Tiger Baseball Team Makes History- Advances to State Tournament

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

Brenda Wilkerson

61 year old Brenda Wilkerson of Brush Creek died Friday at her residence. She was born in Wilson County, the daughter of the late Mattie Lean Smallwood and Fred Anderson Grisham. She was preceded in death by a sister, Lorene Elmore; two brothers, Charles Grisham and Robert Grisham and a daughter Dana Michelle Reeder. The body is at the Gordonsville Chapel of Bass Funeral Home, where the service will be Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Danny Sellars and Danny Tomlinson will officiate and burial will be in the Brush Creek Cemetery. The Wilkerson family will receive friends at the Gordonsville Chapel on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. until the service time at 2:00 p.m. Wilkerson is survived by her husband, Jackie Wilkerson of Brush Creek. Children, Ricky Hindsley of Brush Creek, Mike Hindsley of Alexandria, Dewayne Reeder of Alexandria, and Derrick Reeder of Brush Creek. Three sisters, Leavern and husband Tommy Garrison of Lebanon, Elizabeth and husband Tim Ferrell of Alexandria, and Sandy and husband Ricky Winfree of Alexandria. Three step-children, James and wife Sherry Wilkerson of Brush Creek, Danny and wife Janet Wilkerson of New Middleton and Christel and husband Ricky Hall of Carthage. Eight grandchildren and seven step grandchildren also survive. The Gordonsville Chapel of Bass Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Denise Barnes Wenger

52 year old Denise Barnes Wenger of Smithville died Friday at DeKalb Community Hospital. She was a homemaker and a Baptist. The funeral will be Monday at 1:00 p.m. at DeKalb Funeral Chapel. Lori Myrick will officiate and burial will be in DeKalb Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Sunday from noon until 8:00 p.m. and Monday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 1:00 p.m. She was preceded in death by her parents, Luther and Nelda Poss Barnes; a brother, Vernon Barnes; a sister, Zelda Barnes; and a sister-in-law, Jill Burkes Barnes. Survivors include her husband, Dan Wenger of Smithville. A daughter, Peggy Armour Hullett of Smithville. A son, Matt Wenger of Smithville and his girlfriend Heather Wolfe. Brothers, Jeff and wife Mel Barnes of Texas, Tiny and wife Cheryl Barnes, Kenny and wife Barbara Barnes all of Smithville, Thomas and wife Tina Rose of Alexandria, and Randy Rose of Cookeville. Grandchildren, Conner Hullett and Ryan Wenger; special friends, Shane Hullett and Mike Redmon; and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Donations may be made, in lieu of flowers, to the Conner Hullett and Ryan Wenger College Fund or to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

Beatrice Rhea Green

87 year old Beatrice Rhea Green of McMinnville died Thursday at River Park Hospital of an extended illness. She was a Baptist and a nursery worker at Warren County Nursery. The funeral will be Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at the chapel of High Funeral Home in McMinnville. George Roberts will officiate and burial will be in the Smyrna Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from noon until 9:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bob and Carlee Smartt Rhea; her husband, Theopluis Green; a son, Jimmy Green; brothers, Fred and Finis Rhea; and sisters, Oma Womack and Geneva Farless. Survivors include her companion for 35 years, Arthur Page of McMinnville. Two daughters, Vivian Sinks and Phyllis Roller both of McMinnville. Nine grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, three step grandchildren, and one great great granddaughter. High Funeral Home in McMinnville is in charge of the arrangements.

