District Attorney Randy York and the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference today announced a new campaign including aggressive outreach through social media, printed materials and a major effort to build a statewide network of partners to increase their efforts to fight teen pregnancy.
The statewide initiative represents the second phase of the highly successful What’s the Rush? campaign that raises awareness of the legal, financial and social consequences of becoming teen parents.
“Teen pregnancy has a direct consequence, not just on crime, but on society in general. There’s an inability to care and support that child the way that it deserves. It’s really sad when you see teenagers in court for nonpayment of child support and they’re facing the loss of their driver’s and hunting licenses and the possibility of going to jail,” said General York.
The DAs started the campaign in 2008 in response to the number of court cases involving teen parents throughout the state. Printed materials and a video were created for the DAs to use when visiting schools and civic organizations to educate Tennessee’s youth about the consequences of becoming teen parents.
After receiving a substantial amount of positive feedback, the DAs decided not only to continue the campaign, but to commit more resources to expand its scope to reach even more teenagers. One of the new additions is the social media initiative the DAs will participate in using Facebook, YouTube and MySpace. They will also be working more directly with campaign partners, and sending new and updated materials to schools and medical offices across the state.
The Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference is already partnered with the Tennessee Departments of Human Services, Health and Education; Tennessee Academy of Family Physicians; Tennessee Academy of Physician Assistants; Tennessee School Counselor Association; National Association of Social Workers – Tennessee Chapter; Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks Job Corps Center; Hospital Alliance of Tennessee; and YMCA of Memphis & the MidSouth.
“We are pleased to partner with the district attorneys, who see this problem firsthand,” said DHS Commissioner Virginia T. Lodge. “Continuing and expanding this program can make a difference in communities across Tennessee.”
In the 13th District alone, the most recent statistics from the Tennessee Department of Health show that in one year there were 380 reported cases of teen pregnancy and more than 13,000 cases reported statewide. Statistics from the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy show that teen parenthood can lead to a number of legal, financial and health consequences. Those statistics include:
•Eight out of 10 teen fathers do not marry the mother of their first child.
•Less than half of mothers who have a child before they are 18 years old graduate from high school, and less than 2 percent have a college degree by age 30.
•Teen fathers have less education and earn much less money than teenage boys without children.
•The children of teen mothers are more likely to be born prematurely and at a low birth weight, which can cause infant death, blindness, deafness, respiratory problems, mental retardation, cerebral palsy, dyslexia and hyperactivity.
•Children of teen mothers are 50 percent more likely to have to repeat a grade in school and are less likely to finish high school.
•The sons of teen mothers are two times more likely to end up in prison.
•The children of teen mothers are two times more likely to suffer abuse and neglect compared to children of older mothers.
For more information about What’s the Rush?, call General Randy York at (931) 528-5015. To learn more and access the campaign materials, please visit www.tndagc.org/whatstherush.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/whatstherushtn
MySpace: www.myspace.com/whatstherushtn
YouTube: www.youtube.com/whatstherushtn

Concern about the cost of a healthy diet being out of reach remains on the minds of many Americans as the nation continues to work through serious economic woes. However, according to an Agriculture Department study, the cost of eating healthy hasn’t changed as much as some less-healthy alternatives. Eating healthy food while on a budget does require strategic shopping.
DeKalb County Farm Bureau’s Food Check-Out Week, February 20-26, focuses on helping Americans learn how to stretch their grocery dollars with healthy, nutritious food. America’s farmers and ranchers are committed to producing safe, healthy and abundant food. And they share a common concern with consumers when it comes to putting nutritious meals on the table while sticking to a tight budget.
The good news: a recent USDA report favorably supports the economics of healthier eating. Recent food price data show that prices for unprepared, readily available fresh fruits and vegetables have remained stable relative to dessert and snack foods, such as chips, ice cream, and cola. Therefore, as defined by food in the study, the price of a “healthier” diet has not changed compared to an “unhealthy” diet. Additionally, certain fresh fruits and vegetables have actually gone down in price over the last 25 years compared to the more expensive processed foods.
DeKalb County Farm Bureau’s Food Check-Out Week is aimed at helping DeKalb County families learn how to shop strategically to put nutritious meals on the table with fewer dollars.”Learning to use your grocery dollars wisely helps ensure that nutrition isn’t neglected,” according to April Martin, DeKalb Extension FCS Agent.
“Fruits and vegetables, along with whole grains, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts, are an important part of a healthy diet. Buying fresh produce when it’s in season and costs less, while buying frozen fruits and vegetables when they’re not in season, is a smart way to stretch that dollar,” said Mary Sanders, DeKalb County’s TNCEP program assistant.
“Knowing your food budget, planning balanced meals, making a list and sticking to it are just a few of the tips we offer consumers,” said Sanders.
Now in its 13th year, Food Check-Out Week also highlights America’s safe, abundant, and affordable food supply, made possible largely by America’s productive farmers and ranchers. According to the most recent information from the USDA’s Economic Research Service, American families and individuals spend, on average, less than 10% of their disposable personal income for food.
You’ll find posters in some of our local stores that were made by senior high 4-Hers as a service to the community. If you need additional information on budgeting your food dollars, contact us.

