70 year old Mary Ella Lattimore of Smithville died Sunday night at DeKalb Community Hospital. She was a homemaker and attended the Mount Pisgah Freewill Baptist Church. The funeral will be Thursday at 3:00 p.m. at DeKalb Funeral Chapel. Bernard Houk will officiate and burial will be in DeKalb Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.; Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.; and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until the service at 3:00 p.m. Lattimore was preceded in death by her husband, James Estil Lattimore; infant daughter; parents, Robert Sheily Shehane and Julia Mae Williams Shehane Johnson; great grandchildren, Haley and Grady Hawkins; brothers, Robert, Maxie, Frank, Toy B., Hoyte, and Ben Shehane; and sisters, Willene Saylors, Lura Jean Reeder, and Mae Lattimore. Survivors include children, Larry Estil Lattimore of Smithville, Ronnie and wife Joyce Lattimore of Smithville, Carl and wife Renea Lattimore of Liberty, Trish Lattimore of Cookeville, and Tiffany Lattimore of Smithville. Grandchildren, Dustin Lattimore, Mandee Lattimore, Austin Hicks, Emily Lattimore, Sabrina Lattimore, Sara Brown, Mark Lattimore, Serena Lattimore, and Silvia Hawkins. Eight great grandchildren. Sisters, Jessie Bell Johnson, Frances Bates, and Alma Swafford all of Smithville and several nieces and nephews. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Tag Archives: 2013
Hannah Elizabeth Powers
20 year old Hannah Elizabeth Powers of Alexandria died Saturday. She was a homemaker. The funeral will be Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. Burial will be in the Hale Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until the service. She is survived by a son, Roman Tyler Williams. Her mother and step-father, Sherry and Patrick Bensman. Her father, Steven Powers. Brothers, Ethan Powers, Ashton Bensman, Steven Howell, Braxton Howell, Dalton Howell, and Landon Howell. Her grandmother, Geraldine Ashford. Roman’s dad, Dustin Williams. The family has requested that donations be made to Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria to help with funeral expenses, in lieu of flowers.
Two Charged in Home Burglary on Oak Drive
Two people are accused of breaking into and stealing items from a residence on Oak Drive last week.
37 year old Lynda Michelle Neville of Smith Road, Smithville and Don Diamond Groshon of Cookeville Highway, Smithville are each charged with aggravated burglary and theft of property over $1,000. Bond for each is $10,000 and they will be in court November 7. Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on Friday, October 11 Neville and Groshon allegedly entered a residence on Oak Drive by removing a window and took two push mowers, a full DVD case, a knife, cell phone, a VCR, DVD player, xbox and games, several power tools, and other items all valued at over $1,000. According to Sheriff Ray, Neville and Groshon admitted to committing the crimes.
47 year old Earl Dyer, Jr. of Snow Hill Road, Dowelltown is charged with domestic assault. His bond is $2,500. Sheriff Ray said that on Monday, October 7 Dyer allegedly assaulted his 17 year old nephew by extending a service baton, pointing it at him, and then pushing him with the baton. Dyer told the officer that he was only trying to scare his nephew with the baton. Dyer was arrested and brought to the jail for booking.
60 year old Virginia Diane Presnell of Morgan Drive, Smithville is charged with filing a false report. Her bond is $1,500 and she will be in court on November 7. Sheriff Ray said that on Tuesday, October 8 a deputy went to her residence to serve a warrant on Robert Nichols, Jr. The officer asked Presnell if Nichols was there. She replied “no” several times. Presnell gave the officer consent to search and Nichols was found inside the residence. Presnell was arrested and brought to the jail for booking.
38 year old Catherine Claudette Lasser of Fairlane Circle, Smithville is charged with unlawful possession of a weapon. Her bond is $1,000 and she will be in court October 31. Sheriff Ray said that on Saturday, October 12 central dispatch received a call concerning a woman with a loaded handgun on Briarwood Court. An officer responded and spotted Lasser with her purse. She was coming out of a residence. Lasser got into a vehicle and started the engine. Lasser’s husband drove up behind the deputy. He asked the officer whether he had taken the gun from Lasser. The deputy checked her vehicle and retrieved a loaded 40 caliber weapon he found laying on the passenger side floorboard. Lasser was arrested and brought to the jail for booking.
