DeKalb Community Hospital along with the artists of Off the Beaten Path are sponsoring their annual ‘Hungry Kids Backpack Food Drive’. Last year, in honor of the combined pounds lost during the Weight Loss Challenge, the hospital donated over 943 pounds of food for both DeKalb and Cannon County backpack programs. The donated food – such as crackers, juice boxes, raisins, and microwaveable pasta – will be used for hundreds of hungry kids across both DeKalb and Cannon Counties.
“Last year, after such a tremendous outpouring of community support, some of the backpack program directors were moved to tears of gratitude upon receiving such a tremendous amount of food!” said Shan Burklow – Marketing Director of DeKalb Community and Stones River Hospital, “It made us feel so good to see everyone come together and give whatever they could. Donation drop boxes are available at both DeKalb Community and Stones River Hospital or can be dropped off in the administration office as well. The artists of Off the Beaten Path Studio Tour will be selling pottery and art at the DeKalb Farmers Market with 100% of the proceeds supporting the program as well.”
“This is an important need that takes everyone’s continued support to conquer. Children should never go home and have nothing to eat, but unfortunately, this happens more than we can imagine,” said Sue Conley- CEO of DeKalb Community and Stones River Hospital, “It is our goal to beat last year’s donations and raise over one thousand pounds of food for this worthy cause. Please come out and donate whatever you can spare.”
The program asks that donations be limited to non-perishable items, pop-top pasta, crackers, juice boxes, raisins, pretzels, individually wrapped snacks, granola bars, etc. No candy or sugar items will be distributed. For more information on how to participate, contact Shan Burklow: sburklow@dchtn.com or call (615) 215-5448.
Pictured: Tim Hintz (Off the Beaten Path) accepts food raised by DeKalb Community and Stones River Hospital Staff (pictured) along with many community donations. Last year’s Hungry Kids Backpack Food Drive collected over 943 pounds of food to celebrate the pounds lost from the Weight Loss Challenge. This year, the hospitals plan to collect 1,000 pounds of food to help the kids of DeKalb and Cannon Counties.

Starting in the spring of 2015, anyone applying for new phone service in DeKalb County or elsewhere in north central middle Tennessee can expect to get a new area code once the availability of (615) area code numbers is exhausted. Ten digit local dialing will also be required to complete a call.
The Tennessee Regulatory Authority recently announced plans to implement the new (629) area code. Known as an ‘Area Code Overlay,’ this change ensures availability of an ongoing supply of telephone numbers. “The state TRA some time ago put out a comments page on their website and asked the people who lived in the 615 area code area if they would like to have another area code split, which is what happened when the 615 and 931 area codes came about, or if they would like to have an overlay. The overwhelming response was an overlay which means that a 629 area code will come into effect in March. They will have to start issuing new numbers under the 629 and 615 area codes,” said Craig Gates, Chief Executive Officer of DTC Communications in an interview with WJLE Wednesday.
The reason for the change is because the existing supply of 615 area code numbers is running out. “Across America, ever since cell phones came into being and in 1996 with the advent of the Competitive Local Exchange Carriers (CLEC) and later IP or Voice Over Internet Carriers, everybody has been gobbling up the phone number pool that exists and they are running out of numbers with the plan they have,” said Gates.
According to rules of the Federal Communications Commission, when two area codes serve the same region, callers are required to change the way they dial local calls. While customers do not have to change their existing area code or phone number, they will be required to ten-digit dial all local calls (area code and seven-digit telephone number. ” Even though you’re going to dial ten digits instead of seven, it’s still a local call. But you will have to dial ten digits. Eleven digits will be used for long distance calling ,” said Gates.
In addition to landlines, ten digit dialing will also apply to cell phones, fax machines, and other communication systems . “That’ll be for cell phones and land lines, your home phone number but some other things people need to think about are automatic dialers, fax machines, alarm systems, security systems, Internet dial up numbers (if you still have dial up Internet), and speed dialers. Phone contact lists will need to be updated. Call forwarding settings will have to be changed. All of those things will have to be done so that people can complete those calls on a mandatory basis in February,” said Gates.
Beginning July 26 residents and businesses in the 615 area code can start dialing ten digits – area code + telephone number – when making local calls. Beginning February 28, 2015, everyone in the 615 area code will be required to dial ten digits (area code + telephone number) and starting March 28, 2015, new telephone lines or services may be issued numbers using the 629 area code, if 615 numbers are no longer available.
