State Representatives Terri Lynn Weaver of Lancaster in the 40th district and Mark Pody of Lebanon in the 46th district will be challenged for re-election this year.
Representative Weaver will be unopposed for re-nomination in the Tennessee Republican Primary on Thursday, August 4th but she will have a Democratic opponent in the November 8th General Election.
Gayla Colvert Hendrix of Smithville and Teresa Marion of Smith County are seeking the Democratic nomination for State Representative in the 40th district in the Tennessee Democratic Primary on Thursday, August 4th. The winner will face Weaver in November.
The 40th district includes Smith, Trousdale and part of DeKalb and Sumner Counties.
Meanwhile, Representative Pody will face Jim Gibbs of Cannon County for nomination in the Tennessee Republican Primary on August 4th. The winner will be opposed by Democrat Amelia Hipps of Lebanon in the November 8th General Election. Hipps is unopposed for nomination in the Tennessee Democratic Primary on August 4th.
The 46th district includes Cannon, and part of Wilson and DeKalb Counties
Each term is for two years.
Noon today (April 7th) was the qualifying deadline.
(Photos of Teresa Marion and Jim Gibbs unavailable)

A 20 year old man arrested in March for having sex with an underage girl has been granted probation.
20 year old Dustin Michael Golden, charged with two counts of statutory rape and one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, appeared in DeKalb County Criminal Court on Monday, April 4.
Golden entered a plea by criminal information to one count of mitigated statutory rape and received a sentence of two years and one day all suspended to supervised probation. He is requesting judicial diversion. Golden has been given 35 days of jail credit. He is under a restraining order to keep away from the victim.
Sheriff Patrick Ray said on Tuesday, March 1 a Sheriff’s Department Detective conducted an interview with Golden and discovered that he and a 15 year old girl had engaged in sexual acts and drug use. The girl said she and Golden had sex on Monday, February 29 and Tuesday, March 1. During questioning, Golden allegedly admitted to smoking marijuana with the girl.
31 year old Ellissa Howard was granted judicial diversion Monday. She had entered a plea last September to sale of a schedule II drug and received a three year sentence all suspended to supervised probation. At that time she filed a request for judicial diversion. Howard was fined $2,000 and given five days of jail credit.

An investigation by Special Agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has resulted in the indictment of a DeKalb County log home salesman, charged with stealing from clients who ordered from him.
At the request of 13th District Attorney General Bryant Dunaway, TBI Special Agents, working alongside detectives with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, began investigating Lawton Duane Park on September 9, 2015. During the course of the investigation, Agents developed information that between 2013 and 2014, Park was selling log home kits to individuals without producing the product that was sold. The name of the business under which Park sold these log home kits is Starry Hill Log Homes.
On Monday, the DeKalb County Grand Jury indicted Lawton Duane Park, 47, on three counts of Theft over $10,000 and one count of Theft over $1,000. Park was arrested Tuesday night by deputies with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office and booked into the DeKalb County Jail. He was released after posting a $75,000 bond. He will be arraigned in DeKalb County Criminal Court on Monday, April 11.
Count one of the indictment against Park alleges that on or about the 19th day of August, 2013 he knowingly did obtain or exercise control over certain property, to wit: $30,261.50 being over the value of $10,000 the property of Jodi Renwand with the intent to deprive constituting the offense of theft.
Count two alleges that on or about the 8th day of June, 2015 Park knowingly obtained or exercised control over certain property, to wit: $15,000 being over the value of $10,000 the property of Danny and Tara Hall with the intent to deprive constituting the offense of theft.
Count three states that on or about the 21st day of July, 2015 Park knowingly obtained or exercised control over certain property, to wit: $12,000 being over the value of $10,000 the property of Danny and Tara Hall with the intent to deprive constituting the offense of theft.
Count four alleges that on or about the 15th day of June 2015 Park knowingly obtained or exercised control over certain property, to wit: $4,000 being over the value of $1,000 the property of Danny and Tara Hall with the intent to deprive constituting the offense of theft.
Last September Park and his wife appeared in General Sessions Court on charges they assaulted a disgruntled customer who confronted them at McDonald’s Restaurant in Smithville.
After a hearing, Judge Bratten Cook, II found Mrs. Park guilty of assault and unlawful possession of a weapon. Judge Cook dismissed an assault charge against Park.. Mrs. Park received a sentence of 30 days on the weapon charge and six months for the assault but she was placed on probation. She was also fined a total of $100 plus court costs.
The Parks’ were arrested by Smithville Police on Thursday, August 27, 2015 after a Michigan man, Danny Hall confronted them at McDonald’s claiming they had defrauded him. Hall claimed he and his wife ordered a brand new log home through the Starry Hill Log Homes website in January, 2015 a company run by the Parks and paid $36,000 but never got the logs to build the home.
During the confrontation at McDonalds which was captured on video, Hall was allegedly assaulted by the Parks. While finding Mrs. Park guilty of the assault, Judge Cook dismissed the case against Mr. Park after reviewing the video and reportedly determining that he appeared to be trying to break up the fight. Mrs. Park was charged with the gun offense after police found the weapon in her purse during the assault investigation for which she had no permit.
At the time, Mr. Park, a pastor, reportedly offered regular Bible studies at the New Heart Outreach located on Broad Street in Smithville.

