If early voting is an indication, the city election Tuesday may be decided by a larger number of voters than the last several municipal elections.
A total of 683 people cast ballots during the early voting period from May 28th through June 12th, a new early voting record for a Smithville Election.
On Thursday, the last day of early voting, 82 people voted including 80 by personal appearance and 2 by mail.
The daily numbers of people voting from Wednesday, May 28th to June 12th are as follows:
Wednesday, May 28th- 58 (56 by personal appearance and 2 by mail)
Thursday, May 29th- 66 (64 by personal appearance and 2 by mail)
Friday, May 30th- 36 (33 by personal appearance at the courthouse and 3 by personal appearance at a retirement home)
Saturday, May 31st- 37 (36 by personal appearance and one by mail)
Monday, June 2nd- 44 (43 by personal appearance and one by mail)
Tuesday, June 3rd- 43 (43 by personal appearance and 0 by mail)
Wednesday, June 4th- (37 by personal appearance and 0 by mail)
Thursday, June 5th- (49 by personal appearance and 0 by mail)
Friday, June 6th- (49 people voted by personal appearance and 2 by mail)
Saturday, June 7th- (23 people voted by personal appearance and 0 by mail)
Monday, June 9th- (23 people voted by personal appearance and 0 by mail)
Tuesday, June 10th- (54 people voted by personal appearance and 4 by mail)
Wednesday, June 11th- (43 people voted by personal appearance and 0 by mail)
Thursday, June 12th- (80 people voted by personal appearance and 2 by mail)
Prior to the start of early voting, 33 persons voted by mail or by personal appearance at nursing and retirement homes.
In the city election last year in which three aldermen were elected, a total of 738 people voted including 555 early voters and 183 on election day.
In 2006 in which a mayor and two aldermen were elected, a total of 696 voted including 425 early voters and 271 on election day.
Numbers of voters in city elections from the year 2000 to 2005 are as follows:
Year 2005: 70 voters including 28 early voters and 42 on election day
Year 2004: 800 including 450 (early) and 350 (election day)
Year 2003: 450 including 231 (early) and 219 (election day)
Year 2002: 833 including 442 (early) and 391 (election day)
Year 2001: 473 including 218 (early) and 255 (election day)
Year 2000: 642 including 313 (early) and 329 (election day)
Election day is Tuesday, June 17. Voting will take place in the basement courtroom of the courthouse. The polls will open at 8:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m. Everyone waiting in line at 7:00 p.m. will be allowed to vote. To vote in the Smithville Election you must be a registered voter and be a resident of the city or be registered as a property rights voter. Please bring identification with you when you come to vote.
The absentee counting board will convene Election Day to count the paper ballots cast for the Smithville Election. The early voting machines will be tallied and the results announced as soon as possible at the close of the polls.
WJLE will have LIVE election return coverage starting at 7:00 p.m. at the courthouse or hear the results LIVE on-line at www.wjle.com

Director of Schools Mark Willoughby presented his monthly report on personnel to the Board of Education Tuesday night.
Those who have resigned since the last meeting are as follows:
Rob Robinson, Special Education Assistant at DCHS
Alisha Rice, teacher at DeKalb County High School
Barbara Johnson, teacher at DeKalb Middle School
Christine Rivers, teacher at DeKalb County High School
Kristen Reagh, Band Director at DeKalb County High School
Eric Helton, teacher at DeKalb County High School
Amy Fox, Special Education Teacher
Shane Cook, Transportation Supervisor
Those who have been transferred include:
Peggy Semmes, teacher, transferred to DCHS
Penny Bilyeu, teacher transferred to DeKalb Middle School
Judy Redmon, transferred to a teacher position at Northside Elementary School
Sabrina Farler, transferred to Assistant Principal at DeKalb Middle School
Joy Parker, teacher transferred to DeKalb Middle School
Tad Webb, teacher transferred to DeKalb Middle School
Mike Shockley, teacher transferred to DCHS
Those employed for the 2008-09 school year since last month are as follows:
Carol Sampley, teacher at Smithville Elementary School
Viva Gay Vickers, substitute bus assistant
Michael Kingsbury, driver special education car
Ray Robinson, substitute custodian
Wayne Taylor, substitute custodian
Kelly Driver, part-time Physical Therapy Assistant
Three special guests attended Tuesday night’s school board meeting as part of the evaluation process in the local board’s efforts to be named a “Board of Distinction.”
