Business Coverage

THIS ISSUE:

13 Yard Sales 9 Help Wanted 236 Real Estate Listings 3 Auctions

A Prize-Winning Newspaper

~

INSERTS:

UT-TPA Press Awards 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013

■ Sav-Way Grocery

■ Save-A-Lot

■ Dollar General

■ P&G – Pantene

■ Sonic

■ Wilson Living Magazine

Presenting News And Views From around Smith County Volume 102 Number 20-USPS No. 092-180May 15, 2014

INSIDE ...

Where’s Scoop?

Entry Form, Contest Rules & Last Week’s Winner . . . . . . . . A6

$350M Rehabbing Of Center Hill Dam Rolls With The Flow SPECIAL FEATURE BY KEN BECK

Carthage, Tennessee 37030

36 pages

Single Copy 75¢

Bridge work enters final stages

By Eddie West Staff Writer Employees with Wilson County’s Lojac Construction Company removed asphalt leading to the Cordell Hull Bridge, Monday morning.

Repaving approaches to the bridge is one of the final steps of the structure’s reconstruction which is entering its final stages.

Transportation offi cials anticipate the bridge opening in June.

However, any date is subject to change based on variables associated with construction projects.

According to state offi cials, the contractor has until the end of June to finish the reconstruction.

Concrete replacement work on the structure has

See Bridge A9

. . . . . . . . A10 - A11

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

A machine grinds up asphalt at the Carthage end of the Cordell Hull Bridge, Monday morning, as approaches to each end of the bridge were repaved as part of the ongoing reconstruction of the structure.

Shortfall in revenue at landfill discussed Garbage disposal fee seen as likely way to offset costs

By Eddie West Staff Writer

Sports

For years residents have disposed of their garbage without cost

at convenient sites.

Because of a shortfall in revenue and increasing landfi ll costs, free disposal of household garbage will likely come to an end in the

Tigerettes Continue Post-Season Spree

months ahead.

The county’s Solid Waste Committee has been given the authority by the county commission to development a plan which will

G’ville Lands 5th Sub-State Berth . . . . . . . B1 Jennings’ Arm, Inman’s HR Drive Gordonsville To Back-To-Back

By Eddie West

8A Titles. . . . . . B1

Staff Writer Newly appointed Help Center Director Pamela Ferriss’ resume didn’t include the typical list of prestigious accolades nor an impressive list of previous positions of employment generally associated with applications for a director’s position.

But the 44-yearold Carthage resident possessed something which resonated with the Smith County Help Center’s board of director s—the will to overcome a troubled past.

At one time, she sat on the opposite side

Road Ends For Area Teams Tigers 6-Run Inning Not Enough In Loss To Jackets . . . B1 Macon Co.’s Late Rally Stumps Owls In 9 Innings . . . . B1

News Rotary Club

Pancake Breakfast Photos . . . A9

Area Elementary Schools Honor Valedictorians, Salutatorians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A12

See Ferriss A9

To All Candidates COUNTY The Courier will continue publishing candidate announcements including local offi ces (county departments, school board, commissioners), district and state offi ces as news items through its May 22 edition. The deadline for that edition is noon, Monday,

See Commissioners A7

Help Center’s director overcame obstacles leading to her new career

Prichard Belts 3B, HR As

Briefly

result in additional revenue for the landfi ll. Any plan will likely involve some form of household

Graduation 2014 inside The annual graduation section, honoring graduates at each of the county’s two high schools, is located inside this week’s edition of the Courier.

The special section includes best wishes to graduates from area busi-

nesses and individuals.

Graduation will be held at Gordonsville High School beginning at 7 p.m., Friday.

At Smith County High School, graduation will be held beginning at 10 a.m., Saturday.

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

Pamela Ferriss, center, is the new director of the Smith County Help Center. From left are Jill Garner, Help Center board member, Ferriss, and Emmanuel House Director Kim Seator.

Upper Cumberland Electric board of directors election this summer

By Eddie West Staff Writer Four seats on the Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation Board

of Directors will be up for election this summer.

One of the positions includes the vacant seat once held by the late Robert (Bob) Woodard, who

passed away last year.

The unexpired position will be for a two year term.

The other three positions

See Upper A9

See Candidate Page A7 Auctions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B8, B12 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . B5-B12 Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A2 Joyce Christensen Tom Padgett Dortha Williams

Public Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B7 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B1-B3

Lankford running for sheriff

Williams seeks re-election

Ronnie Lankford announces his candidacy for sheriff.

“I would like to take this opportunity to announce my candidacy for the offi ce of sheriff. I am currently serving as a ser-

Trustee Lee Ann Williams announces her candidacy for re-election.

“I would like to announce my candidacy for your Smith County Trustee. I have had the great pleasure of serving Smith

geant with the Gordonsville Police Department.

I am married to Christy Lankford and we have two children —Davie Lankford, 17, and Carrie Ann

See Lankford A7

Lankford

County as trustee since 1998. During my time in office, I have strived to make the office more effi cient by adding a new tax accounting system, a new

See Williams A7

Williams

Soldier’s story, speed limit, street fair

By Eddie West Staff Writer Few Smith County residents have ever had their story told in the New York Times.

We are Riverview

PRIVATE COMFORT HEAL

During World War I, Lancaster resident Lofton Fisher was interviewed by a Times reporter covering World War I. The story appeared in the Times in February of 1919.

Fisher was struck by a German

machine gun bullet which fractured his leg.

Fisher lay in the mud 12 hours, unattended, while machine gun bullets

See Soldier A7

MyRiverviewMedical.com • (615) 735-1560

MAY 15, 2014

CARTHAGE COURIER A – 7

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Soldier’s story, speed limit, street fair From page – A1 “ploughed up the ground about him”.

A grain salesman before entering the army, Fisher was transported to what was known as Debarkation Hospital No. 3 in France for treatment where he was interviewed by the news reporter.

At the time, Fisher was a member of Company M. 11th infantry, 5th Division.

The division included several soldiers from Tennessee.

Fisher enlisted in the army in September of 1917, training at Camp Gordon, Jackson and Forrest in the U.S. before being deployed overseas.

The Smith County native was fi rst sent to the Alsace-Lorraine front in France, later to Fraze where he was in “trenches for 16 days near the Swiss border”.

During the months of June and July, Fisher’s company was in the neighborhood of St. Die, “where they made two trips to the trenches, and in the front-line trenches ten days at a time”, according to a newspaper account.

Fisher’s company hiked to what was described as “an adjoining sector” where the company worked during the night to cut through barbwire laid by the Germans.

The allied soldiers were discovered by the Germans and the two sides engaged in a fierce battle.

Troops from the allies were sent in waves at the Germans.

Fisher was in a second wave and had not gotten far from a machine gun when a bullet struck him, shattering his leg.

Victims were so numerous and battle so fi erce, it took fellow soldiers hours before they could reach him.

Fisher was initially carried to a field operation where his wounds were dressed before he was sent to a hospital.

While at the hospital, Fisher had to undergo several operations.

During his service overseas, several of Fisher’s com-

ma

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Computerized Diagnostics sugar cane heads, best exhibit of seed from one farm, best exhibit of seed gathered by a school, best decorated automobile, best bouquet, best one-half-dozen hands of dark tobacco, best one-half dozen hands of burley tobacco and best pen chickens.

Best overall exhibit went to a group of ponies on display.

The best Airedale dog was said to have come from the same bloodline as President Warren G. Harding’s dog.

Also, Moscow Wright and Billie Martin Young, who were owners of the best police dog, had been selling and shipping police dogs to various parts of the country and receiving “fancy prices” for them, according to a newspaper article.

Oddities Odd events, occurrences, etc. have always been a favorite of newspaper readers, even in the 1920s.

In the Punch community, which adjoins the Watervale community, a spider was discovered which was said to have a “human face”.

The spider was discovered

by T.F. Ballenger in a pear tree while gathering pears.

Pictures were not common in the 1920s. The spider was said to have “created quite a bit of excitement”.

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rades were killed in battle by the enemy.

Speed Limit In 1921, the speed limit on public roads was 20 miles an hour for an automobile. The speed limit was set by the state. At that time, the automobile shared the road with horses, horse and buggies and horse drawn wagons.

Those caught in violation of the speed limit could be investigated by the grand jury and could be indicted. It is assumed since horses and buggies and wagons did not have speedometers, there was no limit for them.

Street Fairs Street fairs and other similar gatherings were common in communities during the 1920s.

A number of activities and contests took place during the street fairs.

Street fairs in Dixon Springs were an annual event, drawing visitors from Macon, Trousdale and Wilson counties.

Among the contests were best Jersey cow, best Jersey heifer, best pony, best Airedale dog, best Collie, best police dog, best four-footed animal (which went to a Jersey calf), best girl (horse) rider, best riding by a boy and girl together, best half dozen

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Williams seeks re-election to office From page – A1 on-line search and payment system, bidding out bank accounts and by extending hours during the month of February.

I am an active member in the County Offi cials Association, the Tennessee Trustees Association and the Middle Tennessee Trustees Association. I have been the President of the Middle Tennessee Association for the last two years and was elected “Middle Tennessee Trustee of the Year” in 2013. These Associations are a vital part of following legislation

that affects your tax dollars.

I am the daughter of Ruth Givens and the late Willard Givens. My husband Benny and I have been married for thirty three years. Our son, Craig Williams, is married to Ashley Ray Williams, and they have given us two precious grandsons—Cooper and Cole. We attend the Family Worship Center at Gordonsville where I am involved in the youth ministry.

My relationship with Smith County is a lifelong one and I feel that Smith County folks are the best in the world and I would like to ask for your vote in the August election.”

Lankford candidate for sheriff From page – A1

Lankford, 13. I was born and raised in Smith County and have owned and operated several businesses here for the past 20 plus years. I served as Smith County Sheriff from

2006 until 2010. During my service, I saved the taxpayers a substantial amount of money and will do so again if given the opportunity. I was always within my budget and managed to upgrade our equipment without any extra

cost to the citizens. And if elected, I will do so again. I would like to take this opportunity to ask you for your vote and your continued support.

And I will try to see as many citizens as I can for the next few months.”

Commissioners discuss landfill costs From page – A1 garbage disposal fee.

The on again, off again discussions on declining landfi ll revenue and increasing costs surfaced Monday night at the county commission’s May meeting with the county’s Solid Waste Committee asking the full commission for direction in resolving the issue.

The county landfill is expected to continue operating without a deficit until May of 2015 when additional funds will be needed to offset costs.

Basically, the shortfall in funds is being blamed on declining revenue from fewer customers outside the county disposing of garbage in the landfill, rising costs of operating a landfill and the opening of a new landfill cell.

Going into Monday night’s meeting, commissioners were presented with three options which included increasing property taxes, implementing a household garbage disposal fee to bring in revenue to help offset costs or selling the landfill.

When the issue was debated last year, a proposal to sell the landfill gained little support.

Commissioners opposing the proposal were apprehensive about losing control of how garbage would be disposed of and what type of garbage would be disposed in the landfill .

During Monday night’s meeting, some commissioners expressed concerns about a private company filling the landfill to capacity with garbage and leaving town.

Also, following a study done last year by a private company, questions remain as to how much the landfill is worth.

During earlier discussions, most commissioners have been against placing the full burden of the cost to operate the county landfill on property owners in the form a property tax increase.

A majority of commissioners seem to favor a garbage disposal fee for each residence.

A motion which would allow the county’s Solid Waste Committee to devise a funding plan to support costs of operating the landfill was approved by a 17-6 vote. (One commissioner was absent from the meeting.)

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the county commission is in July when the issue is expected to surface again.

Candidate announce deadline arrives From page – A1 May 19.

The Courier publishes one free for each candidate as a news item.

After the May 22 edition, submitted material will be considered advertisement.

on Sunday, May 18th, 10AM

Presents Special Guest Speaker

John Croyle University of Alabama 1973 NCAA Championship Football Team Founder of Big Oak Ranch John was a defensive end for the University of Alabama’s 1973 National Championship football team, playing for the legendary Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. At 19, John felt he had been given a gift to work with young people. His dream was to have the best children’s home in America. On the advice of Coach Bryant, John declined opportunities for professional football to pursue his dream of helping children in need. Since 1974, more than 1,800 children have called Big Oak Ranch home.

In addition to his work on-site at the Ranch, John speaks across the nation.

Audiences range from corporate, motivational events to Christian based organizations. Having learned a lifetime of lessons helping raise more than 1,800 children, John’s vision is to help people everywhere be better parents.

Vacation Bible School June 2-6 • 9 a.m. – Noon Ages 4 years through 6th Grade If any questions, call 683-8884

Visit us at www.fbcgordonsville.com

THIS ISSUE:

13 Yard Sales 9 Help Wanted 236 Real Estate Listings 3 Auctions

A Prize-Winning Newspaper

~

INSERTS:

UT-TPA Press Awards 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013

■ Sav-Way Grocery

■ Save-A-Lot

■ Dollar General

■ P&G – Pantene

■ Sonic

■ Wilson Living Magazine

Presenting News And Views From around Smith County Volume 102 Number 20-USPS No. 092-180May 15, 2014

INSIDE ...

Where’s Scoop?

Entry Form, Contest Rules & Last Week’s Winner . . . . . . . . A6

$350M Rehabbing Of Center Hill Dam Rolls With The Flow SPECIAL FEATURE BY KEN BECK

Carthage, Tennessee 37030

36 pages

Single Copy 75¢

Bridge work enters final stages

By Eddie West Staff Writer Employees with Wilson County’s Lojac Construction Company removed asphalt leading to the Cordell Hull Bridge, Monday morning.

Repaving approaches to the bridge is one of the final steps of the structure’s reconstruction which is entering its final stages.

Transportation offi cials anticipate the bridge opening in June.

However, any date is subject to change based on variables associated with construction projects.

According to state offi cials, the contractor has until the end of June to finish the reconstruction.

