Michael Murphy

50 year old Michael Murphy of Smithville died Thursday. He was a non-denominational pastor and an employee of Federal Mogul and the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department. The funeral will be Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Visitation will be Sunday until the time of the service at 2:00 p.m. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert James and Letha Mears Murphy and a brother, Ellis Ray Murphy. Survivors include his wife, Cleta Redmon Murphy and a daughter, Camillia Murphy both of Smithville. Four brothers, Albert Murphy, Jr. and Lee Murphy both of Pikeville, Luther and his wife Penny Murphy of Smithville, and James Terry and his wife Connie Murphy of McMinnville. Five sisters, Glenda Murphy and Alberta and her husband Robert Angel all of Pikeville, Flo Ann Evan of Dayton, Mary and her husband Denton Davenport of Crossville and Tina and her husband Joe Burgess of Arkansas. Her father and mother-in-law, Eddie and Ernestine Young of Smithville and several nieces and nephews. Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Marzell Ray

68 year old Marzell Ray of Smithville died Friday at DeKalb Community Hospital. She was a member of the New Union The Baptist Church, member of Woodmen of the World, and a retired employee of Magnetek. The funeral will be Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at DeKalb Funeral Chapel. Burial will be in DeKalb Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Sunday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 2:00 p.m. She was preceded in death by her father, Hobert Brown Barnes; two brothers, Johnny Davis Barnes and Paul Eugene Barnes. Survivors include her husband, Donald Ray of Smithville. Two sons, Eddie and his wife Tabitha Ray of Smithville and Cary Ray of Smithville. Her mother, Cyrena Barnes of Smithville. Three brothers, Marvin “Brownie” and his wife Peggy Barnes, Gentry Lee and his wife Pat Barnes all of Smithville, and Youman and his wife Cindy Barnes of Rock Island. Three grandchildren, Dustin O’Conner, Julie Ray, and Ethan Ray. Two great grandchildren, Madison Ray and Logan O’Conner. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

Morgan Avenue Woman Arrested In Drug Bust

Smithville Police arrested a Morgan Avenue woman Thursday night in a drug bust at her residence.
Chief Thomas J. Stufano says Glenda Diane Stanley of 440 Morgan Avenue is charged with possession of drugs for resale. Her bond is set at $50,000.
In a prepared news release, Chief Stufano says over 114 unregistered prescription pills, cash, and a gun were recovered as a result of an investigation by Sergeant Steve Deffendoll and Officer Marcus Caldwell using the department’s newly certified Drug Enforcement K-9. The pills, hidden throughout the residence, were allegedly being sold as illegal controlled substances.
Stufano says confidential sources stated that the drug activity was excessive with people coming and going at all hours of the night and usually staying for 2 to 3 minutes and then leaving.
Officers also recovered a large cache of jewelry believed to have been exchanged for drugs, in lieu of cash.
Chief Stufano says the jewelry will be crossed referenced with other police agencies to determine if it has been reported stolen elsewhere.
The case remains under investigation.
Chief Stufano says the Smithville Police Department is committed to aggressively investigating all drug activity within the city limits and urges all citizens to report anything suspicious occurring in their neighborhoods.

