The tragic death of a boy in a bicycle accident, the loss of two long time city leaders, an effort to get more SRO officers in the school system, the awarding of a construction contract on the new Sligo bridge, the death of a woman after she drove her SUV into Center Hill Lake, the shooting of a man who drew a weapon on officers of the sheriff’s department, the drowning of a swimmer, a fatal motorcycle crash, an Alexandria man awarded a scholarship on national television, and the continuing saga between the DeKalb Utility District and the City of Smithville were among the top local news stories for the first six months of 2013.
WJLE has compiled a summary of the top news stories month by month from January to June as follows below:
JANUARY:
*Former Smithville Mayor and alderman Cecil Ray Burger passed away at NHC Healthcare Center. He was 89 years old. Mr. Burger served the City of Smithville for more than forty five years, including sixteen years as mayor and six years as alderman. Burger was first elected mayor in 1990. He served eight terms, sixteen years in that office until 2006 when he chose instead to run for alderman. He ended his long career with the city on June 30, 2012 when his third term as alderman came to an end. Mr. Burger began his career with the city in 1966 as secretary-treasurer, which also meant overseeing the city’s public works operation and city employees. He served as city judge for the first couple of years as well. Burger retired from the secretary-treasurer position in 1989 but came out of retirement fifteen months later after being elected mayor in 1990.
*The DeKalb County Board of Education approved an architect contract with Kaatz, Binkley, Jones & Morris Architects of Mount Juliet for the DeKalb West School building project. The school system recently received final approval for a FEMA grant to fund the classroom addition including eight tornado “safe rooms”.
*Morris Multimedia, the owner of the Smithville Review announced that it had acquired the DeKalb County Times newspaper.
*The Smithville Mayor and Aldermen received both public praise for and public appeals to reconsider passage of an ordinance amendment allowing 24-7 beer sales and on premises permits in eligible businesses. After the public comment period at a January meeting, the aldermen adopted the minutes from the regular meeting on December 17 and special meeting on December 27 and moved on to other business. They did not reconsider their vote on the beer ordinance amendment and the mayor did not cast a veto.
*A sheriff’s department detective doing a New Year’s Day welfare check on a child arrested a man after finding meth lab components in the home. 39 year old Scott Lynn Sykes of Alexander Street, Smithville was charged with initiation of a process intended to manufacture methamphetamine. Sykes admitted that these items belonged to him. He was arrested and brought to the jail for booking. The house was placed under quarantine.
*The sheriff’s department and Tennessee Bomb and Arson investigated a suspicious fire in Liberty. Lieutenant Anthony Boyd of the DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department told WJLE that firefighters were called to a vacant home at 226 Eckles Heights Street. The home belonged to Debbie Hardaway. The home, which was up for sale, contained some furnishings but no one lived there. The cause and origin of the fire were not immediately determined, according to Lieutenant Boyd but the upstairs and the back left side of the home were destroyed in the blaze with heat, water, and smoke damage to other parts of the house.
*DeKalb County School buses passed state inspection. State Trooper Darryl Winningham, inspector for this district, told WJLE that he had completed his weeklong evaluation of the thirty three buses in the fleet along with the seven substitute buses and all passed inspection. “We do annual inspections on all buses but we also do spot checks through the year if we have a reason. Every bus we’ve run through passed inspection. Right now we’re at 100% here. We work to ensure that everything is properly working on a bus before it gets back on the highway,” he said.
*The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department apparently solved a rash of burglaries and thefts in the Dowelltown and Dry Creek Road area with the arrest of two men. 24 year old Allen R. Lester, Jr. of Church Street, Dowelltown and 18 year old Ronald Deshon Reeder of Smith Road, Smithville. Sheriff Patrick Ray told WJLE that the burglaries and thefts occurred on December 28 and from January 7-10 mostly in Dowelltown but also on Dry Creek Road in the area from New Home Road to the city limits of Smithville. There were nine victims altogether. According to Sheriff Ray, Lester was responsible for the actual burglaries and thefts. Reeder is charged with Lester in three of the crimes on Dry Creek Road because he rode along with Lester and sat in the vehicle, while Lester was out committing the burglaries and thefts, knowing what Lester was doing. Sheriff Ray said after Lester was identified as a suspect, detectives and officers of the Sheriff’s Department raided his home and found most of stolen items.
*An Alexandria man, who was left paralyzed by a tragic car accident two years ago in DeKalb County, was surprised with a full tuition-paid, four-year grant to Colorado Technical University on the nationally televised Ricki Lake Show. The grant, presented to 20-year-old Kyle Thomas, will help him pursue his dream of earning a college degree. The grant was announced as part of the show’s “Hidden Heroes” series led by cosmetic dentist and TV personality Dr. Bill Dorfman. Thomas plans to use the CTU grant to earn his bachelor’s degree through Colorado Technical University’s award-winning virtual campus, which offers flexibility in taking classes online, from anywhere and anytime.
*A mistrial was declared after a day long jury trial of 54 year old Jeffrey Leigh Sloan of Sparta charged with the misdemeanor offense of boating under the influence on Center Hill Lake. After deliberating for two hours, the jury of ten women and two men informed Judge Leon Burns, Jr. that they could not reach a unanimous decision on a verdict. Had he been found guilty, Sloan could have received a sentence of 11 months and 29 days and fined from $250 to $2,500. Sloan might also have lost his boating privileges. Sloan was arrested on the night of October 7, 2011 by TWRA officers Nick Luper and Mike Beaty .
*Saying they desire a “level playing field”, several store owners, licensed to sell packaged beer at their establishments in the county came before the DeKalb County Beer Board to find out how they can be afforded the same opportunity as city stores to extend their hours for selling beer. The meeting was called, apparently for the purpose of allowing store owners to speak on this issue. No other business was discussed, other than approval of the minutes from the last meeting. Beer Board members informed the store owners that they would have to see County Mayor Mike Foster about getting this issue placed on the agenda for the next county commission meeting.
*Steve Repasy of the Midway Station was named the “2012 County Firefighter of the Year”, for the second consecutive year during the department’s annual awards banquet held at the DeKalb County Complex. Captain Brad Mullinax received the “Officer of the Year” award. The “Rookie” award went to Kristie Johnson of the Main Station. Ronald Merriman of the Keltonburg Station was presented an Honorary Lifetime Membership award. Thirteen firefighters were recognized and presented pins for their years of service.
*Smithville Volunteer firefighter Danny Poss received the “Highest Attendance Award during an appreciation dinner for city firefighters at the Smithville First United Methodist Christian Fellowship Center. The award was presented to Poss by Smithville Fire Chief Charlie Parker. Poss attended the most incidents, training, and activities during 2012. A total of 124 out of 148 calls. Deputy Chief Hoyte Hale was next having attended 114 calls and Lieutenant John Poss attended 105 calls. Meanwhile city firefighters were also presented pins for years of service.
