The body of a DeKalb County prisoner who managed to escape from the Moccasin Bend Mental Health Facility Tuesday evening by attempting to swim across the Tennessee River was found Thursday morning about a mile down river.
Dead is 36 year old Waylon Farless
According to WRCB TV, Chattanooga Police spokesman Nathan Hartwig said that officers responded to a “body found” call just after 11:00 a.m. Thursday morning, and were able to confirm the body was that of patient Waylon Farless.
The escape happened around 7:15 p.m. Tuesday evening. Farless had criminal charges out of DeKalb County and was taken to Moccasin Bend for mental health concerns.
Members of Chattanooga search and rescue teams spent nearly a day searching the river near the mental health facility before calling off the search late Wednesday afternoon.
Details of how Farless was able to jump into the river are unknown and still being investigated.
Witnesses told Chattanooga police that they saw the man (Farless) swim about halfway across the river before calling for help, then submerging Tuesday evening.
Farless was on a criminal hold from the DeKalb County Jail.
Farless was arrested by the Sheriff’s Department last Thursday on charges of driving on a revoked license and theft of property. According to Sheriff Patrick Ray, Farless was sent to the Smith County Jail on Friday to be housed for DeKalb County. While there, Farless allegedly tried to harm himself and was taken to the hospital in Carthage. After that incident, Farless was picked up by DeKalb County deputies on Saturday. Farless underwent a mental evaluation and was sent to Moccasin Bend.
Sheriff Ray said Moccasin Bend staff contacted him Tuesday saying they were planning to release Farless back to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department by noon that day. Sheriff Ray said he was notified later that Farless had escaped from the facility and was last seen trying to swim across the river.

Seven year old Kenlee Renae Taylor of Smithville was crowned Little Miss Princess at the DeKalb County Fair Wednesday night.
Taylor is the daughter of Ken and Cindy Taylor
She succeeds the 2011 Little Miss Princess nine year old Madison Rae Rackley of Smithville, daughter of Gordon and Jessica Rackley
First runner-up in the pageant was Alexis Grace Atnip, the nine year old daughter of Veronica Atnip of Smithville.
Seven year old Natalie Morgan Snipes was the second runner-up. She is the daughter of Tim and Michelle Snipes of Smithville
Third runner-up went to two contestants in a tie, McKenzie Faith Sanders and Maeloree Arlene Kirby. Sanders is the seven year old daughter of James and Misti Sanders of Smithville and Kirby is the eight year old daughter of Jesse and Shaunna Kirby of Smithville. Sanders was also named Miss Photogenic and Kirby was Miss Congeniality of the pageant.
M2U00769 from dwayne page on Vimeo.
Addison Jean Puckett was the fourth runner-up. She is the eight year old daughter of Jimmy and Anita Puckett of Smithville
The Extreme Queen crown went to Hannah Dawn Hall, the seven year old daughter of Joseph and April Hall of Smithville. The award is sponsored by the Extreme Looks Design Team Salon.
The Peoples Choice award for this pageant was presented to Rebekah Haylee Adams, the eight year old daughter of Brian and Carolyn Adams of Smithville.
Others in the top ten were Carlee Elizabeth West, the seven year old daughter of D.J. and Megan Stewart of Smithville; Arista Isabella Rigsby, the seven year old daughter of David and Tyroma Rigsby of Lebanon; Haylee Cassandra Merriman, the eight year old daughter of Mike and Myra Merriman of Smithville; Emma Brooke Jennings, the nine year old daughter of Chad and Shelly Jennings of Smithville.
(SECOND PHOTO FROM TOP: Natalie Morgan Snipes (2nd), Alexis Grace Atnip (1st), Kenlee Renae Taylor (Queen), Maeloree Arlene Kirby (3rd-tie), McKenzie Faith Sanders (3rd-tie), Addison Jean Puckett (4th)
(THIRD PHOTO FROM TOP: Rebekah Haylee Adams (People’s Choice), McKenzie Faith Sanders (Miss Photogenic), and Maeloree Arlene Kirby (Miss Congeniality)

The 2012 DeKalb County Fair Miss Sweetheart is eleven year old Sarah Anne Colwell, the daughter of Trent and Christie Colwell of Smithville. The pageant was held Wednesday night during the fair in Alexandria.
