The year 2022 was a busy one for news. There were elections, political drama, and major court proceedings, as well as tragic fires and auto crashes. There was also triumph and fun with new forms of entertainment opening up to residents in the area, and local students making milestones.
Here are a few of the top stories for the year 2022 in Review:
January –
Snow storms - With Christmas sporting temperatures in the low to mid 70s, the area was greeted by Old Man Winter with not one, but two major snow storms. Not only did the snows shut down local businesses and schools, but the thaws were met with heavy rains at the end of the week, resulting in localized flooding in some areas, delaying the opening of schools.
Man Sentenced for Halloween Shooting - The 53-year-old man, Albert Wayne Fisher, Jr., convicted of shooting and killing his stepson, Tyler Durden, on Halloween night in 2019, was sentenced to the maximum, six years in prison. Fisher had faced second- degree murder in the case, which carries a punishment of 15-25 years, but the jury convicted him of the lesser crime of voluntary manslaughter.
Teachers Honored - Smithville Elementary School’s teacher of the year was kindergarten teacher, Cristy Spears, while Northside Elementary School’s fifthgrade math and science teacher, Sarah Story, was named. Amanda Mullinax, library and media specialist, was honored at DeKalb West School, while Teresa Jones, a seventh-grade math teacher was named at DeKalb Middle School. Gary Caplinger, a CTE residential and commercial construction teacher at DeKalb County High School, was named Teacher of the Year at DCHS.
February –
New Health Department Planned - DeKalb County Mayor Tim Stribling had some good news to share, announcing plans for the county to get a new health department center. Stribling shared a letter by Lisa Piercey, the Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Health, he was given during a meeting with Regional Health Director Angel Troxell and local Health Director Michael Railing.
Body Found in Home - A local homeowner had a bit of a scare, after a visit to his seasonal lake home resulted in the discovery of a dead body. Officers arrived on the scene and discovered a badly decomposed body of a man in a detached sunroom of the residence. Identified the man as 68-year-old Matthew Edwin Riihimaa, he was well known to authorities, having been arrested multiple times at another Captain’s Point Road address for assaults and violations of an order of protection dating back to at least 2019.
School Controversy - The regularly scheduled DeKalb County Board of Education meeting was the scene of controversy as students, parents and school staff attended to voice their concerns over a couple of hot-button issues that have arose over the week. At issue were a couple of online surveys for students at DCHS, and whether student quotes would be allowed in this year’s yearbook. Some parents had come to voice concerns over a pair of surveys which asked students about sexual orientation, gender identity and LGBTQ inclusion. The meeting would get heated at times.
March –
Flooding - Heavy rain caused problems for local drivers with swollen creeks and flooded roads around the county. As always Dowelltown saw the most problems with Dry Creek and Smith Fork overtopping their banks and flooding the surrounding area. The rain was so heavy that schools were called off.
Head-On Collision Kills Woman - A Smithville woman was killed after a devastating head-on collision on Highway 96, near the Wilson County line. According to Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Bobby Johnson, 64-year-old Sally Potts of Smithville, was killed in the crash. The tragic accident marked the first death on DeKalb County roadways that year.
Splash Pad Starts Construction - Construction for the City of Smithville’s new 2,400-squarefoot splash pad began, after a groundbreaking ceremony was held at the site of the project at Greenbrook Park. Mayor Josh Miller, city aldermen, and other city officials and friends were on hand for the event.
First Female Deputy - The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department welcomed its first female deputy, after one of the DeKalb County Jail’s officers moved up in the ranks. Deputy Jasmine Garza in now patrolling the roads after graduating from the police academy.
April –
Winds Spark Fires - High winds had local firefighters scrambling after downed powerlines and careless acts sparked several brush fires around the county. Several homes were in danger, but fire crews and local residents were able to contain the fires.
Arrest Made in Fire Death - A tragic fire that claimed the life of a man well-known among local sports circles turned into a murder case, with the man’s son charged with the crime. The defendant, 15-year-old Alex Lemons, a freshman at DCHS was 14 when the alleged crime occurred. Lemons turned himself in at the DeKalb County Jail after charges were handed down.
Body Found in Lake - Authorities recovered the body of a man floating in Center Hill Lake, near the Johnson’s Chapel Recreation area. He was later positively identified as a missing man from Putnam County, 37-year-old William Hightailing Jr. of Baxter. Two weeks later his car would also be found in the lake.