*Senior Quarterback Lucas Phillips was named Most Valuable Player of the 2012 DeKalb County High School Football Team during the annual Awards Banquet at the Smithville First Baptist Church Life Enrichment Center building. The awards were sponsored by Liberty State Bank. The MVP trophy was presented to Phillips by Coach Steve Trapp. Phillips helped lead the Tigers to an overall 10-2 record and another appearance in the state play-offs in 2012. The team won its first ever home playoff game but was eliminated the following week in the second round at Livingston Academy. Coach Trapp said Phillips had 5,368 yards passing for his high school career and threw for 71 touchdowns in twenty eight games played. Phillips rushed for 1,307 yards on 263 carries and scored thirteen rushing touchdowns. Meanwhile, Senior Callie Gash was named Most Valuable Cheerleader. The presentation was made by Cheer Coaches Amanda Fuller and Sonya House.
*The Genesis Diner on Highway 70 in Alexandria was heavily damaged by fire. The restaurant was apparently closed at the time and no one was there. The Alexandria Volunteer Fire Department quickly responded with mutual aid support from the Liberty station of the DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department and the Watertown fire department. There were apparently no injuries.
*After months of delay, the new Sligo bridge is expected to be under construction by this summer. During a meeting with County Mayor Mike Foster and the county commission, Paul Degges, Chief Engineer of the Tennessee Department of Transportation said bids will likely be opened in April or May with construction to begin soon after. Before TDOT could begin with the project, it had to work out a deal on right of way acquisition with the only landowner in the area, being the federal government, through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The problem was that owners of Sligo Marina, who have a lease with the Corps were concerned that the bridge construction would adversely affect their business. The marina owners wanted the state to pay for potential loss of business to them during the construction of the bridge. But Degges, in previous forums, had said that the state cannot legally pay for those types of damages. Over time, TDOT re-designed plans for the bridge hoping to address concerns to the satisfaction of Sligo Marina, but to no avail. So, the state came up with another alternative. To build the bridge from the river. Barges will be assembled on the river for the cranes and other equipment needed in construction. The project will be more costly to build the bridge from the river, according to Degges but the marina will not be impacted in this manner. The project will let for bids this spring and be under construction by summer and should be finished within twenty four to thirty months.
*As expected, the county commission took no action on authorizing 24-7 sales for stores licensed to sell packaged beer in the county as Smithville did for city stores in December. With several people both for and against the proposal in attendance waiting to hear what the county commission would do, County Mayor Mike Foster announced that the commission would do nothing until a public hearing is scheduled to give citizens a chance to express their views. Foster said the commissioners want to take some time to see how the changes made in the city are working out.
*A 35 year old sex offender, accused of showing up on school property during a soccer game last August, appeared in DeKalb County Criminal Court on Wednesday, January 23. James Hesson pleaded guilty to violation of the sex offender registry under a negotiated settlement. Judge Leon Burns, Jr. gave Hesson a two year sentence to serve. He was given jail credit from August 31, 2012 to January 23. Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on Friday, August 31, Hesson violated the sex offender registry law by being on school property where children were present. Hesson was told to leave the school grounds due to his being a sex offender and that he was not to be within one thousand feet of the school property line. Shortly thereafter, Hesson was found in the back yard of property adjoining the high school where he was watching children at play during a sports event after regular school hours. Sheriff Ray said that Hesson was well aware that he was not to be near school property.
(CLICK LINK BELOW (READ REST OF THIS ARTICLE) TO READ STORIES FOR FEBRUARY THROUGH JUNE)
FEBRUARY:
*The man who led authorities on a three county pursuit was arrested thanks to an investigation by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department. 35 year old Howard Eugene Brown of Green Acre Drive, Smithville was found at home with his wife. He had apparently returned home on foot after crashing and bailing out of the pickup truck he was driving on Bright Hill Road. Brown was taken into custody by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department, who had developed him as a suspect during an investigation.
Sheriff Patrick Ray told WJLE that the pursuit began in Van Buren County after a K-9 officer there, driving a Dodge Ram 4 x 4 pickup, stopped to check on a black Dodge Dakota pickup truck that had stopped on the side of the road. Brown, the driver of the truck, got out and approached the officer. A computer check revealed that he had no license. Brown then jumped in the truck and took off,” said Sheriff Ray.
The Van Buren County K-9 officer initiated a pursuit which turned onto Highway 111 north into White County and then west on Highway 70 from Sparta. White County authorities joined Van Buren County in the chase and notified DeKalb central dispatch that the pursuit was approaching DeKalb County. Members of the Sheriff’s Department and Smithville Police Department were planning to set up at the intersection of West Broad Street and Congress Boulevard when word came that the pursuit had reached Smithville but had turned from Highway 70 onto Evins Mill Road. Local officers then repositioned themselves to other locations hoping to intercept the pursuit. The chase continued on Evins Mill Road, to Cripps Lane, and then onto Bright Hill Road.
An off duty state trooper of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Dewaine Jennings was at his residence on Bright Hill Road when he heard about the approaching pursuit. He got a spike strip from his patrol car and placed it on Bright Hill Road in front of his house. When the truck came speeding by, it hit the spike strip and some of the tires blew out. The truck then sped out of control as it approached the sharp curve on Bright Hill Road and struck a guardrail. The Van Buren County K-9 officer’s vehicle also received some minor damage when it too apparently sideswiped the guardrail.
According to Sheriff Ray, after the truck came to a stop, the man (Brown) bailed out the driver’s side door of the truck, jumped over the guardrail and disappeared into the woods on foot. A search immediately ensued by officers of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department, Smithville Police Department, constables, along with K-9 units from Van Buren and Putnam Counties and the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Sheriff Ray said the K-9 dogs picked up the man’s scent and followed a trail through the woods to Highway 56 near Harney’s Nursery and the New Life United Pentecostal Church, where the dogs lost the scent. Authorities suspect that the man (Brown) crossed the highway and then walked to his home on Green Acre Drive, a short distance away. Smithville Elementary School, which is in the area of the search, was placed on lock down status until dismissal time at 2:45 p.m. as a precaution. According to Sheriff Ray, Brown was on probation for criminal impersonation, theft, and aggravated criminal trespassing at the time of his arrest.
*The Smithville Beer Board granted applications from three Mexican Restaurant owners for on-premises consumption permits. City Secretary-Treasurer Hunter Hendrixson, who presided over the meeting, said that all three businesses, El Rancho of 1101 West Broad Street, Mercadito Chabelita Restaurant of 408-A East Broad Street, and Los Lobos of 106 East Broad Street meet all requirements including the minimum distance of 400 feet to schools, churches, and or other places of public gatherings. The Smithville aldermen in December changed the city’s beer laws to allow eligible restaurants to have an on-premises permit.
