The Internal Revenue Service is looking to return $2.48 million in undelivered refund checks. A total of 2,091 Tennessee taxpayers are due one or more refund checks that could not be delivered because of mailing address errors.
“IRS is ready to reissue these checks once the taxpayers give us a correct address,” said IRS spokesman Dan Boone. “Taxpayers are warned that e-mails alerting them of pending refunds are not ever from the IRS but are identity-theft scams.”
Taxpayers can generally update their address or check the status of their refund with the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on IRS.gov or by calling 1-800-829-1954. To use the tool, a taxpayer must submit his or her Social Security number, filing status and amount of refund shown on the 2009 tax return.
In Tennessee, undelivered refund checks average $1,188 this year, compared to $958 last year. Nationwide, the average undelivered check is $1,471, compared to $1,148 last year. The increase is possibly due to recent changes in tax law which introduced new credits or expanded existing credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit.
Taxpayers can put an end to lost, stolen or undelivered checks by choosing direct deposit when they file. Taxpayers can use direct deposit when e-filing or filing paper returns, but e-filing significantly reduces filing errors and speeds up refund processing.

The Christmas season is nearly upon us which means it’s almost time to celebrate Christmas on the Square! This holiday event will be celebrated on Thursday, December 2nd from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on the Smithville Public Square.
Chamber festivities will be held at the 303 North Public Square building. There will be lots of Special Music, Pictures with Santa and Mrs. Clause by Double J Photography (Packages starting at $10), and also Free Family Portraits by Studio Six Limited from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. (1 group shot only – no individual children poses). A FREE Picture CD with a photo release will be provided by Studio Six Limited, so you can make all the copies you want! So bring the whole family!
Snowbird will be visiting around town from 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. and from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m.. He will be at the Justin Potter Library from 6:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.
At the Justin-Potter Library, Snowbird will read to the children and pose for pictures from 6:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. And the library will have a special visit from Santa immediately after Snowbird, so don’t forget to bring your camera!
There will be a Children’s Train and Inflatables (if weather permits)
There will be extended hours and Open Houses at several downtown stores and restaurants. This is a wonderful time for Christmas shopping and having a nice meal downtown.
Chamber Executive Director Suzanne Williams would like to invite everyone to this enjoyable and heartwarming experience – Christmas on the Square! For more information, call the Chamber office at 597-4163.
** Please Note: The Courthouse has decided not to have an Open House this year.

As you all know, The Remote Area Medical Clinic was in town this past weekend on November 12th and 13th. Patients began lining up around 4:00 pm on Friday afternoon and the line continued to grow as nightfall came. Patients stood out in the cold with blankets, heavy coats and whatever was needed to try and stay warm. They began handing out tickets for the first round of patients around 3:00 am on Saturday morning. As patients stood in line, they never expected the generosity that they received during their wait. Thanks to a local lady and the help of one local non-profit organization, the patients received free food, water and coffee. Elizabeth Napier, a local resident, worked with The Remote Area Medical Clinic back a few years ago when it was in DeKalb County. While volunteering then, she saw the need to provide patients with food services due to some illnesses brought on by going without food for several hours, waiting in long lines. She made up her mind right then and there, that if they were to ever return, she would make sure food was provided as long as The Lord would help provide.
Little did she realize that God would hold her to that thought. When Mrs. Napier learned that the Remote Area Medical (RAM) was coming back to town, she began to pray about it and God directed her to the help of none other than DeKalb County Children’s Service Council. Upon contact, they also saw the same need and set out to make this happen.
Mrs. Napier approached her family, the organization and from there it just snowballed and what a great success it was. On Saturday, they were able to feed well over 600 patients and on Sunday about 300. There were over 34 gallons of coffee made and served, over 700 snack cakes and cookies passed out and countless bottles of water were handed out.
Special thanks goes to all of the sponsors: Star Manufacturing, Bumpers, WJLE, Cash and Carry, Prichard’s Grocery, Bay’s Southern Bread Co ( Sarah Lee), Mapco, Bumpers, Save-a-Lot, Wal-Mart, Howard Jr. and Frieda Reynolds, Doris Gilbert, Jim and Peggy Scott, Bill and Sue Dearman, Loretta Sharritts, Rebecca Tucker, Robert and Evelyn Tucker, David and Kaye Fedak, Berle and Mamie Billings, Marvin and Libbie Napier, Smithville Church of the Nazarene, Real Life Community Church, Chris Jolley, Kenneth Neal and The Cookeville Social Security office.
Special thanks to the volunteers who helped served. Libbie Napier, Kenneth Neal, Vonda Brown, Halea Brown, Caleb Haggard, Aaron Haggard, Daniel Haggard, Ashton Waggoner, Robert Davidson, Breanna Williams, Jodie Jones and Wanda Redmon.