49 year old Floyd Caulder of Cookeville Highway, Smithville is charged with violation of an order of protection. His bond is $2,500 and he will be in court on Thursday, October 17. Sheriff Ray said Judge Bratten Cook, II signed an order of protection against Caulder on Thursday, October 10 and that the next day, Friday October 11, Caulder allegedly violated the order by sending his ex-girlfriend several threatening text messages, calling her names. She is currently at a safe house.
More Indictments Against Wendy Askins
Wendy Askins is facing more charges.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s case against the former executive director of the Upper Cumberland Development District resulted in a grand jury indictment against her Tuesday for taking money from the Upper Cumberland Development District to use toward the Living the Dream home, a home built as an independent living home for middle income seniors in Putnam County.
The 52 year old Askins of Cookeville was indicted by the Putnam County grand jury on one count of theft over $60,000, one count of money laundering and one count of forgery. While employed as the executive director Askins inserted into the February 16, 2010 Upper Cumberland Development District board meeting minutes a paragraph stating that $300,000 was to be transferred to the Cumberland Regional Development District for an independent living home. TBI’s investigation revealed that the transfer of funds was never discussed at the meeting. Askins transferred $300,000 out of the Upper Cumberland Development District account and used the money for the Living the Dream home. The home was built to provide an independent living environment to middle income seniors in the area. Although Askins had a residence in Putnam County, she and her daughter used the Living the Dream home as their primary residence. TBI investigated the case with the Office of the Attorney General and the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office.
The UCDD employed Askins as its executive director for 17 years prior her being released from the position. Askins turned herself in on the charges Tuesday at the Putnam County Jail and was released on a $25,000 bond. She is scheduled to appear in court on November 12, 2013.
Askins was indicted by a federal grand jury two weeks ago on a variety of charges, including conspiracy, theft of more than $1,000, bank fraud, money laundering and making a false statement.
Askins’ assistant, Larry Webb was also indicted on those same charges, while former UCDD Board Chairman and DeKalb County Mayor Mike Foster was indicted on one charge of making a false statement.
Jacqueline Robinson
88 year old Jacqueline Robinson of Smithville died Friday at her residence. She was a member of the Elizabeth Chapel Baptist Church and was retired from Kingston Timers. The funeral will be Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Bill Robertson will officiate and burial will be in DeKalb Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Saturday from 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. until the service at 2:00 p.m. Robinson was preceded in death by her parents, John Thomas and Vinnie Ann Parker Evans; her husband, Charles Robinson; a grandson, David Wayne Alexander; three sisters, Ethylene Holmes, Louise Reed, and Irene Young; and a brother, Carl Evans; and a half sister, Mildred Hockingsmith. Survivors include four daughters, Wanda and husband Gary Russell, Joyce and husband Tommy Alexander, Debra Robinson, and Jackie and husband Tommy Stockling all of Smithville. Three sons, Wayne and wife Gloria Robinson, David and wife Linda Robinson, and Terry and wife Sara Robinson all of Smithville. Twelve grandchildren, Andy and Chrissy Prichard of Liberty, Mark and Amanda Prichard, Nick Robinson, and Chris Robinson all of Smithville, Rob and Lori Alexander of Sparta, Amy and Tim Tobitt of Smithville, Tyler Conger of Alabama, Chip and Melissa Robinson, Macey Robinson, Heath and Tiffany Robinson, Cody Robinson, and Emily Robinson all of Smithville. Fifteen great grandchildren, Caroline, Hannah, Maddie, and Sam Tobitt of Smithville, Evan, Izzey, and Charley Prichard of Liberty, Hunter and Chloe Robinson of Smithville, Isaac, Keirstine and Kaden Robinson of Smithville, Brandtley Alexander of Sparta, Haiden Robinson of Smithville, and Conner Robinson of Smithville. Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. The family asks that donations please be made to the David Wayne Alexander Scholarship Fund, in lieu of flowers.
“Courthouse Gang” Wins Habitat Chili Cook-Off
The DeKalb County Officials “Courthouse Gang” claimed first place for “Best Chili” at the 10th Annual Habitat for Humanity Chili Cook-Off Friday downtown.
Approximately 500 bowls of chili were served and over $3,500 was raised towards the building of the next Habitat house in DeKalb County.
The DeKalb County Board of Education “Storybook Chili” won first place for “Best Decorated Booth”.
Receiving second place for “Best Chili” was The Inn at Evins Mill “Groundbreaking Chili”, and Middle Tennessee Natural Gas “Pipeline Pirates” took third place.