Board Chairman W.J. (Dub) Evins III welcomed Mike Holland and Larry Judkins of the Warren County School System and Dan Schlafer of Cumberland County, who are all Level III members of the Tennessee School Board’s Association. “We as a board in DeKalb County are undertaking a role which has been set out and set forth by the Tennessee School Board’s Association for Boards of Distinction. I think we can meet the criteria that it takes to become a Board of Distinction. We have a good working relationship with one another, with our school system, and with our community. One of those criteria for that is to have Level III TSBA board members evaluate us and how we conduct our board meetings.”
In other business, the board adopted a request from DCHS Principal Kathy Hendrix and Career and Technical Director Brad Leach for “Database 3725” to remain a one-credit course at DCHS. The state only requires that this class award one-half credit for the competencies taught. The application for approval of special courses provides information of a proposed enhanced curriculum to increase the course to one-credit.
The board also granted approval to add an additional course to the Career and Technical Education schedule of courses at DCHS. The course to be added is “Keyboarding/Document Formatting 3775”. The course will award one-half credit to students in the Business Technology program of study area. Keyboarding/Document Formatting will give students a greater knowledge and additional skills in the areas of Microsoft Office, Excel, and PowerPoint as well as continued keyboarding skills. This course is also included in the Business, Management, and Administration career cluster program of study sequence.
DCHS Principal Kathy Hendrix reported to the Board that enrollment numbers are up for Summer School this year. “I think the first day or two we had over 90 students. Last year, we probably had about 50 students.”
Director Willoughby added that because of grant funds, the school system has been able to provide transportation for some students attending summer school classes, which may be a factor in the larger enrollment.
Board member Charles Robinson reported that the board has authorized funds to rent a billboard from Lamar Advertising on the west side of the Smithville city limits to display a group picture of 31 seniors who recently graduated from DCHS. These are the seniors who earned a grade score average of 93 or above. The billboard will read “Education Counts in DeKalb County.” Robinson says the sign may be in place in time for the Fiddler’s Jamboree for everyone to see including tourists as they arrive in town.
In other business, the board adopted a partnership agreement with L.B.J. & C. Headstart to establish working procedures in the provision of services to preschool children eligible for special education in compliance with regulations, federal, and state laws.
The board approved an agreement between Tennessee Tech University and DCHS for the utilization of $9,172 in grant funds to provide upkeep and maintenance of a greenhouse in growing hydroponic vegetables as part of the agriculture/vocational class instruction.
Under MTUD’s Project Hometown Help Program, $2,500 in funding will be used to help support the Education Celebration which is held at the beginning of the school year.
The board renewed it’s shelter agreement with the American Red Cross. Under the agreement, the Red Cross is authorized to use Board of Education buildings, grounds, and equipment for mass care shelters in the event of a major disaster.
The board granted permission for the DCHS football cheerleaders to attend cheerleading camp at Vanderbilt University July 13-16. Permission was also granted for school system buses to transport 4-H students to Junior 4-H Camp at Crossville, leaving June 16th and returning on June 20th.
Several budget amendments were adopted to close out the fiscal year including a transfer of $30,000 from the fund balance to diesel fuel ($22,000) and vehicle parts ($8,000) to accommodate expenditures.
The county commission will also be asked to approve these proposed budget amendments.

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department has made several arrests within the last week on charges ranging from theft to DUI, public intoxication, and various drug charges.
28 Year old Joey Phillip Phelps of Windy Cut, Dowelltown was arrested Monday, June 2nd for theft of property over $500 and burglary. Sheriff Patrick Ray says Phelps kicked in the front door of Nichole’s Market on May 30th, went in to the store, and stole the cash register valued at over $500. Phelps’ bond was set at $25,000 and his court date is June 19th.
