Three people were arrested Saturday by the Sheriff’s Department..
Sheriff Patrick Ray says 35 year old Darrell Jerome Gurley of Parsley Road, Smithville is charged with criminal impersonation in addition to two warrants for violation of probation. 32 year old Michelle Lee Culwell of Parsley Road is charged with simple possession of a schedule III drug (Hydrocodone) and 29 year old Heather Perkins of Mountain View Drive, Smithville faces a charge of tampering with evidence.
According to Sheriff Ray, a deputy, while on patrol on Highway 56 north Saturday, spotted Gurley sitting with two females, Culwell and Perkins, in a vehicle at the parking lot of a local business. The officer had prior knowledge of two active violation of probation warrants on Gurley so he stopped to speak with him. Gurley initially identified himself as Paul Allen Sullivan and gave a date of birth and social security number. But after the officer confronted him about his identity, Gurley gave his real name. Gurley’s bond is $1,000 and he will appear in court on October 15th. After receiving consent to search from Gurley and the women, the officer found ten pink pills believed to be Hydrocodone in Culwell’s pocketbook. Culwell said she had no prescription for the pills. Her bond was set at $1,000 and she will appear in court on October 15th. While searching the vehicle, the officer also noticed that the other passenger, Perkins, was trying to conceal something in her pants. The officer asked Perkins to empty her pockets and she produced a small container that was missing the lid. He inquired about what was in the container and where it went and she replied that it was a Xanax and that she had swallowed it. Perkins added that she did not have a prescription for the drug and that she had purchased it from a friend. Her bond was set at $1,000 and she will appear in court on October 15th
Meanwhile, 50 year old Jack Christopher Adams of Petty Road, Smithville was arrested on September 28th after a deputy spotted him operating a motor vehicle on Highway 56 South. The officer had prior knowledge that Adams’ drivers license was revoked. After stopping Adams, the officer confirmed that his driver’s license was revoked for a conviction of driving under the influence on January 3rd, 2008. Adams also had eight separate prior charges of driving on a revoked driver’s license. Adams’ bond was set at $15,000 and he will appear in court on October 15th.
On Sunday, October 4th, deputies were dispatched to an auto accident on Highway 146. After speaking to the driver, the investigating officer arrested 31 year old Phillip Miranda of Cecil Hale Road Smithville for driving on a revoked driver’s license. Miranda’s license was revoked for a driving under the influence conviction on June 17th, 2008. Miranda’s bond was set at $1,000. He was also issued a citation for no insurance and failure to maintain his lane of travel on the roadway.

The DeKalb County Fighting Tiger Band traveled to Lebanon on Saturday for what should have been their second contest of the season. Their first contest, scheduled to be in Hendersonville on September 19th, was rained out, so the Lebanon Blue Devil Marching Invitational ended up being the first of the season. Band director, Jonathan Wright, said, “It’s good to finally get this first contest under our belt so the new students know what we’re practicing for.”
Saturday started out like most “Band Contest Saturdays”. They gathered at the High School at noon to practice for approximately two hours to work out a few last minute kinks in the show. After a few minor instrument repairs and maintenance procedures, the students were focused and ready to perform.
After the rehearsal, the band loaded the bus and made their way to Lebanon with a long convoy of supporters behind them. Some of the cars were decorated with window paint cheering on the band of their favorite band student. The people that support the DCHS Fighting Tiger Band are among the most passionate around.
As per tradition, the last fifteen minutes or so of the band’s ride on the bus becomes completely silent. The students look straight ahead and focus on what they have to do to get their job done. This tradition was created several years ago by the band students of Mr. Randy Rhody, and has remained in place before every contest performance since.
The Band took the field at 5pm and was determined to give their best performance of the year, and they did not disappoint. “This was by far the best performance of the season,” says Mr. Wright.
During the awards ceremony it was revealed that Hunter Tramel was the 1st place field commander not only in class but in the whole competition, which included big bands and small bands alike. This is the second year in a row that Hunter has achieved this status. The percussion section won first place in class as well.
Mr. Wright is quick to brag on his young band. “Our color guard was one of only two that got a superior rating, and even though there was no recognition or trophy for the accomplishment, they placed second overall in the class. Despite the overall young age of the band they far exceeded expectations. We have great things in store for next week.”
Next week the band will travel to Goodpasture High School for The Cougar Marching Invitational. This is a prelims/finals contest which means the 12 bands that are in the contest will be slimmed down to the top 8, and those bands will perform again for the final placement in the contest.
To find out more about the band log onto www.DekalbBand.com or check them out on FaceBook.

The Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce recently presented a Milestone Award to the New Bildad Primitive Baptist Church in celebration of the church’s Bicentennial.
Elder Ricky Arnold, pastor of the church, says the church has been in the Seven Springs-Keltonburg community for 200 years.” We want to take this opportunity to thank God for His amazing Grace. In 200 years, the church has probably touched the lives of a lot of people and families that are here in DeKalb County. We’d love for those folks to come back and visit us.”
“The church divided in 1854 and the church that became known as Old Bildad changed their original church covenant but the church that became known as New Bildad still holds the church covenant and the Articles of Faith from 1809 and we still practice and worship as they did 200 years ago. We have a rich history and we want to thank God for that.”
Pictured from left:
Debbie Arnold, Pastor Ricky Arnold, Deacon Ralph Arnold, Chamber Director
Suzanne Williams

A 33 year old Smithville woman was injured in a one vehicle accident Wednesday morning on Highway 70 in Alexandria near Highway 53.
Trooper Darrell Knowles of the Tennessee Highway Patrol says Lynda M. Neville was traveling west on Highway 70 in a 2006 Kia when she went off the right side of the roadway, overcorrected, came back across the left side of the road, hit a road sign, a ditch, and a culvert.
Members of the DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department’s Rescue team were summoned to the scene to extricate Neville from her vehicle. She was airlifted from nearby by a Life Force Helicopter Ambulance and flown to Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville.
Trooper Knowles says Neville’s injuries were not believed to have been life threatening.
Others on the scene were members of DeKalb EMS, the Alexandria Police Department, the Alexandria Volunteer Fire Department, and the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department.

The DeKalb County Tigers snapped a two game losing skid Friday night with an 18 to 15 win at York Institute.
The victory improves the Tigers record to 4-3 overall and 2-1 in District 8AA.
Neither team scored in the first quarter and points were precious in the second quarter.
York Institute’s first half score came on a four yard Matt Brown touchdown run with 7:37 left in the second period. The P.A.T. kick was good and the Dragons led 7-0.
The Tigers only points of the first half came on the leg of kicker Zach Taylor who connected on a 31 yard field goal with 3:35 left in the second quarter to trim the Dragon lead to 7-3. That was the half time score.
Taylor was called upon for another 31 yard field goal try with 10:04 left in the third period and again came through to pull the Tigers to within one at 7-6.
DeKalb County got their first touchdown of the night later in the third period on a 12 yard run by Tyler Weatherby. The two point conversion attempt failed but the Tigers led 12-7. That was the score at the end of the third period.
York Institute took the lead again with 10:34 left in the fourth period on a 45 yard punt return by Tyrel Asberry. The Dragons also scored on the two point conversion try and pulled ahead of the Tigers 15 to 12.
DeKalb County scored it’s next go ahead touchdown with 7:38 left in the fourth period on a five yard quarterback keeper by Hunter Poteete. Taylor’s P.A.T. attempt was no good but the Tigers led 18 to 15.
On their final drive, the Dragons were moving the ball on the ground against the Tigers and found themselves in scoring position with less than a minute and a half left in the game, but Abram Edwards picked off a pass by the Dragon quarterback to seal York Institute’s fate and preserve a DeKalb County lead and victory.

