(UPDATED) Positive Identification Made in Fire Related Death Investigation

January 7, 2025
By: Dwayne Page

As family plan a memorial service yet to be scheduled for 59-year-old James Brian Storie, investigators say he has now been positively identified as the man to have perished in a fire last Thursday in DeKalb County,

“We have a positive ID on 59-year-old James Brian Storie of Poss Road, Smithville. The positive ID was done by dental records by the State Medical Examiner,” said Sheriff Patrick Ray.

The DeKalb County Fire Department was summoned to a mobile home fire at approximately 1:34 a.m. Thursday morning at 1419 Poss Road. The initial report to 911 dispatch was that the structure was fully involved. Upon arrival, firefighters did find the structure fully involved and collapsed.

Upon investigation, fire crews located a deceased victim inside the mobile home. The Four Seasons, Midway, Johnson’s Chapel, and Short Mountain stations responded along with DeKalb Emergency Medical Services, DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department, and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s (TBI) fire investigators.

January 6, 2025
By: Dwayne Page

State Representative Michael Hale has introduced a bill which would allow local schools and public charter schools to display the Ten Commandments on school property.

Hale is the sponsor of HB0047 which was filed last month. Under the bill, schools will be able to display the Ten Commandments, the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, the Constitution of Tennessee, the Bill of Rights, or other “historically significant documents.”

The bill allows schools to place the display in a “prominent location” in each school building to “educate students on the historical significance and common cultural heritage the documents have on the principles of the LEA or public charter school, this state, or the United States of America.”

Schools will have access to printed versions to be made available -if not already available- to them free of charge and each school will decide the size and placement of the display.

Representative Hale’s bill states as follows:

Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 6, Part 20, is amended by adding the following as a new section:

(a) Local boards of education and governing bodies of public charter schools, as defined in § 49-13-104, may allow schools in the LEA and public charter schools to display the Ten Commandments, the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, the Constitution of Tennessee, the Bill of Rights, a resolution honoring the history of a school in the LEA or the public charter school, or other historically significant documents in a prominent location in each school building in order to educate students on the historical significance and common cultural heritage the documents have on the principles of the LEA or public charter school, this state, or the United States of America.

(b) LEAs and public charter schools are encouraged to display the historical documents using wall posters or other hard copy, printed versions that are made available to the LEAs or public charter schools free of charge.

(c) Each local board of education and each governing body of a public charter school shall determine the size and placement of the display authorized in subsection (a).

(d) As used in subsection (a), “prominent location” means a school entryway, cafeteria, or common area where students are likely to see the display. SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon becoming a law, the public welfare requiring it.

January 6, 2025
By: Dwayne Page

The Smithville Mayor and Aldermen Monday night recognized Smithville Police Officer Nik Agee for having received an Impaired Driving Enforcement award from the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO).

Officer Agee, who earned the honor for his dedication in keeping impaired drivers off the roadways, was presented the THSO award on December 12 at the Cumberland Law Enforcement Liaisons Holiday Network Meeting in Cookeville.

During Monday night’s meeting, Mayor Josh Miller commended Officer Agee.

“On behalf of the City of Smithville, mayor and board of aldermen we would like to recognize and congratulate you on receiving the Tennessee Highway Safety Office Impaired Driving Enforcement Award for District VI December 12, 2024. The commitment and dedication you have displayed exemplifies your exceptional work ethics. You have strived to make a difference for the citizens of Smithville and on this day, January 6 2025 you are hereby formally recognized and commended for distinguished service,” said Mayor Miller.

“He is a fine officer and a compliment to our department. Ever since he got here he has gone to work and done a good job,” said Police Chief Mark Collins.

THSO recognizes law enforcement from different agencies who may have saved a life through their extraordinary efforts to reduce alcohol and drug-impaired driving.

The Smithville Police Department is proud of Officer Agee for demonstrating proactive policing and his dedication to traffic safety.

Meanwhile, the aldermen approved Fire Chief Charlie Parker’s request to promote Assistant Chief Jeff Wright to the rank of Deputy Chief.

“Jeff is currently serving as assistant chief on the department. He has been a member for 39 years and is well qualified for this deputy chief position. The main reason for this is that it gives him full authority in my absence.” said Chief Parker.

The aldermen also approved the current roster of firefighters, most of them volunteer, who are serving the city fire department in 2025.

“Each year in January we get an approved roster from the city council as to our current membership. We are at an all-time high right now of members including several new firefighters this past year. I hope we continue to grow,” said Chief Parker

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