A Smithville man is in trouble with the law after he was caught allegedly driving drunk on a riding lawn mower late Saturday night on Riley Avenue.
42 year old Robert Roy (Bobby) Atnip, Jr. of Allen Ferry Road, Smithville is charged with a second offense of driving under the influence. He was further issued citations for possession of drug paraphernalia and for having an unauthorized vehicle on the roadway. His bond is $3,000 and he will be in court June 28.
Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on Saturday, June 2, an officer saw someone driving a riding lawn mower all over the roadway on Riley Avenue at 10:54 p.m. The deputy turned around and got behind the man, Atnip, and saw him run over a curb, and then come back into the roadway and stop. Atnip had a very strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person and he was very unsteady on his feet. He submitted to but performed poorly on several field sobriety tasks. Atnip also submitted to a blood alcohol test. A needle and two spoons were found on Atnip.
According to Sheriff Ray, TCA 55-10-401 (Tennessee DUI Law) states that “It is unlawful for any person to drive or to be in control of any automobile or other motor driven vehicle on any of the public roads and highways of the state, or on any streets or alleys or while on the premises of any shopping center, trailer park, or any apartment house complex, or any other premises that is generally frequented by the public at large, while under the influence of any intoxicant”.
Meanwhile, in other cases 22 year old Tameika Danielle Gist of Quinland Lake Road, Algood is charged with domestic assault. Her bond is $2,500 and she will be in court on June 7.
Sheriff Ray reports that on Saturday, June 2, a deputy responded to a domestic in progress at the Keystop gas station on Highway 56 north. When the officer arrived, he made contact with Gist and her boyrfriend. Gist said they got into a verbal argument after he arrived late to pick her up from work. Gist admitted to punching her boyfriend in the face. He had a red mark below his left eye. The officer determined that Gist was the primary aggressor.
26 year old Michael Andrew Snyders of West Main Street, Smithville is charged with violation of probation, evading arrest, and simple possession of a schedule IV controlled substance. His bond totals $6,000 and he will be in court June 7. He is being held without bond on the violation of probation and his court date on that offense is June 26.
According to Sheriff Ray, a deputy, while patroling on Highway 70 east Tuesday, May 29, spotted Snyders walking into the Eastside Citgo store. Having prior knowledge that Snyders had a violation of probation warrant against him, the deputy stopped, went inside the store, and placed Snyders under arrest. After putting Snyders in the patrol car, the officer went around to get in the vehicle. Snyders then opened a back door to the car, got out and fled on foot. The deputy caught up with Snyders about 100 yards away and handcuffed him. During the arrest, the officer noticed Snyders trying to put a small brown medicine bottle into his front pocket. The deputy retrieved the bottle and found nine green round pills, believed to be Clonazepam, a schedule IV drug.
37 year old Travis Payne Pinkerton of Gassaway Road, Woodbury is charged with a third offense of driving on a revoked license. He was also issued a citation for misuse of registration. His bond is $3,500 and he will be in court June 7.
Sheriff Ray said that a deputy stopped Pinkerton’s vehicle on Highway 70 west last Monday, May 28 for a registration violation. The driver, Pinkerton, told the officer that he did not have a license. A computer check confirmed that Pinkerton’s license were revoked for prior offenses in Wilson and Chester counties. Also, he said the license tag on Pinkerton’s vehicle was for another automobile.

You are urged to help “Paint the County Purple” this week in celebration of the Relay for Life on Friday, June 8, at Green Brook Park.
Organizers ask local businesses and residents to help show their support for the Relay for Life and the fight against cancer by turning their business or home purple. Examples might include hanging purple balloons or bows on their front doors or mailboxes, or wearing purple to work.
The Flower Box, downtown Smithville, has distributed ninety purple bows, prepared by Bessie Jones to those wanting to join in the effort. The ribbon for the bows was provided by DeKalb County Florist, downtown Smithville. No more bows are currently available.
The 15th annual Relay for Life, sporting the theme “Dancing Under the Stars”, begins Friday with musical entertainment at 5:00 p.m. followed by the opening ceremony at 6:00 p.m. featuring personal testimonies from cancer survivors and then a Survivors’ Lap, during which those who have survived the struggle circle the track together to help everyone celebrate what has been achieved against cancer.
As the sun sets, Luminaria bags lining the track illuminate the night and then a hush falls over the event as Relay participants, survivors and caregivers gather together for a Luminaria Ceremony at 9:00 p.m. to remember loved ones lost to cancer and to honor those who have battled the disease.