*Hunter Graham, a senior member of the DCHS Tiger baseball team, will play for the Columbia State Community College Chargers next season. A signing was held at DCHS. Graham was joined by his parents, Kyle and Doris Graham; his sister, Tyra Graham, DCHS baseball coach Scott Odom and assistant coach Andrew Dixon; and Mike Corn, head coach of the Columbia State Chargers.
*Construction began for a new Dollar General Store on Highway 70 at Snow Hill. With the new store, Dollar General will have three locations in DeKalb County. The other two are in Smithville and Alexandria. Dollar General recently announced plans to add 635 new stores and 550 relocations or remodels throughout the country in 2013 creating 6,000 new jobs. “Throughout 2013, we plan to expand throughout the 40 states we serve based on how we can best meet our customers’ needs,” said Crystal W. Chassemi, Public Relations Manager for the Dollar General Corporation
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*The City of Smithville and the DeKalb Utility District are at odds again. This issue is over which company should conduct a cost study of the city’s water system. City officials already contracted with Warren & Associates of Lebanon but the DeKalb Utility District wanted the Jackson Thornton firm to perform the study. In January, city officials received a letter from Roger Turney, Chairman of the DUD board of directors addressing the city’s request for a face to face meeting on proposed contract discussions for a long term water purchase agreement and he mentioned that DUD would be interested in sharing the cost of a study if an “independent” entity were selected.
*With the Tiger’s 85-60 victory over the Chattanooga Patriots on Senior Night, DCHS Basketball Coach Lynus Martin reached a milestone with his 200th career coaching win. Coach Martin’s overall record as of senior night was 200-117, dating back to when he took over during the 2002-03 season. This was his 11th season with the team. Coach Martin has a 67-59 district record. His post-season record is 12-16. He has won one Regular Season District Championship (this year), finished as District Tournament runners-up twice (2010-11 & 2011-12) and appeared in the Region Tournament five times. Coach Martin was also selected to coach in the Basketball Coaches Association of Tennessee All-Star Game in Murfreesboro on Saturday, March 16. Tiger seniors Braxton Atnip, Sonni Fullilove and Stephen Howell were all chosen to play.
*With a local principal calling for more School Resource Officers, the school board scheduled a workshop to discuss options for strengthening school security, including the possibility of asking the county commission to help fund more SRO officers. DeKalb County currently has one School Resource Officer at DCHS. The four other schools do not have an SRO. During a school board meeting held at DeKalb West School, Dr. Gayle Redmon, Principal at Northside Elementary School said its time for the school board to act. “While I am aware that the funding for School Resource Officers is not an item that comes out of the school budget, I would like to make an appeal to the School Board to request from our County Commissioners, a School Resource Officer in each of our schools in DeKalb County,” she said. “I concur with Mrs. Redmon,” said Danny Parkerson, Principal at DeKalb West School. “Schools have changed. Our society has changed. An SRO Officer in the schools just has a calming affect if nothing else. I’ve been to ball games and had SRO Officers attend our ball games and it makes an unruly fan, ruly,” said Parkerson.
*DeKalb County’s Sonni Fullilove has been named the boy’s Defensive Basketball Player of the Year in District 8 AA while Tiger Coach Lynus Martin is the Boy’s District Coach of the Year. In addition to taking the Defensive Player of the Year award, Sonni Fullilove of DeKalb County was also named to the All-District’s 1st Team along with Braxton Atnip. Stephen Howell was named to the 2nd Team. Ethan Roller made the 3rd Team and Lucas Phillips and Will Molander received Honorable Mention. Loren Cripps of the Lady Tigers made the All-District 3rd Team. Ashli Chew and Morgan Pedigo were selected to the All Freshman Team and Chelsea Lewis received Honorable Mention.
*Kayla Belk, a seventh grader at DeKalb Middle School, won the 10th annual DeKalb County Spelling Bee at the county complex auditorium. Belk, the 12 year old daughter of ChrisAnne Belk and Andrew Fults of Smithville was among forty students from the fourth grade to the eighth grade who participated in the contest. Eleven year old Holly Evans, a fifth grader at DeKalb West School, was the runner-up. She is the daughter of Mike and Amy Evans of Alexandria. Belk and Evans will compete in the Middle Tennessee Regional Spelling Bee sponsored by Middle Tennessee State University. The regional bee will take place on Saturday, March 2 at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro. The winner of the Regional Spelling Bee will compete in the Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee in Washington D.C.
*The DeKalb County School System announced its “Teachers of the Year” at the building level of the five schools in the county. This year’s honorees are Amanda Rhoady, a first grade teacher at Smithville Elementary School; Sandy Willingham, a third grade educator at Northside Elementary School; Tammy Payne, a fourth grade teacher at DeKalb West School; Suzette Barnes, a seventh grade educator at DeKalb Middle School; and Joey Reeder, a History teacher at DeKalb County High School.
*The Smithville Mayor and Aldermen adopted a resolution to make changes to the city charter including having the terms of office go from two to four years, extending voting rights to county residents that own commercial property in the city (two persons per deed), allowing property rights voting to county residents who own at least 3,500 square feet of property in the city, and allowing by ordinance regular city council meetings to be held only once per month. The resolution, passed unanimously by the aldermen, will be sent to State Representatives Terri Lynn Weaver and Mark Pody and State Senator Mae Beavers asking that they introduce an act in the legislature to amend in its entirety the city charter, which is Chapter 486 of the Private Acts of Tennessee for 1941 and to replace it with the new charter. After the resolution is adopted by the General Assembly, it must return to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen for a second reading where it must receive a vote of not less than two thirds of the entire membership of the board before it can take effect.
*A 16 year old boy suffered a gunshot wound in the leg after an accidental shooting at a residence on North Congress Boulevard just outside the city limits. Officials said the boy and his girlfriend were cleaning guns when a weapon she held was accidentally discharged causing a wound to the boy’s leg. He was taken by DeKalb EMS to the Smithville Municipal Airport where he was airlifted by a Life Flight helicopter ambulance and flown to Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville. A family member told WJLE that the boy lost his leg. No charges will be filed in the case since it was an accidental shooting. The names of the boy and girl were not disclosed because they are juveniles.
*Local attorneys spoke out against a proposed judicial redistricting plan that would take DeKalb County out of the current make up of the 13th Judicial District and make it part of a new eight county district, which would also include Macon, Trousdale, Smith, Jackson, Cannon, Warren, and Coffee counties. For DeKalb, that would mean a different set of judges, District Attorney General, and District Public Defender from those that currently serve the county. In a meeting with the local media, several attorneys expressed their displeasure with the proposal and planned to lobby state legislators to vote against it if presented to the general assembly. “We (all local attorneys) are unanimous in our opposition to this. It’s ridiculous to say just because nothing (judicial redistricting) has happened since 1984, let’s go in and make something happen. If it’s not broken, it doesn’t need to be fixed,” said General Sessions and Juvenile Court Judge Bratten Cook, II, who is president of the DeKalb County bar.
