News

A man wanted in Polk County Florida for fraudulent use of a credit card and theft was arrested last week in DeKalb County.

33-year-old Robert Justin Burkholder of South College Street, Smithville is charged with being a fugitive from justice. His bond is $50,000 and he will be in court June 5.

Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on May 23 a deputy was summoned to Johnson’s Chapel Road due to a verbal altercation and spoke with one of the parties, Burkholder. After a background check, the officer learned that Burkholder was wanted in Polk County Florida for fraudulent use of a credit card and theft. Florida authorities plan to extradite Burkholder.

37-year-old Karri Margaret Jewell of Page Drive is charged with fabricating or tampering with evidence. Her bond is $7,500 and she will be in court May 29.

Sheriff Ray said that on May 12 a deputy was transporting Jewell to the sheriff’s office after placing her in custody on an active warrant. As Jewell got out of the patrol car at the sally port of the jail, the officer spotted a ripped clear plastic baggie in the floorboard of the vehicle. A female correctional officer searched Jewell and found inside of Jewell’s shorts pocket, the other part of the clear plastic baggie with residue. Jewell claimed she kept her meth pipe in the baggie and that there used to be meth inside of it. A review of the car’s dash cam video showed Jewell in the back seat and during the transport she placed something in her mouth.

53-year-old Bobby Shawn Haney of Page Drive is charged with burglary and three counts of fraudulent use of a credit card. His bond totals $15,500 and he will make a court appearance May 29.

Sheriff Ray said that on May 11 Haney broke into a vehicle on Midway Road and stole a wallet which held a driver license, social security card, insurance card, $40 cash, and a Region’s debit card. The wallet and card contents were valued at $60. On the same day Haney used the debit card at several businesses to make fraudulent purchases including at Smithville Wine & Spirits (totaling $71.32), at DeKalb Market (totaling $62.20), and at Walmart (totaling $259.87). The case was investigated by a detective.

56-year-old Jeffery Lee Bates of Old West Point Road, Smithville is charged with public intoxication. His bond is $2,000 and he will be in court June 6.

Sheriff Ray said that on May 19 a deputy was summoned to Sparta Highway to conduct a welfare check on a man who was observed staggering on the side of the roadway. Upon arrival the officer found the man, Bates walking down the road and he smelled of alcohol. Bates admitted to having consumed two to three beers at a bar. For his safety and that of the public Bates was placed under arrest.

30-year-old James Dillan Matthews of Page Drive, Smithville is charged with theft of property. He is under a $5,000 bond and his court date is June 5.

Sheriff Ray said that on May 4 Matthews stole a generator valued at $1,299 from a residence on McMinnville Highway and then sold it. The generator has not been recovered. The case was investigated by a detective.

42-year-old Justin Keith Liggett of Douglas Avenue, Smithville is charged with aggravated assault. His bond is $8,000 and he will be in court May 29.

Sheriff Ray said that on May 20 a deputy responded to Pumpkin Hollow Road due to a break in complaint. The homeowner told the officer that Liggett had grabbed her by the neck and tried to choke her. By the time of the officer’s arrival, Liggett had left the residence. He was later arrested.

62-year-old Elizabeth Bryson Shelton of Shiloh Lane, Smithville is charged with forgery. She is under a $5,000 bond and her court date is June 5.

Sheriff Ray said that on about April 17 Shelton forged a name on an automotive title and boat registration and passed them at the county clerk’s office. The case was investigated by a detective.

39-year-old Brittany Ledell Henry of Cookeville is charged with public intoxication. Her bond is $2,000 and she will be in court June 5.

Sheriff Ray said that on May 22 a deputy was dispatched to the area of Allen Ferry Road and Holmes Creek Road to conduct a welfare check on a woman who was observed holding a stop sign. The officer found the woman, Henry with the sign. She smelled of alcohol. Henry admitted having consumed shots of vodka earlier and her behavior was erratic. She was placed in custody. Found during a search of her person was a bottle of Taaka vodka in the back waistband of her shorts with her shirt covering the bottle.

18-year-old Jahaziel Desena Santiago of West Broad Street, Smithville is charged with underage driving while impaired. His bond is $2,500 and he will be in court June 12.

Sheriff Ray said that on May 24 a deputy was dispatched to Short Mountain Highway due to a possible DUI and he spotted a vehicle which had left Lee Braswell Road and had driven through the yard of a residence. He stopped the automobile and spoke with the driver, Santiago who was unsteady on his feet. His eyes were bloodshot and watery. His speech was slurred, and he smelled of alcohol. Santiago also refused to submit to field sobriety tasks.

Sheriff Patrick Ray has released the activity reports from School Resource Officers at all five schools in the county for the 2024-2025 year.

