94 year old Beulah Mai Hendrixson of Smithville died Tuesday at DeKalb Community Hospital. She was retired from Fuston’s Five and Dime Store and a member of the Snow Hill United Methodist Church. The funeral will be Thursday at 3:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Royce Martin, Jim Rogers, and Doyle Slager will officiate and burial will be in DeKalb Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4-9 p.m. and Thursday from 11:00 a.m. until the service at 3:00 p.m. Hendrixson was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer Hendrixson; parents, Isaac and Callie Dirting Smith; a brother, Othel Smith; and two sisters, Maureen Tramel and Alvilda Hendrixson. Survivors include three daughters, Nira Snyder of McMinnville, Judy and husband Royce Martin of Liberty, and Lori and husband Wes Rogers of Smithville. Five grandchildren, Chris and Kelley Snyder of Rock Island, Shannon and Lisa Snyder of McMinnville, Deanna and Mickey Hall of Lebanon, Curtis and Kimberly Martin of Liberty, and Allison Rogers of Smithville. Nine great grandchildren and five great great grandchildren. One brother, Doyle Smith of Smithville. Four caretakers, Helen Fults of Liberty, Martha Fults of Smithville, Faye Murphy of Smithville, and Wanda Byford of Smithville. Several nieces and nephews survive. Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Tag Archives: 2013
Abigail Hope Taylor Crowned Miss Sweetheart
The 2013 DeKalb County Fair Miss Sweetheart is twelve year old Abigail Hope Taylor, the daughter of Ken and Cindy Taylor of Smithville. The pageant was held Wednesday night during the fair in Alexandria.
The first runner-up in the pageant was Lydia Anne Brown, the eleven year old daughter of Stephen and Amanda Brown of Liberty. She was also “Miss Congeniality”.
(MOTORCYCLE RACING HELD WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT THE FAIR)
Alexis Catherine Cudney was the second runner-up. She is the ten year old daughter of Chris Cudney and Marnie Horton of Smithville.
Twelve year old Addison Grace Oakley, daughter of Clark and Lisa Oakley of Liberty, was the third runner-up.
Fourth runner-up went to Mya Catherine Ruch, the eleven year old daughter of Joe and Melissa Ruch of Smithville.
The title of Miss Photogenic went to Alexis Grace Atnip, the ten year old daughter of Veronica Atnip of Smithville.
The Extreme Queen crown went to Shelby Maylee Sprague, the eleven year old daughter of Jimmy and Johnna Sprague of Smithville.The award is sponsored by the Extreme Looks Design Team Salon.
The Peoples Choice winner for this pageant was Shaunta Rose Koegler, the twelve year old daughter of Brian and Leticia Koegler of Smithville.
Rounding out the top ten in the pageant were Macy Elizabeth Hedge, the twelve year old daughter of David and Trina Hedge of Smithville; Madison Rae Rackley, the ten year old daughter of Gordon and Jessica Rackley of Smithville; Julia Grace Curtis, the eleven year old daughter of Bruce and Amy Curtis of Smithville; Elizabeth Guinn, the eleven year old daughter of Kendra and Ricky Guinn of Smithville; and Brooklyn Storm Estes, the twelve year old daughter of Chris and Shanna Bogle of Smithville.
Other Participants were Molly Raven Hall, the twelve year old daughter of Terry Hall and Glenda Hall of Dowelltown; Monica Carlton, the ten year old daughter of Amanda Carlton and LeRoy Hale of Smithville; Zowie Tillery, the eleven year old daughter of Bridgette Tillery of Smithville; Lily Grace Martin, the ten year old daughter of Gilbert and April Martin of Lancaster; Sydney Grace Turner, the ten year old daughter of Donna Turner of Smithville; Kacie Malone, the eleven year old daughter of Sam and Nancy Malone of Brush Creek; Mariah Mofield, the eleven year old daughter of Teresa and David Mofield of Alexandria; Shelby Clayborn, the twelve year old daughter of Brian Clayborn and Holly Clayborn of Liberty; Abby Evans, the twelve year old daughter of Amanda Mathis of Smithville; Alaysia Christian, the eleven year old daughter of Wendy Stepp and Lonnie Eaton of Alexandria; and Skylar McKinlee Fuson, the ten year old daughter of Aleisha and Scotty Fuson of Smithville.
(TOP PHOTO: Left to Right- Mya Catherine Ruch (4th Runner-Up), Alexis Catherine Cudney (2nd Runner-Up), Miss Sweetheart Abigail Hope Taylor, Lydia Anne Brown (1st Runner-Up), and Addison Grace Oakley (3rd Runner-Up)
(SECOND PHOTO FROM TOP: People’s Choice- Shaunta Rose Koegler, Miss Congeniality- Lydia Anne Brown, Miss Photogenic-Alexis Grace Atnip)
Derek Cook of Short Mountain won $500 at the fair Wednesday night. He is the only cash winner so far this week.
