Smithville Police received a tip Friday, April 16th that led to drug charges against two people.
27 year old Karrie Chandra Hale of 920 South Mountain Highway was charged with simple possession with intent to sell and 26 year old Eric Brandon Kern of 800 Dixie Lee Highway, Monteagle was cited for possession of drug paraphernalia.
Officer Matt Holmes met with an employee of the Department of Children Services who informed him that there had been a complaint made to DCS of illegal drug use and possible manufacture of drugs at 920 South Mountain Street and that there were children living in the home.
Officer Holmes, the DCS employee and Corporal Travis Bryant went to the residence and found Hale and Kern sitting on the couch. The officers informed Hale and Kern of the allegations and asked for and received consent to search the residence for illegal drugs. Kern reached in his pocket and removed a black and chrome pipe. Kern said he used the pipe to smoke marijuana. Hale admitted that she had illegal drugs in her front pocket and produced four small round yellow pills believed to be Valium. A search of Hale’s bedroom revealed .7 ounces of a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana in a metal container on her dresser. Bond for Hale was set at $5,000. The court date for both is May 13th.
Meanwhile, in another case, 39 year old Johnny Darrell Murphy of 620 Andrews Street was arrested on Friday, April 9th for driving on a suspended license. Officer Scott Davis made the arrest. Murphy was stopped for a seat belt violation and a check of records revealed that his license was suspended for failure to satisfy a citation in DeKalb County. His bond is set at $1,000.
21 year old Brandon Wayne Hutchins of 904 Young Ridge Road was arrested on Monday, April 12th for driving on a revoked license. Corporal Travis Bryant stopped Hutchins’ vehicle for speeding. A computer check revealed that Hutchins had a prior conviction for a second offense of driving under the influence but his license were reinstated with the restriction for an interlock device to be installed on the vehicle he owned and operated. At the time of the traffic stop on Monday, Hutchin’s vehicle had no interlock device. The vehicle was seized. Bond for Hutchins was set at $1,000 and his court date is April 29th.
63 year old Jack Evans Tubb of 673 Tranquility Way was arrested on Monday, April 12th for a first offense of driving on a revoked license. Corporal Travis Bryant was traveling north on North Congress Boulevard when he saw a red car traveling south at 41 mph in a 30 mph speed zone. Corporal Bryant stopped the vehicle and Tubb, the driver, admitted that he did not have a license. A computer check revealed his driver’s license was revoked for a DUI in 1992. Tubb was cited for speeding and failure to provide proof of insurance. His vehicle was seized. Bond for Tubb was set at $1,000 and his court date is April 29th.
23 year old Rebecca Marie Biggs of 733 Dry Creek Road was arrested on Tuesday, April 13th for public intoxication. Officer Matt Holmes was called to the area of West Broad Street to check out a white Taurus that was leaving the parking lot of Amoco. The caller gave the tag number and said the driver had gone into the store and was unsteady on her feet. She spilled cappuccino numerous times by pushing the button over and over causing the cup to overflow. The caller said the woman’s pants were falling down and she appeared to be too intoxicated to notice. The caller added that she told the woman that she was in no shape to drive and that if she tried to leave she would call the police. Officer Holmes and Corporal Travis Bryant searched the area and did not see the vehicle but a short time later central dispatch received a call from someone at the UCHRA who reported that a woman had entered their building, that she was unsteady on her feet, and appeared to be intoxicated. Officer Holmes responded to the call and made contact with Ms Biggs. Her speech was slurred and she almost fell numerous times. An inventory of her purse revealed an empty bottle of Opana belonging to someone else. Bond for Biggs was set at $1,000 and her court date is April 29th.
Meanwhile, anyone having information on any criminal offense is asked to please contact the Smithville Police Department at 597-8210 or the Tip Line at 464-6046.
Any information received that will help the Smithville Police solve any criminal offense will be greatly appreciated. All information is confidential

Students from DeKalb Middle School won a third place award at the recent Tennessee History Day competition.
In the category of “Junior Group Performance” a third place award went to Lauren Craig, Josh Davidson, Laura Reed, and Ashley Barnes of DeKalb Middle School in Smithville for their project on “Advancements in Telecommunication.” Teacher: Tonya Sullivan.
