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Justin Potter Library will host a book signing featuring Captain Larry D. Cripps, a distinguished retired Navy Chaplain, on Thursday, February 27, from 1 to 5 PM.

Captain Cripps, who grew up in the Blue Springs community, brings a wealth of experience and insight from his forty-two years of military service spanning three wars: Vietnam, Desert Shield/Desert Storm, and the post-9/11 War on Terror. His unique perspective and captivating stories reflect his military journey and highlight Smithville’s rich heritage.

Larry’s new book, “The Hope of War: A Chaplain’s Journey to Abiding Faith, Enduring Hope and Love Under Fire,” was released by Emissary Publishing on Memorial Day weekend last year. The book chronicles the life of a small-town farm boy growing up against the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, and the cultural revolution of the 1960s and early 1970s.

His book has garnered glowing reviews, particularly from young people, active service members, combat veterans, first responders, and their families. This positive feedback underscores the book’s significant benefit for those who have encountered challenges, disappointments, or traumatic experiences, which are integral parts of our life’s journey.

This book signing session will be unlike any other we have hosted. It will feature a pictorial display highlighting significant moments that shaped Larry’s life and ministry to the men and women of America’s Armed Forces and their families, who sacrificed so much to protect and preserve the freedoms we all cherish. Additionally, Larry’s daughter, Makenzy Hendrix Gash, the owner of “Just a Gash of Sugar,” will provide our guests with a selection of delicious treats

For further information contact Justin Potter Library at 615-597-4359. Visit us on Facebook, Instagram or our website at www.dekalblibraries.net.

The DCHS basketball teams lost on the road Tuesday night at Livingston Academy. The Lady Tigers lost 59 to 35 and the Tigers were beaten 61 to 47.

The local teams will wrap up the regular season Friday night, February 14 at home hosting Stone Memorial. WJLE will have LIVE coverage starting with the girls game at 6 p.m. followed by the boys contest.

The Lady Tigers are 6-21 overall and 0-9 in the district. The Tigers are 9-18 on the season and have a 1-8 district worksheet.

In the girls game Tuesday night, Livingston Academy led 22 to 6 after the 1st period, 38 to 12 at halftime, and 48 to 22 after the 3rd period before defeating DeKalb County 59 to 35.

Leading the Lady Tigers in scoring was Autumn Crook with 10, Avery Agee 7, Chloe VanVranken 5, Allie Melton and Camille Barton each with 4, Brooklyn Fuson and Jordyn Agee each with 2 and Lillie Young 1.

For the boys, DC led 14 to 13 after the 1st period but trailed 31 to 26 by halftime. Livingston Academy led 43 to 37 after the 3rd period and went on the defeat the Tigers 61 to 47.

Dallas Kirby led the Tigers in scoring with 18, Jordan Parker 13, Seth Fuson and Jon Hendrix each with 5, Logan Duke 4, and Elliot Barnes 2.

Angela Davis experienced an unspeakable tragedy in her life not once, but twice. The first loss occurred in 2010 when her husband died. She and her teenage son went to the Haven of Hope for grief counseling with therapist Kay Quintero.

“I felt like–and I think my son felt the same way when his father passed that—we were in a safe place and we knew that it was private,” said Davis, who agreed to share her experience for this story to help others. “We could just pour our heart out to her. It made us stronger to where we could move forward and talk about it with other people.”

So much so that her only son, Corporal Bryan Tyler Vanhoose used his trial to provide empathy to others grieving a loss.

“Whenever he joined the Marines, he was a strong advocate against suicide,” Davis says. “He would help certain people that was in the Marines, if they were having really difficult time, he would share his experience that he had, with his dad and addiction.”

In 2019, Davis’ son passed away suddenly and again, she returned for individual counseling. “I think you’re just so raw and you’re just so emotionally not good. You don’t want to live. I just felt safer with Kay for a while. I didn’t want to go talk about that with anyone else but her. She kind of got me back on my feet and got me to where I could plug through the day and head off to the next day.”

