With the filing deadline passed, the three state lawmakers that represent DeKalb County have numerous bills up for consideration by the Tennessee General Assembly.
Senator Mae Beavers (R-Mt. Juliet) and State Representative Terri Lynn Weaver (R-Lancaster) have jointly filed a bill in the respective chambers that would prohibit abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy except to preserve the life and health of the mother.
Generally under present law, if all other requirements for a lawful abortion are met, an abortion may be performed as follows:
(1) During the first three months of pregnancy, if the abortion or attempt to procure a miscarriage is performed with the pregnant woman’s consent and pursuant to the medical judgment of the pregnant woman’s attending physician;
(2) After three months, but before viability of the fetus, if the abortion or attempt to procure a miscarriage is performed with the pregnant woman’s consent, by the pregnant woman’s attending physician, pursuant to the attending physician’s medical judgment; or
(3) During viability of the fetus, if the abortion or attempt to procure a miscarriage is performed with the pregnant woman’s consent and by the pregnant woman’s attending physician, in a hospital; and if, prior to the abortion or attempt to procure a miscarriage the physician has certified in writing to the hospital in which the abortion or attempt to procure a miscarriage is to be performed, that the abortion or attempt to procure a miscarriage is necessary to preserve the life or health of the mother.
This bill revises the above provisions to make the provisions in (2) applicable “after three months, but before 20 weeks or viability of the fetus” and to make (3) applicable to abortions performed “after 20 weeks or during viability,” so that under this bill abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy will be allowed only when necessary to preserve the life or health of the pregnant woman.
The two have also filed legislation that would authorize county road superintendents to expend state-aid funds for roads that are not part of the state-aid highway system.
Present law authorizes the commissioner of transportation to designate highways and roads for the state-aid highway system. The local authorities having authority over the selected highways and roads submit an annual program to the department specifying the type of work to be performed, including the planning, engineering, right-of-way acquisition, construction, improvement, and rehabilitation of roads and bridges. With the commissioner’s approval, funds are allocated to the local agencies and expended on the designated highways and roads. No funds will be either obligated or expended unless the local agency agrees to match the proposed expenditures in an amount of 25 percent.
Present law additionally authorizes, until July 1, 2017, a county with remaining funds to use the unexpended balance, in whole or in part, to provide a portion of the local agency share; however, the county must provide at least 2 percent of the approved project costs from county funds or in-kind project work approved by the commissioner, or both. The county must initiate the project during the 2016-2017 fiscal year.
Under this bill, once the local governments within a county have addressed the project priorities established by the commissioner, the county road superintendent or other similar highway official may expend funds allocated for the state-aid highway system for other roadway purposes, including other roads and highways that are not part of the state-aid highway system. The commissioner’s approval will not be required for the expenditure, and no conditions will be imposed by the commissioner in conjuncture with the expenditure.
Senator Beavers and Representative Mark Pody (R-Lebanon) have filed a measure that would require students in public schools and public institutions of higher education to use restrooms and locker rooms that are assigned to persons of the same sex as that shown on the students’ birth certificates.
The two have also filed bills that would enact the “Tennessee Natural Marriage Defense Act,” which states the policy of Tennessee to defend natural marriage between one man and one woman regardless of any court decision to the contrary.
Rep. Pody is also co-sponsoring a bill that prohibits state employees from lobbying for 12 months following departure from office or employment.
All the bills sponsored or co-sponsored by the three lawmakers can be found at http://www.capitol.tn.gov/.

State Senator Mae Beavers and State Representatives Mark Pody and Terri Lynn Weaver will hold a town hall meeting Friday in Smithville on Governor Bill Haslam’s IMPROVE Act.
The state lawmakers want to hear from the public on their opinions concerning the Act which if approved would cut the sales tax on groceries another half percent ($55 million) to 4.5% while it increases the road user fee or gas tax by 7 cents for a gallon of gas and 12 cents for a gallon of diesel. The Governor’s plan would also increase car registration fees by $5 for the average passenger vehicle, which is expected to bring in $278 million in new dollars for Tennessee Department of Transportation projects.
“We would like to invite everyone to our town hall meeting at the county complex Friday, February 17 at 3:00 p.m. We want to explain the gas tax and what is contained in it as well as other plans that have come forward. There will be a chance for you to write down your questions and we will answer them at the meeting. We look forward to seeing everyone,” said Senator Beavers.
Representative Pody, in a LIVE radio interview on WJLE Tuesday morning said most leaders agree there’s a need to help fund Tennessee Department of Transportation projects but disagree on the method.
“I am very glad that the Governor is taking a leadership role in bringing this to the forefront. Its an issue we have to address. Our roads are in good shape but there is going to be a funding issue down the road. He is taking the bull by the horns in saying lets get this issue fixed for future generations. He wants to raise taxes on fuel, car registrations, and car rentals but he also wants to cut taxes on food and businesses. That is one option. Another plan would redirect a quarter of one percent of sales tax directly to the transportation fund, which should create about $291 million of reoccurring money every single year. It’s much simpler and cleaner,” said Representative Pody.
Under the Governor’s plan, counties and cities would get more revenue, but they would also benefit from the other option according to Representative Pody. “We will talk about what the Governor is proposing and how much the cities and counties will potentially be getting. For example, the City of Smithville would be getting an additional $50,000 underneath his plan. Under the other plan they would still be getting money. Both plans ensure cities and counties receive additional money. It’s just how we’re going to get to that point will be our main discussion,” he added.
Representative Pody will also be in Smithville Friday morning for his regular monthly visit with constituents. You may meet him on the 3rd floor of the Ernest Ray Education Center on the public square at 10 a.m. or at Hardees Restaurant at 10:30 a.m.

