette on her dresser. A further search of the room turned up several bags of a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana. The bags weighed 6.3 grams; 0.01 gram; and 8.25 ounces. They also found in Tatrow’s wallet a small baggie which held a clear rock like substance believed to be methamphetamine ice which weighed 0.82 grams. Two sets of digital scales were found and a 22 caliber handgun was recovered from a nightstand next to her bed. Tatrow is a 2005 Warren County convicted felon.
In a separate case, 34 year old Wendy Michelle Steep of High Street, Alexandria is charged with criminal impersonation. Her bond is $3,500 and her court date is December 14.
Sheriff Ray said that on Monday, November 27 a deputy spotted a vehicle setting by the side of the road on County House Road and stopped to investigate. He spoke with the driver (Steep) and asked for identification. The woman identified herself as Kristen Thomason and gave her date of birth as June 17, 1987. A further investigation revealed that her name is actually Wendy Steep. When confronted, Steep admitted to intentionally giving the wrong name because her license were revoked and she didn’t want her probation to be revoked for driving a vehicle.

Following an evaluation of current school facilities and projected future needs, the DeKalb County Board of Education has been presented a variety of construction plans at a cost ranging from $17 million to $45 million for new or renovated facilities.
Members of the local board of education met in a workshop Thursday night for their first look at results of a School Facilities Study prepared by the Upland Design Group of Crossville.
The study concluded that Smithville Elementary School, the oldest core building in the district, should be replaced and repurposed for other uses.
The board hired the architectural firm in September to conduct a county-wide facilities study in planning for future building needs. Upland Design is being paid $19,500 for its services.
“We asked them to give us a survey and preliminary report along with a number of options that we can look at for a long range plan for our school system which consists of new facilities. Hopefully we can turn this long range plan into more of a short range plan but we want the county commission involved. This is not just our decision,” said Board Chairman W.J. (Dub) Evins, III during the September meeting.
The school board plans are to narrow the number of options and then present them to the county education committee and then the county commission for consideration.
The facilities study by Upland Design concluded that DeKalb West School was in the best condition and should remain as is; that Smithville Elementary needs to be replaced and repurposed; and that issues exist at Northside Elementary, DCHS, and DeKalb Middle Schools which need to be addressed.
Derrick Clemow and Brian Templeton of Upland Design Group met with the school board during Thursday night’s workshop to review the findings and to offer options for addressing them.
Upland Design presented six (construction) options (schemes) for the board to consider along with the pros and cons of each option or scheme.
A summary of those options is as follows: (CLICK PDF LINK BELOW EACH OPTION TO VIEW SPECIFICS)
A-OPTION (SCHEME): (2) Pre-K to 5th grade elementary schools; middle and high schools expanded for increased lifespan (CLICK LINK TO VIEW OPTION)scheme a.pdf (22.9 KB)
B-OPTION (SCHEME): Replace Smithville Elementary School; middle and high schools expanded for increased lifespan (CLICK LINK TO VIEW OPTION)scheme B.pdf (162.8 KB)
C-OPTION (SCHEME): All schools Pre-K to 8th grade; high school expanded for increased lifespan (CLICK LINK TO VIEW OPTION)scheme c.pdf (210.56 KB)
D-OPTION (SCHEME) Pre-K to 8 grade options; high school takes over middle school campus(CLICK LINK TO VIEW OPTION)scheme D.pdf (190.78 KB)
E-OPTION (SCHEME) All schools Pre-K to 8th grade; high school takes over middle school campus(CLICK LINK TO VIEW OPTION)scheme E.pdf (189.77 KB)
F-OPTION (SCHEME) New high school; middle school takes over high school campus; elementary school takes over middle school campus (CLICK LINK TO VIEW OPTION)scheme F.pdf (225.27 KB)
Upland Design was asked to come up with another option involving the middle school and to report back to the school board.
Following is a synopsis of each school:
*SMITHVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:
Smithville Elementary School, originally built in 1958, now is 70,557 square feet in size, and has a current enrollment of 575 students.
“For the purpose of this study, Smithville Elementary is to be obsolesced,” said Clemow. Basically, we evaluated and started with a premise that this is a site (Smithville Elementary) that should be repurposed for some other purpose. We looked at maybe moving the central office there. Maybe maintenance could move there. Maybe an alternative school could be located there.”
The facilities study concluded that “as the oldest campus facility, condition is a major concern. In consideration of the following providing an alternative location for the students is a consensus:
A. Campus location is undesirable
B. Traffic flow is poor
C. Cafeteria/Kitchen is undersized
D. Oldest portion is over a crawl space and mold is potential
E. Security is difficult to maintain when multiple buildings are present
F. Spaces are not functionally ideal
G. Three of the second-grade classes are currently at Northside Elementary
Upland Design gave options how Smithville Elementary School could be used for other purposes:
A. Move central office staff to Smithville Elementary
B. Move maintenance storage and staff to area in and around kitchen/cafeteria
C. Relocate Adult Education or Alternative School Classrooms in the eastern wing
D. Make the site available for other county programs.
*NORTHSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:
Northside Elementary School, built in 2000, is 85,000 square feet in size with an enrollment of 655 students.
Upland Design concluded that Northside is at capacity.
