Parole Granted for Christopher Nicholas Orlando in 2002 DeKalb Murder Case

March 10, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

47 year old Christopher Nicholas Orlando has received good news from members of the Tennessee Board of Parole

Orlando is serving a 35 year prison sentence for facilitation of first degree murder in the death of 20 year old Joshua Murphy. He is incarcerated at the Morgan County Correctional Complex in Wartburg, Tennessee. A previous conviction against Orlando for possession of cocaine ran consecutively with the murder case and expired in 2009. Orlando’s sentence in the murder case is due to expire in 2039. He has served almost 18 years.

Members of the parole board held a hearing for Orlando on Thursday, March 5 and voted to recommend his release. The decision was finalized on Friday, March 6, according to Rachel A. Hitt, Staff Attorney for the Tennessee Board of Parole. At his last parole hearing two years ago, Orlando was denied parole due to the seriousness of the offense.

Murphy was shot and killed in a secluded area in the Laurel Hill Community at the end of Old Eagle Creek Road on Sunday, September 15, 2002. His body was discovered three days later. Officials said Orlando and a co-defendant, 48 year old Melvin Turnbill suspected Murphy of stealing methamphetamine. Orlando was tried and convicted of the crime by a DeKalb County Criminal Court Jury in April, 2004.

Turnbill entered a guilty plea to facilitation to first-degree murder in September, 2003 and was given a 25-year sentence. Turnbill was granted parole in March 2015 after serving more than twelve years but he ran afoul of the law again in Putnam County and was sent back to prison in 2016. Turnbill was again granted parole after a hearing in 2018.

In previous parole hearings Orlando has said he was sorry for the death of Murphy and for the first time took responsibility for being the triggerman in the shooting. He initially blamed Turnbill for actually committing the murder.

March 10, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

Services offered by the DeKalb County Clerk’s office are many and often times so are questions about them.

In an effort to better inform the community, County Clerk James L. (Jimmy) Poss is hosting a public forum on Thursday, April 9 at 6 p.m. in the County Complex Multi-Purpose Auditorium.

Representatives of the Tennessee Department of Revenue and Tennessee Highway Patrol will join Poss and his staff in sharing information and answering questions during this forum.

“This is an opportunity to provide some clarification on specific topics and offer insight into the partnership between the local and state level departments in completing daily transactions for the residents of Tennessee,” said Poss.

“Representatives of the Tennessee Department of Revenue’s Vehicle Services Division and Taxpayer Services Division along with the Tennessee Highway Patrol will be at the forum. In fact, the Tennessee Highway Patrol and Vehicle Services Division have collaborated to share a PowerPoint presentation which will mainly focus on specific plates and title and registration, such as, medium speed, commercial and farm plates etc. They will also review the requirements that are mandated with Heavy Vehicle Use Tax and 2290 form. The Taxpayer Services Division will answer questions concerning sales and use tax, business taxes, etc. We truly encourage your attendance as this will be a great opportunity to meet multiple agencies to ask questions or just listen to beneficial information,” said Poss.

“These departments serve individuals as well as businesses. Your county offices and state departments have worked closely to organize and compile important information for this event in an effort to provide you (citizens) with clarification in regards to specific topics or to simply offer an opportunity for you to meet some of the representatives that work in your local and state departments. Please make plans to attend this public forum and share our invitation with friends and family,” Poss concluded.

March 10, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

New Hope The Baptist Church at Cassville
A Gospel Singing will be at the New Hope The Baptist Church featuring Right on Time Saturday, March 14 at 6 p.m.. The church is located on New Hope Road near Cassville Elementary School. For more information call 931-261-4558. Meanwhile the group Midnight Cry will be the featured singers there on Saturday, April 11 at 6 p.m.

Covenant Baptist Church
By Faith will be performing at Covenant Baptist Church on Sunday, March 15 at 6 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

Smithville #374 Order of the Eastern Star Officer Installation

Come celebrate Installation of the Smithville #374 Order of the Eastern Star Saturday, March 14 at 101 Market Street starting at 2 p.m. Eighteen officers will be installed including Worthy Patron Dr. Robert Atnip and Worthy Matron Guylene Atnip.