The reports from each school are as follows:

DeKalb West School SRO Billy Tiner
Traffic Accident- 2
Assisted School Staff- 412
Medical Assist- 2
Motorist Assist- 3
Advisory Session with Family- 6
Advisory Session with School Staff- 4
Classroom Lectures- 22
School Meetings- 4
Community Meetings- 2
Ballgames Attended- 41
Arrest for weapons- 1
Removal of Students off School Grounds- 1
Student Searches- 2
Student Transports- 1
Total- 503

Smithville Elementary SRO Roger Whitehead
Traffic Accident- 3
Assisted School Staff- 100
Assisted Patrol Division- 9
Motorist Assists- 12
Advisory Sessions with Students- 8
Advisory Session with Law Enforcement- 19
Advisory Sessions with Family- 7
Advisory Sessions with School Staff- 65
Advisory Sessions with Public- 17
School Meetings- 3
Ballgames Attended- 39
Student Searches- 2
Total 284

Northside Elementary School SRO Matt Summers
Offense Reports Taken- 4
Assisted School Staff- 55
Motorist Assists- 7
Advisory Sessions with Students- 7
Advisory Sessions with Student’s Family- 3
Advisory Sessions with School Staff- 23
Ballgames Attended- 65
Weapon Confiscations- 1 knife
Total 165

DeKalb Middle School SRO Joseph Carroll
Incident Reports- 5
Assist School Staff- 234
Assist Patrol- 3
Assist Detectives- 3
Medical Assists- 2
Motorist Assists- 1
Advisory Sessions with Students- 193
Advisory Sessions with Student’s Family- 17
Advisory Sessions with School Staff- 17
Classroom Lectures- 80
School Meetings-8
Community Meeting- 3
Ballgames Attended- 59
Drug Citations- 2
Weapons Petitions- 1
Assault Petitions- 2
Tobacco Petitions- 1
Student Searches- 18
Locker Searches- 4
Knife Confiscations- 3
Drug Confiscations- 1
Cigarettes/Dip/Vape Confiscations- 7
Total 664

DeKalb County High School SRO Chris McMillen and Jamine Garza
Offense Reports-24
Accident Reports- 6
Assist School Staff- 325
Assist Detective Division- 9
Medical Assist- 2
Motorist Assist- 8
Advisory Sessions with Students- 412
Advisory Sessions with Student’s Family- 79
Advisory Sessions with Law Enforcement- 36
Advisory Sessions with School Staff- 91
Advisory Sessions with Public- 16
Classroom Lectures- 11
School Meetings- 4
Community Meetings- 2
Ballgames Attended- 133
Drug Petitions- 4
Theft Petitions- 2
Assault Petitions- 9
Student Searches- 26
Vehicle Searches- 1
Drug Confiscations- 2 (marijuana vapes)
Cigarettes/Dip/Vape Confiscations- 29
Stolen Property- 2

Total 1,233

A woman found with methamphetamine, acid, and ketamine during a recent probation search is now in more trouble with the law.

52-year-old Melisha Renne Martin “Buttons” of Cooper Avenue, Smithville is under a $93,000 bond and her court date is June 5.

Martin is charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver; possession of another controlled substance (acid) with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver; possession of yet another controlled substance (ketamine) with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver; and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on April 30 a deputy assisted officers with the Tennessee Department of Probation and Parole on a search at Martin’s home. Inside a wooden tote the officers found a pink canister which held a clear crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine that weighed 0.22 grams; three stamped style materials believed to be acid, and a clear baggie containing a crystal-like substance thought to be ketamine that weighed 1.22 grams. The search also turned up a scale with residue, two spoons with burn marks, baggies with white residue inside, and several straws containing white residue.

No city attorney, no city meeting!

The town of Alexandria has been without a city attorney since lawyer Matt Boss stepped down from that position in March.

During Tuesday night’s regular monthly meeting, the Vice Mayor Bobby Simpson asked that the aldermen go no further with city business without being represented by counsel.

Absent from the meeting were Mayor Beth Tripp and her husband, Alderman Jonathon Tripp. After a quorum of the aldermen was established and following the prayer and pledge of allegiance, Alderman Simpson expressed his concerns.

“Folks I’d like to make this statement. Ever since I have been in town the city has always had a lawyer. As long as I can remember we have always had a lawyer here and I don’t feel comfortable doing any business without an attorney. You could make a mistake here that might come back to haunt you. I want to have a motion to adjourn the meeting,” said Alderman Simpson.

Alderman Luke Prichard made the motion to adjourn. Alderman Jeff Ford later offered a second to the motion and the meeting was adjourned after also getting the support of Alderman Sherry Tubbs.

At first, Alderman Tubbs said the aldermen did not have to adjourn the meeting to discuss city business and she added that perhaps because of the mayor no lawyer contacted so far has expressed an interest in the city attorney position.

“We can have it (meeting) without an attorney. We can’t make legal decisions,” said Alderman Tubbs.

“I don’t want to have nothing to do with it Sherry, I’m telling you. We’ve always had a lawyer here,” replied Alderman Simpson.