DeKalb County Volunteer Firefighters were called to the trailer home of Connie Rahm at 179 Kings Court on Adcock Cemetery Road early Wednesday morning.
911 received the call at 1:09 a.m.
County Fire Chief Donny Green said that the fire started from something that was setting on a bookshelf, which was up against a wall. Ms. Rahm, who was at home at the time, discovered the small blaze and ran outside to get help. A neighbor came over and put out the fire.
Firefighters from the Cookeville Highway, Short Mountain Highway, and Midway stations responded but the fire had already been extinguished by the time they arrived. The only fire damage was to the book shelf and a portion of the wall next to it. Firefighters checked to make sure there was no fire in the wall and they ventilated the home, clearing it of smoke.
DeKalb EMS and the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department also responded but no one was injured.

The 2011-12 Tennessee hunting and fishing licenses go on sale Friday, Feb. 18. Licenses are available at Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) regional offices, license agents and on the TWRA website, www.tnwildlife.org.
The new licenses are valid through February, 2012. License sales provide the primary funding for the TWRA, which does not receive any funding from the state’s general fund (i.e. state sales tax). The 2010-11 licenses expire Feb. 28.
“License dollars are the life-blood of our agency’s efforts to manage all wildlife in our state,” said Ed Carter, TWRA Executive Director. “I would encourage fellow Tennesseans who appreciate the tremendous wildlife viewing opportunities we all enjoy to make a license purchase as a way of showing their support for all species and allowing us to leverage available federal funding.”
Resident licenses may be purchased by: persons who possess a valid Tennessee driver’s license; persons who have lived in Tennessee for 90 consecutive days with the genuine intent of making Tennessee their permanent home; military personnel on active duty in this state and their immediate families, who reside with them, regardless of resident status; students who are enrolled in a Tennessee school, college, or university for at least six months. A Social Security number is required to purchase a Tennessee hunting or fishing license.
Licenses may also be purchased online at TWRA’s website: www.tnwildlife.org and charged to a credit card. Licenses may also be ordered by telephone and charged to a credit card by calling 1-888-814-8972. All licenses purchased by credit card will be charged a processing and handling fee. Effective March 1, the new fees over the telephone are $7.50 for those licenses mailed and $6.25 for those not mailed. Through the internet, charges are $4.25 for those licenses mailed and $3 for self-prints.
To expedite telephone orders, the caller should have ready the name, address, physical description, Social Security number, driver’s license number, TWRA ID number (if renewal), and credit card number.
Licenses are printed on a special tear-resistant, water-proof paper. In case of a lost license, duplicate licenses can be obtained from any REAL license agent for a $7 fee.

Smithville Police have arrested two people for allegedly stealing several hundred pounds of copper from the supply yard of Smithville Electric System on Sunday, February 6th.
Chief Randy Caplinger said 27 year old Matthew Malachi Lawson and 23 year old Virginia Ruth Carrier are each charged with theft of property over $1,000. More arrests are expected in the case.
Detective Matt Holmes said that both Lawson and Carrier are charged with taking several hundred pounds of copper without consent from Smithville Electric Company’s supply yard located behind the building in a fenced-in area at 611 East Broad Street.. Some of the copper was taken to a local scrap yard where it was sold. The value of the copper taken is approximately $1,500.
Following an investigation, Detective Holmes, Chief Caplinger, Captain Steven Leffew, Corporal Travis Bryant, and Officer David Phillips went to Lawson’s home on Oak Street Wednesday, February 9th where they executed a search warrant.
Upon arrival, Detective Holmes said he knocked on the door and announced that the police were present. After receiving no answer, officers made entry through the front door. Four persons were inside the home. After a search of the premises outside, officers found a burn pile containing left over protective coating for copper and several big pieces of copper which was later positively identified as belonging to Smithville Electric System. Lawson showed up a short time later and was arrested. A van, which was believed to have been used in the felony was seized from the home.
Lawson is scheduled for another hearing in General Sessions Court on April 11th. Carrier’s court date is February 17th.
Meanwhile, in other crime news from the Smithville Police Department, Chief Caplinger reports that 28 year old Brandon Ross Bogle of Jefferson Road was arrested by Officer Matt Farmer on Monday, February 7th for violation of bond conditions. According to the warrant, Officer Farmer was at the Department of Children Services assisting a drug screen on Bogle. Mr. Bogle advised Officer Farmer he had a no contact order with his wife who was also present, therefore violating the conditions of the bond that he signed.
25 year old Jose Xalchy Rododrigvir of Fall Creek Road was arrested by Officer David Phillips for public intoxication on Monday, February 7th. According to the warrant, Officer Phillips responded to Kwik N Ezy to check out a complaint about someone who had passed out at one of the tables. Upon arrival Officer Phillips saw a man whose head was on the table. Several attempts were made to wake the man and after several minutes, he got up. He had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person and he was unsteady on his feet. Officer Phillips tried unsuccessfully to find a ride home for the man. Due to his intoxication and for his safety Mr. Rododrigvir was placed under arrest. His bond is $1,000 and he will be in court on March 10th.
Meanwhile, anyone with information on any 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

