No Ticket Restrictions for DCHS Tiger Football Fans at Stone Memorial Friday Night

September 1, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

DeKalb County High School Principal Randy Jennings has a message for Tiger football fans planning to make the trip to Crossville Friday night for the game at Stone Memorial.

“Due to the large size of the stadium at Stone Memorial High School there will be no ticket restrictions for fans. All fans will have to wear a mask and social distance upon entering the stadium”, said Principal Jennings.

The game between the Tigers (0-2) and Stone Memorial (1-1) starts at 7:00 p.m. and it will begin region play for both teams. WJLE will have LIVE coverage of the game with the Voice of the Tigers John Pryor and Luke Willoughby.

WJLE’s Pre-Game shows begin with “Coach to Coach” at 5:00 p.m. featuring former UT assistant coach Doug Matthews with former coach Dave McGinnis and broadcaster Larry Stone talking Tennessee and SEC football.

“Coach to Coach” is followed by “Murphy’s Matchups at 6:00 p.m., a look at Tennessee High School Football from Murphy Fair with commentary on games and coaches interviews.

“Tiger Talk” airs at 6:30 p.m. with the Voice of the Tigers John Pryor interviewing Coach Steve Trapp and three Tiger football players.

September 1, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

DeKalb County recorded three suicide deaths in 2017 for a rate of 15.1 per 100,000 according to statistics reported by the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network.

Unlike previous years, the 2017 report uses crude suicide rates rather the age-adjusted suicide rates. 2017 numbers are the latest for which county-specific figures are available.

The DeKalb suicide rate is below the state average of 17.3 per 100,000 population for 2017.

County Mayor Tim Stribling and Smithville Mayor Josh Miller recently signed a proclamation designating September as Suicide Prevention Month in DeKalb County and Smithville. Jennifer Matthews, Director of the DeKalb Prevention Coalition and Kristi Paling, Regional Coordinator at the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth joined Mayors Stribling and Miller for the signing.

Suicide is the tenth-leading cause of death (2016 data) in Tennessee, claiming over 1,000 lives per year. Roughly 100 of these are between the age of 10-24—suicide is the second-leading cause of death within this age group. Nationally, suicide rates among youth (ages 15-24) have increased more than 200% in the last fifty years. The suicide rate is higher for the elderly (ages 85+) than for any other age group.

Clay County had the highest suicide rate among the fourteen counties of the Upper Cumberland Region and the state at 51.9 per 100,000 with four deaths. Pickett County had the lowest rate in the Upper Cumberland and the state with no reported suicides in 2017.

DeKalb County’s crude suicide rate was at 41.3 per 100,000 with 8 deaths in 2016 and at 26.1 per 100,000 with 5 deaths in 2015. The rate was 15.6 per 100,000 with 3 deaths in 2014, 15.7 per 100,000 with 3 deaths in 2013, and 15.9 per 100,000 with 3 deaths in 2012.

In almost all cases, suicide can be traced to unrecognized, untreated, or poorly treated mental illness. It can happen to people of either sex, any race or ethnicity, and any economic status. The average suicide death leaves behind six survivors—family and friends of the deceased—all of whom are at increased risk for a suicide attempt themselves. As if the emotional and psychological toll were not enough, suicide and suicide attempts cost the state of Tennessee $1 billion a year in medical treatment, lost wages, and lost productivity.

The Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network (TSPN) and its allies in the public health, mental health, and social service fields are joining forces to recognize the month of September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. During this annual observance, TSPN and its allies arrange several educational and memorial events across Tennessee. These projects help teach the general public about the problem of suicide and how it can be prevented. They also provide an opportunity to remember those lost to suicide; to encourage survivors of suicide, survivors of suicide attempts, and people who have triumphed over mental illness; and to recognize individuals who have made notable contributions to suicide prevention efforts in our state.

Details about the Suicide Prevention Awareness Day observance and other events planned across the state will be announced on the TSPN website (www.tspn.org). Additional information about Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is available from the TSPN central office at (615) 297-1077 or tspn@tspn.org.

You can reach out for help and hope by contacting the crisis text line. Simple text “TN” to 741 741.

August 31, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

A Smithville man was arrested in July for breaking into and doing damage to a residence on Page Drive.

35 year old Michael Andrew Snyders, Jr. of West Main Street, Smithville is charged with aggravated burglary and vandalism. His bond is $7,500 and he will be in court September 10.

Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on July 23 Snyders broke into a home on Page Drive through the front door and vandalized the inside of the residence. Home video surveillance showed him making entry. Damage to the home totaled $1,650. According to the report, Snyders tore up flooring in the closets and bathrooms, pulled up and broke duct work, and tore wires out of the heating and air units.

32 year old Henry Thomas Butler of Chapman Hollow Road, Dowelltown was arrested last month for breaking into a home and garage and stealing several items including a car. Bond for Butler is $25,500 and his court date is October 1. He is charged with aggravated burglary, two counts of burglary, and two counts of theft.

Sheriff Ray said that on August 1 Butler broke into a residence and garage on Chapman Hollow Road. After entering the garage Butler broke into and stole a 1993 Toyota Corolla. Butler also took from the residence two shotguns, two handguns, a leather western gun belt, several power tools, and other miscellaneous items with a total value of $3,790. The car was valued at $2,500. The case was investigated by a detective.

53 year old Dana Seborn Cantrell of Jennings Lane, Smithville is charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver and possession of a schedule V drug (Gabapentin). He was further cited for possession of drug paraphernalia (baggies, a straw, pipe, plate, and card used for drugs) and simple possession of a schedule II drug (hydrocodone). His bond is $6,000 and he will be in court September 10.

Sheriff Ray said that on August 28 three detectives conducted a probation search at Cantrell’s home. During the search the detectives found in a bedroom a plate with a crystal like substance believed to be methamphetamine and a baggie. The total weight of the substance was 0.7 grams. Also found in the bedroom were two scales, 35 Gabapentin capsules, drug paraphernalia, and $140 in cash. A search of the living room turned up a hydrocodone pill in a baggie.