The Annual Membership Banquet of the Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce is set for Thursday, January 31st at Elizabeth Chapel Baptist Church on Allen Ferry Road, Smithville. The special evening begins with a “Silent Auction” at 5:30 p.m. The dinner and program starts at 6:00 p.m.
The keynote speaker will be popular author and radio personality, Karlen Evins. In addition, the Leadership DeKalb Alumni group will present their winners for “Community Leader of the Year” and “Legacy” awards. Chamber Board Members including the newly elected board members will also be introduced.
Along with entertainment, a meal will be served and a “Silent Auction” will be held. Each Chamber member is asked to donate an item for the Silent Auction. Please contact the Chamber office as soon as possible and let them know what you will offer.
Tickets are $20 per person and may be purchased from any of the 15 board members or they may be picked up at the Chamber office located at 301 N. Public Square, Smithville.

The Smithville Police Department helped two needy families have a merrier Christmas last week and two members of the department have been commended for their efforts.
Officers Brad C. Tatrow and Callie M. Matthews have been presented commendations signed by Mayor Taft Hendrixson, Police Commissioner Cecil Burger, Police Chief Richard Jennings, and Lieutenant Steven Leffew.
The commendations state that “On behalf of the City of Smithville Police Department, I would like to commend you for your recent efforts in your capacity as a Smithville Police Officer. Due to your determination, the Smithville Police Department recently was able to assist two families this Christmas Holiday.”
“As a result of your determination, the Smithville Police Department was able to assist two needy families, consisting of eight children this Christmas Holiday with food and gifts for the children with the assistance of local businesses.”
“It’s initiatives like this that will distinguish Smithville Police officers as friends and protectors and will take our Police Department to a higher level of excellence. For your outstanding performance, you are hereby formally recognized and commended with a copy of this commendation becoming a part of your permanent personnel record.”
“Congratulations and keep up the great work!”

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department and the Smithville and Alexandria Police Department conducted recent road blocks to keep travel as safe as possible to start 2008.
Sheriff Patrick Ray says a total 293 vehicles were stopped during the road blocks including 72 vehicles on Highway 56 south; 53 on Highway 70 east; 47 on Highway 53 in Alexandria; 62 on Highway 70 west in Alexandria; and 59 automobiles were stopped on Highway 146
During the roadblocks, sheriff’s department deputies made three arrests.
31 year old Ramon Hernandez of College Street, Smithville was arrested for no drivers license. His bond was set at $1,500 and his court date is January 9th..
51 Year old Danny Certain of Blue Springs Road, Smithville was arrested for a second offense of driving under the influence and was issued a citation for violation of the open container law. Bond for Certain was set at $3,000 and his court date is January 31st.
22 year old Thomas Thompson of Manners Road, Lebanon was arrested for a first offense of driving under the influence. His bond is set at $1,500 and his court date is January 31st.
The Smithville Police Department arrested 30 year old Alfredo Bazaldua of Atnip Street, Smithville. He was charged with a first offense of driving under the influence. His bond was set at $1,500 and his court date is January 31st.
The Smithville Police Department also issued two citations to one person for driving without a driver’s license and littering, after the individual threw a bottle out of his vehicle.