According to Gates, DTC still has an ample supply of 615 area code numbers. “DTC has plenty of 615 numbers left and we will continue to give out 615 numbers for the foreseeable future but at some point those could become exhausted. Another thing that’s been done for the last few years is they can actually claim numbers from us. They can take back numbers. That could happen and if so we would end up with the 629 area code a little quicker than we would otherwise,” he said.
DTC customers don’t have to wait until July 26 to begin ten digit dialing, according to Gates. ” DTC has been allowing permissive dialing for the last few months. Currently you can dial either the seven or ten digits. Once it becomes mandatory, you will have to dial the area code and the seven digits. It becomes mandatory on February 28,” he said.
Gates urges DTC customers to become familiar now with the practice of ten digit dialing. “It will be a change. It’s going to take some education, especially once that mandatory time hits because people are not going to be ready for it. A lot of people are going to continue to dial seven digits and not think about it. When that day comes, I imagine we’re going to start getting some calls from those people who haven’t heard or forgotten about it,” Gates concluded.

DeKalb Community Hospital has announced the launch of their new electronic health Access called “HA! – Health Access 24/7,” the new online service – which is free to patients – provides secure online access to medical records and health care providers anytime, anywhere. To sign-up for Health Access 24/7 (HA), go to the hospital’s website: www.DeKalbCommunityHospital.com
Kim Frazier , Chief Nursing Officer, played a major role in the implementation of the new online feature. “One of the most convenient things about Health Access 24/7 is the online Personal Health Record (PHR),” she said. “The PHR allows you to store, view, and update all of your health information in one secure place. Only you can decide who has access to your medical history, which ensures your privacy. You can also use it to help manage the health of someone you care for, with their permission, of course.”
“Realizing the benefits of electronic health access depends, of course, on how effectively they’re used,” said Sue Conley – Chief Executive Officer of DeKalb Community and Stones River Hospital, “We are glad to offer this opportunity to our patients and look forward to the benefits that Health Access 24/7 (HA) will give them. The goal of the program is to promote the spread of electronic health records to improve health care in DeKalb County and across the United States. It is free and very convenient. You can view your health information from your smart phone, laptop, tablet or any internet friendly device.”
The benefits of Health Access 24/7 include:
•Complete and accurate information. With electronic health records, health care providers have the information they need to provide the best possible care. Providers will know more about their patients and their health history before they walk into the examination room.
•Better access to information. Electronic health records facilitate greater access to the information providers need to diagnose health problems earlier and improve the health outcomes of their patients. Electronic health records also allow information to be shared more easily among doctors’ offices, hospitals, and across health systems, leading to better coordination of care.
•Patient empowerment. Electronic health records will help empower patients to take a more active role in their health and in the health of their families. Patients can receive electronic copies of their medical records and share their health information securely over the Internet with their families including test results and medical history.
In addition to helping patients access their personal health information more easily, the hospital’s new patient portal will also help people better manage chronic conditions and coordinate care for dependents (with their permission).
For more information on how you can access your health information and test results online, go to: www.DeKalbCommunityHospital.com
Pictures: A patient shows how easy the new HA! online health information is to use. Health Access 24/7 (HA) is free to patients of DeKalb Community Hospital. The online feature’s goal is to improve communication between patient, doctor and family while saving valuable time for the patient.

A Smithville man has been arrested in recent burglaries at two local businesses.
27 year old Kenny Waymon Dyal, Jr. of Jackson Street is charged with two counts of burglary and two counts of theft.
The case was investigated by Lieutenant Detective Matt Holmes of the Smithville Police Department.
According to the charges, Dyal allegedly entered Cash Express located at 126 East Bryant Street on Saturday, July 5 at approximately 1:00 a.m. by taking out a window air conditioner unit and entering through the window. Dyal allegedly took a digital camera and a safe. A search warrant was served on July 5 at Dyal’s residence where he was found hiding in the closet. He was in possession of stolen property belonging to the victim.
Dyal is also charged in a break-in at another business the previous week.
In that case, Dyal allegedly entered a gas station located at 627 West Broad Street at approximately 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 28 and took the following items: Approximately $850 in cash and at least four duffle bags full of cigarette cartons. The act was caught on video camera. A search warrant was served on July 5 at Dyal’s residence where he was found hiding in the closet and in possession of stolen property belonging to the victim.
