Two new laws concerning recreational boating will become effective July 1 that are hoped to help increase safety on Tennessee waters.

As of July 1, a requirement similar to the “Move Over” law on land will go into effect. As written, the new law will require boaters to slow to no wake speed within 100 feet of a law enforcement vessel that is displaying flashing blue lights.

Also effective July 1, there will no longer be an exemption from boating education for renters of watercraft.

Tennessee residents born after Jan. 1, 1989 are required to pass a boater education exam administered by an approved representative of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency in order to operate any motorized vessel over 8.5 horsepower. Out of state residents born after Jan. 1, 1989 must show proof of successful completion of a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved boating safety course. Non-resident certification may be from their home state or any state issued course.

Persons who have already made reservations or entered into contracts with marinas are encouraged to continue with their plans, but are asked to complete an approved boater education course before renting again.

Tennessee residents born after the Jan.1, 1989 can purchase a Type 600 Exam Permit online or from any hunting and fishing license vendor for a cost of $10 and go to a testing location to take the exam or take a class. Locations for testing and for classes can be found on the TWRA website under the boating section. For study materials telephone (615) 781-6682.

A man charged in a Liberty burglary was sentenced last Tuesday in DeKalb County Criminal Court.

36 year old Joshua Kevin Vickers of Liberty entered a plea by criminal information to aggravated burglary. He received a 6 year sentence on TDOC probation. The term is to run consecutive to a sentence in DeKalb County General Sessions Court and concurrently with a Cannon County sentence against him. Vickers is to make restitution of $975 to the victim.

Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on January 18, 2017 Vickers broke into a garage and a residence on Sweetwater Road in Liberty and took an HP computer with a monitor and a Primo game camera. The total value of the items taken was $400. In breaking into the garage and the home, Vickers damaged or destroyed windows and doors. The total amount of damage was $575.

The case was investigated by a sheriff’s department detective.

A McMinnville woman responsible for a rear-end collision Sunday afternoon in Smithville has been charged with driving under the influence.

45 year old Lisa Michelle Roller is charged with DUI and cited for violation of the implied consent law. Her bond is $3,000 and she will make a court appearance on July 12.

According to Smithville Police, Roller was traveling east in a Chevrolet Aveo when she failed to stop at the intersection of West Broad Street and South Mountain Street and rear-ended a Dodge Journey, driven by 26 year old Joshua Orcutt of Smithville who was stopped at the traffic light. Roller told police that she could not stop. Passengers with Orcutt were his wife, Faith and three children, an 8 year old girl; a 3 year old girl; and a 2 year old boy. Neither of them were seriously injured. They were checked out at the scene by DeKalb EMS but refused transport to the hospital.

Roller was also examined at the scene by EMS and treated for minor injuries. She too refused transport by ambulance to the hospital.

According to police, an open beer was found in the floor board of Roller’s car. She refused to submit to field sobriety tasks and implied consent. A search warrant was obtained to get a blood sample from her for testing.

The crash was investigated by patrolman Will Judkins of the Smithville Police Department. Members of the Smithville Volunteer Fire Department were also on the scene to assist.