News

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.

The City of Smithville is paying tribute to a hometown country icon.

Almost a year ago the Smithville Aldermen, upon the recommendation of Mayor Josh Miller, voted to name the alley between Main Street and Market Street in honor of Aaron Tippin.

The formal dedication is scheduled for April 8 at 5:30 p.m. downtown Smithville.

About Aaron Tippin:

Aaron Dupree Tippin, born on July 3, 1958, in Pensacola Florida is a celebrated figure in American country music, known for his authentic, blue-collar anthems that resonate deeply with the working class. Raised in Greer, South Carolina, Tippin’s early life was marked by diverse experiences including working as a farm hand, welder, truck driver, and commercial pilot, which later inspired many of his songs.

Tippin’s music career began to take shape in the 1970s when he performed in local honky-tonks. His big break came in 1990 when he signed with RCA Nashville releasing his debut single “You’ve Got to Stand for Something”. This song not only became a top 10 hit but also served as an anthem for U.S. soldiers during the Gulf War, cementing his place in country music history. His signature hits include “There Ain’t Nothin’ Wrong with the Radio”, “Kiss This” and post-9/11 patriotic song “Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly”.

Throughout his career, Tippin has released nine studio albums, with six achieving gold status and one platinum, showcasing his ability to connect with audiences through his distinctive baritone voice characterized by a Southern twang. His songwriting talent was also recognized early on, with songs written for artists like The Kingsmen, Mark Collie, and Charley Pride before his own recording career took off.

Beyond music, after moving to DeKalb County in 1994, Aaron Tippin has shown his entrepreneurial spirit by opening Aaron Tippin Firearms stores and by founding his own record label, Nippit Records, in 2006. His personal life includes his marriage to Thea in 1995, with whom he has two children. Tippin’s commitment to his community and love for country music makes him a beloved figure in Smithville, where he has also contributed to local businesses and cultural life.

The dedication of Aaron Tippin Alley in downtown Smithville is a tribute to his contributions to music, his connection to the local community, and his embodiment of the hardworking spirited essence of country music.

Join in celebrating Aaron Tippin and his remarkable journey from local talent to country music icon at the dedication ceremony.

Smithville Elementary has announced its Students of the Month for January.

These students were selected for their outstanding character, academics, and other traits that make them an all-around excellent student.

Selected as Students of the Month for January are:

PreK – Anna Nokes, Sky Craddock
Kindergarten – Eagan Wells, Dylan Miguel
1st Grade – Aubrie Rosenblum, Avery Shaff
2nd Grade – Araceli Santos, Hudson McCrickard

For the second time in five months the Smithville Aldermen have denied a request to change the city beer ordinance to make it easier for businesses downtown to legally sell beer.

During Monday night’s regular monthly meeting the aldermen voted 3 to 2 against amending the city beer ordinance to eliminate the 400-foot distance requirement between a church or school and businesses seeking an on-premises consumption permit. The change had apparently been recommended for passage only days ago during a meeting by the city beer board. Had it been approved the ordinance amendment would have only applied to the C-2 zone which is the downtown business district and none of the other existing regulations in the ordinance would have been changed.

Fourteen people addressed the mayor and aldermen during the public comment period and many more people filled the meeting room who didn’t speak. Twelve of the fourteen, most of them downtown business or property owners, favored making the change. The other two were ministers who opposed the measure.

Most of them mentioned how the restrictions are unfair to many downtown businesses who can’t qualify while at least two establishments have city issued permits and are located only a stone’s throw away from their buildings. Some pointed to the extra sales tax dollars that would be generated if the city lifted the restrictions. Others argued that some downtown business owners who can’t qualify for a city issued beer permit could merely apply to the state for a license to sell liquor and or high gravity beer with more alcoholic content without having to meet any distance requirements. Proponents appealed to the aldermen to adopt the change on first reading, even if they are against it, and then have a public hearing to give more citizens a chance to speak out before taking final action.

Business owners and others who addressed the aldermen in favor of the change included Randy Caldwell, Steven Cantrell, Cheryl Jones, Ken Fennell, Shawn Edwards, Bert Driver, Spirit Foster, Amy Allen, Mitchell Bowman, Todd Cantrell, Kim Luton, and Phillip Seagraves.