Concrete replacement work on the structure has

See Bridge A9

. . . . . . . . A10 - A11

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

A machine grinds up asphalt at the Carthage end of the Cordell Hull Bridge, Monday morning, as approaches to each end of the bridge were repaved as part of the ongoing reconstruction of the structure.

Shortfall in revenue at landfill discussed Garbage disposal fee seen as likely way to offset costs

By Eddie West Staff Writer

Sports

For years residents have disposed of their garbage without cost

at convenient sites.

Because of a shortfall in revenue and increasing landfi ll costs, free disposal of household garbage will likely come to an end in the

Tigerettes Continue Post-Season Spree

months ahead.

The county’s Solid Waste Committee has been given the authority by the county commission to development a plan which will

G’ville Lands 5th Sub-State Berth . . . . . . . B1 Jennings’ Arm, Inman’s HR Drive Gordonsville To Back-To-Back

By Eddie West

8A Titles. . . . . . B1

Staff Writer Newly appointed Help Center Director Pamela Ferriss’ resume didn’t include the typical list of prestigious accolades nor an impressive list of previous positions of employment generally associated with applications for a director’s position.

But the 44-yearold Carthage resident possessed something which resonated with the Smith County Help Center’s board of director s—the will to overcome a troubled past.

At one time, she sat on the opposite side

Road Ends For Area Teams Tigers 6-Run Inning Not Enough In Loss To Jackets . . . B1 Macon Co.’s Late Rally Stumps Owls In 9 Innings . . . . B1

News Rotary Club

Pancake Breakfast Photos . . . A9

Area Elementary Schools Honor Valedictorians, Salutatorians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A12

See Ferriss A9

To All Candidates COUNTY The Courier will continue publishing candidate announcements including local offi ces (county departments, school board, commissioners), district and state offi ces as news items through its May 22 edition. The deadline for that edition is noon, Monday,

See Commissioners A7

Help Center’s director overcame obstacles leading to her new career

Prichard Belts 3B, HR As

Briefly

result in additional revenue for the landfi ll. Any plan will likely involve some form of household

Graduation 2014 inside The annual graduation section, honoring graduates at each of the county’s two high schools, is located inside this week’s edition of the Courier.

The special section includes best wishes to graduates from area busi-

nesses and individuals.

Graduation will be held at Gordonsville High School beginning at 7 p.m., Friday.

At Smith County High School, graduation will be held beginning at 10 a.m., Saturday.

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

Pamela Ferriss, center, is the new director of the Smith County Help Center. From left are Jill Garner, Help Center board member, Ferriss, and Emmanuel House Director Kim Seator.

Upper Cumberland Electric board of directors election this summer

By Eddie West Staff Writer Four seats on the Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation Board

of Directors will be up for election this summer.

One of the positions includes the vacant seat once held by the late Robert (Bob) Woodard, who

passed away last year.

The unexpired position will be for a two year term.

The other three positions

See Upper A9

See Candidate Page A7 Auctions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B8, B12 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . B5-B12 Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A2 Joyce Christensen Tom Padgett Dortha Williams

Public Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B7 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B1-B3

Lankford running for sheriff

Williams seeks re-election

Ronnie Lankford announces his candidacy for sheriff.

“I would like to take this opportunity to announce my candidacy for the offi ce of sheriff. I am currently serving as a ser-

Trustee Lee Ann Williams announces her candidacy for re-election.

“I would like to announce my candidacy for your Smith County Trustee. I have had the great pleasure of serving Smith

geant with the Gordonsville Police Department.

I am married to Christy Lankford and we have two children —Davie Lankford, 17, and Carrie Ann

See Lankford A7

Lankford

County as trustee since 1998. During my time in office, I have strived to make the office more effi cient by adding a new tax accounting system, a new

See Williams A7

Williams

Soldier’s story, speed limit, street fair

By Eddie West Staff Writer Few Smith County residents have ever had their story told in the New York Times.

We are Riverview

PRIVATE COMFORT HEAL

During World War I, Lancaster resident Lofton Fisher was interviewed by a Times reporter covering World War I. The story appeared in the Times in February of 1919.

Fisher was struck by a German

machine gun bullet which fractured his leg.

Fisher lay in the mud 12 hours, unattended, while machine gun bullets

See Soldier A7

MyRiverviewMedical.com • (615) 735-1560

MAY 15, 2014

Rotary Club Pancake Breakfast Scenes EDDIE WEST/COURIER

The Rotary Club held its annual pancake breakfast Friday and Saturday. The fund-raising event was held on Upper Ferry Road next to the community center/ chamber of commerce building.

CARTHAGE COURIER A – 9

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Visit our website at www.LafayetteCinema.com You can also find us on Facebook The Cheapest Way to See the Same Movies Coming Soon: Maleficent All New Digital System ~ Come see and hear the difference

DAR winner recognized EDDIE WEST/COURIER

Smith County Middle School eighth grader Matthew Lynn (seated center first row) was named winner of the DAR American History Essay Award. Lynn, recently recognized by the county’s school board, received the state of Tennessee History medal and a $50 cash award for his American History Essay. Lynn’s essay was selected as the winning essay for the Southeastern Division in the National DAR American History Essay competition. Matthew’s teacher is Cara Fleenor. The Caney Fork DAR chapter sponsored the event. Front row from left, School Board Chairman Michael Collins, Lynn, Director of Schools Roger Lewis. Second row from left, school board members Joe Taylor, Tommy Manning, Brian Smith, Tim Maynard.

Back row from left, school board members Scotty Enoch, Robin Moore, William Barrick.

Mark Jones county commission candidate “I, Mark Jones, would like to formally announce my candidacy for Smith County commissioner for District 1.

I reside in the Kempville community with my wife Ashlee Dixon Jones, my three daughters, Natalie, Alexis, Emry and my son, Knox. My family is very active in church activities and sports within our county. We attend and are members at a Christian church, Kempville Chapel.

The majority of my adult life I have worked in law enforcement, with the past twelve years on the Tennessee Department of Safety as a state trooper. Along with owning a storage fa-

cility and investment properties in Smith County, for the past two years I have served as Director of the United We Stand Christian Youth Team.

I am asking for your support in electing me as one of our county commissioners. My experience in successful business will help me direct our county in fi nancial success while my experience in law enforcement will assist in keeping the decisions of the commission legal and focused on the issues. My commitment to our children will push long term goals for generations to come. I am asking for your vote on August 7.

Thank You, Mark Jones.”

Ferriss named new director at Help Center From page – A1 of the desk from which she now sees clients in need of life’s basic necessities such as shelter, food and assistance with utility bills.

Instead of asking for help, as director of the center Ferriss is able to reach out to Smith County’s needy.

Ferriss dropped out of school as a teenager, opting for marriage instead of an education, a job rather than a career.

What she once envisioned as a better life turned out to be a path which led her on a downward spiral, including a failed marriage and a criminal record.

“I was an addict, a felon.

I had hit rock bottom. I was about to be six feet under,” recalls Ferriss, who reached out to Emmanuel House’s Director Kim Seator in July of 2010.

When she picked up a random telephone call from

Ferriss four years ago, Seator found a soul in need.

Seator recalled responding,“I’ll be there in thirty minutes”.

Ferriss had come to know Seator through her ministry with inmates at the county jail.

Providing more than a shelter, Emmanuel House requires its residents to follow a life improving path to independence.

“All of our ladies have to set goals. They must have some type of plan for their life. They are required to have some type of employment or work toward a GED if they do not have a high school diploma,” explains Seator.

Emmanuel House also requires residents to volunteer for community work, small steps toward their ultimate goal of transitioning to life outside the shelter.

In 2011, Ferriss earned her GED and discovered a fondness for studying she had lost as a teenager.

While living at Emmanuel House, Ferriss earned an associates degree in social work, becoming the first person in her family to earn a degree.

While working a forty hour week, Ferriss looks to earn a bachelors degree by attending school at night.

During the past three years, Ferriss has been house manager at Emmanuel House.

As house manager, Ferriss was responsible for overseeing the homeless shelter’s deli, worked in case management and was responsible for transportation for its residents, Seator explained.

Ferriss handled scheduling and tours of the shelter.

As the name suggests, Emmanuel House is a faith-based shelter founded in 2008.

“I’m an example of what God can do in someone’s life,” says Ferriss.

At the Help Center, Ferriss sassumed the position which was held for several years by Sherrell White who took a

position with a private business in November of last year.

Until recently, Help Center board members Jill Garner and Diana Dillehay had been filling White’s position.

“We didn’t want to find the next person for the position, we wanted to fi nd the right person for the job,” says Garner. “Pam has the degree and the work experience. She exemplifies our motto—A Hand up Not a Hand out. She has been there and turned things around. She is an example to our clients.”

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Founded in 2002 by the Smith County Ministerial Alliance, the Help Center is funded through community donations and money raised from donated items sold in the Help Center’s store.

For those low to no income who quality, the center provides certain assistance with utility bills, food assistance and rent deposits.

Help Center clients have to reside within the county.

Bridge reconstruction entering final stages From page – A1 been completed for several weeks.

In recent weeks, construction crews have been working on the steel framework.

Also, the painting of the steel framework is nearing completion.

The bridge will be silver, the same color as when constructed.

Miscellaneous work such as installing guardrails and light fi xtures has been taking place in recent weeks.

Government offi cials had hoped the reconstruction work would be completed by the end of May.

When work has been completed, a ribbon cutting ceremony is expected to take place.

Governor Bill Haslam has an open invitation to the event.

Whether or not the governor can attend will depend on his schedule.

The bridge has been closed for more than six years.

After being closed several times for inspection from the summer of 2007 until December 2007, the bridge has been barricaded since December 13 of 2007.

Before being barricaded, the bridge was inspected by state engineers for several hours on December 10 and De-

cember 11 (2007).

When barricaded, transportation officials initially said the bridge would be closed for a seven day inspection.

Transportation officials later said the bridge was undergoing a 30 day review, during which time a decision would be made as to whether the bridge would reopen or be closed indefinitely.

In July of 2007, the bridge was temporarily closed for a few days during an inspection by state transportation engineers.

The bridge was temporarily closed for a few days again in November of the same year.

Upper Cumberland Electric board election From page – A1 include terms which expire this year in District One, District Two and District Four.

The District One seat which expires is now held by Morris “Moose” Tyree II. District One consists of areas served by the cooperative in Smith,

DeKalb, Macon and Wilson counties.

The District Two seat which expires is held by Alan Pippin. District Two consists of areas served by the cooperative in Putnam and White counties.

The District Four seat is now held by Ben Underwood.

District Four consists of the area served by the cooperative in Jackson County.

Any board of directors candidate must fi le a qualifying petition with the secretary of the cooperative, Ben Underwood, or with the cooperative’s general manager, Jimmy Gregory, on or before

June 15.

The election will be held from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. on August 23.

The board of directors has nine members.

Three terms expire each year. District offi ces are in South Carthage, Cookeville, Livingston and Gainesboro.

Subscribe to the Carthage Courier today •In County—$22 •Out of County—$25 •Out of State—$29

A – 10

CARTHAGE COURIER JUNE 12, 2014

GOOD EATS, SWEET TREATS AWAIT AT BRENDA’S Hometown diner has been serving friendliness for 31 years

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY KEN BECK

Grill queen Brenda Brown holds her No. 1 tool, the spatula, with which she prepares burgers, chicken and a variety of other foods for her hungry customers. She opened Brenda’s Restaurant 31 years ago. The diner may well lay claim to being Carthage’s most popular locally-owned eatery.

By KEN BECK Around noontime on a recent Friday, every seat in Brenda’s Restaurant was filled and more customers were lined up inside the door waiting for a spot to sit and chow down.

Meanwhile, orchestrating over the grill, owner Brenda Brown had orders coming and going and somehow managed to cope with it all as she held sway with spatula in hand.

In her words, the atmosphere here at lunchtime is nothing less than “crazy.”

“When it’s crazy, I’d rather it be crazy than just standing there,” said the maestro of the grill. “The No. 1 rule behind the counter: don’t get excited.”

Born and raised in East Nashville, Brenda moved to Carthage in 1974. Before opening this place, she worked at Texas Boot Company, the Carthage shirt factory and delivered newspapers for The Tennessean.

“It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done. You’ve got to have nerves of steel,” she says about running the restaurant that she opened in April 1983 with five employees on a wing and a prayer.

“Everybody thinks it’s fun to own your own business. It’s everybody’s dream. I had no experience whatsoever. No idea of what I was getting into. It was very scary that first month, a lot of responsibility,” recalled Brenda.

“When I bought it, there was absolutely no business coming in here. I probably didn’t know what I was doing that first year. I learned everything the hard way. It was hands-on learning.”

Now 31 years later, she still works hard but can breathe a lot easier. Her small restaurant with seven tables that seat 28 and five chairs at the counter does a brisk business Monday through Friday.

(Note: The diner is closed on weekends. It also closes the last two weeks of June and first two weeks of July.)

The décor here is pretty basic but has a hometown touch with

numerous historic photos of Carthage sprinkled around the walls. Brenda’s brand of humor also shows via a lot of funny Three generations cook on the grill at Brenda’s Restaurant. It all began with plaques with messages like: No Brenda Brown, center, in 1983. Daughter Rhonda Gregory joined her mom 26 years ago, and granddaughter Bren Denton came aboard three years ago. man has ever been shot for doing the dishes.

But it’s not the interior design that brings folks through the door; it’s the all-American menu with appetizers, salads, sandwiches, burgers, chicken, fish, seafood, hot wings and hamburger and hoagie steaks. The burgers range in price from 85 cents to $6.95.

For those with a sweet tooth there are shakes, sundaes, banana splits, hot fudge cake, floats, cones and fried pies.

Rhonda Vaden, a teller at Citizens Bank in downtown Carthage who lives in Chestnut Mound, pops in for lunch at Brenda’s three to five days a week.

