A fire this morning (Friday) destroyed a vacant single wide mobile home, which was being used as a shed, on Lower Helton Road.
The structure belonged to James Hale
County Fire Chief Donny Green says Hale resides across the road from the trailer and his grandson was the first to spot the fire.
The blaze was reported after midnight but it was well underway by the time it was noticed so firefighters could not save it. Members of the Liberty, Temperance Hall, and Main Stations of the DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department responded along with the Sheriff’s Department and DeKalb EMS.
The fire rekindled after 3:00 a.m. and members of the Liberty Station returned to the scene.
No one was injured.

Leadership DeKalb Class of 2009 graduation was held on Thursday, June 18th at the 303 North Public Square Building, Smithville.
After a welcome from Chamber President, Robin Driver, the invocation was given by Reverend Ben Chapman, Director of Lighthouse Christian Camp and recipient of the Leadership DeKalb Alumni Association 2008 Legacy Award.
Leadership Alumni 2008 Community Leader of the Year, Charlie Parker, was the night’s guest
speaker and spoke on the topic “Serving Our Community.” An overview of the year’s sessions was assembled in powerpoint presentation by class president Brandon Miller. It was introduced by class member Tom Miller and narrated by Amy Lockhart and Leah Cantrell. Leadership Director Jen Sherwood, Chamber Director Suzanne Williams, and Leadership Alumni President Aaron Meeks presented the graduating class with plaques.
Leadership DeKalb is a 10-month program designed to bring together individuals who desire increased leadership responsibility in improving the quality of life in DeKalb County, and train these citizens with knowledge, skills and an increased awareness of opportunities so that they are involved, effective and active leaders. Each summer, applications are accepted for the next year’s class. Participation is open to any who lives or works in DeKalb County and who has a desire to contribute to positive change in DeKalb County. For more information, contact Jen Sherwood at 597-4851 or the chamber office at 597-4163.
Pictured from left: Front – Tiffany Winchester, DCHS Student; Esther Hernandez, Translator, La
Hermosa Methodist Church; Rhonda Caplinger, Liberty State Bank; Amy
Lockhart, Premier Realty at Center Hill Lake; Jen Sherwood, Leadership
Director; Leah Cantrell, DeKalb Community Hospital; Janna Gillard, Gillard
Publishing/DeKalb County Guide; Claudette Lasser, Law Office of Harry
Lasser; Cheryl Ludwig, Appalachian Center for Craft
Back – Nick Nokes, DTC Communications; Tom Miller, Liberty State Bank; Jason
Ray, State Farm Insurance; Brandon Miller, Middle Tennessee Natural Gas

The Smithville Aldermen Thursday night met briefly in special session and adopted on first reading the proposed six million dollar budget for the 2009-2010 fiscal year which begins July 1st.
Water and sewer rates will remain the same to start the new year with no increases. Water and sewer tap fees will also remain at the same levels and property taxes will not be increased.
The budget includes a two percent pay raise for city employees and a five dollar increase per call for the volunteer firefighters, going from $15 to $20 per call.
Since full time employees with at least ten years of service with the city will be getting a three weeks paid vacation, Mayor Taft Hendrixson proposed to give volunteer firefighters with at least ten years of service an extra $250 at the end of the year as payment in lieu of vacation. However, Alderman Tonya Sullivan said that could be addressed by the new council, and made a motion to adopt the new budget as is, with no further changes. Alderman Jerry Hutchins, Sr. seconded the motion and Aldermen Willie Thomas, Cecil Burger, and Steve White all voted yes.
Mayor Hendrixon’s proposal could be voted on as a budget amendment after the new council takes office.
The aldermen will consider second and final reading passage of the proposed budget in a special meeting on Tuesday, June 30th at 6:30 p.m. at city hall.

