DeKalb County voters Thursday will decide whether five term Republican incumbent Road Supervisor Kenny Edge should be re-elected. It’s the only county wide contested race on the DeKalb County General Election ballot.
Edge, who was first elected in 1990, is facing a challenge from former county road department employee James D. (Jimmy) Sprague, the Democratic nominee.
The winner will officially begin the four year term of office on September 1st.
At least one new school board member will be elected Thursday. There are three contested district races for the board of education.
In the fourth district, the candidates are Billy S. Miller and Larry Redmon. Incumbent school board member Joan Draper, finishing her one and only term, is not seeking re-election. Both Miller and Redmon are seeking elected office for the first time.
In the second district, Charles Robinson will be seeking his third term. Robinson was first elected in 2002 and he was re-elected in 2006. He will be challenged by a former second district school board member Jerry Wayne Johnson, who served from 1992 to 1998.
In the third district, Kenny Rhody is running for his third term. Rhody was first elected in 2002 and re-elected in 2006. Johnathon Willoughby, making his first attempt at public office, will be running against Rhody.
The terms of office are four years, beginning September 1st.
First district incumbent John David Foutch and seventh district member Johnny Lattimore are unopposed.
The county general election ballot also features two contested district county commission races.
In the fifth district, democratic Incumbent John D. Green is seeking re-election to a third term. Other candidates are Democrat Bobby R. Taylor, Republican Jerry Adcock and Independent Lloyd Emmons. Two will be elected .
In the seventh district, Democratic Incumbent Larry Summers is running for re-election. Jimmy W. Poss is also a Democratic candidate. Summers served three terms on the commission from 1978 to 1990 and another three terms since 1998. Poss served on the commission for three terms from 1994 to 2006. They will face opposition from Independent Richard Kinsey . Two will be elected.
All other county commission candidates are unopposed since two are to be elected in each district.
Those candidates are as follows:
First district: Mason Carter and Elmer Ellis, Jr
Second district: Jack Barton, III and Bobby Joines
Third district: Bradley Hendrix and Jerry Scott
Fourth district: Wayne Cantrell and David McDowell
Sixth district: Jeff Barnes and Marshall Ferrell
The terms of office are for four years and begin September 1st.
All other candidates on the county general election ballot are unopposed including the following;
Circuit Court Judge: Amy Hollars
District Attorney General: Randall York
County Mayor: Mike Foster
County Clerk: Mike Clayborn
Trustee: Sean Driver
Register of Deeds: Jeff McMillen
Circuit Court Clerk: Katherine Pack
Sheriff: Patrick Ray
The polls at all sixteen precincts will be open Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. WJLE will have LIVE election return coverage starting at 7:00 p.m. You may hear the broadcast LIVE on AM 1480/FM 101.7 and LIVE streaming at www.wjle.com. Subscribers of DTC Communications cable TV service may also hear the LIVE WJLE broadcast of the election returns on MyDTC3 Thursday night.

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a robbery which occurred Tuesday afternoon at Liberty State Bank in Liberty.
Sheriff Patrick Ray says a man, believed to be in his mid-twenties, walked into the bank and handed one of the employees a note demanding cash. The teller gave him an undisclosed amount of money and the man fled on foot in an unknown direction of travel.
According to Sheriff Ray, the man was described as a white male, wearing an orange plaid shirt and blue jeans. He was also wearing a camoflagued hat with sunglasses on the cap. The man had no covering over his face. He is approximately five feet, five inches tall and weighs about 130 pounds
The man did not display any weapon during the robbery and no one was injured. After he left, a bank employee called 911 at 1:18 p.m. Within a minute of the call, an officer of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, who was on Highway 70 in Liberty, arrived at the bank.
Officers and detectives of the Sheriff’s Department rushed to the scene. Sheriff Ray says he also contacted the FBI and two agents came over. Constable Mark Milam arrived as well.
No arrests had been made at last report.
If you have information that could help solve the crime, contact the Sheriff’s Department at 597-4935.

