Dwayne Page

McKenna Miller of Dowelltown was crowned queen of Saturday’s Valentine Pageant in the 16 to 18 year old age category. The event was held at the DeKalb County Complex Auditorium as a benefit for the Last-Minute Toy Shop.

Miller is the 16-year-old daughter of Christen and Charles Cox and David Miller. She was also the recipient of the People’s Choice honor.

The 1st runner-up was Kenadee Rose Prichard of Alexandria, the 16-year-old daughter of JoDee and Luke Prichard. She was also judged to have the prettiest eyes, hair, attire, and smile.

The pageants featured DeKalb County girls from ages birth to 18 years of age and still in school.

Meanwhile Baylei Anne Benson of Smithville won the crown in the 13–15-year-old category. She is the 14-year-old daughter of Karey and John Washer and Christopher Benson. She was awarded honors for prettiest eyes and attire.

Runners-up in this category were 1st-Kenzi MaKaya Barnes of Smithville, 15-year-old daughter of Ashley Barnes. She was also named most photogenic. Second runner-up went to Charley Loren Prichard of Liberty, 13-year-old daughter of Andy and Chrissy Prichard. She was also judged to have the prettiest hair and smile.

10-year-old MaKenna Grace Billings of Sparta claimed the crown in the category for 10–12-year-old girls. She is the daughter of Blake and Makayla Billings. She was awarded for prettiest eyes, hair, and attire.

Runners-up were 1st- Katy Jo Bowen of Liberty, 11-year-old daughter of Cody and Kim Atnip and the late Joseph Bowen. She also took home the honor for most photogenic. Second runner-up was Katie Jo Prichard of Alexandria, 10-year-old daughter of Luke and JoDee Prichard. 10-year-old Stella Grace Adcock of Smithville, daughter of Byron and Paige Adcock was the people’s choice winner while 10-year-old Maggie Hendrix of Dowelltown, daughter of Jared and Jennifer Hendrix was judged to have the prettiest smile.

Capturing the crown in the 7–9-year-old division was Aleeya Weslyn Graham of Smithville, 8-year-old daughter of Derek and Andria Graham

Runners-up in this category were 1st- Rozlyn Marie Prichard of Smithville, 7-year-old daughter of Mark and Amanda Prichard. Second runner-up was Novalee Carol Billings of Sparta, 8-year-old daughter of Blake and Makayla Billings. She was awarded for prettiest attire.

Meanwhile, Kathryn Ann Williams of Alexandria, 7-year-old daughter of Dillon and Hailey Williams was winner of the people’s choice award. Oaklynn Fayth Hale of Smithville, 9-year-old daughter of Austin Hale and Kimberly Flanagan was judged to have the prettiest hair and Wrigley Marie Jared of Smithville, 9-year-old daughter of Tim and Shelly Jared received the honor for prettiest eyes and smile. Eight-year-old Ava Leigh Elizabeth Haddock of Liberty, daughter of Donald and Kristina Haddock took home the most photogenic award.

In the age 4–6-year-old category, Taylor Elizabeth Bias of Smithville was crowned queen. She is the 4-year-old daughter of Jennifer Pyles and Brandon Bias. She was awarded for prettiest eyes and most photogenic.

1st runner-up was Elliott Quinn Prichard of Smithville, 5-year-old daughter of Mark and Amanda Prichard. She was also awarded for prettiest hair. Second runner-up was Reese Everly Leiser of Alexandria, 6 year old daughter of Sean and Jessica Leiser. Winning for prettiest attire was Peaches Bond of Smithville, 6-year-old daughter of Leslie and Randall Bond while the prettiest smile honor went to Eloise Hendrix of Dowelltown, 6 year old daughter of Jared and Jennifer Hendrix.

The winner of the age 25- 48-month category was Queen Olivia Grace Jones of Smithville, 3-year-old daughter of Chris and Teresa Jones. She also received awards for prettiest eyes, hair, attire, and most photogenic.