*A 52 year old Liberty man charged in a fatal traffic accident last summer appeared in DeKalb County Criminal Court before Judge Leon Burns, Jr. where he pled guilty to vehicular homicide, vehicular assault, and assault. Johnny Lynn Hickey, facing a possible prison term of eight to twelve years and loss of his driver’s license for up to three years, will be sentenced on August 12. He was indicted in December on one count of vehicular homicide, two counts of vehicular assault, and driving under the influence. Hickey was charged in the death of 30 year old Chris Gammons who passed away Monday, July 9, 2012 at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga. Gammons and Hickey were among four people in the accident which occurred on Saturday morning, June 23, 2012 on Highway 70 near the intersection of Highway 96 (Dale Ridge Road) on Snow Hill. Gammons and Troy Bruno, both of Smithville were airlifted from near the scene of the crash by Life Force and Air Evac helicopter ambulances. The other person injured in the wreck was 32 year old Cleva Elaine Gammons of Smithville, wife of Chris Gammons. Hickey was not hurt.
*Three people charged in an Alexandria robbery last summer each received an eight year sentence in DeKalb County Criminal Court after entering pleas in negotiated settlements. 24 year old Michael Ray Slaughter of Clarksville, 25 year old Dustin Shane Puckett of Watertown, and 27 year old Joseph Clark Hindelang of Lebanon each pleaded guilty to robbery and received an eight year sentence with parole eligibility after serving 30%. Each, originally charged with aggravated robbery, agreed to plea outside of the range of punishment to get the charge reduced to robbery. Hindelang and Puckett, in addition to robbery, also pled to theft of property over $1,000 and each received a two year sentence to run concurrently with their eight year terms. Both Hindelang and Puckett were given jail credit of 206 days. Slaughter’s eight year term is to run concurrent with any violations or other charges in effect against him. He was fined $2,000.
Alexandria Police Chief Mark Collins told WJLE that Slaughter, Puckett, and Hindelang were arrested in an armed robbery at a home on Measles Lane on August 1, 2012. Police learned that two of the suspects entered the home, displayed handguns and forced the occupants, an adult female and two children , to sit and remain quiet while they went through the home taking several things including electronics, jewelry, personal items, and narcotics. After leaving the home, the suspects fled into the woods nearby but they were seen by witnesses, who reported it to Sergeant Chris Russell. After spotting a man running out of the woods, Sergeant Russell gave chase. After a short foot pursuit, the man, Slaughter was placed in custody. Shortly thereafter witnesses saw the suspects’ vehicle on High Street and reported it. Police responded, found the driver, Hindelang, and placed him in custody. Witnesses also reported having seen the third suspect, Puckett , running out of the woods on Brush Creek Highway. As a result, police found Puckett and arrested him. During a search of the area, officers recovered items taken from the home along with approximately 42 grams of marijuana found in the suspects’ vehicle and other items believed to have been stolen from another location. Police seized the vehicle as a result of the investigation.
*The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) named Tonya Hattaway of Smithville as the 2012 Dispatcher of the Year at a special award ceremony held in Murfreesboro. Hattaway, who is assigned to the THP’s Cookeville District, earned the honor for an incident last February in which she helped find a woman who was thought to be harmful to herself and sent a trooper to the woman’s aide. Hattaway earned the THP Dispatcher of the Year honor for preventing a possible suicide attempt in February 2012 after she received a call from a distressed woman who believed a loved one was traveling by car to Crossville with intentions of taking her own life. Hattaway requested the troubled woman’s cell phone number and contacted her several times to establish her location. Hattaway spent three hours trying to locate the woman. Once she did, Hattaway dispatched a trooper to her location; the trooper made contact and transported the woman to a hospital where she could receive help. Hattaway was also instrumental in the arrest of a child predator in DeKalb County. Hattaway and the trooper she was assisting looked beyond a “normal traffic stop” and determined the driver, who had a teenage girl with him, was wanted for child molestation in another county.
*Trooper Dewaine Jennings of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, for the second time in four years, has been named Trooper of the Year for the Cookeville District. Jennings, a resident of Smithville, was among twelve members of the THP who were honored as Troopers of the Year for their individual districts during a special ceremony in Murfreesboro. Trooper Jennings was named the 2012 Trooper of the Year in the THP’s Cookeville District after looking beyond the ticket on a traffic stop made on August 25, 2012. Trooper Jennings stopped a vehicle for speeding and upon contact with the two occupants noticed suspicious behavior. He then ran a validation check on the 19-year old driver and discovered he had an outstanding warrant for statutory rape. Trooper Jennings detained the driver and began questioning his female passenger. It was discovered that the female passenger was 13-years old and was the girlfriend of the male driver. Trooper Jennings contacted the girls’ mother and transported the two to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office for further investigation. It was later revealed that the 13-year old female had been raped by an older adult and the mother had been advised to keep her away from older men. The boyfriend admitted to a sexual relationship with the female juvenile, and her mother admitted to being aware of the relationship. Both the 19-year old male and the juvenile’s mother were arrested. Trooper Jennings thorough investigation in this case resulted in the discovery of a crime. Additionally, his trooper activity ranks second in the district with 23 DUI arrests and second in total citations with 837.
MARCH
*He has already served almost eleven years for the fatal shooting of a DeKalb County man, but 40 year old Christopher Nicholas Orlando will be in prison for at least another three years. After a parole hearing, three members of the Tennessee Board of Parole voted to decline parole for Orlando due to the seriousness of the offense and to reconsider the case in March, 2016. Orlando is serving a 45 year prison sentence for facilitation of first degree murder in the death of 20 year old Joshua Murphy. Orlando is incarcerated at the Northeast Correctional Complex in Mountain City, Tennessee. Murphy was shot and killed in a secluded area in the Laurel Hill Community at the end of Old Eagle Creek Road on Sunday, September 15, 2002. His body was discovered three days later. Officials said Orlando and a co-defendant, Melvin Turnbill suspected Murphy of stealing methamphetamine. Orlando was tried and convicted of the crime by a DeKalb County Criminal Court Jury in April, 2004. Turnbill entered a guilty plea to facilitation to first-degree murder in September, 2003 and was given a 25-year sentence, of which he must serve at least 30 percent. Turnbill remains incarcerated at the Bledsoe County Correctional Complex in Pikeville. His parole hearing is set for April, 2014. While Orlando said he was sorry for the death of Murphy during the parole hearing, he denied being the triggerman in the shooting, blaming Turnbill for actually committing the murder.
