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.

State Representative Terri Lynn Weaver has received the “Tennessee Champion of Prosperity Award” from Americans for Prosperity – Tennessee (AFP-TN), the conservative grassroots organization fighting for lower taxes and limited government.
James Amundsen, Deputy State Director for Americans for Prosperity, presented Representative Weaver the award at Angie’s Diner in Smithville Friday during her monthly “Coffee and Conversations” meeting with constituents.
The “Champion of Prosperity” award is given to select lawmakers who scored 90 or higher in AFP-TN’s biannual legislative scorecard and voted against raising the gas tax.
“Today I presented Representative Weaver with our “Champions of Prosperity Award” which is in recognition for her support for free market economic policies throughout the legislative session. Terri Lynn has scored really high on our biannual legislative scorecard. We are also recognizing the fact that she stood up in defense of taxpayers in the state of Tennessee with her opposition to the Governor’s Improve Act, which we recognize as being a gas tax increase on the hardest working families in Tennessee. We wanted to make sure she was recognized for all of her efforts. We are doing a tour throughout the remainder of this month recognizing about 40 state legislators, both state representatives and state senators,” said Amundsen.
Representative Weaver said she is honored to receive the award.
“A majority of the people in our district did not want any more taxes. They are taxed enough. We stood our ground. I think we did a very good presentation of the peoples’ voice who didn’t want it (gas tax increase). Unfortunately we lost that battle. It takes a lot of spine to stand up in an atmosphere that is basically overwhelming you but the good news is that I can come back to my district and I can tell the people who sent me down there that I stood strong on this issue and that I will continue to stand strong and remain a voice for people who believe in free market values, capitalism , our constitution, and less government. When 65% of your district did not want this to happen (Governor’s Improve Act) that is a strong voice and I am honored that I am able to represent them,” said Representative Weaver.
Although Representative Weaver opposed it, the state gas tax increase under the Governor’s Improve Act was adopted by the state legislature and signed by the governor earlier this year. It took effect on July 1.

A convicted felon who got in trouble with the law again after being involved in a break-in last December at a residence on Pea Ridge Road was in DeKalb County Criminal Court on Friday, October 6.
Judge David Patterson presided.
47 year old Randall Joe Swindle entered a plea to aggravated burglary and possession of a weapon by a felon. He received a six year sentence to serve in each case in the Tennessee Department of Corrections. The two terms are to run concurrently with each other and concurrently with a 16 year sentence against him in Franklin County. He was given jail credit here from December 12, 2016 through October 6, 2017.
Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on Monday, December 5, 2016 Swindle was involved in a break-in on Pea Ridge Road. The intruder gained entry by prying open the front door, causing damage. Taken from the home were a Remington 1889 double barrel shotgun, a crescent 1900 double barrel shotgun, a sentry safe, and a jar of change. The total value of the stolen property came to approximately $1,500.
A check of Swindle’s criminal history showed him to be a felon convicted for aggravated burglary in Franklin County.
According to Sheriff Ray, Swindle admitted to having taken the guns from the Pea Ridge residence and having them in his vehicle. He was arrested on Monday, December 12, 2016. The case was investigated by Sheriff’s Department Detectives.
Swindle escaped on Tuesday, March 28 but was captured minutes later at the parking lot of Hardees Restaurant. He was indicted for the offense in April.
In a separate case, 33 year old Roxanna Landis entered a plea to four counts of forgery and received a two year TDOC sentence in each case on probation. The terms are to run concurrently with each other. Landis is to make restitution of $735.79 to the victim. The offenses occurred July 15, 25, & 28, 2016.

A man caught breaking into a residence almost a year ago was sentenced in DeKalb County Criminal Court on Friday, October 6.
Judge David Patterson presided.
48 year old Billy Eugene Cook entered a plea to aggravated burglary and received a three year TDOC sentence on probation except for 120 days to serve in the DeKalb County Jail. He was given jail credit for having served 122 days. He must also make $100 restitution to the victim.
Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on Monday, October 17, 2016 a deputy responded to a residence on Andrew Jackson Boulevard due to a burglary. Upon arrival, the officer spoke to the homeowner, who said he found a man inside his home without consent. The intruder left before the officer got there. The homeowner identified Cook as the burglar and confirmed it after viewing a booking photo.
Cook was later found at DeKalb Market and though he resisted, the officer placed him under arrest. “While trying to place him in custody, Cook failed to comply with verbal commands. He physically tried to resist being placed in custody,” said Sheriff Ray
In a separate case, 43 year old Michael Shayne Reeder entered a plea to theft over $1,000 and received a two year TDOC sentence on probation. He has applied for judicial diversion. Reeder must make $1,000 restitution to the victim and he must forfeit his weapon.
Sheriff Ray said that on Friday June 2, 2017 Reeder stole two firearms, including a Smith & Wesson M&P AR-15 and a .22 caliber Ruger. The total value of the weapons is $2,000. The case was investigated by a sheriff’s department detective.