Smithville Police, investigating a reported child neglect case Thursday, found drugs and made five arrests at a residence on West Main Street.
Chief Richard Jennings says 52 year old Billy Joe Rigsby and 44 year old Marla A. Turner of 214 West Main Street are charged with possession of a schedule II controlled substance for resale, possession of drug paraphernalia, and simple possession. 19 year old Phyllis Danielle Lack of 214 West Main Street is charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. 24 year old David Franklin Turner and 21 year old Toni Michelle Turner are charged with child abuse and neglect.
Officer Travis Bryant says he initially responded to a call of a child in the street and a subsequent investigation of a possible child neglect case was conducted by Detective Jerry Hutchins, who responded to the home of Billy Joe Rigsby and Marla Turner at 214 West Main Street along with Drema Edel of the Department of Children Services. Upon arrival Detective Hutchins and Edel spoke with both David and Toni Turner, the parents of the child. Danielle Lack,.Billy Joe Rigsby, Marla Turner were also at the residence. Rigsby and Marla Turner gave the officers consent to search the premises and Chief Jennings, Patrolman Matt Farmer, K-9 Officer Bradley Tatrow and Patrolman Randy King joined Detective Hutchins at the scene.
The search revealed a bottle containing yellow pills believed to be K-4 Dilaudid. Several clean and dirty needles were also found through out the home along with several cut straws containing residue and a prescription belonging to someone who was not present.
Bond for Rigsby and Marla Turner was set at $30,000 each $5,000 each for David and Toni Turner. All five defendants are to appear in court October 22nd.
36 year old John Allan Judkins of 4762 Jefferson Road was arrested Thursday, October 1st for possession of drug paraphernalia. According to the report, on that day Officer Bradley Tatrow observed a vehicle driving erratically on West Broad Street near Stewart’s Auto. Upon activation of blue lights to signal the vehicle to stop, the automobile continued to travel for about ¾ miles before stopping. While behind the vehicle, Officer Tatrow saw the passenger of the vehicle reach into the back seat. Upon making contact with the driver, Dale Evans and passenger John Judkins, Officer Tatrow immediately executed a safety pat down of the men for weapons. Evans gave verbal consent to search his vehicle and one used hypodermic needle along with a cut off straw with powdery residue were recovered from the back seat area where Tatrow had observed Judkins reaching while the vehicle was in motion. Judkins was placed under arrest for possession of drug paraphernalia and transported to the Smithville Police Department. His bond was set at $1,000 and his court date is October 29th.
47 year old Dawn Elizabeth Beavers of 731 Webb Lane was arrested Friday, October 2nd for theft of property. Detective Jerry Hutchins arrested Beavers for allegedly taking $20 scratch off tickets from Kwik N Ezy, where she worked, and putting the tickets in her purse without paying for them. According to the report, Beavers has committed this act several times in the past. The total value of the stolen tickets amounts to more than $10,000. Beavers allegedly cashed in the winning tickets at other stores. Her bond is set at $10,000 and her court date is October 22nd.
28 year old Julian G Soto of 203 Bryant St was arrested September 25th for driving under the influence. According to the report, on that date Officer Bradley Tatrow observed a vehicle traveling 55 miles per hour in a 40 mile per hour zone on Highway 146 North. Upon stopping the vehicle, Officer Tatrow made contact with Soto, the driver. Soto had an odor of an alcoholic beverage about his person and he was unsteady on his feet. Soto submitted to and performed poorly on field sobriety tasks. He was placed under arrest for DUI. Soto refused a chemical test to determine the alcohol/drug content of his blood and he was charged with a violation of the implied consent law. His bond was set at $1,000 and his court date is October 15th.
21 year old Pablo O. Valenciano was arrested on September 27th for violation of probation. Officer Randy King reports that he pulled over Valenciano for failing to yield to a stop sign at the corner of Miller Road and Anthony Avenue in Smithville. He did not have a license, insurance or registration. After issuing citations, Officer King was advised that Valenciano was wanted for violation of probation in Warren County. He was placed under arrest and transported to the police department.
Meanwhile, Chief Jennings says citizens and business operators need to be aware that counterfeit twenty (20) dollar bills are circulating in the city and county. If you receive one of these bills, please call Central Dispatch at 215-3000 and they will send an officer or deputy to make a report.

The DeKalb County Jail and Jail Annex have again met standards for re-certification by the Tennessee Corrections Institute.
Sheriff Patrick Ray, in a prepared statement, says “On July 28th, the Tennessee Corrections Institute did an inspection of the DeKalb County Jail and the DeKalb County Jail Annex. The report states that at the time of inspection the jail was not overcrowded, all records and logs appeared to be in order, and all medical exams were up-to-date. The report goes on to say that the kitchen was clean, the dietician letter was current, and the physical plant appeared to be in good state of repair and was clean. At the time of inspection, there were 62 males and 20 females incarcerated in the DeKalb County Jail. The inspector recommended the jail to be certified.”
Sheriff Ray adds that on Thursday October 1st, he received the certification from the Tennessee Corrections Institute that says the DeKalb County Jail has complied with the Tennessee Minimum Standards for local Correctional Facilities.