*A sergeant in the Cookeville District of the Tennessee Highway Patrol has been promoted to Lieutenant. Mark Dial is among fifteen members of the THP who were formally recognized for promotions in a special ceremony at the Tennessee Highway Patrol Training Center in Nashville. A commissioned state trooper since 1997, Dial’s first assignment was in White County in the Cookeville District. Dial went on to serve as a Road Trooper in White County for nine years. In late 2006, Dial was promoted to Sergeant in Putnam County, where he served for 14 months before transferring to DeKalb County as a Patrol Sergeant over both Dekalb and Smith Counties, where he is currently assigned. Throughout his career, Dial has served as a member of the THP Riot Team, and after being promoted to the rank of Sergeant, he was selected as a Squad Leader on the Riot Squad. Dial is member of the THP Honor Guard. In May of 2011, Dial became the “Officer in Charge” of the Honor Guard.
*DeKalb County Volunteer Firefighters prevented the Company Store from being destroyed by a blaze. The business, located on Highway 96 near Cove Hollow, was closed at the time of the fire. County Fire Chief Donny Green told WJLE that members of the Liberty, Temperance Hall, and Main Stations responded along with manpower from other stations. The tanker and equipment truck were also on site. County firefighters contained the blaze to the kitchen area of the building and kept it from spreading. The cause of the fire was undetermined at the time.
*The current makeup of the 13th Judicial District, which includes DeKalb County, would remain unchanged under a consensus plan to redraw Tennessee’s judicial districts as unveiled by Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey (R-Blountville. The districts were last drawn nearly thirty years ago in 1984.Under the plan, the 13th Judicial District would remain intact with no changes. The district includes Clay, Cumberland, DeKalb, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, and White Counties. A previous plan under consideration would have included DeKalb County in a new eight county district with Coffee, Cannon, Warren, Smith, Jackson, Trousdale, and Macon. Local judges and attorneys argued that the judicial system works well in the 13th district and that there was no need for redistricting here. The new proposed map causes minimal disruption to the current system affecting only 22 counties in 8 districts. To maximize efficiency, the number of judicial districts has been reduced from 31 to 29. Factors such as regional integrity, geographic boundaries and ease of inter-county travel were also heavily considered.
*The DeKalb County Jail and Jail Annex have again met minimum standards for certification by the Tennessee Corrections Institute. Sheriff Patrick Ray said the Tennessee Corrections Institute recently performed an inspection of the DeKalb County Jail and the DeKalb County Jail Annex. In a letter to Sheriff Ray, TCI Executive Director Beth Ashe, wrote that “The inspection revealed that this facility meets all applicable minimum standards. This status shall be reported to the Board of Control at its next meeting. After approval from the Board of Control, you will receive a Certificate of Certification. You are to be congratulated for attaining this degree of professionalism in your organization,” wrote Ashe. Detention Facility Specialist Joe Ferguson, in the report wrote that “On February 28, 2013 I inspected the DeKalb County Jail and Annex. With no apparent deficiencies found, I recommend continued certification for 2013”. The DeKalb County Jail and Annex have a certified capacity of 102 beds.
*An employee of the Discount Beer and Tobacco Store in Alexandria was arrested after being accused of inappropriately touching female customers and giving beer to a minor. 54 year old Sobhy Eskandar of Antioch, Tennessee has been charged by the Alexandria Police Department with six counts of sexual battery, one count of sexual battery of a minor, and one count of furnishing alcohol to a minor. Eskandar was arrested on Saturday, March 23. Alexandria Police Chief Mark Collins states that the Alexandria Police Department began investigating Eskandar ,who was an employee at the Alexandria Discount Beer and Tobacco Store on Nashville Highway, after receiving numerous complaints from female customers that Eskandar had touched them inappropriately while inside the store. Chief Collins states one of the complaints involved a minor, in which Eskandar also gave the minor a beer. Chief Collins stated that more charges are expected .
*Seniors Chelsea Lewis and Braxton Atnip were named the 2013 DCHS basketball Most Valuable Players at the annual team banquet while Senior Kaylee Cantrell was selected as the Most Valuable Cheerleader. The awards were presented by Chad Kirby of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. The MVP and MVC awards are named in memory Chad’s grandfather, Allen D. Hooper. Atnip went over 1,000 points in scoring for his career at DCHS during the Chattanooga Howard game in the sectionals or sub-state. The Tigers concluded the 2012-13 campaign with an over-all record of 30-7, the most ever wins in a single season in school history. They were also regular season district champs and runners-up in the district and regional tournaments. The DeKalb County Lady Tigers wrapped up their season losing to Livingston Academy in their opening game of the District 8 AA basketball tournament at Cookeville. The Lady Tigers finished with an over-all record of 16-16.
*More than $4,500 was raised during a three hour radiothon on WJLE for the DCHS Class of 2013 Project Graduation. DCHS teacher Chris Vance hosted the program and parents of high school seniors who serve on the Project Graduation committee answered phones, taking pledges during the drive. Several seniors also made an appearance on the radiothon to talk about their school activities and future plans and to ask for pledges. Project Graduation is an all night drug-free, alcohol-free graduation party for members of the DCHS Class of 2013 committed to having a safe, wholesome, yet entertaining celebration together for the last time as a class. The DCHS Graduation is set for Friday, May 24.
*A child sex sting operation based in St. Johns County, Florida resulted in the arrests of 15 men, including a former DeKalb County assistant scoutmaster. According to media reports in Florida, the sting by the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office was called “Operation No Soliciting and took place over the course of five days, starting March 13. Among those arrested was 47 year old Richard Charles Holubek of Orange Park, Florida, a former assistant scoutmaster for Boy Scouts of America Troop 347 in DeKalb County. Holubek is now a drug store manager in Florida. Authorities said Holubek was trying to meet a 13 year old male. He is charged with one count of use of computer service to solicit a child, one count of obscene communication travel to meet after use of a computer to lure a child, and one count of utilizing a two way device to facilitate a felony.
APRIL:
*The Tennessee Department of Transportation awarded the construction contract on Sligo bridge to the Massman Construction Company based in Kansas City, Missouri. Massman, at $38,903, 917, had the lowest bid of the six bids submitted for the project. According to Jennifer A. Flynn, TDOT Regional Community Relations Officer, the bid came in at well under TDOT’s estimated cost of the project at $43.5 million dollars.
*After a hearing which lasted all day and into the night, the state’s Utility Management Review Board dismissed a petition filed by a group of DeKalb Utility District ratepayers who were hoping to halt DUD plans to build a water treatment plant. UMRB Board members said the petitioners had failed to meet their burden of proof that DUD rates or services provided were unreasonable. The hearing was held in Smithville at the DeKalb County Complex auditorium. “I do not believe that the petitioners presented a case for water rates,” said one member of the UMRB board. “They presented a case for not wanting Smithville to lose DeKalb Utility District as a customer. What the petitioners proved was that Smithville didn’t want to lose a customer, not that the rates were improper,” he said. Randy Rhody, a twenty five year customer of DeKalb Utility District and one of the petitioners opposed to the proposed DUD water plant, testified during the hearing. “We want the plant stopped. We want to keep things exactly the way they are. That’s the only way to hold the rates the way they are. If we keep the rates exactly the same as they are then everybody will be happy. We don’t need redundant services and pay more. It doesn’t make good sense that we would raise everybody’s rates. We already have good water,” he said. Barring an appeal or any other review, the DUD apparently may now proceed with its plans to construct a water treatment plant.
