Applications will be available for the 18th Annual Angel Tree Project from Monday, October 28th through Friday, November 1st.
Spokesperson Laura Stone said that the application turn in date has been set for one day only. “Applications can be picked up October 28th through November 1st. You will continue to pick up your applications at the Department of Human Services, but the application must be returned in person the following week to the Smithville First Baptist Church Life Enrichment Center,” she said.
“Completed applications will have to be returned to the First Baptist Church Life Enrichment Center Building in downtown Smithville (on the corner across from First Baptist) on Monday, November 4th from 9am to 8pm. Applications not returned to the Church LEC Building on this day WILL NOT be accepted. There are no exceptions to the requirements of the application process. It is very important that you understand we will only accept applications this one day only,” said Stone.
“Applications can only be picked up at the Department of Human Services on October 28th through November 1st and can only be returned to the Church LEC Building on November 4th. In addition to bringing the completed application, applicants must provide photo identification of the person applying and social security cards and birth certificates for ALL children listed on the application. We will only be keeping the application; all other documents will be returned to the applicant. If an applicant cannot appear in person, their application can be submitted by a family member as long as all of the required information is presented.” Stone continued.
“Eligible children must live in DeKalb County and be no older than age 12 by December 25, 2013. The Department of Human Services will only be passing out the applications. Nothing will be returned to them and any questions should be directed to Laura Stone at 615-464-7135″. DO NOT contact DHS or anyone at the LEC pickup location under any circumstances; you may jeopardize your application,” she said.
Stone adds that “the Angel Tree has been such a tremendous success in the past and with economic times extremely tough for many in our area, we want this years Angel Tree to be no exception. The Angel Tree helps so many families who are struggling to make ends meet. It is sad to think about, but many of these children would not otherwise have a single present for Christmas. With the economy still struggling, we are expecting demand to be high.”

A 24 year old Alexandria man died in a single vehicle traffic accident in Murfreesboro on Friday. Dead is Joshua Maston Owens.
According to media reports, the Murfreesboro Police Department’s Fatal Accident Crash Team investigated the fatal crash that occurred on East Clark Boulevard at 7:12 a.m. Friday, October 18.
A single vehicle left the road near 1018 East Clark Boulevard and struck a tree, according to a Murfreesboro Police Department news release.
Ashley McDonald, a spokeswoman for the Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department said in a separate news release that MFRD units responded to provide extrication however upon arrival it was determined that extrication was not needed adding that it was unclear if a medical emergency led to the crash.
The driver was transported to Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital where he was pronounced deceased, according to the Murfreesboro Police Department.
WJLE contacted Murfreesboro Police Tuesday morning for more details on the accident. Kyle Evans, Public Information Officer responded by email. “We have not released the report but the person that died in the vehicle crash on Friday here in Murfreesboro is Joshua Maston Owens,” he wrote.
Owens was a Comcast Cable Tech employee and a member of the Fort Apache Riders Club/Twisted Grip. Born in Ocala, Florida, he was affiliated with the New Vision Baptist Church and the West Main Baptist Church in Alexandria.
The funeral will be Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. at the West Main Baptist Church in Alexandria. Visitation will be Tuesday from noon until 7:00 p.m. and Wednesday from noon until 5:00 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. The body will then be taken to the West Main Baptist Church in Alexandria for the service at 6:00 p.m. Ben Simpson and Russell Vickers will officiate.
Owens is survived by his wife, Kayla Owens. Parents, Robert Nassivera and Kerri Owens. Grandparents, Loretta and Steve Coleman, Mike G. Owens, Linda Williams, and Bill Williams. Mother-In-Law, Roxie Martin. Father-in-law, Charles Hubbard, Jr. Aunts and uncles, Sherri Owens, Mike Owens, Alisha Moore, Doug Owens, Tammy Evensen, Shelia Rowe, and Judy and Brad Askew. Step great grandmother, Ruth Grider. Great aunt, Luci and husband Pete McDonnell. Sister-in-law, Taylor Martin. Niece, Madison Askew. Cousins, Amanda, Chelsie Livsey, Ashley Owens, Chuck, Donny, Sami, Bridgette, Brandy, Tia, Gage, Eli, Kyle, Zowie, Alex, Emily, Hana, Tina, and many more cousins, family, and friends.
Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria is in charge of the arrangements. The family has requested that donations be made to Anderson Funeral Home to help the family with expenses.