Standoff in Dowelltown - Local law enforcement found itself in a standoff in Dowelltown, after a routine patrol ran across a man with a gunshot wound. A deputy on routine patrol in Dowelltown, was flagged down on West Main Street due to a man being shot. Other officers arrived on scene and set up a perimeter around the residence where the alleged shooter had barricaded himself inside. The suspect, 55-year-old Lorenzo Hernandez of West Main Street, Dowelltown, had shot another male in the arm after a disagreement with the victim at a residence in Dowelltown.
House Fire Spreads - Local firefighters responded to the scene of a house fire that quickly spread to the nearby woods and threatened other property and structures. Fire crews worked to contain the blaze, but the home of Anthony W. Mickle, Jr. and Ronda Mickle at 1095 Lakeview Drive in Lakeview Mountain Estates was claimed by the flames. Two pets died in the blaze.
May –
Upsets in Primaries - Both the Democratic and Republican Primaries were in the books with some upsets and some incumbents being ousted from their seats. Eighteen candidates were in the race for the eight county- wide public offices up for election this year with each party (Democrat and Republican) having its own primary on the same day, to nominate candidates to run in the August DeKalb County General Election.
Fire Claims Home - The Smithville Fire Department battled a large house fire that destroyed a local home, garage, and other structures. The home, belonging to Roger Tramel at 702 Cill Street, was a total loss.
Graduation - As the DeKalb County High School Band played Pomp and Circumstance, 165 members of the Class of 2022 marched to their seats during this year’s graduation ceremony at VanHooser. Students were joined by friends, family and faculty, who cheered on the students as they were recognized.
June –
New Liberty/Dowelltown Fire Hall Planned - The DeKalb County Commission voted to move forward with a proposed new fire hall in the Liberty/ Dowelltown area to replace the cramped quarters currently used by Liberty Engine 65. Fire officials say the new building is needed and provide faster service to the western part of the county.
WhistlinDiesel Visits - Hundreds of followers of YouTuber WhistlinDiesel assembled onto the steps of the DeKalb County Courthouse to show their support after he was written a citation from TWRA during a recent outing on Center Hill Lake. Followers traveled from several states, including Oklahoma, Michigan, North Dakota, Iowa and others with some even driving a lengthy 17-hours from Connecticut.
Meth Ring Busted - An investigation, initially launched by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department resulted in nine arrests in what authorities say was a major methamphetamine ring based out of DeKalb County. The ring allegedly involved people in four states and several Middle Tennessee counties, and resulted in what the TBI has termed “Operation Ice Pick.'
Commission Meeting Gets Heated - It wasn’t quite the Fourth of July, but there were still fireworks going on at the DeKalb County Courthouse after a war of words on social media manifested itself during the DeKalb County Commission’s Meeting of the Whole. The dust-up occurred between the Director of the E-911 Center and a local commissioner after a minor accident happened in front of the commissioner’s home.
July –
Goebel Claims Jamboree Prize - The 51st Annual Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree and Crafts Festival was in the books with the Junior Fiddler winning as Grand Champion and earning an opportunity to play on the Grand Ole Opry stage. Noah Goebel of Elkton, KY., faced some stiff competition but impressed the judges and the crowd during the highlight events and walked away with the Barry C. Williams Memorial Award.
Missing Woman - Authorities were searching for a missing woman who has not been seen since the Fourth of July holiday. Brittany Ann Miller, 31, is reported as a white female, 5’ 4” and 150 pounds. She has dark brown shoulder length hair, blue eyes, and wears black frame glasses. Miller reportedly has a tattoo of “Adam” across her forearm and “Tyler” on right ankle. She was last seen on July 4, 2022, around 4 p.m. at her home on Hurricane Ridge Road in Smithville.
New Principals - DeKalb County Director of Schools Patrick Cripps announced DeKalb Middle School will have a new principal and assistant principal. Caleb Shehane was the new principal, filling the position from Lacey Foutch, who served as DMS principal for three years. Angela (Cantrell) Johnson moved to assistant principal, taking over from Anita Puckett.
Fourth of July Blaze - A local family was left homeless after a Fourth of July blaze tore through their house. The home of Edward Hooper at 650 East Main Street, Alexandria, was heavily involved with a partial roof collapse. No injuries were reported, but the home and its contents were a total loss.
Dump Truck Crashes - It was a deadly week in DeKalb County with two different vehicle crashes involving dump trucks, one ending in a fatality. Walter Gordon, 79, of Smithville was killed when his Toyota 4Runner crossed into the path of a dump truck on Allens Ferry Road. Gordon was killed at the scene in the crash. He had not been wearing a seatbelt.