*A 30 year old Smithville man with HIV, indicted by the DeKalb County Grand Jury for the rape of an eight year old boy, has now been served with a sealed indictment charging him with the rape of another child, a nine year old boy. Jose Juan Reyes of Old Blue Springs Road is now facing a total of three counts of rape of a child and two counts of criminal exposure to HIV. According to the indictment, on or about March 2, 2013 Reyes allegedly engaged in unlawful sexual penetration of a nine year old boy constituting the offense of rape of a child and that he did this knowing he was infected with HIV constituting the offense of criminal exposure to HIV. The other grand jury indictment alleges that Reyes allegedly engaged in unlawful sexual penetration of an eight year old boy on two occasions on or about February 22, 2013 constituting the offense of rape of a child and that he did this knowing he was infected with HIV constituting the offense of criminal exposure to HIV. This allegedly occurred at Reyes’ residence on Blue Springs Road.
*The current members of the DeKalb County Election Commission have been reappointed by the Tennessee Election Commission. The state election commission made these appointments on Monday April 1st. The term of each member is for two years. Members of the DeKalb County Election Commission are Walteen Parker, Barbara Vanatta, Jim Dean, Harry Lasser, and Richard Hearon Puckett. Vanatta and Dean are beginning their third terms. Parker has served since 1992. All three are republicans. Lasser, a democrat, is starting his second term. Puckett, also a democrat, has been filling the unexpired term of Kenneth Moore, who died last year. This will be Puckett’s first full term.
*Smithville Police detectives Matt Holmes and Brandon Donnell have solved a local identify theft case with the arrest of a Nashville man. 41 year old Jeffery D. Nelson is charged with four counts of identity theft. Nelson is accused of using information from a Smithville man’s debit card to withdraw funds from the victim’s bank account to pay his own utility bills on several occasions. The total amount of the theft comes to nearly three thousand dollars. According to Police Chief Randy Caplinger the Smithville resident hired the All My Sons Moving and Storage Company of Nashville last October to transport furniture from his home here to a condo in Banning, California. Nelson, who worked in the Nashville office of All My Sons, was able to access the victim’s debit card information from paper work showing where the victim had paid the company for their services. After Nelson was developed as a suspect, warrants were prepared and the U.S. Secret Service was contacted to make the arrest. Nelson was then handed over to Smithville Police.
*Four year old Jacob Marlin Stewart was crowned Little Mister of the annual spring pageant at the DeKalb County High School gym, sponsored by the Smithville Women’s Club. Stewart, the son of Megan and D.J. Stewart of Smithville, succeeds the 2012 Little Mister, Carter Matthew-Mikel Benson of Smithville, the six year old son of Karey and Chris Benson.
*Six year old Annabella Eleni Dakas of Smithville is the 2013 Little Miss of the annual spring pageant sponsored by the Smithville Women’s Club. She was crowned at the DCHS gym. Dakas, daughter of Amanda and John Dakas, succeeds the retiring Little Miss Isabella Faith Rackley, the five year old daughter of Jessica and Gordon Rackley of Smithville. Annabella was also named Miss Photogenic.
*Twelve year old Sarah Anne Colwell of Smithville is the new Junior Miss of the Spring Blossom Pageant, which was held at the DCHS gym and sponsored by the Smithville Women’s Club. Colwell, daughter of Christie and Trent Colwell, succeeds the 2012 Junior Miss Liz Abigail Qualls of Smithville, the fifteen year old daughter of Brad and Kim Trapp and Jason and Stormy Qualls.
*The DeKalb County Election Commission has chosen its officers for the next two years. The commission met in regular monthly session at the courthouse to reorganize and to conduct other business. Walteen Parker was named to her third term as chairman of the commission. Harry Lasser was re-elected as the secretary. In other business, the commission reappointed Dennis Stanley as administrator of elections for the next two years. All five members voted in favor of Stanley’s reappointment.
*A Smithville man stood trial in DeKalb County Criminal Court for the rape of a child but a jury of eight women and four men found him guilty of the lesser offense of aggravated sexual battery. Judge Leon Burns, Jr. presided over the trial. 44 year old Kenneth Lee Moore, facing a possible prison term of eight to twelve years, was sentenced on May 17 to eight years and six months in the state penitentiary. Had he been convicted as charged in the indictment for rape of a child, Moore could have been sentenced to a minimum of twenty five years in prison. The jury deliberated for more than four hours before returning their verdict. According to Sheriff Patrick Ray, Moore allegedly raped his twelve year old niece on November 15th, 2010. The child, who was living with Moore at the time, awoke from sleep to find Moore allegedly making sexual contact with her. A motion for a new trial will be heard on July 22nd in DeKalb County Criminal Court.
*The Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce has been in existence for fifty years and members gathered to celebrate this milestone during the annual banquet at the county complex auditorium. Ralph Vaughn, former manager of WJLE was the keynote speaker for the evening. The winners of the annual Leadership DeKalb Alumni awards were honored. DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Chief Donny Green received the Community Leader of the Year Award and Liberty Mayor Edward Hale was presented the Legacy Award.
*Having moved his permanent residence to White County, long time fifth district county commissioner John Green submitted his resignation. During a county commission’s all-committees meeting, County Mayor Mike Foster informed the commissioners that Green turned in his resignation letter on Monday, April 8. Green has served on the county commission for eleven years. He was first elected in 2002 and then re-elected in 2006 and 2010. Foster said the county will advertise for applications from persons in the fifth district interested in filling the unexpired term. The commissioners will interview the applicants and later vote to name a successor. Green’s term expires August 31, 2014. Those hoping to succeed Green on the commission are James Young, Anita Puckett, Hunter Hendrixson, Steven Cantrell, Eugene LaFever, and Rick Cantrell.
*A proposal to redraw Tennessee’s judicial districts for the first time since 1984 was killed when House members voted against it. Even if the measure had passed the current makeup of the 13th Judicial District, which includes DeKalb County, would have remain unchanged. The district includes Clay, Cumberland, DeKalb, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, and White Counties. The State House of Representatives voted 66-28 to defeat the measure sponsored by Republican Representative Jon Lundberg of Bristol. The companion bill in the Senate was approved 27-4 earlier this month. The plan from Republican Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey of Blountville, would have affected 22 counties in eight districts. The number of judicial districts would have been reduced from 31 to 29.
