The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry is observing National Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 8-14) by reminding citizens to follow simple safety practices to prevent wildfires. The official start of wildfire season in Tennessee is Oct. 15.
Burning permits can be obtained from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Division of Forestry between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday by calling the DeKalb County office of the Division of Forestry at 615-597-4015. In Smithville phone 615-215-3000. Burning permits can be obtained after hours and on weekends by visiting www.burnsafetn.org.
“It’s important, and required by law from October 15, 2017 to May 15, 2018, that citizens call for a burning permit and follow outdoor burning safety recommendations,” State Forester Jere Jeter said. “Tennessee experienced a historic fall fire season last year due to exceptional drought conditions. Fortunately, that underlying condition does not exist this year, but we’re not going to let our guard down. The permit system helps us communicate to the public when and where it is safe to burn and focuses attention on safety. We need all Tennesseans to volunteer to prevent wildfire.”
The online burn permit system is free, fast and simple. If you are burning a leaf or brush pile that is smaller than 8 feet by 8 feet in size, log on to www.BurnSafeTN.org for approval. More than 300,000 permits are issued each year, and the online system provides a quick and efficient way to apply.
Burn permits are only issued when conditions are conducive to safe burning. If you live inside city limits, there may be additional restrictions. Check with your municipality before you burn.
To learn what materials may not be burned, check the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s Open Burning Guidelines at https://tn.gov/environment/article/apc-open-burning.
Burning without a permit is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine. Wildfires caused by arson are a class C felony punishable by 3 to 15 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. Anyone with information about suspected arson activity should call the state Fire Marshal’s Arson Hotline at 1-800-762-3017. The hotline is answered 24 hours a day, and you may remain anonymous when providing information. Cash awards are offered for information leading to an arrest or conviction. To report illegal burning, please call 1-888-891-TDEC.
Visit www.BurnSafeTN.org for additional tips to burn safely and to protect your community.
The Division of Forestry promotes the wise use of forest resources by assisting landowners, fighting wildfires, providing quality seedlings, monitoring insects and diseases, improving urban forests, managing state forests, protecting water quality and collecting forest inventory data. The Division also works to promote primary and secondary forest industries to stimulate the state’s economy. Visit http://www.tn.gov/agriculture/section/forests for more information.

The 2017 DeKalb County Fall Baseball Camp will be Saturday, October 28 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the DCHS Baseball Field for ages 5 to 14.
Come meet professional baseball player Steven Jennings. Get valuable instruction, autographs, and play games with Jennings.
Camp skills:
*Learn the proper mechanics for throwing and catching
*Learn the proper fundamentals for pitching, playing infield, and playing outfield
*Learn correct fundamentals of hitting
*Learn numerous drills for all aspects of baseball
What to bring:
*Cleats, tennis shoes, baseball pants, hat, gloves, bat (catchers gear)
*Snacks and drinks for breaks, (water will be provided)
Registration:
*Cost of the camp is $40
*Registration will be October 28 from 8 a.m. until 8:45 a.m. at the DCHS Baseball Field
All proceeds will go to the DCHS baseball program.

The award winning bluegrass group Dailey and Vincent has premiered a new music video from their stellar eighth album Patriots and Poets and the multi-instrumentalists are giving fans a deeper look at the inspiration behind their song “Unsung Heroes.”
The video features real-life veterans and first responders, an important reminder that kindness and selflessness are still a familiar scene across the country and reflected in those we encounter every day.
Local fans of Dailey and Vincent will take a special interest in this video because it includes appearances by several people from DeKalb County including Edward and Edsel Frazier, Jerry Lee Cantrell, Tommy Webb, Smithville Fire Chief Charlie Parker, Smithville Fire Lieutenant John Poss, Smithville Police Officer Brandon Donnell, THP Sergeant Charlie and Rhonda Caplinger, Kenny Bly, Donald Gilbert, Paul Robinson, Alan Stengel, Donnie and Kathy Kelly, Valeshia Pedigo, members of Vincent’s family, among others. A large portion of the video shoot took place downtown Smithville in August.

