Smithville Electric System held a small luncheon Wednesday to commemorate 41 years of service to the City of Smithville.
Two of the directors, John Robert Nixon and Dr. W.E. Vanatta, who have been on the SES board since it was established in 1969, were also recognized for 41 years of service.
Mayor Taft Hendrixson presented plaques to each man which reads ” Your dedicated service and conservative leadership has helped make Smithville Electric System what it is today. Your commitment is greatly appreciated by the City of Smithville Mayor and Board of Aldermen, 2010.”
Nixon, who has also served as chairman of the board since it’s beginning, says he appreciates all the employees and supporters from the City of Smithville and Smithville Electric.” I also want to thank our vice chairman who is not here today, Dr. W.E. Vanatta. He is not feeling well. I want to give him as much or more credit for the growth and prosperity of Smithville Electric as any of the rest of us. We started out here in 1969 with Dr. Vanatta, John Bill Evins, Bill Maffett, Clarence Braswell, and myself on the board. Some of those are not with us anymore and we sure do miss them but their replacements have all been excellent people that had one thing in mind, the growth of the city of Smithville and Smithville Electric. We want to thank everybody for this. We have one of the lowest rates. We were, out of 154 distributors, the twelfth lowest in rates. We have maintained a good crew to take care of people after hours and if it weren’t for the squirrels we wouldn’t have any power outage much.”
After the regular board meeting, fellow SES board members visited Dr. Vanatta in his home to make the award presentation. Dr. Vanatta said he was grateful to them. “I want to thank the Smithville Electric System. I want to thank the mayors over the years that’s re-appointed me on the electric board. I have so many people to be grateful to. They have all been cordial and easy to work with. I couldn’t ask for a better bunch.”
Smithville Electric System is governed by a five member board of directors, who are appointed by the Mayor. In addition to Nixon and Dr. Vanatta, other current members of the board are Tony Hagan, Walter Burton, and Smithville Alderman Cecil Burger.
The SES Manager is Michael E. Parker.

The people of DeKalb County bid goodbye to their hometown hero PFC Billy Gene Anderson Tuesday afternoon.
The memorial service for PFC Anderson was held at the New Life United Pentecostal Church in Smithville followed by a long procession to the Dismal Cemetery near Liberty
From the church on South Congress Boulevard to West Broad Street in Smithville and at many other places along the route, people lined the roadside, gathered in front of businesses, or just sat in their vehicles to view the funeral procession as it passed by. Many waved flags and displayed signs in tribute to the fallen soldier who was killed in Afghanistan last Monday.
Bobby Thomason and Michael Hale officiated at the funeral.
Thomason, pastor of the Covenant Baptist Church where Anderson was a member, said Billy was a good young man who made good choices in life. “Billy was well loved by his family and friends. He was a young man, full of life. He was humble but always ready to help and respond to whatever it might be.”
“As a young boy, he gave his life to Jesus Christ at Bible school and I had the privilege of baptizing him. I thought he made good choices in his life. He accepted Christ. He chose to serve his country, to be a young man willing to sacrifice for the love of his country and even though he is gone from us in body he will always be with us in spirit. He was a hero in our midst.”
Hale said Billy realized there was a cost in serving his country, but he was willing to make the sacrifice. “The reason Billy was willing to go and fight was because he loved you and I. He cared enough about the freedoms that we have that he was willing to go and lay down his life that we could enjoy our freedom. Billy realized that there was a cost but he cared enough about his family. He cared enough about DeKalb County, the State of Tennessee, and the United States of America to say I’m going to defend what we have and he was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice.”
Chaplain Larry McCarty from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, quoting from the scriptures, said Billy lived the passage in second Timothy, ” I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith. Billy did that. The challenge for us is to do the same.”
Brigadier General Robin Akin presented PFC Anderson’s military awards to the family including the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with a Bronze Service Star, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the NATO Medal, and Combat Action Badge.
Song selections for the funeral included recorded music by Tim McGraw “If You’re Reading This, I’m Already Home”, Toby Keith’s “An American Solider” and “Crying for Me” , among others. Thea Tippin sang a song in person as part of the memorial service.
Members of Anderson’s unit from Fort Bragg served as pallbearers during the funeral and at the cemetery. Just before burial, an American flag which had draped the casket was folded and given to Anderson’s mother Marlene Goodwin. Two other folded American flags were presented to Anderson’s wife Caitlin and eight month old daughter Lilly Grace.
In addition to the flag presentations, the military service at the cemetery featured a twenty one gun salute and concluded with taps.
Several white doves were also released during the graveside service.