*Both the State House and Senate adopted a rewrite of the Smithville charter, subject to final approval by the Smithville Mayor and Aldermen. The legislation amends Chapter 486 of the Private Acts of 1941 to make changes in the city charter, as sought by the mayor and aldermen. The measure passed in the State House of Representatives 87-0 and in the State Senate 29-0. The resolution was passed by the Board of Aldermen in February and sent to the legislature. It will now return to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen for a second reading where it must receive a vote of not less than two thirds of the entire membership of the board before it can take effect.
*County Mayor Mike Foster and county commissioners received the John S. Wilder Rebuild Tennessee Award presented by The Tennessee Development District Association and The Upper Cumberland Development District. The Wilder award is presented for a special project in each of the state’s nine development districts. The DeKalb County Complex was selected as the project worthy of this year’s award in the UCDD. Each recipient received a commemorative plaque that recognizes their achievements. The plaques were presented by the East, Middle, and West Tennessee Development District Association Vice-Presidents at the TDDA Annual Rebuild Tennessee Awards Breakfast on April 4th at the downtown Sheraton in Nashville. The observance was part of the 2013 Annual TDDA Annual Conference and Business Meeting April 3 & 4. “The John S. Wilder Rebuild Tennessee Award is selected by each development district,” said Teresa Sanders, Coordinator for the Conference and Annual Meeting. “Tennessee is divided into nine development districts and each one chooses a project in their district to be recognized. It can be a project they are affiliated with or it can be a project that is beneficial to that region overall,” said Sanders
MAY:
*A 14 year old boy was killed while riding a bicycle down Casey’s Cove Road after he ran into an oncoming Honda CR-V and was then hit by an F150 pickup truck. Dead is Jacob Billings. 911 was first notified of the accident at 6:58 p.m. Trooper Craig Wilkerson of the Tennessee Highway Patrol told WJLE that the boy was riding his bike east on a steep downhill grade, trying to negotiate a curve, when he crossed the double yellow line into oncoming traffic and ran into a westbound 2011 Honda CR-V, driven by 31 year old Sarah Atkinson of Lexington, Kentucky. After impact, the boy came off the bike and was hit by a 2006 F150, driven by 22 year old Dalton Parker of Murfreesboro, who was traveling west behind Atkinson’s vehicle. The boy, who was not wearing a helmet, reportedly suffered severe head trauma and was taken by DeKalb EMS to DeKalb Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Atkinson had three passengers with her. Parker’s brother was riding with him. Neither of them were injured. Another teenage boy was also reportedly riding his bike down the hill at the time but he was not involved in the crash and wasn’t hurt.
*A 40 year old Putnam County woman lost her life after she allegedly drove her Chevy Blazer down a boat ramp and into the lake at Johnson Chapel. Dead is Nancy Randolph. Two others were in the Blazer with Randolph, reportedly her daughter Sara and her daughter’s boyfriend Houston Bussell, but they made it out safely. Family members allege that Randolph intentionally drove the SUV into the water. Nancy’s daughter Sara was in the front seat and Sara’s boyfriend Houston Bussell was a backseat passenger, according to reports. After they got out, Bussell allegedly went back to get Nancy out but she pushed him away. In a prepared statement, Sheriff Patrick Ray said the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department was dispatched to the Johnson Chapel boat ramp where a car had run off into the lake. A sheriff’s deputy who was close to the area arrived on the scene within seven minutes and spoke to two adults who said that the vehicle they were in had run into the lake and that the driver, a female, was still inside the automobile. Deputy Brian Williams and Detectives Mike Billings and Jeremy Taylor of the sheriff’s department went into the water and pulled the body of the woman from the submerged vehicle. The water was believed to be ten to fifteen feet deep. DeKalb EMS was on the scene and started CPR on the woman. She was then taken to DeKalb Community Hospital where she was pronounced dead. The other two adults were treated at the scene but refused further medical treatment.
*The Town of Liberty mourned the loss of their beloved mayor. 95 year old J. Edward Hale, Jr. died at DeKalb Community Hospital. Hale served as mayor for forty two years. Until his death, Mayor Hale held the distinction of being the current longest serving elected public official in DeKalb County.
*54 year old Randy Gerald Petty was treated for gunshot wounds at Vanderbilt hospital after he allegedly drew a weapon and was shot by officers of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff Patrick Ray did not disclose the names of the deputy and detective involved in the shooting. However, in accordance with a sheriff’s department policy, the officers were placed on administrative leave with pay pending the outcome of the investigation. Sheriff Ray told WJLE that the incident occurred around midnight as the officers were responding to a complaint of yelling and gunshots being fired in the area of Adcock Cemetery Road/Petty Road. ” At 11:53 p.m. dispatch got a call of multiple gunshots and yelling in the area of Adcock Cemetery Road, “said Sheriff Ray. ” A deputy and detective responded to the call. The detective spoke with the complainant and a member of Petty’s family. The complainant reported hearing yelling and gunshots coming from the area of Petty Road,” he said.
The detective was informed by a family member of Petty that he had told someone that if law enforcement officers pulled up in his driveway, he would shoot them,” said Sheriff Ray. “The deputy and detective drove to Petty Road and stopped near Petty’s house. As they got out of their vehicles and prepared to walk up the road toward his home, Petty came out from behind some trees in a neighbor’s yard,” said Sheriff Ray.” Petty drew a gun on the officers. The deputy and detective then drew their weapons and fired multiple shots. Petty was wounded in the shooting and transported by DeKalb EMS to DeKalb Community Hospital. He was later taken by ground ambulance to Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville. The officers involved in the shooting were not hurt,” he said. The shooting is under investigation at this time by the DeKalb Sheriff’s Office, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the District Attorney General’s office and will be reviewed by the DA when completed.
*A third grade teacher at Northside Elementary School was named “DeKalb County Teacher of the Year” during the sixth annual Teacher of the Year banquet at the Elizabeth Chapel Baptist Church. Sandy Willingham received the honor and a check for $150 from Liberty State Bank, the sponsor of the banquet. The presentation was made by Director of Schools Mark Willoughby and Roy Nelson Pugh of Liberty State Bank. Willingham was among five local educators who were recognized during the banquet for being chosen by peers as “Teacher of the Year” at their schools. The others were Amanda Rhoady, a first grade teacher at Smithville Elementary School; Suzette Barnes, a seventh grade educator at DeKalb Middle School; Tammy Payne, a fourth grade teacher at DeKalb West School; and Joey Reeder, a History teacher at DeKalb County High School.
*A dedication ceremony was held by members of Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County to commemorate the recent completion of the fourth partner family home on Hayes Street in Smithville. Melba Vinca and her grandchildren, Bradley Mullican and Cayton and Justin Lance are expected to move into the home soon. Vinca said the family loves their new home and are thankful to everyone who helped them. The dedication ceremony included a greeting, prayers, scripture reading, and consecration of the home all led by Dr. John Carpenter of the Smithville First United and Bright Hill United Methodist Churches. Local Habitat member Sharon Evans presented Vinca a Bible and Habitat President Nolan Turner gave her the keys to the home. The program ended with the group reciting in unison the Lord’s Prayer.
