DeKalb County property owners will soon be receiving their tax notices for the year 2017 bearing the “Green” school color of Northside Elementary. Last year it was DeKalb Middle School “Blue” and two years ago it was DCHS “Black and Gold”.
“Picture the flight of an eagle soaring between Heaven and the tops of the most lush, green layers of the rainforest. That was the vision I received when I thought about what color to use on the new 2017 property tax notices. Since 2015, I started using the colors of our great schools here in DeKalb County and this year is no exception. So when the color “Green” came to mind, I decided to represent the Northside Elementary Eagles for 2017,” said Trustee Sean Driver.
Property taxes will be due and payable starting on October 2, 2017 through February 28, 2018 before any interest becomes due on March 1, 2018.
“Your notice will be the color “Green” on an 8 1/2 X 11 sheet of paper, with information on the front and back. For 2017, the tax rate stayed the same as the 2016 tax year at 1.8335% of $100.00 of your assessed value,” said Trustee Driver.
The Trustee’s office offers at this time up to 6 different options to pay your property tax:
( 1.) Come in person to the office to pay,
( 2.) Mail in your payment
( 3.) Pay online at www.tennesseetrustee.org, then select DeKalb and follow the instructions to the next screens. The Vendor (Business Information Systems) accepts Discover, MasterCard, Visa, or American Express. The Vendor convenience fee of 2.75% on the total tax bill will apply and fees are subject to change for using credit/debit cards. Also, a $2.75 fee will be assessed on an e-check payment of any amount.
(4.) A QR (Quick Response Code) is also on your notice to access the website www.tennesseetrustee.org.
(5.) A Dropbox is located on the outside of the building at the County Complex (County Offices Section) for your convenience after hours or on weekends.
(6.) Partial Payments are accepted and you the taxpayer sets the amount to pay.
“Take a good look at your property tax bill and study what we offer in the trustee’s office and to where the property taxes are being spent on the pie chart on the back of the notice,” Driver said.
Eligible taxpayers may also qualify for the Tennessee State Tax Relief Program.
This program was implemented in 1973 and it has a few changes every year. For the 2017 tax year, you can qualify for Tax Relief if:
(a.) Your DeKalb County home is your primary residence,
(b.) You are 65 years old (or older) as of December 31, 2017, or totally and permanently disabled as by the SSA or another qualifying agency, and
(c.) Your 2016 Annual Income of all persons on the deed and their spouses did not exceed $29,180.00.
“If the State of Tennessee qualifies you for a Tax Relief, then you can receive a rebate up to $124.00 for 2017. You must pay your 2017 tax bill IN FULL to start the application,” Trustee Driver explained.
The State of Tennessee also offers Tax Relief for Disabled Veterans and the surviving spouses of a disabled veteran.
“You must provide proof from the Veteran’s Administration that you have a 100% service-connected disability. You or your spouse will NOT have to report any income to apply as a disabled veteran or the widow or widower of a disabled veteran. If the State of Tennessee qualifies you as a disabled veteran or the surviving spouse of a disabled veteran, then you can receive a rebate up to $802.00”
“The Trustee’s office will start accepting applications for the Tax Relief Program on October 2, 2017 through April 5, 2018. If you would like to inquire more about a possible tax relief, come by the County Complex in the Trustee’s office at 732 S Congress Blvd-Room 103, Smithville, TN 37166 or call us at 615-597-5176,” Trustee Driver concluded.