Colwell, sister of the 2012 Junior Fair Princes Lauren Elizabeth Colwell, succeeds the 2011 Miss Sweetheart, Tyra Graham, the thirteen year old daughter of Kyle and Doris Graham of Smithville
The first runner-up in the pageant was Macy Elizabeth Hedge, the eleven year old daughter of David and Trina Hedge of Smithville. She was also Miss Photogenic.
Kayla Jayne Belk was the second runner-up. She is the twelve year old daughter of Chris Anne Belk of Smithville and Wendell Belk of Christiana.
Eleven year old Shaunta Koegler, daughter of Brian and Leticia Koegler of Smithville, was the third runner-up
Fourth runner-up went to Julia Grace Curtis, the ten year old daughter of Bruce and Amy Curtis of Smithville.
The title of Miss Congeniality went to Shelby Sprague, the ten year old daughter of Jimmy and Johnna Sprague of Smithville.
The Extreme Queen crown went to Santanna Ferrell, the twelve year old daughter of Melissa Ferrell and Chris Ferrell of Dowelltown. The award is sponsored by the Extreme Looks Design Team Salon.
The Peoples Choice winner for this pageant was Abigail Hope Taylor, the eleven year old daughter of Ken and Cindy Taylor of Smithville.
M2U00772 from dwayne page on Vimeo.
Rounding out the top ten in the pageant were Addison Grace Oakley, the eleven year old daughter of Clark and Lisa Oakley of Liberty; Morgan Faith Green, the twelve year old daughter of Suzanne and Jon Harrison of Smithville; Kenzie Faith France, the ten year old daughter of Tim France and Will and Kim Frazier of Smithville; Anna Rachel Blair, the eleven year old daughter of Keith and Amanda Blair of Smithville; and Brooklyn Storm Estes, the eleven year old daughter of Chris and Shanna Bogle of Smithville.
(SECOND PHOTO FROM TOP: Julia Grace Curtis (4th), Shaunta Koegler (3rd), Sarah Anne Colwell (Queen), Macy Elizabeth Hedge (1st), and Kayla Jayne Belk (2nd Runner-Up)

Tony Bryson Trapp and Ansley Faith Cantrell were crowned Little Mister and Miss at the DeKalb County Fair Tuesday night.
Trapp is the six year old son of Tony and Amanda Trapp of Smithville and Cantrell is the six year old daughter of Tony and Amee Cantrell of Smithville.
Trapp succeeds his brother, the retiring Little Mister, seven year old Holden Craig Trapp, while Cantrell succeeds the retiring Little Miss Carlee Elizabeth West, the seven year old daughter of D.J. and Megan Stewart of Smithville.
First runner-up in the Little Miss contest was Annabella Eleni Dakas, the five year old daughter of John and Mandy Dakas of Smithville
Second runner-up was Addison Grace Miller, the five year old daughter of Josh and Amy Miller of Smithville
Five year old Savanna Hope Murphy Least was third runner-up. She is the daughter of Brian and Stephanie Least of Smithville.
Isabella Faith Rackley, the four year old daughter of Gordon and Jessica Rackley of Smithville was the fourth runner-up
Meanwhile, five year old Chloe Belle Bradley, daughter of Dusty and Erica Bradley of Lebanon was named Miss Congeniality.
Four year old Danica Hope Collier, daughter of Matthew Collier and Brittany George of Alexandria received the title of Miss Photogenic.
Extreme Looks Design Team awarded the “Extreme Queen” crown to five year old Madison Dawson, daughter of Jarred and Jamie Dawson of Smithville.
The People’s Choice Award went to Bryna Pelham, the five year old daughter of Jason and Karen Pelham of Smithville.
