Man Suffers Severe Burns in Fire, Police Officers Credited for Saving His Life

February 1, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

A 60 year old man with severe burns was found unconscious during a fire Thursday night at his home and three officers of the Smithville Police Department are credited for helping save his life.

James David Linder was transported from the scene by DeKalb EMS to the hospital where he was airlifted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville.

According to Police Chief Mark Collins, Linder suffered possible third degree burns to his chest, neck, and face. The fire apparently started from a living room couch and Linder, who had been on the couch, made it to a hallway before he collapsed.

Central dispatch received a call at 5:58 p.m. of a fire at Linder’s residence at 635 Crestlawn Avenue, a duplex in the housing project. Members of the police and fire departments were dispatched.

Upon arrival, Police Sergeant Lance Dillard and Officers Tyler Patterson and Andy Snow learned from neighbors, who had tried unsuccessfully to make entry, that Linder was still inside the residence.

Chief Collins said Officer Patterson tried to break through a window but couldn’t gain entry because the burning couch was blocking his way into the living room. Officer Snow kicked in the front door and Sergeant Dillard and Officer Patterson then made their way through the home. After Linder was found lying unconscious in the hallway, the officers brought him outside.

Members of the fire department, who arrived moments after the police officers, quickly brought the blaze under control. Deputy Fire Chief Hoyte Hale said that although the heat from the fire was intense the blaze was contained to a small portion of the couch and to the wall behind the couch

The State Fire Marshal’s Bomb and Arson unit conducted an investigation but found no signs of foul play.

Chief Collins said he is very proud of the heroic actions of Sergeant Dillard and Officers Patterson and Snow for putting their lives at risk to save another.

February 1, 2019
By:

The Smithville First Assembly of God Youth Group was asked to come to the state capital to be honored on the Senate floor on Thursday January 31st.

Relentless Student Ministries has been active in drama and dance for years and in August 2018 they attended the National Fine Arts Festival in Houston Texas and won Nationals in Readers Theater.

“ This was the first time we entered the Readers Theater Category so we had no idea what to expect,” said Josh Issac who coached the team to victory. I wrote this piece entitled “Life Flight” because I believe abortion is a major issue for our country. It was a personal topic that I really wanted to write a piece about that made people think” Issac continued. When Life Flight won Nationals our group was also asked to perform on the national stage in front of 40,000 people with thousands of others watching live. This was an honor in itself to share such a powerful story,” he said

“We were so proud of our teens who worked so hard to bring the message of God through drama and arts not only in our community but across the country,” said Pastor Iain Swisher. They have been asked to perform at many events and have received messages from across the globe. State Senator Mark Pody saw the video and decided he wanted to honor this group for the passion and their accomplishment on this topic. They traveled to the capital and met Senator Pody, Representative Terri Lynn Weaver, and Representative Clark Boyd. Senator Pody spoke on the Senate floor about newly formed legislation called “ The Heartbeat” bill and introduced Josh Issac and his story. He also recognized The Relentless Team and their accomplishments and message presented at Nationals,” said Swisher.

“These teens are all high school students From DeKalb & Warren County and plan to carry this message in the upcoming months. “ I truly believe this is the generation that will be bold in their faith and speak out to the world. In today’s world it is so refreshing to see such Godly leaders who are paving the way for the next generation. This will be a day they will never forget and I believe this drama isn’t done yet. It still has the power to reach so many. To God be all the glory!, “ said Issac.

Relentless Student Ministries will travel to the Tennessee Fine Arts in March to compete again and they look forward to sharing a new strong message.

February 1, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

The owner of a welcome center/guardshack wants to lease from the county the property on which it stands at the entrance of Riverwatch Golf Club and Resort on Billings Road.

Terms of the lease, still to be prepared, were established and approved by the county commission Monday night.

The guardshack was erected several years ago on the Billings Road right of way (a county road) by the owners of Riverwatch Golf Club and Resort with the approval of the county road supervisor at that time. After the guardshack was erected Billings Road was widened and divided at the point where the guardshack stands. Beyond the guardshack the road forks to Hopper Ridge Road to the right and Highland Trail to the left. The guardshack basically serves as a post where security cameras monitor traffic in and out of the community. The road is not gated and no motorist is denied passage.

John Fitzmartin, the new owner of Riveratch (Final Putt LLC) addressed the county commission at a workshop last Thursday night saying he wants to sell the guardshack building to the neighboring Mountain Harbour Property Owners Association but the land on which the building stands is owned by the county and is part of the Billings Road right of way. He asked that the county resolve the land issue going forward.

In response, the county commission Monday night voted to enter into a 99 year lease with the owner of the guardshack building for one dollar a year. Other terms are that the road continue to be open to the public and not gated; that the owner provide proof of liability insurance coverage; that the guardshack be maintained for the life of the lease; and that the owner pay the county’s costs of preparing the lease.

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