Man Charged with Sexual Battery of Child - The DeKalb County Grand Jury indicted a Lebanon man, charged with three counts of aggravated sexual battery of a six-year-old child. Authorities allege that between the dates of May 1, 2013 and May 1, 2014 in DeKalb County, 34-yearold John David Stoops, Jr., of South Maple Street, Lebanon, twice intentionally, knowingly, and unlawfully accomplished sexual contact with a person less than 13 years of age. The victim in the case was born on December 15, 2006.
Fire Claims Smithville House - Fire destroyed a Smithville home that was under construction. E-911 dispatchers were notified about the blaze from a passerby, who reported smoke coming from a house on West Webb Street, just off the Square in Smithville. The house, belonging to Mitch Hodge, was under renovation and was unoccupied at the time.
August –
One-Car Crash Claims Man - A Middle Tennessee man was killed after being involved in a one-vehicle crash near Hurricane Bridge. According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, 70-year-old Phillip Smith of Cookeville was traveling north on Highway 56 when he ran off the left side of the road and drove head on into a rock bluff. Smith died on impact at the scene.
Republican Wave in County - Republicans took every county seat during Election Day, with only a few Democratic commissioners elected. It was a tidal wave for Republicans. A total of 4,794 voters participated in the August election, with a turnout of 37.14 percent of the 12,909 registered voters in the area.
Motorcyclist Crashes Off of Dam - An Antioch, Tenn., woman was killed after being involved in a horrific motorcycle crash on Center Hill Dam. According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, 28-year-old Brooke Murphy was traveling south on Highway 96 (Dale Ridge Road) at the bridge over Center Hill Dam on a S1000 BMW motorcycle when she crossed the center line and struck a truck. The motorcycle then veered into the concrete guardrail, where Murphy was propelled over the handlebars and off the side of the bridge, plunging 60 to 70 feet below.
Judge Honored - Judge Bratten “Butch” Cook II, was honored for his years of service. A retirement event was held at the DeKalb County Complex, and saw public officials and citizens stop in to wish Judge Cook a fond farewell.
Liberty Battles Over Tennis Courts - The Town of Liberty held a special called meeting after confusion arose over a contract to resurface the Liberty Tennis Courts. One newly elected member of the town council expressed concerns over whether the town had a legally binding contract to perform the work and had called for work to be stopped.
Arrests Made in Possible Postal Robbery - Smithville police arrested three out-of-state men after allegedly attempting to purchase items at two different retail stores using a fake credit card. The arrests have also led to an investigation into an armed robbery of a postal worker, as well as the theft of a large amount of mail including checks.
September –
Mr. and Miss DCHS - DeKalb County High School seniors Colby Barnes and Morgan Walker were named the 2022-23 Mr. and Miss DeKalb County High School.
9-11 Remembered - DeKalb County and the City of Smithville held a remembrance ceremony, honoring the victims and survivors of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on New York and Washington D.C. The ceremony saw a larger number in attendance and featured local speakers and entertainers.
Roads Damaged by Rains - Some heavy rains caused chaos on local roadways on Saturday, September 3, sending the DeKalb County Road Department scrambling. The intense precipitation caused driveways to wash into the roads, water to cover roads, and in some cases the pavement to be buckled.
SES Plans Unveiled - During a workshop meeting of the school board Director Patrick Cripps unveiled architectural designs for a new proposed Smithville Elementary School. The schematic, designed by Upland Design Group, shows that new elementary school at 124,207 square feet in size, and would accommodate 800 students, with room for future expansion to house an additional 300 additional students.
Woman Killed in Hammer Attack - The Smithville Police Department arrested a man after he allegedly bludgeoned to death his common law wife/girlfriend with a hammer. Arrested at the scene was 35-year-old Simon Rodriguez Martinez, who allegedly admitted to attempting to clean up blood from the scene and to taking a shower before police arrived. Martinez also allegedly admitted to moving the hammer used in the killing, and throwing the clothes he had been wearing in the trash. Police say that Martinez also confessed to hitting Guerra with the hammer after an argument between the two.
October –
Firefighters Promoted - The City of Smithville recognized the promotions of long-time city firefighters. Captain Jeff Wright was promoted to Assistant Fire Chief, while Lieutenants John Poss, Donnie Cantrell, and Danny Poss were promoted to the rank of Captain. Hoyte Hale will continue his position of Deputy Chief.