DeKalb County Schools will be closed Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday due to continued high absenteeism in the school system because of sickness. Schools will also be closed Monday, February 20 for Presidents Day.
According to Director of Schools Patrick Cripps, the rate of student absenteeism today (Tuesday, February 14) was at 12.8% system-wide due to sickness. Several teachers and bus drivers also called in sick. In some cases, finding substitutes for the teachers became difficult as well.
With the closing of schools the remainder of the week, DeKalb County will have used eight “snow days” for either weather or sickness this school year with five “snow” days remaining.

Smithville Police are still looking for a man who eluded them after a pursuit and SUV crash Monday afternoon.
40 year old Anthony Steven Alley of McMinnville will be charged with evading arrest. Meanwhile two passengers with Alley at the time of the pursuit, 22 year old Kylie Smartt of Manchester and 36 year old Nancy Self of Centertown are each charged with evading arrest and will be in General Sessions Court on March 9. Each is under $1,500 bond.
(CLICK LINK BELOW TO VIEW MUG SHOTS OF PERSONS RECENTLY BOOKED AT THE DEKALB COUNTY JAIL- Intakes & Releases From: 2/13/2017 Thru: 2/20/2017)
Seagate Crystal Reports – REPOR_11.pdf (3.73 MB)
According to Chief Mark Collins, the incident began when a Smithville Police Officer clocked a black Infinity SUV traveling 66 miles per hour in a 30 mile per hour speed zone on Miller Road and got in pursuit when the driver wouldn’t stop. The chase continued to Robinson Road, Game Ridge Road, Dry Creek Road, and onto New Home Road. The SUV then turned onto Vickers Hollow Road, drove through a barbed wire fence, and struck a tree in a patch of woods before catching fire. The occupants bolted from the vehicle and went down a ravine trying to get away on foot. According to the warrants, Smartt was found trying to hide in the woods while Self was attempting to cover herself with leaves behind a log. Both were quickly apprehended without incident. Alley escaped into the woods. Police do not believe he was armed. The women received only minor injuries and refused transport to the hospital.
Members of the DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department and DeKalb EMS responded along with assistance from Sheriff’s Department deputies, constables and the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

A suspected meth dealer who was arrested on drug charges Sunday, February 5th was busted again for similar offenses four days later after he tried to outrun the law in his pickup truck and crashed in Cannon County
39 year old Andy Joe Certain of Bright Hill Road, Smithville is charged with evading arrest, possession of methamphetamine for sale and delivery (2 counts), driving while in possession of methamphetamine, possession of a schedule II & IV controlled substance, and unlawful carrying of a weapon. He was also cited for driving on a revoked license, running stop signs, driving while roadways laned for travel (illegal crossing of highway center lines), and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond is $50,000 and his court date is March 2.
(CLICK LINK BELOW TO VIEW MUG SHOTS OF PERSONS RECENTLY BOOKED AT THE DEKALB COUNTY JAIL- Intakes & Releases From: 2/6/2017 Thru: 2/13/2017)
Seagate Crystal Reports – REPOR_10.pdf (2.83 MB)
Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on Thursday, February 9 a deputy tried to stop a green Ford Ranger on Miller Lane in Smithville but when the officer turned on his emergency equipment (lights) the truck failed to stop. The deputy started a pursuit which continued to Banks Pisgah Road and on into Cannon County. Along the way, the driver, Certain threw items out of his truck window including a camouflage backpack. The truck crashed at the intersection of Purser Hill Road and Half Acre Road in Cannon County. Certain was found to have been in possession of methamphetamine (3 individual baggies weighing .10 grams, .57 grams, and 11.2 grams), morphine (8 pills), and xanax (9 pills). The meth field tested positive. Also found were several individual baggies, a set of scales believed to have been used in the sale and delivery process, and a 32 caliber handgun which was in the backpack that Certain had thrown out of the truck. Certain, convicted of aggravated assault in June, 2003, is not legally allowed to carry a weapon.
Four days earlier on Sunday, February 5th, a deputy found Certain with pills, paraphernalia, and baggies of methamphetamine for sale while answering a routine noise disturbance call. In that case, Certain was charged with possession of methamphetamine for sale or delivery. He was also cited for possession of drug paraphernalia and simple possession of a schedule IV drug (Xanax). His bond is $15,000 and his court date is March 2.
Sheriff Ray said that on Sunday, February 5 a deputy responded to the Loop Circle due to a noise disturbance call. Upon arrival at the residence the officer spoke with Certain. Knowing that Certain had an active warrant against him, the officer placed Certain under arrest. After obtaining consent to search his bedroom, the deputy found several hypodermic syringes and spoons with residue along with four individual baggies which held rock like substances which weighed 2.88 grams, 3.52 grams, 3.53 grams, and 3.54 grams and field tested positive for methamphetamine. Fourteen pills believed to be Xanax, three sets of scales, a box of sandwich baggies and a grinder were also found. While walking out of the residence, the officer also spotted on the center console of Certain’s truck another small baggie containing what appeared to be the same rock like substance which weighed 0.29 grams and field tested positive for meth.

