Inspectors find problems at jail
Something a county never wants is for its jail to become decertified. Stricter state inspectors reported several deficiencies in an August inspections risking decertification of the facility. Structural deficiencies were a main concern. Sheriff Ray said if the facility was to become decertified, the county would run the risk of being sued in federal court by local inmates which might result in a judge ordering the county to build a new jail according to more stringent federal standards as opposed to state regulations.
For years the DeKalb County Jail and Annex have met minimum standards for certification by the Tennessee Corrections Institute. But this year the inspectors want the county to work toward developing a long-range plan to correct long-standing structural deficiencies or risk the jail losing its certification.
DeKalb County Sheriff Patrick Ray and County Mayor Tim Stribling met with the State and CTAS where the jail inspector said the TCI board created a plan of action for the county. A “plan of action” allows a facility to maintain a certified status after failing to meet all minimum standards while demonstrating to the TCI Board of Control that the facility is making measurable progress over a period of time (months or years) to rectify deficiencies found during inspection.
Two new schools on the way?
In a special called meeting by the DeKalb County School board held on Dec. 5, the board rescinded its motion for a new Pre-K through second-grade school and voted 6-1 to build two new schools containing Pre-K through eighth-grade. The proposed school project carries an estimated price tag of $48,685,000 to be funded by the county.
In addition the two new school, the vote also contained the renovation of Northside Elementary transforming it to a Pre-K through eighth-grade facility, creating a total of four Pre-K through eighth-grade campuses for DeKalb County students.
If the DeKalb County Commission were to vote to fund the project, in addition of finding ways of funding such as another tax increase or wheel-tax, the county would require zoning to determine which school children would attend.
Tax increases for all property owners
Property owners within the city and the county felt it in their wallets after a property tax increase this past year was passed by Smithville City Alderman and the DeKalb County Commission.
City property tax increased July 1 to 89 cents per $100 of assessed value, up from 64 cents per $100. The expected about $350,000 revenue per year will help fund some big ticket items looming in Smithville’s near future. One of the largest of these is a proposed new $2 million 7,805 square feet police department headquarters.
Had the increase not passed, the City of Smithville would have been in the red by almost $300,000, the tax hike only slightly keeping Smithville’s fiscal head above water.
Third time was a charm for DeKalb County Commission on passing its new budget during the July regular meeting, which included a 29-cent tax increase for property owners. County taxpayers now pay $2.1235 per $100 of assessed value. That is up from $1.83. With none of the added revenue earmarked for new schools, the increased tax rate was divided among the county general, highway/public works, debit service and general purpose school funds.
Halloween marred by murder
A 37 year-old man lost his life in a shooting that happened on Halloween night. SFC Tyler Durden was shot in the chest by his step-father Albert Wayne Fisher, Jr. at a residence on Eckels Heights Street in Liberty. Durden was taken by EMS to Ascension St. Thomas DeKalb Hospital then later transported by EMS to Vanderbilt Hospital where he died. Fisher was charged with second-degree murder.
Ten injured in crash
A two-vehicle crash on Sept. 4 injured ten people included seven children. Three medical helicopters landed on the McMinnville Highway to transport patients to surrounding area hospitals.
Tennessee Highway Patrol reported the wreck was triggered when Franklin Elliot turned his minivan into the path of a Kia Soul driven by Margaret Pedigo. Pedigo did not have her headlights on which contributed to the crash.
Elliot and passenger, Jessica Farris, were taken to Ascention St. Thomas Hospital via private vehicle. Their four underage passengers ranging from ages eight to 14 were taken to the hospital by ambulance. Three children in the Pedigo vehicle, ranging in ages nine to 13, were among those airlifted to Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville. One of the injured was taken to Cookeville for treatment by a Putnam County ambulance.
More jobs coming to Smithville
The once thriving garment factory in Smithville, Omega Apparel, Inc., will hopefully flourish again under new ownership and management.
620 Pelham, Inc. begun operations in both buildings near downtown where Omega Apparel operated until deciding to go out of business after experiencing hard times.
The factory still produces Broadfall trousers for the US Navy, although that contract is ending after the first of the year, and it supplies three Goretex garments including pants and parkas under a sub-contract for the east Tennessee based Valley Apparel, LLC.
In a meeting with employees on Nov. 14, plant manager Amanda Callis and consultant Dick Chase, a former owner of Omega during its glory days, brought employees up to date on plans for the new industry. Chase said the factory planned to expand its commercial work and land more government contracts from the defense department for the US Military and eventually employ up to perhaps another 150 people.
Roadway fatalities
DeKalb County recorded three fatalities from its roads this year.
A Smithville woman was airlifted to Vanderbilt Hospital after a roll over crash on Nov. 15. Sixty-seven year old Linda Lawrence was driving east on West Main Street when the car went off the right side of the road and struck a curb, utility pole and guide wire before overturning and coming to rest on its top. She died from her injuries the following day.
On March 11, a motorcyclist 20 year-old Zane Jefferson died at the scene after crashing into a guard rail on Sparta Highway a few yards from Sligo Bridge. Bessie Blevins was involved in a crash, also in March, in which a drunk driver hit the vehicle where she was a passenger. She died from her injuries two months later.
Historic rainfall takes toll on roads
DeKalb County, along with most other Tennessee counties, recorded historic rainfall in the month of February. Torrential rains and storms created extensive damage throughout the county. An estimated $80,000 in damage to roads occurred, as well as, lake access areas and structures.
Police save man from fire
A man was saved by police officers who rushed into his burning home to pull him from the blaze on Jan. 31. James David Linder, 60, of Crestlawn Avenue was airlifted for treatment of serious burns at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. He reportedly suffered burns, some third degree, to his chest, face and neck.
Lawmen arrived to the fire call ahead of fire units just before 6 p.m. Thursday. They were informed by neighbors at the housing project that they had tried to get into Linder’s duplex to save him but were unable to get in. That’s when Officer Andy Snow kicked open the door and Sgt. Lance Dillard and Officer Tyler Patterson rushed inside to find Linder collapsed in the hallway. It was later learned the victim had been lying on the living room couch where the fire began, his proximity to the blaze accounting for his serious burns. He had been able to get out of the fire and make his way to the hall before he could go no further. Police were able to drag the man to safety while fire fighters quickly subdued the blaze which was contained to the couch where Linder was lying and the nearby wall.
Meth bust nets over 17 pounds
TBI and members of the 13th Judicial District Drug Task Force, including the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department, made a huge drug bust the night of Nov. 4 at the marina of Edgar Evins State Park. More than 17 pounds of methamphetamine was seized and four people were arrested.
During this investigation, agents involved were alerted of a large shipment of methamphetamine arriving from Georgia to the Upper Cumberland area. Agents involved discovered approximately eight kilograms (more than 17 pounds) of methamphetamine, packaging material, digital scales, a large sum of money, and numerous firearms with the intent to go armed.