As volunteers and donors, your efforts support research, education, advocacy, and services that allow the American Cancer Society to offer help and hope to people across the country when they need it most. By joining together at Relay, we celebrate life, friendship, and an opportunity to work to defeat cancer for future generations.
The lineup of musical entertainment and events for this year’s Relay is as follows:
5:00 p.m.: Jimmy and Alisha Stephens
5:15 p.m.: Kathy Goodwin
5:30 p.m.: Dessa Ray
5:45 p.m.: Suzanne Slager
5:55 p.m:
Presentation of Colors by Boy Scout Troop #347
The National Anthem by Suzanne Slager
Invocation by Dwayne Cornelius, Pastor of the New Life Pentecostal Church
6:00 p.m.:
Opening ceremony
Welcome by Ivadell Randolph
Introduction of Cancer Survivors
Song honoring Cancer Survivors by Bonnie Rigsby and Shelley Cross
Prayer for Cancer Survivors by Don Davidson, Pastor of the Real Life Community Church
6:45 p.m.: David Turner & Friends
7:00 p.m.: Page Family
7:15 p.m.: Gather Round Boys
7:30 p.m.: Terry Hodges
7:45 p.m.: Tina Boston
8:00 p.m.: Fluty and the Flutones
8:15 p.m.: First Assembly of God
8:30 p.m.: Kevin Roberts
8:45 p.m.: Wendell Judkins
9:00 p.m.
Luminaria Ceremony
Prayer by Jeff Armstrong, Pastor of the Smithville Church of God
9:15 p.m.: Smithville Church of God Youth Group
9:30 p.m. New Life Pentecostal Praise Group
9:45 p.m.: Elizabeth Chapel Youth Group
10:00-11:00 p.m.
11:00 p.m.: 61 Seconds
Midnight: Team Activities Begin

Free Fishing Day in Tennessee is Saturday, June 9 when anyone in the state may fish free without a license in Tennessee’s public waters.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency provides the free day in hopes of increasing interest in fishing. The day allows anyone the opportunity to try this great outdoor sport, especially children. In addition, children ages 13-15 may fish without a license beginning on Free Fishing Day through the following Friday, June 15.
As part of Free Fishing Day, TWRA officer Tony Cross says children may fish Saturday, June 9 at the Wildlife Management Area pond at Pea Ridge. “Up at Pea Ridge, we will be having our Pea Ridge Fishing Rodeo at the pond on the Wildlife Management area. It will run from 7:00 a.m. until approximately noon on Saturday, June 9. We will be furnishing all the kids lunch and drinks and we will have prizes for each participant. Children ages 15 and younger will be eligible to participate in the fishing rodeo. Anyone sixteen or older is not eligible. We ask that if you have access to a fishing rod or pole to bring that with you. Bring a chair and maybe an umbrella to keep the sun off of you. If you want to bring your own bait you are welcome to do so but we will furnish, probably some night crawlers. So just come on up. We hope to have a great day of fishing.”
The day and week are annual events in Tennessee and are great opportunities to introduce children to the enjoyment and excitement of a day on the water catching fish. The TWRA is among several organizations planning special fishing events, primarily for youngsters. The TWRA annually provides several thousand pounds of fish for stocking for various events.
Free Fishing Day and Week apply to Tennessee’s public waters, TWRA owned and operated lakes, and state park facilities. Some privately owned pay lakes continue to charge during this special day and week. Anglers may consult with lake operators if there are any questions about a particular facility.

The Upper Cumberland Development District remains in upheaval.
The latest development came Thursday when the interim director Earl Carwile announced his resignation in a scathing letter to the UCDD Board. Carwile’s resignation is effective June 15.
The executive committee is set to meet in a special-called session Tuesday, June 5, at 10 a.m. to discuss it.
Carwile, who was also the Cumberland Area Investment Corporation director, has been the agency’s interim director since the board placed former director Wendy Askins on administrative leave in February while an internal review of allegations of misappropriation of funds was conducted. Askins resigned a few days before her administrative leave was up.
“I have been a faithful employee of UCDD for over 16 years, however, I will not continue to be associated with such an organization,” Carwile said in his resignation letter.
He goes on to state that the board needs to be “transparent and provide financial security to an agency that has been so negatively impacted by poor fiscal management.”
His resignation comes a week before the board’s annual meeting, where new officers will be officially announced.
In his resignation letter, Carwile mentions the large attorney bill the agency recently received and how he has been criticized for authorizing raises. He also specifically levels some of his criticism at UCDD board chairman Mike Foster.