The Smithville aldermen have yet to decide what to do about the Smithville Municipal Golf Course, which remains closed for now.
During Monday night’s meeting, the aldermen voted to have a committee study to determine cost estimates and then have a workshop to discuss whether the city should hire someone to manage the operation or lease it.
At the last meeting two weeks ago, the city set a Friday, November 12th deadline for anyone interesting in running the golf course to submit a proposal.
Tony Poss sent in a proposal with two options for the city to consider. The following is Poss’s first proposal:
“I will honor any proposals already submitted to the City of Smithville. This is just another option I want the city to consider.”
“I will pay the city $100 per year lease”
“The city will purchase a greens mower, golf carts, tractor and gang mower and any other equipment needed for the course that the city approves.”
“If the city cannot purchase equipment necessary, I will consider furnishing the equipment needed”.
“The city will pay all expenses associated with the pool including lifeguards wages.”
“The city will provide insurance on all of the golf course and swimming pool property”
“The city will pay for any expenses on the equipment except fuel that the city purchases. If I purchase the equipment, I will pay for expenses on equipment that I purchase.”
“I will hire the lifeguards and any other employees needed for the pool and the city will pay their wages”
“I would like a contract for 10 years and a 10 year extension in order to have time to rebuild the business.”
The following is Poss’s second proposal:
“I will honor any proposals already submitted to the City of Smithville. This is just another option I want the city to consider.”
“I will pay the city $100 per month lease for 5 years and $150 per month for every month thereafter as long as I am the current tenant.”
“The city will purchase a greens mower, golf carts, tractor and gang mower and any other equipment needed for the course that the city approves.”
“The city will pay electric and water utilities during the months of April through October every year.”
“The city will pay for any pool supplies needed and any repairs on the pool, golf course, and pro-shop.”
“The city will provide insurance on all the golf course and swimming pool property.”
“The city will pay for any expenses on the equipment except fuel.”
“I will hire the lifeguards and any other employees needed for the pool and the city will pay their wages for 5 years. If after 5 years the golf course and pool is becoming profitable, I will pay for the lifeguards wages.”
“I will return all money received from regular admission charges of the pool to the city during the first five years.”
“I will retain all the revenues of the pro-shop and golf course”
“I would like a contract for 10 years and a 10 year extension in order to have time to rebuild the business.”
“I would like to re-open the golf course as soon as possible to recruit new members and re-establish this business as a child-friendly, family oriented environment. The club house needs to be re-done and this will take a little time to make this transition. I will take care of the greens at no charge until the city can make all the legal paperwork official and award me the lease or managing position.”
“I will give the city a 90 days notice of any intent to terminate a lease or managing position.”
Mayor Taft Hendrixson said he found Poss’s first proposal to be of some interest. But, Alderman Aaron Meeks said he wants to know what the city’s costs would be before committing to any proposal. “I think we need some cost figures. I don’t know how we can write a blank check without knowing what the amount on the check is going to be. One of these proposes that the city purchase the equipment. I don’t know what the equipment costs. I have no idea. If the city is going to purchase it, I want to see figures on every single one of these items on what it’s going to cost the city before I give it any consideration.”
Poss said he would like for the aldermen to give him some indication of what they’re going to do with the golf course. “I just need to know which direction or which proposal you’re considering. Is it’s Faron’s or ours? We really don’t have anything to start with.”
Mayor Hendrixson responded, ” My opinion may be different from the board’s, but my opinion is that I would love to lease it to someone and they furnish their own equipment and I’d be willing (for the city) to maybe pay the pool expenses. But that’s my opinion only.”
Faron Hendrix of Smithville Golf Management, who recently terminated his golf course lease with the city for economic reasons, has also submitted proposals to manage the operation and possibly sell his golf course equipment to the city.
Speaking to the mayor and aldermen Monday night, Hendrix expressed his frustration with the city’s indecision. “Steve (White), you asked for this (golf) course two years ago and how many times have you asked me for it since, for the city to run it? We don’t know what you want. You tell us one thing and then you change your mind. Be honest. Be transparent. We still pay taxes in the city and we’re tired of hearing it. You’re not acting responsible at all. We’ve had a lot of people work over there for free to promote this course. We’ve been transparent and told you what the problem was but you’re not reacting. We’ve given you proposals and you’re not even reading them. The code says you can buy used equipment and we’ve offered it to you for hardly nothing to keep the thing going. A lot of people have worked hard and haven’t made a dime over there and the course is in better shape than it’s ever been and if you don’t believe it, call Jim Alexander(former golf course manager). He knows what it was like when he left there. It was a dust bowl. We’ve got greens, t-boxes, and the fairways are decent. Had we gotten water (sprinkler system), you would have had something over there, but you don’t have water on the fairways so you’re dependent on the current conditions and climate. So what are you going to do? Are you going to close it? You have no answers for us. We’re willing to help you. If you don’t want us to have it, we’re here to help you. We’ve offered everything to try and take care of it through April 1st. You didn’t want to act on that. It’s still my city. I pay taxes in this city and I work hard. I’ve given a lot of time over there. A lot more than any of you would ever give over there. We’ve tried to provide something for these kids and adults to do besides sit around and do nothing. It’s a little bit of exercise.”