Runners-up in this event were 1st- Elsie Pearl Paschal of Alexandria, 3-year-old daughter of Justin and Makagan Paschal. She was also awarded for prettiest smile. Second runner-up was Evie Kate Billings of Sparta, 3-year-old daughter of Blake and Makayla Billings. Sydney Ann Barrett of Smithville, 3-year-old daughter of Stephen and Vickey Barrett received an award for people’s choice.

Indy Hart Williams of Smithville was crowned queen of the 13–24-month age group. She is the 23-month-old daughter of Brian and Stephanie Williams. She was also awarded for prettiest smile. First runner-up was Katlyn Gibbs of Sparta, 14-month-old daughter of Jana Gibbs. She was awarded for prettiest eyes, hair, attire and most photogenic.

Winning the category for 7 to 12 months was queen Willow Rose Sullivan of Doyle, the 12-month-old daughter of Kayla and Travis Sullivan. She received honors for prettiest eyes and smile.

Runners-up were 1st- Charlotte Cay Koelle of Smithville, 8-month-old daughter of Christian and Heather Koelle. She also took home awards for prettiest hair, attire, and most photogenic. Second runner-up was Halle Grace Karolyn Underhill of Smithville, 11-month-old daughter of Nick and Christian Underhill. She received the people’s choice award.

The winner of the age 1 day to 6-month division was Queen Stella Clouse of Smithville, 6-month-old daughter of Amanda Clouse and Drake Clouse. She was awarded for prettiest eyes.

Runners-up were 1st- Eliza Beth Burke of Smithville, 4-month-old daughter of Jonah and Kelsey Burke. Second runner-up was Iris Jane Grigg of Gordonsville, 5-month-old daughter of Paige and Ian Grigg. She received honors for prettiest hair, attire, and smile.

February 3, 2025—USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds producers of hay and pasture crops that February 15, 2025 is the final sales closing date to purchase a Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) policy.

Eligible producers must apply for coverage using form CCC-471, “Application for Coverage,” and pay the applicable service fee by the application closing date. For all coverage levels, the NAP service fee is the lesser of $325 per crop or $825 per producer per administrative county, not to exceed a total of $1,950 for a producer with farming interests in multiple counties. Producers can elect increased coverage for additional premiums.

Beginning farmers, limited resource farmers, socially disadvantaged farmers and qualifying veteran farmers are eligible for a waiver of the service fee and a 50 percent premium reduction when they file form CCC-860. A “beginning farmer” is defined as a person who has not operated a farm for more than 10 years, and materially and substantially participates in the operation. For 2025, in DeKalb and Cannon counties, a “limited resource farmer” is defined as having gross farm sales less than or equal to $227,100 per year in each of the tax years 2022 and 2023 and less than $33,658 in total household adjusted gross income each tax year 2022 and 2023. A “socially disadvantaged farmer” is defined as a farmer who is a member of groups such as: American Indians, Alaskan Natives, Asians, Asian Americans, Blacks, African Americans, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, Hispanics, and Women. A “veteran farmer” is defined as a farmer who has served in the Armed Forces and has operated a farm for less than 10 years, or first obtained status as a veteran during the most recent 10-year period.

For crop year 2025, pasture (mixed forage for grazing) producers with NAP coverage should report their crop acreage by February 28, 2025 (15 calendar days before the onset of grazing) to have a timely filed crop acreage report. The deadline to report mixed forage for hay is also 15 days before the onset of harvest. To streamline the process, we would also encourage producers who have NAP coverage on hay to file their crop acreage by February 28, 2025.

When a crop or planting is affected by a natural disaster, a Notice of Loss (CCC-576) musts be filed within 15 calendar days of the: 1) natural disaster occurrence; 2) final planting date if your planting was prevented by a natural disaster; 3) date damage to the crop or loss of production becomes apparent.

For additional program details, contact the DeKalb/Cannon County Farm Service Agency, located at 647 Bright Hill Rd., or phone the office at 597-8225, extension 2.

The DCHS basketball teams suffered losses on the road at Baxter Friday night with the Lady Tigers dropping the girls game 63 to 17 before the Tigers were beaten 77 to 34.