FirstBank Acquires Seven AmSouth Branches

FirstBank announced today (Wednesday) an agreement to acquire seven branch offices in Middle Tennessee from AmSouth Bank.
Included in the deal will be customer deposits of about $400 million. The 58 AmSouth employees at the branches will become FirstBank associates, officials said.
When given final approval by state and federal banking regulators, the acquisition will bring Lexington-based FirstBank?s total assets to more than $1.9 billion. Closing is expected in early 2007.
?We are very pleased to increase our statewide franchise by joining these markets, and we want to welcome the AmSouth employees as associates and members of the FirstBank family,? said FirstBank Chairman Jim Ayers. ?This acquisition allows us to offer the products and services we provide to more people in more communities in Tennessee.?
The new FirstBank branches will be in Crossville, Dayton, Fayetteville, Paris, Shelbyville, Smithville and Woodbury. FirstBank will acquire all seven AmSouth branches being divested in Tennessee.
FirstBank President and CEO Doug Cruickshanks said they will move quickly to make the former AmSouth associates and customers feel at home, and that customers will be contacted regarding any changes.
?We feel very confident that our new FirstBank customers will be very happy with the services and products we offer,? Cruickshanks said. ?With more than 40 locations now across the state and nearly $2 billion in assets, FirstBank can service almost any customer need in these markets, including large loans, but still deliver in our unique community-banking style.?
FirstBank is the largest independently owned bank in Tennessee and upon completion of this acquisition will have 43 locations and approximately $1.9 billion in assets.
As the leader among Tennessee?s community banks, FirstBank offers its customers a broad line of financial products and services, and actively promotes initiatives that improve the quality of life for Tennesseans, with an emphasis on education in the communities it serves. Jim Ayers is owner and chairman of FirstBank and founder of the Ayers Foundation.
To read more about FirstBank, a wholly owned subsidiary of First South Bancorp, Inc., visit its Web site at www.firstbankonline.com.

Robert Morris Craft

67 year old Robert Morris Craft of Smithville and a long time resident of Indiana died Wednesday at DeKalb Community Hospital. He was a Pentecostal and a retired employee of a Foundry in Indiana where he was a Supervisor for 34 years. The funeral will be Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at DeKalb Funeral Chapel. Burial will be in DeKalb Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. He was preceded in death by his wife, Fredia F. Craft of Smithville. Two daughters, Jennifer Howard of Smithville and Lisa Paine of McMinnville. Two sisters, Juanita Hensley of Knox, Indiana and Doris Martin of Plymoth, Indiana. Two brothers, Virgil Craft of Pulaski, Indiana and Bryan Craft of Plymoth, Indiana. Several nieces and nephews also survive. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

Stufano Named Smithville Police Chief

The City of Smithville has named Thomas J. Stufano as the new Police Chief, effective November 1st.
Chief Stufano, who has been working in recent months as the city police department’s executive officer, brings with him 26 years of law enforcement and executive management experience in local, state, and U.S. government venues.
He will be leaving the U.S. government where he worked as a Division Supervisor with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Chief Stufano was also a Senior Manager with the U.S. Transportation Security Administration working as a primary Executive/Instructor in airport security explicity dealing with terrorist and clandestine intervention of destructive devices into U.S. Airports.
He was instrumental in helping resolve a number of international hijackings from Cuba to the Key West International Airport. Most recently, he was commended by both the FBI and US Department of Homeland Security for his discovery and investigative follow-up regarding an extensive fraud case against the U.S. government during the Katrina disaster.
In addition to his vast experience, Chief Stufano holds a Master in Business Administration degree in Military Management from Touro University in New York and is also a graduate of the U.S. Air Command and Staff College and the U.S. government’s Emergency Management Institute.

Opal A. Bell

74 year old Opal A. Bell of Nashville died Monday. She is survived by her husband, Frank K. Bell of Nashville. One son, Bruce D. and his wife Anita Bell. Granddaughters, Laura and Jenny; a sister, Dorothy McMahan of Nashville; and a brother, Edward Allen of Huntsville, Alabama. Family and friends will gather for a graveside service on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at DeKalb Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Tuesday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Woodbine Funeral Home, Hickory Chapel, on Nolensville Road, in Nashville.

