One woman has been charged with theft of property under $500 and another arrest is expected in a robbery at the Bizzy Bee’s Flea Market on Allen’s Ferry Road Thursday.
Investigator Charles Griffith of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department says 28 year old Lisa Michelle Porterfield of Dowelltown has been arrested in the case.
According to Griffith Porterfield and another woman went to the flea market between 11:00 a.m. and noon on Thursday and while one woman was talking with the clerk and keeping her busy on the outside of the building, Porterfield had gone inside where she allegedly removed $200 to $240 in cash.
Griffith says Porterfield apparently knew where the money was kept because she had been at the flea market on Wednesday and had sold some DVD’s.
The victim, after providing Griffith with a description of the women, positively identified Porterfield from a photo line up and she was subsequently arrested.
The case remains under investigation.
Meanwhile, in a separate matter, Griffith says three men, 40 year old William Ray Cantrell, 39 year old Martin Riley, and 35 year old Scott R. Adams all of Smithville, have been arrested in connection with a recent burglary of a residence on Coon Branch Road, in which numerous items were stolen.
Investigator Griffith says the burglary occurred during daylight hours when no one was home. However, as the men were leaving the property, the owner of the house returned and tried to confront them, but they fled the scene.
The men were later identified by the victim during a photo lineup.
Griffith says the men are also suspects in other recent burglaries.
Smithville Police are investigating a break-in at the office of Dr. Melvin Blevins and Johnny’s Drugs early Thursday morning.
Detective Sergeant Chris Russell says sometime during the pre-dawn hours of Thursday morning someone broke out a rear window at Dr. Blevins’ office at the Center Hill Medical Building and entered.
Once inside, several attempts were made to make entry to the drug store next door through the wall.
After bursting through a sheet rock wall, the intruders removed from the pharmacy a large quantity of controlled substances including oxycontin, hydrocodone and xanax. The intruders then left, going back out the same way they came in.
If you have any information that may help solve the case contact Detective Sergeant Chris Russell of the Smithville Police Department or phone the anonymous tips line at 464-6046.

Members of the DeKalb Jaycees, city government leaders, and others joined in a brief dedication ceremony at noon Wednesday for a new Town Clock located on the ground of the Smithville City Hall building.
In his remarks during the ceremony, Bert Driver of the DeKalb Jaycees and a former city alderman, said the new clock is part of the downtown beautification effort. ” In 1998, the Smithville City Council initiated a beautification project around the town square ? the trees that you see planted have begun to mature and provide a softer landscape that accentuates the charm of our town. The continuing desire of both the citizens of Smithville and the city Council has resulted in the on-going sidewalk improvements throughout different areas of the city”.
“As we continue to see more and more people moving into our community, both the towns people and the city government will have to embrace new ideas and react to a more progressive and competitive community. The city of Smithville has as much potential as any other small town in Middle Tennessee and with a concerted effort between citizens, government and the business community, Smithville can retain its charm and sense of value by preserving its traditions and embracing its future. This progressive heritage should be the cornerstone of the next generation of leadership”.
“And as for today, we gather to add one more improvement to our great city ? the Town Clock. The Town Clock before you has been a long time coming- and a great many people have put their effort into this project, particularly the DeKalb Jaycees who have not only supported this project financially; they have also given a great deal of sweat equity into making sure that this plan was completed”.
“It gives us great pride in dedicating the clock today as a symbol of spirit and pride”.
Driver also offered the following poem by an unknown author:
“This Thing Called Time –
Time can be an enemy, yet sometimes be a friend,
There is a time that we all grow, and then a time we mend,
Time that seems to make us late, can sometimes make us cry,
There is a time we call our life, and then the time we die.
Time is used to measure days, we spend here on this Earth,
It helps divide the times in life, and re-calls all from birth,
It is a constant from this world, and then it fades away,
Taking all within its grasp, and making a new day.
Time it seems can measure space, and all ones distant travels,
It rushes us throughout our lives, and then delays arrival,
There’s always time for disappointment, and appointed time,
But time that’s somehow wasted, seems such an awful crime.