A total of 122 people have cast ballots during the first four days of early voting for the Smithville Municipal Election.
Twenty one voted by personal appearance and two by absentee ballot on the first day, Wednesday, May 26th
Thursday, May 27th, twenty seven voted in person
Friday, May 28th, thirty one voted in person and one by absentee .
Saturday, May 29th, forty people voted in person
The DeKalb County Election Commission reports that the City of Smithville has a total of 3,076 registered voters.
Here’s a break down of the registered city voters by age group:
Ages 18-20: 144 registered voters
Ages 21-30: 509
Ages 31-40: 432
Ages 41-50: 552
Ages 51-65: 730
Ages 65 and over: 709
Female registered city voters also outnumber males 1,739 to 1,336
Of course it’s unknown how many people will vote in the upcoming Smithville Municipal Election, but the turnout seems to have been trending upward in recent years.
In 2006 a total of 696 people cast ballots to elect a mayor and two aldermen. The following year, 738 turned out to elect three aldermen. In 2008, 963 voters went to the polls to choose a mayor and two aldermen. Last year, a total of 811 cast ballots. Even though the turnout was down a bit last year compared to 2008, it was still somewhat higher than in 2006 and 2007.
The record also shows that in each of those years from 2006 to 2009, most of the people who voted, did so during the early voting period.
In 2006, 425 voted early and 271 cast ballots on election day.
In 2007, 555 voted early and 183 election day
In 2008, 684 voted early and 279 election day
In 2009, 590 voted early and 221 election day
This year’s city election begins with early voting Wednesday, May 26th through June 10th.
Voting times are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. and Thursday from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on the first floor of the courthouse. No voting on Memorial Day, May 31st.
A mayor and two aldermen will be elected on Tuesday, June 15th. Each term is for two years. The terms of office for those elected will begin on July 1st.
The candidates for mayor are incumbent Taft Hendrixson and challengers Debi Loring DePriest and Bruce Medley.
Candidates for alderman are incumbents Cecil Burger and Stephen White and challenger Shawn Beckham.

The DeKalb County Commission adopted a resolution Monday night paying tribute to Eagle Scout James Runyon.
The resolution reads as follows: “Whereas, it is fitting that the DeKalb County Commission and the DeKalb County Mayor should announce their pride, respect, and honor in the young people of our community who so capably fulfill their requirements and duties to reach lofty goals and levels of achievement.
Whereas, James Runyon has performed the years of tasks to work his way to the highest honor bestowed by the Boy Scouts of America. James Runyon has worked to a level achieved by a very select few and has earned the Eagle Award.
Whereas, the DeKalb County Commission and the DeKalb County Mayor wish to thank James Runyon, his family, other scouts who helped, and his leaders for the honors they have brought to themselves and DeKalb County.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the DeKalb County Commission that May 24th, 2010 be officially named Eagle Scout James Runyon Day.
Be it further resolved that this accomplishment be spread across the records of this meeting and preserved as a lasting part of our appreciation to Eagle Scout James Runyon.”
Foster informed the commission that Runyon finished his requirements for attaining Eagle Scout on April 26th, 2010. “For his project, James oversaw the installation of the brick patio in front of Justin Potter Library. He had already turned fifteen when he joined the boy scouts. He has put in countless service hours with his church and the boy scouts. He enjoys camping, swimming, canoeing, bike riding, and competing in the Iron Man triatholon at summer camp. One of the merit badges he completed was cycling. He had to complete 140 miles of bike riding. One of those was a fifty mile bike ride in less than four hours. He and his parents, Greg and Cheryl live on Cill Street.