Delmar Dee

89 year old Delmar Dee “Dale” Atnip of McMinnville died at his residence Tuesday of an extended illness. He was born in DeKalb County, a retired owner of Atnip Motors, and a member of the Westside Baptist Church. The funeral will be Thursday at 1:00 p.m. at the Chapel of High Funeral Home in McMinnville. Tyree Smith will officiate and burial will be in the Faulkner Cemetery at Pike Hill. Visitation will be Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. and Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until the time of the service. He was preceded in death by his parents, Burley and Novella Atnip; a daughter, Gail King; two brothers; and three sisters. He is survived by his wife, Karen Hennessee Atnip of McMinnville. Two sons and daughters-in-law, Charles and Betty Jo Atnip of Smithville and John and Betty Jean Atnip of Christiana. Three daughters and sons-in-law, Phyllis and Ronnie Tramel of Smithville, Linda Dale and Toby Lewis of McMinnville and Tonjia and Jerry Potts of Santa Fe. Eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Three sisters, Alene Ladd of Pineville, Louisiana, Ruth Johnson of Louisiana, and Dean Kite of Knoxville. One brother, Jim Solon Atnip of Georgetown, Louisiana. Several nieces and nephews. Special friends, Kristy Self and Bonnie K. Special adopted granddaughter, Madalyn Stubblefield. High Funeral Home in McMinnville is in charge of the arrangements.

Judge Hands Down Sentences In Criminal Court

Several defendants charged in various crimes appeared for sentencing Friday in DeKalb County Criminal Court before Judge Leon Burns, Jr.
36 year old Royce Avoin Foster pleaded guilty to burglary and received a four year sentence to serve in the Tennessee Department of Corrections. He was given credit for 153 days of jail time served.
46 year old Sammy Gene Taylor pleaded guilty to burglary and evading arrest. He received a three year sentence to serve 60 days in the DeKalb County jail with the balance on probation supervised by DOC. He must perform 100 hours of community service work and undergo an alcohol and drug assessment and follow the prescribed treatments. He received a sentence of 11 months and 29 days on the evading arrest charge but that will run concurrently with the burglary conviction. The case will run consecutive to any other sentence against him. He was given credit for 52 days of jail time served.
29 year old Christopher Hall pleaded guilty to theft over $1,000, eight counts of burglary, and one count of evading arrest. All the cases will run concurrently. He received a four year sentence all suspended except one year to serve either in jail or at Teen Challenge. He must pay restitution in the case.
40 year old Martin Riley pleaded guilty to theft over $1,000 and received a three year sentence reduced to time served with the remainder on DOC probation. He must make restitution of $3,600 and perform 100 hours of community service work and agree to testify against another person in the case. The sentence will run consecutive to any other case against him in Wilson County. Riley must undergo an alcohol and drug assessment and follow the prescribed treatments.
23 year old Johnny Devault pleaded guilty to conspiracy/introduction of contraband into a penal facility. He received a three year sentence, all suspended to DOC probation, supervised by community corrections. He will be on community corrections probation during the first year of his probation. He must complete 100 hours of community service work and undergo an alcohol and drug assessment and follow the prescribed treatments. He was given 36 days of jail credit.
26 year old Kim (Kym) Curtis, charged with criminal conspiracy, was granted pre-trial diversion under a memorandum of understanding for a period of two years. During this time, she must perform 100 hours of community service work.
Aubrey Beene III pleaded guilty to a second offense of driving under the influence and driving while revoked.. He received a sentence of 11 months and 29 days, suspended to 60 days to serve and he has lost his drivers license for two years. He was fined a total of $660 and was given five days of jail credit.
21 year old Steve F, Mabe, Sr. pleaded guilty to forgery and received a two year sentence, all suspended to probation.
47 year old Anna Adams pleaded guilty to possession of a schedule II controlled substance for resale. She received a four year sentence, suspended to probation. The case is to run concurrent with another case against her. She must pay a fine of $2,000.
27 year old Natasha Helms pleaded guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia. She received a sentence of 11 months and 29 days all suspended to probation. She may be released from probation if all fines and court costs are paid after six months. She was fined $150
35 year old Audrey Ledbetter pleaded guilty to simple possession of a schedule II controlled substance and received a sentence of 11 months and 29 days suspended to 10 days to serve with the balance on PSI supervised probation. She must pay a fine of $750. The ten days will be suspended upon her being admitted into the Putnam County drug court. Ledbetter must complete 25 hours of community service work and complete an alcohol and drug assessment and follow the prescribed treatments. The sentence is to run consecutive to a Putnam County sentence against her.
36 year old Clinton Maples pleaded guilty to three counts of worthless check and received a sentence of 11 months and 29 days with 30 days to serve in each case with all counts running concurrently but consecutive to any other case against him including one in Warren County. He will then be on PSI probation and he must make restitution of $180.34.
30 year old Brian Roberts pleaded guilty to assault and evading arrest and received a sentence of 11 months and 29 days in each case with both to run concurrently. He will be on PSI supervised probation. Roberts must complete 25 hours of community service work, undergo an alcohol and drug assessment and follow the prescribed treatments, and complete behavioral management classes.
33 year old Ruthie Shoemake pleaded guilty to prescription fraud and received a three year sentence, suspended to 30 days to serve with the balance on BOPP supervised probation. The 30 days may be served on weekends. She must complete 100 hours of community service work and undergo an alcohol and drug assessment and follow the prescribed treatments.
39 year old Marilyn Strayn pleaded guilty to possession of unlawful drug paraphernalia and received a sentence of 11 months and 29 days suspended to 30 days to serve with the balance on BOPP supervised probation. She must pay a fine of $150 and stay out of the Fred’s Department Store. Strayn must also complete 25 hours of community service work and undergo an alcohol and drug assessment and follow the prescribed treatments. The case is to run consecutive to another sentence against her.