A mother, arrested in April for neglect after officers found her home where the child was living in a filthy and unsanitary condition, has been indicted by the Grand Jury
Jamie Lee Beising will appear for arraignment in DeKalb County Criminal Court on Monday, August 16th.
The indictment alleges that “On or about the 11th day of April, Beising did knowingly neglect a child under six years of age, so as to adversely affect the child’s health and welfare constituting the offense of child neglect.”
Sheriff Patrick Ray says on Saturday, April 10th, a deputy was dispatched to the residence of Beising, who lived on Old Snow Hill Road in Dowelltown, in answer to a complaint of an unattended child who was left in the home.
Upon arrival, the officer talked with the father of the two year old child. The father, who did not live at this residence, said he heard his child screaming when he approached the home and found the youngster there alone. The mother returned about fifteen minutes after the deputy arrived.
According to Sheriff Ray, the officer entered the residence and was horrified to find loose trash, piles of dirty diapers, rat waste on uneaten food, mold in the refrigerator, flies and maggots throughout the home and in a bedroom where the child slept was loose trash piled up even with the bed.
The Department of Children’s Service was called to assist in the case and the child was removed from the mother’s care.
Beising was among seventy four people indicted Monday by the Grand Jury . Eight people were named in sealed indictments but their names cannot be released until they are arrested.
The following persons indicted and their charges are as follows:
B.J. Alverson- allowing animals to run at large
Matthew Allen Baker- resisting arrest (2 charges); second offense of driving under the influence, driving on a suspended license, violation of the implied consent; and vandalism over $500
Lavar K. Bass- third offense of driving on a revoked license, evading arrest, and resisting arrest
Jamie L. Beising- child neglect
Donna S. Blankenship- 2nd offense of driving under the influence, possession of paraphernalia, and a second offense of driving on a suspended license (2 charges)
Sabrina Leighann Branham- driving under the influence, possession of a schedule III, IV, and V controlled substance
Robert P. Brawley- possession of a schedule IV for resale, possession of a schedule II (2 counts), and possession of paraphernalia
Randy Allen Caldwell- possession of paraphernalia
Vickie Ann Cantrell- possession of a schedule II controlled substance
Chasity L. Carter- driving under the influence
David R. Driver- driving under the influence
Kenny Dyal, Jr.- aggravated burglary and theft under $500 (2 counts)
Patricia J. Farler- driving under the influence and possession of paraphernalia
Angel D. Ferrell- auto burglary and theft under $500
Alicia L. Fish- resisting arrest, assault, and disorderly conduct
Timothy W. Ford, Terry Daniels, and Lydia R. Judkins- initiation of a process to manufacture methamphetamine
Jerry H. Goff- possession of a schedule VI for resale, possession of paraphernalia, and driving on a suspended license
Jonathan D. Goff- possession of paraphernalia, introduction of drugs into a penal institution, and possession of a schedule II, III, IV and VI controlled substance.
Jeffery L. Hendrix- aggravated burglary and theft over $1,000 (2 counts); escape
Shannon R. Herman- sale and delivery of a schedule II controlled substance
Steve L. Holder- driving under the influence
Joey Howell- burglary and theft over $1,000
Brandon W. Hutchings- burglary and theft over $1,000
Timothy Edward Lawson- possession of paraphernalia
Matthew M. Lawson- theft under $500
Brian C. Lehan- fourth offense of driving under the influence, second offense of driving on a revoked license, and violation of implied consent
James A. Marsh- introduction of contraband into a penal institution; aggravated burglary and theft under $500
Coty Lynn McCormick- theft under $500
Royce D. McCrary- violation of the habitual motor vehicle offender and a 6th offense of driving on a revoked license
Jack J. Mullican- forgery (2 charges); theft under $500; second offense of driving on a suspended license (2 charges)
Cody Murphy and Jerry Cantrell- aggravated burglary and theft under $500
Felicia Murphy- possession of paraphernalia
Jeffrey T. Oaks- fifth offense of driving under the influence and driving on a revoked license
Amy Grubb O’Dell- filing a false report (2 charges)
Michael E. Owens- aggravated burglary (3 charges) and theft over $500 (2 charges)
Tyrone D. Owens- aggravated burglary and theft over $1,000 (3 charges of each); theft over $500
Tommy Lynn Parsley- evading arrest (3 charges) and a sixth offense of driving on a suspended license (2 charges); possession of a schedule IV for resale, possession of paraphernalia, criminal impersonation, and resisting arrest.