The appeal she says is “you Waiting to serve hungry patrons at Brenda’s Restaurant are, from left, Rhonda Gregory, just get friendly service. They’re Brenda Brown, Bren Denton, Lindsey Taylor, Rachel Paris, April Angel and Denise Dickens. the best. They always treat you ton. Also lending assistance are waitresses Denise Dickens, Lindsey like you’re family.

“I usually order about the same thing: two small hamburgers and Taylor, Rachel Paris, April Angel and Sarah Marks and maintenance tots or onions rings and sweet tea. They’ve got the best sweet tea man James Dickens.

Daughter Rhonda starting waiting tables when she was 10 for the around. All of their food is just excellent,” said Vaden.

Another regular is Dwayne Grissom, who says he fun of it and went on the payroll at 14.

“We’re like a well-oiled machine. We’re small but have a family comes in five or six times a day.

“I like the food, like the ice. It’s the best food around atmosphere,” said Rhonda, who has worked here 26 years. “I’m sechere I think. This is the best place in Tennessee to eat,” ond head cook in charge. Mama’s first, I’m second.”

Diner Open: Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.- 9 p.m.; She left the restaurant to work for three weeks as a paralegal but said Grissom, who is partial to Brenda’s burgers, hamFriday 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; closed Saturday and Sunday found an office just too quiet and soon returned to cooking and servburger steaks and milkshakes.

The restaurant opened in 1963 as G&R, named af- ing meals and conversations with customers.

Location: 29 Dixon Springs Highway, Carthage Brenda’s granddaughter Bren, 18, freshly graduated from Smith ter its first two operators, Glenda Myers and Rebecca Phone: 735-9475 McCall. Over the next 20 years the succession of own- County High School, cooks one day a week under the tutelage of her ers included Nancy and Randall Hackett, Phil Kemp, mom and grandmom.

Cash only She says, “I’m a waitress most of the time and starting to cook. I and Donald and Avis Alexander.

Then came Brenda, who flips entrees on the grill think I cook more like my grandmother. When I started here I was shy, Note: The restaurant is closed the last two weeks during the evening shift Monday-Thursday, from 4 p.m. but now I’ll talk to everybody.” of June and the first two weeks of July.

As for life lessons learned in the business, she said, “I understand till close. Fridays she works all day, a 14-hour shift.

“We chop everything fresh every morning, waitresses a lot more. Tips are very important to waitresses. I’ve got and we don’t cook anything until it’s ordered. a lot more patience.”

Veteran waitress Denise Dickens of Hartsville probably knows the You have to wait a little longer, but most people think it’s worth the wait,” she says of the ins and outs of the restaurant as well as Brenda and Rhonda. And she greets customers like family members. hot meals.

“Everybody knows everybody here,” said Denise, who first worked “It’s first come, first served. We have kind of a little assembly line. We just move it on here for several months a year after she graduated high school. She down. It all comes together,” said Brenda, returned permanently in 1999.

“Brenda’s a real good person to work for. She’s a good person,” whose spatula serves as her magic wand (her said the waitress, who has served such musicians as Vern Gosdin, fingers have worn a depression in its grip).

By the way, it’s a good thing to know that Marty Stuart, Dan Seals and Ritchie McDonald when they dropped the cook does eat her own food, as she in for a bite.

Brenda, 55, confesses running a restaurant these many years has munches here daily, mostly having the grilled chicken salad. On weekends she enjoys din- not gotten easier, noting, “My feet hurt a little at the end of the day.”

But the reward over the decades has paid off in dividends worth ing out of town with Andy Reid III, aka Tip, her more than money. companion of 24 years.

“I never dreamed I’d be here 30 years. I’m fortunate to have some “When I go out to eat though, I have to order steak or seafood. I don’t want a hamburg- customers I’ve served for 30 years and now I’m feeding their children and their grandchildren. er,” said Brenda.

“When I moved here I didn’t have any family, and over the years The restaurateur has had good help along the way. Nowadays she has eight most of my customers have become part of my family. I’ve gained a The hot plates roll off the assembly line like clockwork at employees including daughter Rhonda lot of friends,” says the Carthage grill cook, whom everyone knows Brenda’s Restaurant. Most of the entrees start on the grill with chief cook Brenda Gregory and granddaughter Bren Den- by her first name.

Brown and receive the finishing touches from Rhonda Gregory (left) Brenda’s

BRENDA’S RESTAURANT

daughter, before heading to the table.

Along with a restaurant full of hearty eaters, Paul and Sherry Swann of Carthage polish off a tasty lunch at Brenda’s.

Many weekdays around noon, every seat at Brenda’s Restaurant is filled as hungry diners feast on grilled chicken, burgers, seafood, salads, fried pies, hot fudge cake and ice cream.

THIS ISSUE:

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Presenting News And Views From around Smith County Volume 102 Number 32-USPS No. 092-180August 7, 2014

INSIDE ...

Carthage, Tennessee 37030

28 pages

Single Copy 75¢

Grand jury meets for August Indictments include several drug-related charges

By Eddie West

The Best of Hickman Celebration Pages A8, A9, A11

Staff Writer Several individuals have been indicted by the grand jury, some on drug-related charges.

The indictments were returned Monday as the grand

jury met for its August session.

The indictments come just weeks after a drug roundup in which law enforcement authorities sought sixty individuals who were indicted during a special session of the grand jury

schedule II drug methamphetamine, simple possession of schedule IV drug Carisoprodol, driving without a license; James T. Handy, 34, Carthage—simple possession of

See Grand Jury A15

New location for KFC/Taco Bell planned Carthage Junction Depot, boxcar donated to county

By Eddie West

Sportss

Staff Writer A new Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) and Taco Bell (combination) restaurant is planned for Gordonsville.

The site of the project will be on the south side of Interstate 40 at the Gordonsville Exit on land where the former Carthage Junction Rail-

See KFC A10

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

Planning is underway for a new KFC/Taco Bell restaurant to be constructed where the former Carthage Junction Depot sits. The depot building and a train car have been donated to the county. The train caboose was sold and has been removed from the depot.

A Great Fair —

Public Invited PbliIitd To Awards Ceremony For GHS Softball 2014 State Champs . . . .

in June.

The drug roundup occurred in July.

Monday’s indictments include: James T. Handy, 34, Carthage—simple possession of

B2

Any way you look at it

Where’s Scoop?

By Eddie West

Entry Form, Contest Rules & Last Week’s Winner . . . . . . . . A6

Staff Writer Paid attendance at the county fair this year was up considerably compared to last year.

Tallies indicate a paid attendance of 9,516 at this

News

year’s event.

Last year, paid attendance was at 8,100.

Fair organizers credit the favorable weather and the largest single day paid attendance ever on Saturday

See Fair A15

Election Day

Where To Go Vote . . . . . . . . . . A10

Back To School August School Menu; Free Breakfast For All . . . . . . A7

Briefly COUNCIL MEETING CARTHAGE The August 7 Carthage City Council meeting was rescheduled because of today’s election. The council meeting has been rescheduled for August 14.

Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . B7-B12 Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A2 Doris Grisham Pauline Hubbard Billy Lawson Dorothy Oldham Loraine Silcox

Public Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B8 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B1-B3

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

(Left photo) Two youngsters go upside down on the In and Out ride at the county fair. (Right photo) The Ms. Senior Fairest of the Fair pageant was held on Wednesday night. Ms. Senior Fairest of the Fair Andrea (Anne) Denise Waggoner (right) and runner-up Joan Bryan (left) pose for photos. Waggoner also received the People’s Choice Award. Bryan was named Most Photogenic.

Tyree in UCEMC board of directors election

Morris Tyree

“I, Morris “Moose” Tyree, would like to announce my candidacy for re-election to the Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation Board of Directors in District 1, Seat A. I am a small business owner and lifelong resident of Smith County. My wife, Tresa, and I have one child, a daughter, Taylor. Although I am running unopposed, I humbly ask for your continued support and greatly appreciate the opportunity to continue to serve the more than 48,000 members of UCEMC. I encourage all UCEMC members to vote on August 23 at any UCEMC district office.”

We are Riverview

Election day arrives Early voting numbers down

By Eddie West Staff Writer Voters are going to the polls today (Thursday, August 7) to elect a number of top county offices.

As many as half of those residents planning to participate in the election may have already cast their ballots.

SPECIALIZED SKILLED DEDICATED

Early voting ended Saturday with a total of 3,184 residents voting in person or by mail. (Totals taken from Tennessee’s Secretary of State website.)

Of that total vote, 1,675 residents voted in the Republican Primary while 1,316 voted in the Democratic Primary.

The largest single day vote was 358

See Election A10

MyRiverviewMedical.com • (615) 735-1560

A – 10

CARTHAGE COURIER AUGUST 7, 2014

Election day 2014 arrives From page A1 on Friday, July 18, the first day of early voting.

The only other single day vote total to eclipse the 300 mark came on Friday (August 1), the last full day of early voting.

The last day to vote early in today’s election came Saturday when 200 residents voted from 8 a.m. until noon.

In 2010, when the same top five county offices were up for election, 6,852 residents voted in the election with 4,317 voting early and 2,535 voting on election day. A total of 53 percent of registered voters participated in the election.

In 2006, 7,101 residents voted in the election with 4,296 voting early and 2,805 on election day. A total of 55 percent of registered voters participated in the election.

The number of residents participating in this summer’s election may well be down from the August 2010 election when the same top county offices, county commission elections and state primary was held.

In the 2010 election, there were 28 candidates for the county’s top five offices. This year, there are only 10 candidates for those same offices.

Local offices are the top draw in most elections.

New to the ballot from the 2010 election is the eight year judgeship, district attorney, and public defenders races.

Also, South Carthage residents are voting in a city election.

All candidates in the race are running unopposed.

The election includes several top county offices, school board races, state primary elections and a city election in South Carthage.

County races Five of the county’s top seven offices up for election this summer are contested.

County Mayor Michael Nesbitt and Trustee Lee Ann Williams are running unopposed.

None of the contested offices have more than two candidates.

Incumbent General Sessions Judge David Bass is

being challenged by Michael Collins.

Incumbent Sheriff Steve Hopper, who is in his first term, is being challenged

by Ronnie (R.L.) Lankford who formerly held the position. The sheriff’s race generally has the largest vote total. In 2010, the sheriff’s race was a six person field.

Angie Barnes Hunter, who was appointed by the county commission to fill the unexpired term of Myra Hardcastle who resigned the position, and Tommy Turner are candidates for circuit court clerk.

Incumbent County Clerk Clifa Norris is being challenged by Jason Sanders.

Incumbent Register of Deeds Jerri Lin Vaden is being challenged by Lynn Taylor.

County commission races Five of the county’s eight county commission districts are being contested.

The 24 member legislative body contains three commissioners each from eight districts.

District 1 (Defeated)— Billy D. Halliburton (incumbent); Rob Hord (incumbent); Mark B. Jones; Glen Reece; District 2 (Tanglewood)—Joseph Anderson (incumbent); William S. (Billy) Bass (incumbent); Phillip “Potsie” Enoch (incumbent); Randy Lee Glover.

District 3 (New Middleton)—Carolyn A. Boles (incumbent); Daniel D. Cripps (incumbent); Jimmie Winfree (incumbent); District 4 (Rock City)— Pamela Billington (incumbent); Frank H. Gibbs (incumbent); Matt Grisham; Josh Kirby (incumbent); Shannon Minchey; District 5 (Gordonsville)—Jerry “JC” Connolly; Ronald G. Cowan (incumbent); Linda L. Nixon (incumbent); Tommy Gaylon Williams; Billy Woodard (incumbent); District 6 (Carthage)— Barbara A Kannapel (incumbent); Charles (Chas) Kent (incumbent); Michael Woodard; District 7—(South Carthage) Tommy L. Bane (incumbent); Ronnie Bussell (incumbent); Dennis

J. Hackett; Joey Nixon (incumbent); District 8 (Elmwood)— Thomas Allen Gibbs; David W. Gross (incumbent), Frank E. Woodard (incumbent).

School Board: School Board District 2 (Tanglewood) (unexpired term)—Scotty Enoch; Garry K. Silcox; School Board District 3 (New Middleton)—Shane Campbell; Neal Hall; School Board District 4 (Rock City)—Joe E. Taylor (incumbent); School Board District 5 (Gordonsville) (unexpired term); Tommy Manning; School Board District 6 (Carthage)—Pat Nixon; Scotty Yeaman; School Board District 8 (Elmwood)—Tina L. Gantenbein; District races All but one of the Fifteenth Judicial District judgeship seats are being challenged.

Incumbent Circuit Court Judge Clara Byrd does not have a challenger.

Incumbent Circuit Court Judge John D. Wootten Jr. is being challenged by Aubrey T. Givens.

Chancellor C.K. Smith is being challenged by Gordon Aulgur.

Two candidates are competing for an open judges seat once held by the late Criminal Court Judge J.O. Bond. Candidates include Brian Fuller and Wilson County attorney Brody Kane.

In other Fifteenth Judicial District offices, longtime District Attorney Tommy Thompson is running unopposed.

Public Defender Comer Donnell is also running unopposed. Donnell has been the district’s only public defender since the job was created.

Republican Primary Election Governor: Mark Coonrippy, Bill Haslam, Basil Marceaux Sr. Donald Ray McFolin U.S. Senator: Christian Agnew, Lamar Alexander, Joe Carr, George Shea Flinn, John D. King, Brenda S. Lenard, Erin Kent Magee.

Where to vote on election day Voting will be taking place today (Thursday, August 7) at eight locations in the county.

Those locations include: District 1—Defeated—Defeated Elementary School.

District 2—Tanglewood—Smith County Motor Company.

District 3—New Middleton—New Middle Elemenatry School.

District 4—Rock City—Union Heights Elementary School.

District 5—Gordonsville—Gordonsville

Municipal Building.

District 6—Carthage—Smith County Chamber of Commerce.

District 7—South Carthage—senior citizens building.

District 8—Forks River—Forks River Elementary School.