“I feel it highly important to point out that you, Mr. Foster, as well as others, criticized mostly the fact that a total of $25,000 per year in raises were provided among eight employees for assuming responsibility of those eight that are no longer with the agency, rather than hiring individuals that we could not afford, especially after the exceedingly great lawyer bill that was received upon approval by the board. Where were your concerns when the accrual of a $250,000 lawyer bill was rising?”
Carwile expressed frustration over the decision by board chairman Foster and other board members to hire former agency employee Amanda Mainord as an independent contractor to handle grants for their counties.
The board voted that Mainord could take what Carwile estimates to be $135,000 in profits from grants she worked while she was at UCDD.
Carwile also states that at least two board members were contacted by a UCDD employee expressing concerns of possible illegal activities being performed by Askins and former deputy director Larry Webb, but did nothing to address it.
“In closing, I want to disclose that it is clear that this board does not have the best interest of the agency’s employees or those in which are served throughout the Upper Cumberland region in mind when making decisions for future success,” Carwile states. “Therefore, I am providing you with notification that I can no longer serve as interim executive director nor will I be striving to see success for the Cumberland Area Investment Corporation, a positive asset that this agency in the past has been able to serve our communities with prior to the devastation generated by another poor decision on the board’s behalf to make a loan to Living the Dream without supplying any necessary questions.”
Carwile’s resignation comes just as the newly-formed executive director selection committee is preparing to hire a permanent UCDD director.
According to the Herald-Citizen, advertisements will be posted as soon as possible in all Upper Cumberland newspapers with applications to be submitted by the close of business on Monday, June 18.
Applicants will be required to have a BS degree with six years experience in supervisory or administrative position or 10 years experience in supervisory or administrative position.
Knowledge or familiarity of grant writing is also preferred, along with having people skills, knowledge of housing projects and computer skills. The applicant is also preferred to be willing to move to the Upper Cumberland or live in the area.
The applications are to remain unsealed and sent to Sherry Thurman at the Upper Cumberland Development District. The selection committee will then meet Wednesday, June 20, to unseal the envelopes, narrow down the most-qualified candidates and hold first interviews Monday, June 25. The magic number of five applicants will go before the full board for a final interview, with a new director to be named hopefully by the first of July.
The starting salary has also been set at $90,000 and the person is to be evaluated every quarter.
THE FOLLOWING IS A COMPLETE TEXT OF EARL CARWILE’S RESIGNATION LETTER TO UCDD BOARD CHAIRMAN MIKE FOSTER:
Mr. Foster,
On February 24, 2012, the UCDD Board placed me as well as a co-worker into interim positions after an investigation identified the misappropriation of funds and unethical/illegal practices by previous management. Upon this appointment, we received no guidance from the UCDD board or direction in which was best suited for the situation in which we inherited, rather an immediate criticism of practices that were only for the betterment of the agency.
After we received much questioning from several board members, primarily through backstage gossping (sic), an act that one certainly wouldn’t expect from board members who are supposed to be of highest support; most members received education of events either by email, a phone call or in person. I feel it highly important to point out to you, Mr. Foster, as well as others, criticized mostly the fact that a total of $25,000 per year in raises were provided among eight employees for assuming responsibility of those eight that are no longer with the agency, rather than hiring individuals that we could not afford, especially after the exceedingly great lawyer bill that was received upon approval by the board. Where were your concerns when the accrual of a $250,000 lawyer bill was rising?
In taking responsibility for an agency that has received much negative publicity, it should be the intentions of the board to be transparent and provide financial security to an agency that has been so negatively impacted by poor fiscal management. However, in last week’s meeting, it is clear that the board has no intention of following through with that will. Instead, a vote was taken to give Amanda Mainord, former UCDD employee, administration dollars for work that she completed while being employed at the Development District. Dollars that total $135,000.
I have to ask myself, if you or other board members owned a private business, such as an insurance firm, and Ms. Mainord was employed by you to recruit clients, she decided to take your business for personal gain, after you had paid her and supplied her all the training necessary, would you vote a unanimous yes? Yes, that she could simply take the profit in which you had paid her to work for? I believe we all know the answer to that. No.
It is clear that the board does not have the best interest of the agency’s employees or those in which are served throughout the Upper Cumberland region by decisions that continue to cripple the agency financially.