The DC girls are now 6-20 overall and winless at 0-8 in the district while the Tigers drop to 9-17 on the season and 1-7 in district play

In the girls game Upperman led 25 to 6 after the 1st period, 32 to 6 at halftime, 55 to 10 after the 3rd period before beating the Lady Tigers 63 to 17.

For the Lady Tigers, Allie Melton and Autumn Crook each scored 5, Choe VanVranken 3 and Brooklyn Fuson and Jordyn Agee each with 2.

The Bees topped the Tigers 21 to 11 after the 1st period, 44 to 21 at halftime, and 67 to 30 after the 3rd period before notching a 77 to 34 victory over DeKalb County.

For DC, Dallas Kirby scored 12, Chase Young and Jon Hendrix each with 6, Logan Duke and Seth Fuson each with 4 and Kiece Hannah 2.

DeKalb County will close out the regular season with a trip to Livingston Academy on Tuesday night, February 11 and at home versus Stone Memorial Friday, February 14 starting with the girls games each night at 6 p.m. followed by the boys games. WJLE will have LIVE coverage.

A man who allegedly threatened a woman with a machete has been arrested for domestic assault.

60-year-old Roger Dale Neal of Ridgeview Lane, Baxter (DeKalb County) is under a $5,000 bond and his court date is February 13.

Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on January 25 a deputy was summoned to Neal’s home due to a domestic assault. Upon arrival the officer spoke with a woman who said that Neal had threatened her with a machete and forced a locked door open by kicking it and breaking the lock. Neal allegedly admitted to breaking the door. His actions caused the woman to fear for her safety.

40-year-old Jay Lee Mullican of Big Hill Road, Liberty is charged with driving on a suspended license. His bond is $1,000. Sheriff Ray said that on January 24 at 1:57 a.m. a deputy ran a tag background check on a 2007 blue Mustang belonging to Mullican and it was shown to have no insurance. The officer already knew that Mullican’s license was suspended. Mullican had been cited on December 18 for driving on a suspended license and no insurance. He was placed into custody for this latest offense.

27-year-old Olivia Hope Barber of Forrest Avenue, Smithville is charged with resisting and evading arrest. Her bond is $10,000. Sheriff Ray said that on January 26 after receiving a call about Barber’s whereabouts, a deputy looking to serve an outstanding warrant against her, saw Barber running on Old West Point Road when she spotted him. Barber continued to evade arrest running down a hillside even after being warned by the officer to stop.

37-year-old Jenna Lee Wilson of Avant Circle, Alexandria is charged with resisting arrest. Her bond is $4,500. Sheriff Ray said that on November 27 at 10:46 p.m. a deputy along with an Alexandria Police officer tried to place Wilson under arrest on an active warrant but she refused to comply with verbal commands and became irate and combative. Alexandria Police have her charged with an assault on a first responder.

35-year-old Johnathan Daryl Lawson of Woodbury is charged with three counts of aggravated assault. His bond totals $22,500. Sheriff Ray said that on January 27 a deputy was called to Tubbs Street due to an unwanted guest. Upon arrival the officer spoke to a woman who reported that Lawson had come to the residence to talk to his daughter but that she refused to speak with him. Lawson became upset and allegedly brandished a firearm claiming he would kill everyone in the home including two women and a man. Lawson’s actions placed everyone there in fear of serious bodily injury.

28-year-old Ronald Barbosa Gutierrez of Smith Road, Smithville is charged with a second offense of driving on a revoked license. His bond is $3,000 and he will be in court February 13. Sheriff Ray said that on January 28 a deputy pulled over a Hyundai for a traffic violation and spoke with the driver, Gutierrez. A background check through central dispatch revealed that his license was revoked due to a Warren County DUI and that he had a July, 2024 DRL charge against him in Putnam County.

42-year-old Jimmy Joel Farris of Pine Orchard Road, Smithville is charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver. His bond is $25,000 and his court date is February 20. Sheriff Ray said that on January 31 a detective was patrolling East Broad Street when he noticed that the driver of a blue Pontiac failed to deploy a turn signal. The detective pulled over the vehicle and spoke with people in the car including Farris. During a search, the detective found a bag containing a crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine that weighed 0.6 grams. The bag was recovered from the passenger side in the door panel near where Farris was seated. Farris allegedly admitted that the baggie belonged to him.

