Grateful Community Gathers to Observe Veterans Day (VIEW VIDEOS HERE)

November 11, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

Members of a grateful community gathered Monday morning at the Smithville First Baptist Church Life Enrichment Center to honor military service men and women in a Veterans Day ceremony hosted by American Legion Post #122.

John Davis, Middle Tennessee Vice Commander of the American Legion was guest speaker at the observance.

“Most Americans profess to truly love our veterans especially at gatherings like this on Veterans Day and Memorial Day and while their feelings are usually sincere its important to remember that veterans are defending us 365 days a year. Their heroism has been demonstrated time and again from the American Revolution to the global war on terrorism and we enjoy the security and sacrifice they have provided,” said Davis

“Our debt to these heroes can never be paid but our gratitude and respect must last forever. For many veterans our nation was important enough to endure long separations from their families, miss the birth of their children, freeze in sub zero temperatures, bake in wild jungles, lose limbs, and far too often lose their lives,” Davis continued.

DCHS Chorus performs at Veterans Day observance from dwayne page on Vimeo.

“Warriors need advocates and that is why the American Legion exists. We are here to serve veterans, their families, and our communities. Veterans need each other but more importantly our country needs our veterans. Its often said that without our veterans Americans today would be speaking Russian, German, or perhaps Japanese. Regardless of which view of alternate history you take, we do know that without our veterans, America would not be what it is today,” said Davis.

DCHS Band at Veteran’s Day Observance from dwayne page on Vimeo.

“Those who defend us from our enemies must be supported whether their service is in Baghdad or Beirut we need to serve veterans as well as they serve us even when the guns have temporarily stopped firing. Veterans don’t ask for much. They do not want to be a special class but benefits for them are a mere drop in the bucket compared to the financial and human cost of a war and while not all veterans see war all who serve in the military have expressed a willingness to fight when being called to do so. You can show your support for these great men and women by hiring them in your local workplace, visiting veterans in a VA hospital, or donating to a veteran program,” added Davis.

“Fewer than 10% of Americans can claim the title of veteran and far less than 1% of our population is currently defending us in the global war on terror and yet many seem intent on balancing the federal budget by diminishing the quality of programs designed for the families who have already disproportionately paid for these sacrifices. Veterans have given us freedom and security and the greatest nation on earth. It is impossible to put a price on that. We must remember and appreciate them,” Davis concluded.

The program began with a performance by the DCHS Chorus and Band and the audience joining in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Local minister and veteran Don Rigsby opened with prayer and Legion Commander William Edmonds made welcoming remarks. Judy Redmon, President of the Ladies Auxiliary introduced the guest speaker and Adjutant Ronnie Redmon closed the program.

Afterwards, veterans boarded a school bus where local law enforcement and firefighters led the motorcade in parade fashion from the Life Enrichment Center to the Public Square for the placement of a wreath by the veterans at the memorial monument on the grounds of the courthouse. Local minister Larry Green led the benediction and Josh Moon blew taps to bring the day’s observance to a close.

Veterans and other program participants were then treated to a lunch.

November 11, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

A fugitive from Alabama arrested here will soon be returning there

32 year old Kevin Nathaniel Liles of Red Level, Alabama is charged with being a fugitive from justice. His bond is $75,000 and he will make a court appearance on November 14.

Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on October 28 a deputy was called to the Lake Motel on Sparta Highway due to a possible domestic and upon arrival spoke with Liles. The officer learned from Central dispatch that Liles was wanted in Houston County, Alabama for failure to appear in court there on a charge of methamphetamine possession. Alabama authorities plan to extradite Liles.

A second arrest was also made in that incident with Liles.

35 year old Kristy Elizabeth Holmes of Sparta Highway, Smithville is charged with public intoxication. Her bond is $1,500 and she will be in court November 14.

