Members of the community gathered for a time of invocation Tuesday morning at the county complex during the 47th annual Chamber Prayer Breakfast.
Steve Cantrell was the keynote speaker for the program. A member of the Senior Executive Service, Cantrell has served in the Department of the Air Force as Director of the Civil Aviation Intelligence Analysis Center, Washington D.C.
“The focus of my speech was prayer and how God answers our prayers. Sometimes he answers our prayers immediately and sometimes although we pray God answers our prayers on His time. In my case it was life changing for me. At one time I was in a terrific situation. There was no question that when that situation was resolved which was a medical situation on a very fast Interstate in Washington D.C. during rush hour that God was answering prayers that had been said for me by my wife, mother, and many others over the years when I was deployed. It was just that those prayers needed to be answered at that time,” he said.
Cantrell has spent much of his adult life in the military.
“I grew up as a military brat growing up with my dad (Waniford Cantrell) and moved around the country. When I got ready to graduate from the University of Kentucky I was trying to figure out what I was going to do. Dad wanted me to be a lawyer. Others were pushing me toward other things. I finally decided I wanted to go into the military and follow my dad’s footsteps,” said Cantrell.
“I now work for the Air Force. I was in one position but I just got detailed. I am now a Special Assistant for the Secretary of the Air Force involved in a project looking at all the directive publications and regulations in the Air Force to see if we can’t whittle them down, make less of them, make them shorter and more concise, and put them in plain English,” he said.
Cantrell’s plans are to relocate here upon retirement.
“I’m looking to relocate here within two years. My mother (Kathryn Cantrell) when she passed away left me a beautiful home site that she wanted me to build on and it’s my goal to come back and do that and retire here in Smithville and try to see how to contribute back to this beautiful community,” Cantrell said.
The prayer breakfast program included the following:
*Welcome by County Mayor Tim Stribling
*Opening prayer and Blessing by Chamber President Isaac Gray
*Presentation of Flags/Pledge by Boy Scout Troop #347
*National Anthem by Suzanne Slager
*Breakfast prepared by Jason Evans of The Inn at Evins Mill
*Special music by Suzanne Slager
*Prayer for the Military and Emergency Response Personnel by DeKalb Fire Chief Donny Green
*Scripture Reading by Smithville Mayor Jimmy Poss
*Prayer for our Children and Families by Rita Bell, Haven of Hope
*Introduction of Speaker by Shan Burklow
*Keynote Speaker: Steve Cantrell
*Community and Leaders Prayer/Health and Healing for the Community by Nancy Trapp of Saint Thomas DeKalb Hospital
*The Lord’s Prayer in unison led by Chamber Past President Kathy Hendrixson
*Announcements by Jen Sherwood.

The county is looking at hiring a director to oversee the operation of the county complex (Mike Foster Multi-Purpose Center).
During a meeting Monday night at the courthouse, the county budget committee accepted a recommendation from the parks and recreation committee to hire a director and two part time assistants and will forward that proposal to the entire county commission for its blessing.
Although the complex is staffed by part time county employees, it has no one to manage it full time.
If approved, a director could be in place by January.
The pay for the director would be on the same scale as clerks in other county offices, starting at $25,436 per year at step one or $12,718 for the remainder of the current fiscal year.
Fourth District Commissioner Jonathan Norris, a member of the parks and recreation committee, said the positions could be funded without adding new monies to the county budget.
“Looking at the budget and what is already allocated versus what was actually spent in 2016, we think we can do this without any new monies, but obviously that is not a guarantee. We have salaries there now (budgeted) at $54,000. The way we did the math if you added in insurance, retirement and things like that, I think we’re still going to be within that $54,000. I don’t think its going to be any new money,” he said.
Norris said a director could also help bring more activities and generate additional revenues at the complex.
“Last year the county complex brought in $44,000 against $88,000 in expenses. I don’t think anyone here thinks it (county complex) is going to be a cash cow. That is not its purpose. But it does need to be closer in terms of balancing. I believe that a director, somebody who is there, handling , promoting, and pushing that, is going to be able to increase those memberships and revenues so we have a little bit of an offset of the liability.”
Norris added that a director should be put in place as soon as possible.
“We want to start in January because we need to get it going as quickly as we can. I believe its going to be a huge benefit to the county and for the people of the county. The public will know there is structure there they will need to follow and that there is someone there (director) enforcing that (structure),” said Norris.
The county commission will also be asked to adopt a set of new policies and procedures on the rental and usage of the county complex especially pertaining to profit and non-profit groups.

To commemorate the golden anniversary of the DeKalb County Retired teachers Association, a 50th anniversary booklet is to be compiled with names of former teachers living and deceased.
Association President Russell Watson is asking all attendees at the next meeting of the DeKalb Retired Teachers to “bring a list of all your former teachers to be included in the booklet”.
The meeting will be Thursday, December 7 at 11:30 a.m. at Northside Elementary School along with an auction to benefit the Association’s scholarship fund. All retired teachers are invited to attend.
Please notify Watson at 615-597-7182 to reserve your space for the meal to be provided by First Bank of Smithville.
The public can also submit names of former teachers for the 50th anniversary book by calling or emailing Mr. Watson at rjiris@dtccom.net.
Almost 250 names of former teachers have already been obtained for the book.
The DeKalb County Retired Teachers Association officially turns 50 on November 29.