Cloie Caldwell

90 year old Cloie Caldwell of Smithville died Thursday night at DeKalb Community Hospital in Smithville. She was a homemaker and a member of the New Life United Pentecostal Church. The funeral will be Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at DeKalb Funeral Chapel. Dwayne Cornelius will officiate and burial will be in Whorton Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. until the service at 2:00 p.m. She was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Nora Elizabeth Taylor Gay; her husband, L.D. Caldwell; a son, Larry D. Caldwell; sons-in-law, Jimmy Arnold and Teddy Foutch; brothers, Homer Gay and Gentry Gay; sisters, Virgie Colwell, Annie Mae Sparkman, Pauline Murphy, Bertha Jump, and Dorothy Presley. Survivors include sons, Bobby and wife Jane Gay, David and wife Rita Caldwell, and Wallace and wife Carolyn Caldwell all of Smithville. Daughters, Libby Foutch, Rebecca and husband Steve Ritchie all of Smithville, Freda and husband Gene Lumby of Pierre, South Dakota. Grandchildren, Michael and wife Brenda Gay, Kitty and husband Tony Thomas, Tiffany Caldwell, Kristal and husband Mike Selle, Brent and wife Lacy Arnold, Brandon Arnold, Seth Ritchie, Amy Ritchie, and Shon and wife April LeBeau. Nine great grandchildren. Brothers, James and wife Darlene Gay of Lewisburg and J.E. and wife Lois Gay of McMinnville. A sister, Ruby West of McMinnville. A host of nieces and nephews also survive. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

James and Sullivan Receive Prestigious White Rose Awards during Graduation Program

Members of the Class of 2010 at DeKalb County High School were not going to let a forecast of rain dampen their spirits on graduation night vowing to proceed with the program whatever the weather, but not one drop of rain fell during the commencement Friday evening on the football field
It was a night of joy and celebration and afterwards, many of the graduates spent the night at school to participate in Project Graduation
Three of the most outstanding members of the class were singled out for special recognition. This year’s White Rose Awards went to Meagan Sullivan and Grant James while the Citizenship Award was presented to Cynthia Woodward.
The White Rose is presented to a boy and girl from the class for outstanding achievement and leadership, academics, and other activities. The Citizenship Award is given to the senior who has demonstrated outstanding service, devotion and loyalty to DeKalb County High School.
The honors students were also recognized during the program including the Class Valedictorian Hunter Tramel and Salutatorian Wesley Blair.
A total of 165 students received diplomas during the commencement, each one shaking hands with Director of Schools Mark Willoughby as their names were called by Principal Kathy Hendrix.
In his remarks to the Class, Valedictorian Hunter Tramel reflected on triumphs and remembered friends lost.” We’ve all had our share of triumphs and failures, victories and defeats, but we’ve overcome the obstacles and finally reached this great milestone in our lives. When we leave here today, we will be able to celebrate our accomplishments and take pride in the young adults we’ve become throughout this journey at DeKalb County High School.”

“Perhaps the most difficult aspect on our four year journey is the obstacles with which we’ve come face to face. In our sophomore year, we lost a dear friend and classmate, Hunter Davis. Hunter was a great friend to everyone around him. He was a loving son, brother, and friend, and he will never be forgotten. I’m sure Hunter is looking down upon us today, celebrating our accomplishments and successes with us. We also lost a beloved coach; Coach (Clay) Edwards. Coach Edwards was a big-hearted man that was supportive in everything he did. He put every ounce of effort and heart that he possessed in every activity he participated in. Last year, we also lost our beloved janitor, Mr. Billy Colwell. Janitor Billy was with us throughout high school. He would always be there to greet us in the lunchroom with a kind word, a joke, or a piece of candy. He knew everyone and wasn’t afraid to lend students a helping hand. He constantly made bracelets for the students, and even gave students lunch money when they didn’t have any. He was always supportive of our sports teams and any school function. Janitor Billy was great man, and he will be sincerely missed.”
“Looking out into this crowd of graduating seniors, I see scientists that may someday find the cure for cancer; I see teachers that will broaden the horizons of many children; I see soldiers that will one day defend the freedom of our great country. Whichever path one chooses to take, I am reassured that all will be successful. Always remember Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straight. Congratulations Class of 2010.”
Amanda Ours, Class President, also spoke of fond memories. “In August, we didn’t fully understand that in a year’s time we would be departing ways and moving on. But during the past few weeks, we have all examined the situation and now we’ve come to terms with the fact that this year meant more than just “being a senior”.
“DeKalb County High School has taken up four years of our lives…but we wouldn’t trade the memories that we have made here for anything.”
“As freshmen, we thought this day would never arrive. The first three years went by extremely slow. Then August 2009 arrived, and in a blink, here we are. Graduation Night, 2010. This will be the last time that we are gathered together as the senior class of DCHS. This is our night to indulge in our memories and friendships. Class of 2010, I wish you good luck in whatever the future holds for you. For some of us, this will be goodbye as we move forward toward our future. Never forget the experiences that we have shared. Let those memories go with you, wherever you are.”
Championship high school basketball coach, author, and motivational speaker Michael Burt, in his commencement address to the class, urged the graduates to live each day with purpose and passion. “There’s a clear difference between occupation and vocation. Find your unique voice in life. The best advice I can give you is find a coach. Find a mentor. Find a leader. Find somebody who chooses to see the good in you versus the bad. Somebody that builds you up versus tears you down. Somebody that can help you play at a different level. Everyday we have a choice to be optimistic or pessimistic. The real winners that I coach and work with everyday are the people that come in every single day and choose to see the good versus the bad. Don’t ever use the excuse that I come from a small town so I can’t do something big. Small towns and big dreams. In everyone’s life our inner fire burns out. That fire is then burst into flames by an encounter with another person. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle our inner spirit. On behalf of First Bank who brought me here tonight, I want to say to all the graduates and all the families who helped with this process, God bless you and have a great future.”