Two incumbent Smithville Aldermen, Shawn Jacobs and W.J. (Dub) White, have submitted their qualifying petitions to the DeKalb County Election Commission to seek re-election.
The other incumbent alderman up for re-election, Aaron Meeks has picked up his petition but has not yet returned it.
The DeKalb County Election Commission is accepting qualifying petitions for the Smithville Municipal Election until noon on March 17th.
Three aldermen seats will be up for election on June 21st. The seats are currently held by Jacobs, Meeks, and White. Each term is for two years.
The last day to register to vote in the Smithville election is May 23rd.

35 year old Stephen Jason Moore of Cookeville Highway was arrested by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department Thursday, February 3rd on four courts of theft of property under $500. His bond is $4,000 and he will be in court on February 24th
Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on four occasions, January 3rd, 5th, 10th, & 11th Moore allegedly stole rebar valued at less than $500 from a business and then took it to a scrap yard where he sold it.
28 year old Elizabeth Ann Chalfant of Hurricane Ridge Road is charged with a first offense of driving under the influence and reckless endangerment. She was also issued a citation for a fourth offense of driving on a suspended license, violation of the implied consent law, possession of drug paraphernalia, and for failure to maintain proper lane of traffic. Her bond totals $5,000 and she will be in court on March 10th.
Sheriff Ray said that a deputy stopped Chalfant’s vehicle on Highway 70 west at Dry Creek Road near Dowelltown after receiving a complaint about a possible intoxicated driver. As the officer got behind the vehicle to pull it over, he noticed that the driver failed to maintain her lane of travel, twice crossing the turning lane and going across the dotted lines. After pulling over the automobile, the deputy spoke with Chalfant and noticed that her speech and movements were slow and she had difficulty keeping her eyes open and focused. Chalfant was asked to step out of the vehicle to perform field sobriety tasks. She submitted to the tasks but performed poorly on them as she was very unsteady on her feet. She refused to submit to a blood screen for drugs and alcohol. Also found were five hypodermic needles. A computer check revealed her license to be suspended.
As the deputy placed Chalfant under arrest, he noticed two children in the vehicle. One of them, a five year old boy, was in a backseat car seat, and the other, a six year old girl, was lying down in the front floor. Both were Ms Chalfant’s children. She was charged with reckless endangerment for placing the children in danger of serious bodily injury.
25 year old Ruby Gail Webb of Couch Street, McMinnville was issued a citation on February 7th for driving on a revoked license. Her court date is February 24th.
34 year old Jack Mullican, Jr. of Allen Street, Smithville was issued a citation for driving on a suspended license. An officer stopped Mullican having prior knowledge that his license were suspended. A computer check confirmed it. Mullican will be in court on February 23rd.
45 year old Kandy Kay Fish of Old Snow Hill Road, Dowelltown was issued a citation for simple possession of a schedule IV controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. She will be in court on February 17th.
Sheriff Ray said that a deputy went to a residence on February 13th to serve a warrant. According to the officer, Fish came to the door after snorting pills. The deputy received consent from the home owner to search the residence and he found straws and more pills both chopped up and complete. All evidence was seized.
43 year old Donna Sue Estes of Banks Pisgah Road, Smithville was issued a citation for possession of drug paraphernalia. Estes was taken into custody on an active warrant after a deputy stopped a vehicle in which she was a passenger. When asked if she was carrying anything illegal on her person, Estes pulled two hypodermic needles from the inside of her pants. Her court date is February 24th.
25 year old Cirilo Gomez of Fancer Mill Road, Sparta is charged with a third offense of driving under the influence and a first offense of driving on a revoked license. He was also issued a citation for violation of the implied consent law. He will be in court on March 3rd and his bond is $3,500.
Sheriff Ray said that on February 13th, a deputy responded to Highway 56 south to check out a vehicle on the side of the roadway where a man was slumped over the steering wheel. After the officer awoke him, the man gave his name but said that he did not have any ID or drivers license. The officer noticed a strong odor of alcohol on his person and he had very slurred speech. He was asked to perform several field sobriety tasks. He performed poorly on all tasks. He was very unsteady on his feet and he refused to submit to a blood alcohol test. A computer check confirmed that his license were revoked for DUI on July 3rd, 2004.