36-year-old Jeffery Dale Penuel, Jr. of Mount Juliet is charged with a second offense of driving under the influence and driving on a revoked license. His bond is $7,000 and he will be in court February 13. Sheriff Ray said that on February 1 a deputy was dispatched to Nashville Highway due to a report of a reckless driver. The complainant said a white Nissan Sentra was traveling Nashville Highway and almost hit two other vehicles and a curb before pulling into a filling station. Upon arrival where the car stopped, the officer spoke with the driver, Penuel. The automobile sustained damage to wheels on the passenger side. Penuel smelled of alcohol, his eyes were red and watery, and his speech was slurred. Penuel was also very unsteady on his feet. He submitted to but performed poorly on field sobriety tasks. Penuel had a prior DUI conviction in Wilson County on August 21, 2019 and a February 9, 2018 offense for driving on a revoked license in Lebanon.

26-year-old Jose Alexandro Beckham of Lower Helton Road, Alexandria is charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver and public intoxication. His bond is $11,500 and he will be in court February 20. Sheriff Ray said that on February 3 a deputy was dispatched to an address on Tramel Branch where a man was reported to be knocking on a door. Upon arrival the officer confronted Beckham, who had a beer in his hand, and placed him under arrest for public intoxication. Beckham smelled of alcohol and his eyes were watery and dilated. While conducting a search incident to arrest the deputy heard Beckham say he had methamphetamine in his wallet. The officer found a clear baggie with a crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine that weighed 1.65 grams.

School zones in the City of Smithville will soon be camera monitored to catch motorists exceeding the speed limit.

During Monday night’s regular monthly meeting, the Aldermen voted to enter into a two-year contract with Blue Line Solutions, LLC of Chattanooga to install new lights and signage in the school zones at Northside Elementary on Highway 56 north, DCHS/DeKalb Middle School on Highway 70, and at the DeKalb Christian Academy on Highway 56 south. The new radar feedback signs and flashing warning lights on pedestals are expected to be in place and operational by the start of the 2025-26 school year this fall.

Similar to automated license plate readers, Blue Lines’ laser-based LiDAR technology provides precise automated speed enforcement, ensuring that only vehicles violating speed limits are cited. ASETs identify vehicles and capture their speed through the use of a laser beam. The cameras capture the tag number of vehicles traveling over the speed limit in school zones. Violators are then sent a citation in the mail. The penalty is a $50 fine but unlike a ticket issued by law enforcement agencies, the citation is considered a civil infraction and can’t go against a driver’s record or insurance. The city and Blue Line Solutions will split the revenues from payment of fines. The citations may still be challenged in the Smithville Municipal Court.

“All the violations will come to us in Chattanooga,” said Ryan Moore of Blue Line Solutions. “ A POST certified officer also has to review the citations. Tickets are then sent out by us and we collect and take care of all the money. On the 15th of every month you (city) will get a revenue report on how many people paid their fines”.

For the first 30 days of operation, violators will be sent only warning letters. Following that 30-day period citations will be issued to those who have exceeded the 25 miles per hour school zone speed limit by at least 11 miles per hour (36 mph) but only after a review of each case by the Smithville Police Department. No citations will be issued from this system when school is not in session or at other times of the day or night.

“The police department has the final say in who gets the citation,” explained Moore. “They (police) have to review it and look at the time stamp. It has to be approved by a post certified officer. Chief Mark Collins will review each citation before the letter goes out,” said Moore.

According to the agreement, there will be no cost to the city except for an initial investment for a traffic study (estimated $15,000) which is to be reimbursed by Blue Line. After the study, Blue Line will install the equipment and recoup its cost over time from the city’s share of fine proceeds.

During the public comment period Monday night, Steven Cantrell spoke out in opposition to the proposal.