Smithville Police have charged two men in the recent theft of a trailer.
(CLICK LINK BELOW TO VIEW MUG SHOTS OF PERSONS RECENTLY BOOKED AT THE DEKALB COUNTY JAIL- Intakes & Releases From: 9/18/2017 Thru: 9/25/2017)
Seagate Crystal Reports – REPOR_40.pdf (2.62 MB)
47 year old Billy Joe Derrick of Crossville and 42 year old Kristian James Dupuy of Smithville are each charged with theft of property over $1,000. Bond for each is $10,000. Derrick is also charged with evading arrest. His bond on that offense is $5,000. Both will make a court appearance on October 5.
An officer was dispatched to 468 West Broad Street for a trailer theft on Tuesday, September 19 and was shown video footage of a man who got out of a vehicle matching the description of the automobile used in the trailer theft. Police later spotted the vehicle driving by Bridgeway Motel. An officer followed as the vehicle turned in and stopped at 905 West Main Street. As he approached the automobile, the officer observed that the clothing and appearance of the driver, Kristian Dupuy, matched the image of the man shown in the camera footage. Police mirandized Dupuy and asked him about the trailer. According to the officer, Dupuy admitted that he had assisted in taking the trailer with Billy Derrick who was a passenger in the vehicle. Derrick got out and attempted to flee on foot. The officer shouted for Derrick to stop but he kept running. Derrick was then apprehended by the officer approximately 50 yards from the automobile. Derrick said the reason he ran was because he knew he had warrants against him in other counties.
18 year old Joseph Daniel Morgan of Woodbury is charged with possession of methamphetamine with the intent to sell or deliver. His bond is $10,000 and his court date is September 28. On Monday, September 18 a deputy was dispatched to a call on Holmes Creek Road in the area of V.L. Wilson Loop in reference to two suspicious males in the area. Upon his arrival, the officer spoke with Morgan and a juvenile male. During a search for weapons, the deputy found Morgan to be in possession of a clear crystal like substance that field tested positive for 2.1 grams of methamphetamine. He was placed under arrest.
22 year old John Thomas Mason of Smithville is charged with driving while license revoked and evading arrest. His bond totals $5,000 and his court date is October 12. He also has warrants against him for violation of probation and is being held without bond. He will make a court appearance on the VOP offenses October 6. On August 9 a deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop of a white Honda on Short Mountain Highway for running a stop sign but the vehicle accelerated in speed and did not stop. It was later found at 125 Hickory Court. Upon further investigation, Mason was identified as the driver. Through a routine central dispatch check, Mason’s driver license were found to be revoked. Mason was placed under arrest for evading and driving on a revoked license.
23 year old Richard Wayne Norrod of Smithville, an inmate at the DeKalb County Jail, is charged with bringing contraband to a penal institution. His bond is $5,000 and his court date is October 12. On Sunday, September 24 a corrections officer was conducting a pat down search of Norrod when he found a small clear bag in the pocket of Norrod’s shorts which contained two white pills believed to be Hydrocodone. A smaller baggie was also found which held a crystal like substance believed to be methamphetamine.
44 year old Richard Neal Meyers of Smithville is charged with driving while licensed revoked. His bond is $1,500 and his court date is October 5. On Sunday September 24, a deputy was patrolling on South Congress Boulevard when he saw a vehicle spinning tires in the Hardees parking lot and it continued to spin tires as it exited the parking lot into the roadway. The officer conducted a traffic stop and spoke with the driver, Meyers. The deputy learned that Meyers’ license has been suspended since November 2, 2000 for failure to appear in Kentucky and it has never been re-instated. Meyers’ license is currently revoked for failure to satisfy costs or fines in Wilson County with an action date of August 6, 2015.
30 year old Tasha Michaele Spurlock of Ashland City is charged with criminal impersonation and escape. Her bond totals $8,500 and her court date is October 12. On Saturday, September 23 a deputy responded to 475 Colvert Lake Road due to a 911 call. Upon arrival the officer spoke with a woman who said her name was Tasha Spurlock and gave a date of birth but a computer check could not match that DOB with anyone. The woman then gave a social security number that came back to a man named Brandon Hardy. At that time, the deputy concluded that she was trying to impersonate someone else and he placed her under arrest. While being detained, Spurlock slipped her handcuffs off and ran away on foot but she was caught shortly after and brought to the jail for booking.

DeKalb County 4-H members recently traveled to the All Youth Judging Day at the Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration. The Celebration is a two week event that brings thousands of people from all over the world to Shelbyville, TN. At this open judging contest, youth from around the southeast evaluate beautiful Tennessee Walking Horses for the chance to win cash awards and scholarship money. They also have the opportunity to watch the show that night free of charge.
Eight DeKalb County 4-H members participated in this year’s event. Competing in the Junior Division were Ansley Cantrell, Jenna Cantrell, Shaelee Foster, and Caley Taylor. The Senior team consisted of Creston Bain, Payton Cantrell. Clayton Crook, and Lily Martin. These contestants judged both halter and performance, or riding, classes. The seniors also gave two sets of oral reasons to defend their placings.
The Junior team placed 2nd in the halter division, 4th, in performance and 2nd overall. Individually, Ansley was 7th high individual while Jenna was 5th. There were 13 total teams. The Senior team placed 4th in performance, 9th in halter, and 9th overall out of 15 teams. Most of the team members gave reasons for the first time which is a great accomplishment as well!
DeKalb County 4-H was very well represented in Shelbyville during this competitive, open contest. If you are interested in horse judging or any other 4-H activity, please call 615-597-4945. 4-H is a proud part of UT/TSU Extension. UT Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment through the cooperation of county, state, and federal governments.
Photo Caption
Team: DeKalb County 4-H members had a successful day at the Tennessee Walking Horse judging contest in Shelbyville. In Back: Clayton Crook, Jenna Cantrell, Creston Bain, Payton Cantrell, and Lily Martin. In front: Shaelee Foster, Caley Taylor, and Ansley Cantrell.

