Elderly Woman Airlifted After Two Vehicle Crash

May 27, 2025
By: Dwayne Page

An elderly woman was airlifted after a two-vehicle crash Friday, May 23 on Highway 56 south near Turner Road.

According to Trooper Josh Cunningham of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, 83-year-old Kenneth Hennessee was traveling northbound on Highway 56 (McMinnville Highway) in a 2018 GMC Canyon as 32-year-old Abigail Judkins was southbound in a 1996 Mercury Cougar.

Trooper Cunningham told WJLE that as Hennessee attempted to turn left onto Turner Road, he failed to yield the right of way and entered the path of Judkins’ vehicle resulting in a collision. The impact caused the GMC Canyon to spin and come to rest on the southbound shoulder facing south. The Mercury Cougar came to rest in the southbound ditch, also facing south.

86-year-old Eva Judkins was a passenger with Abigail Judkins. All were injured and taken to the hospital, but Eva Judkins was reportedly airlifted from the hospital by helicopter ambulance.

The DeKalb County Fire Department, DeKalb Sheriff’s Department, and DeKalb EMS were on the scene.

May 27, 2025
By: Dwayne Page

A week dedicated to celebrating emergency service workers was recognized in DeKalb County.

The community relies on emergency workers to rush to the rescue, no matter what the circumstance.

County Mayor Matt Adcock signed a proclamation designating May 18-24 as Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week in DeKalb County. EMS Director Trent Phipps joined County Mayor Adcock for the occasion.

“We are proud of our DeKalb County EMS employees, EMTs, Paramedics, First Responders and Dispatchers. They are on the front lines, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Their commitment, dedication and bravery speak to their character and willingness to serve others, not just this week, but every day of the year. We are honored to celebrate their service this week, and we are grateful to them every day,” said Adcock.

The proclamation is as follows:

“To designate the Week of May 18-24, 2025, as Emergency Medical Services Week (EMS Week).

WHEREAS emergency medical services is a vital public service; and

WHEREAS the members of emergency medical services teams are ready to provide lifesaving care to those in need 24 hours a day, seven days a week; and

WHEREAS access to quality emergency care dramatically improves the survival and recovery rate of those who experience sudden illness or injury; and

WHEREAS, the emergency medical services system consists of emergency physicians, emergency nurses, emergency medical technicians, , educators, administrators, and others

WHEREAS, the members of emergency medical services teams, whether career or volunteer, engage in thousands of hours of specialized training and continuing education to enhance their lifesaving skills; and

WHEREAS it is appropriate to recognize the value and the accomplishments of emergency medical services providers by designating the Emergency Medical Services Week; now

THEREFORE, I County Mayor Matt Adcock, in recognition of this event do hereby proclaim the week of May 18 – 24, 2025, as EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WEEK

With the theme, We Care. For Everyone. I encourage the community to observe this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities in honor of the EMS profession and the essential service it provides”.

Members of the DeKalb EMS Staff in addition to Director Trent Phipps (EMT-P) are:

A-Shift:
Tony Williams-EMT-P/SUPERVISOR
Donna Melton-AEMT
Becky Atnip-AEMT
Keely Ping Clark-EMT-P

B-Shift:
Kristie Johnson-EMTPCC/ICQA
Misty Green-AEMT/SUP
Dennis Sherman-EMT/PCC
Akita Dodson-AEMT

C-Shift:
Brian Campbell-EMT-PCC
Rachel Checchi-AEMT/SUP
Shaun Hale-EMT-P
Jessica Wilson-AEMT

D-Shift:
Matt Melton-EMT-PCC/SUP
Trevin Merriman-EMT-P
Richard Kellogg-AEMT
Zechariah Clark-EMT-B

Day Truck:
Jamie Parsley-AEMT
Heather Billings-EMT-B

Day Truck:
Jerry Wakefield-AEMT
Dylan Goodman-AEMT

Part-Time Staff:
Houston Austin-EMT-PCC/IC
Aspen Flarity-EMT-PCC/IC
Clayton Anstis-EMT-PCC
Matt Vaughn-EMT-PCC/IC
Kim Johnson-EMT-PCC
Terrance Hall-EMT-P
Charles Nokes-EMT-P
Daniel Summers-EMT-P
Matthew Terrell-EMT-P
Ed Brooks-AEMT
Noah Burns-AEMT
William Frisby- AEMT
John Poss-AEMT
John Pitts-EMT-PCC
Jon Jenkins-EMT-P
Alexis Olsen-EMT-P
Dylan Fisher-AEMT
Veronica Russell-AEMT
Wes Eldridge-EMT-B
Kenneth Wells-AEMT
Chandler Johnson-AEMT
Jenna Hough-EMT-B
Emily Brewer-EMT-B
Sean Hutch-EMT-B
Matthew Lader-EMT-B
Dalton Roberts-EMT-B

May 26, 2025
By: Dwayne Page

Some gave all!