“I am very concerned about Blue Line Solutions coming in here because it’s a money-making project, primarily for Blue Line, not for Smithville,” said Cantrell. “I have seen this type of organization work in the Washington DC area, challenges with calibration of the equipment, the fact that the equipment is operating on non-school days, the fact of people having to appeal the tickets and the challenges of not being able to appeal the ticket in a normal courtroom fashion because there is not a witness available, only the camera. In the DC area some of the cameras actually have videotape and I have had partners and colleagues who have taken the video tape to court to show that the ticket they were issued was incorrect and that it actually shows they were not speeding, it was another vehicle,” said Cantrell.

“There is a procedure to have an appeal,” said City Attorney Vester Parsley. “They (accused) have a right to have a representative from Blue Line come and testify (city court) about how the process works and how they take the picture, etc. If that hearing turns out against the city, that’s it. The city will benefit by receiving $25 as it (agreement) is currently written. Fifty dollars is what the cost is, $25 of which goes to Blue Line. Yes, it is a financial benefit to Blue Line. They provide all the equipment. Before this goes further, we will have to have a traffic study. That study will be paid for by Blue Line after we hire someone (to do the traffic study). There is a procedure for discontinuing the contract. It sets out some criteria and deadlines that have to be met,” said Parsley.

“We will erect a photo enforced sign on every side street into a school zone and at the end of each school zone before you go in, we will put up a radar feedback sign on a 14-foot pole using LiDAR single beam technology,” Moore explained. “After they (motorists) pass that last sign, they will have between 300 and 600 feet to slow down. This will be lane specific meaning we will monitor both lanes going east and west on highway 70 & 56, so it catches everybody coming and going both ways,” said Moore.

Regulations would be established for Tiny Homes under a zoning ordinance amendment which was adopted on first reading during Monday night’s regular monthly meeting of the Smithville Mayor and Aldermen. Second and final reading will be scheduled following a public hearing at the March 3 meeting.

Currently, the City of Smithville has no “Tiny Home” regulations in a residential zone. One tiny home has already been located on Juniper Lane in an R-1 residential district.

Last month, the Smithville Planning Commission voted to send a regulation recommendation to the mayor and aldermen for adoption. It was also suggested by the city’s building inspector.

Under the proposed zoning ordinance amendment, Tiny Homes would be permitted only in the R-2 district as a use permitted and defined as anything 727 square feet or below restricted to only one tiny home per parcel by right. More than one tiny home (per lot) must be subject to mobile home park regulations and submitted with a site plan. Tiny homes would also be subject to the city’s international residential codes including existing setback requirements.

“This was brought up to me by the building inspector,” said Mayor Josh Miller. “He said you had better take a look at this because this (tiny homes) is about to start happening and it has happened. They have probably put a 500 square foot building in an R-1 area (Juniper Lane). We’re saying now (zoning ordinance amendment) that anything under 727 square feet has to be in an R-2 district but it still has to have a footer and all the things that a house has to have. We’re just trying to protect home investments. If you buy in an R-2 district you have to know there could be town homes, duplexes, or multi-family uses in that area. This is something that was recommended by the building inspector,” said Mayor Miller.

During Monday night’s mayor and aldermen meeting, City Administrator Hunter Hendrixson read the ordinance amendment before the vote.

“Whereas the Smithville Municipal Planning Commission has forwarded its recommendation to the city council regarding the amendment to the zoning ordinance of Smithville. The zoning ordinance is hereby amended, and the following definition shall be added: A Tiny Home is defined as a single-family dwelling that consists of a structure that is less than 727 square feet. Tiny Homes shall be allowed in the R-2 district as a permitted use. If there is more than one Tiny Home on an individual lot then the mobile home park regulations established would apply with a required site plan,” said Hendrixson.

Under the same ordinance amendment, zero lot lines would be permitted upon appeal for multi-family residential dwellings in all districts except R-1 (low density residential).

Also included in the ordinance amendment is a provision that requires two off street parking spaces per apartment unit paved with hard surfacing for any future apartment building.

Alderman Jessica Higgins asked Mayor Miller to explain Lot Lines.

