Frank Ray Bratten

91 year old Frank Ray Bratten of Liberty died Tuesday night at DeKalb Community Hospital. He was the son of the late Frank and Bobbie Gothard Bratten. He was retired from Ford Glass in Nashville, longtime member of First Baptist of Donelson, current member of Salem Baptist Church in Liberty and proudly served his country in WWII in the U.S. Navy. He was a Godly man who left a Godly legacy for his family. In addition to his parents Mr. Bratten was also preceded in death by his wife Anna Ruth Bratten; Son: Larry Don Bratten; Brother: Tom Bratten; Sister: Lavenia Bratten Mitchell. Survivors include Daughter and Son-in-Law: Patricia Bratten (Donald) Hicks of Forest, VA.; Grandchildren: Matthew Donald Hicks, Mark Allen Hicks, Melody Joy Hicks, Joe Don (Molly) Bratten and Mary Ann Bratten (Dwayne) Blair; Former Daughter-in-law: Charlotte Bratten of Readyville; Great Grandsons: Gabriel Blair,Abram Bratten and Braedon Jett. Funeral services will be held 11:AM Saturday at Salem Baptist Church in Liberty with Dr. Donald Hicks, Pastor of the FBC of Charlottesville, Virginia officiating and burial in the Salem Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be Friday from 3:PM until 8:PM and Saturday from 9:AM until time of the service at 11:AM. All visitation will be held at the Salem Baptist Church in Liberty. In addition to flowers, donations may also be made to the Gideons Memorial Bible Fund. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

Terry Wayne “Tutor” Kent

56 year old Terry Wayne “Tutor” Kent of Alexandria, died Tuesday evening at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. Son of the late C.E. and Iva Dell Johnson Kent, he was preceded in death by a sister, Peggy Faye Kent and brothers, Mike and Jerry Kent. He was a graduate of DeKalb County High School and was employed as a painter. Terry was a member of Liberty Hill Presbyterian Church. He is survived by his wife, Lisa Hall Kent of Alexandria; son, Jeremy Kent of Watertown; sisters, Linda Farmer and husband, William and Shirley Lowe and husband, Bob both of Lebanon; sisters-in-law, Lynn and Regina Kent; nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Friday at Hunter Funeral Home in Watertown with Steve Mayle officiating. Visitation with the family will be from 3-8 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m. till service time on Friday. Burial will be in Prosperity Cemetery. Hunter Funeral Home in Watertown is in charge of the arrangements.

Woman Airlifted After Car Slams into Tree

A Smithville woman was seriously injured Monday night when her car left the road and crashed into a tree on Highway 56 near Hurricane Bridge.
Central dispatch received the call at 7:15 p.m.
Trooper Jeremy Wilhite of the Tennessee Highway Patrol told WJLE that 59 year old Belinda Rose Williams was driving toward Smithville in a 1998 Oldmobile Intrigue when she failed to negotiate a curve just past Hurricane Bridge. The car went off the left side of the highway and into the wood line where she struck a tree. Though partially ejected, Williams was trapped in the car.
Members of the DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department’s Extrication Team were called to the scene. They removed the driver side door and pried the dashboard to help free Williams from the car. She was taken by DeKalb EMS to meet a Life Flight helicopter ambulance which landed near the scene. Williams was then flown to Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville. She is believed to have suffered broken bones and possibly other injuries.
Members of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department and Cookeville Highway and Short Mountain Highway Stations of the DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department were also on the scene.

Charles Edward Cantrell

42 year old Charles Edward Cantrell of Smithville died Sunday at his residence. He was a Baptist, a mechanic, and a former employee of Estes Furniture Company. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Cantrell was preceded in death by his father, Albert Cantrell; granddaughter, Haylea Marie Hughes; and grandparents, David and Hazel Mai Attkinson. Survivors include his fiancée, Veronica Mooneyham of Smithville. A daughter, Betty and husband Derek Hughes of Virginia. Two sons, Clint Cantrell and his fiancée Amanda Vann of Smithville and Dustin Herndon of Warren County. Four grandchildren. His mother, Rachel Caldwell of Warren County, Two brothers, Albert Cantrell and Tommy Willis. Three sisters, Tracey Thomason, Susan Willis and Nikki Lippard. Several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends survive. Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements, In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations please be made to Love-Cantrell Funeral Home to help with expenses.