First place winners are eligible to represent Tennessee at the National History Day competition, which will be held in College Park, Maryland June 13-17.
Tennessee History Day, which was held at the Legislative Plaza, the Tennessee State Museum and the Nashville Public Library, attracted more than 200 students from across the state. The participants were all award winners from district competitions held in Memphis, Murfreesboro, Knoxville and Chattanooga.
The competition was coordinated by the Tennessee Historical Society with sponsorship provided by Humanities Tennessee and the Tennessee Department of State. Additional support is provided by The Memorial Foundation, National History Day, the History Channel and the MTSU Center for Historic Preservation.
“Congratulations to all of our winners and their fellow competitors,” Secretary of State Tre Hargett said. “I know Tennesseans will join me in applauding their accomplishments and cheering the winners to even greater success in the National History Day contest.”
In the competition, students in grades six through 12 presented history-themed projects in a variety of formats – including museum-style exhibits, research papers, web sites, documentaries and even live performances. This year’s theme was Innovation in History: Impact and Change. Students were asked to examine how different innovations have shaped the course of history.
The judges – who included university professors, graduate students, high school teachers, archivists and other public historians – picked the winners from the 118 projects submitted.
Nationwide, more than half a million students participated in some level of History Day competition this year, including about 6,000 from Tennessee.
Since 1974, National History Day has grown from a Cleveland, Ohio competition with about 100 students to a national academic program that engages 2 million people annually.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol will be conducting sobriety roadside safety
checkpoints during the week of April 30 on State Highway 56 in DeKalb County
Impaired driving is a serious crime that kills more than 16,000 people and injures
305,000 others every year in the United States. Troopers will evaluate drivers for
signs of alcohol or drug impairment. Troopers will target those who operate a
vehicle while impaired and take corrective actions for other violations observed
while ensuring the protection of all motorists.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol recognizes that sobriety checkpoints are highly
visible and effective tools in the battle against impaired driving.

Three people, Randy Caplinger of Smithville, Larry D. Parsley of Lenoir City, and Kenneth D. Smith of Watertown have applied for the position of Smithville Police Chief.
Noon today (Friday) was the deadline for persons to apply.
Caplinger is a retired Lieutenant Colonel/Major of the Tennessee Department of Safety/Tennessee Highway Patrol. Parsley is a retired Lieutenant of the Tennessee Department of Safety/Tennessee Highway Patrol. Smith is currently serving as Chief of Police of the Lakewood Police Department at Old Hickory, Tennessee.
Smithville Police Commissioner/Alderman Aaron Meeks told WJLE Friday afternoon that the mayor and aldermen would most likely conduct a workshop soon to interview the applicants individually. No date has yet been set for such workshop.
Each of the applicants submitted resumes with their applications.
Caplinger, since October 2006, has been Transportation/Safety Director for Kitchen Craft of Smithville, where he is responsible for all safety training of approximately 190 employees.
From 2003 to 2006, Caplinger served as Lieutenant Colonel/Major for the Tennessee Department of Safety, where he was in charge of officers in all Tennessee counties including support staff. A total of 322 employees.
Caplinger, who completed officer training at the Tennessee Law Enforcement Academy in 1976, began his career with the Tennessee Department of Safety as a trooper/officer and served in that position for eight years followed by a seven year stint as a THP sergeant and four years as lieutenant. He later became Captain of the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, in charge of all officers in 14 Tennessee counties. Caplinger held that post for eight years before becoming Lieutenant Colonel/Major.
Caplinger received administration and management training from the University of Tennessee and the University of Phoenix Academy.
Parsley, a 1966 graduate of DeKalb County High School, was in the United States Air Force from 1969 to 1973. He joined the Tennessee Highway Patrol in 1973 and worked as a state trooper in the Knoxville area until 1985, when he became a THP sergeant, supervising three to four counties and ten to fifteen troopers. In 1990, Parsley was promoted to the rank of lieutenant, a position he held until 2003. During those years, he was Trooper Supervisor over three counties, supervising ten to fifteen troopers and two sergeants. Parsley was also UT Football Security Detail Supervisor and bodyguard for then coach Phil Fulmer.