The following events are scheduled Thursday night:
Senior Citizen Day activities at 9:00 a.m. at the Lions Club Pavilion; 4-H Chick Chain Show at 5:00 p.m. at the Tot Kelly barn; Junior Goat Show at 6:00 p.m. at the Tot Kelly Barn; a Baby Show at 6:00 p.m. followed by a Vintage Fashion Show at the Lions Club Pavilion; and ATV Rodeo at the T.C. McMillen Arena at 7:00 p.m.;(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.
The DeKalb County Fair Memory Lane Stage Line-Up Thursday night is as follows: Terri Lynn Weaver from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. and Muddy Water from 7:45-8:45 p.m.
Visit the food booths and view exhibits in the Kenneth Sandlin Center and Commercial building.
Rides on the Midway will be provided by the Family Attractions Amusement Company.
Ride Arm Band Prices:
Thursday:$18
Friday: $18
Saturday:$18
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. 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.
Evaluation Finds Dixon Competent to Stand Trial in Double Murder-Trial Set for December 2nd
The man indicted in a double murder last year in Smithville has been deemed competent to stand trial after undergoing an evaluation at the Plateau Mental Health Center in Cookeville.
In a letter to the court, Dr. Sandra DeMott Phillips, a Clinical Psychologist wrote that 44 year old David Howard Dixon, after undergoing an evaluation as to his competency “has sufficient present ability to consult with his lawyer with a reasonable degree of rational understanding and a rational as well as a factual understanding of the proceedings against him”.
Meanwhile, Judge Leon Burns, Jr. set a December 2 trial date for Dixon in DeKalb County Criminal Court on Monday, July 22.
Dixon was named in a sealed indictment in November, 2012 charging him with two counts of first degree murder in the deaths of 55 year old Ervin Raymon Beacham and Jose Sagahon Ticante. The case against Dixon was presented to the grand jury by Dan Friel of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
On August 7, 2012, the Smithville Police Department responded to 311 Tommy Harrell Street and discovered Beacham, the owner of the residence, shot to death on the couch in his home. A second victim, Ticante was also found murdered and his body hidden under a tarp and some lumber in the backyard of the residence. TBI investigated the murders with the Smithville Police Department, DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office and the 13th Judicial District Attorney General’s Office.
After being picked up after the murders on August 7, Dixon was incarcerated at the DeKalb County Jail without bond for violation of probation and for failure to appear. He is currently being housed at the Henderson County Jail.
Dixon recently underwent an evaluation as to his competency to stand trial and to determine his mental condition at the time he was charged in the double murder. In her letter to the court, Dr. Phillips wrote “After completion of the evaluation, it is my opinion that at the time of the commission of the acts constituting the alleged offenses, severe mental disease or defect did not prevent the defendant (Dixon) from appreciating the nature or wrongfulness of the alleged acts.”
Dixon has a lengthy criminal history here including charges for possession of a handgun while under the influence, manufacture and delivery of a schedule IV controlled substance, assault, public intoxication, violation of an order of protection, aggravated assault, theft, domestic assault, and simple possession.
Woman Charged with Leaving Scene of Accident
A Rock Island Woman, whose car was rear ended in a traffic accident Monday evening on South Congress Boulevard at Joe Tittsworth Street, is in trouble with the law for leaving the scene.
Central dispatch received the call at 5:54 p.m.
Smithville Police Officer Stephen Barrett told WJLE that 53 year old Debra Hayes has been charged with leaving the scene of a personal injury accident and driving on a revoked license due to previous DUI’s in two other states. She was also cited for violation of the financial responsibility law (no insurance). Her bond totals $7,500 and she will be in court August 8.
According to Officer Barrett, the accident occurred when 43 year old Kimberly Griffin of Smithville, driving south in a 2002 Land Rover, rear ended Hayes’ 1998 Chrysler Sebring, which was also traveling south. Griffin allegedly claims she fell asleep at the wheel and awoke upon impact. A witness said Griffin’s vehicle flipped over during the crash but came to rest upright.
After her car was rear ended, Hayes left the scene and drove about a half mile to Jewel’s Market, where she got out and went in the store. A witness reported the incident and Officer James Cornelius went to the store where he confronted Hayes and then brought her back to the scene of the accident where she was subsequently placed under arrest by Officer Barrett.