“It (Northside) was originally planned for 650 students in grades 3-5. It is at capacity today based on the fact that there are second graders over there that fill it out all the way,” Clemow said. “If you were to pull the second graders out of there it would be back to a fair-sized school and would have a little bit of expansion in it as a grade 3, 4, 5 facility. But as a grade 3,4,5 it doesn’t have the lower grade toilet facilities that are normally connected to existing classrooms. Little kids really need to have a toilet handy. So if this school should become a Pre-K through 8 or whatever, there would have to be some modifications toilet wise. Also for the size kids there and the numbers who are run through there, the cafeteria is just about maxed out in terms of its usage. It takes a few hours to feed the kids. It basically is functioning as intended and conditionally is in fairly good shape. The school was also built during the pre-security days. A parent can walk in and make it to the back of the school without anyone knowing. That is a fairly easy correction in this case because you do have a central entrance and you could make a vestibule there” he added.
The facilities study found that “this site now accepts 3 classes of second graders due to overcrowding at Smithville Elementary. Northside was originally planned for grades 3-5 and 650 pupils. The campus is at capacity. This is quite evident in the afternoon rush. Lower grade in-classroom toilets were not provided. The cafeteria is at capacity.
The site is large enough to consider expansion, although traffic circulation is a challenge. There needs to be a security vestibule created at the entry.
The cafeteria space is limited as is other core spaces encouraging a 625 pupil population.”
*DEKALB MIDDLE SCHOOL:
DeKalb Middle School, built in 1971, is now 86,990 square feet in size with an enrollment of 550 students.
According to the facilities study, “the school was originally designed as a modified open plan and as a result acoustic problems and circulation create an interruptive classroom arrangement. Dining and library spaces lack acoustical isolation. The newer gymnasium provides needed P.E. space although it is not cooled (no air conditioning). Security is a challenge since the administrative space is a central space and students go outside to get to the gymnasium. Toilet accommodations are marginally sufficient for the student population. All spaces are currently utilized. The auditorium is too small for assemblies. The site does not provide for several sports and lacks space for addition without site drainage developments.”
*DEKALB COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL:
DeKalb County High School, constructed in 1963, is now 127,317 square feet in size with an enrollment of 860 students.
“There are portable classrooms. The high school has six to eight floating teachers. What that means is while they have other things they do in their capacity, they don’t have a home room,” Clemow said. “When they go to work they have to use a room that is shared with somebody else. What happens with high schools is that the curriculum changes all the time and with this school it is clear that with the 860 kids who are there now, they are pretty much falling out the doors (overcrowded). The first thing we always hear there (DCHS) is that the corridors are ridiculously tight and when there is a class change, it’s a zoo. That’s a difficult one to treat because it falls right at the core of the building. Security is also really difficult to handle. The only way to handle security at a campus situation like this is to gate it but once you gate it, you have to man the gate but in this case you not only have a high school but a junior high school so there is no telling how difficult it would be to create a security situation for this facility.
It is one of those things that is definitely on the radar as needing repair, update, potential replacement,” he continued. “We looked at all of it. It is not something that we found in particularly great shape and you all know it,” said Clemow
The facilities study found that “the high school has grown on this site for many years. Over the years there have been four major additions and many other renovations. The primary circulation spaces are as original and are woefully undersized. Although well maintained, the original structure shows signs of aging. Campus security is inadequate as many buildings require exterior access. Pedestrian and vehicular flow intersects. Playing field spaces are marginal and do not accommodate all organized team activities. Some P.E. programs are held outside of designated school facilities. Three or four temporary portable classrooms house educational functions. Many spaces have been repurposed for more contemporary curriculum, but many program offerings would require spaces with specific features”.
DEKALB WEST SCHOOL:
The facility study found DeKalb West School to be in the best condition of all the five schools.
DeKalb West School, built in 1974, is now 76,044 square feet in size with an enrollment of 405 students.
According to the facilities study, “this school has adequate facilities for the current population and programs for the near future. Some students are brought by parents from out of the bus routes. Uniquely, the county-wide Middle School baseball program is at this site. Class sizes vary from 40-48 with a downsized 4th grade at 30.
Administrators note that moving on to the high school is a social adjustment when compared to DeKalb Middle School entrants.
For this study, this campus is to remain as is.”

Main Street in Liberty was alive with enthusiastic Christmas lovers of all ages on Sunday for the town’s annual Parade.
Liberty Mayor Dwight Mathis and wife Shirley served as the Grand Marshals.
The Salem Baptist Church float with a train and the theme “Only Way to Heaven, Jesus Express” won 1st place. Oakley Thrift Store took 2nd place.
In the category for kids, 4 wheelers, and animals, Alexis Reynolds won 1st place for her Christmas Sleigh. Second place went to William Cole and Haston Waggoner.
Ronald and Cathy Clayton won 1st place for best vintage automobile with their 1969 Z-28 orange and white striped Camaro. Second place went to Chris Hale for his 1952 John Deere MT.
The parade also featured other floats and vintage automobiles, horseback riders and horse drawn wagons, local law enforcement and emergency services, and of course Santa Claus.
After the parade, drawings were held for prize giveaways.
M2U02601 from dwayne page on Vimeo.

