Robert “Bob” Milantoni

73 year old Robert “Bob” Milantoni of Smithville died Monday at his residence. He was a U.S. Army veteran. Milantoni was a long time patrol officer for the Detroit Police Department. He retired from the department in 1986. The family has chosen direct cremation. A memorial service will be held at a later date. He was preceded in death by a brother, Lieutenant Colonel P.A. Milantoni. Survivors include children, Lisa and husband Mark Nadon of St. Clair Shores, Jonathan and wife Amy Milantoni of St. Clair Shores, Donald Milantoni of Pompano Beach, Florida, and Douglas and wife Debbie of Eastpointe. Grandchildren, Meaghan and husband Matthew Lopiccolo, David, Daniel, Andrew, and Michael Nadon, Matthew and Alexandria Milantoni, Nicholas Milantoni, and Braiden and Hannah Quinn. Sisters and brothers, Anita Spartaro, John and wife Nancy Milantoni, George and wife Helen Milantoni, Fred Milantoni, Kathy Lint and Jena Elman. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

Gwynn Prater

53 year old Gwynn Prater of Smithville died Saturday at NHC Healthcare Center. He was a pipe fitter. A graveside service will be Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. at DeKalb Cemetery. No visitation will be held. Prater was preceded in death by his parents, William Prater and Dorothy Greer Ervin; and a sister, Gail Walker. Survivors include a half-sister, Shirley and husband Raymond Joslyn of Smithville. A brother-in-law, Ronnie Walker of Smithville. Several nieces and nephews survive. Donations may be made to DeKalb Funeral Chapel to help with funeral expenses, in lieu of flowers.

Two Arrested for Possession of Cocaine and Xanax for Resale

Two people were arrested for possession of cocaine and xanax for resale during a drug bust by the sheriff’s department Monday night.
31 year old William Wayne Graham and 30 year old Kimberly Jo Donnelly of Bright Hill Road Smithville are charged with possession of a schedule II controlled substance for resale (cocaine) and possession of a schedule IV controlled substance for resale (xanax).
Bond for each is $10,000 and they will be in court on December 1.
Sheriff Patrick Ray said “the drug detective along with other detectives from the sheriff’s department, who have been investigating the illegal sale of drugs from the home of Graham, were able to establish probable cause to obtain a search warrant. General Sessions Judge Bratten H. Cook II issued a search warrant for us to go in and search Graham’s home. We executed that search warrant on Monday night, November 7 and found in the home individually packaged white powder believed to be cocaine, three used syringes, and two sets of digital scales. We also seized a couple of cell phones and pleated sandwich bags. We seized $587 in cash from Graham. We also found various types of pills,” said Sheriff Ray.
The warrants allege that on Monday November 7, the sheriff’s office executed a search warrant at Graham’s home at 737 Bright Hill Road and found in a living room drawer six baggies of cocaine. They were all packaged and ready for resale. The six baggies weighed over six grams combined. Also found in the living room was a bottle containing fifteen xanax pills and two halves.
Three small children who were in the home at the time were placed with other family members by the Department of Children Services.
Sheriff Ray added that the investigation continues and more arrests may be forthcoming.

Giles County Football Fan Charged with Theft of DCHS Sign

A Giles County High School football fan was arrested for trying to steal a DeKalb County High School Tiger Football sign following the state play-off game last Friday night in Smithville.
18 year old William Carson Burns of Agnew Road, Pulaski is charged with theft of property under $500 and evading arrest. His bond is $3,000 and he will be in court on November 17.
Sheriff Patrick Ray reports that on Friday, November 4, Burns allegedly took a sign from the DCHS football field that belonged to the school, valued at less than $500. When officers asked him to put down the sign, he ran off with it. He ran about 200 yards before officers caught up with him.
Giles County defeated DeKalb County in that game 35-28, eliminating the Tigers from the state play-offs.
Meanwhile, 43 year old Raymond Earl Tague of Bluhmtown Road, Smithville is charged with theft of property over $500. His bond is $5,000 and he will be in court November 17.
Sheriff Ray reports that on Wednesday November 2, Tague allegedly took from property on Bluhmtown Road, a door, a large window, and two small windows, all valued at over $500.
36 year old Lisa Yvonne Rogers of Aaron Webb Road, Smithville is cited for violation of the financial responsibility law (no insurance), simple possession of a schedule VI controlled substance (marijuana), and possession of drug paraphernalia. Her court date is November 17
Sheriff Ray said that on Saturday, November 5 an officer was dispatched to Creek Road to check out a suspicious vehicle. Upon arrival, the officer found Rogers sitting in the car. After receiving consent to search the vehicle, the deputy found 1.8 grams of marijuana and a pipe. Rogers could not show proof of insurance.