For two years, from 2007 to January, 2009, Parsley was the Assistant Superintendent of Construction for EMJ Corporation in Chattanooga, in charge of time and manpower scheduling, safety and OSHA reporting, and work performance monitoring.
In 1975, Parsley attended Walters State Community College in Morristown where he earned credit hours toward his associate’s degree. In 1977, he attended East Tennessee State University at Johnson City where he earned credit hours toward a bachelor’s degree; criminal justice major.
Parsley was the Knoxville area Optimist Club Trooper of the Year in 1983 and 1984.
Smith, a certified officer and Tennessee state training instructor, is currently Chief of Police for the Lakewood Police Department in Old Hickory, Tennessee, where his duties include managing the daily functions of the department, conducting training for officers, establishing department budgets, etc.
From 1986 to 2006, Smith was employed as a lieutenant patrol officer, supervisor, and police officer for the Lebanon City Police Department, where he managed training of staff for more than 80 officers.
He joined the Mount Juliet City Police Department in 2006 as a field training officer, and police officer, positions he held until 2008 when he became chief of the Lakewood Police Department.
Smith received his high school education at Mount Juliet High School from 1978 to 1982. He completed officer training at the Tennessee Law Enforcement Academy in 1986.
Smith was named the 2005 Lebanon Police Department Officer of the Year. He also received the 2005 Life Saving Award for a vehicular crash on Interstate 40 and the 2009 Tuition Grant Award from the Tennessee Chief’s Association.

A total of 48 of the 64 persons named in sealed indictments returned by a special session of the DeKalb County Grand Jury on Monday, April 12th have been arrested. All but three were indicted as the result of undercover drug investigations. The other three were indicted for theft of property (trailers).
(Click here to see pictures of each defendanthttp://www.wjle.com/node/10295)
Sheriff Patrick Ray says those indicted and their charges are as follows:
30 year old Amanda Gayle Cains
Wade Subdivision Lane
Gainesboro
1 count of conspiracy to sell and deliver 50 grams or more of a schedule II drug
2 counts violation of drug free zone
Bond- $70,000
20 year old Amanda Lee Keeling
South Grundy Quarles Highway
Gainesboro
1 count of conspiracy to sell and deliver 50 grams or more of a schedule II drug
2 counts violation of drug free zone
Bond- $70,000
31 year old James “Freddy” Summers
1 count sale and delivery of a schedule III drug
Bond- $20,000
22 year old Coty Lynn McCormick
Mohon Drive
McMinnville
2 counts sale and delivery of a schedule II drug
Bond- $60,000
39 year old David Gerald Vanatta
Snow Street
Smithville
1 count sale and delivery of a schedule II drug
2 counts violation of a drug free zone
Bond- $30,000
24 year old Corey Robert Winchester
Bright Hill Road
Smithville
2 counts sale and delivery of a schedule III drug
2 counts violation of drug free zone
Bond- $50,000
42 year old Mark R. Robinson
Dry Creek Road
Smithville
1 count sale and delivery of a schedule III drug
Bond- $20,000
28 year old Garth Wayne Cantrell
Pine Grove Road
Smithville
3 counts of theft over $500
Bond $30,000
30 year old John M. Alsup
Pine Grove Road
Smithville
3 counts of theft over $500
Bond $30,000
32 year old Jason Zeen Cripps
Bethel Road
Smithville
2counts of theft over $500
Bond $20,000
32 year old Jeremy Patrick Bandy
Old Givens Hollow Road
Liberty
2 counts of sale of a schedule II drug
Bond $100,000
36 year old Steve Franklin Mabe Jr
Old Givens Hollow Road
Liberty
3 counts of sale and delivery of a schedule II drug
Bond $75,000
38 year old Rachel Lynn Mabe
Old Givens Hollow Road
Liberty
2 counts sale and delivery of a schedule II drug
Bond $50,000
62 year old Sandra Heath
Lavergne Street
Alexandria
2 counts sale and delivery of a schedule II drug