Six girls from DeKalb County High School were chosen to be a part of the 2016 Tennessee State 4-H Congress, held each year in Nashville and Murfreesboro. Those attending were Lydia Brown, Madi Cantrell, Sarah Anne Colwell, Abby Evans, Macy Hedge, and Addison Oakley. This year’s event was March 20-23, 2016.
On Sunday night, we arrived at the Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro and watched the Tennessee 4-H Performing Arts Troup perform. On Monday, we spent the day in Nashville and took the role of Senators and Representatives. We discussed and voted on mock bills while touring the Senate and House Chambers. We also toured the Tennessee History Museum and visited the Capitol and Legislative Plaza where we met with Sen. Mae Beavers, Rep. Mark Pody, and Rep. Terri Lynn Weaver.
Tuesday was the last full day of Congress. We got the opportunity to ride the General Jackson and enjoyed lunch and entertainment on the boat. That evening, the citizenship banquet and ball was held. Other highlights included hearing the state speech contest, history bowl, electing new Congress officers, and meeting other teens from across the state. It was a great overall experience that we all enjoyed!
We would like to say thank you to Farm Bureau and the Middle Tennessee Natural Gas Project Hometown Help for sponsoring us and to Jenny Cantrell for attending as our adult volunteer. For more information about DeKalb County 4-H programs, please call 615-597-4945.
Photo Captions:
Group: Sarah Anne Colwell, Madi Cantrell, Abby Evans, Addison Oakley, Lydia Brown, and Macy Hedge attended State 4-H Congress where they learned about TN State government, met with senators and representatives, and rode the General Jackson.
Capital: 6 delegates from DeKalb County toured the State Capital while attending State 4-H Congress in Nashville.

The Spring edition of Reeling in the Years with D.S. and Shawn is coming up Saturday (April 9) from 6-10 p.m. on WJLE.
Featuring hits of the 60s, 70s and 80s, the show will also feature hits that were popular this week during various years of the 70s and 80s and the song of the year for both 1971 and 1976.
To coincide with the beginning of Spring, we made this show very upbeat and fast-paced,” the two said. “Like the kids would say on American Bandstand—‘it’s got a good beat and you can dance to it.’”
Again, Reeling in the Years airs this Saturday night from 6-10 on WJLE FM