Alderman Steve White said he has always preferred that the city assume control of the golf course and hire someone to manage it, while seeking grants to help improve it. Something, he said the city cannot do if it leases the golf course to some private individual or group as it has done in the past. “I still think the city needs to run it as I’ve always said. But I think that with these different proposals, some of them offer the opportunity for the city to run it and hire a manager. Some of them offer just like what you offered (Faron) for the city to take it over, get part of the proceeds so we can get grants, just like I’ve said from the beginning, and basically let the city sublease or subcontract the labor. I move that we either get a committee together to get some figures on what it would cost to purchase some used (golf course) equipment and to find out what expenses we’re going to have and then maybe have a workshop on it in a few days.”
The golf course committee, made up of Aldermen Steve White, W.J. (Dub) White, and Aaron Meeks are expected to meet soon at Steve White’s suggestion to review the proposals and discuss potential costs to the city.

Smithville Police have charged a man in connection with the burglary and theft of a local residence after finding items from that home in his vehicle during a routine traffic stop last week.
Detective Matt Holmes has charged 27 year old Matt Lawson of 1243 Haley Road, Smithville with theft over $500 and aggravated burglary
K-9 Officer Bradley Tatrow has also charged Lawson with possession of a schedule II and possession of a schedule IV controlled substance for resale.
Bond for Lawson is $8,500 and he will be in General Sessions Court on December 2nd
The investigation began after Detective Holmes and Officer Tatrow stopped Lawson on Bryant Street for a traffic violation on Monday, November 8th. Lawson was found to be in possession of illegal narcotics (Oxycontin and Xanax), drug paraphernalia, and stolen jewelry. These items were allegedly stolen from a residence on Greenwood Drive, Smithville during a burglary on Sunday, November 7th.
Items found in Lawson’s possession have been positively identified by the victim as belonging to her.
Smithville Police say the investigation continues.

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department uncovered a shake and bake meth lab while assisting the Department of Children Services on a home visit last Monday, November 8th.
36 year old James Walton (J.W.) Goodman of Lowery Road, Smithville is charged with initiation of a process intended to result in the manufacture of methamphetamine
According to Sheriff Patrick Ray, a deputy made the discovery while assisting the department of children services on a home visit at the Lowery Road residence, where Goodman was staying. An 18 year old who answered the door told authorities that his parents were not at home, and when asked, said the vehicles parked in the driveway belonged to Goodman, who was inside the house sleeping. The deputy asked the 18 year old to wake up Goodman and have him come outside. In the meantime, the officer noticed some clothes and bags piled up in Goodman’s truck. When Goodman came outside, the deputy asked him if the truck belonged to him. He replied “yes” but that the vehicle was for sale. The officer and Goodman walked over to the truck and in plain view, the officer saw several mason jars in a black bag and a turkey baster in the seat. In the floor of the truck was a blue funnel, Coleman propane fuel, rubber gloves, and a two liter bottle containing a white substance. He also noticed a strong chemical smell coming from the vehicle. The officer searched further and found more components to make meth.
Goodman is under a $2,500 bond and he will be in court on November 18th.
A 41 year old man has been arrested by the Sheriff’s Department after being found in possession of items taken from a vehicle parked at the Smithville Cumberland Presbyterian Church on Sunday, November 7th.
Sheriff Ray said Robert (Bobby) Atnip, Jr. of Allen Ferry Road is charged with burglary and theft under $500. Atnip has also been issued two citations for simple possession, one citation for possession of drug paraphernalia, and a citation for driving on a suspended license.
According to Sheriff Ray, a deputy recently pulled over Atnip on a traffic stop and found on him, Xanax, Ambien, a needle, a container of water solution, and a straw. A computer check of his license revealed them to be suspended for numerous traffic violations. The deputy also noticed inside the vehicle, a basketball bag from DeKalb Middle School and a GPS unit, which were believed to have been stolen. Upon a further investigation, the deputy located the owner of the items found in Atnip’s vehicle.
