A Liberty mother is the first person to be indicted in DeKalb County under a new law, which took effect last summer that allows the state to seek criminal charges against a woman who uses illegal drugs while pregnant.
The DeKalb County Grand Jury on Monday indicted 27 year old Lindsey Paulette Davenport of Woodbury Highway, Liberty on one count of assault on a viable fetus.
She will be arraigned in criminal court on August 10.
Sheriff Patrick Ray told WJLE that on January 21, Davenport gave birth to a baby boy whose urine tested positive for opiates. Blood drawn from the umbilical cord tested positive for Suboxone, Methodone, and Morphine.
WJLE obtained a copy of the indictment which states that “Davenport, between the 1st day of March, 2014 and the 21st day of January, 2015 intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly did cause bodily injury to a viable fetus, by illegally using a narcotic drug while pregnant, and the child was born addicted to and/or harmed by the narcotic drug and the addition and/or harm was a result of her illegal use of a narcotic drug taken while pregnant, constituting the offense of assault on a viable fetus.”
Faced with a growing number of babies born addicted to drugs in Tennessee, state legislators enacted the new law, sponsored by Representative Terri Lynn Weaver, with the intention of reducing the problem.
Signed by Governor Bill Haslam, the law became effective July 1,2014. It allows prosecutors to pursue criminal assault charges and potential jail terms if women bear children who are addicted or suffer other injuries because of the mom’s drug use. The Governor said at the time that the new law had been carefully considered and is intended to encourage law enforcement officers and prosecutors to push pregnant women with substance abuse issues toward treatment.

DeKalb County Students will register for the new school year on Monday, August 3
Tuesday, August 4 will be an administrative day for teachers only
The first full day of school for all students will be Wednesday, August 5
A system wide in-service day will be Tuesday, July 28
All teachers will report to their individual schools on Wednesday and Thursday July 29 and July 30
Meanwhile, the annual First Day of School Education Celebration will be Monday, August 3 from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on the public square
Sixth grade orientation for new students and parents only will be Tuesday July 28 at DeKalb Middle School. Students with last names beginning with A-M orientation will be at 6:00 PM and students with last names beginning with N-Z orientation will be at 7:00 PM.
Smithville Elementary School will have Kindergarten Open House on Tuesday, July 28 at 5:30 p.m. for all kindergarten students who pre-registered in the spring.
All Kindergarten students who Did NOT pre-register will need to wait and come on Registration Day, Monday August 3. The first full day of school is Wednesday, August 5.
Northside Elementary School will host “Meet Your Teacher “night for rising 2nd and 3rd grade students on Thursday, July 30 beginning at 5:30 p.m.

The body of a woman was found in Center Hill Lake Sunday afternoon.
Sheriff Patrick Ray told WJLE that 911 received a call at 4:43 p.m. that a fisherman had found a body in the lake near Still Point Boat Ramp across from Pates Ford Marina.
“The body recovered was that of a young lady. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death. It doesn’t appear to be foul play,” said Sheriff Ray.
The name of the woman has not yet been released. According to Sheriff Ray she was last seen alive Saturday night.

Two men have been arrested by Smithville Police in an investigation into a rash of recent car burglaries.
Captain Steven Leffew said 22 year old Dra Dewayne Watkins and 25 year old Garrett Buckmaster are each charged with three counts of burglary and two counts of theft. Buckmaster is also charged with one count of unlawful possession of a weapon. Watkins is under a bond of $27,500. Buckmaster’s bond is $65,000. They will make an appearance in General Sessions Court on August 6.
According to Captain Leffew, the arrests resulted from an investigation by Lieutenant Matt Holmes, Detective Brandon Donnell, and Officer Lance Dillard. Many victims came forward within the last two weeks to report damage to and missing items from their vehicles. Items from some of these thefts were recovered at the home where Watkins and Buckmaster were residing. Detective Donnell made the arrests on Wednesday, July 22.
50 year old Janice Lynn Johnson was arrested on Friday, July 10 for DUI and cited for violation of the implied consent law. Officer Lance Dillard responded to Taco Bell in reference to a possible drunk driver sitting in the drive through. Upon arrival, he spoke with Johnson who appeared to be unsteady on her feet and she had slurred speech. Johnson submitted to but performed poorly on field sobriety tasks. Her bond is $1,500 and she will be in court on August 6.
43 year old Marina G. Skinner of Dixon Springs was arrested for public intoxication on Friday, July 17. Officer Andy Snow was called to a fight in progress and found Skinner sitting outside in a chair. She was belligerent, unreasonable, uncooperative, unsteady on her feet, and she had a smell of alcohol on her person. Skinner was determined to be a nuisance to other people in the neighborhood. Her bond is $1,500 and she will be in court on August 6.
20 year old John T. Mason was arrested for domestic assault on Saturday, July 18. Officer Will Judkins and Sergeant Brad Tatrow were dispatched to an area of Jackson Street due to a fight in progress. Upon arrival they observed Mason hitting a woman several times in the face with his fist. After refusing the officers orders to stop, Mason was apprehended by Sergeant Tatrow, who used a taser due to the volatility of the fight and as it appeared Mason was going to flee on foot. His bond is $2,500 and he will be in court on August 13.
52 year old Rita Gail Houk was cited for vandalism and theft on Thursday, July 23. The citation was issued by Sergeant Brad Tatrow. Houk allegedly took property from a business without the owner’s permission and in the process damaged another item. She will make a court appearance on August 27.