Others in the top ten were Hana Jade Parsley, the five year old daughter of Jason and Misti Parsley of Smithville; Allyson Roxanne Fuller, the six year old daughter of Anthony and Amanda Fuller of Baxter; Madison Grace Askew, the four year old daughter of Brad and Judy Askew of Watertown; Audrey Dare Collins, the five year old daughter of Mark and Danielle Collins of Smithville; and Kalia Nevaeh Stewart, the five year old daughter of Hobie and Heather Stewart of McMinnville.
First runner-up in the Little Mister contest was Jackson Wayne Graham, the five year old son of Wayne and Rebecca Graham of Smithville.
Six year old Carter Matthew-Mikel Benson, son of Chris and Karey Benson of Smithville was the second runner-up.
Third runner-up was
M2U00764 from dwayne page on Vimeo.Skylar Chase Sullivan, the four year old son of Jamie and Charity Sullivan of Smithville.
Four year old Jaxson Blake Panker, son of Richard and Tonya Panker of Smithville, was named fourth runner-up and Mr. Photogenic
M2U00763 from dwayne page on Vimeo.
Four year old Dylan Wade Cathey, son of Shawn and Cindy Washer and Jennifer Cathey of Smithville, was chosen Mister Manners
The People’s Choice award went to six year old Landon Orien Speaks, son of Justin and Donna Speaks of Smithville
The only other participant in the Little Mister pageant was Joseph Bristol Redmon, the five year old son of Brittney Redmon of Dowelltown and Joseph Redmon of Smithville.
(THIRD PHOTO FROM TOP- LEFT TO RIGHT: Jaxson Blake Panker (4th & Mr. Photogenic); Carter Matthew-Mikel Benson (2nd); Little Mr. Tony Bryson Trapp; Jackson Wayne Graham (1st); Skylar Chase Sullivan (3rd Runner-Up)
(FOURTH PHOTO FROM TOP-LEFT TO RIGHT: Addison Grace Miller (2nd), Annabella Eleni Dakas (1st), Little Miss Ansley Faith Cantrell, Savanna Hope Murphy Least (3rd), and Isabella Faith Rackley (4th Runner-Up)
(PLAY VIDEO CLIP BELOW OF TUESDAY NIGHT GO CART RACES AT THE FAIR)
M2U00768 from dwayne page on Vimeo.

A 19 year old man charged in a local rape case pleaded guilty to the crime Monday in criminal court and received a ten year sentence.
Judge David Patterson presided.
Keith Clifford Lafreniere, II was indicted last December in the case, which was investigated by Detective Matt Holmes of the Smithville Police Department.
The indictment alleges that on May 26, 2011 Lafreniere did intentionally or knowingly engage in unlawful sexual activity with a 12 year old girl and that it was accomplished by the use of force or coercion constituting the offense of rape.
The incident allegedly occurred at a residence on West Main Street. DNA evidence was collected at the scene. Lafreniere, who was identified as a suspect, was later charged in the case.
Lafreniere is to serve 85% of the sentence before his release eligibility. His name will be on the sex offender registry and he will be under lifetime probation supervision.
Meanwhile, in other cases, 22 year old Jacob T. Maynard was granted judicial diversion probation for three years on a charge of delivery of a schedule II controlled substance. He was fined $2,000 and must may $60 restitution to the sheriff’s department.
31 year old Misty Barnes pleaded guilty to initiation of a process to manufacture methamphetamine and received an eight year sentence, all suspended to supervised probation. She was fined $2,000 She was given jail credit of five days.
44 year old Stephen K. Estes, charged with casual exchange, received a suspended sentence of 11 months and 29 days on judicial diversion probation. He was fined $750 and must make $80 restitution to the sheriff’s department. Estes must also perform 50 hours of community service work.

A local jeweler, facing three local theft charges, will be on three years probation under a negotiated plea agreement approved Monday in DeKalb County Criminal Court.
Judge David Patterson presided.