A Woodbury man has been arrested for allegedly breaking into and stealing items from a Dowelltown residence earlier this month.
20 year old Charles Edward Moody of Woodbury is charged with unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, aggravated burglary, and theft of property over $1,000. His bond is $75,000 and his court date is February 23.
(CLICK LINK BELOW TO VIEW MUG SHOTS OF PERSONS RECENTLY BOOKED AT THE DEKALB COUNTY JAIL- Intakes & Releases From: 2/6/2017 Thru: 2/13/2017)
Seagate Crystal Reports – REPOR_10.pdf (2.83 MB)
Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on Wednesday, February 1 Moody allegedly broke into a residence on East Main Street in Dowelltown and stole handguns, two tablets, Winchester shells, and $1,100 in cash. Four days later on Sunday, February 5 Moody allegedly sold an Armscor 38 pistol to a resident on Pine Orchard Road. Moody, a convicted felon since 2016, cannot legally possess a weapon.
The case was investigated by a Sheriff’s Department Detective.

Two people were taken into custody but another remains at large after a police pursuit and car crash late Monday afternoon.
According to Chief Mark Collins, the incident began when a Smithville Police Officer clocked a car for speeding on Miller Road and got in pursuit when the driver wouldn’t stop. The chase continued to Robinson Road, Game Ridge Road, Dry Creek Road, and onto New Home Road. The car then turned onto Vickers Hollow Road, drove through a barbed wire fence, and crashed into a tree before catching fire. The occupants bolted from the car and went down a ravine trying to get away on foot. The two females were quickly taken into custody but the man escaped. Police do not believe the man is armed. The females received only minor injuries and refused transport to the hospital.
Members of the DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department and DeKalb EMS responded along with assistance from Sheriff’s Department deputies, constables and the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
Chief Collins said the investigation continues and he has not yet released the names of the man or females involved in the pursuit.

The Alexandria Police Department is partnering with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) for its annual Seatbelts Are For Everyone (SAFE) campaign. This statewide initiative is designed to increase seatbelt usage and child passenger safety restraint usage through the implementation of occupant-protection programs, public events, and checkpoints throughout local communities across Tennessee. The SAFE campaign begins February 1, 2017 and concludes on August 1, 2017.
2017 will be the fourth year that the THSO has sponsored the SAFE campaign. Last year yielded the following results:
*1,717 child restraint violations
*21,562 seat belt citations
*723 other seat belt enforcement activities
“In 2015, Tennessee’s average seatbelt usage rate was 86.23%,” said THSO Director Donoho. “Last year, we soared to 88.95%. Through increased education, enforcement, and community involvement, we’re striving for ninety percent or higher.”
This year, participating agencies will pay special attention to nighttime seatbelt enforcement. Tennessee has seen a disproportionate percentage of unrestricted fatalities between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 5:59 a.m. Historically, approximately fifty percent of Tennessee’s traffic fatalities are unbelted. That percentage increases to nearly sixty when nighttime crashes are examined.

The 2017-18 Tennessee hunting and fishing licenses will go on sale Saturday, Feb. 18.
Licenses are available at Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) regional offices, license agents, on the TWRA website, www.tnwildlife.org, and at the TWRA “On the Go App” and charged to a credit card.
The 2017-18 licenses are valid through February 2018. License sales provide the primary funding for the TWRA, which does not receive any funding from the state’s general fund (i.e. state sales tax). The 2016-17 licenses expire Feb. 28.
Resident licenses may be purchased by persons who possess a valid Tennessee driver’s license; persons who have lived in Tennessee for 90 consecutive days with the genuine intent of making Tennessee their permanent home (but do not hold a driver’s license in another state); military personnel on active duty in this state and their immediate families, who reside with them, regardless of resident status; students who are enrolled in a Tennessee school, college, or university for at least six months. A Social Security number is required to purchase a Tennessee hunting or fishing license.
Through the internet, charges are $4.25 for licenses mailed and $3 for self-print or emailed.
In case of a lost license, duplicate licenses can be obtained from any TWRA license agent for an $8 fee. Also, valid duplicate licenses can be printed online at no cost by selecting the reprint my licenses button on the customer information screen.
Resident and non-resident guide licenses will only be available by application as of Feb. 18, 2017. Replacements will only be available by application as well.
Beginning this license year, customers have the option to purchase a hard-copy collector’s card for any annual license. The size of a credit card, the license features recreated paintings by famed Tennessee artist Ralph McDonald. Specific license information is on the back of the card.