“The number one thing I want to point out is that the Smithville city beer board has recommended removing the 400-foot boundary rule in the downtown central business district,” said Bert Driver. “The revenue from beer sales goes directly to the benefit of the local school system. Two thirds of our sales tax. We generated $2.3 million in this city in about seven years. Last year it was $365,000 from beer sales. There have been no issues with the churches and there are already two businesses selling alcohol in the downtown area. The beer board just gave a permit to a business in the old Pack’s building,” Driver explained. “The community has expressed a desire for more restaurants downtown which is directly correlated with the sale of beer. Several downtown church members support this change recognizing the growth and development of the town. Beer sales will bring more revenue to the City of Smithville with two thirds of the sales tax going to the school system. We are collecting the tax on behalf of the city. Let more people collect the tax on behalf of the city. The city already has rules and regulations in place for issuing beer permits including background checks and compliance requirements. It is not easy to go get a beer license. Insurance, background checks, all that. If somebody wants to get one they are probably a responsible person and they are going to represent the city the best they can because they don’t want to lose that license. Removing the 400 foot rule for just three streets. We are talking about three streets, West Walnut, West Main, and West Market. It would be fair as the rest of the city would still have the rule in place. You are just talking about the central business district. This is a central business district. This is not a central church district. The churches are down here for about six hours a week. These guys (businesses) are down here six days a week. We are here a lot,” said Driver.

Shawn Edwards said he is looking to open a restaurant on West Market Street but he can’t get a city beer permit.

“We would love to do a restaurant or something with that property,” said Edwards. “Right now I could open this building. I could get my liquor license from the state. I could serve high gravity beer but I couldn’t serve lite beer. It doesn’t make any sense to me. I don’t understand it. I can walk out my back door on Market Street, walk 175 yards to Caddyshack and buy a beer. I can walk out my front door and go to Harvester 125 yards and buy a lite beer but I can’t sell it in my building. It doesn’t make sense to me. I don’t get it. Lets give people reasons to go downtown and support people and keep the taxes here. Let’s make Smithville better. Make it a destination place instead of a drive though city,” said Edwards.

Those speaking in opposition were Graden Kirksey, minister at Refuge Church on the public square and Dan Gulley, retired minister of the Smithville Church of Christ.

“There is an old adage that says the squeaky wheel gets the grease,” said Gulley. “The squeaking is to change Smithville’s current laws and ordinances concerning serving alcoholic beverages which is a change that would make alcohol even more abundantly available than it already is in our city. That squeak has become pretty loud lately. I am here to squeak against that proposal. I was drawn here and have lived here all these years and appreciated the beauty and the friendliness of our city. Its a fantastic place to live, have a family, and raise children. I still believe its that kind of place. I don’t think it would be totally destroyed if you pass a new ordinance but I think it’s a step in the wrong direction away from that kind of wholesome image. I personally would just urge you please to leave those ordinances in place. There are some of us who are still squeaking that message. Don’t just close our voices out. Your job as elected public servants is to do what is best as you look at all these factors for our city. Don’t let a larger profit margin be your only criteria in making this decision. That is what I appeal for,” said Gulley.

Kirksey urged city leaders to keep downtown Smithville a family friendly environment.

“I do have my personal convictions as far as alcohol goes but that’s not what I am here to talk about,” said Kirksey. “I have heard the rejuvenation of the public square being repeatedly marketed as a means to have a family friendly area for the community young and old to come and enjoy themselves. I agree with this wholeheartedly. With the church here we have kids from babies all the way up to teens who are running through this area all the time,” Kirksey explained. “While I understand some folks’ personal preference for this to pass, I don’t know a single friend who is a drinker nor myself when I was one who would say that more alcohol brings in a more family friendly environment. I have yet to hear anyone in my entire life say you know what would make this more family friendly? More booze. That’s never been said to me and I have never thought that. Of course there would be those who would drink responsibly but no one could say with certainty those who choose to go out drinking couldn’t potentially have more than their fill and cause a scene or even harm somebody. There is a reason we have strict DUI laws and its not because the cops don’t want people to have fun. Its because more alcohol does bring more risks and sometimes great risk and that would be right here on the square. I personally don’t want to bring those risks into the square. I don’t personally think its accurate to say that its not fair when everyone who did invest in the square knew that ordinance was there when they invested in their business. I’m not saying more taxes won’t come in. I just say the ends don’t justify the means. I value the safety of the family friendly atmosphere more than a dollar,” said Kirksey.