Voting hours will be from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

(The Courier will have election results in next week’s paper. Also, the the Smith County Election Commission will have election results posted on their web site.)

KFC/Taco Bell to relocate From page A1 road Depot building sits across from the Wilco-Hess Travel Center and beside Gordonsville Keystop on Gordonsville Highway.

The KFC/Taco Bell located on the north side of the interstate will be relocating to the new facility when the building on the south side of the Interstate has been constructed, according to sources.

The same group of developers who own the existing KFC/Taco Bell restaurant will develop the new facility under the name Gordonsville KT LLC of Algood.

Construction of the new KFC/Taco Bell facility is expected to begin sometime after the depot and railroad car are removed from the property, according to sources.

The KFC/Taco Bell is expected to remain at its current location until the new facility is constructed.

The depot building and two railroad cars are being removed by individuals other than the developers, sources say.

The caboose had already

been sold to a private individual when the property recently changed owners.

Developers of the new property have donated the depot and remaining railroad car to the county.

Removal of the depot is a project undertaken by the county’s Living Committee, Chamber of Commerce Director Billy Woodard said.

The committee is looking to raise funds to relocate the depot building by selling the second rail car, fund-raising activities and grants, Woodard said.

Plans are to relocate the building to the railroad track intersection with Highway 53 on property already owned by the county.

The site is located at the south end of Crump Paris Park, next to the state highway and near the “Welcome to South Carthage” sign.

Living Committee members and others were expected to meet with the new owners of the property on Monday of this week to discuss the project.

At the current location, owners of the combination KFC/Taco Bell, Exxon convenience market have a month-by-month lease

with the building and property owner, sources say.

The reason for the relocation of KFC/Taco Bell is the need for a smaller building, sources indicated.

The new KFC/Taco Bell building will be similar in design as the one located in nearby Smithville.

KFC/Taco Bell has been at its current location in Gordonsville for 15 years.

In addition to Gordonsville and Smithville, developers of KFC/Taco Bell own similar projects in Sparta, Livingston, Jamestown, Loudon and Lenior City.

When KFC/Taco Bell vacates its current location, the property will be available for lease.

Several years ago, the depot and railroad cars were opened on Gordonsville Highway as an antique store, owned by South Carthage antique dealer Linda Nixon.

Since the antique store closed, the building and lot has often been vacated.

The most recent business to locate on the site was a used automobile business.

U.S. House of Representatives: Diane Black, Jerry Lowery.

Tennessee Senate District 17: Mae Beavers, Clark Boyd.

Tennessee House of Representatives District 40: Terri Lynn Weaver.

Democratic Primary Election Governor: Charles V. “Charlie” Brown, Kennedy Spellman Johnson, WM H. “John” McKamey, Ron Noonan.

U.S. Senate: Terry Adams, Gordon Ball, Larry Crim, Gary Gene Davis.

U.S. House of Representatives: Amos Scott Powers.

Tennessee Senate District 17: No candidate qualified.

Tennessee House of Representatives District 40: Sarah Marie Smith.

South Carthage Election Incumbent Mayor Jimmy S. Wheeler is running unopposed.

Two council seats are also unopposed. Incumbent Ward I Alderman Robert Hewitt is running unopposed and so is Ward II incumbent alderman Terry V. Hunt.

For the first time, the city’s election will be held this summer in conjunction with the county general election and state primary elections.

South Carthage elections had been held on odd numbered years or what is considered an off election year.

Holding the election in conjunction with other elections will save the city money.

Election employees and voting machines will already be in place for the election as opposed to holding a separate election.

City officials were required to have the election change approved by the General Assembly.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who supported me at the Ms. Senior Fairest of the Fair pageant event.

First, thanking God for placing me in the care of my parents, Tom & (the late) Jennie Stewart. Without their guidance, love, and patience, I would not be the person I am today.

Thank you to my sister, Doreen Stewart, for networking so much on Facebook for me; my sister, Debra Smith, who sewed into the wee hours creating my gown; my aunt, Montine Smith, who made my beautiful jewelry; my daughter, Keyshala Waggoner, who sent an amazing love offering from California; Janice Lynch, who assisted with my makeup (because y’all know I don’t wear any!); friends who traveled many miles, and all my other family members and friends whose faces I really drew strength from during my time on stage.

I will work dilligently to be a positive representative of Smith County during my reign.

Sincerely,

Anne Waggoner, Ms. Senior Fairest of the Fair, 2014

Happy

60th Birthday

LARRY !!!

8-11-2014 To the BEST Husband, Dad & Pa in Town Love, Debbie, Kids and Grandkids!!

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THIS ISSUE:

9 Yard Sales 6 Help Wanted 210 Real Estate Listings

A Prize-Winning Newspaper

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Presenting News And Views From around Smith County Volume 102 Number 35-USPS No. 092-180August 28, 2014

Briefly

Storm strikes

BUSINESSWOMAN DIES LANCASTER Funeral services were held Friday for a Gordonsville area businesswoman who passed away last week. Annette “Annie” Manning Bass, 52, passed away Monday at her Lancaster home. Bass was employed with Citizens Bank

See Businesswoman Page A9

INSIDE ...

News

Benefit For Izzy

By Eddie West

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

Workers clear a tree in the Grant community. The tree was blown down by a storm which swept through part of the county on Wednesday of last week.

(See story and photos on page 9)

Woman leads police on pursuit in two counties

By Eddie West Staff Writer A woman faces multiple charges after leading law enforcement authorities on a pursuit in two counties, Monday afternoon.

Connie Bernice Gregory, 46, Dixon Springs, was charged with failure to maintain lane of travel,

speeding, felony reckless endangerment, felony evading arrest, reckless driving and driving under the influence.

The incident began shortly before 4 p.m. when sheriff’s department Deputy Steven Ray

See Woman A11

Set For Saturday At Smith Co. Ag Center . . . . . . A11

High School Bands Prepare For Another Season . . . . . . . . . . . A10

Sports Owl Football Unable To Weather Tornadoes’ Force, 54-13 . . . . . . . B1

Gordonsville Tigers Surge Early In Taming Bulldogs, 28-0 . . . . . . . B1

Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . B7-B12 Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A2, A3 Annette Bass Odie Mai Green J.W. Taylor

Sarah Clark Lt. Col. Bob Johnson

Public Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B8 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B1-B4

Where’s Scoop?

Entry Form, Contest Rules & Last Week’s Winner . . . . . . . . A4

Single Copy 75¢

Shooting victim recovering

WRECK CLAIMS LIFE ALEXANDRIA A Gordonsville High School graduate was killed in wreck in DeKalb County on Tuesday of last week. Sarah Clark, a resident of Alexandria and 1996 graduate of Gordonsville High School, was killed in a two vehicle wreck on Highway 70. Clark’s vehicle is believed to hydroplaned, crashing into the path of an SUV. Clark was an employee of Smithville dentist Dr. Cliff Duke, DDS. Clark received her Master’s degree in dental hygiene from the University of Tennessee at Memphis.

Funeral Services were conducted Saturday from the Gordonsville Chapel of Bass Funeral. (See Bass Funeral Home obituaries for additional details.)

24 pages

Carthage, Tennessee 37030

City elections set

By Eddie West

to qualify in either election was noon, Thursday.

The Carthage election includes

Staff Writer Races in the Carthage and Gordonsville city elections are set.

The deadline for candidates

See RacesA11

Staff Writer A Carthage shooting victim is recovering at his Project Circle home.

Kyle Arndt, 19, was shot once in the chest with a 22 caliber handgun while sitting on his porch around 10:27 p.m., Saturday, August 16.

Arndt, who was released from Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville on Monday of last week, contacted the Courier saying John LaRue, 47, also of

See Shooting A8

Garbage disposal fee dropped

By Eddie West Staff Writer After spending a couple of years and hundreds of hours debating the issue, talks for additional revenue for the county’s landfill have been shelved.

More recently in the on and off debate, county commissioners and members of the county’s Solid Waste Committee have taken a proposed $10 per month countywide garbage disposal fee “off the table”, County Mayor Michael Nesbitt said last week.

County officials main-

tained funds from the garbage disposal fee were needed to keep the county’s solid waste program, which includes the county landfill and convenient stations, solvent.

This past spring, County Mayor Nesbitt presented to the county commission an outline of spending requirements for the solid waste operation which showed the program would only remain solvent through the spring of next year.

However, the county may-

See Garbage A8

Proposed property tax increase will greet newly elected commissioners

By Eddie West Staff Writer Six new county commissioners seated in this month’s election will be greeted with a proposed nine cent property tax increase during their first meeting.

After commissioners take office on September 1, the

proposed property tax increase will surface at the commission’s September 8 session, the first session for the six new commissioners.

The county’s Budget and Finance Committee began meeting in May, holding a series of budget hearings through the first part of this month.

During one of the meetings,

committee members voted to recommend a nine cent increase in the county’s property tax rate to the full commission to fund the 2014-2015 fiscal year budget.

Of the nine cents, seven cents would be used to fund the county’s general fund and two additional cents would go to the highway department.

Upper Cumberland Electric board seats filled with Saturday election

By Eddie West Staff Writer Two local seats on the Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation’s board of directors were filled with an election, Saturday.

Meanwhile, two

seats in two other districts were also filled.

In District 1 which includes Smith County, C.D. “Digger” Poindexter was seated to fill the unexpired term of the late Bob Woodard. The term is for two years.

Morris “Moose” Tyree II, running un-

SOUTH CARTHAGE

SAV-WAY A BETTER WAY TO SAVE

Todd & Angela Appreciate Your Business

opposed, was re-seated to a three year term.

The partial term was much sought-after with seven candidates qualifying to run in Saturday’s election.

Poindexter received 482 votes, Joey Harper 309. Kenny England 267, David W. West

244, Parker Goolsby 225, Steve Dowell 112, L. Barney Gann 31.

Tyree received 909 complimentary votes.

In addition to Smith County, District 1 includes portions of DeKalb, Wilson and

See Electric A9

In July, the last regular meeting of the county commission, commissioners voted to continue operating on its 20132014 fiscal year budget until a new county budget could be approved.

During the meeting, there was no mention of a possible

See Commissioners A8

Labor Day changes deadlines The Courier office will be closed Monday, September 1, for the Labor Day holiday.

The closing will require a change in deadlines for ad and news copy in the September 4 edition of the Courier.

The deadline is noon Friday, August 29.

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CARTHAGE COURIER AUGUST 28, 2014

Garbage disposal fee proposal dropped by county From page – A1 or says the county has acquired new customers to haul garbage to the landfill resulting in additional revenue through tipping fees, offsetting operational costs.

New customers include DeKalb County and Waste Management, a private garbage disposal company.

DeKalb County is expected to begin hauling 10 percent of its garbage to the landfill by September. In January, the county landfill is expected to begin receiving all of the neighboring county’s garbage.

A second garbage disposal customer, Waste Management, is expected to come on board in April of next year, gradually increasing the amount of garbage deposited in the landfill in May and June.

The countywide garbage disposal fee was “taken off the table” despite a recommendation from the state’s County Technical Assistance Service (CTAS) that one be implemented.

The county called in CTAS officials to study the county solid waste program for recommended improvements to the system.

According to County Mayor Nesbitt and land-

fill Director Roger Bradley, CTAS officials noted a major shortfall in the county’s solid waste disposal program was the lack of a countywide garbage disposal fee. CTAS officials also noted additional customers were needed to pay tipping fees to the program, leading to increased revenue for the program which would offset costs.

County officials had been debating ways to increase revenue for the landfill and solid waste program for more than three years.

County officials said additional revenue was needed because of increased costs to operate a landfill. Also, aging equipment needed to be replaced. In addition, the county is in the process of opening a new landfill cell.

Development of the new landfill cell, which is expected to open in the months ahead as space in an existing cell is depleted, is expected to cost more than $2 million.

Costs to develop the new cell and maintain current operations in the landfill were expected to require as much as a 24 cent property tax rate increase.

Commissioners did not want to place the entire

burden of funding the solid waste program on property owners, so the county’s Solid Waste Committee began studying implementation of a garbage disposal fee which has been debated since this past spring.

Prior to the garbage disposal fee, commissioners studied and debated leasing the landfill to a private company which promised to incur all solid waste program costs and implement a gasification facility at the landfill.

Gasification or burning of garbage in large quantities is relatively new and county officials became leery of the process and the developers. Talks between the county and the developers ended prior to 2013.

The debate over the need for additional revenue for the landfill did not resurface before the full county commission until this past spring.

Commissioners voted to “fund the landfill (solid waste program)” and requested the county’s solid waste committee devise a plan to do so.

The Solid Waste Committee ruled out selling the landfill and a property tax increase and began studying a countywide garbage

disposal.

The committee has also eyed allowing a private company to manage the landfill and convenient stations.

The main reason most commissioners have opposed selling the landfill to a private company is that it would mean the county would no longer have control over what type of waste was dumped in the landfill.

During discussions on raising additional funds for operational costs for the county landfill, a private landfill management company was asked to make a presentation to the Solid Waste Committee. The company noted it could manage the county’s solid waste program and the county would maintain as much control over the landfill as commissioners requested by county officials. This would mean the commission would have the option of what was being deposited in the landfill and maintain control over convenience stations.

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FARM BUREAU & Farm Bureau Annual Meeting at Smith County Farm Bureau 88 Cookeville Hwy The Farm Bureau Annual Meeting and Appreciation Day will be October 3, 2014. All members are invited to attend. We will serve food from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm. The Annual Meeting will start at 11:00 am where an amendment to the by-laws will be offered.

There will also be door prizes and giveaways.

Brown’s Recycling 1504 Shepardsville Hwy • Granville, TN 38564 Monday - Friday 7 am - 4 pm • Saturdays 7 am - 4 pm • Sundays 1:00 pm - 4 pm

Commissioners greeted by tax hike From page – A1 property tax increase.

The full county commission meets every other month. In July, County Mayor Michael Nesbitt informed commissioners there would likely be a special called meeting at the end of August to discuss the budget.

