Intoxicated woman caught taking nude plunge in nursery pond

July 27, 2022
By: Dwayne Page

A woman who decided to take a nude swim in the pond of a private nursery has been charged with public intoxication.

41-year-old Christie Dawn Bouldin of Sparta is under a $2,000 bond and her court date is August 11. Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on July 21 a deputy responded to Simpson’s Nursery where a woman was observed swimming nude in their pond. Upon arrival, the deputy spoke with the woman, Bouldin, whose behavior was abnormal, and she could not stand still. Bouldin also became very belligerent while speaking to the deputy. For her safety and that of the public, Bouldin was placed in custody.

40-year-old Brandon Scott Dale of McMinnville is charged with a second offense of driving under the influence. His court date is August 11. Sheriff Ray said that on July 23 a deputy received a call about a reckless driver on Sparta Highway (Highway 70). The deputy responded and spotted a red Ford F-150 swerving in the roadway (failing to maintain its lane of travel). After conducting a traffic stop, the officer spoke with the driver, Dale, and observed that the man’s eyes were glassy and that he had a strong odor of alcohol on him. Dale also had an open container of whiskey setting in the passenger seat. Dale admitted to having consumed some alcohol earlier in the night. Dale refused to submit to standardized field sobriety tasks. He was then placed under arrest.

32-year-old Jerry David Cantrell of Adcock Cemetery Road, Smithville is charged with violation of an order of protection and resist, stop, halt, search or arrest. He is under an $11,000 bond and will be in court on August 11. Sheriff Ray said that on July 23 Cantrell had gone to an address on Adcock Cemetery Road and beat on the door of the residence several times. Authorities say that Cantrell is under an active order of protection, ordering him to stay away from the residence. As the deputy was attempting to place Cantrell under arrest for the violation, he fled on foot but was later captured.

July 26, 2022
By: Dwayne Page

An annual prayer for our schools observance will be held Sunday, July 31 at all the individual schools in DeKalb County starting at 2 p.m.

“Back to School Call to Prayer 2022” is organized by Smithville AG (First Assembly of God) at all five schools where there will be a pastor to lead attendees in a group prayer.

“There is something special when God’s people come together and pray,” said Smithville AG Pastor Iain Swisher.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. I Thessalonians‬ ‭5:16- 18‬ ‭NKJV‬‬”.

“We encourage you to choose the school of your choice to gather for this special time of prayer for the students and faculty for this coming school year. Everyone is welcome,” added Pastor Swisher.

July 26, 2022
By: Dwayne Page

A midnight fire Friday gutted a home under renovation downtown Smithville.

The home, owned by Mitch Hodge, is located on West Webb Street near the public square.

Smithville Fire Chief Charlie Parker said the fire was reported to E911 dispatchers at 11:40 p.m. by a passerby who spotted smoke coming from the home which was unoccupied at the time.

The Smithville Fire Department sprang into action accompanied by officers with the Smithville Police Department, and DeKalb EMS. A crew from Smithville Electric System also responded to cut power to the house.

When firefighters arrived, flames were coming out of the windows of the home and the blaze had spread to the second floor and attic. Firefighters worked to contain the fire, keeping it from spreading to other areas. The house and all of its contents were thought to be a total loss.

Chief Parker said it appears the fire started in a front room on the first floor of the home but the cause has not been determined. No one was injured.