Time can not be bottled, nor packaged in a bag,
But when it’s managed wisely, time seems not to lag,
This timely realization, sometimes is not remembered,
Events that seem so timely, though cherished may be squandered.
And now you have, your space in time, for all that it is worth,
To you it seems, a grand old time, your life upon the Earth,
But you will see, that time flys by, and empties your lifes cup,
So make it count, this thing called time, before it’s all used up.

Members of the Class of 2006 said their goodbyes to DeKalb County High School on the occasion of their graduation Friday night.
Three of the most outstanding members of the class were singled out for special recognition. This year’s White Rose Awards went to Elise Cantrell and Daniel Alexander and while the Citizenship Award was presented to Ben Malone
The White Rose is presented to a boy and girl from the class for outstanding achievement and leadership, academics, and other activities. The Citizenship Award is given to the senior who has demonstrated outstanding service, devotion and loyalty to DeKalb County High School.
A total of 147 students received diplomas during the commencement, each one shaking hands with Director of Schools Jim McCormick as their names were called by Principal Kathy Hendrix.
In remarks to the Class, Valedictorian Elise Cantrell admonished her fellow classmates to make good decisions and embrace the changes that will affect their lives. “Success is something we all want a part of, but it is defined differently for each of us. No matter how big or small someone’s goals might be, they are never too far from reach. You and you alone have to make success happen. Each of us must be willing to put forth every effort we have into each task we perform. Make the right decisions, because the decisions you make now will affect you in the future. Most, importantly, make decisions for you. You can spend your whole life trying to please other people and you will never feel a sense of satisfaction. Life is too short to be unhappy so live it now and don’t take a single second for granted. The good Lord has put each of us in this world for a purpose and it is our responsibility to find that purpose.”
“Tonight, there is a journey coming to an end, but we will soon venture off onto an entirely different journey. No one knows exactly where that journey will lead. We are starting a whole new life, and it is up to us to make the most of the life we choose. It has come our time to step out into the real world of change. We must not hold resentment against change, but instead we should embrace the new opportunities that come along with change. We will leave here tonight, not with sadness in our eyes, but with a new vision on life. Every moment we have shared will be cherished and we will take what we have learned at DCHS and move into the next chapter of our lives. I would like to leave you with one of my favorite quotes from a wise philosopher, Benjamin Franklin, ?When you’re finished changing, you’re finished”.
Salutatorian Kheela Nicole Blair urged the class to overcome life’s obstacles and make the journey of life fulfilling. ” Upon entering into each of our new lives, we will encounter many obstacles along our long road to success. Like our pasts, our futures will be filled with not only a great amount of joy, but also with many tears and struggles. As we have grown up, we have acquired much knowledge from our elders about how to make mature and responsible decisions to help us deal with whatever challenges may come our way. Through our own personal experiences, we each know that with hard work and determination, we are always capable of pulling through. For without these two characteristics, none of us would be sitting here tonight.”
“Nonetheless, there are the occasional obstacles that we can never prepare for. It is in these instances that we must remember to maintain confidence in ourselves and uphold our trust in the Lord. Philippians 4:13 says ? I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me’. Have faith and you will go far. Congratulations to the class of 2006. May you be successful in all you do.”
Class President Kris Robinson encouraged the seniors to “follow the road that leads you to where you need to go”. All three of our school colors are represented on this road. It is Black, White, and Gold. Not only can we relate our experiences to our school colors, but we can also interpret its colors as a symbol of its guidance in relation to the roads we travel. Just as the road has the white and gold boundaries and the black asphalt, which provides for smooth travel, DeKalb County High School has provided us with the limits to keep us in-line while preparing us for a smooth path to success”.
Principal Kathy Hendrix, in her remarks to the class, admonished the graduates to “let your high school years become the foundation upon which you make a difference in this world.”
“This road we call life is filled with challenges large and small. However, the rewards for meeting those challenges are great. Therefore, I ask you not to be afraid to struggle, do not be afraid to give your best. Hopefully at the end of your life you, like Saint Paul, can say that you have fought a good fight, have finished the race, and have been true to yourself. If so, then you will be able to look back on tonight as more than just one special night in your life, but rather an event truly marking a beginning. Congratulations to all the 2005-2006 graduates and their families. God bless each and everyone of you.”

The DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department will receive a $17,914 U.S. Department of Homeland Security equipment grant, U.S. Representative Bart Gordon announced today.
“Many communities struggle to maintain fire-protection services”, said Gordon, a member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus. “Even though demands on firefighters have increased tremendously over the years, the resources they depend on to provide their life-saving services have not”.
“That’s why Congress initiated the Assistance to Firefighters Program, which is similar to the highly successful COPS program that put more than 100,000 new police officers on the nation’s streets.”
Fire Chief Donny Green said the grant will provide the 77-member department with a set of new equipment and will enable them to perform all types of rescues.
“With this equipment, our firefighters will have the capability to rescue entrapment victims, as well as victims involved in farm-related accidents,” Green said.
Homeland Security awarded the grant through the Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program, which provided smaller law enforcement and emergency responder agencies with equipment items that will enhance and support regional response, mutual aid and interoperability of responder equipment.

Director of Schools Jim McCormick has employed the DeKalb County Support Staff for the 2006-2007 school year.
He presented the list of employees to the Board of Education Thursday night.
Those employed at DeKalb County High School are:
Rachel Bandy-Cook, Cathy Beltz- Educational Assistant, Kathy Chapman-Cook, Billy Colwell-Custodian, Linda Cyphers- Vocational Rehabilitation Secretary, Debbie Eaton- Educational Assistant, Regina Estes- Secretary, Beverly Ferrell- Educational Assistant, Billy Golden- Custodian, Faye Hendrix- Vocational Secretary, Jerry Herman- Custodian, Rita Johnson-Cook, Rita Leichtfuss-Educational Assistant, Debra Magness- Bookkeeper, Melissa McKay- Educational Assistant, Rhonda Merriman-Educational Assistant, Tina Myers- Educational Assistant, Brandy Pack- Educational Assistant, April Patterson- Guidance/Records Clerk, JoAnn Pittman- Custodian, Jo Dean Redmon- Cook, Rob Robinson- Educational Assistant, Linda Sorrell- Educational Assistant, Suzanne Williams- Part Time Cafeteria worker and Debbie Young-Cook.
DeKalb Middle School:
Rita Beshearse- Part Time Library Assistant/Part Time Cafeteria Monitor, Helen Burt- Part Time Cafeteria worker, Helen Cantrell-Cook, Reba Cantrell- Cook, Fay Gilreath- School Bookkeeper, Johnna Goff- Educational Assistant, Connie Haggard- Cook, Truitt Hale- Custodian, Murianna Herman- Custodian, Barbara Hibdon- Cook, Kristy Lasser- Educational Assistant, Samantha Lester- School Secretary, Reba Malone- Custodian, Paulette McDonald- Educational Assistant, Deandrea Miller- Educational Assistant,Lisa Norton- Educational Assistant, and Eldon Vanatta- Cafeteria Manager.
Smithville Elementary School:
Austin Bain-Custodian, Jimmy Barnes- Custodian, Pauline Braswell- Educational Assistant, Cindy Childers- Educational Assistant, Brenda Crook-Educational Assistant, Cathy Driver- Educational Assistant, Barbara Ervin- Cafeteria Manager, Betty Griffith- Educational Assistant, Jean Hayes- Cook, Vickie Jeffries- Educational Assistant, Angela Johnson- Educational Assistant, Natasha Judkins- Educational Assistant, Melinda Lattimore- Educational Assistant, Sara Lomas-Custodian, Patricia Milam- Part Time Cafeteria Monitor/Substitute Custodian, Tina Miller- Educational Assistant, Dori Mooneyham- Educational Assistant, Lisa Pack- Educational Assistant, Freeda Pedigo- Cook, Rhonda Pelham- Secretary/Receptionist, Lori Poss- School Bookkeeper, Julie Pugh- Educational Assistant, Phyllis Reed- Educational Assistant, Brenda Rigney- Part Time Educational Assistant, Debra Rowland- Educational Assistant, Thomas Trammell-Part Time Custodian, Tammy Tyler- Cook, Annie Walker- Educational Assistant, Celia Whaley- Educational Assistant, Judy Wilson-Cook, and Rita Young-Educational Assistant.