A mayor and three aldermen will be elected in Alexandria on Thursday, September 3rd but only two people met the qualifying deadline Thursday at noon to get their names on the printed ballot.
Mayor Ria Baker will be running for a full term as mayor and alderman Tony Tarpley will be running for a full term as alderman.
The positions are currently held by mayor Baker and aldermen Tarpley, Eddie Tubbs, and Charles Griffith.
Anyone wanting to run as a write-in candidate still has an opportunity to get in the race.
Administrator of Elections Dennis Stanley says under state law 2-7-133 subsection (i), any person wanting to be elected by write-in ballots shall complete a notice requesting such person’s ballots be counted no later than 12 noon 50 days before the election” which in this case is July 15th.
According to Stanley, “If the ballot still isn’t full, any vacancies would be filled by the board of mayor and aldermen after the election, as I understand the law.”
Meanwhile, the last day to register to vote in the Alexandria election is August 5th.
The last day to register to vote in the Liberty election is July 7th.
Early voting for the Liberty election is July 27th-August 1st.

As we approach the summer months, the Tennessee Department of Safety (TDOS) reminds motorists that children and pets should never be left unattended in a vehicle.
“It is important to remember that children and pets can become ill from heat exhaustion when left in a hot car,” stated Department of Safety Commissioner Dave Mitchell. “Motorists should never leave a child or animal unattended in a car, even with the windows down. Even if it’s just a few moments, it’s extremely dangerous.”
On a typical sunny, summer day, the temperature inside a car can reach potentially deadly levels within minutes. Experts say the damage can happen in as little as ten minutes. Even on a mild day at 73 degrees outside, an SUV can heat up to 100 degrees in ten minutes and to 120 degrees in just 30 minutes. At 90 degrees outside, the interior of a vehicle can heat up to 160 degrees within several minutes.
“Cracking the window to let air in does little to protect children from the effects of heat buildup in a parked car,” stated Tennessee Highway Patrol Colonel Mike Walker. “Not only could you suffer the loss of a loved one from leaving them in an unattended vehicle, you could face jail time and stiff penalties.”
Heat exhaustion can occur at temperatures above 90 degrees and heat stroke can occur when temperatures rise above 105 degrees. If not treated immediately, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke. With respiratory systems that are still developing, children are particularly vulnerable to heat exhaustion.
Depending on the seriousness of the offense, a person can be charged with penalties ranging from a Class A Misdemeanor to a Class A Felony for leaving a child unattended in a vehicle. TCA Code 39-15-401 provides that “any person who knowingly, other than by accidental means, treats a child under eighteen years of age in such a manner as to inflict injury commits a Class A misdemeanor. If the abused child is six years of age or less, the penalty is a Class D felony. TCA Code 39-15-402 carries a possible Class B or Class A felony for aggravated child abuse and aggravated child neglect or endangerment. Class A Misdemeanors carry a penalty of not greater than 11 months, 29 days or a fine up to $2,500, or both. Class A Felonies can carry a penalty of not less than 15 nor more than 60 years. In addition, the jury may assess a fine not to exceed $50,000.
Last year, nationwide, there were at least 42 deaths in the United States due to hyperthermia after being left inside hot cars, trucks, vans and SUV’s. (Source: San Francisco State University)
Make sure your child is safe this summer and always follow a few simple tips:
Safety Tips:
• Children should never be left alone in a vehicle, not even to run a quick errand.
• Be sure that all occupants leave the vehicle when unloading. Don’t overlook sleeping babies.
• Children can set a vehicle in motion. Always lock your car and ensure children do not have access to keys or remote entry devices.
• If a child gets locked inside, call 911 and get him/her out as soon as possible.
• Keep vehicles locked at all times, even in the garage or driveway.
• Keys should never be left within reach or sight of children.
• If you see a child or animal unattended in a car, be proactive and call 911.
The Tennessee Department of Human Services is taking similar steps to protect children transported by child care providers. To learn more, visit: http://www.tennessee.gov/humanserv/news/09/news-06-03-09.pdf and http://www.tn.gov/humanserv/adfam/cc_main.html.

The Tennessee Department of Safety (TDOS) is opening a new Driver Service Center in McMinnville, Tennessee, and closing the one currently located at 1350 Sparta Street. The new facility will be located at 594 Vervilla Road in McMinnville.
The current Warren County Driver Service Center will be closed on Monday, June 22, 2009, and will open for business at its new location on Wednesday, June 24, 2009, at 7:00 a.m. Normal hours of business will continue to be Tuesday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. On the second Wednesday of each month, the facility opens one hour late for a monthly staff meeting.
The relocation gives TDOS the opportunity to move into a larger space that will allow the department to serve customers more efficiently. In the early 1980’s, the Driver Service Center moved into the 1,400 square feet modular building on Cadillac Drive. It was adequate for serving customers at that time, but the population in McMinnville has grown significantly since then and more space was needed. The Driver Service Center was moved to a temporary facility on Sparta Street in February 2008 until the new facility could be constructed. The new facility will be nearly 6,000 square feet. Members of the Tennessee Highway Patrol will also utilize some of the space.
Customers may also utilize the full-service Driver Service Centers in Coffee, Rutherford and Putnam counties.