Before you start your back to school shopping, mark August 7-9 on your calendar.
That’s this year’s tax-free weekend in Tennessee, where shoppers won’t have to pay sales tax on clothing, school and art supplies that cost $100 or less per item and computers that cost $1,500 or less
During these three days Tennessee shoppers can save nearly 10 percent on certain 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 7 at 12:01 a.m. and ends Sunday, August 9 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.
Please visit the Sales Tax Holiday Web site at www.tntaxholiday.com to learn more about the items exempt from sales tax.
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.

Winners of the annual Toddler Show were announced Friday evening at the DeKalb County Fair.
First place winners received a blue ribbon. Red ribbons went to those receiving second place.
This year’s recipients are as follows:
Twins (13-47 months)
Emma and Will Marshall, the 31 month old children of Melonie Lemons of Liberty.
Boys (13 to 18 months)
Winner: Brylan Hutchings, the 18 month old son of Jeremy and Kristin Hutchings of Young Ridge, Road.
Runner-up: Bryan Paul Parker, the 15 month old son of Mandi Johnson and Paul Parker of Smithville
Other participants:
Brody Elliot Odom, the 13 month old son of Chris and Tiffany Odom of Smithville
Elijah Alexander Redmon, the 15 month old son of Nelson and Kimberly Redmon of Smithville
Spencer Allen Nix, the 16 month old son of Braxton and Kristina Nix of Smithville
Isaac Ray Caldwell, the 15 month old son of Isaac Ray Caldwell of Smithville
Ian Davis, the 16 month old son of Nelson and Jennifer Davis of Smithville
Girls (13 to 18 months)
Winner: Ireland Beth Hobbs, the 16 month old daughter of Ashley Beth Hobbs of Smithville
Runner-up: Eden Donnell, the 17 month old daughter of Travis Donnell and Amber Scurlock of Alexandria.
Other participants: None.
Boys (19 to 24 months)
Winner: Abram Gray Bratten, the 20 month old son of J.D. and Mollie Bratten of Liberty.
Runner-up: Parker McKain Ward, the 22 month old son of Kimberly Ward of Smithville.
Other participant: Zaxtin Skinner, the 19 month old son of Cassondra Skinner and Anthony Skinner of Smithville
Girls (19 to 24 months)
Winner: Katy Jo Bowen, the 20 month old daughter of Joseph and Kimberly Bowen of Smithville.
Runner-up: Ayla Shae Brown, the 19 month old daughter of Karah and Dustin Brown of Smithville.
Other participants
Adalyn Elizabeth Cook, the 19 month old daughter of Cora Beth Rhody and Dustin Cook of Smithville
Harmony Arms, the 24 month old daughter of Shannon Arms of Alexandria
Mia Brooke Gibbs, the 19 month old daughter of James Gibbs and Jana Gibbs of Alexandria
Kendall Reese Allen, the 21 month old daughter of McKayla Poss and Skylar Allen of Smithville
Boys (25 to 30 months)
Winner: Levi Bryson Nixon, the 26 month old son of Nathan and Jessica Nixon of Dowelltown.
Runner-up: Noah Bradley Hall, the 28 month old son of Bradley and Lacy Hall of Alexandria.
Other participants:
Braxton Levi Knowles, the 27 month old son of Justin and Mary Knowles of Smithville
Cainnan Humphrey, the 25 month old son of J.D. and Cathleen Humphrey of Smithville
Girls (25 to 30 months)
Winner: Raven Nicole Fay Jenkins, the 29 month old daughter of Rachel and Michael Lawrence of Smithville
Runner-up: Averi Gracella Speaks, the 25 month old daughter of Justin and Donna Speaks of Smithville
Other participants
Caroline Farmer, the 28 month old daughter of John and Tabitha Farmer of Smithville
Addison Lee Colwell, the 25 month old daughter of Justin Colwell and Sarah Hoilman of Smithville