The DeKalb County Trustee’s office mailed out the 2009 DeKalb County property tax statements Wednesday
DeKalb County Trustee Sean Driver says tax payers have until February 27th, 2010 to pay their tax bill but if you pay in either October or November, you’ll get a discount. “We have prepared tax cards, we mailed those September 30th, and today we are in collection mode. We are preparing to get ready for all you who want to come in and pay. Of course, we are collecting today but the last day to pay is February 27th, 2010. That falls on a Saturday and our office will be open all day that day until 4:30 p.m. We are offering discounts this year, as passed by resolution of the county commission. We are offering a 2% discount through the last day of October and a 1% discount if you pay in November. That resolution (establishing the discounts) was passed after the county budgets were approved so the resolution (notice about the discounts) didn’t get printed on your (tax notice) card to say that discounts will be offered but we want you to take advantage of this if at all possible.”
Seniors, be sure to check with the office on the state property tax relief program. The income limit is $25,360 for single or combined household incomes.
Trustee Driver says Tennessee’s tax relief program is state-funded and provides a rebate of credit for all or a portion of the property taxes on residential property owned and occupied by low-income elderly, low-income disabled, and disabled veteran homeowners and their surviving spouses. “In order for the elderly to apply for tax relief, you must be age 65 on or before December 31st, 2009 to meet the elderly requirements. To be a disabled applicant, you must be 100% disabled as deemed by the Social Security Administration or some administration thereof. Disabled veterans can get a tax relief as well. They do not have to report their income but they have to be 100% disabled as deemed by the Veterans Administration. We can sign you up now through April 5th, 2010. Remember, whenever you get ready to pay your taxes, the taxes must be paid in full before we can ever submit your application to the state (for property tax relief).This year the income limit to apply, using your 2008 income including income from all owners, is $25,360. That’s using all sources of income in 2008. You will be applying for 2009 tax relief using 2008 income.”
Driver says the law now requires applicants to include their spouses income when seeking state property tax relief. “This is a state property tax relief program through the State of Tennessee and this year, under new legislation passed by the state, if you are legally married and your spouse’s name is not on the deed, you are still required to submit your spouse’s 2008 income. In the past you did not have to do that but now if your spouse’s name is not on the deed, whether living with you or not living with you, you are required this year to submit your spouse’s income.”
Driver adds that all applicants approved for state property tax relief will get a little extra relief thanks to recent action by the county commission. “We have gone to the county commission and proposed that all applicants that are state approved will get an extra $50 off of their tax bill. This year all applicants are getting $91 off along with an extra $50 off for a total of $141. And if you pay in October or November you will get the one or two percent discount as well.”
Property Tax Relief Eligibility requirements for Elderly Homeowners are as follows:
Must be 65 or older on or before December 31st, 2009
Must provide evidence of age (i.e. driver’s license, birth certificate, marriage license)
Must own and use the property on which you are applying as your primary residence
Qualified applicants will receive property tax relief on the first $25,000 of their property’s market value.
According to the deed of the property, Must have records of the combined 2008 income of all owners of the property not exceeding $25,360. Income (i.e. social security, SSI pension, etc)
Eligibility requirements for Disabled Homeowners are as follows:
Must have been totally and permanently disabled as rated by the Social Security Administration or any other qualified agency on or before December 31st, 2009
Must provide evidence of age (i.e. driver’s license, birth certificate, marriage license)
Must own and use the property on which you are applying as your primary residence
Must have records of the combined 2008 income of all owners of the property not exceeding $25,360
Eligibility requirements for Disabled Veteran Homeowners and/or widow or widower:
Must own and use the property on which you are applying as your primary residence.
Your disability must meet one of the following categories:
A service-connected disability that resulted in (1) Paraplegia, (2) Permanent paralysis of both legs and lower part of the body resulting from traumatic injury or disease to the spinal cord or brain, (3) Loss or loss of use of, two or more limbs, and (4) Legal blindness.
A total and permanent disability rating from a service-connected disability
A 100% total and permanent disability rating from being a prisoner of war.
The Veteran’s Administration Office determines eligibility from the applicant’s information in the Trustee’s Office forwarded to the State of Tennessee.
If you meet these requirements you may apply in the Trustee’s Office as soon as you receive your property tax bill. The deadline to apply is 35 days after February 27th, 2010 or April 5th, 2010.
If you have any additional questions concerning the tax relief program, come by the Trustee’s office in the courthouse or call 597-5176.