Hurricane Bridge to Close One Night Only, Tuesday November 8

Tennessee Department of Transportation contract crews will close the Hurricane Bridge on State Route 56 over the Caney Fork River in DeKalb County to all traffic between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. CST on Tuesday, November 8, 2011. The closure is necessary to allow the contractor to pour a portion of the new concrete deck. The work is part of a $26.9 million rehabilitation project which is scheduled to be complete in October 2013.
The work is weather dependent. If the contractor is unable to perform the work on Tuesday evening, it will be rescheduled to take place on either the evening of Wednesday, November 9 or Thursday, November 10 during the same time period.
Message boards will be in place to notify drivers of the closure. While the bridge is closed, all traffic will be redirected to the currently posted truck detour that utilizes I-40 at Exit 254 to SR-53. The bridge will be reopened to normal one-lane signal-controlled traffic by 6:00 a.m. the following morning. The current weight postings of 10 tons for two-axle vehicles and 18 tons for vehicles with three or more axles will continue to remain in effect and will be strictly enforced.
For travel and TDOT construction information visit the TDOT SmartWay web site at www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartway or call 511 from any land-line or cellular phone. You can also receive traffic alerts via TDOT’s multiple Twitter feeds, including statewide traffic tweets @TN511 or Chattanooga area alerts @Chattanooga511. Smart phone users can use the TDOT SmartWay Mobile website at http://m.tdot.tn.gov/SmartWay/ to access TDOT’s SmartWay cameras and information on construction related lane closures and incidents on interstates and state routes.
As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for their destination. Drivers should never tweet, text or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.

Mary Virginia Ellis

89 year old Mary Virginia Ellis of Liberty died Saturday at her residence. She was a member of the Pisgah United Methodist Church and she attended the Fuller’s Chapel United Methodist Church. She was a shirt factory worker. The funeral will be Monday at 1:00 p.m. at DeKalb Funeral Chapel. Matt Long, Wilson Williams, and Elmer Ellis, Jr. will officiate and burial will be in the Pisgah Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the service at 1:00 p.m.. Ellis was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Virginia Ardelia Tittsworth Malone; a son, William Schuyler Ellis, Jr. and brothers, C.H. Malone and Billie Malone. Survivors include her husband, Schuylar Ellis of Liberty. Children, Lois and husband Wilson Williams of Liberty, Brenda and husband Skipper Stewart of Georgia, and Deborah and husband Don Castner of Clarksville. Grandchildren, LeeAnn and husband Michael Prince, Shasta and husband Billy Stanton, Will and wife Dana Stewart, Daniel and wife Emily Stewart, Beth Castner, and Matthew Castner. Great grandchildren, Parker Prince, Bill Stanton, Ben Stewart, Ross Stewart, and Ryder Stewart. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