*DeKalb County High School Baseball Coach Scott Odom had to sit out the rest of the season. DCHS Principal Patrick Cripps suspended Coach Odom based on allegations that a TSSAA regulation was violated when Little League (unregistered) umpires were scheduled for the DCHS game against Watertown Tuesday in Smithville. The Tigers won that game on senior night 8 to 7. The suspension only applied to Odom’s coaching duties. It had no impact on his teaching job.
*Smithville Detective Matt Holmes has been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, effective July 1. The aldermen voted unanimously to make the promotion upon the recommendation of Police Chief Randy Caplinger. Holmes’ status as detective will be elevated to lead detective within the police department with this promotion. After graduating from DeKalb County High School, Detective Holmes furthered his education at the Tennessee Technology Center. He graduated from Walter State Community College and began his career with the Smithville Police Department in 2007. Holmes was later promoted to the rank of Detective.
*The DeKalb Utility District, for the second consecutive year, will be increasing water rates effective with bills due on July 10. The seven percent rate hike last year and the seven percent increase this year is to help pay for construction of a water treatment plant. The DUD currently plans to increase rates again next year by up to another seven percent. Basic rates for customers who use up to 2,000 gallons per month will increase by $1.33 to $20.33 (minimum bill) effective with bills due July 10. For monthly usage above 2,000 gallons up to 5,000 gallons, the costs will be an additional $7.55 per thousand, an increase of 50 cents per thousand gallons. Customers who use more than 5,000 gallons per month will pay an additional $8.10 per thousand, also an increase of 50 cents per thousand. These rates will apply to all DeKalb Utility District customers except those who reside north of Hurricane bridge. A customer, for example, who uses 6,000 gallons of water per month will see their bill increase from $47.75 to $51.08 plus tax.
*The Tennessee Highway Patrol announced that Eric McCormick has been promoted to Sergeant for the counties of Smith and DeKalb in the 6th District Cookeville (District). Sgt. McCormick began his career with the Tennessee Highway Patrol in March of 1997. After completing the THP Academy he was assigned to a road position in Putnam County. Sgt. McCormick has remained in Putnam County for the past sixteen years. Prior to becoming a Trooper with the State of Tennessee, he was a Deputy with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department. A native of DeKalb County, Sgt. McCormick and his wife Connie and three children, Grant, Grace, and Gaylin reside in Putnam County. Sgt. Eric McCormick replaces Lt. Mark Dial who was promoted and is now stationed in Putnam County as Midnight Lieutenant.
*Travis Hendrixson was the overall winner in the male division of the Relay for Life 5K May 4. His time was 18:43. Kristen VanVranken had the best time in the female division at 20:32. “The Relay 5K was a success despite the poor weather,” said spokesman Roth Terrell. “This was the largest group of Runners and Walkers the Relay 5K has ever experienced, with a total of 99 people,” said Terrell. The Relay for Life 5K raised a total of $3,870.76.
*Folks flocked to Greenbrook Park to show their love and support for cancer survivors and to join the fight against the disease during the 16th annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life. Rains, called for in the weather forecast , eventually came but held off during the first few hours of the event as young and old alike gathered to enjoy the food, games, music, and fellowship. Relay For Life is a unique opportunity for the community to come together to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember those lost, and fight back against the disease. Many of the participants are cancer survivors themselves.
*More than a million dollars in scholarships were awarded to members of the Class of 2013 at DeKalb County High School during the annual Senior Awards Day program. Representatives of colleges, universities, branches of the armed services, businesses, civic groups, and other organizations made the presentations. Erin Cantrell-Pryor received more than $212,500 in scholarships, the largest total award presented to any student during the program.
*Outstanding DCHS Junior Golfer Mallory Sullivan, who has competed at the state tournament level for the last three years, signed with Cumberland University and will join the school once she graduates. “We’re happy to have someone of Mallory’s character,” said Richard Williams, Assistant Golf Coach at Cumberland University. “Obviously playing ability is important but we’re also looking for good kids. We have a great group and a good chemistry on the team and we think she (Mallory) will fit in very well,” he said. Mallory, who will return for her senior season next year at DCHS, said she is looking forward to another good year of golf before she heads off to Cumberland. “I’m very excited. I’m ready to start my future. I’m back from a shoulder separation injury and I’m playing good. It should be a good year,” said Sullivan.
*Smithville Police arrested a 19 year old man after finding him on the property of Smithville Elementary School with an air soft pistol. It’s not known for certain if he is the same person who had been seen earlier that morning which led to a brief lock down of the school. Cody Daniel Harchenko is charged with displaying a weapon on public property. According to police, Corporal Travis Bryant was dispatched to Smithville Elementary School at 2:15 p.m. in regard to a man on the property with a gun. Upon arrival, Corporal Bryant said he observed a man (Harchenko) in the fenced area of the front of the school. The man had what appeared to be a black pistol tucked in the waistband of his pants. But while it looked like a real gun, police found that Harchenko actually had an air soft pistol. Smithville Elementary School was placed on lock down for about fifteen minutes that morning after a student reported seeing someone near the school wearing dark clothing possibly with a weapon. Smithville Police responded. A search of the school property turned up nothing at that time.
*It was a night of joy and celebration for the Class of 2013 on the occasion of graduation at DeKalb County High School. Three of the most outstanding members of the class were singled out for special recognition. This year’s White Rose Awards went to MyKaela Duke and Hunter Collins while the Citizenship Award was presented to Matt Boss. The 181 graduates received their diplomas during the commencement, each one shaking hands with Director of Schools Mark Willoughby as their names were called by Principal Patrick Cripps and Assistant Principal Kathy Bryant
*A member of the county commission wanted the full body to vote on the hiring of four School Resource Officers in the DeKalb County School System but the move was blocked for now. Second District Commissioner Jack Barton made the motion, saying the county commission should do everything it can to protect our children and secure our schools. Fourth district member David McDowell seconded the motion. Sheriff Patrick Ray, in a previous county budget committee meeting, had requested that funds be budgeted next year for the School Resource Officers. If approved, the new SRO’s would be assigned to the four schools that don’t already have them. Seventh District Commissioner Larry Summers made a motion that Barton’s motion be tabled for now to give the commission more time to consider it. ” I make a motion that we table this for further discussion. We haven’t really discussed it thoroughly enough. Everybody knows where our hearts are. We just have to see how we can pay for these things,” said Summers. First district Commissioner Mason Carter seconded the motion to table. The vote was 9-2 to table Barton’s motion.
JUNE:
*A Mount Juliet man was killed when his motorcycle crashed into a guardrail on Dale Ridge Road (Highway 96). Dead is 29 year old Joshua Jernigan. Acco
Archived News & Obituaries