Griffin was taken by DeKalb EMS to DeKalb Community Hospital. She has been cited for following too closely and for violation of the financial responsibility law.
Members of the Smithville Volunteer Fire Department also responded to the scene.
Emory Paul Kirksey
94 year old Emory Paul Kirksey of Chattanooga died Monday at Hickory Valley Retirement Center. He was a Baptist and a retired Air Traffic Controller with the FAA. A graveside service will be Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. at DeKalb Memorial Gardens. Mark Bass will officiate. Visitation will be Tuesday from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Kirksey was preceded in death by his parents, Rufus Carlton and Ida Theus Kirksey; his wife, Deanne Paris Kirksey; and a brother, Addis Kirksey. Survivors include a brother, Rufus Clayton Kirksey; nephews, Kenneth and Phillip Kirksey; and a niece, Tina Barger. A step-sister, Dorothy Hinton Jinks and a step-brother, Cecil Hinton. Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
T.J. White
73 year old T.J. White of Smithville died Monday at DeKalb Community Hospital. He worked as a farmhand. The funeral will be Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Tommy Taylor will officiate and burial will be at DeKalb Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Tuesday from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the service at 2:00 p.m. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Elsie Bennett White. He is survived by four sisters, JoDean Redmon, Jewell Tate, LaVelle Anderson, and Joyce Webster. Brother-in-law, Paul Webster. Several nieces and nephews. Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Lena Mae Reeder
93 year old Lena Mae Reeder of Alexandria died Saturday morning at NHC Health Care in Smithville. She was preceded in death by her husband of 75 years, J.L. Reeder on Nov. 6, 2012. Lena was the daughter of the late Will and Mallie Young Sorrells and was preceded in death by 4 brothers 4 sisters and 2 grandchildren. She is survived by 3 sons, William Edward Reeder and wife, Patsy, Fred Allen Reeder and wife, Edwina and Charles Thomas Reeder; 5 daughters, Virginia Ann Curtis and husband, Tommy, Betty Ruth Swindell and husband, Sam, Nancy Marie Hayes and husband, Joe, Carolyn Frances Rice and husband, Gary, Linda Gale George and husband, Jimmy; 15 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Hunter Funeral Home in Watertown with Rev. Gary Rickman and Rev. Tommy Curtis officiating. Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. Monday and prior to services on Tuesday. Burial will be at Poplar Hill Cemetery.
Mary Elizabeth Murray Crowned Junior Fair Princess
The 2013 Junior Fair Princess of the DeKalb County Fair is 14 year old Mary Elizabeth Murray, the daughter of Angel Brown of Smithville.
Murray was among 28 young ladies who competed for the crown on the opening night of the DeKalb County Fair on Monday night.
The first runner-up was Taneah Brooke Cantrell, the 16 year old daughter of Scott and Tammy Cantrell of Smithville.
Second runner-up was Madeleine Brummitt, the 15 year old daughter of Chad and Vicky Brummitt of Algood.
Haley Marie Hale was the third runner-up. She is the 16 year old daughter of Chad and Melissa Hale of Smithville. She was also “Miss Congeniality”.
The fourth runner-up was Darrian Turner, the 16 year old daughter of Shane and Regina Turner of Smithville.
The “Extreme Queen” sponsored by the Extreme Looks Design Team Salon went to Attiah J’nay Hicks, the 14 year old daughter of Rod and Brandy Hicks of Sparta.
Juli Sue Garcia-Romo, the 15 year old daughter of Tammy and Dygo of Brush Creek was the “People’s Choice”.
Hailey Nicole Glass, the 14 year old daughter of Doyle Glass and Debbie Netherton of Alexandria received the “Miss Photogenic” honor.
Rounding out the top ten were Liz Abigail Qualls, the 15 year old daughter of Brad and Kim Trapp and Jason and Stormy Qualls of Smithville; Tyra Graham, the 14 year old daughter of Kyle and Doris Graham of Smithville; Bethany Brooke Poss, the 15 year old daughter of John and Lori Poss of Smithville; Kayla Jayne Belk, the 13 year old daughter of Chris Anne and Andrew Fults of Smithville; and Hannah Walker, the 14 year old daughter of Scott and Misty Walker of Smithville.