In a new development this week, a search warrant was served on Dyal Wednesday, July 9 to collect DNA evidence from him to be sent to the crime lab as he is a suspect in other burglaries.
Meanwhile, 19 year old Brittnay Lykins and 32 year old Crystal Deweese are each charged with theft of property over $500 for the recent theft of two television sets from Walmart. Deweese is also charged with criminal trespassing and evading arrest. Bond for Lykins is $7,500. Deweese is under a $12,000 bond. Both will appear in court July 10.
According to Smithville Police Chief Randy Caplinger, Lykins picked up Deweese at her home on Friday, June 27 and went to Walmart. While in the store, Deweese allegedly stole two television sets and took off running when confronted by Walmart employees. Deweese left the store and ran toward West Broad Street. She was found behind the Tannery building. As police tried to arrest her, Deweese ran toward Duncan Street but the officer caught up with her. She was handcuffed and brought to the police department. When questioned by police Lykins said she and Deweese had entered Walmart together and that she knew Deweese was going to steal the TV’s. Apparently because of her history, Deweese had previously been warned several times to stay away from Walmart stores.
38 year old Desiree Ferrell is charged with sale and delivery of a schedule II drug. She is under a $1,500 bond and will be in court July 17. She was arrested on Monday, June 30. Chief Caplinger said that on March 14 police observed Ferrell getting out of the passenger seat of a vehicle holding a large prescription pill bottle filled with what appeared to be white capsule shaped pills. Ferrell then got in the passenger side of a black Dodge Dakota next to her vehicle where she allegedly sold half of a Hydrocodone pill . The buyer admitted to the officer that Ferrell had taken money for the pill. A warrant was later taken for her arrest but Ferrell could not be located until June 30.
38 year old Valerie Brown is cited for theft of property. She will make a court appearance on July 14. Chief Caplinger said that on Friday, June 6 police were called to Hawkins Discount Thrift Store in reference to a shoplifter. Upon arrival the officer spoke with Brown who allegedly admitted that she attempted to take items from the store.
18 year old Daricy Ferrell and 19 year old Cheyenne Matthews are cited for theft of property. They will be in court on July 17. Chief Caplinger said that on Tuesday, June 17 Ferrell and Matthews allegedly took several items from the Dollar General Store.
32 year old Gilberto Juarez is charged with driving under the influence. His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court July 17. Chief Caplinger said that on Friday, June 20 police saw Juarez drive into the parking lot of Kwik N Ezy. After Juarez parked, the officer approached his vehicle and spoke with him. There were two open beers in the center console. Juarez also had a strong odor of alcohol on his person and was very unsteady on his feet. Juarez submitted to but performed poorly on a portable breathalyzer test. He refused to take a blood test.
36 year old Jason Cripps is charged with public intoxication and burglary. He is under a $9,000 bond and will be in court on July 24. Chief Caplinger said that on Wednesday, June 25 police responded to DeKalb Specialty Clinic on a complaint of an intoxicated person who had showed up at a doctor’s office there. Upon arrival, the officer was told that Cripps had left but was seen walking toward the hospital. The officer heard an auto alarm and found Cripps who had allegedly entered a Jeep Cherokee and was going through personal belongings and papers in the vehicle without the owner’s consent. According to police, Cripps’ speech was slurred and he was unsteady on his feet. Cripps was placed under arrest.
43 year old Christopher Richardson is charged with public intoxication. His bond is $1,500. Chief Caplinger said police recently responded to 225 East Bryant Street in reference to a fight. Upon arrival the officer saw Richardson standing in the hallway of the apartment complex trying to get another person to come out of his residence to fight him. Richardson had a strong odor of alcohol on his person. His speech was slurred and he was unsteady on his feet. Richardson admitted to having consumed several beers. He was placed under arrest.
22 year old Chandler Robinson is charged with domestic assault. His bond is $2,500 and he will be in court July 10. Chief Caplinger said that on Sunday, June 20 police responded to a residence on Riley Avenue in reference to a domestic call. Upon arrival the officer spoke with Robinson and his wife. Robinson told police that the two of them got into an argument and that he allegedly pushed her on the back of the head. He then went into the kitchen and came back cursing and shoved her with both hands on her chest. She called police.