Instead of a prospective property tax increase, in recent months commissioners and Solid Waste Landfill Committee members have been discussing a countywide garbage disposal fee to raise additional funds for the county’s solid waste program which was only expected to remain solvent through spring of next year.

The garbage disposal fee has been “taken off the table”, according to County Mayor Nesbitt because additional customers for the landfill have been located which translates into added revenue to offset costs.

The county’s plan was for the current county commission (who remain in office through August 31) to meet on August 25 to discuss the proposed property tax increase. However, a public hearing had to be held on the proposed tax increase, requiring a public notice which appeared in last week’s edition of the Courier. The public notice could not be published in time for the August 25 meeting to occur.

So the proposed nine cent property tax

increase will surface at the September 8 county commission meeting or the first meeting of the new commission. (All 24 seats were up for election in the August 7 county election.)

Faced with a shortfall of approximately $670,000 for solid waste operations, the Solid Waste Committee held a series of meetings in an effort to explain to the public why a garbage disposal fee or additional revenue was needed.

However, the full commission has yet to discuss the proposed property tax increase.

According to County Mayor Nesbitt more than $600,000 in additional revenue is needed to fund the 2014-2015 fiscal year budget. With the proposed nine cent property tax increase another $150,000 would have to be taken from the county’s reserve funds to fund the proposed budget.

The current property tax rate stands at $2.23.

If approved the county’s property tax rate would increase to $2.32.

Newly elected commissioners include Mark Jones and Glen Reece from District 1 (Defeated); Randy Glover from District 2 (Tanglewood); Michael Woodard from District 6 (Carthage); Dennis J. Hackett from District 7 (South Carthage) and Thomas Allen Gibbs from District 8 (Elmwood).

We buy aluminum cans, Junk cars, scrap metal, copper, brass, batteries, AC units, appliances, farm equipment, lawn mowers and more.

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Shooting victim recovers at home From page – A1 Project Circle, was showing him the pistol when the handgun went off.

In addition to muscle injuries, Arndt said he suffered a broken rib in the incident.

The bullet entered his chest on the side opposite to his heart.

Arndt said LaRue came over and was showing the gun (which was thought to be unloaded) to him when it discharged.

“He kept asking are you okay,” said Arndt. “I said You...shot me. I was sitting in a chair on my front porch. He was standing up.

I didn’t hear the gun go off.

I felt cold. The world was spinning. I was in a daze.

I dropped to the ground (porch).”

While an ambulance was en route to the scene, Arndt said LaRue applied pressure to the area of the wound in an effort to stop

the bleeding.

‘When I was in the hospital in Nashville I kept having flashbacks of the shooting,” said Arndt, who resides at 170 Project Circle.

LaRue, who resides at 182 Project Circle, was charged by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) with aggravated assault, filing a false report and alteration of an item’s permanent distinguishing number.

The TBI released a statement saying, “During the course of the investigation, TBI agents developed information LaRue recklessly discharged a firearm and shot Arndt while the two were talking outside of Arndt’s home on Project Circle.”

TBI agents say LaRue initially reported he was “not involved” in the incident, but “heard the shooting from his nearby home” and reported seeing an

“unknown gunman flee the scene”.

“Agents later determined LaRue gave false information and, in fact, shot the victim,” according to the TBI. “Agents also developed information that after LaRue shot Arndt, he had another individual hide the gun before police arrived.”

When the weapon was located, investigators discovered the serial number of the gun had been filed off.

The weapon was confiscated by police.

Charges against LaRue were filed by the TBI on Sunday, following the shooting.

LaRue was booked into the county jail where bond was set at $21,500.

Fifteenth Judicial District Attorney General Tommy Thompson requested the TBI probe.

Carthage police and the sheriff’s department assisted in the investigation.

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A – 10

CARTHAGE COURIER SEPTEMBER 11, 2014

New Sonic to open around first of next year

By Eddie West Staff Writer A new Sonic restaurant is expected to be in operation by the first of 2015.

Site preparation for the new restaurant is underway on a tract of land located in front of Walmart on Myer Street in Carthage.

The new restaurant will be larger than the one

located on Main Street, have an updated look, and include upgraded features.

The new Sonic will have 33 bays and feature a “hop through” or drive through window.

The project is being developed by West & West Enterprises of Sparta and will be co-owned by Bill West (Sparta) and local residents Todd and Diane

Smith, who co-own and manage the Main Street Sonic.

Besides being co-owners of the new Sonic,Todd Smith is a Sonic regional manager and Diane Smith manages the local Sonic.

West estimated it would take around 120 working days for the project to be completed.

J & S Construction Com-

Gordonsville band performs

pany of Cookeville is contractor for the project.

West & West Enterprises of Sparta has owned the property for more than five years.

“Life experiences” delayed the proposed project, West said.

The company owned the property when the May 2010 flood occurred.

While water from the

flood crept near Walmart during the flood, it did not get inside the business or flood the tract of land which is being developed.

West & West Enterprises owns and operates approximately 29 Sonics, most of which are in Tennessee.

The company is in negotiations for a possible tenant, a second business, which would be located on

the tract of land.

While West & West Enterprises owns the Main Street Sonic business, the building is owned by developers in Franklin (Williamson County).

Once the Main Street Sonic closes, owners are expected to begin marketing the Main Street building.

Smith County High Band

Exiting school board members recognized for service

Photo Submitted

Director of Schools Barry Smith, left, presents District 6 (Carthage) school board member Michael Collins, right, a gift for his service to the school system. Collins did not seek re-election and is the county’s new general sessions judge.

Photo Submitted

Photo Submitted

Director of Schools Barry Smith, left, presents District 8 (Elmwood) school board member Tim Maynard, right, a gift in recognition of his service to the school system.

Maynard did not seek re-election.

Director of Schools Barry Smith, left, presents District 3 (New Middleton) school board member William Barrick, right, with a gift for his service to the school system. Barrick did not seek re-election.

THIS ISSUE:

8 Yard Sales 11 Help Wanted 231 Real Estate Listings 7 Auctions

A Prize-Winning Newspaper

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■ Sav-Way Grocery ■ Save-A-Lot

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Presenting News And Views From around Smith County Volume 102 Number 38-USPS No. 092-180September 18, 2014

INSIDE ...

A True Road Builder Arnold in business more than 60 years . . . . . . . . A9

Relive pioneer days with event

By Eddie West Staff Writer Much of the county’s early history will be spotlighted during the second annual William Walton Days Festival set for next weekend.

Featuring music, food, crafts and activities, the event is centered around the historical Smith County Courthouse and is held in honor of the pioneer who played a major role in the early development of this area.

The courthouse lawn will be transformed into a colonial exhibit with indi-

2014 SMITH COUNTY FAIR

28 pages

Carthage, Tennessee 37030

Single Copy 75¢

Concerns voiced with tax increase Some support hike

By Eddie West Staff Writer Raising the property tax rate has become an “easy button” for generating added revenue to fund shortfalls in government budgets, some home and land owners say.

During a public hearing last week, several property owners spoke in opposition to the nine cent prop-

See William Walton A10

See Residents A11

Homecoming Friday at two high schools

FCS, agriculture, youth exhibit winners . . . . . . . . B6

News Property Tax

How Commissioners Voted On Increase . . . . . . . . . A11

Former Store Owner Passes Hazel Smithson Tuley . . . . . . A10

Sports

TRIPS TO NEIGHBORING COOKEVILLE LEAD TO

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

Smith County High School will celebrate homecoming, Friday.

The queen and representatives include seated, from left, Kristen Beasley, football queen, Amy Goolsby, homecoming queen.

Second row, from left, Alyssa Ramirez, freshman representative; Olivia Wills, sophomore representative; Peyton Jackson, junior representative; Elizabeth Carver, senior representative.

One’s trash can be another’s treasure — even if it’s garbage COUNTY’S ONCE LOOMING MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR LANDFILL CRISIS MAY BE RESOLVED

Putnam Blues 6A Cavs Dominate Trenches, Owls In Shutout . . .B1 Phillips, Wildcats Pound Tigers In Rushing Spree . . . . . . . . . . B1

Briefly

PROPERTY TAX RATES COUNTY The county and three cities have their property tax rates set for 2014. The town of Carthage tax rate is $1.15, unchanged from last year. The town of Gordonsville is at .7938, unchanged from last year. South Carthage is at

See Property Taxes Page A10 Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A2 Joe Anderson Joanne Gannaway J.D. Overstreet Hazel Tuley

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

Gordonsville High School will celebrate homecoming, Friday. The queen and representatives include from left, Caitlyn Griffin, freshman representative; Hannah Larsen, junior representative; Madison Lollar, homecoming queen; Mikki Ramsey, senior representative; Kameran Washer, sophomore representative.

By Eddie West Staff Writer “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure” accurately describes how the county’s once looming multi-million dollar landfill crisis may be resolved.

The county has taken on an additional customer and is negotiating with a second.

Projected revenues from the

two new customers are expected to offset costs of opening a new landfill cell and the purchase of equipment needed for the landfill operations.

One new customer has committed to a five year contract to dispose of its household garbage in the county landfill and negotiations continue with a second prospective customer.

At one time, it was project-

ed the county would need as much as a 24 cent property tax increase in order to keep the landfill and solid waste operations solvent.

The county landfill has been operating with a fund balance (revenues exceeding expenditures), but was expected to have depleted its reserve funds by late spring of next year.

During the last week of Au-

Law enforcement authorities search for pursuit suspect

By Eddie West Staff Writer A suspect wanted in connection with a high speed chase two weeks ago is still being sought by police.

Duwayne Perdue, 38, Lafayette, remains at large and is possibly in the Macon County area.

Perdue is one of two people involved in the pursuit, which occurred on Thursday, September 4, and began shortly after a resident reported a suspicious vehicle behind a house in the Beasley Bend community.

William Alexander Beasley IV, 30,

We are Riverview

Lafayette, was located following a search not far from where the pursuit ended in Trousdale County.

Beasley was charged with evading arrest, felony possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal trespassing, providing false report/information, criminal impersonation and introduction of contraband into a jail in connection with the incident.

Perdue has been charged with evading arrest, reckless driving, reckless endangerment, driving on suspended license and has been cited for traffic

See Police A10

gust, DeKalb County commissioners approved a five year contract with Smith County to dispose of its garbage here.

DeKalb County is in the process of constructing a solid waste transfer station in the Smithville Industrial Park.

Household garbage will be sorted at the transfer sta-

See County A10

Man charged in chainsaw theft at Walmart

By Eddie West Staff Writer A Putnam County man has been charged for allegedly stealing a chainsaw from the back of a pickup truck while it was parked at Walmart.

William W. Watts, 44, Cookeville, faces theft of property and auto burglary in connection with the alleged theft.

The incident occurred on Tuesday night of last week.

The owner of the chainsaw, Carthage resident

See Putnam Man A10

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A – 10

CARTHAGE COURIER SEPTEMBER 18, 2014

William Walton Days rekindles county’s pioneer spirit during event From page – A1

viduals demonstrating old-fashioned crafts and trades.

William Walton Days Festival will take place Saturday (September 27).

Featured events include a 5K/10K run (beginning at 7 a.m.), Revolutionary War reenactors, visit with George and Martha Washington, Revolutionary era demonstrators, food vendors, Walton Road historian Calvin Dickinson (retired Tennessee Tech University history professor), historical courthouse and archives as well as Smith County Heritage Museum will be open for viewing, scarecrow contest, tea time with Martha Washington, Revolutionary War Scavenger Hunt, covered wagon rides, Walton Grave ceremony, DAR essay contest reading, unveiling of new exhibit at the Smith County Heritage Museum, and minute man call give-aways.

After the Rotary Run, a 5K/10K from 7-8 a.m., much of the historical exhibits, other events and entertainment will take place from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the courthouse.

The honoring of William Walton will be at his grave site on Myer Lane.

Vendors/ artisans/musicians Booths with food and crafts will be set up on the courthouse square and be open from 9 a.m.

until 5 p.m. Craft demonstrations will take place on the courthouse lawn and on Main Street in front of the courthouse.

Horse and wagon rides (free) will be taking place during the festival.

Children’s pioneer games such a marbles, checkers, bobbing for apples will take place on the courthouse lawn.

A scavenger hunt will also be held during the event.

The event will feature both live and recorded music on the courthouse steps. Jason Sanders will be among those performing.

Minute Man Call New to this year’s event will be the Minute Man Call where individuals will drop their cell phone number in a drum located on the courthouse steps. Names will be drawn. The phone number will be announced and called from the courthouse steps. The individual’s name which is drawn must answer by their name and will have one minute to reach the courthouse steps to claim the prize. If a name is drawn and the individual doesn’t make it to the courthouse steps in one minute, they will be awarded a consolation prize provided by DTC Communications and their name will be dropped back into the drum for future drawings. At the end of the day, a final drawing will be held and a final prize give-away will be the balance of the money

scarecrow or at the chamber of commerce information booth during the William Walton Days event.

not claimed. Drawings include: noon one drawing for $25; 1 p.m. one drawing for $25; 2 p.m. two drawings for $25 each; 3 p.m. three drawings for $25 each; 4 p.m. four drawings for $25 each; 5 p.m., five drawings for $25 each; 6 p.m. one drawing for the balance of unclaimed prize money (this drawing will not be held if all the prize money is claimed.).

Scarecrow Contest Exhibit Businesses and individuals will have scarecrows constructed on their lawns in Carthage, South Carthage and Gordonsville.

Those in outlying areas can place their entry on the courthouse lawn. The chamber of commerce will have a map with the location of the scarecrows which were in place for judging by Tuesday, September 17. A judge’s award and people’s choice award will be selected in each category (business or residential). Winners will be announced the day of the event. Individuals can stop by the chamber office on Upper Ferry Road to vote for their favorite

Former store owner passes away

By Eddie West Staff Writer Funeral services were held Saturday for the former owner and operator of a well-known local furniture store.

