Veterans Day Observance Held to Honor Servicemen and Women (View video here)

November 11, 2021
By: Dwayne Page

A brief Veterans Day observance was held Thursday morning at the memorial monument on the south side of the courthouse.

The program began with an opening prayer by Jerry Hinton of the American Legion POST 122 followed by patriotic music led by Faye Fuqua and remarks by Susan Hinton, the 2021 DeKalb County Fair Senior Fair Queen. Adjutant Ronnie Redmon of the American Legion POST 122 laid a wreath at the Veterans Memorial Monument at the conclusion of the ceremony accompanied by other local veterans.

November 10, 2021
By: Dwayne Page

A two term member of the DeKalb County Commission is announcing her intentions to seek the office of County Mayor in 2022.

Anita Puckett, who serves the 5th district as commissioner, will be vying for the Republican nomination for County Mayor in the May 3, 2022 DeKalb County Republican Primary. The Republican nominee will advance to the DeKalb County General Election in August, 2022

Puckett’s formal announcement is as follows:

“To the people of DeKalb County, I am seeking the Republican nomination in the May primary for the office of DeKalb County Mayor in 2022.”

“First, I would like to thank all of the constituents from the 5th district for supporting me in the last two elections as a commissioner. I appreciate your trust in me. As a commissioner, I have had the opportunity to be involved in committees such as emergency services, parks and recreation, education and the budget committee. I have grown greatly in my knowledge of how our county government system works”.

“Currently, I am the assistant principal at DeKalb Middle School. Before going into administration seven years ago, I was an 8th grade school teacher. With my various experiences, I have the leadership skills needed to grow unity within the commission as well as our community”.

“A life-long native of DeKalb County, my parents were Clarence and Jeanette Thweatt. Being involved in government runs deep in my family. My mother worked in clerical positions for the clerk’s office for more than 25 years. My Uncle John Henry Thweatt was the County Court Clerk for several years as well as my Uncle Kenny Edge as he was the Road Supervisor for many years. My husband, Jimmy Puckett and I have been married 31 years. We are the parents of three wonderful girls Kristian (Dustin) Nelson, Kidman (Dophcar) Lesseille, and Addison. I have 2 beautiful grandchildren Lakelyn and Camden Nelson, with additional grandchildren due in the summer.”.

“This county deserves strong leadership and a vision that I can bring in my service as your Mayor. I am dedicated to DeKalb County and the future of this small town. I look forward to meeting each of you as I begin my campaign. I humbly request your prayers, support and especially your vote in the May primary,” said Puckett.

November 10, 2021
By: Dwayne Page

A 69 year old man will soon learn how his sentence is to be served after entering a guilty plea to an aggravated assault charge last Thursday, November 4 in DeKalb County Criminal Court.

Walter Kenneth Tubbs was originally charged with rape for an offense committed on July 26, 2016 but he agreed to plea to the lesser charge of aggravated assault. He is facing a five year sentence to serve at least 30% but the manner of how he is to serve the sentence including the possibility of judicial diversion will be determined at a later sentencing hearing.

Tubbs was accused of having sex with a woman against her will at the victim’s residence on Smith Road. After the incident Tubbs allegedly apologized and pleaded for the woman not to press charges. He also called family members and apologized to them for what he had done, according to the arrest warrant at the time.

37 year old Terri Lynn Poss entered a plea to reckless endangerment and received a sentence of 11 months and 29 days suspended to supervised probation.

During an investigation of an underage drinking party on Smith Road April 13, 2019 Smithville police spotted someone toss a beer bottle from the driver’s side window of Poss’ car. The officer followed Poss to McDonald’s and asked her to step out of the vehicle. He smelled a strong odor of alcohol coming from Poss’ person and noticed that she was unsteady on her feet. Poss submitted to but performed poorly on field sobriety tasks. Poss informed the officer that she had consumed one Bud Light Platinum which was the same bottle the officer found on Smith Road that had been thrown from her vehicle.

47 year old Micah Daniel Murphy entered a plea to driving under the influence and received a sentence of 11 months and 29 days suspended to 48 hours to serve but was given 5 hours credit for time served. Murphy was fined $360 and will lose his driver license for one year. He must attend DUI school and participate with the MADD Impact Panel.