Nieka D. Patton- initiating the manufacture of methamphetamine, possession of a schedule II controlled substance (3 counts), possession of a schedule IV and VI controlled substance and possession of paraphernalia
Shawn B. Patton, Angela J. Atnip, Kevin D. Bogle, and Twanna A. Petty- initiation of the manufacture of methamphetamine and reckless endangerment (3 counts)
Timothy W. Patrick- theft over $500
Walter R. Pedigo- possession of a schedule III controlled substance
Shana N. Pittman- theft under $500
Danny Ray Ponder- possession of a schedule II controlled substance
Lisa Porterfield- theft of services; possession of a schedule II, IV, and VI controlled substance for resale, possession of a schedule III controlled substance for resale (2 counts), and possession of paraphernalia
Stephen H. Pugh- driving on a revoked license
Walter Ray Redmon- possession of a schedule VI controlled substance
Carlos Reyes- second offense of driving on a revoked license
Amanda M. Riley- possession of a schedule II and IV controlled substance
Gregory W. Roberts- third offense of driving on a suspended license, evading arrest with a motor vehicle, and reckless endangerment
Lance Rollings- possession of a schedule VI and possession of paraphernalia
Paula Gail Smith- driving under the influence
Jeffery O. Smithson- aggravated assault and introduction of contraband into a penal institution
James Summers- introduction of contraband into a penal institution(2 charges); fourth offense of driving on a revoked license
James F. Summers and Stephanie J. Perry- promoting the manufacture of methamphetamine
Jacob L. Tramel- theft over $1,000
Joshua D. Turner and Terry R. Barnes- promoting the manufacture of methamphetamine
Ryan L. Walden- theft over $1,000
Johnny W. Wilson and David A. Bedwell- theft over $500
Jeremy E. Woodard- third offense of driving on a revoked license and criminal impersonation

Several Republican legislators just returned from Arizona, after delivering a resolution to Governor Jan Brewer and sponsors of the bold new immigration law showing Tennessee’s support. Representative Terri Lynn Weaver (R-Lancaster) joined other Republican lawmakers, led by Senator Bill Ketron (R-Murfreesboro) and Representative Joe Carr (R-Murfreesboro), to meet with Senator Russell Pearce AZ, the author of SB 1070 which is called “Americas favorite bill.” .
The State House and State Senate passed House Joint Resolution 1253 this year, which commended Arizona for their bold move on immigration policies. That resolution became law without the Governor Bredesen”s signature on June 22. The Arizona act allows law enforcement officials to require citizenship documentation on any citizen that is detained or arrested. “It will take the political handcuffs off of our law enforcement and put them on those who break our laws.” Arizona spends over $2.7 billion every year on illegal immigrants.
“Tennesseans are overwhelmingly in support of the law passed in Arizona. A statewide poll showed 72 percent of Tennesseans support it,” said Representative Weaver. “Years—decades even—of inaction by the federal government is unacceptable, and people want action taken. The bold steps taken by Arizona are to be recognized, and learning more about what they are doing and how will aid us in finding a solution for our state.”
Tennessee has experienced an ever increasing and growing problem as a direct result of the Obama Administration’s refusal to deal with the problem of illegal immigration. The trip was paid for at personal expense. The lawmakers left on July 30 and returned on July 31.

A 28 year old Alexandria woman has been charged with aggravated assault for allegedly stabbing her boyfriend with a steak knife.