DCHS Band Wins Big At Knoxville

The DeKalb County High School Band traveled to South Doyle High School in Knoxville for the Smoky Mountain Invitational Marching Band Festival on Saturday and outscored 9 other bands in 2 separate classes. The band brought home 8 trophies in all, three of which were larger than some of the students.
The DC Color Guard placed 2nd in class A just behind the Alcoa Color Guard. The guard scored enough to beat two of the four bands in the class by upwards of 4 points.
A score of 88.38 placed the band 1st in class A and 1st in Division which was a combination of Class A and AA, beating out bands that were larger. The next closest score was 86.13 by Jefferson County in the larger class.
The percussion section outscored the others in class and division as well. 89.50 was the score that beat out the Gibbs County percussion section who scored a 88.00.
The Field Commander Dustin Estes, assisted by Michelle Scott placed 1st in class and 1st in Division with a score of 94. That score was 4 points higher than any other field commander in the whole competition. (Class A, AA, AAA, AAAA).
Band Director Chuck Gilbert said “it’s really good to get the wins that these students deserve but we can’t stew on it. We have to use it for fuel and look ahead to our Division II State Championship next weekend” When asked about the performance Mr. Gilbert said “I hadn’t seen any of our competition when we came off the field but I knew they had just put on a performance that was worthy of a 1st place trophy. It was good to actually bring home the hardware. I want everyone to know how hard these students work. I am very proud of them and I hope they are proud of themselves. They deserve this win”.
As the Band buses made their way back to DeKalb County they were greeted at the county line by two county sheriff cars with lights flashing. One escorted from the front and one in behind. As they got to the City Limits of Smithville, a City Police Car stepped up in front of the whole caravan. Band Booster President Kennie Barnes, who is one of the drivers of the Equipment Bus, said “It’s really good to get to make some racket for these kids. I’d like to thank the sheriff’s department and police department for being so supportive of our kids.”
Next weekend the High School Band travels to Goodpasture High School for the Division II State Championship. They are scheduled to take the field for their performance at 1:45pm. Mr. Gilbert said “We should know the full schedule by mid-week”. For those that are interested in driving up with the “Tiger Band Caravan” can call the band room at 597-7213 or log onto www.DekalbBand.com for the schedule.