DeKalb County firefighters were called to Bethel Road shortly after 12:30 a.m. Saturday where a storage building, belonging to Jason Z. Cripps, was on fire.
According to DeKalb County Fire Chief Donny Green, the building was fully involved in flames when the owner discovered the fire and made the call to 911. The storage building and all contents were totally destroyed and the cause of the blaze remains undetermined at this time.
Fire units from the Blue Springs Station and the Short Mountain Highway Station responded along with the department’s tanker truck. DeKalb EMS, THP, and the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department were also on hand to provide assistance.

State Fire Marshal Leslie A. Newman wants to remind Tennesseans that, while fireworks are a traditional part of Fourth of July celebrations, many people are seriously injured each year by their careless use.
“We would encourage you to enjoy the holiday at a public display presented by trained professionals,” says Newman, “where compliance with state-of-the-art fire codes offers a safer way to celebrate our nation’s independence.”
If consumer fireworks are legal where you live and you decide to set them off on your own, be sure to follow these important safety tips:
• Never allow children to handle or ignite fireworks.
• Read and follow all warnings and instructions.
• Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
• Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from homes, dry leaves, and flammable materials.
• Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned.
• Keep a bucket of water and a garden hose nearby in case of a malfunction or fire.
• Like matches and lighters, sparklers are not toys and cause hundreds of injuries every year. Sparklers burn hot, can reach temperatures as high as 1,200° F, and stay hot long after they’ve burned out. You wouldn’t hand a matchbook or lighter to a child to wave around or play with – so, don’t give a child a sparkler.
Fireworks can be dangerous, causing serious burn and eye injuries. A 2007 law prevents children under 16 from purchasing fireworks; and those who are age 16 or 17 must present a photo ID to purchase them.
For more information on firework safety, visit http://tennessee.gov/commerce/sfm/. The Department of Commerce and Insurance works to protect consumers while ensuring fair competition for industries and professionals who do business in Tennessee. www.tn.gov/commerce/

Folks flocked to downtown Smithville Friday to enjoy a delicious meal and to help raise money for the American Cancer Society.
The 4th annual cook out on the square called “Eating for a Cure”was hosted by local public officials and their employees and approximately $1,500 was raised. All of the money collected will go to the Relay for Life.
Circuit Court Clerk Katherine Pack, Trustee Sean Driver, County Mayor Mike Foster, Register of Deeds Jeff McMillen, Assessor of Property Timothy “Fud” Banks, General Sessions Judge Bratten H. “Butch” Cook II, Road Supervisor Kenny Edge, County Clerk Mike Clayborn, Clerk and Master Debra Malone, Sheriff Patrick Ray, and Administrator of Elections Dennis Stanley furnished the food for the annual event.

A fire this morning (Friday) destroyed a vacant single wide mobile home, which was being used as a shed, on Lower Helton Road.
The structure belonged to James Hale
County Fire Chief Donny Green says Hale resides across the road from the trailer and his grandson was the first to spot the fire.
The blaze was reported after midnight but it was well underway by the time it was noticed so firefighters could not save it. Members of the Liberty, Temperance Hall, and Main Stations of the DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department responded along with the Sheriff’s Department and DeKalb EMS.
The fire rekindled after 3:00 a.m. and members of the Liberty Station returned to the scene.
No one was injured.

Leadership DeKalb Class of 2009 graduation was held on Thursday, June 18th at the 303 North Public Square Building, Smithville.
After a welcome from Chamber President, Robin Driver, the invocation was given by Reverend Ben Chapman, Director of Lighthouse Christian Camp and recipient of the Leadership DeKalb Alumni Association 2008 Legacy Award.
Leadership Alumni 2008 Community Leader of the Year, Charlie Parker, was the night’s guest
speaker and spoke on the topic “Serving Our Community.” An overview of the year’s sessions was assembled in powerpoint presentation by class president Brandon Miller. It was introduced by class member Tom Miller and narrated by Amy Lockhart and Leah Cantrell. Leadership Director Jen Sherwood, Chamber Director Suzanne Williams, and Leadership Alumni President Aaron Meeks presented the graduating class with plaques.
Leadership DeKalb is a 10-month program designed to bring together individuals who desire increased leadership responsibility in improving the quality of life in DeKalb County, and train these citizens with knowledge, skills and an increased awareness of opportunities so that they are involved, effective and active leaders. Each summer, applications are accepted for the next year’s class. Participation is open to any who lives or works in DeKalb County and who has a desire to contribute to positive change in DeKalb County. For more information, contact Jen Sherwood at 597-4851 or the chamber office at 597-4163.
Pictured from left: Front – Tiffany Winchester, DCHS Student; Esther Hernandez, Translator, La
Hermosa Methodist Church; Rhonda Caplinger, Liberty State Bank; Amy
Lockhart, Premier Realty at Center Hill Lake; Jen Sherwood, Leadership
Director; Leah Cantrell, DeKalb Community Hospital; Janna Gillard, Gillard
Publishing/DeKalb County Guide; Claudette Lasser, Law Office of Harry
Lasser; Cheryl Ludwig, Appalachian Center for Craft
Back – Nick Nokes, DTC Communications; Tom Miller, Liberty State Bank; Jason
Ray, State Farm Insurance; Brandon Miller, Middle Tennessee Natural Gas