A former Correctional Officer at the DeKalb County Jail who allegedly received money from inmates for smuggling tobacco and other items to them inside their cells has been indicted for Official Misconduct and Introduction of Contraband.
24 year old Francisco Rodriguez of Banks Pisgah Road was named in a sealed indictment returned by the DeKalb County Grand Jury on Monday, April 4. His bond is $20,000 . He will be arraigned in Criminal Court on Monday, April 11.
Rodriguez worked for the Sheriff’s Department as a Correctional Officer for six months before being terminated by Sheriff Patrick Ray after an internal investigation into the allegations.
Sheriff Ray told WJLE how the story unfolded.
“This last December, I obtained information of one of the Correctional Officers putting small amounts of tobacco and other items into a cell at the DeKalb County Jail. This Correctional Officer was identified as Francisco Rodriguez”.
“Rodriguez started with the department approximately six months prior to this investigation. His background check that was conducted on him had positive recommendations from people here in DeKalb County,” said Sheriff Ray.
“As soon as the information about Rodriguez was given to me I immediately notified my detectives to start an internal investigation into this matter. I also contacted the District Attorney General’s Office and obtained consent for my department to proceed with the internal investigation,” he continued.
“During the course of the investigation my detectives did an outstanding job with their investigation work. They conducted surveillance work, obtained four search warrants, and interviewed multiple people in connection with the investigation. The detectives were also able to obtain information that Rodriguez had placed a cell phone into one of the cells where he could have secret conversations with inmates and set up drops of tobacco and other items for this particular cell. The cell phone was recovered in a cell area of the jail. The detectives also found that Rodriguez received money to perform these actions”.
“As a result of the internal investigation I terminated Francisco Rodriguez on December 23, 2015”, said Sheriff Ray.
“Sometimes people step over the line of the law. This here was a person of trust and authority. I have served in many positions in my 27 years of law enforcement. I personally believe all of us in law enforcement are held to a higher standard. In saying this, let me be clear. I am proud of my department and all of the employees that work here. I will not tolerate this kind of behavior that deflects from the professionalism and trust that we are trying to achieve. I will prosecute this offense to the fullest extent of the law,’ Sheriff Ray concluded.

A Smithville man accused of threatening his wife with a knife on two separate occasions was indicted by the Grand Jury Monday with aggravated kidnapping, domestic assault and two counts of aggravated assault.
38 year old Steven Anthony Nelson of Allen Street will be arraigned in DeKalb County Criminal Court on Monday, April 11.
Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on Saturday, December 5, 2015 after becoming concerned for her safety, Nelson’s wife called 911. Nelson allegedly held a knife on her and said he would kill her if she made a sound when the deputy arrived.
The indictment alleges that Nelson unlawfully and knowingly removed or confined the victim so as to interfere substantially with her liberty and accomplished this with a deadly weapon, to wit: a knife or by display of any article used or fashioned to lead the victim to reasonably believe it to be a deadly weapon, constituting the offense of aggravated kidnapping.
Less than three months before on September 19, Nelson’s wife reported a separate incident to the Sheriff’s Department. According to a detective, the woman said that at around 6:00 p.m. that night she and Nelson began arguing and that he grabbed and threw her to the ground. Nelson allegedly hit her several times while she was on the ground, tried to strangle her and then threatened her with a knife. After the assault, the woman left home and went to Mapco Express and got help.
Count one of the indictment in this case alleges that Nelson intentionally or knowingly caused the victim to reasonably fear imminent bodily injury and Nelson attempted or intended to cause bodily injury to her by strangulation, constituting the offense of aggravated assault.
Count two claims that Nelson intentionally or knowingly engaged in conduct which caused the victim to reasonably fear imminent bodily injury, said offense being committed with a deadly weapon, to-wit: a knife, constituting the offense of aggravated assault.
Count three of the indictment alleges that Nelson knowingly caused the victim, a family or household member of Nelson to reasonably fear imminent bodily injury, constituting the offense of domestic assault
Both cases were investigated by Sheriff’s Department Detectives.

The DeKalb County Grand Jury Monday indicted a Smithville man with two counts of the aggravated child abuse of a five week old infant.
27 year old Charles Justin Wiggins of Cooper Street, Smithville will be arraigned in DeKalb County Criminal Court on Monday, April 11.
Wiggins was arrested Monday, October 19, 2015 after a five week old infant was brought to Cookeville Regional Medical Center with serious injuries. According to Smithville Police, Wiggins is an acquaintance of the child’s mother. Wiggins was charged with two counts of aggravated child abuse.
According to the arrest warrant, “At approximately 4:00 a.m. on Monday, October 19 at his Cooper Street residence, Wiggins did knowingly treat a five week old boy in a manner as to inflict serious bodily injury. Wiggins stated that he squeezed the child’s ribs and bounced the child aggressively enough to cause the child serious injury”.
In the second offense involving the same child, the warrant states that “At approximately 3:00 p.m., on Monday, October 19 at his residence, Wiggins did knowingly treat a five week old boy in a manner as to inflict serious bodily injury. Mr. Wiggins did state that he did pick the child up and squeeze his ribs and slammed him down aggressively into the crib causing the child’s head to bounce. Mr. Wiggins stated he pressed down on both the child’s legs and felt them break”.
The child was later taken to Cookeville Regional Medical Center for treatment. Law enforcement authorities were subsequently notified.
In a prepared statement at the time of Wiggins’ arrest, Smithville Police Captain Steven Leffew said, “On Monday, October 19 at approximately 6:07 p.m., Cookeville Regional Medical Center contacted Smithville Police in regards to an infant that was severely injured and had been brought into their facility for treatment. The injury was believed to have occurred in the jurisdiction of the City of Smithville”.
“Lieutenant Matt Holmes and Sergeant Brad Tatrow responded and upon arrival spoke with medical staff who advised that the infant had sustained obvious severe injuries. Officers quickly developed Charles J. Wiggins as a suspect and upon investigation Smithville Police arrested Wiggins for two counts of aggravated child abuse. District Attorney Bryant Dunaway and investigators from his office as well as the Department of Children Services responded to the scene,” said Captain Leffew.