Mr. Foster, I am certainly apologetic that you continue to ‘have problems’ with the agency and your hand has been burned (comments that you made in May 24 meeting), however, you should identify that you and others have enabled all actions to occur that have caused you to ‘get burnt’ (sic). Your hand continues to be burnt (sic) because you and others do not identify the real problems that have taken place. The real problem was that the previous executive director and her deputy, who profited much with their positions, in many ways that have already been identified by the NC5 Investigative team. However, the bigger problem is that you and others continue to focus on ‘who contacted the media’ and ‘who took information out’? Both items listed are things that may never be disclosed and falsely accusing staff will provide you with even greater problems and will never allow for success to occur at this agency.
I do think it is of high importance to point out that you, as the UCDD board chairman, were contacted, via email, on June 15, 2011, by the Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability Mike Hann, notifying you of a question raised by a citizen who was greatly concerned about the Living the Dream project.
Also, it is of importance to point out that two board members were contacted by Michelle Price, with her expressing concern of illegal activities being performed by both Wendy and Larry. Michelle told the agency’s HR manager, as well as other directors, of her concern and was advised to receive legal counseling. According to Mrs. Price, she was told that there was nothing to worry about by those board members. Should these names need to be unveiled, that certainly is not a problem, as she has told numerous individuals on different occasions of these conversations.
Many people here at the Development District give their all to ensure they provide ample service to their communities. However, we as management continue to be made aware of deals that have and are being made to ensure that I, as well as others, are removed upon appointment of the new executive director. These deals have been released and are on record. It is highly unfortunate that people who call themselves leaders would partake in such activity. I certainly do not think this was the intention of Tennessee Legislature when this agency was formed.
In closing, I want to disclose that it is clear this board does not have the best interest of the agency’s employees or those in which are served throughout the Upper Cumberland region in mind when making decisions for future success. Therefore, I am providing you with notification that I can no longer serve as interim executive director, nor will I be striving to see success for the Cumberland Area Investment Corporation, a positive asset that this agency in the past has been able to serve our communities with prior to the devastation generated by another poor decision on the board’s behalf to make a loan to Living the Dream without supplying any necessary questions. I have been a faithful employee of UCDD for over 16 years, however, I will not continue to be associated with such an organization. This is my formal resignation from all involvement with UCDD.
I certainly pray and hope for the best to those remaining at UCDD who have the biggest of hearts to serve the less fortunate. Overlooking things that are not right is the very thing that got UCDD in trouble before. I will not be a part of looking the other way when that happens, therefore, my resignation I presented will be in effect as of June 15, 2012.

Nearly 100 competitors representing grades 4 through 12 participated in the 58th annual Cumberland Plateau Regional Science and Engineering Fair this spring at the Millard Oakley STEM Center at Tennessee Tech University. The students were from more than 10 counties.
“I was very pleased with the level of exhibits on display during this year’s fair,” said Peter Li, director of the fair and professor of geography at TTU. “It is always exciting to see the discoveries that our students make in their research. I congratulate all of this year’s participants, award winners, their families and teachers.”
Two students, Thomas Brown of Cookeville High School and Erin Cantrell Pryor of DeKalb County High school, won the Grand Award this year, which includes a $3,000 scholarship to TTU. Elijah Walker of Monterey High School won the Grand Reserve Award and a $1,500 scholarship.
Brown and Pryor went on to compete in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Meanwhile, Monterey High School student Payton Norrod won first place in the engineering category of the junior division, which includes grades seven through nine. Kirkland Smallwood of DeKalb West School in Liberty took second and Dakota McDonald of Livingston Middle School won third.
TOP PHOTO CAPTION:
Standing with fair director and TTU geography professor Peter Li are (left to right) Thomas Brown, Erin Cantrell Pryor and Elijah Walker.
BOTTOM PHOTO CAPTION:
Standing with fair director Peter Li are (left to right) Dakota McDonald, Kirkland Smallwood and Payton Norrod.

Nearly 100 competitors representing grades 4 through 12 participated in the 58th annual Cumberland Plateau Regional Science and Engineering Fair this spring at the Millard Oakley STEM Center at Tennessee Tech University. The students were from more than 10 counties.
“I was very pleased with the level of exhibits on display during this year’s fair,” said Peter Li, director of the fair and professor of geography at TTU. “It is always exciting to see the discoveries that our students make in their research. I congratulate all of this year’s participants, award winners, their families and teachers.”
DeKalb County High School student Peter Antoniak won the Marvin Tidwell Award for the best of the junior division, which incorporates grades seven through nine.
PHOTO CAPTION:
Standing with regional fair director Peter Li is Peter Antoniak.