Warehouse Fire - The Smithville Fire Department responded to a warehouse fire at Star Manufacturing in Smithville. Authorities say that the sprinkler system at the warehouse helped contain the blaze until fire crews could arrive.
Man Guilty of Child Rape - An elderly man pleaded guilty to one count of rape of a 14-year-old girl in Criminal Court and will serve eight years in jail. Authorities say that 70-year-old William Kenneth Phillips did unlawfully, intentionally and knowingly expose himself and by force or coercion have sexual contact with a 14-year-old girl between the months of May and August 2018.
November –
Man Arrested for Murder and Rape of Missing Girl - The body of the missing 15-year-old Upperman student with ties to DeKalb County was discovered in a wooded area east of Cookeville in Putnam County by Putnam County Road Department employees. The discovery led to the arrest of a 63-year-old man, charged with second- degree murder and aggravated rape. The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office arrested and charged Charles “Chuck” Carter for Aggravated Statutory Rape of Olivia Daryl Taylor, who was a juvenile reported missing that same day.
Republicans Sweep Offices - The November 8 election came and went, and while the predicted red wave didn’t materialize nationally, the Republican Party dominated locally and throughout the State of Tennessee. A total of 5,225 people voted Tuesday in DeKalb County, including 3,076 on Election Day, 1,993 during the walk-in early voting, and 156 by absentee, with 39.62 percent of the 13,189 registered voters participating. A total of 4,794 people voted in August including 2,214 on Election Day and 2,357 during early voting. DeKalb County’s own Michael Hale was elected as the new state representative of the 40th District, defeating DeKalb Democratic challenger Tom Cook district wide.
John Anderson Honored - Local officials, business owners, and fans braved the cold weather to honor country music star and long-time resident of DeKalb County, John Anderson. The City of Smithville and the Smithville/DeKalb Chamber of Commerce held a dedication ceremony and ribbon cutting for the newly named John Anderson Alley, formerly known as Walnut Alley.
Man Arrested in Machete Attack - The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department had a relatively quiet week, despite arresting a Dowelltown man after he attacked another man with a machete. Sheriff Patrick Ray said that 61-year-old Juilio Neisa Hernandez of West Main Street, Dowelltown, was arrested for aggravated assault.
December –
Santa Makes Visits - Santa had a very busy weekend, not only preparing for his yearly trek across the globe on Christmas Eve, but attending the local events and parades across DeKalb County. The Smithville Christmas Parade was followed by Christmas on the Square in Smithville on Saturday evening, while the Liberty Christmas Parade and Alexandria Christmas Parade were held on Sunday.
Webb’s Drugs Gets New Drive-Thru - F.Z. Webb’s and Sons Pharmacy had an exciting Thursday morning when a local motorist apparently decided the building needed another drive-thru entrance. The vehicle plowed over the sidewalk, into the brick wall and through the large windows of the business on South Congress Boulevard.
Former Deputy Arrested for Sexual Contact with a Minor - A 39-year-old DeKalb County man has been arrested and charged with soliciting sexual exploitation of a minor. Dustin James Farris of Star Drive, Sparta, (DeKalb County), a former deputy with DeKalb, White, Putnam and Cannon County and a Child Support Investigator in the 13th Judicial District, was charged with two counts of exploitation of a minor by electronic means, and one count of sexual contact with a minor by authority figure.
Time Capsule Discovered - Old times there are not forgotten, at least not in DeKalb County after a lost treasure was rediscovered inside the DeKalb County Courthouse. A time capsule, that was placed in the courthouse just after construction was been located with its mystery contents unveiled. The box contained photos, newspapers, and even a tape recording.
House Fire Claims Pets - DeKalb County firefighters responded to a house fire last week that destroyed a family home and claimed several pets. The home of Anne White at 1576 Vandergriff Hollow Road in Dowelltown was totally engulfed in flames. White reported that among all of her pets inside the house, she was able to rescue only one cat from a window of the home. All the other dogs and cats inside perished in the fire.
Blaze Destroys Home - DeKalb County firefighters were dispatched to 128 Nikki Lane, off Sparta Hwy in the Midway Community, for a residential structure fire. The owner told firefighters she had just left the house minutes before and returned to find smoke coming from her house and fire inside the kitchen window. She was able to open the front door allowing two of her dogs to escape. No other occupants were inside the home.