Written by Jamie Dailey, Bill Anderson and Jimmy Fortune, “Unsung Heroes” shines a light on everyday acts of courage and love by those who serve the public. In the wake of the hurricanes that wreaked havoc on Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico and the terrible tragedy in Las Vegas last week, the video offers a message of hope.
Directed by Jennifer Bonior, the video was filmed in Darrin Vincent’s hometown of Smithville, Tenn. and features a cameo from country star Aaron Tippin.
Jamie Dailey says it’s important not to lose sight of all the good being done across the country in these trying times.
“It’s easy to look at these events and lose hope,” said Dailey. “But in the midst of the horror, strangers began reaching out to one another to help. In areas hit hard by hurricanes, volunteers came in droves to help the cleanup and the rebuilding of lives. In Las Vegas, during the shooting, there are countless stories of strangers risking their own lives to save others. Some people stood in line for 3 — 4 hours to donate blood. These people did this with no thought except helping one another. They didn’t even expect a thank you. These are our everyday angels. They are unsung heroes.”
Darrin Vincent says he witnesses these acts of kindness and the impact they have everyday.
“I live in a small community in Tennessee, and I see it all the time,” Vincent says. “People who are suffering one way or the other are raised up by their neighbors who give their time and energy and sometimes money, just to help. It’s really remarkable how the smallest thing can mean so very much to someone in need. We all have the chance to be one of these heroes.”
Patriots and Poets, released in March, features appearances by Steve Martin, Bela Fleck, David Rawlings and Doyle Lawson, among others. Dailey and Vincent are currently on tour across the U.S.

The 2017 average composite score on the ACT for students in DeKalb County has gone up from last year though it fell short of meeting the state goal of 21
According to the Tennessee Department of Education, the average composite score for DeKalb County is 18.8 compared to 18.25 in 2016.
Scores in science, reading, math and English also improved going from 18.97 to 19 in science; from 18.82 to 19.6 in reading; from 17.03 to 17.5 in math; and from 17.55 to 18.6 in English.
“We are really proud of the hard work our students are putting forth and the time and work our teachers are putting in, not only the content they are teaching but with the importance they are giving the ACT test. We are very happy with the progress we have made over the past year and we challenge our students and teachers to strive to continue those gains,” Director of Schools Patrick Cripps told WJLE.
Dr. Kathy Bryant, Supervisor of Instruction for Grades 7-12, cited several reasons for the improvement.
“Last year we implemented ACT prep-online for students and we also implemented ACT prep for all subject areas with direct instruction. We had 4 teachers, each teaching one of the four subjects of science, reading, math, and English. Students went through nine weeks in each of those courses and by the end of the year they completed all four. Not only were they getting ACT prep but they also received a credit by taking the courses. Of course students were able to do an ACT retake last year which may have had an impact as well,” Dr. Bryant told WJLE.
Although the ACT scores were up, they still lagged behind the state. The new composite average for the state is 20.1, which is up from the 2016 average of 19.
State scores in the four subject areas in 2017 were as follows:
*19.6 in English, up from 19.5 in the previous year.
*20.5 in reading up from 20.4 in the previous year.
*19.4 in math, up from 19.2 in the previous year.
*20.3 in science, up from 20.1 in the previous year
Dr. Bryant said the school system will continue ACT prep-online and direct instruction with an emphasis on teaching those ACT standards within all core classes as the district works toward reaching its Composite ACT score goal of 21.
“We are really excited about our progress and want to do more because the higher the students ACT scores are the better their chances for obtaining college scholarships,” added Dr. Bryant.
The statewide results showed that about 1,800 more Tennessee public school graduates became eligible for the HOPE scholarship. That means they earned composite scores of 21 or higher.
“The ACT allows our students to show they are college and career ready, and crossing the threshold to 20.1 shows we are on the right pathway to prepare more students for life after high school,” Education Department Commissioner Candice McQueen said.
Across the state, the results showed students improved in every section of the ACT by increasing their average score in English, reading, math, and science.
According to McQueen, Tennessee is one of 18 states that requires all students to take the ACT or SAT. It’s also the first and only state to offer a free opportunity to retake the exam. The Department of Education said nearly 26,000 class of 2017 students took advantage of the ACT Senior Retake Day last fall.
The department said if a student takes the ACT multiple times, it uses the best score. The national ACT results are based off the last score a student received.
ACT results serve as a nationally normed-measure to indicate college and career readiness. Under a new accountability measure, called the Ready Graduate, earning a 21 on the ACT is one of the four ways that students can indicate that they are prepared for life after high school and able to seamlessly enroll in postsecondary education and enter the workplace or the military.