Hazel Smithson Tuley, 87, passed away Thursday at her Carthage home.

Tuley was also the county’s Home Demonstra-

tion Club Agent for several years and was a former home economics teacher.

She and her husband, William Marcus “Bill” Tuley Jr., owned and operated Tuley Furniture Company in Carthage until 1989.

The Tuleys’ son, Marc, continues to operate the family business which is located on Main Street.

A native of Cannon County, Tuley was a member of the Carthage United Methodist Church.

Funeral services were conducted from the Carthage Chapel of Bass Funeral Homes, Saturday afternoon.

(See Bass Funeral Homes obituaries for additional information.)

Juvenile beer drinking probe

By Eddie West Staff Writer Carthage police are investigating a case in which four juveniles were partying in a vacant house with beer allegedly stolen from another house.

The incident began when police were dispatched to a resident’s complaint about suspicious individuals being at a vacant house on Turner High Circle. Police sus-

pect as many as four juveniles, ranging in age from 15 to 17, were inside the house drinking beer. Some of the youth fled the scene when police arrived. The beer was reported stolen from a house located off Main Street.

One of the youth is suspected of breaking into the house to get the beer.

The incident occurred in the evening hours on Friday. The case is still under investigation.

Town of Carthage to fill positions

By Eddie West Staff Writer The town of Carthage will be accepting applications for a police dispatcher position.

The position became available with the resignation of Jeremy Dennis.

Dennis left the department to take a full-time

position with the county’s ambulance service as a paramedic.

Dennis, who has been both a part-time and fulltime police dispatcher with the city, was employed part-time with the ambulance service before accepting a full-time position.

During the council’s September meeting, Thursday

night, the council members agreed to advertise the position.

Also during the meeting, Mayor Sabra Hodge reported city building/codes inspector Allan Silcox had taken a full-time position with a private company.

The council agreed to fill the position.

Property taxes for cities, county From page – A1 .9704, unchanged from least year. The

county property tax rate was set at $2.32, up from $2.23.

Putnam County man charged From page – A1 C.D. “Digger” Poindexter, arrived at Walmart around 8:20 p.m., Tuesday, and went inside the store to shop, according to a police report.

Poindexter returned to his vehicle to discover the chainsaw missing from the bed of his pickup truck and reported the theft to Carthage police.

Security surveillance tape of Walmart’s parking lot showed an individual in

a black Chevrolet pickup truck pull into the parking lot around 8:44 p.m.

(Tuesday) and an individual removing the chainsaw from the bed of the truck, according to police.

While eying a possible female shoplifter,Wednesday morning, a Walmart employee discovered a truck carrying the person suspected of being involved in the alleged chainsaw theft the night before in the store’s parking lot, according to police.

Police were dispatched to Walmart, but the vehicle had left.

The vehicle was located and stopped on Highway 53/Gordonsville Highway near TNT convenience market with a male and female occupant.

The chainsaw, which has been returned to its owner, was recovered at Watts’ house, according to police.

Watts was booked at the county jail at 12:25 p.m., Wednesday and posted $5,500 bond.

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Relive the Past Throughout the day, reenactors will attempt to relive the lives of individuals who played a vital role in the development of the county and its communities.

Captain William Walton will be portrayed by B.J. Rich (Flat Rock) and Mrs. Walton will be portrayed by Vonda Dixon (Defeated).

Daniel Smith will be portrayed

by Spencer Hackett of Flat Rock (present history of Smith County).

James Hogan will be portrayed

by Martin Mofield of Rome (history of Hogan’s Creek).

Larry Bradford (John Gordon) and Brenda Bradford will present the history of Gordonsville.

County Mayor Michael Nesbitt will portray John Trousdale and present the history of Elmwood.

Deona Thomas will portray Eliza Jane Ward Gwaltney and present the history of Hickman.

Lee Holliman will re-enact William McClure and present the history of McClures Bend.

County Mayor Nesbitt will re-enact James Bradley and tell the history of Riddleton.

Bill Woodard will portray Tillman Dixon, introduce Faith Young, owner of Dixona, and present history of Dixon Springs.

John Rose will portray John Lancaster and present the history of Lancaster.

Betsy Ross will be in attendance at the event.

Also, the DAR essay contest winner will read their winning essay on the steps of the courthouse. In addition, Deona Lee Thomas will perform an original song “Days of William Walton”.

William Walton remembered Daughters of the America Revolution will hold a special ceremony at the William Walton grave site which is located on Myer Lane in front of Walmart.

Following the ceremony there will be a special unveiling of a new exhibit at the Smith County Heritage Museum which will be open until 5 p.m. Archives at the courthouse will be open until 5 p.m. Descendants of William Walton were on hand for last year’s event and will be at the Walton Hotel this year.

Captain William Walton, a veteran of the American Revolutionary War, was one of the first settlers in Smith County and constructed Walton Road, from east Tennessee through the Upper Cumberland region to Carthage.

The festival was conceived last year in conjunction with the development of Walton Road Historic Byway which begins in east Roane County and continues to Smith County.

Police search for pursuit suspect From page – A1 control devices, speeding and failure to maintain lane of travel.

The pursuit began in the Dixon Springs community and concluded in neighboring Trousdale County.

A vehicle fitting the description of the one seen at the Beasley’s Bend residence was located at Rome Road and Dixon Springs Circle in the Dixon Springs community by sheriff’s department Deputy Steven Ray, who reported witnessing the vehicle pass through the intersection and failing to stop. Deputy Ray followed the vehicle onto Dixon Springs Highway and onto Young Branch Road in the Dixon Springs community where he attempted to make a traffic stop.

The vehicle failed to yield to blue lights and accelerated to speeds up to 80 miles per hour and began driving recklessly into the opposite lane of travel, according to Deputy Ray. The pursuit

continued to the Mace’s Hill community with the vehicle turning onto Toetown Road before turning onto Scanty Branch Road which leads into Trousdale County. The pursuit continued along Scanty Branch Road North (Trousdale County)until the truck made a left turn onto Massey Hollow Lane (Trousdale County).

The pursuit continued down Massey Hollow Lane traveling into a field and up to a hill where it stopped and two male subjects fled on foot.

Several officers with the Smith County as well as Trousdale County sheriff’s departments responded to the call. A K-9 unit with the Trousdale County Sheriff’s Department was dispatched to the area.

During the search, Beasley was located on the opposite side of the hill on Skeleton Lane and taken into custody by Lt. Detective Shannon Hunt. Skeleton Lane is located in Smith County.

County to take DeKalb’s garbage From page – A1 tion and trucked to the Smith County Landfill.

While specifics have yet to be worked out, DeKalb County will be responsible for trucking the waste here, either by contracting a hauling service or furnishing their own trucks. The transfer station is expected to be operational by December.

DeKalb County will be charged $29 per ton to dispose of its garbage in the local landfill. DeKalb County officials estimated its current cost to dispose of household garbage (using its own landfill) is $35 per ton. DeKalb County’s landfill was constructed at a cost of approximately $4 million and has lasted approximately 12 years.

Like Smith County, DeKalb County’s existing landfill cell is about to be depleted. Instead of taking on the cost of opening a new cell, DeKalb County officials felt it was cost effective to truck their household garbage to the Smith County Landfill.

The county will continue to operate a landfill for construction material and non-household garbage.

A review of the Smith County Landfill and county’s solid waste op-

erations this summer by an independent source, CTAS (a state advisor agency for county governments), noted additional landfill customers were needed to create more revenue, offsetting operational costs. The agency also suggested a landfill disposal fee was needed to help offset costs. Discussions of a landfill disposal fee began this spring but have been halted now that a new customer has been secured and negotiations with a potential customer are taking place.

With the contract with DeKalb County secured, County Mayor Michael Nesbitt says the county needs negotiations with a second customer to be successful before the landfill can become self-sufficient.

The county has spent approximately three years discussing and exploring options of how to generate additional funds for the landfill and convenient sites.

During the past few months, the county’s Solid Waste Committee discussed a household garbage disposal fee. Those talks have been halted.

The garbage disposal fee

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would have likely been $10 per household.

Prior to the garbage disposal fee, commissioners studied and debated leasing the landfill to a private company which promised to incur all solid waste program costs and implement a gasification facility at the landfill.

Gasification or burning of garbage in large quantities is relatively new and county officials became leery of the process and the developers. Talks between the county and the developers ended prior to 2013.

The debate over the need for additional revenue for the landfill did not resurface before the full county commission until this past spring.

Commissioners voted to “fund the landfill (solid waste program)” and requested the county’s Solid Waste Committee devise a plan to do so.

The Solid Waste Committee ruled out selling the landfill and a property tax increase and began studying a countywide garbage disposal fee.

The committee has also eyed allowing a private company to manage the landfill and convenient stations.

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THIS ISSUE:

17 Yard Sales 5 Help Wanted 231 Real Estate Listings 4 Auctions

A Prize-Winning Newspaper

~

UT-TPA Press Awards 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008

INSERTS:

■ Sav-Way Grocery ■ Save-A-Lot

■ Pet Supply Plus

Presenting News And Views From around Smith County Volume 102 Number 42-USPS No. 092-180October 16, 2014

INSIDE ...

Where’s Scoop?

Entry Form, Contest Rules & Last Week’s Winner . . . . . . . . A9

News 2014 Election

Early Voting Begins . . . . . . . . A15

Accident County Garbage Truck Wrecks . . . . . . . . . . . . . A14

Sports

Carthage, Tennessee 37030

Tigers Weather Elements, Devils In 7-0 Thriller . . . . . . . B1

Victory Slips Away Owls Stunned With Rally; TD With 0:14.8 Left . . . . . . . B1

Second death in two weeks; county leads Upper Cumberland

By Eddie West Staff Writer For the second consecutive week, a resident has been killed in a traffic accident.

Jack M. Woodard, 70, Dixon Springs died in a single vehicle accident in the Dixon Springs community, Sunday night.

The wreck was reported shortly after 8 p.m. at 39 Young

Branch Road.

Woodard was “traveling south on Young Branch Road when his vehicle traveled off the right side of the road and struck a bridge railing”, according to Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Bobby Johnson, who investigated the wreck.

Woodard was traveling in a 1981 Dodge pickup truck.

Fall To Goodpasture . . . . . . . . . B2

Briefly FALL BREAK

COUNTY School will be closed next week for fall break. Friday, students will leave school and not return until Monday, October 27, the final week of October.

Auctions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B8, B12 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . B6-B12 Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A2 Courtney Andrews Danny Dillehay Neil Holland Leonard Taylor Jack Woodard

Public Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B7 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B1-B4

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Young Branch Road, a county road, is located off Highway 25 across the road from the Stagecoach Market in Dixon Spring.

The victim’s truck struck the first concrete bridge after turning onto Young Branch Road off Highway 25.

The victim was deceased at the scene.

In addition to medical per-

sonnel, the rescue squad and Riddleton/Dixon Springs Fire Department were dispatched to the scene of the accident.

Funeral services for Woodard are scheduled for 1 p.m., today (Thursday, October 16) at the Carthage Chapel of Bass Funeral Homes.

See Fatal A14

One cited Series of alcohol compliance checks following school for businesses

By Eddie West Local law enforcement agencies are conducting a series of compliance checks at local retail stores which sell alcoholic beverages.

The compliance checks are part of an effort to curtail underage drinking.

An individual must be at least 21 years of age in order to purchase or consume alcoholic drinks.

Many individuals may be under the impression the legal drinking age is 18, when one becomes an adult.

The latest compliance check took place on September 25 when four of the county’s 16 retail businesses which have a license to sell alcoholic beverages al-

legedly sold to an undercover underaged individual, according to data collected by local law enforcement agencies. An earlier check took place in March of this year when purchases were made at nine retail stores with alcoholic beverage licenses.

In a law enforcement compliance check, an underaged individual, working undercover, attempts to purchase an alcoholic beverage at each of the 16 retail establishments in the county and its three municipalities which have a beer sales permit or liquor license.

If the customer’s age is in question, the clerk is required to check the individual’s identification in order to determine the individual is of legal age.

See Alcohol A14

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Another fatal wreck occurs

Staff Writer

Grinding It Out

28 pages

One charged with exploitation of minor

By Eddie West Staff Writer An investigation by the sheriff’s department has resulted in sexual exploitation of a minor charges being filed against a Lebanon man.

The investigation began when officials with a Lebanon-based communications company, which has property (residence/communications tower) on Hiwassee Road, allegedly discovered images of minors on a computer located on the property and notified the sheriff’s department of their discovery.

The images were allegedly discovered on the personal

See One A14

High water in some areas, Tuesday

lock-down

By Eddie West Staff Writer A juvenile has been cited by police for allegedly sending to another youth a threatening text message directed at Gordonsville High School.

The 16-year old male, who is not attending the school, has been cited into juvenile court for commission of a terrorist act.

When school officials were alerted to the threatening message, law enforcement authorities were notified.

The high school was also placed on temporary lock-down, Friday morning, until any potential threat had been eliminated.

Man faces kidnapping, assault charges after co-worker incident

By Eddie West Staff Writer A man faces kidnapping and assault charges following an alleged incident which occurred in the Tanglewood community.

A woman reported a fellow employee at a Carthage restaurant asked her for a ride home to his Tanglewood residence after they

had finished their workshift. The man told the co-worker he did not have a ride home on this particular day.

The woman told police when they arrived at her co-worker’s residence, he grabbed the keys from the vehicle’s ignition and ran inside his residence.

See Man A14

On the move

No widespread wind damage reported

By Eddie West Staff Writer The county escaped a severe storm system without any reports of widespread damage overnight Monday.

Some flooding from heavy rainfall occurred around Roundlick Creek in the Grant community, Tuesday morning, according to Emergen-

See Storm A14

We are Riverview

BIGGER BETTER FASTER

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

Plans were to relocate the Carthage Junction Depot from Gordonsville to Crump Paris Park in South Carthage this week. The building is expected to be relocated Thursday. (See story on page 14.)