City and county leaders joined members of the Smithville-DeKalb County Rescue Squad in breaking ground Monday for the construction of a new facility beside the current location near Green brook Park.
The Smithville Aldermen last month voted to give the rescue squad members authorization to do the construction which is on city property.
Joe Johnson, a member of the Rescue Squad building committee, told WJLE at the groundbreaking Monday that the new building will be large enough to store more of the rescue squad vehicles and equipment at one location. “It’s going to be 36′ x 60′. It’s going to be metal truss with 6 x 6 pressure treated posts for the sides. It will be all metal construction on the outside. It’ll be close to matching the same color of the (existing) rescue squad building. It’ll have three (bay) doors to enter from the rear and three to enter from the front where we’ll be able to drive through. It will house two trucks and two boats with an extra bay for future use. In the future, we hope to buy a pontoon boat so we can get more people to the sites faster. Right now we have two boats and two trucks to pull the boats. Both trucks are four wheel drive. We have a 1969 model four wheel drive that we use to go in rough places and during the winter time. We have a box truck that can double as an ambulance in an emergency. We have a Gator for going off road and a trailer to carry it on along with generators and other odd equipment we need to store in this building. Some of our equipment is scattered around at the homes of Rescue Squad members where we can keep them (equipment) inside. We have to gather them (equipment) up when we get a call which takes time. Our call times are important. We’re trying to get everything together in one spot so when we get a call we can leave from one place and improve our response time,” said Johnson.
The county has budgeted $8,700 for the new rescue squad building and $1,700 for new rollup doors on the existing building. The county also provides annual funding to the rescue squad for operation as a non-profit organization. This year the amount is $16,821. The City of Smithville budgets $1,500 toward the operation of the rescue squad.
The new facility will be built at no extra cost to the city, according to Johnson. In addition to the county’s contribution, the rest of the money is being raised from private donations and fundraisers. ” The county has donated $8,700 and we have matched that with Rescue Squad funds from fundraisers. We’re still going to be short by about $5,000 to $6,000. We’ll probably need more fund raisers. It would probably be a $30,000 building if you hired it built. We hope to get in there for about $19,000 to $20,000 dollars. If we have to, we can operate on gravel and not pour concrete but we’d like to have a concrete floor,” he said.
Plans are to have the building completed by the end of January using mostly volunteer labor from the Rescue Squad members themselves. “Our goal was to have it done by December 31 but because of the time to get the trusses made, which we had to get specially built, that slowed us up about three or four weeks. I’m estimating now that we’ll have it done by January 31. We’re using all Rescue Squad labor so when we get off work, evenings, and Saturdays, that’s when we’re putting in our own time on it,” said Johnson.
In addition to searching for drowning victims, the rescue squad also conducts cave rescues and searches for missing persons. Earlier this summer, Johnson explained how that the rescue squad and others came to the aid of a man who had fallen and suffered broken bones while trying to climb a steep rock formation at Center Hill Lake. After making their way up the steep bluff, rescue workers reached the man, placed him in a stokes basket and used rappelling equipment to safely bring him down. “We recover bodies from the lake. If someone gets hurt in a remote location where an ambulance cannot go we can take our manpower and stokes baskets to them. If they fall off bluffs we lower ropes down to them and bring them back up. We do rescues during times of flooding to get people out. We even rescue animals. We are also an auxiliary for Smithville and DeKalb County. If city or county fire departments need extra manpower, we can help,” he said.
Members of the rescue squad voluntarily give of their time and effort without compensation. ” We have 30 active members and honorary members, those who have been on the rescue squad for at least ten years, and they all work for zero pay,” said Johnson.
Through their membership with the Tennessee Association of Rescue Squads, Incorporated, the local rescue squad receives assistance from other county rescue squads when needed to help conduct search and recovery efforts.
Present for the groundbreaking were Zach Smoot, Phil Wilkey, Brian Keith, Frankie Bryant, City Public Works Director Kevin Robinson, Jason Majors, Kristie Johnson, Smithville Mayor Jimmy Poss, Rescue Squad Captain Dustin Johnson, County Mayor Mike Foster, and Joe Johnson.

One man was injured in a roll over traffic accident after midnight in the area of 459 Jacobs Pillar Road just outside the Smithville city limits.
Central dispatch received the call at 12:51 a.m. Tuesday morning.
Sergeant Eric McCormick of the Tennessee Highway Patrol told WJLE that 20 year old James Matthew Crowe was driving a 1993 Mazda southbound when the car veered off the right shoulder into an embankment. The car flipped and came to a final rest on its top.
Crowe was taken by DeKalb EMS to meet a Life Force helicopter ambulance which landed nearby to take him to Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga
Members of the Short Mountain Highway Station and Rescue Truck of the DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department responded. The Keltonburg Station helped establish the helicopter landing zone. Officers of the Sheriff’s Department were also at the scene of the accident.