Alliona Marie Gibbs, the 27 month old daughter of Jackie Gibbs of Liberty
Izzabella Mai Askew, the 27 month old daughter of Robert Askew and Tia Boner of Alexandria
Boys (31 to 36 months): NONE
Girls (31 to 36 months)
Winner: Arraya Jenae Taylor, the 34 month old daughter of Angie Taylor of Smithville.
Runner-up: Zadah Marie Miller, the 34 month old daughter of Shane Miller and Brandy Cox of Dowelltown.
Other participants:
Averie Cheyanne Winchester, the 35 month old daughter of J.J. and Amanda Winchester of Dowelltown
Lillian Rose Dillard, the 36 month old daughter of Anna and Edward Dillard of Dowelltown
Boys (37 to 47 months)
Winner: Jacob Trenton Sprague, the 40 month old son of Jimmy and Johnna Sprague of Smithville.
Runner-up: Zailan Martinez, the 45 month old son of Michelle and Michael Martinez of Smithville.
Girls (37 to 47 months)
Winner: Callen Alizabeth Tramel, the 47 month old daughter of Caleb and Hillary Tramel of Smithville
Runner-up: Charley Loren Prichard, the 47 month old daughter of Andy and Chrissy Prichard of Liberty.
Other participants
Alexis Nicole Graham, the 39 month old daughter of Derek and Andria Graham of Smithville
Addison Bailey Peden, the 41 month old daughter of James Peden and Amanda McClure of Smithville
Lyra Dell McMinn, the 40 month old daughter of Nathan and Amanda McMinn of Smithville
Natalie Rose Johnson, the 40 month old daughter of Rachel Johnson and Jason Ferrell of Smithville
Zoie Dee Ashburn, the 42 month old daughter of Trista Johnson of Smithville
Brooklyn Marie Ring, the 47 month old daughter of Kenneth and Kelly Ring of Alexandria
Kimber Davis, the 38 month old daughter of Jared and Kelli Davis of Smithville
Hannah Lynnlee Hubner, the 39 month old daughter of Amanda Hutchinson and Charlie Hubner of Alexandria
Tonight at the Fair:
Saturday, July 25: Blind Draw 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.
Memory Lane Stage Events:
Saturday Night July 25
6:30-7:30 pm— Mid State Cloggers
7:45-8:45 pm— Evermean Evergreen Cloggers
Rides on the Midway will be provided by the Family Attractions Amusement Company. Unlimited rides for $18.00 on Saturday.
Admission to the fair is $4.00 per person. Children age four and younger will be admitted free! Gates open at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. The exhibit building is open from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Parking is Free!
For more information, call 529-FAIR or visit on-line at www.dekalbcountyfairtn.com.

Ascension, parent organization of Saint Thomas Health, has signed a definitive agreement with Capella Healthcare to acquire four Middle Tennessee hospitals previously jointly owned by Capella Healthcare and Saint Thomas Health. Upon completion of the transaction, the hospitals will become a part of the Ascension Tennessee ministry, Saint Thomas Health.
Under the agreement, River Park Hospital in McMinnville, Highlands Medical Center in Sparta, DeKalb Community Hospital in Smithville and Stones River Hospital in Woodbury would become full members of the Saint Thomas Health network. The four hospitals have been part of an innovative joint venture relationship between Capella and Saint Thomas since 2012.
“This change furthers Ascension’s goal of creating clinically integrated systems of care to better meet evolving community needs, with special attention to those who are poor and vulnerable,” said Robert J. Henkel, FACHE, Executive Vice President, Ascension, and President and Chief Executive Officer, Ascension Health. “We look forward to finalizing this transaction and welcome the associates and physicians of these hospitals to Saint Thomas Health and Ascension.”