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A – 14

CARTHAGE COURIER OCTOBER 16, 2014

Medical episode resulted in county garbage truck accident

By Eddie West Staff Writer The driver of a county garbage truck which struck a guardrail on Highway 25 last week experienced a medical episode, resulting in the accident, investigators say.

Last week, the cause of the wreck was still under

investigation at presstime.

Paul Scholtens, 50, Alexandria, was driving the 2007 Mack garbage truck, according to Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Jimmy Tisdale who investigated the wreck.

Traveling east along the roadway between Shoulders Motor Company and Hardees, the garbage truck

struck the guardrail, traveling several feet before coming to a halt.

The right side wheels of the garbage truck left the pavement and became wedged between the pavement and the guardrail.

The garbage truck came to rest leaning precariously over the guardrail.

The wreck occurred

along a section of roadway which the state’s transportation department has plans to rehabilitate.

Transportation officials say the river bank was eroded during the May 2010 flood.

Since then the bank has continued to erode and the shoulder of the roadway is breaking off.

The drop-off behind the guardrail is almost straight down into the river.

Earlier this year, the Courier reported the section of roadway as being hazardous because the embankment was giving way.

County officials say the driver of the truck had just picked up garbage at the Defeated convenience site

and was en route to the county landfill when the accident happened.

Plans are to rehabilitate the section of roadway by cutting into the bluff on the north side of the state highway and widening the shoulder of the roadway on both sides.

It is unclear when the project may take place.

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

At one location along Highway 25 in Carthage, the edge of the payment is only a couple of feet from the bank of the Cumberland River. A county garbage truck almost toppled down the bank when it crashed into the guardrail on Monday morning of last week.

Work to relocate historic depot taking place this week

By Eddie West Staff Writer Plans are to relocate the Carthage Junction Depot this week.

Friday, officials said plans were to relocate the structure on Tuesday, a date which had to be changed to Thursday because of persistent rainfall.

The historic depot is being relocated from its current location (beside Keystop on Highway 53 in Gordonsville) to Crump Paris Park in South Carthage.

The new location will be on a tract of land located at the south end of the park next to the railroad track, Highway 53 and Welcome to South Carthage sign.

Thrasher House Moving, a Livingston company, has been hired to move the building.

Rackley Roofing, located in

South Carthage, has volunteered to remove the depot’s roof for the move and reattach it once the building has been relocated, according to the Save The Depot website.

Organizers of Save The Depot have raised several thousand dollars since this summer to relocate the historic structure.

Fund-raising efforts are being spear-headed by the Smith County Living Committee.

Once the depot has been moved, additional funds will have to be raised for its restoration.

The depot, which once sat at the east end of town in Gordonsville, was donated to the county after the property was purchased by a group of developers planning to construct a building

which will house a new KFC/Taco Bell restaurant on the site.

The developers gave organizers a little more than a month to raise funds to relocate the historic structure.

new facility.

Construction of the new KFC/ Taco Bell facility is expected to begin sometime after the depot and railroad car are removed from the property.

A caboose which was attached to the depot sold to a private individual prior to the purchase of the tract of land by the KFC/ Taco Bell developers.

The KFC/Taco Bell is expected to remain at its current location until the new facility opens.

The property’s new owners also donated the refrigerated boxcar (attached to the depot building) to the county.

Plans were to sell the boxcar and use the money to help pay for the relocation of the building.

The same group of developers who own the existing KFC/ Taco Bell restaurant located on Highway 53 on the north side of Interstate 40 will develop the

South Carthage police open child safety restraint station

By Eddie West Staff Writer The South Carthage Police Department has opened the county’s first child car safety restraint seat check station in the county.

Parents can contact city hall in South Carthage and set up an appointment to have their child’s safety restrain seat checked or learn about state laws pertaining to child safety restraints while traveling in vehicles.

South Carthage Offi-

cer Kevin Dick recently obtained certification for checking child safety seats.

Tennessee law requires children of certain ages and height to be restrained by a child safety seat or booster seat at all times while in a vehicle .

The officer can explain rules and regulations with a parent, demonstrating how a youth should be properly secured.

Also, if a safety seat is broken, the department has replacements.

As a certified child safe-

ty restraint technician, Officer Dick can train officers in other departments on child safety restraint laws, allowing other departments to open their own check stations in the future.

The check station is located at the city’s police department which is behind city hall at 106 Main Street South.

Parents can contact city hall at 735-2727 to set up an appointment to have their child restrain seat checked.

One charged with exploitation From page – A1 computer of an individual who resided on the property by an “IT person checking the firewall log to a bandwidth problem”, according to a sheriff’s department report.

Once the images were discovered, the individual living on the property was ordered to vacate the residence, according to the report.

Following the investigation, which began the first week of September, Daniel

James Mullaly, 65, Lebanon was charged with sexual exploitation of a minor on September 25, according to sheriff’s department records.

Also during the investigation, a search warrant was obtained for Mullaly’s residence in Wilson County, according to Sheriff Steve Hopper.

Evidence collected during the search will be presented to a Smith County grand jury, the sheriff noted.

Mullaly has posted $7,500 bond and has been released from the county jail.

Man charged with kidnapping From page – A1 The woman reported to police the male co-worker told her he would give the keys to her vehicle back if she would hug him which she eventually did, according to a detective’s report.

When she hugged the male co-worker, the woman says he grabbed her and allegedly attempted to initiate sexual contact, according to the detec-

tive’s report.

The woman said she managed to free herself from the co-worker, grabbed her car keys and fled the residence in her vehicle.

The woman, who works a second job in Gordonsville, initially contacted Gordonsville police who contacted the sheriff’s department to investigate the incident because it occurred in the county’s

jurisdiction.

Following an investigation by sheriff’s department’s detectives, Cordarius Damonte Caldwell, 19, Carthage, was charged with kidnapping and assault.

Charges were filed on September 24, the day the alleged incident took place.

Caldwell is being held in the county jail under $7,500 bond.

At the current location, owners of the combination KFC/Taco Bell, Exxon convenience market, have a month-by-month lease with the building and property owner.

The reason for the relocation of KFC/Taco Bell is the need for a smaller building.

The new KFC/Taco Bell building will be similar in design as the one located in nearby Smithville.

KFC/Taco Bell has been at its current location in Gordonsville

for 15 years.

When KFC/Taco Bell vacates its current location, the property will be available for lease.

Several years ago, the depot and railroad cars were opened on Highway 53 (Gordonsville Highway) as an antique store, owned

by South Carthage antique dealer Linda Nixon.

Since the antique store closed, the building and lot have often been vacated.

The most recent business to locate on the site was a used automobile business.

In the 1980s, the historic building was moved from Carthage Junction to Highway 53 by the late South Carthage businessman and mayor John Waggoner Sr. The railroad was planning to have the building torn down.

Fatal wreck claims man’s life From page – A1 A native of Buffalo Valley, Woodard formerly worked as a mechanic.

Woodard is the second traffic fatality in as many weeks.

An Elmwood man was killed in a motorcycle accident in Defeated, Saturday night (October 4).

Allan “Scott” Allmon, 43, 7 Washer Lane, was killed when his 2003 Yamaha motorcycle struck a guardrail on Defeated Creek Highway (Highway 85).

So far this year, eight people have been

killed on roadways within the county.

Allmon was the seventh victim and Woodard is the eighth victim.

The county is leading the Upper Cumberland region in the number of roadway fatalities for 2014.

Totaled, 52 individuals have been killed in the Tennessee Highway Patrol Cookeville District in motor vehicle accidents this year. The Cookeville District includes 15 Upper Cumberland region counties.

As of this week, Putnam, Cumberland and White counties rank second behind Smith, each with six fatalities in 2014.

Alcohol compliance checks From page – A1 In the latest check, clerks at four businesses sold alcoholic beverages to the underaged individual working undercover.

Of the four businesses, three failed the compliance test for a second time, according to data provided by local law enforcement agencies.

The one business which sold to the undercover officer for the first time immediately terminated its employee.

The 16 businesses which have a beer permit or liquor license include Riverside Market, Keelers Market, Dollar General Store (Carthage), Smith County Discount Tobacco, Carthage Express (formerly Citgo), Two Broth-

ers Discount Tobacco, Walmart, Mojos, Value & Variety (formerly Turner Citgo), TNT, Gordonsville Discount Liquor, Gordonsville Market, Cheers Wine & Liquor, Hunter’s Market, Wilco Hess and Keystop.

In the latest undercover operation, businesses which sold to the undercover individual include Riverside Market (second violation), Smith County Discount Tobacco (second violation), Mojos (second violation) and Wilco Hess (first violation).

The sheriff’s department, Carthage, Gordonsville and South Carthage police departments have participated in compliance checks.

Fines for failing to be

in compliance can be anywhere from a few hundred dollars to more than $2,000, according to officials.

Businesses can also lose their license to sell beer or their liquor license if they sell to an underaged individual.

Beer boards within each government’s (county or one of the county’s three municipalities) jurisdiction are responsible for implementing the penalty for not being in compliance.

Some business owners maintain they are at a disadvantage in undercover compliance checks because in most cases it is the clerk who makes the transaction and the business owner is penalized.

Storm passes quietly through From page – A1 cy Management Director Sonny Carter.

S.P. McClanahan Road had to be temporarily barricaded because of high water, Carter said.

Water from the creek surrounded some homes in the Rolling Hills subdivision located at the Wilson County line and near Interstate 40.

“One family was sleeping and they had to be awakened by their neighbors. They lost two boats,” Carter said.

The boats were swept down Roundlick Creek which runs into Wilson County.

Also, high water temporarily crossed Potter Road in the Brush Creek community and Hartsville Pike in the Halls Hill community.

THIS ISSUE:

6 Yard Sales 11 Help Wanted 231 Real Estate Listings 5 Auctions

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Presenting News And Views From around Smith County Volume 102 Number 44-USPS No. 092-180October 30, 2014

SPECIAL EVENT

CHAD’S RUN

November 1st • 9:00 a.m.

Gordonsville High School

Single Copy 75¢

Order in the courtroom Individuals will be penalized for late arrival

By Eddie West

The 8th Annual Chad’s Run 5K run / 1 mile fun walk is a charity event to help care for Chad Hunter, who was involved in an automobile accident on February 14, 2004. His brain injury has left him requiring 24 hour a day care.

A scholarship, as well, has been set up for a graduating senior from Gordonsville High School and Smith Co. High School who wish to pursue a career in the medical fi eld.

28 pages

Carthage, Tennessee 37030

Staff Writer Being tardy for a general sessions court date can be costly for an individual.

Someone who shows up late before General Sessions Judge Michael Collins can expect the option of paying a $50 fine or spending 24 hours in jail.

After taking office in September, Judge Collins has implemented a number of court rules and regulaJudge Collins tions.

The new judge doesn’t allow children in

the courtroom unless they are a victim or a witness.

If a youth has to be present for court proceedings, the judge says they can stay in a designated waiting area outside the courtroom.

“The courtroom is no place for a child,” commented Judge Collins who assumed the position last month after defeating

incumbent General Sessions Judge David Bass in August.

Also, the newly elected judge says individuals should consult with an attorney prior to court convening.

While court is in session, individuals must remain quiet.

“Individuals should have re-

See Courtroom A6

Tight squeeze

INSIDE ...

News

County’s Unemployment

Rate Continues To Fall . . . . . . . A7

Emergency Calls Motorcyclist Injured . . . . . . . . . A7

Sports Turned Away

Owls Miss Golden Scoring Opportunities . . . . . B1 EDDIE WEST/COURIER

Briefly

SEALED INDICTMENTS COUNTY The county’s grand jury met in special session on Monday of last week and returned 14 sealed indictments. Those indictments were being processed on Friday.

Indictments are processed by the district attorney and circuit

The Carthage Junction Depot nears the Interstate 40 overpass in Gordonsville, Thursday. The top, rear section of the building scraped the steel beams underneath the overpass. (See story on page 8)

More than one thousand Happy Halloween vote early in elections

By Eddie West Staff Writer (Unofficial results in Tuesday’s elections will be posted on the Courier’s website election night.)

Early voting in Tuesday’s elections ends today ( 6 p.m., Thursday, October 30).

Through Saturday, 1,305 residents had voted early.

Early voting began October 15 at the Smith County Election Commission office.

Tuesday’s elections include a state election, city elections in Carthage and Gor-

See Sealed Indictments Page A6

Auctions . . . . . . . . . . . C7, C8, C12 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . C3-C12 Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A2 Pearl Fisher

Public Notices . . . . . . . . C4, C5, C6

donsville and voters will be deciding four proposed amendments to the Tennessee Constitution.

Candidates for races in the Carthage and Gordonsville city elections were set in August.

The Carthage election includes the

See Tuesday’s A6

Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B1-B2

Activities at Kindred Where’s Scoop? become more active

Entry Form, Contest Rules & Last Week’s Winner . . . . . . . . B6

By Eddie West

Staff Writer Whether it’s a favorite hobby, a particular sport or activity, most everyone has a passion.

It’s a rare combination when an individual’s passion is also their occupation.

While attending high school in

We are Riverview

Florida, Michael Tonietti, Kindred Nursing and Rehabilitation’s new activities director, discovered his passion by chance.

“When I was 15 years old, I enrolled in an aerobics class with all girls. There was a handicapped

PRIVATE COMFORT HEAL

See Activities Director A6

Residents will be turning back their clocks and watches this weekend as Daylight Saving Time ends. Legislators discussed Daylight Saving Time being permanent during this year’s General Assembly. (See story on page 7)

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A–6

CARTHAGE COURIER OCTOBER 30, 2014

Activities director has passion for helping those with disabilities From page – A1 individual enrolled in the class. The class instructor assigned me to assist the individual. I fell in love with the concept of helping people with disabilities. I was blown away by it. It’s a passion for me,” explains Tonietti.