Mark Violet of K & M Jewelry entered a plea to two counts of theft over $1,000 and was given a three year sentence in each case to run concurrently. But Violet will be on judicial diversion probation for the duration of the sentence as long as he stays out of any further trouble.
According to Assistant District Attorney Greg Strong, Violet was accused in each case of buying stolen jewelry, which was taken from the homes of three victims. Under the plea agreement, Violet must make restitution to one victim in the amount of $3,000; $6,210 to a second victim; and $785 to a third victim. Also as part of the plea deal, Violet shall not personally buy any gold during the three year period of the probation. He is also to make a contribution of $150 to the economic crime fund.
Last August, Violet was indicted in another theft case. He was accused of selling a stolen U.S. military issue laser sight. However, according to Assistant DA Strong, that case against Violet will be dismissed upon his making restitution to the ATF in the amount of $1,000.
Theft cases against Violet were brought by the Smithville Police Department.
Although charged with theft, Violet was never implicated in the actual theft of property, only the purchase of items believed to have been stolen by someone else.
Violet was represented by local attorney Hilton Conger.

18 year old Victoria Dawn Tatrow Smithville is the 2012 Fairest of the Fair
Tatrow, daughter of Corey and Vickie Funk and the late Shanna Tatrow, succeeds the retiring Queen, Katie Sue Haggard of Smithville, the 18 year old daughter of David and Vicki Haggard.
17 year old Chelsea Alia Lewis of Smithville was named first runner-up. She is the daughter of Gina and Jimmy Lewis.
18 year old Sydney Jayann Robinson, daughter of Charles and Rita Robinson of Liberty was named second runner-up in the pageant.
Third runner-up went to Rebekah Grace Webb, the 17 year old daughter of C.D. and Cindy Webb of Dowelltown
FAIREST from dwayne page on Vimeo.
17 year old MaKayla Shea Funk, daughter Amie Funk of Dowelltown was named fourth runner-up
The only other contestant in the pageant Monday night was Ciara Nichole Roehner, the 19 year old daughter of Christina and William Roehner of Liberty.
The “Extreme Queen” sponsored by the Extreme Looks Design Team Salon went to Chelsea Lewis.
Rebekah Grace Webb received the People’s Choice award.
Ciara Nichole Roehner was named Miss Congeniality
MaKayla Shea Funk received the Most Photogenic honor.
Two $500 cash drawings were held Monday night, but there was only one winner, Tim Davenport of Liberty. The other $500 cash award will be saved and given away on Saturday night.
The second night of this year’s DeKalb County Fair gets underway this evening (Tuesday)
Tonight’s schedule of events is as follows:
Little Mr. and Miss Pageant at 6:00 p.m. at the Lions Club Pavilion; Go-Cart Racing at 6:00 p.m. at the T.C. McMillen Arena; and a Horse Show at 7:00 p.m. at the Grandstand; (2- $500 cash drawings) at 9:30 p.m.
Take a stroll down Memory Lane and enjoy nightly entertainment at the Memory Lane Stage in Memory Village, sponsored by DeKalb Community Bank
Tonight’s schedule:
6:30-7:30 p.m— Abigail Rose
7:45-8:45 p.m— Lil John
Rides on the Midway will be provided by the Family Attractions Amusement Company. Unlimited rides will be available for $16.00 on Tuesday night; $14.00 on Wednesday and $18.00 on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
Admission to the fair is $4.00 per person. Children age four and younger will be admitted free! Gates open at 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. Parking is Free!
For more information, call 529-FAIR or visit on-line at www.dekalbcountyfairtn.com.
(Second Photo from top: left to right- MaKayla Shea Funk (4th), Rebekah Grace Webb (3rd), Queen Victoria Dawn Tatrow, Chelsea Alia Lewis (1st), and Sydney Jayann Robinson (2nd Runner-Up)
(Play Video Below to See Clip of Calf Roping at Monday Night’s DeKalb County Fair)
RODEO from dwayne page on Vimeo.