The newest class of the DeKalb West School Junior Beta Club was honored during an induction ceremony on Monday, September 18 at the school. Thirty students from 6th through the 8th grades were added to the West school Beta chapter because of their academic excellence and outstanding character.
“Founded by Dr. John W. Harris, the Beta Club has prepared today’s students to be tomorrow’s leaders for more than 80 years,” President Summer Crook told the crowd. “From U.S. President Bill Clinton to current professional basketball player Kevin Durant, Beta members continue to lead long after their high school days are behind them.”
Beta students elected Crook to serve as President while Jathan Willoughby was named Vice President, Dawson Bandy, Secretary, Brayden Carter, Treasurer, Lucas Hale, Chaplain, and Alley Beth Cook, Reporter. The club sponsor presented them with medallions to honor their achievement. The officers then showed their leadership skills, conducting the induction ceremony before parents, friends, and faculty.
“We are taught many skills, such as reading and reasoning which are the keys to the locks for all the doors that lead to maturity,” VP Willoughby said in his speech.
The officers talked about the four Beta keys to success—Achievement, Character, Leadership, and Service.
“We know that it is a requirement for Beta membership to own them to some extent, and our candidates have been chosen because they have demonstrated ownership,” said Crook.
The candidates joining the club are Alex Antoniak, Tess Barton, Brayden Carter, Alyssa Crook, Ethan Curtis, Logan Daniels, Carson Donnell, Wil Farris, Presley Finocchiaro, Riley Fuson, Patricia Gassaway, Blair Gipe, Zoi Hale, Brynn Harvey, Ella Hendrixson, Jaxon Humphrey, Cameron Kempton, Jonathan Littleton, Kayleigh Overstreet, Xavier Parker, Lexia Rayl, Hannah Redmon, Maressa Rose, Kolton Slager, Karson Smallwood, Brooklyn Sutherland, Ally Tarpley, Madison Tarpley, Faith Tripp, and Jackson Vantrease.

Due to rate hikes and mandates of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), the county is being required to increase the amount it pays toward health insurance for employees under its group plan.
During Monday night’s monthly meeting, the county commission voted to spend another $21,450 covering the period of January-June, 2018 to meet the federal mandate in covering 65 county employees enrolled in the plan.
“The county pays $260 per month for each employee who takes insurance. Sixty five people have county insurance. We have to meet the Affordable Care Act. Under the law, the lowest paid full time employee cannot pay more than 9.565% of their salary for insurance. We are going to have to do something to come in line with the Affordable Care Act. If the county went from paying $260 per employee to $315 per month for each employee, then that would satisfy the requirements,” said County Mayor Tim Stribling.
The county could have chosen to increase its contribution to cover only the 51 employees enrolled in the Limited PPO plan and still been in compliance with the Affordable Care Act, costing the county an additional $16,830, but the commission opted instead to make it apply to all 65 employees.
First District Commissioner Julie Young said the county should start looking for another group plan to offer more affordable insurance
In other business, the County Commission has again rejected a request to post a speed limit on Ragland Bottom Road. Last month the proposal was denied on a voice vote but fifth district commissioner Jerry Adcock said he would have preferred a roll call vote. Monday night Adcock moved that a 25 mile per hour speed limit be posted on Ragland Bottom Road and that a roll call vote be taken. The request to post the speed limit failed 8-3. Only commissioners Adcock, Anita Puckett, and Julie Young voted for it.
Meanwhile action has been delayed on a Board of Education budget line item transfer request to move $25,000 within categories of the school budget to purchase a five acre tract of land adjoining the high school property for development of a new soccer field. Seventh district commissioner Larry Summers moved to table the request until commissioners learn more about the plans directly from the school board or director. Summers’ motion to table was adopted.