55 year old Kathy Phillips of Windy Cut, Dowelltown was arrested Wednesday after she was stopped on Highway 70 for a traffic offense. After speaking with Phillips, the deputy noticed Phillips had glassy eyes and she was unsteady on her feet. Sheriff Ray says Phillips admitted to taking Xanax earlier in the day. Phillips was arrested for DUI and bond was set at $1,000. She will appear in court on July 24th.
24 year old Veronica Esther Ross of Bryant Street San Francisco California was arrested Wednesday after a vehicle was stopped on Dry Creek Road in Dowelltown for a traffic offense. Ross was a passenger in the vehicle. After the stop, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department K-9 drug detector dog “Banshee” alerted on the vehicle. Ross then produced from a back pack she had in the vehicle, a plastic bag containing mushrooms, a schedule I narcotic. Ross was placed under arrest for possession of a schedule I drug, mushrooms, and bond was set at $2,500. She will appear in court June 19th.
39 year old James Lee Adcock of Jefferson Road was stopped Wednesday on West Bryant Street in Smithville. After Adcock gave the Deputy consent to search his vehicle, the officer found a plastic bag under Adcock’s seat. Also found in the console of the vehicle, were rolling papers. Adcock was charged with simple possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia (rolling papers). Bond for Adcock was set at $2,000 and his court date is June 26th.
On Thursday, 33 year old Tracy Dionne Schunke of Smithville was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, evading arrest, introduction of drugs into a penal institution, and failure to appear. Sheriff Ray says a deputy spotted Schunke on Old Mill Hill Road Dowelltown. He had a warrant on her for failure to appear in court on a theft of property warrant. After the Deputy stopped her, the officer exited his patrol car and Schunke drove off. She went approximately ½ mile before stopping again. During a search, the officer found 2 used hypodermic needles and a cut straw in her purse. After entering the DeKalb County Jail, Schunke also produced 1 ½ Dilaudid pills from between her legs. Schunke’s bond was set at $54,500 and her court date is June 26th..
47 year old Tammy Burton of Pea Ridge Road Liberty was involved in a one car accident Saturday on Pea Ridge Road. Burton was arrested for driving on a revoked license. Her license was revoked for a DUI on November 7th, 2006 in Cannon County. Her bond was set at $1,000 and her court date was set for June 26th.
Also on Saturday, 36 year old Michael Douglas Howard of Maples Street, Alexandria was charged with public intoxication after deputies responded to a complaint at Avant Circle in Alexandria. Upon arrival, officer found Howard lying on the complainant’s back steps passed out. The complainant did not know Howard. He had a strong odor of alcohol on his person and was unable to walk. Howard’s bond was set at $1,000 and his court date is June 26th.

A woman from DeKalb County has been charged with TennCare fraud related to selling prescription drugs in Macon County that were paid for by TennCare.
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of 24-year old Jamie Kay Hatcher, of Smithville. The arrest was the result of a joint effort with the 15th Judicial District Drug Task Force. She turned herself in at the Macon County Sheriff’s Office.
An indictment accuses her of fraudulently obtaining a prescription for the painkiller Hydrocodone on two separate occasions using TennCare to pay for the prescriptions, and then selling a portion of the pills.
“The illegal trafficking of prescription drugs is a problem we’re dealing with in Tennessee, just as other states try to tackle the problem,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. “But in TennCare, people who participate in selling drugs paid for by taxpayers should understand that we are vigorously enforcing the state laws we’ve worked for that make this a serious crime.”
TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge. District Attorney General Tom P. Thompson is prosecuting.
The OIG, a law enforcement agency separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has worked cases leading to the arrest of almost 700 individuals for TennCare fraud, with over $800,000 paid in restitution to TennCare, and total estimated cost avoidance in TennCare of over $75 million, according to latest figures.