After graduating from high school, Tonietti followed his passion, earning a four-year degree in therapeutic recreation from Florida International in Miami.

Tonietti’s passion for helping those with disabilities is not limited by age nor circumstances which those with disabilities face on a daily basis.

“I love helping all ages and those with all disabilities,” says Tonietti, and that’s why he is with Kindred today.

Since Tonietti joined Kindred, activities are non-stop from 9 a.m. until evening hours.

Activities are both educational and

recreational.

A typical day begins with various types of food and drink treats such as watermelon or seasonal items such as pumpkin pancakes, Halloween cookies and ghost treats during the month of October.

Residents sample various coffees such as coconut, raspberry, pecan and Irish.

Later, it’s morning exercises such as “morning moves”, balloon toss, kick ball and “build those biceps”.

Activities also include devotionals, meditation and relaxation as Tonietti plays classical piano for residents.

“When I play the piano, I want them to forget about everything so they can be at peace,” explains Tonietti.

Activities are often centered around various themes.

For Oktoberfest, several residents sampled O’Doul’s, a non-alcoholic beer.

The new activities director explained

the origin of Oktoberfest and then turned on some polka music.

Tonietti and his staff recently organized a chili cook-off, another activity which commonly occurs in the fall.

One resident, unable to move her limbs as a result of a debilitating disease, made her own chili for the event. Tonietti gathered the ingredients, cooking utensils and the resident called out the instructions.

The chili cook-off also raised funds to purchase a glass enclosed bird sanctuary for the center. Birdwatching is proven to be relaxing and a popular hobby for many.

The reason behind the non-stop activities, Tonietti says, is the importance of older residents keeping their minds active.

“It’s amazing what activities can do for an individual,” Tonietti notes.

While Tonietti has incorporated new ideas in order to keep residents active, there is one activity which will never go

away. Bingo will always be a favorite activity for residents.

A resident of Cookeville, Tonietti and his wife, Sandy, relocated to Tennessee in 2005 on a leap of faith. “We put our faith in God one hundred percent. We packed our bags, moved to Cookeville and fell in love with it,” commented Tonietti about the move. The couple has five children.

“I would like to have another one,” adds Tonietti, who is also Eden Alternative certified.

The Eden program teaches individuals how to bring a sense of home to those who are confined elsewhere.

As an activities director, Tonietti is always planning ahead.

There will be a formal Thanksgiving meal for residents next month.

For December, Tonietti has contacted Santa Claus who will be making a special visit.

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

Kindred Nursing and Rehabilitation activities director Michael Tonietti works with residents to cook eggs and toast.

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

Kindred’s activities director Michael Tonietti learned to play classical piano without being able to read music.

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

Kindred’s activities director Michael Tonietti (center) talks with residents during a chili cook-off. Residents sampled various types of chili.

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

Bingo is still one of the more popular activities at Kindred Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Courtroom protocol outlined From page – A1

Tuesday’s elections nearing From page – A1 mayor and three council member seats.

Incumbent Mayor Sabra Hodge is being challenged

by Donnie R. Dennis.

Council member terms which expire include Phillip Brooks, Pat Nixon and Nancy Woodard.

Those running for the three seats are incumbent Phillip Brooks and newcomers Roy Ethridge, Jerry L. Hickman, Matthew G. Watts, Blake L. Wood and Michael “Woody” Woodard.

In Gordonsville, three alderman terms expire.

Those seats are held by Martha Geldreich, David Blessman and Starla Pitt.

Those qualifying for the Gordonsville election include incumbents David Blessman and Starla Thompson Pitt. Newcomers include Donnie S. King

Sr, Colby McKinney and Charles Proffit.

All race positions are four year terms.

An election for state and federal offices will also be on Tuesday’s ballot.

In the race for state offices, Tennessee House of Representatives District 40 incumbent Terri Lynn Weaver, a Republican, is being challenged by Democratic candidate Sarah Marie Smith.

District 17 Senator Mae Beavers, a Republican, is running unopposed.

Tuesday’s election also includes a race for governor.

Incumbent Republican Governor Bill Haslam is being challenged by Democratic Party candidate Charles V. “Charlie” Brown, Constitution Party candidate Shaun Crowell, Green Party candidate Isa Infante, Independent

candidates Steven Damon Coburn, John Jay Hooker and Daniel T. Lewis.

The election will also include a U.S. Senate race.

Republican candidates include incumbent Lamar Alexander who will be challenged by Democratic candidate Gordon Ball, Constitutional Party candidate Joe Wilmoth, Green Party candidate Martin Pleasant, Independent candidates Tom Emerson Jr., Edmund L. Gauthier, Joshua James, Danny Page, Bartholomew J. Phillips, C. Salekin, Eric Schechter and Rick Tyler.

The race for U.S. House of Representative District 6 includes incumbent Republican candidate Diane Black. Challengers include Democratic Party candidate Amos Scott Powers and Mike Winton, Independent.

spect for the judicial process,” commented Judge Collins who said he consulted with as many people as possible who are involved in the judicial process in an effort to make his court operate efficiently.

Those Judge Collins consulted with include the public defender’s office, district attorney’s office, sheriff, other judges, department of children’s services and circuit court clerk.

The new judge says he has basically adopted the same regulations which are implemented by other judges.

Some years ago, judges implemented general courtroom rules which address cell phones, dress code and conduct.

The general public is not allowed to take a cellular telephone into a courtroom, even if they are turned off. However, cell phones can be used in the lobby outside the courtrooms, said Court Officer Harold Baines who was manning the security checkpoint at the entrance to the courts facility lobby, Friday.

With the relocation of criminal and civil courts from the downtown Carthage courthouse to the new courts facility, additional security measures were implemented.

Individuals are now required to pass through one of two metal detectors upon entering the building.

At least one security officer is stationed at the metal detectors during office hours.

Courtroom dress code includes no shorts are to be worn in court. Males must be dressed in pants, females in skirts, dress or pants.

Also, those dressed in immodest apparel (showing excessive skin) are not allowed in courtrooms.

Individuals can be sent home for inappropriate attire.

Food and drinks are prohibited in courtrooms.

Courts located at the courts facility include criminal, chancery (civil), general sessions and juvenile.

In addition to the judge, court officers can enforce rules and regulations which apply to courtrooms.

Criminal and circuit court offices are located in the courts facility which is located next to the sheriff’s office.

Other court-related offices, including juvenile services office, are also located at the facility.

The facility also includes a grand jury room.

Sealed indictments not available From page – A1 court clerk’s offices. At presstime, the sheriff’s

department was in the process of serving notice to those indicted.

Individuals who have

been indicted are generally given notice of charges before a sealed indictment becomes public.

DECEMBER 18, 2014 CARTHAGE COURIER A – 9

Police anticipate charges in truck theft

By Eddie West Staff Writer Carthage police anticipate charges being filed this week against three people in connection with the theft of a pickup truck.

The truck was reported stolen from the Wal-Mart parking lot at 11:04 p.m. on Monday of last week.

The vehicle was entered

by Carthage police into

a national stolen vehicle data base.

Around 11:56 a.m., Tuesday (December 9), the pickup truck, a gray Nissan belonging to Nick Allmon, was located wrecked on a rural road in Macon County.

The driver of the truck had run into a fence and left the scene.

Allmon told Carthage police he went inside WalMart and came back out to

discover his truck missing.

Surveillance video reveals two subjects getting into the pickup truck and driving in the direction of Upper Ferry Road.

Police suspect the two were traveling with a third suspect in a car.

The third suspect was inside Wal-Mart when the two drove off in the vehicle.

The third suspect was seen on video coming out of Wal-Mart and getting

in a car in which the three were traveling before the theft took place.

Junior Nesbitt’s

45th

While the investigation is ongoing, police indicate the three suspects involved in the incident could be charged as soon as this week.

Carthage police were not familiar with the Macon County road where the vehicle was discovered wrecked.

Birthday Yes... Junior will be 45 on December 26, 2014 Join us at the Ag Center to celebrate this awesome day. The band Exit South will be performing from 6-10 and Junior will be dancing!

Any questions you can contact Vickie at 615-970-9511.

See you there!

New prison sparks hospital discussions

By Eddie West Staff Writer While the new Corrections Corporation of America prison located at the Smith/Toursdale County line near the Dixon Springs community has yet to be completed, it is already impacting the local economy.

Some Smith County residents are employed with companies involved in the construction phase.

In addition, negotiations which are expected to result in a new hospital in Hartsville are well underway.

Before the Great Recession of 2008, HighPoint Medical, which owns Riverview Regional Medical Center, Trousdale Medical Center (Hartsville) and Sumner Regional Medical Center (Gallatin), purchased land on Old Halltown Road for a new hospital.

Those plans were put on hold because of the downturn in the local, state and national economy brought about by the recession.

With plans for a new Corrections Corporation of America medium security prison to open during the first quarter of 2016 and a stronger economy, discussions for construction of a new hospital have resumed.

HighPoint Medical Center has declined to comment on any specific plans, but says it is preparing to ac-

commodate any needs the new prison may require.

Construction on the new Corrections Corporation of America prison near Dixon Springs began this fall.

The prison is being constructed on land in Trousdale County at the PowerCom Industrial Park located at the former Hartsville Nuclear Plant site.

At a cost of approximately $140 million, the new prison will be a 2,500 bed facility.

Headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, JE Dunn Construction Company is project manager.

The company has offices in Brentwood.

Construction of the new prison had been on hold since 2009.

In the spring of this year, Trousdale County commissioners approved a contract with Corrections Corporation of America allowing construction of the new prison to begin.

In the fall of 2013, Corrections Corporation of America officials announced plans to resume negotiations which would lead to construction of the new prison.

While Trousdale County will receive all tax benefits from the new facility, the project will provide job opportunities for local residents.

The new prison is expected to employ more than 300 people when fully operational, in particular cor-

rectional officers.

Based in Nashville, Corrections Corporation of America contracts with state governments to house state and federal inmates in Tennessee and throughout the nation.

When the new prison project was announced in 2008, it was estimated construction would be completed by the first of 2010.

Construction on the new jail began in the midst of the Great Recession of 2008.

Because of a revenue shortfall, Tennessee and other states had to scale back spending in several areas of their 2009-2010 fiscal year budget, leading the project to be placed on hold.

The prison project dates to 2007 when Corrections Corporation of America announced it was searching for a site to construct a new prison facility.

The following year, officials announced the company had settled on the PowerCom Industrial Park site.

Corrections Corporation of America, which owns 108 acres in the industrial park, committed approximately four million dollars in infrastructure improvements.

The company purchased the property for approximately $3,200 per acre.

Happy 18th Birthday Bonnie Watson of Baxter

Bonnie is graduating early in December from Upperman High School in Baxter. She is employed by NHC in Cookeville, TN

From, Melinda Watson, Larry Burchett, Sister- Delaine Watson, Niece Katie Webb, Grandmother- Ruthie Watson, Uncle- Scotty and Angie

Reports differ as to wreck victim’s death From page – A1 released from the hospital until after his death on December 1.

Late Monday afternoon, Tennessee Highway Patrol Sgt. Eric McCormick, who worked the wreck, contacted the Courier saying medical personnel at Vanderbilt University Medical Center informed him Stafford passed away as the result of a heart attack.

The state trooper said the accident will initially be reported as a fatality, but the report would be reviewed by the agency within 90 days and could be changed.

Including the latest incident, nine people have died on roadways in the county this year.

A reporter for the Courier began checking into Stafford’s death after learning he was involved in a wreck.

According to a Tennessee Highway Patrol accident report, listed as preliminary, Stafford was one of two drivers involved in the two vehicle wreck.

The driver of the second vehicle was identified as Maggie Johnston, 27, Hartsville.

Eight people were involved in the wreck.

Of the eight people, five people were transported by ambulance to the hospital.

All five were traveling in Stafford’s 1996 Saturn SL2.

According to the accident report, Maggie Johnston, who was driving a 2005

GMC Yukon, was traveling west on Highway 25 (Dixon Springs Highway) and Stafford was traveling south on Highway 80 .

The report says Stafford “apparently stopped at the intersection of Highway 25 but failed to yield by attempting to turn left in front of Johnston’s vehicle”.

“Johnston swerved left to avoid Stafford’s vehicle, but his vehicle continued into the path of Johnston’s vehicle,” according to the report.

“Johnston’s vehicle was unable to avoid the collision and collided into the left side of Stafford’s vehicle. Stafford’s vehicle was then knocked sideways and rolled back to a final rest along the west bound turn lane of Highway 80. Johnston’s vehicle came to a final rest along the east bound shoulder of Highway 25,” according to the accident report.

Traveling with Johnston were Boone Johnston, four months old, Hartsville and Addalyna Johnston, age two of Hartsville. Both were restrained and not injured in

the wreck.

Four passengers were traveling with Stafford.

Mary Gulley, 26, Pleasant Shade was transported by ambulance to Riverview Regional Medical Center.

Courtney Stafford, age 6, Pleasant Shade, was also transported to Riverview Regional Medical Center.

Christy Wilkerson, 29,

Pleasant Shade, was transported by ambulance to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville.

Rupell Gulley, 25, Pleasant Shade, was transported to Riverview Regional Medical Center.

Stafford was a Carthage native.

(See obituaries for additional information.)

Air Duct Cleaning Repair & Replacement (615) 735-7899

SPECIAL COW SALE SMITH COUNTY COMMISSION CO 510 Carmack Ave. • Carthage, TN 37030

Saturday, December 27th

Sale starting at Approximately 1:30 pm

* Off Two Farms *

* Off One Farm *

60 Mixed Cows 30 with Calves All Ages 1 Black Bull

13 Nice Black & Blk/White Face Heifers

11 Young Mixed Cows Bred to Black Bull 1 Black Bull

Bred to low birth weight black bull Start calving in March

**MORE CONSIGNMENTS EXPECTED** For more information call: David Gregory (615) 418-6480 • Steven Kemp (615) 489-6277

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