Two Found with Meth, Drug Paraphernalia, and Weapons During Traffic Stop

December 27, 2023
By: Dwayne Page

Two people found with methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and weapons during a traffic stop last Friday, December 22 will make a court appearance on the charges next week.

45-year-old Rachel Lynn Spurlock of West Broad Street, Smithville and 45-year-old Robert Jason Francis of Auburntown are each charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver and possession of drug paraphernalia. Francis is also charged with three counts of firearm possession during a felony, and simple possession of a schedule IV drug (Tramadol).

The bond is $45,000 for Spurlock and $40,000 for Francis. Both will be in court on January 4.

Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on December 22 a deputy pulled over a purple Ford Ranger for failing to maintain its lane of travel. Both Spurlock and Francis were in the vehicle. During a search, the officer found 8.52 grams of a crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine along with four glass pipes with residue, two straws with residue, a spoon, two scales, and 25 small baggies. Francis had in his possession two- 22 caliber revolvers and a 22-caliber long rifle. The officer also found seven white rectangular pills and a clear baggie believed to be Tramadol in Francis’ possession.

27-year-old Bradley Cole Emberton of North Judkins Lane, Smithville is charged with domestic assault. His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court January 11.

Sheriff Ray said that on December 17 Emberton allegedly twice shoved a woman down to the ground and struck her causing bruising to the left side of her face. Her right knee and wrist were also red and her left arm was scraped.

60-year-old Kevin Ray Wilson of Yulonda Hill Road, Smithville is charged with driving on a revoked license. He was also cited for failure to show proof of insurance. Wilson’s bond is $2,500 and he will be in court January 11.

Sheriff Ray said that on December 22 a deputy was patrolling Holmes Creek Road when he spotted an orange Ford Ranger with no tags. He pulled over the vehicle and spoke with the driver, Wilson. A background check through central dispatch revealed that Wilson’s license was suspended. Wilson lost his license on October 8, 2023 for failure to appear.

45-year-old Maranda Oneal Washer of Blue Springs Road, Smithville is charged with domestic assault. Her bond is $3,500 and she will be in court January 4.

Sheriff Ray said that on December 22 a deputy was summoned to a residence on Blue Springs Road to do a welfare check on a woman. Upon arrival he spoke with the woman (victim) and Washer. The officer learned from the victim that Washer struck her on the side of the face during an argument leaving a red mark. The victim further alleged that on Sunday, December 17 Washer also hit her on the side of the face and that the assault was captured on video.

December 27, 2023
By: Dwayne Page

Blood Assurance will have two January drives within two days of each other in Smithville.

A DeKalb County Neighbors Helping Neighbors Blood Assurance Drive will be Monday, January 15 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at 718 South Congress Boulevard in the parking lot of the County Complex next to South Congress Boulevard on the mobile Bloodmobile. All donors will receive a fleece blanket for National Blood Donor Month while supplies last.

To schedule an appointment, go to bloodassurance.org/neighbors or contact Jimmy Poss at 615-464-7426 or jimposs72@yahoo.com.

Please remember to eat a good meal, drink extra water, avoid energy drinks, and bring your ID.

Blood Assurance is the SOLE blood provider for our local hospitals. One donation can save three lives!

The following blood drive will be Wednesday, January 17 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Family Medical Center at 302 North Congress Boulevard on the mobile Bloodmobile. All donors will receive a fleece blanket for National Blood Donor Month while supplies last.

To schedule an appointment, go to bloodassurance.org/fmc or contact Michiko Martin at 615-597-4395.

Please remember to eat a good meal, drink extra water, avoid energy drinks, and bring your ID.

Blood Assurance is the SOLE blood provider for our local hospitals. One donation can save three lives!

December 26, 2023
By: Dwayne Page

DeKalb County’s local option sales tax collections for November 2023 were down from October but up significantly from November 2022.

According to the Tennessee Department of Revenue, DeKalb County collected $171,014 in local option sales taxes in November, 2023. While it did not keep pace with the $176,794 recorded in October, collections for November 2023 outperformed the same month last year by $22,333.

Smithville’s collections for November 2023 were $367,352, an increase from $320,369 collected in October, and up from $348,774 in November 2022.

Alexandria’s local option sales tax collections stood at $28,266 in November, down slightly from $28,779 in October but up significantly from the $22,904 collected in November 2022.

Dowelltown’s collections for November at $3,014 did not measure up to October’s haul of $3,140 and were below the $3,246 total from November, 2022.

Collections in Liberty stood at $12,499 in November, compared to $11,463 in October and $13,991 in November last year.

Net collections for the county and cities combined for November 2023 were $582,147, up from $540,546 in October and from the $537,597 collected in November, 2022.

November collections reflect activity for the previous month.