Sheriff Ray said that upon arrival at the Lake Motel the deputy encountered Holmes in the parking lot. She was yelling, cursing, and unsteady on her feet and she smelled of alcohol. Holmes was placed under arrest.

41 year old Anthony Herbert Walters of Smithville is charged with filing a false report. His bond is $2,500 and he will make a court appearance on November 21.

Sheriff Ray said that on November 3 Walters filed a report with the sheriff’s department pertaining to an aggravated assault involving a weapon. Upon further investigation, detectives learned that the incident had not occurred and when confronted Walters admitted that he made up the story.

24 year old Pedro Silva of Nashville is charged with driving under the influence, possession of a handgun while under the influence, and a second offense of driving on a suspended license. His bond totals $7,500 and he will be in court December 5.

Sheriff Ray said that on November 9 a deputy pulled over a blue Ford Focus crossing the center line of the highway. While speaking with the driver, Silva the officer detected an odor of alcohol on him. Silva performed poorly on field sobriety tasks and although he submitted to implied consent a search warrant was obtained for a sample of his blood. During an inventory search of Silva’s vehicle, a Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9 millimeter gun was found in the center console. A background check also revealed that his driver license were suspended due to an accumulation of convictions from May 30 to November 26, 2014. His license has not been reinstated.

46 year old Freddy Sylvester Stringer of Church Street, Liberty is cited for simple possession of a schedule II drug (methamphetamine). His court date is November 14.

Sheriff Ray said that on October 27 a deputy was called to a Church Street, Liberty home to assist in a Tennessee Department of Corrections probation and parole search. While conducting the search, officers found inside Stringer’s wallet 0.2 grams of a crystal like substance believed to be methamphetamine in a small baggie.

47 year old Gregory Thomas Watford of Tubbs Street, Liberty is charged with driving under the influence, aggravated assault, vandalism, and reckless endangerment. He was further cited for driving on roadways laned for traffic and violation of implied consent for refusing to submit to a blood test. His bond totals $15,000 and he will make a court appearance on November 14.

Sheriff Ray said that on October 30 a deputy was called to Tubbs Street due to a domestic incident in which the driver of a 2019 Toyota Tacoma (Watford) rammed a black 2009 Dodge Challenger and almost ran over the owner of the Challenger who was standing close by. According to the complainant Watford had driven away but returned only to turn around and leave again. Watford was later pulled over by a deputy for crossing the center line of the highway. The officer noticed that Watford had a strong odor of alcohol on him and he was unsteady on his feet. Watford performed poorly on field sobriety tasks. While speaking with witnesses at the scene, the officer also learned that Watford and his brother had gotten into a physical altercation and that Watford had grabbed a knife from his vehicle and threatened his brother.

November 10, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

Smithville, Liberty, and Alexandria are making plans for their annual Christmas Parades.

Sponsored by the Smithville Volunteer Fire Department, this year’s Smithville Christmas parade is set for Saturday, December 7 starting at 4 p.m.  To enter just show up at Smithville Elementary School at 3 p.m.  Entries will enter from Walker Drive to the Smithville Elementary School property. Horses for the parade are to be brought to the Bill Page Ballpark. Antique cars will line up near Food Lion on Bryant Street. No 4 wheelers or motorcycles will be permitted in the parade but side by sides will be allowed with a licensed driver. For more information call Smithville Fire Chief Charlie Parker at 615-597-4141 or Chamber Director Suzanne Williams.

Meanwhile the Liberty Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Town of Liberty and Liberty State Bank will be Sunday, December 1 starting at 2 p.m. The line-up begins at 1 p.m. at Salem Baptist Church. No pre-registration is needed. Anyone wanting to participate may just show up for the line-up at 1 p.m. Refreshments will be available and prizes will be given away after the parade.

The Alexandria Parade will be Sunday, December 15 at 2 p.m. with the line-up at 1 p.m. on West Main Street. To enter contact at the Alexandria City Hall to fill out an entry form. Call 615-529-2171 for more information.

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