The 2012 Junior Fair Princess of the DeKalb County Fair is 15 year old Lauren Elizabeth Colwell, daughter of Trent and Christie Colwell of Smithville
Colwell was among 29 young ladies who competed for the crown on the opening night of the DeKalb County Fair on Monday night.
Colwell succeeds the retiring Junior Fair Princess, 17 year old Melanie Grace Rush of McMinnville, daughter of Susan and Greg Rush
The first runner-up was Ashley Medlin, the 16 year old daughter of Greg and Teresa Medlin of Smithville
Second runner-up was Haley Marie Hale, the 15 year old daughter of Chad and Melissa Hale of Smithville
M2U00740 from dwayne page on Vimeo.
16 year old Taylor Brook Cantrell was the third runner-up. She is the daughter of Jeff and Deborah Cantrell of Smithville
The fourth runner-up was Skylar Paige Winningham, the 16 year old daughter of Jeff and Melissa Winningham of Sparta
The “Extreme Queen” sponsored by the Extreme Looks Design Team Salon went to 13 year old Destiny Danielle Franklin, daughter of Charles and Jennifer Ware of Smithville
14 year old Shelby Delane Prichard received the People’s Choice award. She is the daughter of Stan and Michelle Prichard of Brush Creek.
13 year old Tyra Grace Graham of Smithville, daughter of Kyle and Doris Graham was named Miss Congeniality
13 year old Rachel Olivia Fuson, daughter of Joe and Missy Fuson of Smithville, received the Most Photogenic honor.
Rounding out the top ten were Kimberly Nicole Carlton, the 15 year old daughter of Brandi Pelham and Dewayne Carlton of Smithville; Taneah Brooke Cantrell, the 15 year old daughter of Scott and Tammy Cantrell of Smithville; Kami Denise Bogle, the 16 year old daughter of Amy Scott and Chris Bogle of Smithville; Kelsey Sueanna Hedge, the 15 year old daughter of David and Trina Hedge of Smithville; and Attiah J’nay Hicks, the 13 year old daughter of Rod and Brandy Hicks of Sparta.
Other contestants included Liz Abigail Qualls, the 14 year old daughter of Brad and Kim Trapp and Jason and Stormy Qualls of Smithville; Hailey Nicole Glass, the 13 year old daughter of Doyle Glass of Alexandria and Debbie Glass of Smithville; Rosa Maria Payne, the 13 year old daughter Tammy and Randy Payne of Alexandria; Chelsea Shoulders, the 15 year old daughter of Candace Enoch Dale Shoulders of Carthage; Jailyn Paige Bolding, the 14 year old daughter of Bradley and Lori Hendrix and Brad and Marcy Bolding of Dowelltown; Britney Nicole Keen, the 13 year old daughter of Greg and Jan Keen of Sparta; Shauna Faith Taylor, the 16 year old daughter of Ken and Cindy Taylor of Smithville; Ashley Dawn Celestino, the 15 year old daughter of Tammy Horsley of Smithville; Brooke Danielle Roller, the 15 year old daughter of Richard and Rose Roller of Smithville; Hannah Walker, the 13 year old daughter of Scott and Misty Walker of Smithville; Brandy Lynn Newby, the 13 year old daughter of Elsie Judkins and Shannon Newby of Smithville; Kerra Necole Blackwell, the 13 year old daughter of Candra and Brian Neal of Smithville; Courtney Madison Butler, the 13 year old daughter of Ronda Butler and Dennis Butler of Smithville; Mary Elizabeth Murray, the 13 year old daughter of Angel Brown of Smithville; and Alexis Kasara Davis, the 13 year old daughter of Angela and Scott Davis of Smithville.
(Second Photo from top: left to right- Haley Marie Hale (2nd), Ashley Medlin (1st), Queen Lauren Elizabeth Colwell, Taylor Brook Cantrell (3rd), and Skylar Paige Winningham (4th runner-up)
(Play Video Clip Below of Cattle Show Monday at Fair)
M2U00735 from dwayne page on Vimeo.

