Griffin’s Produce and Garden Center is one of Smithville’s oldest family-owned businesses.

For 45 years, the roadside fruit stand on West Broad Street owned by the Fletcher Griffin family has served the community with fresh home grown produce and other products. But changes are coming. The owners, Jennifer and Joe Mitchell, have decided to go out of business and retire once they sell the property, which is now listed for sale consisting of an acre, the fruit stand, and two houses.

“Although our business is still excellent we feel like we’re getting to the point that we are ready to retire and take a different direction. We hate to do it really but we feel like it’s time to pass it on to someone else. But we will remain open until we sell,” said Jennifer.

Fletcher and Evelyn Griffin, Jennifer’s parents, purchased the property and started the business in February, 1973. Another family had run a fruit stand at that location prior to the Griffins’ purchase of it.

“My father had passed by and just happened to see a for sale sign. He stopped and bought it from Glenn Nichols. I was nine years old at the time,” said Jennifer.

Mitchell grew up around the business and took over the operation when her father passed away in March, 2003. “He loved it. He had rather have been here than anywhere on earth. This was his happy place. My mother also passed away a year and a half ago,” said Jennifer.

Three years ago, Jennifer and her cousin Waylonette Trout opened a boutique behind the fruit stand called “Just a Little Southern Charm”.

While she and her husband Joe are looking forward to retirement, Jennifer said they will miss their loyal customers and employees who have become like family to them.

“A big thank you goes to our employees. We have been fortunate to have good people working for us like Judy Wright who has been here for 25 years and Michael Saylors who has put in more than 15 years as well as long time former employees James Owens and Joe Jones,” Jennifer continued.

Mitchell said she is hopeful that the next owner will continue the same type business . “I would love for someone to buy it and run it as a produce market,” she concluded.

Joe and Jennifer have one grown daughter, Kalli Mitchell and a grandson, Caleb Hood.

A suspected drug dealer has formally been charged with numerous offenses stemming from an early morning raid by local and state law enforcement officers at his home last Wednesday

29 year old Travis Eric Patterson of 253 Toad Road, Dowelltown has been charged from the raid with five counts of carrying or possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, one count of possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver methamphetamine, one count of possession of a schedule VI drug (marijuana), and one count of simple possession or casual exchange. In addition, Patterson is also charged with burglary, theft of property under $1,000, and vandalism as a result of a June 10 break-in at a business on Nashville Highway at Dowelltown in which a Mossberg 12 gauge shotgun was stolen valued at $375. Patterson also allegedly destroyed the door facing to the business during the break-in. His total bond is $168,500 and he will make a court appearance on July 12.

Patterson was taken into custody during the raid and initially held without bond in the DeKalb County Jail on a failure to appear warrant pending these new charges.

In a prepared statement, Sheriff Patrick Ray said that “early on Wednesday morning (6-20-18), officers with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department, officers with the Tennessee Highway Patrol Special Operations Unit (SWAT), an agent with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and members of the 13th Judicial District Attorney General’s Office, executed a search warrant at the home of Travis Patterson”.

“The search warrant stems from the sale of illegal narcotics and the illegal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon”.

“Through their investigation, Sheriff’s Department Detectives found that Patterson, who is a convicted felon, was in possession of firearms at his home. As a safety precaution, the THP Special Operations Unit was summoned to assist in the search of the home. The THP Special Operations Unit made a forcible entry into the home after no one came to the door. Patterson finally gave himself up along with another male and female who were at the residence. No one was injured”.

“Upon searching Patterson’s residence, Sheriff’s Department officers found 15 grams of methamphetamine, 6 ounces of marijuana, an assortment of prescription pills, one rifle, two shotguns, three pistols, digital scales, glass pipes, and possible stolen power tools. Detectives also seized $427.00 in cash”.

The specific charges against Patterson are as follows:

*Simple possession or casual exchange- On June 20 a search warrant was executed at 253 Toad Road. Inside the residence were 2-1/2 xanax pills and other drug related items

*Possession of a schedule VI drug for resale- Under the residence were six ounces of marijuana. Digital scales, plastic baggies and other drug related items were also found at the residence

*Methamphetamine, manufacture, deliver, or sale-Inside the residence were 15 grams of methamphetamine, digital scales, plastic baggies, and numerous other drug related items

*Carrying or possession of a weapon by a felon-Inside the residence was a Ruger 22 caliber handgun and other firearm related items at the residence. Patterson is a convicted felon for sale and delivery of a schedule III narcotic

*Carrying or possession of a weapon-Inside the residence was a double barrel 12 gauge shotgun

*Carrying or possession of a weapon-Inside the residence was a Bersa 380 caliber handgun

*Carrying or possession of a weapon-Inside the residence was an Archangel 7.52 caliber rifle

*Carrying or possession of a weapon- Inside the residence was a Lorcin 380 caliber handgun

Chad Williams: Why I am a Republican

My name is Chad Williams, and I am running for State Representative in the 40th District. This district, which includes Smith, Trousdale, and a part of Sumner and Dekalb counties, shares a common interest in the conservative, independent values I believe in. As your State Representative, I will uphold the principles that define the modern Republican Party, such as low taxes, less government intervention, increased personal responsibility, and pro-life values.

My experiences as a small business owner have equipped me to understand these conservative values firsthand. Being the owner of the Lebanon Antique Mall has taught me how to responsibly manage money in a business setting, and this skill will serve me well as an elected official.

Since high school, I have been active in community organizations like the Southside Lions Club and the Masonic Lodge. I recognize the value of civic engagement, and I strive to give back to my community. My involvement in these organizations has motivated and inspired me to make a difference on a larger scale by advocating for my hometown values at the level of our state government.

I am a Smith County native, and many generations of my family have lived in Tennessee. My civic and business experience has taught me the importance of returning to a common-sense approach to government. I am passionate about infrastructure, public education, and the support of small businesses that contribute to our economy.

The Democratic values my grandmother and family before me supported are very different from the values of the modern Democratic party. The old-time “Southern Democrat” that upholds to conservative values are now a rare breed. What were those Southern Democrat values are now those of the Republican Party.

Within the last 15 to 20 years, the Democratic ticket has turned away from those independent, conservative values it once stood for, effectively abandoning constituents in its historic base here in Tennessee. I chose to be active in the Republican Party because this party now represents the strong, God-fearing values which are very important to me. As your State Representative, I will make sure those values are the ones that will lead our district, state, and nation in the right direction.

Tennessee needs new, passionate conservative leadership, and I promise to uphold that as your State Representative

I would greatly appreciate your vote in the upcoming Republican Primary on August 2, 2018. Early voting begins July 13 and will continue through July 28. Conservative values are the backbone of this district, and I look forward to representing you and upholding the values you support.

(This media release was paid for by Chad Williams)