4 counts violation of drug free act
Bond $70,000
24 year old Danny Ray Prater
Pumpkin Hollow Road
Liberty
1 count sale and delivery of a schedule III drug
1 count sale and delivery of a schedule IV drug
Bond $20,000
20 year old Randall Brett Bullard
North Washington Avenue
Cookeville
2 counts sale and delivery of a schedule VI drug
Bond $20,000
49 year old Nickey Reese Cantrell
Lakeview Drive
Smithville
1 count sale and delivery of a schedule II drug
Bond $30,000
48 year old Dennis C. Ellis
Anthony Avenue
Smithville
2 counts sale and delivery of a schedule II drug
Bond 60,000
43 year old Mark Alan Goodson
Midway Road
Smithville
2 counts sale and delivery of a schedule II drug
Bond 50,000
51 year old James Vernon Vaughn
Gentry Avenue
Smithville
2 counts sale and delivery of a schedule VI drug
1 count possession of a schedule VI drug for resale
4 counts violation of drug free act
Bond $5,000
18 year old Leslie Brooke Bailey
Brush Creek Road
Alexandria
1 count sale and delivery of a schedule II drug
1 count sale and delivery of a schedule III drug
1 count sale and delivery of a schedule IV drug
Bond $60,000
28 year old Robert Lee Prater
Pumpkin Hollow Road
Liberty
1 count sale and delivery of a schedule III drug
Bond $20,000
33 year old Tracie Lyndal Godsey
2 counts sale and delivery of a schedule VI drug
1 count possession of a schedule VI drug for resale
4 counts violation of drug free act
Bond $60,000
20 year old Jerry Donald Johnson
Union Ridge Road
Bloomington Springs
2 counts of conspiracy to sell and deliver 50 grams or more of a schedule II drug
2 counts violation of drug free act
Bond $70,000
34 year old John David Fagan
Bright Hill Road
Smithville
2 counts sale and delivery of a schedule III drug
4 counts violation of drug free act
Bond $50,000
22 year old Joshua Lynne Batey
East Main Street
Smithville
1 count sale and delivery of a schedule II drug
1 count sale and delivery of a schedule III drug
Bond $60,000
21 year old Caleb A. Hendrix
Old Snow Hill Road
Dowelltown
1 count of conspiracy to sell and deliver of a schedule II drug
1 count theft under $500
Bond $20,000
49 year old Marti Compton
Avant Circle
Alexandria
2 counts sale and delivery of a schedule III drug
1 count sale and delivery of a schedule IV drug
6 counts violation of drug free act
Bond $40,000
39 year old Vickie Ann Cantrell
Adcock Cemetery Road
Smithville
2 counts of sale and delivery of a schedule II drug
Bond $50,000
Cantrell was also issued a citation for simple possession of a schedule II drug Dilaudid after a ½ of a Dilaudid pill was found
Bond $50,000
22 year old Julie Marie Prater
Pumpkin Hollow Road
Liberty
1 count sale and delivery of a schedule IV drug
Bond $20,000
21 year old Timothy “Tyler” Patrick
The Loop
Smithville
4 counts of sale and delivery of a schedule II drug
4 counts of violation of the drug free act
Bond $70,000
24 year old Stephen Kennedy
Tami Kay Road
Smithville
1 count of manufacture of a schedule VI drug
Bond $20,000
27 year old Chasity Jeannine Phillips
Shady Drive
Smithville
2 counts sale and delivery of a schedule II drug
1 count of violation of the drug free act
Bond $70,000
Lance Edward Rollings
Earl Ave
Smithville
2 counts of sale and delivery of a schedule VI drug
Bond $20,000
45 year old Marla Adele Turner
Adcock Cemetery Road
Smithville
1 count sale and delivery of a schedule II drug
Bond $60,000
60 year old Harold Gene Blackwell
Jay Hutchins Road
Sparta
2 counts sale and delivery of a schedule III drug
2 counts of violation of the drug free act
Bond $50,000
50 year old Victor W. Jones
Flemming Street
Alexandria
2 counts of sale and delivery of a schedule III drug
3 counts of sale and delivery of a schedule II drug
1 count sale and delivery of a schedule IV drug
12 counts violation of a drug free zone
Bond $100,000
51 year old Tamara Sue Evensen
Flemming Street
Alexandria
1 count sale and delivery of a schedule II drug
1 count sale and delivery of a schedule IV drug 4 counts of violation of a drug free zone