Cheryl Jones, downtown restaurant owner, took issue with Kirksey’s assertion that businesses who sell beer could not be family friendly.

“I would like to say there is some misconception being stated here,” said Jones. “ The misconceptions are that there is no alcohol (currently) downtown. There is now opportunity for (other kinds of alcohol) on the square. Its just hard liquor. We are talking about tequila, whiskey, whatever else. High volume beer which is twice the limit of the low volume beer and wine that we are asking you to allow downtown,” Jones explained. “And when you state that it won’t be family friendly anymore, I’m sorry I have to disagree. There are lots of places in this town that have both kinds of alcohol, low volume and high volume, and there are children running about. There are lots of Mexican restaurants. I don’t know how many of you have been at Twisted Oaks especially in the summer time when their outside is open but there are children everywhere and it is a family friendly environment. Its not a bunch of drunks hanging around. Our town is not like that. I just want it to be fair for everyone. We have an establishment just a block over from our downtown area that just acquired a beer license. Why one block from our square can someone do this but I can’t because I’m one block off the square? As for churches, some of us purchased our buildings and our establishments before those churches were there or they weren’t churches at the time. Why can we not just take it to a public forum,” asked Jones.

Prior to the vote in September Mayor Josh Miller explained that he had recently asked Election Administrator Dustin Estes if this issue could have been placed on the ballot in the form of a referendum. Estes said he contacted the state and the answer was no.

Before the vote Monday night, aldermen gave their opinions, and some expressed how they had struggled with their decision.

“There are measures in place. You can’t just willy-nilly go and get a beer license,” said Alderman Jessica Higgins. “There are certain requirements for the establishments they would have to adhere to before getting the license such as how many people they can seat, etc. I don’t know why we wouldn’t vote in favor of it. If we pass it tonight, we would let a public hearing happen because there is always a second vote that either nixes it or continues it forward (after a public hearing). And if they are already allowed to sell higher volume alcohol and beer, I’m not really sure what the hang up is. Since we can’t get this on a referendum, which is what we tried, that (public hearing) would be the next best option to hear from the public,” said Alderman Higgins.

“I have not had the first person come to me, either anybody in this room, or anybody in the city to say they are against it,” said Alderman Danny Washer. “I have not been asked to vote against it. All I have had is people wanting me to support it downtown and what (people who) turned out tonight, it shows. I have said this ever since I have run for office and been elected, I base my votes on one thing and that is if its good for Smithville, its good for me. That’s the way I vote,” said Alderman Washer.

Alderman Beth Chandler said she had to vote her conscience and could not support this measure.

“I have been contacted quite a bit by both sides. It really is a very difficult decision for me,” said Alderman Chandler. “I love so many people in this room and I consider them friends. We really tried to put this to a referendum because I believe its (issue) is bigger than the five of us here at this table. When you are talking about kids, that is one of my biggest personal concerns because I am a youth leader. I am a Sunday school teacher. I have never had a drink of alcohol in my entire life but I have had family members die alcoholics. Do I condemn anybody who does (drink)? No, of course not. I am on the foster care review board and I know there are so many people where it starts with alcohol. With me it (alcohol) has never been a vice. I do not see that as wrong for everybody but just for me personally. This is where I am coming from. If I vote for this and then I go to my Sunday school or my youth leaders and children on my team they’re going to say Hey, Ms. Beth. That’s what I am looking at. I am not looking at all the random kids that go to a restaurant. Yes, they (restaurants) have it (alcohol). And do I think its fair to just (prohibit it) on three streets? I really don’t but when it comes to how I have to vote I have to be able to sleep tonight and be able to see my kids on Wednesday night. I wish we could make it fair and put it on a ballot but when it boils down to it I have to vote my conscience. Its not that I hate the downtown businesses because I don’t. I love and try to support and promote them anyway I can and this has really torn me up. I want to help you in any way I can but this is just not a way I can vote in your favor,” said Alderman Chandler

“I also know my constituency, the people that put me in office,” said Alderman Shawn Jacobs. “I think the majority of my constituency expects me not to support this. I think I have a finger on the pulse of a majority of the people who put me in office. I have to consider that too. I really wish we could have gone to a referendum as we had intended to do and the board wanted to do,” he said.