PFC Billy Gene Anderson

20 year old Private First Class Billy Gene Anderson died on Monday, May 17th in Afghanistan.
The Department of Defense reports that PFC Anderson died in Badghis province Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with improvised explosive devices. He was assigned to the 508th Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
The funeral for PFC Anderson will be Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. at the New Life United Pentecostal Church. Michael Hale and Bobby Thomason will officiate and burial will be in the Dismal Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 10:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. at DeKalb Funeral Chapel. Visitation Tuesday will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church.
Anderson enlisted in the U.S. Army on June 26th, 2009 and was deployed to Afghanistan on January 13th, 2010. Anderson was due to return home in July.
Several awards have been bestowed upon PFC Anderson including the Bronze Star Medal, posthumous; the Purple Heart Medal, posthumous; Army Commendation Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal, posthumous; National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal with a Bronze Service Star; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Medal; Overseas Service Ribbon; NATO Medal, posthumous; Combat Action Badge; posthumous; Parachutist Badge, basic; Weapons Qualifications Badge; and Overseas Service Bar.
Anderson was a member of the Covenant Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his father, Steve Goodwin; his maternal grandparents, Edwin “Cruse” and Connie Inez Lattimore Wheeler; and his paternal grandfather, Walter L. Goodwin.
Anderson is survived by his wife, Caitlin Anderson of Smithville. A daughter, Lilly Grace Anderson of Smithville. His mother, Marlene Goodwin of Alexandria. His paternal grandmother, Louise Goodwin of Liberty. One sister, April and her husband Chad Walker of Alexandria. Two brothers, Bobby Joe and wife Tabitha Anderson and John and wife Claire all of Smithville. Special nieces and nephews, Thea, Hunter, Nik, Macy, and Summer. His father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jimmy and Gina Lewis of Smithville. A sister-in-law, Chelsie Lewis of Smithville. A host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends also survive.
DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