“Saint Thomas Health is passionately committed to improving the health of Middle Tennessee’s communities by providing holistic, faith-based care to individuals,” said Karen Springer, Saint Thomas Health President and CEO, Senior Vice President, Ascension Health/Tennessee Ministry Market Executive. “To achieve this, we have focused on building and expanding a connected system of care across our region. Because of our existing partnership with Capella and our historic service to these communities, gaining full ownership of these important community providers of healthcare will allow us to better serve our patients close to where they live and work.”
During the multi-year partnership, Capella-Saint Thomas Health has expanded the services in each community, enhancing cardiac, stroke and telemedicine services.
“Since our partnership with Saint Thomas Health in 2012, we’ve further enhanced services in the Upper Cumberland region, with our four hospitals becoming part of the Saint Thomas Stroke Network, adding new telemedicine capabilities, and broadening access to physicians,” said Michael A. Wiechart, president and chief executive officer of Capella Healthcare. “To take care to the next level, we have been exploring with Saint Thomas how our partnership could best evolve to achieve our shared goals. With Saint Thomas’ national recognition for quality and their recent partnership with UT’s primary care residency program, we know that this evolution in our relationship comes at the best possible time.
We are proud of the work we have done together and know that Saint Thomas is the right choice to continue to shape the future of healthcare in these communities and across Middle Tennessee.”
The four hospitals will become full members of Saint Thomas Health at a later date, subject to customary closing conditions.
ABOUT SAINT THOMAS HEALTH
Saint Thomas Health is Middle Tennessee’s faith-based, not-for-profit health care system united as one healing community. With more than 6,500 associates, Saint Thomas Health is focused on transforming the health care experience and helping people live healthier lives, with special attention to the poor and vulnerable. The regional health system includes – Saint Thomas Hospital for Spinal Surgery, Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital and Saint Thomas West Hospital in Nashville, Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital in Murfreesboro and Saint Thomas Hickman Hospital in Centerville – as well as four hospitals in the Capella-Saint Thomas Health network. A comprehensive network of affiliated joint ventures, medical practices, clinics and rehabilitation facilities complement the hospital services and cover a 68-county area. Saint Thomas Health is a member of Ascension, a Catholic organization that is the largest not-for-profit health system in the United States. For more information, visit www.STHealth.com.
ABOUT CAPELLA HEALTHCARE
Capella Healthcare partners with communities to build strong local healthcare systems that are known for quality patient care. Based in Franklin, Tenn., Capella currently owns and/or operates 13 acute care and specialty hospital facilities in six states. With the philosophy that all healthcare is local, Capella collaborates with each hospital’s medical staff, board and community leadership to take care to the next level. The company has access to significant leadership and financial resources, investing 100% of net cash flow in its family of hospitals to strengthen and expand services and facilities. The company was recognized in 2012 and 2013 by Modern Healthcare as one of the nation’s fastest growing health care companies. For more information, visit the website, www.CapellaHealthcare.com. Twitter: @CapellaHealth
ABOUT ASCENSION
Ascension (www.ascension.org) is a faith-based healthcare organization dedicated to transformation through innovation across the continuum of care. As the largest non-profit health system in the U.S. and the world’s largest Catholic health system, Ascension is committed to delivering person-centered care to all with special attention to those who are poor and vulnerable. In FY2014, Ascension provided $1.8 billion in care of persons living in poverty and other community benefit programs. More than 150,000 associates and 35,000 affiliated providers serve in 1,900 sites of care – including 131 hospitals and more than 30 senior care facilities – in 23 states and the District of Columbia. In addition to healthcare delivery, Ascension subsidiaries provide a variety of services and solutions including physician practice management, venture capital investing, treasury management, biomedical engineering, clinical care management, information services, risk management, and contracting through Ascension’s own group purchasing organization.

Workers at Star Manufacturing have voted against representation by the United Steel Workers Union.
Neither officials of Star nor the Union have apparently issued a statement, but sources told WJLE Thursday night that the effort to form a union was soundly defeated 142-73 by employees voting at both the Smithville and Cookeville locations on Thursday.
The vote was scheduled after issues of working conditions, workplace safety, and unrealistic production expectations were raised by some workers at Star Manufacturing, according to a union organizer.
This is not the first time union plans have been upended in Smithville. Efforts for union representation at another local plant failed a few years ago.
Star Manufacturing International, Inc. is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri but has companies in several states. Star has been making durable, reliable, quality products since 1921. That year, Star introduced its first product, a popcorn machine. Since then, the company has grown and expanded into one of the world’s most respected and valued manufacturers of products in six major categories: Counter Top Gas and Electric Commercial Cooking Appliances, Hot Dog Cooking and Preparation Equipment, Popcorn Machines, Specialty Food Warmers ,Display Merchandisers, Toasters & Waffle Bakers.