29 year old Melissa Higgins is cited for shoplifting from Walmart. She will be in court July 14.
20 year old Samantha Goodson and 23 year old Eric Judkins are charged with retaliation for a past action. Goodson’s bond is $10,000. Bond for Judkins is $20,000. They will be in court July 24. According to police, on July 1 Goodson allegedly assisted Judkins in assaulting their victim in retaliation for a past action by punching him in the face. The victim allegedly testified against Judkins in another case. This occurred at Bill Page Ball Park.

Smithville may soon be getting a new clinic.
Fast Pace Urgent Care has announced plans to open such a facility in Smithville near the intersection of East Broad and Oak Street.
According to the company’s website, Fast Pace clinics provide treatments for a wide range of illnesses, injuries, and common conditions and provide a variety of wellness, diagnostic and screening services. Open seven days a week with extended hours, Fast Pace Urgent Care offers patients the convenience of short wait times and the ability to be seen by a provider without an appointment. Fast Pace accepts most insurance providers and offers affordable self-pay prices for uninsured patients. Each Fast Pace clinic features multiple exam rooms, on-site lab testing and X-ray capabilities
Since 2009 when Stan Bevis, Family Nurse Practitioner and President, founded the company, Fast Pace has grown from one clinic in Collinwood to nearly 20 clinics throughout Tennessee. With expansion comes the convenience of being able to be treated at any of the Fast Pace locations without the hassle of transferring insurance and payment information or medical history. The clinics are electronically linked so that if you have to be seen at a clinic miles from home your information is available to healthcare professionals on the spot.
Though the growth continues, there is still very much the same “small town” feel. Each clinic is staffed by locals, and they also provide support staff – maintenance, landscaping, construction and cleaning crews. Each clinic supports the community through a membership in their local Chambers of Commerce and by sponsorships of everything from community events, to local charities, to sports teams, and clinic staff is encouraged to volunteer wherever their interests lie.
“Fast Pace is about meeting community needs and providing quality care to those who need it, wherever they need it,” said Bevis.

A 72 year old man lost control of his Corvette on Big Rock Road and overturned Monday afternoon.
Sergeant Eric McCormick of the Tennessee Highway Patrol told WJLE that Kenneth Clayton of Smithville was south on Big Rock Road when he ran off the road while negotiating a curve and overturned. The car came to a final rest in an upright position on the edge of the road in the ditchline.
Clayton was airlifted from the scene to Vanderbilt Hospital

The DeKalb County Fair returns Monday through Saturday, July 21-26
All Non- Perishable exhibits ONLY will be accepted Saturday, July 12 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. All Perishable items ONLY will be accepted on Saturday, July 19 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 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.
Meanwhile, the DeKalb County Fair 5K Fun Run will be July 19. Registration begins at 7 pm at the Fair Office. The Run will start at 7:30 PM. Pre-registration available by contacting Matt Boss at 615-464-8627. Pre-registration guarantees a DeKalb County Fair 5K T-Shirt $15 entry fee for youth and $20 for adults. Parking available behind Fair Office. For more info. contact Matt Boss at number above.
Applications are now available for entry into the DeKalb County Fair’s new event, the “Kidnation Talent Showcase” to be held at the Lions Club Pavilion July 24 following the baby show. The showcase is a non-judged event allowing all youth up to age 18 to showcase their talents. Get your applications at www.dekalbcountyfairtn.com. The event is free of entry fee.
Fair pageant applications are also available for ages one day through 20. You may download applications from www.dekalbcountyfairtn.com or stop by the Smithville Review. Pageants are open to residents of DeKalb County, Smithville, Alexandria, Liberty and Dowelltown. Entry fee is $20, and deadline for entry is July 19. This year’s pageants sponsored by DTC Communications.