The community is urged to gather Monday afternoon downtown to pray for Suzanne Williams, Director of the Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce who is hospitalized in east Tennessee with a serious injury.
According to family, while at a conference in Gatlinburg on Wednesday, Suzanne fell in the bathroom of her hotel room and landed on her throat across the tub crushing vital organs and leaving her unable to breathe on her own. She was taken to a Sevierville hospital for treatment in the intensive care unit and placed on a ventilator.
At last report, her condition was stable with no brain damage and plans are to remove the ventilator Monday. At the moment, her injury is apparently not life threatening but the community is encouraged to pray for Suzanne’s continued healing and strength for the long road of recovery ahead of her.
Please come to the east side of the courthouse for fellowship and prayer from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday, October 9 or in the basement of the courthouse in case of rain.
Fellowship Prayers will be offered every 10 minutes. This is open to the public. Come for a few minutes or stay as long as you wish. If unable to attend, please join in spirit and pray where you are for Suzanne and her family.

A bond reduction request has been denied for a Nashville man charged with using a 15 year old Liberty girl for prostitution.
34 year old Charles Earl Denton appeared in DeKalb County Criminal Court Friday for a hearing with his lawyer Adam Parrish of Lebanon.
Parrish asked that Denton’s bond be reduced from $250,000 to $10,000. At the conclusion of the hearing Judge David Patterson denied the request.
Denton is charged in a DeKalb County Grand Jury sealed indictment with trafficking for commercial sex act.
The investigation by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department began on Friday, August 4th after the girl’s family reported her missing. The family said the teen sought and received permission to spend the night at a friend’s house two days before on Wednesday, August 2nd but she never came home. The investigation revealed that the girl knew Denton and that he had arranged through social media to meet her. Denton drove to Liberty on Wednesday, August 2, picked up the girl, and transported her to Nashville for the purpose of commercial sex. She was later found at a Nashville motel with another missing teen and an adult woman. Denton was not at the motel at the time.
“Through an investigation, it was found that Charles Denton was the one who planned to meet our missing juvenile on August 2nd. Denton drove to Liberty here in DeKalb County and picked the juvenile up and transported her to Nashville for the purpose of commercial sex,” said Sheriff Patrick Ray.
“Detectives obtained a state warrant for Charles Denton,” he said.
“On August 25th, a special called meeting of the DeKalb County Grand Jury convened and a sealed indictment was obtained for trafficking for a commercial sex act on Charles Denton”.
“Denton was picked up in Davidson County on August 31st. He was transported to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department where he remains in custody on a $250,000 bond,” added Sheriff Ray.

A man who entered a plea Friday in DeKalb County Criminal Court to charges of aggravated burglary and theft of property over $1,000 will soon learn his fate.
A sentencing hearing for 46 year old Homer Anthony Petty, Sr. Is coming soon. He is facing a possible sentence of 4 years in each case as a range III offender to run concurrently with each other. He is expected to get jail credit from October 20, 2016 to October 6, 2017.
Petty had other charges against him including simple possession/casual exchange of a schedule VI drug (marijuana), DUI (3rd offense), driving while licensed revoked, possession of schedule II and IV drugs with intent to sell or deliver, filing a false report, and possession of a weapon by a felon.
Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on Thursday, October 20, 2016 a deputy responded to Old Givens Hollow Road, Liberty due to a burglary.
Upon arrival, the officer learned that the homeowner caught Petty and another person stealing items from his home. “The homeowner witnessed Petty and another person attempting to leave the residence with a Norinco SKS rifle and a head band. The victim (homeowner) recovered the rifle and held Petty at gunpoint until law enforcement officers arrived. The other person with Petty fled the scene. Other items taken in the burglary and theft were an electronic game call, a back pack, multiple turkey calls, and numerous collectible knives. Some of those were recovered.
During a search, the deputy found a baggie in Petty’s left pocket, containing a small green leafy substance believed to be marijuana which weighed 0.399 ounces.