A total of 23 people cast ballots on the first day of early voting for the Smithville Municipal Election Wednesday, May 26th. Twenty one voted by personal appearance and two by absentee ballot.
The DeKalb County Election Commission reports that the City of Smithville has a total of 3,076 registered voters.
Here’s a break down of the registered city voters by age group:
Ages 18-20: 144 registered voters
Ages 21-30: 509
Ages 31-40: 432
Ages 41-50: 552
Ages 51-65: 730
Ages 65 and over: 709
Female registered city voters also outnumber males 1,739 to 1,336
Of course it’s unknown how many people will vote in the upcoming Smithville Municipal Election, but the turnout seems to have been trending upward in recent years.
In 2006 a total of 696 people cast ballots to elect a mayor and two aldermen. The following year, 738 turned out to elect three aldermen. In 2008, 963 voters went to the polls to choose a mayor and two aldermen. Last year, a total of 811 cast ballots. Even though the turnout was down a bit last year compared to 2008, it was still somewhat higher than in 2006 and 2007.
The record also shows that in each of those years from 2006 to 2009, most of the people who voted, did so during the early voting period.
In 2006, 425 voted early and 271 cast ballots on election day.
In 2007, 555 voted early and 183 election day
In 2008, 684 voted early and 279 election day
In 2009, 590 voted early and 221 election day
This year’s city election begins with early voting Wednesday, May 26th through June 10th.
Voting times are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. and Thursday from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on the first floor of the courthouse. No voting on Memorial Day, May 31st.
A mayor and two aldermen will be elected on Tuesday, June 15th. Each term is for two years. The terms of office for those elected will begin on July 1st.
The candidates for mayor are incumbent Taft Hendrixson and challengers Debi Loring DePriest and Bruce Medley.
Candidates for alderman are incumbents Cecil Burger and Stephen White and challenger Shawn Beckham.

Three people accused of cooking meth at the swimming hole on Dry Creek at Dowelltown were arrested on Friday, May 21st by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department.
34 year old Terry Wayne Daniels of Cemetery Street, Alexandria and 39 year old Timothy Wade Ford of Brush Creek Road, Brush Creek are charged with manufacture of a schedule II drug (methamphetamine). Bond for each is set at $50,000 and they will appear in court on June 17th.
23 year old Lydia R. Judkins of Jefferson Road, Smithville is charged with manufacture of a schedule II drug methamphetamine and introduction of illegal drugs into a penal institution. Her bond was set at $60,000 and she will appear in court on June 17th.
According to Sheriff Patrick Ray, deputies received information on Friday of persons cooking methamphetamine at the swimming hole on Dry Creek Road in Dowelltown. After arrival, the officers found Daniels and Judkins and spoke with them. During the conversation, noises could be heard coming from nearby. When one of the officers checked the area, he found Ford and in his possession were items that are used in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Authorities obtained consent to search and found where Ford was located and in Daniels’ vehicle items such as a 2 liter bottle, tubing, drain cleaner, gloves, cold packs, jars that contained 2 layered liquids, coleman fuel, funnels, alcohol, electrical tape, and other items used to manufacture methamphetamine. Ford also had in his pant’s pocket a bag that contained a powdery substance believed to be ephedrine.
Meanwhile, as an officer was transporting Judkins to jail, he noticed her moving in a suspicious way. When Judkins was brought into the jail and released to a female correctional officer, she was striped search. During the search, the female correctional officer spotted an item in one of Judkins’ body cavities but Judkins refused to give up the object. A search warrant was issued and she was taken to DeKalb Community Hospital for the removal of the object. While there, Judkins was asked to get undressed and while doing so, the female correctional officer noticed Judkins with something in her hand. The correctional officer retrieved the item and it was found to be a prescription bottle. Found in the bottle were drugs such as dilaudid, diazepam, marijuana, and methamphetamine.
In another case, 27 year old Jonathan Kyle McCormick of Allen Bend Road, Smithville is charged with simple possession of a schedule II drug (morphine) and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond is $3,500 and he will be in court on June 17th. According to Sheriff Ray, a deputy while on patrol on Monday, May 17th spotted a vehicle setting beside the roadway on Students Home Road. The officer approached the owner of the vehicle, McCormick, and noticed him trying to hide something under the seat. After receiving consent to search, the officer opened the door and spotted a hypodermic needle beside McCormick’s seat. The needle was filled with a liquid substance. A green pill believed to be morphine was also found in the floor board. McCormick had in his pocket another morphine pill, a spoon, and cut straws.
21 year old Brandon Wayne Hutchings of Young Ridge Road, Sparta was charged Monday, May 17th with burglary and theft of property over $1,000. Sheriff Ray says that on May 12th, detectives received a report of a burglary and theft from a tackle shop on the Nashville Highway. Through an investigation, it was determined that Hutchings had entered the business by breaking out a front window and while inside he took lots of fishing lures, flashlights, and the building’s security system all valued at $2,100. The items have since been recovered. Hutchings is being held without bond and he will appear in court on June 10th.
Three people were arrested last Tuesday, May 18th at the home of 37 year old Melisha Cantrell on West Main Street, including Cantrell, 40 year old Donna Sue Blankenship Overall, and 35 year old Earnest Paul Barnwell. Cantrell is charged with unlawful possession of a schedule II drug (methamphetamine), possession of a schedule IV drug (Xanax) for resale, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond for her was set at $10,000 and she will appear in court on June 17th. Overall is charged with unlawful possession of a schedule II drug (Dilaudid) and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Her bond was set at $5,000 and she will appear in court on June 17th. Barnwell is charged in warrants issued against him in a May 7th case.
According to Sheriff Ray, a deputy and a Smithville Police officer went to the home of Cantrell to execute a state warrant on Barnwell who was staying there. There, they saw Overall sitting in her vehicle in front of the home with the interior light on. They also noticed that she was holding a loaded hypodermic needle. After obtaining consent to search, the officers retrieved the needle, which was filled with a yellow liquid believed to be dilaudid. Overall was placed under arrest along with Barnwell, who was found in the residence.
Sheriff Ray says two of the three warrants against Barnwell stem from a case on May 7th in which a deputy spotted him driving a motor vehicle and tried to stop him. When Barnwell stopped, he got out of the vehicle, fled on foot, and escaped in the woods. The deputy then returned to the jail and took warrants against him for a third offense of driving on a revoked license and evading arrest. Bond was set at $4,500 on those charges.
While in the home where Barnwell was found, officers obtained consent to search from Cantrell, the owner, and found 179 hypodermic needles, some used cut straws, and baggies containing a white powdery substance believed to be methamphetamine. Cantrell also had a box that contained 11 pills and 8 half pills believed to be Xanax and a small plastic wrapper with a white powder believed to be methamphetamine.