Alderman Higgins made a motion to approve the amendment removing the 400-foot distance requirement and Alderman Washer offered a second to the motion, but they were the only two who voted in favor. The remaining three Aldermen, Donnie Crook, Chandler, and Jacobs voted against changing the ordinance.

The 3-2 vote against was exactly the same as the first outcome on the measure last September.

Under the existing ordinance, the language states that “In no event will a permit be issued authorizing the manufacture or storage of beer, or the sale of beer within 400 feet of any school or church. The distance requirement shall be measured in a straight line from the primary entrance of the establishment seeking a permit to sell beer to the primary entrance of the school or church”.

A restoration project is underway at the historic Smithville Town Cemetery established in 1838.

Trees donated by Bert Driver Nursery (Yoshino Cherry) and Pine Creek Nursery (Sweet Bay Magnolias) are being planted this week at the cemetery along South Congress Boulevard. This first step in the rehabilitation of the cemetery received approval by the city and the Tennessee Department of Transportation.

Town Cemetery has been located directly east of the public square for nearly 200 years. It is in need of attention and restoration. A kick-off fundraiser campaign to enhance and restore the historic town cemetery is set for March 20 from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at the Harvester Event Center. For more information and to donate visit www.fb.com/SmithvilleTCA or call 615-597-2000.

A tense exchange occurred during Friday night’s regular monthly meeting of the Alexandria Mayor and Aldermen between Police Chief K.D. Smith and Aldermen Bobby Simpson and Luke Prichard.

Listen to audio from meeting

It all began when Chief Smith, at the end of his monthly report to the mayor and aldermen, asked if there was any validity to talk he has heard that the police department could be defunded or that he might lose his job.

Alexandria city leaders include Mayor Beth Tripp and Aldermen Jeff Ford, Sherry Tubbs, Luke Prichard, Bobby Simpson, Tiffany Robinson, and Jonathan Tripp.

The following conversation ensued:

K.D. Smith: “Its come to my knowledge that there are some board members that are looking to defund or get rid of the police department or get rid of me. I would like to know if there is any validity to that. Not for my sake but for the officer’s sake. We have one (officer) in particular, this is her job and her livelihood”

Bobby Simpson: “Whenever we hired that young lady (from White County) I told her specifically not to be driving the (city patrol) car back and forth to White County. Is she driving it?”

K.D. Smith: “No”

Luke Prichard: “Yes she is. That’s a lie. She has been driving it to Smithville”.

K.D. Smith: “She drives it to Smithville”

Luke Prichard: “That’s not what you told us”

Bobby Simpson: “And the other boy (police officer) is telling that he is driving his to Dunlap

K.D. Smith: “No”

Bobby Simpson: “Where is it at?”

K.D. Smith: “Setting right outside”.

Bobby Simpson: “ Both of them?”

K.D. Smith: “Hers is setting in Smithville right now”

Luke Prichard: “That ain’t got nothing to do with Alexandria. You told us they were not going to drive them. That’s exactly what you said”.

K.D. Smith: “No they didn’t drive them because we didn’t have enough vehicles”.

Luke Prichard: “No you had them”

K.D. Smith: “We have enough now”

Luke Prichard: “Well we don’t want them driving them”

Bobby Simpson: “ Right”

K.D. Smith: “Well, if they are going to park theirs, I’ll park mine because its not fair for them”

Luke Prichard: “That’s fine with me”

K.D. Smith: “But here’s the thing and I want everybody to understand this and I addressed this with the mayor, I have been in this situation before. If there is an emergency where we have to call officers out from their residence. If they get in their personal car and they are responding here, they are trying to get here as quick as they can. If they get in an accident they are under the city’s insurance at that time”.

Bobby Simpson: “Wouldn’t it be closer to call the DeKalb County Sherriff’s Department?”

Luke Prichard: “That’s what happens at 10 o’clock anyway”

K.D. Smith: “Right because I don’t have enough officers to cover 24/7”.

Bobby Simpson: “There ain’t never been nobody here after 10 o’clock”.

K.D. Smith: “ I’m just asking if there is any validity?”