Spencer Succumbs to Wreck Injuries

An elderly woman who was seriously injured in a two car crash in Alexandria last Wednesday night has died.
82 year old Mildred Spencer of the Temperance Hall area, who was airlifted to Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga after the accident, passed away on Friday.
The crash occurred at the intersection of Highway 53 and New Hope Road. Central dispatch received the call at 5:42 p.m.
Sergeant Eric McCormick of the Tennessee Highway Patrol told WJLE that Spencer was traveling east from East Main Street crossing Highway 53 toward New Hope Road in a 1999 Chevy Lumina when her car was struck in the passenger side by a 2001 Toyota, driven by 52 year old Phyllis Asberry of Brush Creek who was traveling north on Highway 53.
The Asberry car came to rest off the east side of Highway 53 facing south. The Spencer car went off the east side of Highway 53 and crashed through a rock fence and into a small dry creek bed. Spencer was trapped inside the car.
Members of the DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department’s Extrication Team were called to the scene and removed the driver’s side door of Spencer’s car. She was then removed from the vehicle and taken by DeKalb EMS to meet a Life Force helicopter ambulance which landed on Highway 53 near the crash site.
Asberry was not transported by EMS and was not believed to have been seriously hurt.
Others on the scene were members of the Alexandria Police and Fire Departments and the Sheriff’s Department.
The funeral service for Spencer will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in McMinnville.
Spencer was a resident of Union Dale, Pennsylvania from 1954 before moving to Alexandria in 1987.
On August 21, 1948 she married Lei A. Spencer who died in 2002 after 54 years of marriage.
She is survived by two sons Alburn C. Spencer of Watertown and Mark (Patricia) E. Spencer of San Antonio Texas. Two sisters Charlotte (Price) Halstead and Dorothy (Price) Spencer, and a brother Charles Edward Price.
Heritage Funeral Homes & Cremation Services in Chattanooga is in charge of the arrangements.

Carthage Woman Charged in Alexandria Burglary and Theft

A Carthage woman has been arrested in an Alexandria burglary investigation.
27 year old Demelza Jane Frances Grisham of Jordan Street, Carthage is charged with aggravated burglary and theft of property over $500. Her bond totals $15,000 and she will be in court December 12. She was arrested on Saturday, December 7.
Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on Monday, November 18 Grisham allegedly made entry into a residence on New Hope Road in Alexandria and stole a Hewett Packard Laptop computer, $300 worth of rolled change, and a book of checks all valued at under $500.
The case was investigated by a criminal detective of the Sheriff’s Department.
A Smithville woman has been charged with filing a false report claiming her boyfriend had raped her.
19 year old Kellyie Dahn Wilkey of Poplar Street is under a $2,500 bond and she will be in court on December 19. Sheriff Ray said that on Saturday, November 16 Wilkey came to the Sheriff’s Department to file a report that she had been raped by her boyfriend. A criminal detective investigated the case and after conducting interviews determined that Wilkey had lied about the rape. After returning to the Sheriff’s Department for another interview, Wilkey admitted that she made up the rape allegation because she was mad at her boyfriend. She was arrested on Tuesday December 3 for filing a false report.
22 year old Reba Leach of South Mountain Street, Smithville is charged with domestic assault. Her bond is $1,500 and she will be in court December 12. Sheriff Ray said that on Tuesday, December 3 a deputy went to Highland Drive on a domestic assault call. Upon arrival, the officer spoke with the victim who said that she and a man were arguing when his girlfriend, Leach came up and pushed her and punched her in the lip. The two ended up fighting on the ground. The victim had a large knot on the back right side of her head and Leach had a small cut under her left eye. Leach admitted to pushing the victim and punching her. Leach was determined to be the primary aggressor. She was arrested for domestic assault and transported to the jail for booking.
28 year old Jessica Renee Bogle of Holmes Creek Road, Smithville is charged with evading arrest and violation of probation. Her bond on the evading arrest charge is $2,500 but she is being held without bond for the violation of probation. She will be in court December 12 for evading arrest and January 22 for the violation of probation. Sheriff Ray said that on Monday, November 25, a deputy went to Bogle’s home on Holmes Creek Road to serve the VOP warrant on her. Bogle told the officer she had to put on different clothes before leaving. She went into a bedroom, slammed the door, and then went out another door exiting the home. The officer was unable to locate her. Bogle was picked up on Friday, December 6.
43 year old Jeffrey L. White of Seven Springs Road, Smithville was arrested on Saturday, December 7 for a fifth offense of driving on a revoked license. He was also issued a citation for a light law violation. He will be in court January 16. He was also served with a grand jury sealed indictment returned January 30, 2012 for promotion of methamphetamine. His bond is $20,000 and he will be arraigned January 22
Sheriff Ray said that on Saturday, December 7, a deputy observed a white truck traveling on North Congress Boulevard with a headlight out. The officer stopped the truck and spoke with the driver, White. A computer check revealed White’s drivers license was revoked for driving under the influence. He has four prior driving on revoked offenses against him. White was arrested and brought to the jail for booking.