The Smithville Business & Professional Women’s Club honored three of its members during Monday night’s annual banquet.
Sherry Davis received the Young Woman of Achievement award; Denise Page was selected Woman of the Year; and Angie Meadows was named Woman of Achievement.
October is recognized as National Business & Professional Women’s Club month.
If you are interested in becoming part of DeKalb County’s longest active civic group contact one of these members today.

A woman on probation who was found with baggies of marijuana for resale during a law enforcement search of her home in July was sentenced Friday in DeKalb County Criminal Court.
37 year old Amanda Lynette Davis entered a plea to possession of a schedule VI drug (Marijuana) over half an ounce and she received a two year suspended sentence to be supervised by TDOC Community Corrections. The sentence is to run consecutive to another case against her.
(CLICK LINK BELOW TO VIEW MUG SHOTS OF PERSONS RECENTLY BOOKED AT THE DEKALB COUNTY JAIL- Intakes & Releases From: 10/02/2017 Thru: 10/09/2017)
Seagate Crystal Reports – REPOR_42.pdf (3.35 MB)
Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on Friday, July 7 a state probation officer and a DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department deputy went to Davis’ residence on McMinnville Highway to do a probation search and to pick her up on an active warrant. During the search, five black trash bags were found, all containing a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana. Each bag was labeled a different type of marijuana and the pot was still on the stems including THC Bomb, Strawberry Delight, Grape God, and Deep Cheese. Another plastic baggie was found with a green leafy substance weighing 1.15 ounces.
While the officers were conducting their search, Davis went to a truck outside the home and retrieved a glass pipe along with another plastic baggie containing a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana weighing 0.30 ounces.
Davis admitted during an interview with officers that the marijuana belonged to her and that she had grown the plants herself in the woods. Davis was placed under arrest.

State Representative Mark Pody (R–Lebanon) joined with the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development today to announce that DeKalb County has been chosen to participate in the Select Tennessee Property Evaluation Program (PEP).
Launched in 2015, the purpose of the PEP is to improve the inventory of industrial sites and buildings in Tennessee by evaluating potential properties, advising counties on where investment may be most beneficial, and to discover what is needed to address issues found that may be impeding area economic development.
The PEP benefits counties by emphasizing the importance of and assisting with planning for future industrial development.
“Available and up-to-date industrial properties are essential for a community to be competitive in recruiting new business to the area,” said Representative Pody. “However, developing and maintaining such an inventory is a difficult task, and many of our communities do not have a large range of quality properties available for the market. Through the Select Tennessee Program, we will be able to get assistance from the state that will help us in readying industrial properties for near-term development as well as creating a pipeline of properties for future development.”
For each county selected to participate in Select Tennessee, the program includes an educational webinar on the site selection process, an on-site visit, and a comprehensive assessment addressing each area’s strengths, weaknesses, and recommended next steps to improve marketability.
“Inclusion in the PEP will trigger technical assistance which would otherwise cost thousands of dollars for our community,” continued Pody. “The result of the industrial property evaluations will mean that Dekalb County has a more attractive portfolio of industrial sites to attract prospects and help with future economic development in the area.”
Selection into the program is based on demonstrated local need for industrial properties and also on the county’s ability to assemble viable properties with market potential.
The application process begins with the submission of a letter of intent which is accepted at any time. Upon receipt of the letter, counties are provided with the program application. The letter of intent, along with more information about the Select Tennessee Program, can be found by visiting http://goo.gl/Zms3nm.
Mark Pody serves as Vice-Chairman of the House Consumer & Human Resources Committee. He is also a member of the House Consumer & Human Resources Subcommittee and House Insurance & Banking Committee. He can be reached by email at Rep.Mark.Pody@capitol.tn.gov or by calling (615) 741-7086.