Bobby Simpson: “Yes there is”

K.D. Smith: “Is it the department in whole or is it me? Because if its me don’t punish the officers”

Bobby Simpson: “ Its mostly you”

K.D. Smith: “ We could sit down and have a chat Bobby. Anytime you like”

Bobby Simpson: “KD you have treated me like I am a stepchild. You won’t even wave at me. I have been up here working at this house and you drive by and don’t wave or nothing. I’ve known you for 30 years. K.D. I recommended you for the (police chief) job”

K.D. Smith: “Don’t accuse me of something I haven’t done. I spoke with you at your house the other day and asked how close you were to getting done with it”

Bobby Simpson: “ Its me K.D.”

K.D. Smith: “ My door is always open. We can sit down and discuss”.

Bobby Simpson: “The second meeting you were here you came in and said you were embarrassed”. (referring to the current small, confined space of offices at city hall police department)

Luke Prichard: “You knew the way it was to begin with”

Bobby Simpson: “It would be like me coming to your house and saying I’m ashamed to be here”

K.D. Smith: “I am ashamed of the way the police department looked, the building back there”

Bobby Simpson: “That ain’t got nothing to do with policing. What’s that got to do with policing”

K.D. Smith: “Morale”

Bobby Simpson: “Morale?”

K.D. Smith: “Morale of the officers. I’m sorry Bobby but if you can do my job better than I can do it you can have it”

Luke Prichard: “We don’t want it”

K.D. Smith: “Then let me do my job”

Bobby Simpson: “Who did you (police chief) have to call to come and help you (make arrest) over there at the apartments?”

Luke Prichard: “The county”

K.D. Smith: “The county was already there when I got there, and I got two broken ribs for it”

Bobby Simpson: “You should have let the county handle it”

K.D. Smith: “We both had to fight her. I am going to stand my ground and for what I think is right for the police department. That is what you hired me to do. I am not going to sit here and argue. I asked for some validity to it. You have answered it. Thank you.”

Mayor Beth Tripp: “We are going to go past. I had already talked to you about that anyway. You believe in rumors but that ain’t going to work with me”

Sherry Tubbs: “All he asked for was validity and he has been treated disrespectfully just as much as you guys believe you are. You all walked out on a meeting with him”

Luke Prichard: “Yeah when he is yelling, hooping, hollering, bitching and griping the whole time. That’s all we’ve listened to”.

Sherry Tubbs: “You are too. You’re loud and rude”

Luke Prichard: “Yeah I am too because he started in”

Mayor Beth Tripp: “I am in charge of this meeting and we are going to take control. Enough is enough. We have moved past it. No more talking about it”.

Listen to audio from meeting

Dr. Denise Dingle has stepped down as the DeKalb County Medical Examiner.

The resignation, effective January 31, comes just as a new county policy went into effect February 1 regarding how the medical examiner and medical investigator are to be paid per death call.

Dr. Dingle issued the following statement to WJLE Saturday through her attorney Jon Slager

“Dr. Denise Dingle, MD, did, in fact tender her resignation as DeKalb County Medical Examiner. The most recent adoption of new policies and procedures for the DeKalb County Medical Examiner’s Office, over the objection of Dr. Dingle, is the most recent example of an untenable work environment which began last year with the County Mayor’s failed attempt to suspend and ultimately fire Dr. Dingle as medical examiner,” the statement concluded.

As a contracted service, Dr. Dingle was paid $5,000 a year by the county as medical director and $100 per body as medical examiner. However, County Mayor Matt Adcock reported to the county commission in November that an invoice from July, when Dingle was on suspension and not the ME, charged a $200 fee for one decedent.

During December’s regular monthly meeting, the county commission adopted the following written policy as recommended by the government services committee to become effective February 1, 2025.

Under the policy, “$200 will be paid to the Medical Examiner per decedent. The $200 will be $100 for the Medical Examiner and $100 for the Medical Investigator. 911 will notify the Medical Examiner. The Medical Examiner will be responsible for contacting a Medical Investigator on each body. The Medical Examiner will be responsible for paying the Medical Investigator within 30 days of receiving the money from the county. A DeKalb County employee can be the Medical Investigator as long as they are not on the DeKalb County clock during the investigation”.

County Mayor Adcock said members of the DeKalb Ambulance Service trained in medical death investigations may be called upon during their off times to perform this duty but not while they are on the clock because that amounts to double dipping according to the state comptroller.