(Click PDF link below for 2014 Fair Exhibitors Catalog)
http://www.dekalbcountyfairtn.com/sites/default/files/2014FairCatalog.pdf
Fair events each night are as follows:
Monday, July 21: National Anthem at 5:45 p.m.; Cattle Show at 6:00 p.m. at the Grandstand; Rodeo at the T.C. McMillen Arena at 6:00 p.m.; Junior Fair Princess Pageant for contestants ages 13-16 at 6:00 p.m. followed by the Fairest of the Fair Pageant for contestants ages 17 to 20 at the Lions Club Pavilion and (2- $500 cash drawings) at 9:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 22: Snowbird from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.; Little Mr. and Miss Pageant for contestants ages 4-6 at 6:00 p.m. at the Lions Club Pavilion followed by David Turner and Friends; 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 and (2- $500 cash drawings) at 9:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 23: Little Miss Princess Pageant for contestants ages 7-9 at 6:00 p.m. followed by the Miss Sweetheart Pageant for those ages 10-12 at the Lions Club Pavilion; 4 Wheeler and Motorcycle Racing at 6:30 p.m. at the T.C. McMillen Arena; and (2- $500 cash drawings) at 9:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 24: Senior Citizen Day activities at 9:00 a.m. at the Lions Club Pavilion; Junior Goat Show at 6:00 p.m. at the Tot Kelly Barn; a Baby Show at 6:00 p.m. followed by Kidnation at the Lions Club Pavilion; and ATV Rodeo at the T.C. McMillen Arena at 7:00 p.m.; and (2- $500 cash drawings) at 9:30 p.m.
Friday, July 25: Toddler Show for contestants 13 months to 47 months at 6:00 p.m. at the Lions Club Pavilion; Kids Pedal Tractor Pull at 7:00 p.m. at the Grandstand; ATV/ Mini-Rod Outlaw Pull at 7:00 p.m. at the T.C. McMillen Arena and (2- $500 cash drawings) at 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 26: Horseshoe Tournament at the Tot Kelly barn at Noon.; Gospel Singing at the Lions Club Pavilion at 6:00 p.m.; Super Tractor and Truck Pull at 7:00 p.m. at the T.C. McMillen Arena: and (2- $500 cash drawings) at 9:30 p.m.
Events subject to change without notice.
Rides on the Midway will be provided by the Family Attractions Amusement Company. Unlimited rides will be available for $15.00 on Monday night; $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.

The Department of Revenue is reminding Tennesseans that the eighth annual Sales Tax Holiday is scheduled for Friday, August 1 through Sunday, August 3. During these three days Tennessee shoppers can save nearly 10 percent on tax-free clothing, school and art supplies, and computer purchases.
“I want to encourage Tennessee families to take advantage of the Sales Tax Holiday because it was created with them in mind,” Gov. Bill Haslam said. “The weekend provides savings for families, especially as students are starting the new school year, and the holiday can provide relief on clothing, school and art supplies and computer purchases.”
The holiday begins Friday, August 1 at 12:01 a.m. and ends Sunday, August 3 at 11:59 p.m. During the designated three-day weekend, consumers will not pay state or local sales tax on clothing with a price of $100 or less per item, school and art supplies with a price of $100 or less per item, and computers with a price of $1,500 or less.
“As in years past, last year’s tax-free weekend was very successful, providing Tennessee taxpayers over $10 million in tax savings” said Revenue Commissioner Richard H. Roberts. “We are hopeful that Tennessee shoppers will again take advantage of the tax relief provided by the 2014 Sales Tax Holiday.”
Please visit the Sales Tax Holiday Web site at www.tntaxholiday.com to learn more about the items exempt from sales tax. The Tennessee Department of Revenue also assists consumers via e-mail, Salestax.Holiday@TN.gov, and through its toll-free statewide telephone hot line, (800) 342-1003. Staff is available to answer questions Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. (Out-of-state and Nashville-area callers, please dial (615) 253-0600.)
Examples of exempt items include:
•Clothing: Shirts, dresses, pants, coats, gloves and mittens, hats and caps, hosiery, neckties, belts, sneakers, shoes, uniforms whether athletic or non-athletic and scarves
•School Supplies: Binders, book bags, calculators, tape, chalk, crayons, erasers, folders, glue, pens, pencils, lunch boxes, notebooks, paper, rulers and scissors
•Art Supplies: Clay and glazes; acrylic, tempera and oil paints; paintbrushes for artwork; sketch and drawing pads; and watercolors
•Computers: Central processing unit (CPU), along with various other components including monitor, keyboard, mouse, cables to connect components and preloaded software (Note: While the CPU may be purchased separately, other items must be part of a bundled computer package in order to be eligible.) iPads and other tablet computers are eligible for tax exemption, while smart phones and video game consoles are not.