The county is contracting with a recycling company to collect and remove waste paper products including cardboard, newspapers, office paper, magazines, and books.
During Monday night’s monthly meeting, the county commission voted to partner with Caraustar Recycling of Nashville. The company will place collection containers at 6 convenience (trash collection) sites and at all 5 schools. The service will be provided at no cost to the county.
The action was taken upon the recommendation of the county commission’s solid waste committee. “We have talked about recycling cardboard for quite a while. We received two proposals. The solid waste committee met in June and you have a proposal they recommended from Caraustar,” said County Mayor Tim Stribling.
According to the proposal, “Caraustar will partner with DeKalb County to assist with their waste paper removal. Caraustar-Nashville will place Front End Loader (FEL) 7 yard containers in 6 of DeKalb County’s convenience centers and the 5 schools. The containers will be labeled for paper only. Acceptable contents include; cardboard, newspaper, office paper, magazines, and books. A start date will be agreed upon by both parties. Either party may cancel this agreement at any time with a 60 day notice.”
“ Caraustar will provide a pickup route to service 6 DeKalb County convenience centers and 5 schools. We (Caraustar) will place FEL 7 yard recycling containers in a total of 11 sites. All recycling sites will receive 2 containers with the exception of Midway. This lower traffic site will only receive 1 container. No fees wil be charged to DeKalb County for this service”.
“Caraustar will correspond with the attendants at the convenience centers to monitor the volumes. This will determine if we (Caraustar) need to add additional containers for overflow. Our goal is to assist DeKalb County with improving their recycling program by creating a bi-monthly pickup route,” according to the proposal.
The DeKalb County convenience centers and schools selected for this route are as follows:
Snow Hill, Allen’s Ferry, McMinnville Highway, City of Alexandria, Liberty, Midway, DeKalb Middle School, DeKalb County High School, DeKalb West School, Northside Elementary School, and Smithville Elementary School.
The county received another proposal from a local recycling company. Their offer was to pay the county one cent per pound for clean loose cardboard (not mixed with trash) but the county would have had to provide the roll off containers for collection and a truck to deliver the cardboard to the recycling center. The company also offered to pay the county $35 per ton under the market price if the county wished to bale its own cardboard”.
“The county doesn’t have a cardboard baler. Under this offer, it would require us (county) to purchase the containers and provide the truck to get them to their site,” said County Mayor Stribling.
“Under the proposal with Caraustar, they will furnish the containers and bring the truck to haul it off at no cost to the county,” added Stribling.

County Mayor Tim Stribling was re-elected Chairman of the county commission Monday night.
All members present voted in favor.
Seventh District member Larry Summers was returned as Chairman Pro Tempore.
The county commission must annually elect a chairman and a chairman pro tempore. The commission may elect the county mayor or a member of the body to be the chairman, although the county mayor may refuse to serve. If the county mayor is chairman, he or she may vote only to break a tie vote. If a member is chairman, the member votes as a member, but cannot vote again to break a tie. If the county mayor is not chairman, he or she may veto most resolutions of the county legislative body, but this veto may be overridden by a majority vote. The majority vote that is required for this and the passage of resolutions or other measures is a majority of the entire actual membership of the county legislative body, and not a majority of the quorum, nor a majority of the authorized membership.
The county commission consists of fourteen members, two from each of the seven districts in the county.
The make-up of the county commission is as follows:
Julie Williams Young and Mason Carter from the first district; Jimmy Midgett and Joe Johnson from the second district; Jack Barton and Bradley Hendrix from the third district; Wayne Cantrell and Jonathon Norris from the fourth district; Jerry Adcock and Anita Puckett from the fifth district; Jeff Barnes and Betty Atnip from the sixth district; and Larry Summers and Kevin Robinson from the seventh district. Their terms are for four years and will expire August 31, 2018.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol has filed charges against a man who left the scene on foot after being involved in a two vehicle crash on Saturday, September 16.
(CLICK LINK BELOW TO VIEW MUG SHOTS OF PERSONS RECENTLY BOOKED AT THE DEKALB COUNTY JAIL- Intakes & Releases From: 9/18/2017 Thru: 9/25/2017)
Seagate Crystal Reports – REPOR_40.pdf (2.62 MB)
43 year old Robin Clark Green of Sparta is charged with reckless endangerment, leaving the scene of an injury crash, driving while license revoked, improper passing, and failing to exercise due care. His bond is $11,500 and his court date is December 14.
According to the THP, the crash occurred at 9:26 p.m. on Highway 70 east (Sparta Highway) near Howard Redmon Road as Green, driving a 1994 Nissan Xterra east on U.S. 70, crossed into the westbound lane to pass another vehicle on a double yellow line. 30 year old Juan Delgado of Smithville, who was traveling west on Highway 70 in a 1998 Toyota Tacoma, swerved to avoid a collision but Green’s vehicle hit the Tacoma in the left front. Delgado’s truck then traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a ditch where it came to its final rest. Green’s Xterra traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a ditch and then a fence before coming to its final rest in a field.
After the crash, Green fled the scene on foot. He had three passengers in the vehicle with him, 39 year old Angela Atnip, 22 year old Zachary Walker, and 42 year old Barry Atnip all of Smithville. Both Angela and Barry Atnip were transported by ground ambulance to St. Thomas DeKalb Hospital while Walker was airlifted to Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga.
Delgado was not injured but he was cited for no drivers license and failing to provide proof of financial responsibility.
Trooper Jason Cobble was the investigating officer.

DeKalb County Volunteer Firefighters were called to a structure fire at 3:22 a.m. Monday on Magness Road.

Upon arrival, the firefighters found an abandoned house, in the midst of trees and overgrowth, fully involved in flames.
County Fire Chief Donny Green said the property owner is Russell Norton. Although a line extended to the house, it had no electrical service.
Members of the Belk, Short Mountain Highway, and Main Stations responded from the DeKalb County Fire Department along with the Sheriff’s Department and DeKalb EMS. There were no injuries.