Barrett Found with 57 Pills-Charged with Unlawful Possession of Drugs

Smithville Police Chief Randy Caplinger arrested a 47 year old DeKalb County man Friday after finding him with 57 pills for which he had no prescription.
James Alton Barrett Jr. of 672 Blue Springs Road is charged with unlawful possession of a schedule III drug. Chief Caplinger was dispatched to 526 Miller Road to check out a suspicious vehicle. Upon arrival, he found a man in the vehicle who said his friend had gone to some nearby apartments. Chief Caplinger saw the man, Barrett, leave the apartments carrying a small bag. After being stopped, Barrett set the bag on the ground and told Chief Caplinger that it contained cookies and his prescription. After receiving consent to search, a plastic bag with 57 pills was recovered. Barrett could not produce a prescription bottle for the pills. His bond was set at $2,500 and his court date is June 17th.
Meanwhile, another man, 27 year old Bradley Shane Redmon of Estes Street, was also arrested as a result of the suspicious vehicle investigation. Redmon was charged by Officer Matt Farmer on Friday, May 21st for driving on a suspended license. The arrest was made while Officer Farmer was assisting Chief Randy Caplinger on the call at 526 Miller Road. Bond for Redmon is $1,000 and his court date is June 16th
35 year old Misty Dawn Shehane of 125 Highland Drive was cited by Detective Jerry Hutchins on Friday, May 14th for simple possession. Shehane went to PSI Probation and during a search, a probation officer found four pills. The pills were a schedule III drug.
63 year old Sharon Hindsley of 830 Short Mountain Highway was arrested on Saturday, May 15th. Corporal Travis Bryant responded to a call on West Bryant Street where a female was reported to be stumbling onto the roadway. Upon arrival, Corporal Bryant found Hindsley on the ground and she had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on her person. Her speech was slurred and she had to have assistance to walk. Her bond is $1,000 and her court date is May 27th.
39 year old Sheryl Ann Perkins of 1001 King Ridge Road, Dowelltown was cited by Officer Matt Holmes on Saturday, May 15th for shoplifting. Officer Holmes responded to a theft call and found Perkins inside the Dollar General Store where she had items inside her purse that had not been paid for. Ms. Perkins told Officer Holmes that she did not have the money to pay for the items and admitted to concealing them with intent to steal. Restitution was made on the scene.
22 year old John Lucas Williams of 181 Piney Woods Road, Dowelltown was arrested by Sergeant Joey Jones on Saturday, May 15th for simple possession of a schedule VI drug and possession of drug paraphernalia. Sergeant Jones responded to a call concerning drug traffic in the McDonald’s parking lot. He made contact with Williams and asked him to empty his pockets on the trunk of his car. Williams produced two small bags of marijuana and two pipes with residue in them. Bond for Williams is $2,000 and his court date is May 27th.
29 year old Virgina D Ayala of 104 Circle Drive, Dowelltown was arrested on Saturday, May 15th by Officer Scott Davis for failure to appear at a Cookeville court hearing.
35 year old Leslie Danette Yorke of 830 Luttrell Avenue was arrested and cited by Officer Scott Davis on Sunday, May 16th for failure to appear and simple possession. Officer Davis went to Yorke’s home to serve an outstanding warrant on her from Overton County for failure to appear. During a search incident to arrest, a small bag of a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana was found. Her court date is June 10th.
49 year old Larry Estil Lattimore and 45 year old Treva June Hartman, both of 102 East Market Street were arrested by Sergeant Joey Jones on Sunday, May 16th for domestic assault and disorderly conduct. Sergeant Jones was called to their residence on a domestic violence complaint and he arrested both of them after hearing each of them threatening the other. Both then became belligerent and refused to cooperate. Bond for each is $4,000 and they will appear in court on May 27th.
Hartman and Lattimore both got into trouble with the law again the very next day, Monday, May 17th. Hartman was arrested and Lattimore was cited by K-9 Officer Brad Tatrow for simple possession of a schedule III and IV controlled substance. Officer Tatrow responded to a possible domestic disturbance call at 102 East Market Street. Upon arrival he made contact with Hartman and Lattimore who were having a verbal argument. During the course of the investigation, Hartman gave verbal consent to search her purse. Officer Tatrow recovered two schedule III pills and six schedule IV pills in a prescription bottle for which neither of them had a prescription. Officer David Phillips also cited Lattimore for having a small amount of marijuana seeds. Bond for each is $3,000 and their court date is June 17th.
21 year old Travis E Patterson of 225 East Bryant Street was arrested by Corporal Travis Bryant on Monday, May 17th for public intoxication and burglary. Corporal Bryant responded to Fiddler’s Manor on Walker Drive in regard to a man who was chasing one of the elderly workers outside. While on the scene Corporal Bryant saw the man, Patterson, going through a car next door that didn’t belong to him. He was taking items out and placing them on the ground. Corporal Bryant began speaking to Patterson but couldn’t understand him due to his intoxicated state. Bond for Patterson is $3,500 and his court date is May 27th.
40 year old Dona Sue Overall of 4671 West Greenhill Road, McMinnville was cited by Sergeant Randy King on Wednesday, May 19th for possession of drug paraphernalia. Overall was stopped at the Kwik N Ezy parking lot. She had drug paraphernalia consisting of five needles and one broken bulb used for smoking meth. Her court date is June 17th.
21 year old Christina Beth Murphy and 28 year old Christina Love Johnson both of 530 Miller Road were cited by Officer Scott Davis for shoplifting on Thursday, May 20th. Murphy and Johnson were seen leaving Wal-Mart with several items in their personal bags. Officer Davis had spoken with both women approximately 30 minutes prior to the incident and he had inspected the bags but they did not have any merchandise inside them at the time. When the two women exited the store, the bags were full and larger than when checked earlier. Their court date is May 27th.
44 year old Vickie Dorens Marsh of 2195 Pea Ridge Road was arrested by Officer Jerry Hutchins for public intoxication on Friday, May 21st. Detective Hutchins was dispatched to the DeKalb County Court House after receiving a call of someone being intoxicated outside the criminal court room. Upon arrival, he found Marsh to be in an intoxicated state. She had slurred speech, couldn’t contain her balance and she had trouble following directions. She admitted to taking medication earlier in the day. Bond for Marsh is $1,000 and her court date is May 27th.
Meanwhile, anyone having any information on the following offenses is asked to please contact the Smithville Police Department at 597-8210 or the Tip Line at 464-6046.
On Monday, May 17th, Corporal Travis Bryant took a report of a theft and vandalism at 223 East Bryant Street. According to the victim, Andrew Cramer, someone busted the rear window of his pickup truck and made entry, removing his Kenwood flip face CD player & Cobra CB radio. The last time he saw his truck intact was Sunday, May 16th at approximately 2:00 pm.
On Friday, May 21st Officer Jerry Hutchins took a report that unknown persons painted graffiti on a mix tank at IMI Concrete Company. This occurred sometime on Wednesday, May 19th around 5:00 pm.
Any information received that will help Smithville Police solve any criminal offense will be greatly appreciated. All information is confidential