DeKalb County Officials “The Courthouse Gang” received second place for “Best Decorated Booth” and Indian Creek Baptist Church “Indian Summer Chili” got a third place award.
Eight teams participated in the annual event, including “Storybook Chili” from the DeKalb County Board of Education; “Hot Checks Chili” from DeKalb Community Bank; “The Courthouse Gang” from the DeKalb County Officials; “Pipeline Pirates” from Middle Tennessee Natural Gas; “The Bean Counters” from Tom Janney, CPA and Associates; “Indian Summer Chili” from Indian Creek Baptist Church; “Groundbreaking Chili” from The Inn at Evins Mill; and “No Liability Chili” from the DeKalb County Bar Association.
Delicious baked goods were provided by members of area churches, DCHS cheerleaders, and the DCHS Tiger Pride Bakery.
Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County is a locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization. Habitat for Humanity builds and renovates houses in partnership with volunteers and families in need, regardless of their ethnic or religious background. The houses then are sold to those in need at no profit and with no interest charged. To contact Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County, please call 215-8181.
Phyllis June Criswell Sherwood
97 year old Phyllis June Criswell Sherwood of Smithville and a native of Indiana died Saturday at DeKalb Community Hospital. She was a homemaker, member of the Happy Homemakers Club, and a member of the Methodist Church in North Judson, Indiana. The family has chosen direct cremation and a memorial service will be held at a later date. Sherwood was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas H. and Hazel May Coonrod Criswell; her husband, Glenn Sherwood; a son, John Sherwood, a daughter, Diane Sherwood; and a brother, Tommy and sister, Mary. Survivors include a daughter-in-law, Phyllis Sherwood of Cincinnati, Ohio. Seven grandchildren, Betsy and husband David Slone, Sarah and husband Mike Hutmier, Amy and husband Fred Dunlea and Richard and wife Teri Sherwood all of Cincinnati, Will and wife Jen Sherwood of Smithville, Bob and wife Jen Sherwood of Dayton, and Jim Bender of Cincinnati. Fourteen great grandchildren and several great great grandchildren survive. The family asks that donations be made to the Smithville First United Methodist Church in memory of Phyllis, in lieu of flowers. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Minnie Lee Poss
66 year old Minnie Lee Poss of Smithville died Friday at DeKalb Community Hospital. She was a Baptist and an employee of Federal Mogul. The funeral will be Monday at 2:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Thomas Hewell will officiate. The family has chosen cremation. Visitation will be Sunday from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the service at 2:00 p.m. Poss was preceded in death by her parents, Arnold Murphy and Della Hale Poston; and a brother, William S. Murphy. Survivors include sons, Timothy and wife Vanessa Poss and John Poss of Smithville and daughter Billie Poss of Memphis. Eight grandchildren, John Michael Poss, Justin, MaKayla, Taylor, Elijah, Uriah, Tim Poss, Jr., and Summer Poss of Smithville. Great grandchildren, Amber Poss and Jackie Poss of Smithville. Sisters, Frances and husband George Fincher of McMinnville and Dimple and husband Charlie Blanchfield, Donna and husband Mike Hewell, Darlene Wooley and David Griffith, and Denise Redman; a brother, Ernest Murphy; and her step-father, Charles Poston all of Smithville. Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. The family requests that donations be made to Love-Cantrell Funeral Home to help with expenses in lieu of flowers.
Body Found Floating in Center Hill Lake
A fisherman found a badly decomposed body floating in Center Hill Lake Friday morning in the area of Edgar Evins State Park and Center Hill Marina.
The identity of the deceased has not been determined. An autopsy will be conducted.
Officials say the body was face down in the water about four hundred yards upstream from the mouth of Cove Hollow. The water depth in that area is about ninety feet.
Members of the TWRA, DeKalb County Rescue Squad, DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department, DeKalb EMS, Corps of Engineers Park Rangers and Edgar Evins Park Manager Carl Halfacre responded.
The body was brought to shore by boat and loaded onto a mini van at an Edgar Evins State Park Boat Ramp.
Smithville Firefighters Visit Elementary School (SEE VIDEO HERE)
As part of October Fire Safety month, Chief Charlie Parker and members of the Smithville Volunteer Fire Department paid a visit to Smithville Elementary School Friday morning to talk about fire safety and to show the children the new ladder truck.
(PLAY VIDEO BELOW)