The Department of Revenue is responsible for the administration of state tax laws and motor vehicle title and registration laws established by the legislature and the collection of taxes and fees associated with those laws. The Department of Revenue collects approximately 87 percent of total state tax revenue. During the 2012 fiscal year, the department collected $11.3 billion in state taxes and fees. In addition to collecting state taxes, the Department of Revenue collects taxes for local, county and municipal governments. During the 2012 fiscal year, local government collections by the Department of Revenue exceeded $2.0 billion in local taxes and fees. In collecting taxes, the department enforces the revenue laws fairly and impartially in an effort to encourage voluntary taxpayer compliance. The department also apportions revenue collections for distribution to the various state funds and local units of government. To learn more about the department, log on to www.TN.gov/revenue.

Area young people ages 8-17 will have a chance to take to the skies on Saturday, July 19, 2014, as the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 1378 hosts a Young Eagles Flight Rally at Smithville Municipal Airport.
The rally is part of the EAA Young Eagles program, created for the purpose of introducing young people to aviation. Since the program was launched in 1992, Volunteer EAA pilots have flown more than 1.9 million young people residing in more than 90 countries.
“The airplane rides are just part of the Flight Rally,” said David Teter, Young Eagles Coordinator and spokesman for the event. “We hope to build upon the one-on-one relationships established between the pilots and each Young Eagle, giving a new generation a chance to learn more about the possibilities that exist in the world of aviation.”
Pilots at the event will also explain more about their airplanes allowing young people to discover how airplanes fly and how pilots keep safety as the prime concern during every phase of every flight. Each Young Eagle flight will last approximately twenty minutes.
Following the flight each participant will receive a certificate making him or her an official Young Eagle. Their name will then be entered into the “World’s Largest Logbook,” which is on permanent display at the EAA Air Adventure Museum in Oshkosh, WI. The Logbook is also accessible on the Internet at www.youngeagles.org.
Pre-registration is required. To pre-register your child for this great opportunity, please contact David Teter, the Young Eagles Program Coordinator at 931-261-3442 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Registration will close when twenty-five “Young Eagles” are registered. There is no cost for the ride. There will be no on-site registration the day of the event. A parent or guardian must accompany the child to the event but will not fly with the Young Eagle. In the event of rain or thunderstorms, the Rally will be cancelled. General information about this Young Eagles Flight Rally is also available by contacting Wes Nokes, the airport manager, at 615-597-4940.
Additional information about EAA and the EAA Young Eagles program is available on the Internet. Access to EAA’s Home Page is available at www.eaa.org. The Young Eagles web page is www.youngeagles.org.

A Collierville man lost his life Saturday afternoon on Center Hill Lake.
The body of 57 year old Stephen R. Morris was recovered in about fifteen feet of water more than three hours after he fell off a jet ski and into the water. “It’s been called a drowning and it probably was but we don’t know that for sure. They have performed an autopsy but we don’t have the results back on that yet, ” said TWRA Officer Tony Cross during his weekly program on WJLE Monday morning.
“If you went straight out from the mouth of Holmes Creek in a southeasterly direction, which is back upstream, it was about a mile across on the other side of the lake. There are a couple of small coves and they had pulled up in there on a houseboat,” said Officer Cross in describing where the incident occurred.
According to the TWRA, Morris was sitting on the back of a personal watercraft, which was attached to the house boat, when he fell off the back of it and never resurfaced. ” There were a number of folks who were on the houseboat and the front of it was actually grounded on the shore. The victim was on a jet ski which was pulled up on one of the slides or ramps on the back of the houseboat. It (jet ski) was actually not in the water. Our guess is that some sort of medical issue may have happened. He was sitting on the jet ski when he fell off into the water and went under. That was it,” said Officer Cross.
Members of the TWRA, DeKalb County Rescue Squad, and Corps of Engineers began the search at around 4:00 p.m. “We were pretty sure we had located the body maybe within an hour or so with side scan sonar. Divers were called in from the Putnam County Rescue Squad and once they arrived on the scene and went down, it probably took only eight or ten minutes for them to locate the victim,” said Cross.
TWRA Officer Cross praised members of the Smithville-DeKalb County Rescue Squad and others for their help. “I’d like to give a big shout out and thank you to members of the Smithville-DeKalb County Rescue Squad who came out. They were at the Jamboree working their booth when this happened but they all came down and helped us. The Corps of Engineers had several guys there too along with several of our guys (TWRA),” he said.