A few months after her son’s death, Davis and her second husband gave group counseling a try with Heart of the Cumberland in Cookeville.

“The group that I was in was mothers that had recently lost a child and that was really helpful. I guess it was six of us maybe in that small group and it was all women. There were some mothers that had just lost their child that month. One mother had lost her son and his girlfriend. They died in a car accident, and he had just turned 16. It really helped being with a group of individuals that are going through your same thing.”

Learning how to manage grief like Davis processed is something the Haven of Hope and Heart of the Cumberland would like to help with the people in DeKalb County. Later this month a workshop will be held on managing grief.

“This is for people who have suffered loss recently or in the past and would like to learn strategies and gain resources for coping with grief,” veteran therapist Kay Quintero said. “The Haven of Hope offer this comprehensive workshop featuring certified professional counselors from DeKalb County Haven of Hope. Sessions will be available for adults, teens, and children ages 4 and up.”

The adult seminar will include understanding the grief process, normal emotions for grief, coping strategies, meeting others where the common denominator is grief, differences in men and women grieving, what adults need to know about children grieving, and available resources for help. Licensed counselors will lead these classes with age level grief activities.

The grief workshop will be Saturday, February 22, 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Smithville First Baptist Church in the activities building, located at 101 West Church Street. Pre-registration is required . To register or for more information about costs, call the Haven of Hope at (615) 597-4673.

A former Alexandria city employee has filed a federal court lawsuit against the city and Mayor Beth Tripp claiming she was wrongfully terminated.

Patricia Houser, a former town recorder, court clerk, tax collector, and backup water clerk, is suing the City of Alexandria and Mayor Tripp in her individual and official capacities for deprivation of due process under the 14th amendment and for slander, defamation, and defamation by implication, in violation of state law.

Houser is seeking a jury trial; reinstatement to her position; compensatory and punitive damages; payment of lost wages and benefits; attorney’s fees, etc.

Houser is represented by the Nashville law firm of Biesecker, Dutkanych & Macer, LLC

WJLE has obtained a copy of the lawsuit as follows:

FACTUAL ALLEGATIONS
On or about October 15, 2023, Houser was hired by Defendant as Town Recorder and Court Clerk. One of Houser’s main job duties was to ensure that all laws, ordinances, statutes, charters, etc. were properly followed.

Throughout her employment, Houser also fulfilled the jobs of Tax Collector and Back-up Water Clerk for Defendant.

At all relevant times, Houser met or exceeded Defendant’s legitimate performance expectations. Houser’s employment file with Defendant has no record of disciplinary actions or performance improvement plans.

On or about August 2, 2024, Houser informed Defendant Mayor Tripp that her last day would be August 23, 2024. A few days later, Mayor Tripp spoke with Houser and begged her not to resign; Houser agreed to continue working for Defendant.

Shortly thereafter, Mayor Tripp inappropriately removed an Alderman off the Town Council. This Alderman was appointed through August 2026. As a result, Houser, in her role as Court Clerk, appropriately reported the matter to Police Chief Travis Bryant. Chief Bryant asked Houser to ensure that Mayor Tripp was following the proper legal rules and regulations for her actions. Acting diligently, Houser then contacted the Municipal Technical Advisory Service for clarification as to the proper procedure.

Around this time, Mayor Tripp asked Houser for the keys to the mayor’s office. Houser did not immediately hand over the keys as the keys in question gave Mayor Tripp access to more than just the mayor’s office, such as access to law enforcement items. Houser instead gave the keys to Officer Deffendoll, as recorded by the City’s cameras.

On or about August 14, 2024, Houser was verbally suspended by Mayor Tripp without written notice or any other disciplinary action taken.