Many people from Alexandria to Smithville turned out Sunday to stand along the roadside and pay honor and respect to PFC Billy Anderson, the fallen solider who was killed in Afghanistan last Monday. Many waved flags, held signs, and saluted as the hearse passed by.
Click here to see pictures from Sunday’s eventshttp://www.wjle.com/node/10295
The flight bearing the flag draped casket touched down in Lebanon around 10:30 a.m. and a procession, led by law enforcement officers from the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department, Alexandria Police Department, Smithville Police Department, and Lebanon Police Department along with a large contingent of Patriot motorcycle riders, and Anderson’s family arrived in Smithville around noon. Members of the Smithville Fire Department and others stood at attention in the intersection of West Broad and Congress Boulevard as the motorcade went by enroute to DeKalb Funeral Chapel.

Martha Cunningham was among those who waited for the procession to arrive and watched as it passed by. She stood, along with family and friends, beside Highway 70 at DeKalb Middle School.
Cunningham says she wanted to show her support because she has a son now serving his country in Iraq. “I came out to show my support for Billy and his family and to let them know that I appreciate his service and everything he has done for our country.”
“I have a son in Iraq, PFC Christopher Cunningham. He has been there since September 11th, 2009. He is doing great. I spoke to him just prior to coming out here and he wanted to make sure that we let the family of Billy know that he has him in his thoughts and prayers.”
“Everybody needs to support our troops in all branches because they are over there serving to keep us free and to protect us. I just wish them all the best and I’m praying for them all.”
Christine Young and her husband and parents found a spot on South Congress Boulevard to see the procession pass by. “We came out in support and honor of the solider that gave his life for us and in memory of all the people who have given their lives in service so that we could be able to congregate and fly a flag. I think everyone should appreciate the fact, whether they agree with the war or not, that the soldiers are doing what they are supposed to do and we should support them regardless.”
Jerry Scott, third district county commissioner, also showed his support. “I left church today to come out here. I think it’s very important that we show our respect for the people who have fallen so that we can have the freedom of speech, worship, and all the freedoms that we have today.”

The DeKalb County Tiger baseball team made history Saturday.
With a 3 to 0 shutout of McMinn Central in the sub-state in Smithville, the Tigers become the first DCHS baseball team in the history of the program to advance to the state tournament.
The DeKalb County Tigers will face David Lipscomb at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 25th at Blackman in the State Tournament (Spring Fling) at Murfreesboro
In the game Saturday, DeKalb County scored two runs in the first inning and one run in the sixth.
Cody Puckett had a great day on the mound, pitching a one hit shutout through six innings. He struck out ten and walked six. Garrett Hoke, the closer, came in for the last inning, faced three batters and struck out three.
Hits:
Tyler Kent, a double and RBI
Corey Atnip, double
Tyler Caldwell, single and RBI
Cody Puckett, double, and single
Travis Neal, single and RBI