Bond $70,000
34 year old Russell Allen Blackwell
Jay Hutchins Road
Sparta
2 counts sale and delivery of a schedule III drug
2 counts of violation of the drug free act
Bond $50,000
52 year old Billy Joe Rigsby
Adcock Cemetery Road
Smithville
3 counts sale and delivery of a schedule III drug
Bond $60,000
41 year old Sherry Lynn Chandler
Page Drive
Smithville
2 counts sale and delivery of schedule III drug
Bond $30,000
18 year old Lataj K. Bass
Shady Drive
Alexandria
1 count sale and delivery of a schedule VI drug
Bond $10,000
47 year old Virginia Kay Jones
Flemming Street
Alexandria
3 counts sale and delivery of a schedule II drug
6 counts violation of the drug free act
Bond $60,000
40 year old Timothy Edward Lawson
Avant Circle
Alexandria
3 counts sale and delivery of a schedule III drug
6 counts violation of the drug free act
Bond $70,000
Lawson was also issued a citation for drug paraphernalia for being in possession of a pill crusher and 4 straws that contained a white powdery in them.
21 year old Jamie Lee Beising
Old Snow Hill Road
Dowelltown
1 count conspiracy to sell and deliver a schedule II drug
1 count theft under $500
Bond $20,000
41 year old Dana Ledbetter Firth
Midnight Sun Circle
Nashville
2 counts sale and delivery of a schedule III drug
1 count sale and delivery of a schedule IV drug
6 counts violation of the drug free act
Bond $40,000
Firth was also written a citation for simple possession of marijuana after she was found to have marijuana in her possession.
26 year old Tabitha Elaine Wilson
Huddleston Street
Cookeville
1 count of conspiracy to sell and deliver 50 grams or more of a schedule II drug
2 counts of violation of the drug free law
Bond $70,000
On Wednesday, 43 year old Christine Marie Moss of The Loop Smithville was arrested after she was found to have in her possession an unlabeled pill bottle that contained 119 and ½ pills believed to be Seroquel. Moss could not show a valid prescription for the pills. She was charged with possession of a legend drug without a prescription and her bond was set at $1,000. She will appear in court on April 29th. She was present at a drug defendant’s house on Flemming Street in Alexandria at the time of their arrest.

The following is a legislative update from State Senator Mae Beavers
A flurry of bills began to move through the State Senate this week, including legislation getting tough on crime. Meanwhile, the Senate received an update on the state’s continued declining revenue collections and growth estimates in preparation for its work on the budget.
Lawmakers act on several anti-crime bills
Armed Robbers – A bill to strengthen penalties against armed robbers was debated in the Senate Finance Committee this week. The legislation, Senate Bill 3431, would more than double the minimum amount of time served for aggravated robbery.
Presently, armed robbers convicted on a first offense can receive up to eight years in jail, but the 30 percent requirement places the actual sentence at less than three years. This legislation would increase the mandatory minimum percentage of jail time for these armed offenders from 30 percent to 74 percent.
Meth labs – In other Judiciary Committee action, members approved legislation designed to protect the public from being harmed by the ill effects of entering a house or building that has been used as a meth lab. The bill, Senate Bill 2969, makes it a Class B misdemeanor offense to knowingly inhabit a property quarantined by law enforcement due to the manufacture of methamphetamine within the structure, unless that person is part of the official police investigation.
Child Abductions – Lawmakers gave final approval to legislation that aims to reduce the risk of child abduction in Tennessee. The bill, Senate Bill 3065, would provide courts with guidelines to follow regarding potential child abductions and to provide courts with appropriate measures to prevent these crimes.