Hundreds of excited children and grownups alike lined the streets of Smithville on a beautiful sunny Saturday afternoon for a chance to see Santa and other attractions during the annual Smithville Christmas Parade.
Sponsored by the Smithville Volunteer Fire Department, this year’s parade, in addition to Santa, featured the DCHS Band, floats, horseback riders and horse drawn wagons, vintage automobiles, kings and queens from the past year’s local pageants, state lawmakers and candidates, local law enforcement and emergency services, local athletes and cheerleaders, and much more.
The Smithville First Free Will Baptist Church won 1st place for its float “God’s Greatest Gift His Son”
Second place went to Oakley Thrift Store
The Lion’s Club took 3rd place for it’s “Christmas Vacation” float
The DeKalb Junior Pro Football Players and Cheerleaders won the Spirit Award presented by the Smithville Business and Professional Women’s Club.
(VIEW PART 1 VIDEO OF THE SMITHVILLE CHRISTMAS PARADE SATURDAY)
M2U02599 from dwayne page on Vimeo.
(VIEW PART 2 VIDEO OF THE SMITHVILLE CHRISTMAS PARADE SATURDAY)

Another man found with child porn has been indicted by the DeKalb County Grand Jury.
54 year old Anthony Maurice Charley of Hayes Street, Smithville was picked up on Thursday, November 30 and served an indictment for sexual exploitation of a minor. His bond is $50,000.
According to the indictment, on February 13, 2017 Charley did unlawfully and intentionally or knowingly possess material to-wit: more than 100 images that depict minors engaged in sexual activity.
The case was investigated by the Smithville Police Department.
Charley is among five people named in sealed indictments returned by the DeKalb County Grand Jury Monday who were arrested this week. Six others have yet to served.
The others picked up this week are accused of selling drugs to undercover operatives of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department in recent undercover investigations.
Sheriff Patrick Ray said 22 year old Evan Brady Cripps of Pine Grove Road, Smithville is indicted for sale and delivery of a schedule VI controlled substance (marijuana). His bond is $5,000. He was arrested on Tuesday, November 28. The incident occurred on May 22, 2017.
A co-defendant with Cripps, 18 year old Kassey Jo Collier of Jackson Hollow Road, Lancaster was arrested on Thursday, November 30 for sale and delivery of a schedule VI controlled substance (marijuana). Her bond is $5,000 bond. The incident occurred on May 22.
34 year old Johnny Lynn Devault of West Main Street, Smithville is indicted for possession with the intent to sell or deliver a schedule III drug (buprenorpine) or subutex. His bond is $25,000. He was arrested on Wednesday, November 29. The transaction occurred on March 17.
21 year old Zachary Jacob Poss of South Mountain Street, Smithville is indicted for two counts of sale and delivery of a schedule VI controlled substance (marijuana). His bond is $5,000. He was arrested on Thursday, November 30. The transaction took place on May 22.

A woman who participated in a burglary at DeKalb West School over a year ago entered a plea Monday in DeKalb County Criminal Court.
27 year old Shauna Melissa Fleetwood of Mount Juliet received a two year sentence for burglary and will be on probation. The term is to run consecutive to another case against her. She must make restitution of $525 jointly and severally to DeKalb West School.
The case against a co-defendant, 32 year old Brian Clinton Howell of Brush Creek remains pending in court.
The burglary occurred on Sunday, September 25, 2016
According to Sheriff Patrick Ray, video surveillance showed that Fleetwood, driving a green Ford Taurus, pulled up at DeKalb West School and dropped off Howell. He then used a pry bar to enter a side door and broke into a soft drink vending machine, taking $20.00. Fleetwood later returned to pick up Howell and they drove away.
After being contacted by the Principal, Sheriff Ray said his department started an investigation. “We got a report Sunday that somebody had broken into DeKalb West School and vandalized a coke machine. The intruder got into the machine and stole money out of it. A detective went down to the school, reviewed the video, and got a good description of the intruder and the vehicle which dropped him off,” said Sheriff Ray
After learning that a school in Watertown had also been recently burglarized, the detective contacted authorities there and during their joint investigation discovered that burglaries had occurred in Smith County as well and that a “BOLO” had been issued for area law enforcement agencies to be on the lookout for the suspects. On Thursday evening, September 29, 2016 Wilson County Sheriff’s Department deputies and Lebanon Police Department officers located the suspects, Howell and Fleetwood, at the Traveler’s Inn in Lebanon.
In the DeKalb County case, Sheriff Ray said Howell was charged with burglary, vandalism, possession of burglary tools, and theft under $500. Fleetwood was charged with burglary and theft under $500 for being involved in a burglary in which she dropped off Howell in her vehicle , went to a gas station nearby, and then returned to pick him up. Both admitted to detectives their involvement in the crimes.
The pair also faced charges for the burglaries at elementary schools in Wilson and Smith Counties.