Lauren Ashley Medlin New Fall Fest Queen

15 year old Lauren Ashley Medlin captured the Fall Fest Crown Saturday night during the annual pageant at the DeKalb County High School gym. The event is sponsored by the Smithville Business and Professional Women’s Club.
Nineteen young ladies, ages 14-18 competed for the title.
Medlin, daughter of Greg and Teresa Medlin of Smithville, succeeds the retiring Fall Fest Queen, 15 year old Lauren Elizabeth Colwell, daughter of Trent and Christie Colwell of Smithville.
Meanwhile, Katlin Alli Emme was named Miss Congeniality of the pageant. She is the 15 year old daughter of Jessica and Gordon Rackley and Michael and Leslie Emme of Smithville..
First runner-up in the pageant was 16 year old Zoe Elaine Whaley, daughter of Celia and Scott Whaley of Smithville.
Kami Denise Bogle was second runner-up. She is the 15 year old daughter of Amy Scott and Chris Bogle of Smithville.
17 year old Katie Sue Haggard, daughter of David and Vicki Haggard of Smithville, was the third runner-up
Fourth runner-up went to 15 year old Brittany Nicole Wilkerson, daughter of Sean Wilkerson and Michelle Cantrell of Smithville.
Others in the top ten were Kelsey Hale, the 17 year old daughter of Kevin and Judith Hale of Smithville; Stephanie Carmen Rackley, the 17 year old daughter of William and Angie Meadows and Gordon and Jessica Rackley of Smithville; Sarah Elizabeth Edwards of Liberty, the 15 year old daughter of Tena and the late Clay Edwards; Darrian Lanay Turner, the 14 year old daughter of Shane and Regina Turner of Smithville; and Christian Janette Atnip, the 17 year old daughter of Veronica Atnip of Smithville.
Others in the pageant were Paige Cantrell, the 16 year old daughter of David and Angela Cantrell of Alexandria; Carlie Sullivan, the 16 year old daughter of Inga and Darrell Johnson of Liberty; Shauna Faith Taylor, the 16 year old daughter of Ken and Cindy Taylor of Smithville; Ashlee Michelle Whitehead, the 17 year old daughter of Keneth and Tina Whitehead of Smithville; Jasmine Marie Dimas, the 17 year old daughter of Lynda Hamilton and Juan Dimas of Smithville; Makayla Shea Funk, the 16 year old daughter of Amie Funk of Dowelltown; Haley Marie Hale, the 14 year old daughter of Chad and Melissa Hale of Smithville; and Jessica Diane Ball, the 17 year old daughter of Donald and Mary Lou Ball of Smithville.
(Second Photo From Top: Pictured Left to Right: Fall Fest: 4th runner-up Brittany Nicole Wilkerson, 2nd runner-up Kami Denise Bogle, Queen Lauren Ashley Medlin, 1st runner-up Zoe Elaine Whaley, 3rd runner-up Katie Sue Haggard)

Tyra Grace Graham Crowned Autumn Sweetheart

13 year old Tyra Grace Graham is the first ever Autumn Sweetheart.
The inaugural pageant, sponsored by the Smithville Business and Professional Women’s Club, was held Saturday night at the DCHS gym. Twelve contestants, ages 11-14 competed for the crown.
Graham is the daughter of Kyle and Doris Graham of Smithville.
First runner-up in the pageant was Hannah Walker, the 13 year old daughter of Scott and Misty Walker of Smithville. Walker was also named Miss Congeniality
Destiny Danielle Franklin, 12 year old daughter of Jennifer and Charles Ware of Smithville, was second runner-up.
Third runner-up went to Morgan Faith Green, the 12 year old daughter of Suzanne and Jon Harrison of Smithville.
Brooklyn Storm Estes was the fourth runner-up. She is the 11 year old daughter of Chris and Shanna Bogle of Smithville.
Others participating in the pageant were Alexis KaSara Davis, 12 year old daughter of Scott and Angela Davis of Smithville; Chloe Elizabeth Sykes, 11 year old daughter of Robbie and Jennifer Sykes of Smithville; Baylie Ann Davis, 11 year old daughter of Shara Cowan and Jason Davis of Smithville; Abigail Hope Taylor, the 11 year old daughter of Ken and Cindy Taylor of Smithville; Kerra Nicole Blackwell, the 13 year old daughter of Candra and Brian Neal and Russell Blackwell of Smithville; Kayla Jayne Belk, the 11 year old daughter of Chrisanne Belk and Andrew Fults of Smithville; and Madison Elaine Colwell, the 11 year old daughter of Gabe and Heather Colwell of Smithville.
Second Photo From Top: (Pictured left to right: 4th runner-up Brooklyn Storm Estes, 2nd runner-up Destiny Danielle Franklin, Queen Tyra Grace Graham, 1st runner-up Hannah Walker, 3rd runner-up Morgan Faith Green)

Anna Rachel Blair Wins Autumn Princess Crown

10 year old Anna Rachel Blair is the 2011 Autumn Princess
Blair, daughter of Keith and Amanda Blair of Smithville, succeeds the retiring Autumn Princess, Emma Brooke Jennings, the eight year old daughter of Chad and Shelly Jennings of Smithville
The pageant, featuring nineteen girls ages 7 to 10, was sponsored by the Smithville Business and Professional Women’s Club and held Saturday night at the DCHS gym.
First runner-up was Natalie Morgan Snipes, the 7 year old daughter of Tim and Michelle Snipes of Smithville.