“You still must have setbacks off the property lines. That is not what this (ordinance amendment concerning lot lines) is talking about. In the R-2 district the setbacks are still 10 feet off the side, 20 feet off the rear, and 30 feet in the front. That is not changing. But they are able to build apartments closer together like the town homes that were built where the old Knowles hospital was torn down. You still cannot encroach on your neighbor on the setback lines. You can’t do that and I would never be for that,” said Mayor Miller.

A local motorcyclist died following Sunday afternoon’s crash with a tractor trailer on I-24 East in Nashville. According to a news release by the Metro Nashville Police Department, the preliminary investigation indicates the Harley Davidson FLT, driven by Derek McIntosh, 36, of Smithville, was merging onto I-24 East from Harding Place when he struck the side of a tractor trailer. The motorcycle traveled underneath the tractor trailer.

McIntosh died at the scene.

There was no evidence of impairment on part of either driver.

McIntosh was a fork lift operator with Nissan. He was an avid biker and musician as well as the vice president of the Truckers, Bikers and Veterans Riding Club and loved fishing, golfing, playing guitar and just being outdoors.

He was born on December 31, 1988 in Oxford, Ohio. Derek was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Lonnie Mack which was the inspiration of Derek’s love of music. He was also preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Malessia (Sugar) Bowling.

Visitation with the family will be on Saturday from 2:00 to 6:00 pm and on Sunday from 11:30 until the service at 1:00 in the chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Salem Cemetery.

Survivors include his father, Eric McIntosh of Smithville; mother, Marla (Richard) Harsh of Indiana; 6 year old daughter, Melody McIntosh and mother of his child, Cassandra Yanicki both of Rock Island; 1 sister, Chayil (Cory) Gindling of Indiana; 2 brothers, Andrew Harsh and Dylan Harsh both of Indiana; grandfather, Charles Bowling and grandmother, Ruth Wilson both of Indiana; several nieces and nephews also survive.

Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements

The DCHS Tigers notched their first district victory of the season and snapped a seven-game losing skid Tuesday night with a 69 to 53 win over visiting Cumberland County on senior night. The Lady Tigers were defeated 55 to 29.

The Tigers are now 9-16 overall and 1-6 in the district while the Lady Tigers drop to 6-19 on the season and remain winless at 0-7 in district play.

Friday night, February 7 DeKalb County travels to Baxter to take on Upperman beginning with the girls game at 6 p.m. followed by the boys contest. WJLE will have LIVE coverage.

In the boys game Tuesday night the Tigers held a 13 to 10 lead after the 1st period and were up 31 to 22 by halftime. DC led 51 to 38 after the 3rd period and went onto claim a 69 to 53 victory.

Dallas Kirby scored 22 points followed by Jordan Parker 19, Jon Hendrix 11, Seth Fuson 8, Porter Hancock 6, Logan Duke 2 and Elliot Barnes 1.

For the girls, Cumberland County led 15 to 8 after the 1st period, 18 to 17 by halftime, and 40 to 18 after the 3rd period enroute to a 55 to 29 victory over DeKalb County.

Lillie Young scored 7 followed by Allie Melton and Avery Agee each with 6, Brooklyn Fuson 5, Caroline Crook 3, and Jordyn Agee 2.

Last Friday night, January 31 both the Tigers and Lady Tigers lost to White County in Smithville. The final scores were 68 to 53 in the boys game and 66 to 25 in the girls contest.

For the boys, the Warriors led 20 to 11 after the 1st period, 33 to 22 by halftime, and 49 to 40 after the 3rd period before notching a 68 to 53 win.

Dallas Kirby led the Tigers in scoring with 23 points. Jon Hendrix 15, Seth Fuson and Jordan Parker each with 5, Porter Hancock 4, and Elliot Barnes 1.

In the girls game, White County led 25 to 5 after the 1st period, 39 to 16 by halftime, and 58 to 20 after the 3rd period enroute to a 66 to 25 win.

Avery Agee and Jordyn Agee each scored 6, Brooklyn Fuson 4, Allie Melton 3, and Caroline Crook, Chloe VanVranken, and Lillie Young each with 2.