The burglary charge states that on Sunday, November 7th, Atnip allegedly entered a vehicle without the owner’s consent with intent to commit a theft. The vehicle was parked at the Cumberland Presbyterian Church on South College Street.
The theft charge states that Atnip allegedly took items from the vehicle including a GPS and a blue bag containing DeKalb Middle School girls basketball uniforms. The total value is $325.
Bond for Atnip is $6,500 and his court date is November 18th.
Meanwhile 33 year old Darryl Wayne Cantrell of Morgan Drive, Smithville was arrested on Monday, November 8th and charged with violation of parole, evading arrest, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.
Sheriff Ray said a deputy stopped to do a welfare check on a vehicle he saw parked by the side of the road on Highway 53 in Liberty. Three people were inside, including Cantrell who was in the back seat. Suspecting that Cantrell had a parole violation against him, the officer called central dispatch to make sure. Cantrell, who got out of the vehicle, was instructed by the deputy to get back inside while he was answering dispatch. Cantrell started running. The officer called for Cantrell to stop but he refused. After chasing him on foot for about 60 yards, Cantrell was caught and placed under arrest.
Upon arrival at the jail, a pat down search was conducted on Cantrell and officers found in his front right pants pocket, a spoon and a used hypodermic needle wrapped in a paper towel.
Bond for Cantrell on the evading and drug paraphernalia charges is $3,500 and he will be in court November 18th. He is being held without bond on the violation of parole.
27 year old Tommy Lynn Parsley of Mount Juliet is charged with evading arrest and a sixth offense of driving on a suspended license. He is under a $6,000 bond.
Sheriff Ray said on Wednesday, November 3rd, a deputy saw Parsley operating a motor vehicle on Highway 70 west in the Snow Hill area. Having prior knowledge that his license were suspended, the officer activated his lights and siren but Parsley did not stop. The deputy followed Parsley for about three miles, before terminating the pursuit due to weather conditions and the speed of the pursuit which was 60-70 miles per hour. A computer check revealed that Parsley’s license were suspended for failure to satisfy citations in Wilson County and Smith County.
Parsley was arrested on Monday, November 8th.
23 year old Auston Corey Wood of Dale Ridge Road, was arrested for theft of property under $500 on Monday, November 8th after he obtained the services of a tow truck operator to haul off a truck for scrap from property on the Cookeville Highway. But what the tow truck operator did not know was that Wood was actually stealing the truck. The value of the truck is $450. According to Sheriff Ray, Wood told the tow truck operator that he had bought the truck and that he wanted to haul it off to a scrap yard on the Cookeville Highway. The truck was already loaded on the wrecker and ready to go when officers arrived. But again, Sheriff Ray stressed that the tow truck operator had no knowledge that Wood was trying to steal the truck.
Bond for Wood is $2,500 and he will be in court on November 18th.
25 year old Stephen Hunter Pugh of Gassaway Road, Woodbury is charged with unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond is $1,000 and he will be in court on November 18th.
On Tuesday, November 9th while on routine patrol, Sheriff Ray said a deputy saw a female in the backseat of a vehicle on West Broad Street, Smithville. Having prior knowledge that the female had an active warrant against her, the deputy stopped the vehicle at a business on West Broad Street. Pugh was a passenger. The officer noticed Pugh putting something in his pocket. Pugh was asked to step out of the vehicle and to keep his hands out of his pockets, but he kept putting his hand in his right pocket. According to the officer, Pugh was combative. The deputy conducted a pat down search and found three syringes and a cut straw in Pugh’s right pocket. He also found a pill bottle with water.
19 year old Matthew Anthony Murphy is charged with criminal trespassing. His bond is $1,000
and he will be in court on December 2nd.
Sheriff Ray said on Friday, November 12th, the DCHS school resource officer saw Murphy approaching the school from the adult high school area. According to the SRO, he and the assistant principals have told Murphy several times not to come onto the school property. No trespassing signs are posted and Murphy knew he was not to be there.
52 year old Edwin Dale Evans of Smith Road, Smithville is charged with a first offense of driving under the influence. His bond is $1,000 and he will be in court on December 2nd.
On Saturday, November 13th, a deputy was called to check out a possible impaired driver. Dispatch reported that the vehicle was all over the roadway. The officer got behind the automobile on Broad Street, Smithville and saw the vehicle cross the yellow line several times. After stopping the vehicle and speaking to the driver, Evans, the deputy noticed that his speech was slurred. Evans was asked to perform several field sobriety tasks. He performed poorly. Evans was also unsteady on his feet and he had poor motor skills. Evans admitted to taking Xanax about 30 minutes prior to the stop. He submitted to a blood alcohol content test.