A 30 year old woman has been charged with the domestic assault of her mother.
April Lynn Anderson of Quail Pointe, Drive Smithville is under a $2,500 bond and she will be in court on October 30. Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on Wednesday, October 16 a deputy was dispatched to DeKalb Community Hospital in reference to a domestic call. Upon arrival, the officer spoke with a woman who was awaiting treatment. She told the officer that she was taken to the hospital after her daughter, Anderson kicked her in the stomach, punched her in the ribs, and punched her in the back of the head. The deputy noticed a red physical mark on the victim’s left hand. The woman said she was covering up her head as her daughter was punching her. The injuries were photographed and the victim provided a written statement.
19 year old David Shane Hacker of Cardinal Lane, Smithville is charged with domestic assault, violation of an order of protection, and reckless endangerment. His bond is $7,500 and he will be in court October 31. Sheriff Ray said that on Wednesday, October 16 a deputy responded to a physical domestic call on Rosewood Lane, Smithville involving Hacker and his ex-girlfriend. The woman told the officer that Hacker shoved her into a brick wall while she was holding their daughter, causing the child to hit her head on the brick wall. The youngster suffered a small cut to her forehead. A computer check revealed that this woman (victim) has an active order of protection against Hacker. He was arrested and brought to the jail for booking.
30 year old Benjamin Daniel Bell of Park City, Utah is charged with public intoxication, assault, and resisting arrest. His bond is $6,000 and he will be in court on October 31. Sheriff Ray said that on Sunday, October 20 an officer was dispatched to Craft Center Drive to check out a complaint of someone being on top of a water tower. Upon arrival, the deputy spoke with a security guard who reported that he had made contact with a man who had been on the water tower. According to the security guard, the man came down from the tower, shoved him, and then took off running. After searching the grounds, the officer made contact with Bell, who was found curled up in a ball, hiding in the woods behind a tree. Bell had a strong odor of alcohol on his person and he was uncooperative with the officer. He was placed under arrest and transported to the sheriff’s office for booking.

The Harlem Wizards will bring their trick-hoops and alley-oops back to DeKalb County High School Tuesday night, October 29 at 7:00 p.m.
The Wizards, a show basketball team, will play local personalities to raise funds for the DeKalb County High School Basketball Booster Club.
“The Harlem Wizards came here last year and played against a team that we had put together here as a fundraiser for the DeKalb County High School Basketball Booster Club. They are coming back a second time. It will be on Tuesday, October 29 at 7:00 p.m. at the DCHS Gym. The doors will open at 6:15 p.m.” said Suzette Barnes.
At a Harlem Wizards game, fans witness amazing basketball talent combined with hilarious comedy. When you’re in the stands, you’re more than a spectator, you’re part of the show with loads of audience participation throughout the game.
Fans will experience a magical display of tricks, coordinated ball handling, fancing passing, and aerodynamic athleticism combined with high-energy comedy and audience interaction. The experience can only be summed up in two words: Awe-Inspiring!
(SEE PROMOTIONAL VIDEO OF HARLEM WIZARDS BELOW)
“Tickets can be purchased at the Smithville office of Liberty State Bank, Kilgore’s Restaurant, or from any basketball player, manager, or cheerleader,” said Barnes. “Student tickets are $8.00 in advance (kindergarten through 12th grade). Tickets for adults are $10.00 purchased in advance. The night of the event the tickets will be $10.00 for students (kindergarten through 12th grade) and $12.00 for adults. The money will be used to support the basketball booster club. We do different things throughout the year for the players from senior night to the banquet. We try to go out to eat. In the past we have gone to a Vanderbilt basketball game. We do different things for the program, not just one specific thing,” she said.