“I can tell you on record that two attorneys have reached out to me that Beth (Mayor) had reached out to. One (attorney) said she would not do it because she does not have the time to be a mayor to the city and be an attorney and that’s what other attorneys told her to be prepared for. The other one, he said that she (Tripp) doesn’t have enough education to be a mayor and that she doesn’t run the office the way our charter is written, and he is afraid that he would get caught up in another lawsuit. The man said the likelihood of getting an attorney in this county or surrounding counties is not very likely. Not many people are going to take on our town right now. I don’t know where we are going to go,” said Aldermen Tubbs.

“I just don’t want to be involved in making a decision here Sherry that could come back to haunt us,” replied Alderman Simpson.

The Alexandria Mayor and Aldermen Board is made up of Mayor Beth Tripp, Aldermen Jonathon Tripp, Jeff Ford, Sherry Tubbs, Bobby Simpson, and Luke Prichard, A vacancy now exist with the recent resignation of Alderman Tiffany Robinson.

Issues on the agenda for discussion Tuesday night were the open Alderman position, hiring a full-time police officer, hiring a street department employee, and adding federal holidays to the city charter.

Margaret Stevens, who once held an appointed aldermen position, said after the meeting she had planned to address the mayor and aldermen during the public comment period to express her interest in being appointed again to the town council as Alderman.

A jury trial date has been set in federal court in the case of a former Alexandria city employee against the city and Mayor Beth Tripp.

(Read original story at link below)

Former Alexandria City Employee Files Federal lawsuit Against Mayor Beth Tripp And City

Patricia Houser, a former town recorder, court clerk, tax collector, and backup water clerk, claims she was wrongfully terminated last fall and has sued 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.

Motions for and against dismissal of the case have been filed by attorneys.

According to a court filing last month, “This case is set for a jury trial on October 20, 2026, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the United States Courthouse, 9 East Broad Street, 2nd Floor, Cookeville, TN. Counsel for the parties shall appear for a pretrial conference in this Court on October 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in Courtroom 5D, at the Fred D. Thompson U.S. Courthouse, 719 Church Street, Nashville, TN. All lawyers who will participate in the trial must attend the pretrial conference. If a settlement is reached before two business days of trial the cost of summoning the jury may be assessed against the parties”.

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

She is represented by the Nashville law firm of Biesecker, Dutkanych & Macer, LLC. The attorney for the mayor and town is A. Ryan Simmons of the Brentwood law firm of Farrar/Bates/Berexa.

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.

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

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.

The community is urged to observe Memorial Day by attending a remembrance program today (Monday May 26) at the county complex auditorium sponsored by the American Legion Post #122 and the Ladies Auxiliary.

Patriotic music by Susan Hinton begins at 9:30 a.m. followed by the program at 10 a.m. featuring keynote speaker Steve Cantrell, U.S. Air Force, retired.

About 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.

The program schedule is as follows:

Welcome: Ronnie Redmon, American Legion Adjutant #122 and Judy Redmon, American Legion Auxiliary

Acknowledgment of Veterans present: Melissa Crouch, Gentiva Hospice. She will be distributing veteran pins.

Prayer: Larry Green

Pledge of Allegiance: Jesus Hernandez, served in the U.S. Army

Star Spangled Banner: led by Dr. Robert Atnip

After the program, a wreath will be placed at the Veterans Monument at the courthouse.

Closing prayer by Don Rigsby

Allie Eaton in the 6th to 8th grade category won “Outstanding Entry of the Show” while Michael Bond from the 4th to 5th grade Division captured the “People’s Choice Award” in the DeKalb Schools Art Exhibit held Saturday at the County Complex. The annual event was sponsored by the Smithville Study Club. Elaine McGuffery is the Club President and Susan Hinton is the Art Chairman.

(View more student artwork on wjle’s facebook page or click link below)

Students from Kindergarten to 12th grade participated in the art exhibit.

This year’s art exhibit winners are as follows:

*Division 1: Kindergarten- 1st Grade
1st Place- John Linder
2nd Place- Ella Seitz
3rd Place- Kase Roller
4th Place-Elyanna Hernandez
5th Place- Allison Locke
Honorable Mention- William Terrell and Summer South

*Division 2: 2nd & 3rd grades
1st Place- Colton Duke
2nd Place- Haley Cantrell
3rd Place- Grayson Cooper
4th Place-Kallen Curtis
5th Place- Dayona Martinez
Honorable Mention- Emmie Edwards & Rose Garrido

*Division 3: 4th & 5th grades
1st Place- Monica Lomas
2nd Place- Karmyn Merriman
3rd Place- Brayden Corrillo
4th Place-Evelyn Farmer
5th Place-Winona Turner
Honorable Mention- Ila Richard & Clara Cox

*Division 4 (Middle School)- 6th – 8th grades
1st Place-Allie Eaton
2nd Place-Abigail Karsky
3rd Place-Lillian Close
4th Place-Braylon Williams

*Division 5- 9th-12th grades
1st Place- Katie Linder
2nd Place- Isabella Williams
3rd Place- Brenna McBroom
4th Place-MacKenzie Cantrell