Three new aldermen were elected Tuesday in the Smithville Municipal Election.
Shawn Jacobs, W.J. (Dub) White, and Aaron Meeks defeated the incumbent aldermen, Jerry Hutchins, Sr., Tonya Sullivan, and Willie Thomas.
Jacobs led the ticket with 403 votes (19.3%), White had 364 (17.4%) and Meeks received 303 votes (14.5%)
Sullivan had 289 votes (13.8%), Hutchins 237 (11.3%), Thomas 227 (10.8%), Gary Durham 224 (10.7%), and Todd Van Dyne 40 (1.9%)
A total of 811 people voted in the election, including 590 during the early voting period and 221 on Tuesday.
Jacobs, White, and Meeks will officially begin their two year terms on July 1st. They will likely be sworn into office during a special meeting of the city council prior to July 1st.
The position of alderman is not new to Meeks and White. They have both served as alderman before. In fact they both were unseated in their bids for re-election two years ago. Jacobs ran unsuccessfully for alderman for the first time two years ago, losing by only twelve votes.
The city council will be made up of Shawn Jacobs, W.J. (Dub) White, Aaron Meeks, Cecil Burger, and Stephen White. The mayor is Taft Hendrixson.
The terms of Hendrixson, Burger, and Stephen White will expire June 30th, 2010.
The following are the votes for each candidate in the election Tuesday:
Gary Durham-
Early Voting-150
Absentees (Paper Ballots) 16
Election Day-58
TOTAL-224
Jerry Hutchins, Sr.
Early Voting-153
Absentees (Paper Ballots) 21
Election Day-63
TOTAL-237
Shawn Jacobs
Early Voting-273
Absentees (Paper Ballots) 14
Election Day-116
TOTAL-403
Aaron Meeks
Early Voting 204
Absentees (Paper Ballots) 14
Election Day-85
TOTAL-303
Tonya Sullivan
Early Voting 190
Absentees (Paper Ballots) 15
Election Day-84
TOTAL-289
Willie Thomas
Early Voting-155
Absentees (Paper Ballots) 17
Election Day-55
TOTAL-227
Todd Van Dyne
Early Voting-27
Absentees (Paper Ballots) 3
Election Day-10
TOTAL-40
W.J. (Dub) White
Early Voting-245
Absentees (Paper Ballots) 19
Election Day-100
TOTAL-364