Legislation prohibiting taxpayer-funded coverage for abortion arising from federal healthcare bill wins unanimous approval in Senate Commerce Committee
The Senate Commerce Committee approved legislation that would prohibit taxpayer-funded coverage for abortion services in Tennessee associated with the federal healthcare bill passed by Congress last month. The bill, Senate Bill 2686, prohibits any health care plan established pursuant to federal health care reform legislation enacted by the 111th United States Congress from offering coverage for abortion services.
Many experts believe the Executive Order signed by President Obama was part of an agreement to gain the votes of a key block of anti-abortion Democrats as the price for the massive federal health care law. Yet, the order may not stop funding for abortions, as the federal healthcare law left open the option for state-paid abortions, and was ambiguous in terms of allowing federal taxpayer funding for abortions.
Senate passes legislation to help homeowners avoid foreclosure
The Senate has approved legislation that would provide assistance to homeowners who are about to lose their home due to non-payment. The bill, Senate Bill 3519, gives people the opportunity to contact their lender in an effort to avoid foreclosure, as well as requiring that a new simple and easy-to-understand notice be sent to homeowners when they fall behind or become delinquent in their mortgage payments. Such a bill might help them find a resolution or to see if there are any governmental programs available to avoid a foreclosure sale.
The state has consistently ranked among states with the highest number of foreclosures for the past decade. Tennessee ranked 26th in the nation in February according to some reports.
Issues In Brief
Overreaching by Congress – The State Senate gave final approval to Senate Joint Resolution 897 sponsored by Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey and Senator Mae Beavers, which urges Tennessee’s Attorney General to join 19 other states in challenging the unconstitutional provisions in the federal government takeover of the nation’s health care system. The resolution states that the General Assembly shares the concern of other states that mandated insurance coverage for citizens within their boundaries violates the Commerce Clause and the Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
Elected Attorney General – The Senate heard two readings this week of a resolution sponsored by Senator Mae Beavers calling for an elected State Attorney General (AG). The resolution, Senate Joint Resolution 698, seeks to amend the state’s Constitution to allow a popular election every four years. Tennessee is the only state in the nation that allows the State Supreme Court to select the attorney general. The amendment process requires three readings before a vote is taken on the resolution. It must be approved by both the 106th General Assembly, currently in session, and the 107th, which will take office in 2011, before going to voters in a statewide referendum in November 2014.
English in the workplace – The Senate Commerce Committee has approved a bill to clarify that Tennessee employers have a right to institute an English-in-the-workplace policy. The bill, SB 2753, clarifies that employers can require that English be spoken on the job as long as it is posted. Many think that requiring English is often a safety precaution. Businesses where employees are continuously handling toxic products or food containers have a need to require English.
College Savings – The Senate Finance Committee has approved legislation to increase the number of college graduates by providing essential education to parents and students about how to save for college. The proposal, Senate Bill 3234, would create an 11-member Tennessee Financial Literacy Commission to establish a state clearinghouse of information, resources, and assistance for improving financial literacy in the area of college savings.
Similarly, a separate measure was approved by the full Senate that authorizes the Board of Trustees of the Tennessee Baccalaureate Education System Trust (BEST) to establish an incentive plan to encourage citizens to participate in any 529 college savings program that the Board has contracted with to assist in these efforts. The proposal, Senate Bill 1142, helps citizens take advantage of the incentive plans, grants and scholarships that could be available to them through individual savings accounts established by or on behalf of residents through BEST.
Medal Program – The full Senate approved Senate Bill 2488 that would create the Veterans’ Honor Medal program to recognize and honor distinguished service by Tennessee veterans. The Department of Veterans’ Affairs, under the bill, would commission the design of a medal for the program.
Mammograms – Senator Mae Beavers pushed passage of Senate Joint Resolution 890 through the full Senate this week encouraging women to consult with their doctors and organizations, such as the American Cancer Society, when choosing to have annual mammograms. Beavers, a breast cancer survivor, credits screening and early intervention as a reason for her success in defeating the disease. The resolution takes issue with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ new guidelines increasing the age for baseline mammograms to age 50, and changing the recommendation for annual screenings to having the exams every other year. The resolution instead urges Tennessee women to use the American Cancer Society’s recommended standard for annual screenings beginning at age 40.