Two people were arrested earlier this month after officers found marijuana and drug paraphernalia during a probation search at their home.
33 year old Randi Michelle Johns and 68 year old Steven Michael White of Pea Ridge Road Liberty are each charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and simple possession of a schedule VI drug (marijuana). Johns’ bond is $3,000 while bond for White is $5,000. Both will make a court appearance on November 30.
(CLICK LINK BELOW TO VIEW MUG SHOTS OF PERSONS RECENTLY BOOKED AT THE DEKALB COUNTY JAIL- Intakes & Releases From: 11/13/2017 Thru: 11/20/2017)
Seagate Crystal Reports – REPOR_48.pdf (2.54 MB)
Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on Thursday, November 2 a sheriff’s department detective assisted probation and parole with a probation search at the home of White and Johns. During a protective sweep of the home, the detective spotted a glass pipe and a set of digital scales setting on top of a dresser. A further search turned up approximately 75 grams of a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana along with eight pipes and a set of digital scales.
34 year old Ryan Michael Keen of Spring Street, Cookeville is charged with a second offense of driving on a suspended license. His bond is $3,000 and his court date is December 7.
Sheriff Ray said that on Thursday, November 16 a sheriff’s department deputy was called to the area of West Broad Street where a woman was reportedly being forced into a white van. The officer spotted the van on West Broad Street and pulled it over. Keen, the driver, told the deputy that he and his girlfriend had gotten into an argument at Walmart. A computer check of Keen’s driver license revealed that they had been suspended since March 29, 2010 for failure to pay a fine for an original violation in Overton County. He has a prior offense for driving on a suspended license in Overton County.
22 year old Glenn Austin Rochefort of Antler Drive, Smithville is charged with driving under the influence. He was further cited for driving while his license were suspended His bond is $1,500 and his court date is December 7.
Sheriff Ray said that on Thursday, November 16 a deputy responded to a reckless driver call in the area of South Congress Boulevard. The caller reported that the driver ran a red light at a high rate of speed and then pulled into the parking lot of the county complex near DeKalb Ace Hardware. The caller added that the car had a large dent on its rear bumper. The deputy stopped to conduct a welfare check but found the driver, Rochefort passed out. The officer awoke Rochefort and found his speech to be slurred and he was unsteady on his feet. Rochefort submitted to but performed poorly on field sobriety tasks. The deputy also checked with central dispatch and learned that Rochefort’s driver license are suspended.

A man with ties to DeKalb County who has spent much of his life associated with the military will be the keynote speaker for the annual Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber Prayer Breakfast Tuesday morning.
Steven “Steve” A. Cantrell will deliver remarks during the event to be held Tuesday, November 21 from 7 a.m. until 8 a.m. at the DeKalb County Complex Theatre, 712 South Congress Boulevard, Smithville. Doors open at 6:30 a.m.
Cantrell is a member of the Senior Executive Service and is currently serving in the Department of the Air Force as the Director of the Civil Aviation Intelligence Analysis Center, Washington D.C.
The Prayer Breakfast theme is “Thankful, Grateful, and Blessed.” On the program, Suzanne Slager will be singing the National Anthem and performing special music. Local Boy Scout Troop #347 will present the flags. Leaders from our community will lead prayers for our Children and Families, Health and Healing for our Communities, and for Military and Emergency Response Personnel making this a meaningful and memorable experience. A delicious breakfast will be prepared by Jason Evans, head chef of The Inn at Evins Mill and served with the help of the 2017 Chamber Board of Directors.
Tickets are $12 per person and can be purchased from the Chamber Board of Directors or emailing Suzanne Williams at: swilliams@dekalbcountychamber.org or texting her at: 615-464-7760. We’ll be glad to hold your tickets at the door.
Chamber Prayer Breakfast organizers, Jen Sherwood and Josh Issac would like to invite everyone to join them at this special and inspirational event in giving thanks to God for the abundant blessings He has given us in our county and for His direction as we move forward into the future.”
The Chamber Prayer Breakfast is a wonderful way to begin the holiday season. A BIG THANK YOU to the current Chamber Prayer Breakfast Sponsors: Saint Thomas Healthcare/Saint Thomas DeKalb Hospital, Caney Fork Electric Cooperative, DTC Communications, Middle Tennessee Natural Gas “Project Hometown Help,” Pates Ford Marina & Fish Lipz Grill, Sligo Marina and Restaurant, and Sunbelt Realty.