Smithville First United Methodist Church
Attention all grandmothers! Attention all parents of small children! If you have young children or grandchildren between the ages of two and eight year old, you are invited to bring them and yourself to a free light supper for all attending followed by only one flannel board Bible story. The whole supper and program will last about an hour. The purpose of this effort is to teach the children about Jesus and God’s love for us so they can know that they can call on God when life gets hard. Please plan to attend with your children or grandchildren and not drop them off and return. The menu will be a light meal provided by the Sunday school classes. If you can’t attend; please pray for these children. The first supper will be March 11 at 5:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Christian Fellowship Center next to Love Cantrell Funeral Home. There will be three more suppers on March 18, April 1, and April 8.

Mount Pisgah Free Will Baptist Church
A Revival will be held March 9-13 at the Mount Pisgah Free Will Baptist Church at 7 p.m. nightly. Andy Patterson will be preaching.

Board of Education Meeting

The DeKalb County Board of Education will meet in regular monthly session Thursday, March 12 at 7 p.m. at the Ernest Ray Education Center. A work session will be held prior to the meeting at 6 p.m.

The agenda for the meeting is as follows:
*Consider and act on bids for the Tiny House
*Consider and act on surplus bids for CTE sewing machines
*Consider and act on school board policies on 1st reading
*Consider and act on the use of Haven of Hope Counseling Services in local schools
*Consider and act on an AAU Basketball Team using the Northside gym for practice
*School updates and committee reports
*Personnel report from the Director of Schools
*Any other business properly presented by a member of the board.

The consent agenda is as follows:
Consider and act on budget amendments
Consider and act on an overnight trip request for the DCHS Band to attend the SCGC Championship in Bowling Green, Kentucky March 27-28
Consider and act on DMS Jr Beta additional fundraisers
Consider and act on an overnight trip request for the DMS Band to attend the Middle School Honor Band at the University of North Alabama in Florence, Alabama March 19-20.
Consider and act on an overnight trip request for the DCHS FBLA to attend the State Convention in Chattanooga April 5-8.

Saint Jude Benefit Auction and Fundraiser
A Saint Jude Benefit Auction and Fundraiser “Bearing the Burden, II” will be Saturday, March 21 at the DeKalb County Complex hosted by the New Home Missionary Baptist Church with participation from surrounding area churches. The event begins with a gospel singing by Right on Time at 4 p.m. followed by a chili supper at 4 p.m. and an auction at 5:30 p.m. You may donate today at www.fundraising.stjude.org/NewHomeBaptistChurch.

Free NARCAN Training
A free training on the use of the opioid reversal drug NARCAN (Naloxone HCL) will be Wednesday, March 18 at 6 p.m. at the Laurel Hill Baptist Church, 7551 Sparta Highway. Located approximately 1.4 miles east of Sligo Bridge on the left side of the road setting on the hill in DeKalb County. Participants will receive knowledge on when and how to use the drug NARCAN; an opioid overdose reversal kit, which contains 2 units of NARCAN nasal spray; gloves; quick reference guide with pictures on how to administer the drug NARCAN; and a medication lock box. This training is free to anyone who would like to attend. The event is sponsored by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services.

Father-Daughter Dance for Habitat for Humanity
Fathers and daughters of all ages will be making memories and helping support Habitat for Humanity during the first ever Father-Daughter Dance for this cause.
Tickets are on sale now at all banks in Smithville for the event to be held Saturday, April 4 from 6- 9 p.m. at the DeKalb County Complex.

Spokesperson Holly Moore said the dance is a way to honor fathers and encourage strong father-daughter relationships while raising funds for a great cause.
“Its not about how well you dance but about fathers and daughters making memories and having fun together. You can come dressed all decked out or casual,” said Moore.

“The cost is $20 per person and its open to all ages and if you are in a situation where your father has passed away or is not available, you may attend with another male relative such as an uncle or grandfather. In addition to dancing the event will include a dinner, one professional photo, a chocolate fountain, a fun photo booth, and you will get a cute gift bag. I want to thank everyone who purchases a ticket because all proceeds will go to Habitat for Humanity which is a wonderful organization,” Moore continued.

WJLE Radiothon for the DCHS Class of 2020 Project Graduation
A WJLE Radiothon to raise money for the DCHS Class of 2020 Project Graduation will be Friday, March 27 from 9:00 a.m. until noon.

High school seniors and parents on the Project Graduation committee will be answering phones, taking pledges during the drive. Any member of the Class of 2020 is urged to stop by the station to make an appearance on the radiothon to talk about their school activities and future plans.

Last year’s event raised $8,100 easily surpassing the goal of $5,000.

Project Graduation is an all night drug-free, alcohol-free graduation party for members of the DCHS Class of 2020 committed to having a safe, wholesome, yet entertaining celebration together for the last time as a class. The event begins following the graduation ceremony on Friday, May 15.