The local team taking on the Wizards will be made up of public officials, educators, coaches, community leaders, and entertainers. “I am excited about this year’s lineup,” said Barnes. “We have both Smithville Mayor Jimmy Poss and County Mayor Mike Foster on our team. We also have County Fire Chief Donny Green, Director of Schools Mark Willoughby, TWRA Officer Tony Cross, Darrin Vincent of Dailey and Vincent, Tom Duggin of DTC TV, Shawn Tubbs of the Family Medical Center, School Transportation Supervisor Jimmy Sprague, School Resource Officer Kenneth Whitehead, DCHS Tiger Football Coach Steve Trapp, DCHS Tiger Soccer Coach K, Angela Johnson of Smithville Elementary School, Coach Danny Fish of Northside Elementary School, and Coaches Karen Pelham and Justin Nokes of DeKalb Middle School,” she said.
Barnes urges you to get your tickets early as last year’s show was a sell out. ” We do not do reserved seats. All ticket prices are general admission. The seating is first come, first served. Last year our goal was to sell one thousand tickets. We sold one thousand tickets by 3:30 p.m. on the afternoon of the event. We had people at the door wanting tickets. We were allowed to sell a few more tickets. We did sell out with 1,235 tickets. I expect as big or bigger crowd again this year. I want to encourage everyone to get your tickets early if you want to see the show,” said Barnes.
Entertainment has been scheduled this year for those who may be standing in line outside waiting to get in the night of the show. “From 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., there will be entertainment in the parking lot. Some prizes will be given away. Last year, we had a line from the front door all the way around the cafeteria at the high school. So we’ll provide some entertainment to those people standing in line this year,” Barnes continued.
For students who can’t attend the show, the Harlem Wizards will be making a personal appearance at each school on the day of the event. “On the day of the event, October 29 the players from the Harlem Wizards will come and interact with the students at all the schools. During that day they will be at DCHS during the lunch time interacting with students in the lunch room getting them involved in tricks and handling the basketball. That afternoon from 1:00 p.m. until 1:20 p.m. they will be at Northside Elementary and at Smithville Elementary. At 2:00 p.m. they will be at DeKalb Middle School and DeKalb West School to put on a little performance for the schools there from 2:00 p.m. until 2:20 p.m. It’s a good way to get all the kids to see the Harlem Wizards and if they can’t come that night. They will at least get to see them for a few minutes at their schools and get to interact with them. They (Harlem Wizards) are real good about taking students from the audience, bringing them out, and getting them to do different tricks and ball handling skills,” said Barnes.

A woman found hiding in the closet of a home where she wasn’t supposed to be has been charged with burglary.
Smithville Police Chief Randy Caplinger said 37 year old Valerie M Brown was arrested for burglary on Saturday, October 5. Captain Steven Leffew was dispatched to West Main Street to check on a vehicle parked in the road causing a traffic hazard. Upon arrival, Captain Leffew observed a vehicle parked in front of a residence and there was broken glass and damage to the door of the home. Captain Leffew requested assistance from Officer Matt Farmer and the two officers searched the house where they found Brown hiding in a closet. Police learned that Brown did not have permission to be inside the house. Bond for Brown is $5,000 and she will be in court on October 10.
41 year old Rachel Lynn Mabe was cited for simple possession on Thursday, October 3. Officer Will Judkins was dispatched to South Congress Boulevard in response to a possible reckless driver. Officer Judkins made contact with the vehicle and performed a welfare check on the driver, Mabe. Twenty pills believed to be Hydrocodone were found to be in Mabe’s possession. She had no prescription for the pills. Her court date is November 7.
35 year old Aaron Dwayne Ponder was cited for unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia on Thursday, October 3. K-9 Officer James Cornelius observed Ponder removing several hypodermic needles from his pants pocket and throw them into a garbage can at Jewel’s Market on South Congress Boulevard. Ponder will be in court on November 7.
23 year old Heather Leigh Standridge was arrested for DUI on Friday, October 4. K-9 Officer James Cornelius responded to a possible impaired driver on East Broad Street and upon making contact with the driver, Standridge he noticed that her speech was slurred. Standridge submitted to but performed poorly on sobriety tasks. Her bond is $2,500 and she will be in court on November 7.
20 year old James Matthew Crowe was arrested by Officer Will Judkins and charged with domestic assault on Monday, October 7. According to the warrant, Crowe assaulted his ex girlfriend by picking her up from a sitting position and throwing her onto the ground outside the residence causing a bruise on her arm. Bond for Crowe is $2,500 and he will be in court on October 31.
46 year old Yvonna Van Dyne was arrested for domestic assault on Monday, October 14. Officer Joey Myers was dispatched to a residence in reference to a domestic complaint. Upon arrival, Officer Myers spoke with the victim who stated that he and Van Dyne had gotten into a verbal argument and that she grabbed him in a headlock and punched him in the face resulting in a busted lip and redness around his nose. Bond for Van Dyne is $2,500 and she will be in court on October 31.
While investigating a stabbing at City Walk Apartments on Tuesday, October 15, Sergeant Andy Snow was approached by a victim who stated that a family member had struck her in the mid-section with his cane. The victim had bruising in her rib area. 43 year old Royce Virgel Ashford Jr. was arrested and charged with domestic assault. His bond is $2,500 and he will be in court on October 31.
29 year old Roxanne Landis was also arrested by Sergeant Andy Snow at City Walk Apartments for public intoxication as she appeared to be under the influence of something. She was unsteady on her feet and was causing a nuisance for the public and for law enforcement officers who were investigating another incident. Landis was asked to return to her apartment several times but she kept coming back outside causing a disturbance. Her bond is $1,500 and she will be in court on October 31.