Other participants were Jayde Elizabeth Nokes, the 16 year old daughter of Toby and Jamie Nokes of Smithville; Carrie Lee Adams, the 16 year old daughter of Brian and Carolyn Adams of Smithville; Santanna Ferrell, the 13 year old daughter of Melissa Ferrell of Dowelltown and Chris Ferrell of Smithville; Naomi Hope Lawson, the 15 year old daughter of Amy and Jonathon Hillis and Mark Lawson of Liberty; Emily Hope Burklow, the 13 year old daughter of Shan and Andy Burklow of Dowelltown; Britney Nicole Keen, the 14 year old daughter of Greg and Jan Keen of Sparta; Jessica Price, the 14 year old daughter of Charles Stubbe of Smithville; Destiny Danielle Franklin, the 14 year old daughter of Charlie and Jennifer Ware of Smithville; Shelby Delane Prichard, the 15 year old daughter of Stan and Michelle Prichard of Brush Creek; Chelsi Vaden, the 14 year old daughter of Travis and Jerri Lynn of Hickman; Alexis KaSara Davis, the 14 year old daughter of Scott and Angela Davis of Smithville; Cassidy Anne Montgomery, the 13 year old daughter of Rose Montgomery of Liberty; Brooke Daniellie Roller, the 16 year old daughter of Richard and Rose Roller of Smithville; Olivia Grace Fuson, the 13 year old daughter of Aleisha and Scotty Fuson of Smithville; and Kimberly Nicole Carlton, the 16 year old daughter of Dewayne Carlton and Brandi Pelham of Smithville.
(TOP PHOTO: Left to right- Darrian Turner (4th Runner-Up), Madeleine Brummitt (2nd Runner-Up), Mary Elizabeth Murray (Queen), Taneah Brooke Cantrell (1st Runner-Up), and Haley Marie Hale (3rd Runner-Up)
THERE WERE NO CASH WINNERS MONDAY NIGHT
The following events are scheduled Tuesday night:
Little Mr. and Miss Pageant for contestants ages 4-6 at 6:00 p.m. at the Lions Club Pavilion followed by entertainment (Elvis impersonator); Corn hole Contest at 7:00 p.m. at the Grandstand; Go-Cart Racing at 6:00 p.m. at the T.C. McMillen Arena (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.
The DeKalb County Fair Memory Lane Stage Line-Up Tuesday night is as follows: Pickin’ Friends
6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Visit the food booths and view exhibits in the Kenneth Sandlin Center and Commercial building.
Rides on the Midway will be provided by the Family Attractions Amusement Company.
Ride Arm Band Prices:
Tuesday:$16
Wednesday:$14
Thursday:$18
Friday: $18
Saturday:$18
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.
Rebekah Grace Webb Fairest of the Fair
18 year old Rebekah Grace Webb is the 2013 Fairest of the Fair
Webb, the daughter of C.D. and Cindy Webb of Dowelltown, was also named “Miss Photogenic”.
17 year old Lauren Ashley Medlin of Smithville was named first runner-up. She is the daughter of Greg and Teresa Medlin.
18 year old Ashlee Michelle Whitehead, daughter of Kenneth and Tina Whitehead was named second runner-up in the pageant. She is also the “Extreme Queen” which is an award given by Extreme Looks Design Team Salon for best hair and personality.
Third runner-up went Shauna Faith Taylor, the 17 year old daughter of Ken and Cindy Taylor of Smithville. She also received “Miss Congeniality”.
Katlin “Alli” Emme, the 17 year old daughter of Gordon and Jessica Rackley and Michael and Leslie Emme of Smithville was fourth runner-up.
The only other contestant in the pageant Monday night was Christian Janette Atnip, the 18 year old daughter of Veronica Atnip of Smithville. Atnip was the recipient of the “People’s Choice” Award.
(TOP PHOTO: Left to right- Shauna Faith Taylor (3rd Runner-Up), Lauren Ashley Medlin (1st Runner-Up), Queen Rebekah Grace Webb, Ashlee Michelle Whitehead (2nd Runner-Up), and Katlin “Allie” Emme (4th Runner-Up)
Navarro Wins DeKalb Fair 5K
Rolando Navarro of Smithville was the overall winner of the first ever DeKalb County Fair 5K Fun Run held Saturday morning in Alexandria.
Navarro ran the course in 23:29
James Sullivan of Alexandria took second place in the race at 26:17 and Kelly Pyburn of Alexandria came in third place at 28:09.
Winners in the children’s category (ages up to 12 years):
First place: Damien Sullivan of Alexandria
Second place: Addison Oakley of Liberty
Third place: Abby Evans of Smithville
Fourth place: Garrett Hayes of Liberty
Winners (13-39 years):
First place: Bailey Hayes of Liberty
Second place: Cason Oakley of Liberty
Third place: Jasmine Zervas of Alexandria
Winners: (age 40 and over):
First place: Melissa Ruch of Smithville
Second place: Gena Cripps of Smithville
Third Place: Clark Oakley of Liberty