Call 615-597-4265 during the Radiothon to make your pledge from 9:00 a.m. until noon on Friday, March 27. Listen LIVE on FM 101.7/AM 1480 and LIVE streaming at www.wjle.com.

DCHS Boys Soccer Schedule
The 2020 DCHS BOYS SOCCER SEASON SCHEDULE is as follows:
Regular Season:
Tuesday, March 10: *Stone Memorial-Away: 6:30 p.m. followed by JV game
Thursday, March 12: Smyrna-Away: 4:30 p.m. followed by JV game
Monday, March 16: *Upperman-Home: 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, March 17: *Cumberland County-Away: 6:30 p.m. followed by JV game
Friday, March 20: Sunday, March 22: Smoky Mountain Cup: TBA
Tuesday, March 31: *Livingston Academy-Away: 6:30 p.m. followed by JV game
Thursday, April 2: Warren County-Away: 6:00 p.m. followed by JV game
Thursday, April 9: *Upperman-Away: 6:00 p.m. followed by JV game
Tuesday, April 14: *Cumberland County-Home: 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, April 16: *Stone Memorial-Home: 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, April 21: *Livingston Academy-Home: 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, April 23: White County (Senior Night)-Home: 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, April 28: Lebanon-Away: 6:00 p.m. followed by JV game
Thursday, April 30: Merrol Hyde-Home: 5:30 p.m.
POST SEASON:
Monday, May 4: 1st Rounds of District Tournament-TBA
Tuesday, May 5: 2nd Round of District Tournament- Cumberland-TBA
Thursday, May 7: District Championship- Cumberland-TBA

DeKalb County Cattlemen’s Association Spring Meeting
The DeKalb County Cattlemen’s Association will be hosting their Spring Meeting on Thursday, March 19th at 6:00 PM. The meeting will take place in the auditorium of the DeKalb Community Complex. A meal will be served followed by our program. The guest speaker for the night will be Brett Jones and he will be speaking on soil fertility. All current members and new members are welcome. Annual dues are $20 and can be paid at the door. If you haven’t attended before and are interested in Beef Production or Agriculture, please come join us. Meetings typically take place seasonally and a meal is served. We involve a variety of guest speakers that present information beneficial to anyone involved in the Agricultural Industry. Please e-mail jbarnes1@utk.edu or call 615-597-4945 for more information.

Regular 911 Board Meeting
The Regular 911 Board meeting will be March 17 at 5:30 p.m. at the 911 building on South Mountain Street in Smithville.

Local Effort Underway to Lend a Hand to Victims of Putnam County Tornado
The DeKalb County Government, City of Smithville, and the Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce are helping to coordinate efforts to help collect needed items for the Cookeville-Putnam County Tornado victims.

“We have had such an outpouring of requests to help, that we wanted to give our community a local opportunity to give” said Chamber Director Suzanne Williams, “County Mayor Tim Stribling contacted the Cookeville Community Center, and they expressed so much gratitude for DeKalb’s offer of assistance.”

The current list of needed items include:
•Baby Items: formula, baby food, diapers (all sizes), & baby wipes
•Toiletries: deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, razors, feminine products, lotion, soap, toothbrushes/paste, hairbrushes, combs
•Non-perishable food items
New items:
•Plastic Totes
•Flashlights
•Batteries
•Work Gloves
•Latex Gloves
•First Aid Item
•Pillows
•Towels
•Laundry Detergent
No Longer Accepting:
•Clothes (of any kind)
•Water Bottles
•Pillows
•Blankets
•Toilet Paper
•Pet Supplies
•Furniture
•Kitchen Items
•Cleaning Supplies

During their regular business hours, drop-off locations include the DeKalb Courthouse Main Floor, Smithville Police Department (located downstairs in Smithville City Hall), and 3 locations at the DeKalb County Complex including the County Register of Deeds office, Community Center area, and the DeKalb Senior Center.

Please make all donations by Tuesday, March 10th. All donations will be collected to deliver to Cookeville on Wednesday morning.

DeKalb County Grand Jury to Meet Monday, March 30th
The next term of the DeKalb County Grand Jury will meet on Monday, March 30th. “It is the duty of your grand jurors to investigate any public offense which they know or have reason to believe has been committed and which is triable or indictable in the county. Any person having knowledge or proof that an offense has been committed may apply to testify before the grand jury subject to the provisions of Tennessee Code Annotated 40-12-105. The foreman in this county is presently Ms. Katherine Pack, 1 Public Square, Room 201, Smithville, Tennessee, 37166. The grand jury will next meet on Monday, the 30th day of March at 9:00 a.m.. You may be prosecuted for perjury for any oral or written statement which you make under oath to the grand jury, when you know the statement to be false, and when the statement touches on a matter material to the point in question.