The Smithville Aldermen Monday night named Joe Johnson as the new part time manager of the Municipal Airport.
Johnson was recommended for the job by the city’s airport board.
Roth Terrell, a member of the airport board, announced the recommendation to the mayor and aldermen. “We would like to present to the city council Joe Johnson as a part time airport manager. We feel that Joe has the experience that we’ve been looking for. He has the knowledge on many levels of airport operation. He has served as airport manager at that airport once before. He has had many years of experience in aviation. He also has knowledge in construction and electronics. There are many things he has qualifications for so we feel like he would be best suited to fill that position,” said Terrell.
The former airport manager, Wes Nokes resigned on July 2, 2015. His last day was July 16.
In November the city’s airport board met to discuss the future of the airport and whether to recommend that the city employ another full time manager or have a part time manager or lease the airport to a fixed based operator.
The city later settled on having a part time manager and advertised the position in February. Six candidates were considered for the job. The airport board met and reviewed the applications and resumes on March 3. Four days later the board narrowed the number to two candidates. Johnson then emerged as the board’s recommendation for the job.

A total of 38 people were indicted by the DeKalb County Grand Jury Monday including four named in sealed indictments.
Arraignment day in criminal court is set for Monday, April 11 at 9:00 a.m.
Those indicted and their charges are as follows:
Donald Richard Atnip, Jr.- aggravated burglary and theft under $500
Tracy Blaylock- domestic assault
Kevin Donald Bogle-theft over $1,000
David Allen Cobb-public intoxication and vandalism over $500
Tasha Marie Cooke- theft over $1,000
Shane Michael Downey-burglary and theft over $1,000
Patsy Estes- tampering with evidence, theft under $500, possession of a schedule VI drug, and criminal trespass
Warren Brandon Glasby- evading arrest and leaving the scene
James Paris Goff- aggravated assault (2 counts) and reckless endangerment (2 counts)
Darlene Frances Grisham- theft under $500
James Johnson-forgery (4 counts)
Scotty Wayne Knowles- driving on a revoked license
Sharon Caldwell Malone- fraudulent use of a credit card (5 counts)
Gregory Allen Mayo- initiation of methamphetamine, possession of a schedule II drug over 0.5 grams, possession of a weapon by a felon, and possession of a schedule VI drug
Jeffery Scott McAlister- theft over $1,000
Steven Anthony Nelson-aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault (2 counts), and domestic assault
Shannon Lynn Newby-possession of paraphernalia
Heather Perkins-child abuse
Tony Petty, Jr.- possession of a schedule VI drug
Hobert Taylor Price- driving without a license and financial responsibility
Toni Price- possession of paraphernalia
Nicholas Rollings-driving on a suspended license
Charles Self-driving on a suspended license (2nd offense) and registration violation
Jeremy Austin Scruggs-driving on a revoked license
Jerrod Curtis Sims-aggravated assault and domestic assault
Sara South-criminal trespass
Dustin Sullivan and Ernest Dodd-burglary and theft over $10,000
David Michael Teachout-driving on a suspended license (2nd offense) (2 counts) and following too close
Ramiro Torres-driving on a revoked license and financial responsibility
Henry Burt Turner, Jr.-aggravated burglary, theft under $500, and vandalism over $500
Regina Valdez-driving under the influence and light law violation
Albert Dayton West- DUI (3rd offense), DUI per se, driving on a revoked license (2nd offense), leaving the scene, failure to exercise due care, and financial responsibility
Charles Justin Wiggins-aggravated child abuse (2 counts)