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.

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.

Babies from one day to twelve months old were the center of attention during the annual Baby Show held Thursday evening at the DeKalb County Fair.
The winners (blue ribbon first place and red ribbon runner-up) are as follows:
Boys (1 day to 3 months)
Winner: Raylin Mark Ashburn, the three month old son of Trista Johnson and Jeremy Ashburn of Smithville
Runner-up: Landon Alexander Collier, the two month old son of Allison and Brent Collier of Smithville
Other participants in this category were:
Colt Ryder Rains, three month old son of Courtney and Hunter Rains of Dowelltown
Lucas River Garrison, one month old son of Rachel Garrison and Ronnie Irwin of Smithville
Tucker James Ludwig, fifteen day old son of Brittany Bone and Tyler Ludwig of Dowelltown
Girls (1 day to 3 months)
Winner: Emma Pettit, the two month old daughter of Nathan and Justine Pettit of Smithville
Runner-up: Makenlee Faith Collier, the one month old daughter of Matthew and Brooke Collier of Alexandria
Other participant: Saralynn Rose Fowler, three month old daughter of Bill and Alayna Fowler of Alexandria.
Boys (4-6 months)
Winner: Easton Jack Harvey, the six month old son of Chad and Kayla Harvey of Alexandria
Runner-up: Ty Carson Vickers, the six month old son of Joe Vickers and Coty Giddens of Smithville
Other participants:
Bentley Hunter Sexton, six month old son of Tyler Sexton and Kyra Hutchins of Smithville
James Casen Reagan, five month old son of Dylan and Kayla Reagan of Smithville
Conner Isaac Redmon, four month old son of Ashton Waggoner and Justin Redmon of Smithville
Camden Robinson, the five month old son of Kayley Robinson of Smithville
Girls (4-6 months)
Winner: Katie Jo Prichard, the six month old daughter of Luke and JoDee Prichard of Alexandria
Runner-up: Josee Irene Cripps, the six month old daughter of Tyler and Jessica Cripps of Alexandria.
Other participants:
Evelyn Claire Farmer, the six month old daughter of John and Tabitha Farmer of Smithville
Kenley Grace Johnson, the five month old daughter of Kenny and Laura Johnson of Smithville
Addison Kate Silcox, the six month old daughter of Cheyenne Swift and Dalton Silcox of Smithville
Anaya Rose Sutton, the five month old daughter of Candice Dolan-Barnes of Smithville
Boys (7-9 months)
Winner: Liam Gannon Brusaw, the eight month old son of Erica Duggin of Smithville.
Runner-up: Cooper Lane Robinson, the eight month old son of Heath and Tiffany Robinson of Smithville
Other participants:
Daniel Wayne Erickson Brandt, eight month old son of Carlie Sexton and Mason Brandt of Smithville
Nathaniel Lee Jenkins, nine month old son of Cody and Michelle Jenkins of Smithville
Arian Pierce Wiggins, the nine month old son of Megan Linder and Destry Wiggins of Smithville
Girls (7-9 months)
Winner: Ripley Anne Barnes, the eight month old daughter of Johnny and Shelly Barnes of Alexandria.
Runner-up: Jacqlin Ila Rose Prichard, the nine month old daughter of Mark and Amanda Prichard of Smithville.
Other participants:
Stella Grace Adcock, the nine month old daughter of Byron and Paige Adcock of Smithville
Alexis Brooke Shepherd, the nine month old daughter of Misty Myers and Donald Shepherd of Dowelltown
Jordyn McKenna Cantrell, the nine month old daughter of Tiffany Frazier and Jacob Cantrell of Dowelltown
Arianna Rayne Herrin, the nine month old daughter of Mitchell and Amanda Herrin of Smithville
Jaylee Marie Ellis, the nine month old daughter of Miranda Ellis of Liberty
Kaylee Rena Kubiak, the eight month old daughter of Zachary and Miranda Kubiak of Smithville
Kimber Nokes, the eight month old daughter of Emily Dawson and Dakota Nokes of Smithville
Piper Leigh Meeks, the eight month old daughter of Randy Meeks and Kristan Gray of Dowelltown
Boys (10-12 months)
Winner: William Martin Key, the eleven month old son of Will and Shana Key of Smithville.
Runner-Up: Christopher Higgins, ten months old. His guardians are Phillip and Natasha Waggoner of Liberty.
Other participant in this category: Jacob Paul Blair, the eleven month old son of Dwayne and Mary Ann Blair of Liberty.
Girls (10-12 months)
Winner: Clara Ruth Cox, the twelve month old daughter of Brandon and Whitney Cox of Smithville.
Runner-Up: Mia Grace Johnson, the ten month old daughter of Clint and DeDe Johnson of Smithville.
Other participants:
Claire Cole Cripps, ten month old daughter of Jordan and Nicole Cripps of Dowelltown
Klara Mai Armour, twelve month old daughter of Nathan and Hannah Armour of Dowelltown
Madison Faye Quarles, eleven month old daughter of Matt and Alana Quarles of Liberty
Marley Leigh Pyburn, twelve month old daughter of Jake and Kelly Pyburn of Alexandria
Zoey Rylinn Frazier, ten month old daughter of Dustin and Gabby Frazier of Dowelltown
Maggie Ann Hendrix, twelve month old daughter of Jared and Jennifer Hendrix of Dowelltown
Trinity Love Orcutt, ten month old daughter of Joshua and Faith Orcutt of DeKalb County
Tonight at the Fair:
Friday, July 24: Toddler Show for contestants 13 months to 48 months at 6:00 p.m. followed by the Zone Status Band at the Lions Club Pavilion: ATV-Mini Road-Outlaws Pulling at 7:00 p.m. at the T.C. McMillen Arena; a Horse Show at 7:00 p.m. at the Grandstand; and (2- $500 cash drawings) at 9:30 p.m.
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 are as follows:
Friday Night July 24
6:30 – until— Karaoke Night
7:45- UNTIL — Nokes Brothers
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 will be available for $18.00 on 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. Friday and at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. The exhibit building is open from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday 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.