A three year old child, found floating in the city swimming pool Sunday afternoon, is recovering today (Monday) at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital in Nashville.
Kadee Griffith, daughter of Chris and Jennifer Griffith, has been taken off the respirator and is alert and responsive, according to her father.
Chris Griffith told WJLE by telephone Monday morning from the hospital that he, Kadee, and his seven year old daughter were at the Smithville Municipal Pool Sunday afternoon attending a friend’s birthday pool party when the incident occurred around 4:38 p.m.
Griffith says he doesn’t know what happened. One minute Kadee was standing near the pool, and moments later he looked around and saw her floating face down in the water. Griffith says he picked Kadee up out of the pool. She wasn’t breathing.
Kim France, an RN, who was there began performing CPR on the child. Others also rendered assistance until DeKalb EMS arrived. In addition, Smithville Police Officer Scott Davis and members of the Smithville Volunteer Fire Department were on the scene. A Life Force helicopter ambulance was summoned and landed at the golf course. Kadee was then airlifted and flown to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, where she remains hospitalized.
Griffith says Kadee has shown signs of improvement this morning (Monday). She has been talking and giving her parents hugs. No word yet on when she will get to come home.
Meanwhile, in his weekly update on crime news, Sheriff Patrick Ray reports that
21 year old Homer Anthony Petty II of Banks Pisgah Road was arrested on Monday, June 8th for driving on a suspended license. Petty’s license was revoked for failure to satisfy a citation in Smith County on August 18th, 2008. Having knowledge that Petty’s license was suspended, a deputy, while on patrol, stopped Petty’s vehicle after spotting it on Short Mountain Highway. Petty’s bond is $1,000 and he will appear in court on June 24th.
24 year old Joshua Rhyn Cripps of Hodges Road Smithville was arrested Wednesday, June 10th for possession of a schedule VI drug (marijuana) and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond for Cripps was set at $3,000. A deputy, while on patrol in the northern part of the county, spotted a vehicle setting on the side of the roadway on Cookeville Highway. While the officer was talking to the driver, he spotted a bag of marijuana lying in the passenger side seat. A box was also found in the driver’s side door pocket which contained a set of scales that is believed to have been used to weigh the marijuana.
53 year old Gary Wayne Stockton of Austin Bottom Road, Baxter was arrested Friday, June 12th and charged with driving under the influence and evading arrest. He was also issued citations for violation of the implied consent law and no tail lights. Bond for Stockton was set at $2,500 and he will appear in court June 25th. While on patrol in the eastern part of the county, deputies stopped a vehicle for a light law violation on Highway 70 at Johnson Chapel Road. Upon speaking with the driver, the deputy noticed that he had slurred speech and he was unsteady on his feet. After the man failed field sobriety tasks, officers asked him to submit to a blood alcohol test but he refused and then took off running. The man, Stockton, was caught a short distance down the road.
On Saturday, June 13th, deputies stopped a vehicle for a traffic offense on Highway 56 South and Old Blue Springs Road. The driver, 25 year old Claudie Dewayne Odom of Ash Avenue,. Cookeville was found to be driving on a suspended license. Odom’s license was suspended for failure to file insurance after an accident he had in Putnam County on March 10th, 2008. Odom’s bond was set at $1,000 and he will appear in court on July 23rd
On Sunday, June 14th deputies investigated a complaint about a theft where 45 year old Denise Ann Jauregui of Morgan Drive, Smithville went into a house on Short Mountain Highway, entered a bed room, and took $3,900 in cash from a wallet. Officers located Jauregui and she admitted to them that she had taken the money. Jauregui was arrested and charged with theft of property over $1,000. Her bond was set at $10,000 and she will appear in court on July 2nd. Deputies were able to recover $2,728 in cash from Jauregui.

The Alexandria City Election will be held Thursday, September 3rd. A mayor and three aldermen will be elected that day. The positions are currently held by Mayor Ria Baker and Aldermen, Charles Griffith, Eddie Tubbs, and Tony Tarpley. The qualifying deadline for the election is noon on Thursday, June 18th at the DeKalb County Election Commission Office. Call 597-4146 for more information.

It’s one of the oldest churches in DeKalb County and this week, the congregation of the New Bildad Primitive Baptist Church is celebrating 200 years of service to the Lord.
Elder Ricky Arnold, pastor of the church, invites everyone to join them. “Starting this Thursday night, June 18th, the New Bildad Primitive Baptist Church celebrates it’s 200th anniversary. The church was constituted in June 1809. It lettered from the Brush Creek Primitive Baptist Church, which is still in existence.”
“The New Bildad Primitive Baptist Church has been in the Seven Springs-Keltonburg community for 200 years now. We wanted to take the opportunity to celebrate and to thank God for His amazing Grace. In 200 years, the church has probably touched the lives of a lot of people and families that are here in DeKalb County. We’d love for those folks to come back and visit us.”
“The church divided in 1854 and the church that became known as Old Bildad changed their original church covenant but the church that became known as New Bildad still holds the church covenant and the Articles of Faith from 1809 and we still practice and worship as they did 200 years ago. We have a rich history and we want to thank God for that.”
Arnold says services will be Thursday and Friday nights starting with supper at 5:30 p.m. followed by services at 7:00 p.m.; Saturday morning service at 10:00 a.m. with lunch to follow; Saturday night supper at 5:30 p.m. followed by the service at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday morning service at 10:30 a.m. followed by lunch. The invited speakers are Elders Michael Gowens, Ronald Lawrence, and Jeff Winfrey.