Through the OIG Cash for Tips Program established by the Legislature, Tennesseans can get cash rewards for TennCare fraud tips that lead to convictions. Anyone can report suspected TennCare fraud by calling 1-800-433-3982 toll-free from anywhere in Tennessee, or log on to www.tncarefraud.tennessee.gov and follow the prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud”.

The DeKalb County Fair in Alexandria will be held Monday through Saturday July 21st through July 26th.
The fair will feature at least two new events this year, the Tennessee Off-Road Challenge and Tennessee Top Model Audition for females ages 15 to 29.
Fair Manager Jeff McMillen says the Tennessee Off-Road Challenge will be Monday night during the fair at 6:30 p.m. at the Hilltop Arena. “It’s these four wheel drive vehicles that climb rock and we’ll have a 200 foot obstacle course for those type vehicles. We’re expecting it to be a good event and a big event. Hopefully, it’ll turn out to be a weekend event instead of a Monday night event eventually.”
DeKalb Idol will be back this year. Audition nightly at the DeKalb Idol Tent from 6:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. to compete in the final competition Saturday night for $300. A brand new “People’s Choice” voted on by the audience compete’s for a $100 cash prize.
Participants in fair pageants (Fairest of the Fair, Junior Fair Princess, Little Miss and Mister, Miss Sweetheart, and Little Miss Princess) may register on-line at www.studiosixlimited.com or www.dekalbcountyfair.us or you may register in person at the fairgrounds on Saturday, July 19th.
Parents wishing to register their children in the baby and toddler shows may obtain an application on-line at www.dekalbcountyfair.us. Just print off the form and send it in or stop by
the Smithville Review for a registration form.
The fair will feature lots of delicious foods and 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.
Non-Perishable exhibits ONLY will be accepted Saturday, July 12th from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. and all Perishable exhibits ONLY will be accepted Saturday, July 19th from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
Exhibit rule books are available at your local Post Office, Library, Chamber of Commerce, Liberty State Bank, DeKalb Community Bank or at www.dekalbcountyfair.us or www.dekalbtn.com.
Enjoy nightly entertainment at the Memory Lane Stage in Memory Village featuring Blue Grass music, LIVE bands, Karree Phillips, a Bassoon Concert, Southern Dreams Band, Al Mahan, Karaoke, Clogging and Square Dancing, Terri Lynn Weaver, Meet Elvis, Bluegrass Express Cloggers, Tae Kwon Do Demonstrations, Martial Arts Demonstration, Krystal Marie, Jubal’s Cry, Crossfire Band, the Country Giant Band, the DCHS Band, the Saturday Nite Two Step and more!
Every night is T-shirt night! Wear any DeKalb County Fair T-shirt from ANY YEAR and ask for your ticket to win great BONUS PRIZES during the $1,000 cash giveaway each night at 9:00 p.m. at the Lion’s Club Pavilion. Request tickets at the gate.
The following events are scheduled:
Monday, July 21st: 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 Hilltop 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 22nd: 4-H Lamb Cooking Demonstration; 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 Hilltop 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 23rd: 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 Hilltop Arena; $1000 cash giveaway at 9:00 p.m. and announcement of DeKalb Idol winners at the Pavilion.
Thursday, July 24th: 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 Lawn Mower Racing at 7:00 p.m. at the Hilltop Arena; $1000 cash giveaway at 9:00 p.m. and announcement of DeKalb Idol winners at the Pavilion.
Friday, July 25th: WSMV Channel 4 Snow Bird from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Toddler Show at 6:00 p.m. followed by Tennessee Top Model at the Lions Club Pavilion; an Antique Tractor Pull at 7:00 p.m. at the Hilltop Arena; and a Demolition Derby 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.
Saturday, July 26th: A Horse Shoe Tournament at 3:00 p.m. at the barn; and a Super Tractor and Truck Pull at 6:00 p.m. at the Hilltop Arena: DeKalb Idol Final Competition at 6:00 p.m. at the Lions Club Pavilion followed by Gospel Singing; $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.