PFC Anderson Killed by Insurgents Using Improvised Explosive Devices

The U.S. Department of Defense has now issued a brief press release on the death of PFC Billy Anderson.
According to the DOD, PFC Anderson, who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, died May 17, in Badghis province Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with improvised explosive devices.
He was assigned to the 508th Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
Meanwhile, PFC Anderson’s body is expected to be returned home on Sunday.

Pamela Billings Farley

54 year old Pamela Billings Farley of Nicholasville, Kentucky died Thursday, May 13th at the University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center following a brief illness.
Farley graduated from Berea College with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree in 1977. She went on to earn her Master’s degree in Nursing and Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky. Pam has been on the faculty in the Department of Nursing at Berea College for 27 years. She has served as the Susan V. Clayton Professor of Nursing, Chairperson of the Department of Nursing for the past 14 years. Pam has presented at numerous regional and national nursing conferences as well as attended international nursing conferences as far away as China and Great Britain. Pam served as past president of the Kentucky Association of Baccalaureate and Higher Degree Nursing Programs Council (KABHDNP); appointed representative to the Kentucky Nursing Educational Mobility Task Force; appointed member to the Kentucky Board of Nursing, Education Committee; and served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children in state custody. Pam was a member of the American Nurses Association, Kentucky Nurses Association, Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing and International Society of Psychiatric Nursing.
In addition to her husband of 33 years, Terry Farley, she is survived by her sisters Diane Haley and Lisa Peterson of Smithville. Nieces, Chandra Adcock and Gina Arnold; nephew, Ross Peterson; great nieces, Kealah Curtis and Shara Adcock; great nephews, Clark Adcock, Bryson Arnold and Samuel Arnold; and a great great nephew, Gauge Pack; all of Smithville. Farley is also survived by aunts, Hilda Billings of Sparta, Helen Faul of Michigan and Robbie Young of Smithville. An uncle, Barney Rickman of Smyrna, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Ruth Billings.
A local memorial service is planned, but details will be announced later. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Department of Nursing, Berea College, CPO 2190 Berea, Kentucky 40403 in Pam’s name.