On or about August 19, 2024, Mayor Tripp held a public disciplinary meeting — without providing notice to Houser — about Houser’s employment, where Mayor Tripp falsely reported to other city officials and employees that Houser had provided false information, was dishonest, and was insubordinate. Houser was not given a private meeting, nor was Houser given the opportunity to defend herself or otherwise be heard. Though Houser did not receive any communication whatsoever that she was officially terminated, upon information and belief, it appears that Houser was terminated on August 19, 2024. Around this time, the entire City’s police force resigned as well.

On or about September 1, 2024, Mayor Tripp conducted an interview on a national news network – News Nation – falsely accusing Houser of, among other things, impeding an investigation. At the time, there was no active investigation.

Mayor Tripp made false, malicious, and defamatory statements or statements that are defamatory by implication. Mayor Tripp’s comments, directly or as implied, have accused Houser of criminal conduct and/or malfeasance in the performance of her job duties.

In addition to costing Houser her job, Mayor Tripp’s defamatory comments, both locally and nationally, have decimated her reputation throughout the community.

Houser has been damaged as a result of Defendant’s actions.

CAUSES OF ACTION: COUNT I: VIOLATION OF FOURTEENTH AMENDMENT

The Defendants acted under color of state law in carrying out their unlawful actions. Plaintiff, as Town Recorder / City Recorder and County Clerk, has a constitutionally protected property interest in her employment created by virtue of TN Code § 6-4-201 et seq., as well as by the Alexandria Municipal Code 4-310, requiring both notice in writing of all charges, together with an opportunity to respond to the charges.

Further, Plaintiff has a constitutionally protected liberty interest in her employment. Plaintiff did not violate any laws or policies under any of her job titles and duties. Defendants deprived Plaintiff of her right to due process by suspending her without written notice, holding a public disciplinary meeting without her present, not allowing her to exercise her right to a pre-adverse action hearing, and terminating her employment.

By presiding over the Board meeting regarding Plaintiff’s suspension and termination, Defendants denied Plaintiff her right to a meaningful forum for which her suspension or other disciplinary action could be presented and deliberated impartially and terminated Plaintiff’s employment. Further, Mayor Tripp made public stigmatizing statements about Plaintiff that were false.

COUNT II: DEFAMATIONAND DEFAMATION BY IMPLICATION

Defendant Mayor Tripp has committed the tort of defamation, in order to undermine Plaintiff’s credibility and to destroy her reputation among the public and her peers by publishing statements which were false or defaming to Plaintiff and/or publishing statements with reckless disregard for the truth of the statement and/or negligence in failing to ascertain the truth of the statement.

Defendant Mayor Tripp knew or should have known that these statements were false at the time they were made. Plaintiff is not a public figure.

WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Patricia Houser, respectfully requests that this court enter judgment in her favor against the Defendants, jointly and severally, and award her the following relief:

Compensatory damages in an amount to be proven at trial:

Reinstatement to her position with concomitant pay, seniority, and benefits;

Payment of lost wages and benefits;

Punitive damages against the Defendants in their individual capacity in an amount sufficient to punish Defendant and deter like conduct in the future;

An award of Plaintiff’s attorney fees, expenses, and costs, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1988;

Permanent injunction enjoining Defendants from any acts which further deprive Plaintiff of her constitutional rights;

Such further, other, and general relief to which Plaintiff may be entitled

Under an order by US District Judge Waverly D. Crenshaw, Jr. this case has been REFERRED to the Magistrate Judge for customized case management in accordance with Local Rule 16.01 and 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1)(A). Lead counsel for the parties shall attend the initial case management conference.

The parties shall be prepared to engage in a discussion with the Magistrate Judge of the substantive factual and legal issues presented, either on or off the record as the Magistrate Judge determines, such that the parties and the Magistrate Judge can have a realistic discussion of the progression of this case and possible issues preventing settlement. The parties shall include a plan for resolution of the case that includes at least two independent attempts to resolve the case that must be approved by the Magistrate Judge. The first attempt shall occur within 120 days of the initial case management conference and the second attempt shall occur before the deadline for filing dispositive motions. The parties are encouraged to consider the Alternative Dispute Resolution options provided in Local Rule 16.02 through 16.05.