Two important Tennessee Promise deadlines occur on Dec. 1, 2017. All current Motlow State Community College students have until Dec. 1 to complete eight hours of community service in order to remain eligible for the Tennessee Promise scholarship. The same deadline applies for anyone interested in volunteering to become a Tennessee Promise mentor.
“There are numerous ways that students can complete their community service hours, including job shadowing, cleaning local, state, and recreational parks, or by assisting local non-profit organizations,” said Jonathan Graham, Motlow’s Tennessee Promise coordinator for Rutherford County.
Students who still need to complete their community service hours can visit the Motlow Tennessee Promise webpage at tnpromise.mscc.edu/service-opportunities for an up-to-date listing of community service opportunities in their area.
Students can also visit the tnAchieves website at tnachieves.org/community-service for a listing of community service opportunities for students in their local region. Community service hours can be submitted to the tnAchieves website as well.
Motlow Tennessee Promise Coordinator Debra Smith, who handles Bedford, Cannon, Coffee, DeKalb, Franklin, Lincoln, Moore, Van Buren, Warren and White counties; is urging any interested Motlow faculty, staff and administrators, and members of the general public to apply to the tnAchieves mentor program. Mentors play a critical role in assisting students as they navigate the challenges of post-secondary education.
“Mentors help students as they transition from high school to college by being available to answer their questions and help them find resources,” said Smith. “The time commitment from a mentor is minimal, yet being there to let the student know that someone cares about their future can make a very positive impact on the student’s college experience, and ultimately their life.”
Currently, there are over 600 mentors that have been recruited for the Motlow service area, although almost 400 more are needed. To apply to be a Tennessee Promise mentor please visit tnachieves.org/mentors/apply.
The Tennessee Promise scholarship program is playing an important role in Governor Haslam’s “Drive to 55” goal, where 55 percent of Tennesseans will be equipped with a college degree or certificate by the year 2025. According to Smith, “Tennessee Promise has already increased the college going rate by four percent statewide, and even higher in most of the counties Motlow serves. College loans are already down 23 percent in Tennessee,” Smith added. “(Many of) our students are graduating from college without debt!”
Students must complete the tnAchieves program in their county to access Tennessee Promise funding. For further information regarding the Tennessee Promise program at Motlow, contact Jonathan Graham at jgraham@mscc.edu or 615-220-7839, or Debra Smith at dsmith@mscc.edu or 931-438-9766.

The DeKalb County Election Commission reports that seven persons picked up qualifying petitions today (Friday) for the DeKalb County Democratic Primary next May.
Today (Friday) was the first day the election commission could issue petitions.
Those who obtained petitions today are as follows:
*James L. (Jimmy) Poss- County Clerk
*Jimmy Sprague-Road Supervisor
*Jeff McMillen-Register of Deeds
*Nicole Wright-Circuit Court Clerk
*Mark Milam-Circuit Court Clerk
*Julie Young-County Commissioner1st District
*Bobby R. Taylor-County Commissioner 4th District
Poss’ petition has been returned and (enough signatures) verfified
The following county offices are up for election in 2018: Road Supervisor, County Mayor, Circuit Court Clerk, Sheriff, Register of Deeds, County Clerk, and Trustee and for the county commission in each of the seven districts (two per district for a total of 14).
DeKalb County Democrats will be nominating candidates for county offices in a primary set for May 1, 2018.
Democratic nominees will face any Republican and or Independent challengers in the August, 2018 general election. The DeKalb County Republican Party will be choosing its nominees by caucus. The qualifying deadline for all candidates will be the same, NOON February 15, 2018.

Another candidate has announced plans to run for the office of DeKalb County Road Supervisor.
Danny Hale told WJLE today (Friday) that he intends to seek the GOP nomination for the August 2018 DeKalb County General Election.
The DeKalb County Republican Party selects its nominees by caucus.
“If given the opportunity, I would be honored to serve the citizens of DeKalb County as Road Supervisor,” said Hale.
Hale and his wife Donna reside in Liberty. They have two sons and daughters-in-law, Joshua and Connie Hale and Justin and Julie Hale along with four grandchildren, 11 year old Zoi, 4 year old Silas, 2 year old Josie, and 16 month old Zalie.
Danny is a 1976 graduate of DeKalb County High School and he and his family attend the Cross Community Church at Temperance Hall.
The election commission began issuing petitions for the following offices today (Friday): Road Supervisor, County Mayor, Circuit Court Clerk, Sheriff, Register of Deeds, County Clerk, and Trustee and for the county commission in each of the seven districts (two per district for a total of 14).
DeKalb County Democrats will be nominating candidates for county offices in a primary set for May 1, 2018.
Democratic nominees will face any Republican and or Independent challengers in the August, 2018 general election. The DeKalb County Republican Party will be choosing its nominees by caucus. The qualifying deadline for all candidates will be the same, NOON February 15, 2018.
Road Supervisor candidates must also meet the statutory deadline for filing with the Tennessee Highways Officials Certification Board.
In order to be certified, a candidate for county road supervisor must:
(1) Be a graduate of an accredited school of engineering, with at least 2 years’ experience in highway construction or maintenance; or
(2) Be licensed to practice engineering in Tennessee; or
(3) Have at least 4 years’ experience in a supervisory capacity in highway construction or maintenance; or
(4) Have a combination of education and experience equivalent to either (1) or (2).