Second runner-up was Kennedy Grace Agee, the 8 year old daughter of Josh and January Agee of Liberty. Agee was also named Miss Manners.
Alexis Grace Atnip, the 8 year old daughter of Veronica Atnip and John Atnip of Smithville, was named third runner-up.
Ellisyn Kelsey Cripps was fourth runner-up. She is the 8 year old daughter of Troy and Jamie Cripps of Smithville.
Rounding out the top ten were Haylie Lockard, the 9 year old daughter of John and Brittany Lockard of Smithville; Malia Nichole Stanley, the 9 year old daughter of Steve Stanley of Smithville and the late Amy Tollison; Madison Rae Rackley, the 8 year old daughter of Gordon and Jessica Rackley of Smithville; Shaunta Rose Koegler, the 10 year old daughter of Brian and Leticia Koegler of Smithville; and Madi Elizabeth Cantrell, the 10 year old daughter of Todd and Jenny Cantrell of Smithville.
Others participating in the pageant were Sophia Eileen Angeletti, the 7 year old daughter of Stacey Angeletti of Smithville; Skylor McKinlee Fuson, the 8 year old daughter of Aleisha and Scotty Fuson of Smithville; Katherine Malone, the 9 year old daughter of Kevin and Dana Malone of Smithville; Tesla Cheyenne Tapp, the 10 year old daughter of Latisha and Jimmy Stephens of Smithville; Lera Renae Britt, the 9 year old daughter of Lou Ann Cantrell and Jason Britt of Smithville; Alley Elaine Sykes, the 9 year old daughter of Robbie and Jennifer Sykes of Smithville; Madison Faith Whitehead, the 10 year old daughter of Keneth and Tina Whitehead of Smithville; Julia Grace Curtis, the 10 year old daughter of Bruce and Amy Curtis of Smithville; and Megan Emilee Cantrell, the 10 year old daughter of Todd and Jenny Cantrell of Smithville.
Second Photo From Top: (Pictured left to right: 4th runnerup Ellisyn Kelsey Cripps, 2nd runnerup Kennedy Grace Agee, Queen Anna Rachel Blair, 1st runnerup Natalie Morgan Snipes, and 3rd runnerup Alexis Grace Atnip)

Hugh Morris Young

81 year old Hugh Morris Young of Liberty died Friday at DeKalb Community Hospital. He was an auto body mechanic and a deacon at the Faith Congregational Methodist Church. He was born in Warren County. The funeral will be Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at the Chapel of Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. Josh Hale will officiate and burial will be in Salem Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from noon until 8:00 p.m. and Sunday fron noon until the service. He was preceded in death by his wife, Georgia Lee Young; his parents, Dibrell Parker Young and Lula Gertrude Curtis Young; and a son, Joe Donald Young. Survivors include children, Eddie and wife Ernestine Young of Smithville, Terry and wife Lanee Young of Mount Juliet, Sherry and husband Charles Williams of Alexandria, Donna and husband Danny Hale of Brush Creek, Jeff and wife Julie Young of Alexandria, and Lesa and husband Alan Hayes of Liberty. Granddaughters, Whitney and husband Hunter Wharton and Chelsie Young. Grandsons, Eddie Young, Jr., Joe Donald Young, Jr., Jacob and wife Crystal Young, Joey and wife Melissa Hight, Joshua and wife Connie Hale, Justin Hale, Lincoln and wife Amy Young, Bailey Hayes, Garrett Hayes, and Charlie Young. Great grandchildren, Kayla, Zachary, and Ethan Hight, Madyson Young, and Zoi Hale. Two sisters, Dorothy Hale and Bessie Hendrix. A brother, John and his wife Mary Young. Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria is in charge of the arrangements.