Northside Elementary:
Faye Adkins-Custodian, Vickey Atnip- Educational Assistant, Charles Ayers- Custodian, Tracy Baker- Educational Assistant, Suzanne Bradford- Educational Assistant, Janice Bratcher- Cook, Nancy Burger- Cook, Gail Crips- Secretary, Ervil Cubbins- Educational Assistant, Regina Daw- Cafeteria Manager, Rebecca Ervin- Cook, Starr Ferrell-Educational Assistant, June Gilbert- Cook, Phyllis Hallum- Educational Assistant, Dena Haugh- Educational Assistant, Thelma Martin- Educational Assistant, Angie Moore-Educational Assistant, Deanna Page- Cafeteria Monitor/Part Time Cafeteria Worker, Diane Trapp- School Bookkeeper, Kim Violet- Custodian, and Jean Young- Educational Assistant.
DeKalb West School:
Holly Bain-Educational Assistant, Betty Boss- Educational Assistant, Brenda Beth Cantrell-Educational Assistant, Donna Crook- Cook, Dorothy Duggin-Custodian, Tena Edward- Educational Assistant, Pauline Frazier- Custodian, Mattie Frazier-Custodian, Lisa Hale- Educational Assistant, Donna Hale- School Bookkeeper, Donna Hendrix- Cook, Shelby Jennings- Educational Assistant , Melinda Miller- Part Time Cafeteria worker, Faye Nixon-Cook, Roenia Turner- Half Time Library Assistant and Lunch Room Monitor, Jalene Vanatta- Educational Assistant, Jamie Vickers- Secretary, Jeanette West-Cook, and Georgia Young-Cafeteria Manager.
County Wide Positions:
Chandra Adcock- School Nurse, Rena Adcock- Substitute Cafeteria Worker, Jennifer Agee- Educational Assistant, Gabina Alfaro- English Second Language Assistant, Cynthia Armour- Substitute Cafeteria worker, Jenean Bain- Bus Assistant, Dwayne Carlton- Part Time Grounds, James Carroll- Substitute Custodian, Betty Cooper-Substitute Cafeteria worker, Bettye June Dodd- Bus Assistant, Sharon Farler- School Nurse, Greg Frasier-Computer Technician, Melissa Fuson- Substitute School Nurse, Theresa Garrison-Part Time Occupational Therapist, Billy Golden- Maintenance worker, Rhonda Harpole- Library Assistant/Half Time at Smithville Elementary School and Half Time at Northside Elementary School, Terry Hicks- Maintenance worker, Earl Jared-Maintenance Supervisor, Freda Johnson- Substitute Bus Assistant, Mary Joines-Bus Assistant, Eddy Roy Judkins- Maintenance Worker, Helen LaFever- Substitute Cafeteria worker, Edith Lasser- Physical Therapist Assistant, Angela Lawson- Substitute Bus Assistant, Francis Mahler- Substitute Cafeteria worker, Tammy Maynard- Substitute Cafeteria worker, Teresa Miller- Secretary/Bookkeeper Central Office, Jenny Montgomery- Substitute Cafeteria worker, Tera Mooneyham- English Second Language Assistant- Brad Mullinax- Technology Director, Jean Neal- Bus Assistant, Shirley Ours- Special Education Secretary, Melissa Pirtle- Food Service Bookkeeper, Jo Dean Redmon- Part Time Custodian, Brian Reed- Alternative School Assistant, Jennifer Roller- Substitute Cook, Oneita Storey- School Attendance Secretary, Jewell Tate-Part Time Custodian, Ricky Todd- Substitute Custodian, Kimberly Turner-School Nurse, Cindy Twilla- Bookkeeper/Payroll Central Office, Barbara Vanatta and Margaret Vanatta- Substitute Cafeteria Workers, and Elizabeth Westveer- Deaf Interpreter.
Transportation
Shane Cook- Transportation Supervisor, James Wilkerson- Mechanic, and Peggy Pursell- Part Time Secretary.