A Smithville woman was found with marijuana and drug paraphernalia after officers went to her home last week to serve a warrant on her in a separate case.
42 year old Patty Sue Tatrow of Jackson Street, Smithville is charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Tatrow’s bond is $8,500 and her court date is October 26.
Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on Tuesday, October 3 a detective accompanied probation and parole officers to Tatrow’s home to serve a warrant.
During a search of the home, officers found a back pack which contained a baggie of marijuana that weighed 0.55 ounces, a mason jar of marijuana which weighed 0.80 ounces, $793 in cash, digital scales, approximately 50 sandwich bags, and several forms of identification belonging to Tatrow. The detective placed Tatrow under arrest and seized the cash.
A man has been charged with misuse of the 911 system for making five fake emergency calls to central dispatch.
48 year old Larry Wayne Capshaw of Ike Adcock Road, Smithville is under a $1,500 bond and his court date is October 26.
Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on Sunday and Monday, October 1 & 2 Capshaw made a total of five 911 calls. Deputies responded and conducted diligent searches each time but could find no suspicious persons hiding in the area as Capshaw alleged.
54 year old Danny Lloyd Street is charged with assault. His bond is $3,500 and his court date is October 26.
Sheriff Ray said that on Monday, October 2 a deputy responded to a call concerning a trespasser. Upon arrival the officer found a man who had been assaulted. He had marks and blood on his body. During the investigation it was determined that Street had been the primary aggressor which resulted in the intentional bodily injury to the victim.

Three people were involved in a two vehicle crash Sunday afternoon on Highway 56 north near Puckett’s Point Road.
Trooper Bobby Johnson of the Tennessee Highway Patrol told WJLE that 52 year old Cindy Woody of Smithville was driving south on Highway 56 in a 2002 Chevy TrailBlazer when she lost control while trying to negotiate a curve and crossed into the northbound lane. Her vehicle struck the driver side of a 2006 Ford F150, driven by 54 year old William Gash of Smithville. Gash’s wife Suzanne was a passenger with him.
The Gash’s were taken by DeKalb EMS to Cookeville Regional Hospital. Woody was transported by ambulance to Saint Thomas DeKalb Hospital.
Members of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department were also on the scene along with the Cookeville Highway Station and Extrication and Rescue Team of the DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department.

The Dietary Department at NHC Smithville was recently recognized with three awards by the NHC Central Region: the White Glove Award for cleanliness and sanitation, the Customer Service Award for achieving high results in patient and family satisfaction, and the Rising Star Award for making consistent improvement in all measurement areas. They competed against 16 other NHC healthcare centers and assisted living facilities in Middle and East Tennessee.
“Our team was very honored to receive these awards. We were especially excited about the White Glove Award. This makes the second year in a row we have received this award. We take great pride in our kitchen and to be recognized as one of the best in our region is a tremendous honor.” Barbara Meadows, Dietary Manager said. “Our cooks, dietary aides, and all partners who assist in meal service deserve the credit for this recognition.”
The NHC Smithville Dietary Department serves over 2,450 meals per week to patients, families, partners, and customers. They take great pride in preparing balanced, healthy, and great tasting meals. The dietary partners are committed to patient centered care and go above and beyond to accommodate meal preferences.
NHC Smithville offers inpatient and outpatient rehabilitative care to adults of all ages on a short-term and continuing care basis. For more information about NHC Smithville, visit www.nhcsmithville.com or call (615) 597-4284.