DeKalb Republicans to Hold Mass Meeting and Convention

The DeKalb County Republican Party will hold a Mass Meeting Saturday morning, January 11 at 10:00 a.m. in the first floor courtroom of the Courthouse.
Jennifer Winfree, Party Chairperson, said the purpose of the meeting is to select delegates to the DeKalb County Republican Convention and to give potential candidates an opportunity to formally announce their candidacies. The convention will be at the courthouse at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 18.
Republicans currently hold six local offices in DeKalb County County including Sheriff Patrick Ray, Trustee Sean Driver, Road Supervisor Kenny Edge, First District County Commissioner Mason Carter, Second District County Commissioner Bobby Joines, and Fifth District County Commissioner Jerry Adcock.
Edge does not plan to seek re-election but a Republican is expected to announce for the office.
GOP candidates nominated for county offices at the convention will run against any Democratic and or Independent candidates in the August General Election.
Local Democrats will have a primary to select their nominees on May 6.
Both parties have also called for a primary to select nominees for district judicial offices in the 13th district on May 6.
Winners of those primaries will run against each other and any Independents in the August General Election.
The qualifying deadline for the May 6 primaries is NOON February 20, 2014.

Christmas Spirit Alive in Alexandria (VIEW VIDEO OF ENTIRE PARADE HERE)

The threat of rain did not dampen the spirits of those who turned out Sunday to enjoy the Alexandria Christmas parade.
M2U01351 from dwayne page on Vimeo.
Showers held off as the parade made its way into town led by Alexandria Police Chief Mark Collins followed by Sheriff Patrick Ray and Constable Mark Milam. The parade also featured veteran Jimmy Mullinax, clowns, girl scout troops, queens from local pageants, the DCHS band, local businesses, State Representative Terri Lynn Weaver, vintage automobiles, four wheelers and motorcycles, Alexandria and DeKalb County Fire trucks, Tennessee Division of Forestry and Smoky the Bear, Smithville- DeKalb Rescue Squad, DeKalb EMS, horseback riders, and Santa Claus.
Drawings were held after the parade for prize giveaways.

Mildred Marguerite Spencer

Mildred Marguerite Spencer, 82 of Alexandria TN passed away on 6 December 2013.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday 11 December 2013 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in McMinnville.
On 21 August 1948 married Levi A. Spencer (deceased 2002) for 54 years, survived by siblings Charlotte (Price) Halstead, Dorothy (Price) Spencer, Charles Edward Price, two sons Alburn C. Spencer (63) of Watertown TN. and Mark (Patricia) E. Spencer (56) of San Antonio TX,. Resident of Union Dale PA from 1954, moved to Alexandria TN in 1987.
She joyfully cherished the warm and loving relationships with friends and family, kind by spirit and heart, demonstrating exuberance and nurture, whether stranger or acquaintance, abode far or near.
Fulfilling roles as daughter, sister, spouse, lover, partner, mate, farmer, home maker, scouting den mother, nurse and Mom. Lovingly exemplified the formula for a wonderful marriage of play, respect, commitment and endearment.

Walter Roscoe Prichard, Jr.

82 year old Walter Roscoe Prichard, Jr. of Smithville died Monday at DeKalb Community Hospital. He was the son of the late Walter Roscoe Prichard, Sr. and Minnie Keys Prichard. He was retired from Star Mfg. In addition to his parents Mr. Prichard was also preceded in death by his wife Helen V. Prichard; Daughter: Pamela K. Prichard; Son: Norman Prichard; Brother: Bob Prichard and Sister: Cleo. Survivors include 4 children: Connie Sue Jolley of Smithville, Judy C. Rose of Huntsville, AL., Charles Edward Prichard and Grady Allen Prichard both of Smithville; 7 Grandchildren; 13 Great Grandchildren; 2 Sisters: Martha Jane Ryan of San Diego, CA., Ann Holmes of West Virginia and Brother: Fred Prichard of Florida. The funeral will be held at 1:PM Wednesday at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with burial to follow in DeKalb Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be on Tuesday 4:PM until 8:PM and Wednesday 11:AM until time of service at 1:pm. DeKalb Funeral Chapel in Smithville is in charge of the arrangements.