The following are bus drivers: Harold Ashford, Karen Adkins, Dwayne Cantrell, Dinah Cripps, Elaine Davis, Debbie Eaton, Julie Fayette, Marshall Ferrell, Starr Ferrell, Julie Fitts, Linda Fowler, Bill Fowler, Lynn Griffith, Judith Hale, Melissa Hicks, Kimberly Lawson, Jerry Lawson, Bobby Martin, Ronald Merriman, Jimmy Mullican, Jack Patterson, Walter Phillips, Faye Pollard, Jimmy Poss, Tony Poss, Peggy Pursell, J.T. Pursell, Juanita Salazar, Vickie Simpson, Bobby Taylor, Mark Violet, Suzanne Williams, and Melvin Young.
Substitute bus drivers are: Danny Bond, Shawna Harper, Ricky Hendrix, Daniel Lawson, Angela Lawson, Christina Tacy, Annette Vanatta, and Jamie Vickers.
Meanwhile, in his monthly personnel report to the school board Thursday night, Director McCormick has employed the following people for the 2005-2006 school year as substitute teachers: Lorrie Evans, Misty Franklin, Leanne Frasier, Franque Lawrence, Lori Manns, Cody Martin, Adrienne McCormick, Billy Neal, Sandra Phillips, Jeania Poss, Elizabeth Redmon and Thomas Stufano.
Jennifer Griffith, a teacher at Northside Elementary School, has been granted a leave of absence as requested.
The following have either retired or resigned:
Leah Magness, teacher at Northside Elementary School, resigned; Jason Stanton, teacher at DeKalb County High School, resigned; Johnny Williams, custodian at DeKalb County High School, resigned; Bonnie Rigsby, educational assistant at DeKalb Middle School, resigned; and Carolyn Mullinax, teacher at DeKalb West School, retiring at the end of the school year.
Special Education Summer School Personnel:
Jane Parsley, Tonya Perry, Betty Parris, and Louise Owen as teachers; and Dori Mooneyham, Tina Miller, Tracey Baker, Melissa McKay, Cathy Beltz, and Linda Sorrell as educational assistants.

The DeKalb County Teacher of the Year is Jan Alexander.
John Isabel, President of the DeKalb County Education Association, made the announcement during Thursday night’s Board of Education meeting at the high school cafeteria.
A Teacher of the Year is selected at each of the five schools and one of them is chosen DeKalb County Teacher of the Year.
Alexander was named Teacher of the Year at DeKalb Middle School.
Isabel also recognized the other Teachers of the Year including Harriet Cantrell at DeKalb County High School, Teresa Bogle at DeKalb West School, Jan Thomas at Smithville Elementary School, and Lisa Bell at Northside Elementary School.
Carol Hendrix, Supervisor of Instruction, recognized the retiring teachers who each have dedicated many years of service to the DeKalb County School System and the children of the county.
The retirees honored include Tommy Alexander from DeKalb County High School, Carolyn Maynard from Smithville Elementary School, Teresa Bogle from DeKalb West School; and Carolyn Mullinax from DeKalb West School.
Director of Schools Jim McCormick also recognized Cathy Frazier, Supervisor of Special Education, who has also retired.
Mary Nelle Summers honored five cafeteria staff who are retiring this year including Jennie Foster, a cook at Smithville Elementary School; Jean Cook, a cook at DeKalb West School; Frances Haggard, Betty Malone, a cook at Northside Elementary School, and Sarah Tramel, cafeteria manager at DeKalb County High School.
Earl Jared, Maintenance Supervisor, recognized two retiring employees, James “Doober” Miller, maintenance worker; and Lynn Colwell, maintenance worker/bus driver.
Carol Hendrix also honored the newly tenured teachers including Joseph Agee, Joseph Ruch and Peggy Semmes from the DeKalb Middle School, Penny Bilyeu and Sonya House from the DeKalb County High School, Amanda J. Franklin and Jennifer C. Rice from the Smithville Elementary School, Tad Webb, Leah Cantrell Magness and Tonya Perry from the Northside Elementary School and Melanie Molander from DeKalb West School.
A reception was held after the meeting for the retirees, tenured teachers, and the Teachers of the Year.