This case shall be set for trial upon completion of the initial case management conference by order of the Court in accordance with the procedures of Local Rule 16.01(h).

A mother has been charged with keeping her child out of school.

26-year-old Kelsey Elizabeth Steinbach of Keltonburg Road is charged with six counts of failing to keep a child in school. Her bond is $12,000 and she will be in court February 20.

Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on February 6 a detective received attendance records from the youth services officer for DeKalb County. In these records it states that a minor child had 65 unexcused absences in the 2024-25 school year. On December 19, 2024, the mother of the child, Steinbach signed an order acknowledging that it is her responsibility to ensure the child is attending school and the after-school program each and every day that school is in session. Steinbach knowingly and intentionally committed the act of educational neglect by not making sure the child attended school. After the order was signed by Steinbach the child missed and additional eight days of school.

34-year-old Mitchell Reed McBee of Lebanon is charged with a second offense of driving on a revoked license. His bond is $3,500 and he will be in court February 20. Sheriff Ray said that on February 7 a deputy pulled over a Chevy S-10 for a traffic violation and spoke with the driver, McBee. A background check through central dispatch revealed that his license was revoked due to a DUI charge. He also had a prior DRL offense on September 18, 2020 in Sequatchie County.

Jordan Parker, the 2024 DCHS Tiger Football Most Valuable Player, has announced his next move now that his high school pigskin playing days are over.

Joined by members of his family, coaches, and teammates Monday at DCHS, Parker celebrated his signing last week to join the Phoenix at Cumberland University at Lebanon after he graduates in May.

His parents are Kendall and Dallas Parker and his siblings are Auston Parker and Bryson Stewart.

Parker, the Tiger signal caller who led his team to a 6-4 season in 2024, plans to be a quarterback for the Phoenix.

“Cumberland was my closest offer to home. They offered me the most money and I thought it was a good program,” said Parker in explaining why he chose Cumberland. “I plan to study physical therapy,” he said.

Asked whether he has any special memories during his years as a Tiger, Parker said “getting to play with everybody and being around my teammates. It was really cool to get the MVP award in 2024. A lot of good players get that and I felt honored to get it,” said Parker.

Tiger Coach Steve Trapp said he is proud of Jordan and his choice to attend Cumberland.

“There will be three of our guys down there (Cumberland) next year including Jordan, Wil Farris, and Nolan Gottlied. It’s a lot of years in a row we have had some guys have the opportunity to play college ball. We are really happy for Jordan because of how he works and the type of player he is but more importantly the type of person he is. Its just good to see him get that next opportunity to continue to play,” said Coach Trapp.

During the team banquet last month, Coach Trapp reviewed Parker’s high school football career and his accomplishments.

“As a junior Jordan was an All-Region player at wide receiver and won receiver of the year and then played at quarterback,” said Coach Trapp. ” But just some statistics as a runner, in 2024 he led our team with 1,055 yards. I believe he is only the third quarterback who has rushed for over 1,000 yards. He joins Steven Jennings and Axel Aldino in that regard. Jordan led our team in rushing and in rushing touchdowns with 14 in 2024 and he passed for 1,236 yards and had 17 more touchdowns. For his career he had over 2,000 yards passing and 26 touchdowns. Defensively as a junior he started at safety and played some corner. In 2024 he got a pick against Macon County. Jordan was a 2024 team captain. A 2024 Region 4 Most Outstanding Quarterback, 2024 Farm Bureau Player of the Month, 2024 DTC All Star and DTC Player of the Game in 2024, Mr. DCHS in 2024-25, 2024 TSSAA Scholar Athlete, a 2023 team voted Receiver of the Year, 2023 All Region player, 2023 Scholar Athlete, 2022 team voted Offensive Back of the Year when he played quarterback those last nine games, and he was the 2024 Liberty State Bank Most Valuable Player,” said Coach Trapp.

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.