Memorial Day did not go unnoticed in Smithville as members of the public joined the American Legion Post #122 along with the Ladies Auxiliary and others Monday morning in an observance paying tribute to Americans who fought and died for the cause of freedom.

The keynote speaker, Steve Cantrell, United States Air Force Officer now retired, gave a perspective on Memorial Day. The following is a portion of Cantrell’s remarks.

“As citizens of this country, we have been commemorating this day in one form or another since 1865 shortly after the Civil War; however, it did not become an official Holiday for remembrance until 1971. And then, starting in 2000, all Americans are supposed to hold a National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m.,” said Cantrell.

“Many in this room have lost loved ones and friends in military conflicts or military training accidents”.

“Sometimes we shed a tear, or more as we think back to military comrades, friends and family members. However, for many of us the tears are accompanied by a smile. You smile because of the impact these individuals have had on your life,” said Cantrell.

“Organizations such as the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and AMVETS are so important. They give our veterans and their families a place to share and remember-with tears and smiles. And they complement the places for healing especially our Veterans Administration, which are currently under attack, and organizations such as Wounded Warriors”.

“You may have seen a bumper sticker that says,” All gave some, but some gave all”. “I have been to Arlington Cemetery many times to attend internment ceremonies in honor of many military friends and one civilian. The civilian, Bryan Jack, was a colleague who worked in the Pentagon. He was on his way to a conference when the plane he was on was hijacked and crashed into the Pentagon. His casket like those of many military friends as well as my fathers was given the ultimate honor by this Nation, draped with the American Flag. A Flag that has gone through numerous battles. A Flag that represents one nation under God, Indivisible with Liberty and Justice for All”.

“When I see the American flag, especially on Memorial Day, Flag Day, and the Fourth of July, it stirs memories of serving under that flag, what it means to be an American, and especially friends who honored what that flag stands for with the ultimate sacrifice. That’s why at 3 p.m. you will fInd me saluting an American Flag in their honor and memory. What will you be doing,” asked Cantrell.

Prior to the main event, Susan Hinton presented patriotic music videos by Dailey & Vincent, Aaron Tippin, Alan Jackson, Toby Keith and others.

Ronnie Redmon, American Legion Adjutant #122 extended a welcome to the audience. Melissa Crouch of Gentiva Hospice acknowledged veterans and family members in attendance and presented pins to each. Local minister Larry Green offered a prayer. Jesus Hernandez, who served in the U.S. Army led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance followed by Melissa Crouch, Jo Ann Williams, Darlene Blanton, and Linda Dale leading the attendees in a performance of the Star-Spangled Banner.

After the program, the group gathered downtown where a wreath was placed at the Veterans Monument at the courthouse after Taps and before a closing prayer by Don Rigsby.

About the keynote Speaker Steven A. Cantrell: Mr. Cantrell comes from a family with deep roots in Smithville and DeKalb County. Although not born here he was a legal resident from the day he was born until he retired from the military. He refers to his life as a “Catch 22”. He was a military dependent for 22 years, a United States Air Force Officer for 22 plus years (retired in 1999), and a member of the U.S. government Senior Executive Service for 22 plus years (retired in 2021). He returned to Smithville in 2023, with his wife Gloria Cantrell. His son, John Colvert Cantrell, daughter-in-law Rae (Oulette) Cantrell and granddaughters, Kathryn Cantrell, live in Springfield, Virginia.

Mr. Cantrell was a career intelligence officer, who enjoyed a very wide and eclectic range of jobs (both intelligence and non-intelligence) and educational experiences (two unique Master’s Degrees). Throughout his career he has and still does, serve as a mentor.

His love for Smithville and DeKalb County began and grew during his parents’ annual summer vacations here, followed by two years at DeKalb County High School, and was reenforced with his final move here in 2024. He is an active citizen, participating in local government, who is focused on smart growth for the City of Smithville and DeKalb County. Specifically, he is focused on protecting and sharing the unique things that make this community so special.

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