The Smithville Aldermen Thursday night met briefly in special session and adopted on first reading the proposed six million dollar budget for the 2009-2010 fiscal year which begins July 1st.
Water and sewer rates will remain the same to start the new year with no increases. Water and sewer tap fees will also remain at the same levels and property taxes will not be increased.
The budget includes a two percent pay raise for city employees and a five dollar increase per call for the volunteer firefighters, going from $15 to $20 per call.
Since full time employees with at least ten years of service with the city will be getting a three weeks paid vacation, Mayor Taft Hendrixson proposed to give volunteer firefighters with at least ten years of service an extra $250 at the end of the year as payment in lieu of vacation. However, Alderman Tonya Sullivan said that could be addressed by the new council, and made a motion to adopt the new budget as is, with no further changes. Alderman Jerry Hutchins, Sr. seconded the motion and Aldermen Willie Thomas, Cecil Burger, and Steve White all voted yes.
Mayor Hendrixon’s proposal could be voted on as a budget amendment after the new council takes office.
The aldermen will consider second and final reading passage of the proposed budget in a special meeting on Tuesday, June 30th at 6:30 p.m. at city hall.

A mayor and three aldermen will be elected in Alexandria on Thursday, September 3rd but only two people met the qualifying deadline Thursday at noon to get their names on the printed ballot.
Mayor Ria Baker will be running for a full term as mayor and alderman Tony Tarpley will be running for a full term as alderman.
The positions are currently held by mayor Baker and aldermen Tarpley, Eddie Tubbs, and Charles Griffith.
Anyone wanting to run as a write-in candidate still has an opportunity to get in the race.
Administrator of Elections Dennis Stanley says under state law 2-7-133 subsection (i), any person wanting to be elected by write-in ballots shall complete a notice requesting such person’s ballots be counted no later than 12 noon 50 days before the election” which in this case is July 15th.
According to Stanley, “If the ballot still isn’t full, any vacancies would be filled by the board of mayor and aldermen after the election, as I understand the law.”
Meanwhile, the last day to register to vote in the Alexandria election is August 5th.
The last day to register to vote in the Liberty election is July 7th.
Early voting for the Liberty election is July 27th-August 1st.

As we approach the summer months, the Tennessee Department of Safety (TDOS) reminds motorists that children and pets should never be left unattended in a vehicle.
“It is important to remember that children and pets can become ill from heat exhaustion when left in a hot car,” stated Department of Safety Commissioner Dave Mitchell. “Motorists should never leave a child or animal unattended in a car, even with the windows down. Even if it’s just a few moments, it’s extremely dangerous.”
On a typical sunny, summer day, the temperature inside a car can reach potentially deadly levels within minutes. Experts say the damage can happen in as little as ten minutes. Even on a mild day at 73 degrees outside, an SUV can heat up to 100 degrees in ten minutes and to 120 degrees in just 30 minutes. At 90 degrees outside, the interior of a vehicle can heat up to 160 degrees within several minutes.
“Cracking the window to let air in does little to protect children from the effects of heat buildup in a parked car,” stated Tennessee Highway Patrol Colonel Mike Walker. “Not only could you suffer the loss of a loved one from leaving them in an unattended vehicle, you could face jail time and stiff penalties.”
Heat exhaustion can occur at temperatures above 90 degrees and heat stroke can occur when temperatures rise above 105 degrees. If not treated immediately, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke. With respiratory systems that are still developing, children are particularly vulnerable to heat exhaustion.
Depending on the seriousness of the offense, a person can be charged with penalties ranging from a Class A Misdemeanor to a Class A Felony for leaving a child unattended in a vehicle. TCA Code 39-15-401 provides that “any person who knowingly, other than by accidental means, treats a child under eighteen years of age in such a manner as to inflict injury commits a Class A misdemeanor. If the abused child is six years of age or less, the penalty is a Class D felony. TCA Code 39-15-402 carries a possible Class B or Class A felony for aggravated child abuse and aggravated child neglect or endangerment. Class A Misdemeanors carry a penalty of not greater than 11 months, 29 days or a fine up to $2,500, or both. Class A Felonies can carry a penalty of not less than 15 nor more than 60 years. In addition, the jury may assess a fine not to exceed $50,000.
Last year, nationwide, there were at least 42 deaths in the United States due to hyperthermia after being left inside hot cars, trucks, vans and SUV’s. (Source: San Francisco State University)
Make sure your child is safe this summer and always follow a few simple tips:
Safety Tips:
• Children should never be left alone in a vehicle, not even to run a quick errand.
• Be sure that all occupants leave the vehicle when unloading. Don’t overlook sleeping babies.
• Children can set a vehicle in motion. Always lock your car and ensure children do not have access to keys or remote entry devices.
• If a child gets locked inside, call 911 and get him/her out as soon as possible.
• Keep vehicles locked at all times, even in the garage or driveway.
• Keys should never be left within reach or sight of children.
• If you see a child or animal unattended in a car, be proactive and call 911.
The Tennessee Department of Human Services is taking similar steps to protect children transported by child care providers. To learn more, visit: http://www.tennessee.gov/humanserv/news/09/news-06-03-09.pdf and http://www.tn.gov/humanserv/adfam/cc_main.html.