Amanda Lynn Vanatta of Arnold Lane, Alexandria will be in General Sessions Court on the charge August 5th. Her bond is $5,000
Sheriff Patrick Ray says a deputy was called to High Street in Alexandria for an assault on Wednesday, July 28th. Upon arrival, the officer learned that Vanatta had stabbed her boyfriend with a steak knife several times. He was treated for non life threatening injuries
Meanwhile in another case, 33 year old Billy Jason Lackey has been charged with simple possession of marijuana after allegedly throwing a bag of pot out the window of his vehicle as a county deputy was trying to pull him over Sunday, August 1st.
According to Sheriff Ray, the officer was in the process of trying to stop Lackey’s vehicle on Highway 70 for a traffic violation when he saw a plastic bag come out of Lackey’s car window
After making the traffic stop, Lackey allegedly admitted to throwing a bag of marijuana out of the window. Lackey’s bond is $1,500 and he will be in court August 12th.
48 year old James Allen Hargrave of Four Seasons Road, Smithville was arrested on Saturday, July 31st and charged with a second offense of driving on a revoked license. His bond is $2,000 and his court date is August 11th. While on routine patrol, a deputy spotted a vehicle driving recklessly on Bryant Street. Hargrave was pulled over and allegedly admitted that his drivers license were revoked. A computer check revealed that his license were revoked for a 2009 DUI conviction. He also has other offenses in DeKalb County.
31 year old Jason Richard Skaroupka was arrested on Sunday, August 1st and charged with evading arrest and driving on a revoked license. Skaroupka’s bond is $15,000 and his court date is August 12th.
Sheriff Ray says an officer spotted Skaroupka on Old Snow Hill Road running through a stop sign and driving erratically. When the deputy turned on his emergency equipment, Skaroupka fled but was caught when he ran his vehicle off the roadway.
A computer check revealed that Skaroupka’s license were revoked in DeKalb County and he has other offenses in Rutherford County.

A DeKalb County man was arrested last Tuesday, July 27th after a witness spotted him at the scene of a burglary in progress in the Jefferson Community
25 year old Edward Lee Judkins, Jr. of Jefferson Road is charged with theft of property over $500, aggravated burglary, and vandalism less than $500.
According to Sheriff Patrick Ray the witness apparently noticed a strange vehicle at the residence on Jefferson Road, stopped to investigate, and saw Judkins running away. Officers were notified and quickly arrived on the scene and found that someone had broken the door glass and made entry into the home. A weedeater, chainsaw, some horse drawn equipment (double tree), and an axe were taken from the home and loaded onto Judkins’vehicle.
Judkins was later arrested and charged in the case.
Meanwhile in a separate investigation, Judkins has been charged with criminal impersonation and leaving the scene of an accident, which occurred last month.
According to Sheriff Ray, a deputy was called to investigate a two vehicle wreck on Creek Road in the Keltonburg Community on July 12th. One of the persons involved in the accident told the officer that the driver of the other vehicle, who called himself Joe, left the scene. He was later identified in a photo line-up as Edward Lee. Judkins, Jr.
Total bond for Judkins in all the cases is $22,000 and his court date is August 5th.
Meanwhile, Judkins’ grandfather, 74 year old John Allen Judkins, Sr. of Jefferson Road, Smithville has been charged with assault as a result of the burglary investigation involving his grandson. Bond for Judkins is $1,000. He was also issued a citation for failure to stop, halt, and frisk.
According to Sheriff Ray, while the deputy was enroute to investigate the July 27th burglary involving Edward Lee Judkins, he came upon a vehicle near the crime scene, occupied by John Judkins and other Judkins family members.
Knowing that Edward Lee, Jr. was a suspect in the burglary, the officer stopped the Judkins vehicle to make sure he wasn’t in there. After making the traffic stop, John Judkins allegedly became upset. He began cussing and then raised his walking cane in a threatening manner toward the officer. John Judkins was arrested and charged as a result of the incident. Edward Lee Judkins, Jr. was not in the vehicle.
Meanwhile, in other crime news, 24 year old Amy Lynett Knowles of Jacobs Pillar Road, Smithville is charged with possession of a schedule II controlled substance for sale and delivery under a sealed indictment returned by the April term of the Grand Jury. Her bond is $30,000. She was arrested on Monday, July 26th.