Thefts have been on the rise lately in the county, especially thefts from vehicles, and Sheriff Patrick Ray is urging everyone to take precautions.
“We have been getting a high volume of theft calls in the county. A lot of the thefts we have been seeing are vehicle thefts. I want to remind you not to leave things inside your vehicle in plain view such as computers, cell phones, jewelry, money, and cameras. Things like this have been reported stolen. We ask you to lock up your valuables either in the trunk or in a hidden area of your vehicle. If you have a GPS device that is in the window, take it down and place it under the seat or in another safe place where it is not visible from the outside,” said Sheriff Ray.
“We have also had some places around the lake that have been hit (burglarized) as well as a few home burglaries sporadic throughout the county. Guns, jewelry, cash and other things have been stolen from some of these homes, along with some furniture,” he said.
“We ask everyone to be aware of your surroundings and report to central dispatch any strange vehicles or unusual happenings in your neighborhood. Call 215-3000 and central dispatch will have a deputy come out and check. Its always better to be safe than sorry. Go ahead and call it in and we’ll come out and look and see who it is. You can never tell. It could be that the persons you suspect might not be up to anything at that moment, but in a day or two, if a house should get broken into, we can go back on our logs and check for tag numbers, if they have been reported,” said Sheriff Ray.
Meanwhile, in his weekly crime report, Sheriff Ray reports that 33 year old Jamie Edward Carroll of Gentry Avenue, Smithville is charged with initiation of a process intended to manufacture methamphetamine. His bond is $50,000 and he will be in court on August 23.
Sheriff Ray said that on Thursday, July 19 officers went to Carroll’s residence at 834 Gentry Avenue due to high traffic volume there. After receiving consent to search, officers found four hypodermic needles and several items used to manufacture methamphetamine including Aleve D Cold tablet boxes (in a kitchen garbage can); a 20 ounce plastic bottle, partially filled with a solid substance; a cold pack, partially burned in the back yard; and another cold pack which was found cut on the carport area of the home.
57 year old Larry Dale Lepley of Short Mountain Highway, Smithville is charged with a second offense of driving under the influence. He was also issued a citation for failure to yield and violation of the financial responsibility law for no insurance. His bond is $3,000 and he will be in court on August 9
Sheriff Ray said that on Monday, July 16, Lepley was involved in a car crash on Highway 70. He had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person and needed help to walk. Lepley submitted to but failed field sobriety tasks because of his level of intoxication. He also submitted to a blood test. Lepley was arrested and brought to the jail for booking. His prior DUI offense was on May 29, 2008.
27 year old Robin Lynn Woodard of Hogan Road, Gordonsville is charged with a third offense of driving under the influence. Her bond is $5,000 and she will be in court on July 26.
Sheriff Ray said that on Tuesday, July 17, Woodard was stopped for running a stop sign on Highway 70. She had an odor of an alcoholic beverage on her person and she was very unsteady on her feet. She performed poorly on all field sobriety tasks. She submitted to a blood test. Woodard was arrested and brought to the jail for booking. Prior DUI offenses against her were on November 20, 2008 in Smith County and February 17, 2009 in Wilson County.
36 year old Waylon Ray Farless of Redmon Road, Smithville is charged with driving on a revoked license and theft of property over $1,000. His bond totals $13,500 and he will be in court on July 26
Sheriff Ray said that on Thursday, July 19, Farless was operating a motor vehicle on Smith Fork Road but stopped because trees were across the road. An officer on the scene asked for his license but Farless could not produce an identification. A computer check revealed that his license were revoked for driving on a revoked license on May 28, 2008 in Warren County. Prior offenses against him were January 31, 2003 in Putnam County and May 28, 2008 in Warren County.
Meanwhile in the theft case, Sheriff Ray said that on June 15 at 186 Vickers Hollow Road, Farless allegedly took a fourteen foot Tandem axle trailer, valued at over $1,000.