Beware of vehicle title scams

August 14, 2021
By: Dwayne Page

Buyers beware!

County Clerk James L. (Jimmy) Poss is urging buyers of used automobiles to beware of vehicle title scams which seem to be on the rise of late.

Vehicle title fraud occurs when a dealer or private seller issues you a forged or incomplete car title. It is up to the car buyer to determine if the title is bad.

“Over the last several months we have received a higher number of defaced titles. Titles signed in the wrong place, white out, scribbled out names, etc. Any title that is defaced will be rejected by the state. We have methods to potentially identify problems for both individuals and lenders but it’s very important to let us view the title either in person or by email prior to the individual or lender accepting such title., said County Clerk Poss.

“Another concern is we have received a higher number of out-of-state titles that are bogus/counterfeit scams. In one case we had a customer purchase a vehicle with a Georgia title for $25,000 cash. He then came to register the vehicle only to find the title he was given was counterfeit. While initiating the title and registration process our office discovered the vehicle had an active North Carolina title. Later, it was revealed not only did it have a North Carolina title, it was actually sold and financed through a dealership in Georgia with a North Carolina title and an existing lien holder. In this case the person who sold the vehicle last was not the person who had initially financed it through the dealership. It appears the original purchaser who financed the vehicle relinquished the automobile to a potential acquaintance who with a counterfeit title drove it to Smithville and then resold the already financed vehicle to a resident in DeKalb County,” added Poss.

“Unless you are dealing with someone you have complete confidence in, if you are making a purchase from an individual take time to validate the title information you are about to receive. We are not allowed nor will we ever give out personal information, however, in many instances, these fraudulent cases can be identified readily before you pay someone you may never see again. Both lenders and individuals are encouraged to call the County Clerk’s office in an effort to verify the validity of the title you are about to accept,” said County Clerk Poss.

August 14, 2021
By:

The third annual “Middle of Somewhere Hemp Fest” takes over the scenic grounds of Bert Driver Nursery in DeKalb County on Saturday, August 21 for a celebration of all things hemp.

The family and pet friendly event gives attendees the chance to learn about this vital Tennessee crop, and compare and purchase products from the best hemp growers and producers from across the state.

“Since we launched ‘Hemp Fest’ three years ago, we’ve watched hemp and CBD move from the fringes into the mainstream,” says Bert Driver, a fifth generation nurseryman, hemp grower and host of Hemp Fest. “This will be a celebration of all things hemp in every sense of the word, with live music, events, activities and plenty of refreshments, including locally crafted beers.”

Headlining this year’s entertainment is Nashville’s rising rockers, The Weeks, performing originals and covers from their most recent release “Inside The Covers.” The music starts around 6:00 PM with The Weeks slated to hit the stage around 8:00 PM.

The stage, exhibits and food trucks will be set up around Driver’s working nursery for a uniquely scenic setting under the stars. Beverages and CBD products will be available in The Burlap Room tap house and dispensary on site, as well as several outdoor booths.

The Burlap Bus shuttle service will be available serving the Center Hill Lake area to the Burlap Room. Call Lee at 615-516-1803 to book.

“If you’re curious about hemp, want to buy or learn from some of Tennessee’s leading producers, or just looking for some good clean fun in the outdoors, come on out,” invites Driver. “You won’t be disappointed.”

Gates for the Middle of Somewhere Hemp Fest open at 4:00 PM and tickets are $20 advance, $25 day of the show. Capacity is limited. Advance tickets can be purchased at https://bertdriver.com/event-calendar/middle-of-somewhere-hemp-fest-iii or at the nursery, 175 Hurricane Ridge Rd, Smithville, TN 37166. For more information, call 615-597-9560.

August 13, 2021
By: Dwayne Page

Four days after several dead fish were found floating in Hickman Creek at Alexandria, environmental officials are still asking the public to avoid the small stream until the investigation is complete.

DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency Director Charlie Parker issued the following updated public advisory late Thursday:

“Officials are still advising the public to avoid fishing or wading in Hickman Creek also to use an alternate source for watering cattle. The affected area of Hickman Creek is from Edgewood Street in Alexandria approximately 1 ½ mile downstream to the Hwy 53 bridge”.

“As of today, EPA contractors have located and identified seepage that was going into Hickman Creek. The contractors have started some remediation to limit and control the amount of material that can enter the creek. EPA contractors also began aeration downstream of the impacted water to mitigate further impacts to the creek. Officials are still awaiting lab results from water samples to determine exactly what the material is,” said Parker

“In response to questions from concerned citizens the Alexandria municipal water supply is still SAFE to drink. Alexandria’s drinking water is purchased from Smith County Utility District and is not taken from Hickman creek”.

“Representatives on site include The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), DeKalb County Emergency Management, and the town of Alexandria,” added Parker.

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