Jones Sentenced to Six Years on Probation in Auto Burglary and Theft Cases
by: Dwayne PageFeb 23, 2025
A man who allegedly broke into four vehicles and tried to steal a 2012 Bobcat T-750 and Caterpillar bucket from a local automotive dealer more than two years ago was sentenced Tuesday, February 18 in DeKalb County Criminal Court.
55-year-old Burnette Bernie Jones entered a plea to two counts of auto burglary and one count of theft over $10,000. He received a six-year sentence in the theft case and one year in each of the auto burglary offenses to run concurrently and all suspended to probation. Jones was given jail credit of 212 days.
The incident occurred Sunday, October 2, 2022.
According to the complaint, Jones was observed on the auto dealer’s surveillance camera entering and driving a 2012 Bobcat T-750 in the back of the business. Jones was also observed trying to strap down a Caterpillar bucket to the 2012 Bobcat T-750. The total value of the 2012 Bobcat T-750 and Caterpillar bucket was $54,500.
While at the same business, Jones allegedly broke into a 2004 Black Nissan Maximum, a 2014 Black Chevrolet Silverado, a 2003 Red Chevrolet Tahoe, and 2008 Black Chrysler Sebring all parked at the car lot with the intent to deprive the owners of their belongings within these vehicles.
Meanwhile, 47-year-old Jessica Jo Bates entered a plea to misdemeanor theft and received a sentence of 11 months and 29 days all suspended to probation, supervised for six months and then she will be on good behavior probation if there are no further issues and provided costs are paid.
Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree & Crafts Festival Announces Po’ Ramblin’ Boys as the 2025 Blue Blaze Award winners
by: Dwayne PageFeb 23, 2025
The Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree has announced The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys are the recipients of the 2025 Blue Blaze Award. The announcement was officially made at The Harvester Event Center in Downtown Smithville, February 20, 2025, during their concert at Bluegrass Nights. James Kee, of East Nash Grass and former Blue Blaze Award winner, made the announcement with Board member Tammy Judkins, presenting an award for the announcement and Board Member Alex Woodward representing the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree.
Formed ten years ago in the Smoky Mountains in 2014, The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys have made a significant impact on the bluegrass music scene. They are known for their authenticity and straightforward honesty, which resonates deeply with their audience. The group has successfully brought their music from rural bluegrass festival stages to the rock clubs of Europe, showcasing their versatility and dedication to the genre.
“When I hear The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys I’m taken back to when I first fell in love with this music. Each is a master of their craft, but it’s the special joy they take in playing it “the old way” that commands your attention. This music hails from a time before people saw bluegrass and country music as separate things, and the band accomplishes that most difficult of musical tasks by capturing the manic energy of their live shows in the studio.” – John Lawless, Bluegrass Today
Po’ Ramblin Boys will be presented their official award on Saturday, July 5, 2025 @5pm at this year’s festival followed by a one-hour concert. The Jamboree is free to the public so that we can continue our mission of preserving bluegrass music, Appalachian craft & dance. This year’s Jamboree will be July 4-5, 2025, on the square in Smithville, Tennessee. For more information, visit smithvillejamboree.com or email smithvillejamboree@gmail.com; phone 615-597-8500.
County Parks and Recreation Committee Organizes
by: Dwayne PageFeb 23, 2025
DeKalb County proudly announces the formation of its new Parks and Recreation Committee. On February 18, 2025, the committee held its inaugural meeting to establish its structure and elect officers. Tony Luna was appointed as Chair, Josh Miller as Vice Chair, and Chad Driver as Secretary.
The committee’s mission is to assess the recreational needs of DeKalb County and pursue state grants to fund the development of new ballfields, soccer fields, hiking and biking trails, and improvements to existing parks. Committee members in attendance included Tony Culwell, Jimmy Lewis, Casey Midget, Cody Atnip, Jesse Sutton, and Suzanne Williams.
“We are thrilled about the potential this committee brings to DeKalb County,” said Committee Chair Luna. “By establishing this group, we can now access a wide range of grant opportunities that were previously unavailable to us. These funds will help us enhance our community’s parks and recreational facilities for everyone to enjoy.”
The committee is already planning its next meeting to finalize details and prioritize grant applications that will deliver the greatest benefit to the community. Additional information about the meeting schedule and upcoming projects will be announced soon.
For more information, please contact Tony Luna at Sligomarina@gmail.com.