DeKalb County Health Department Blood Assurance Drive
A DeKalb County Health Department Blood Assurance Drive will be Friday, March 27 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The bloodmobile will be in the parking lot of the health department. All donors will be given a FREE “Happy Camper Southern Blood Donor” t-shirt. All donors will also be entered for a chance to win 2 tickets to the NCAA Men’s Championship game. To schedule an appointment, go to bloodassurance.org/dekalbhealth or contact Ashby Woodward at 615-597-7599 or Ashby.Woodward@tn.gov. Please remember to EAT A GOOD MEAL and drink additional water and bring a photo ID. Blood Assurance is the SOLE blood provider for our local hospitals.

DeKalb County Neighbors Helping Neighbors Blood Assurance Drive
A DeKalb County Neighbors Helping Neighbors Blood Assurance Drive will be Monday, March 23 from 12 noon until 5 p.m. at the County Complex Senior Citizens Center inside the Bloodmobile. All donors will be given a FREE “Happy Camper Southern Blood Donor” t-shirt. All donors will also be entered for a chance to win 2 tickets to the NCAA Men’s Championship game. To schedule an appointment, go to bloodassurance.org/dekalb or contact Jimmy Poss at 615-464-7426 or jimposs72@yahoo.com. Please remember to EAT A GOOD MEAL and drink additional water and bring a photo ID. Blood Assurance is the SOLE blood provider for our local hospitals

Story Time at Justin Potter Library
There will be a Story Time for children at Justin Potter Library on Friday, March 13th at 10:00 AM. Sanda Ayers the author of “Tommy Tractor Adventures” will be the guest reader along with the book’s illustrator Emory Larson. Please come and join us for a fun morning at the library. For further information call 615-597-4359 or visit us on Facebook and our website: www.dekalblibraries.net.

The 2020 DCHS Baseball Schedule
This season’s schedule is as follows:
March 9: Grundy County-Home: 5:00 p.m.
March 13: Cumberland County Tournament-Kingston: 5:00 p.m.
March 14: Cumberland County Tournament-Cumberland: 10:30 a.m.
March 14: Cumberland County Tournament-Bledsoe: 1:00 p.m.
March 16: Smith County-Away: 4:00 p.m.
March 17: Smith County-Home: 5:00 p.m.
March 19: Cumberland County-Home: 5:00 p.m.
March 21: White County-Away: 12 Noon (JV after)
March 23: Warren County-Away: 6:00 p.m.
March 24: Grundy County-Away: 5:30 p.m.
March 30: Cannon County-Home: 5:00 p.m.
March 31: Cannon County-Away: 5:00 p.m.
April 1: Trousdale County-Home: 5:00 p.m.
April 2: Monterey-Away: 5:30 p.m.
April 6: Watertown-Home: 5:00 p.m. (JV after)
April 7: Watertown-Away: 5:00 p.m. (JV after)
April 9: Bledsoe County-Home: 5:00 p.m.
April 10: Central Magnet-Away: 5:00 p.m.
April 13: Upperman-Home: 5:00 p.m. (JV after)
April 14: York-Away: 5:00 p.m.
April 17: Stone Memorial-Home: 5:30 p.m. (JV after)
April 20: Livingston Academy-Home: 5:00 p.m.
April 21: Macon County-Away: 5:00 p.m. (JV after)
April 23: Trousdale County-Away: 5:00 p.m.
April 25: Central Magnet-Home: 11:00 a.m.
April 27: Stone Memorial-Away: 5:30 p.m. (JV after)
April 28: Monterey-Home: 5:30 p.m.
May 1-5: District Tournament-TBA

2020 DCHS Tennis Schedule
The 2020 DCHS Tennis Schedule has been announced.
A pre-season scrimmage will be Tuesday, March 3 at home against Van Buren County starting at 3:30 p.m. with the season opener at Cookeville on March 9 at 4 p.m.
The schedule is as follows:
March 3: Van Buren County- Home: 3:30 p.m.
March 9: Cookeville-Away: 4:00 p.m.
March 12: Cookeville-Home: 3:30 p.m.
March 17: Cumberland-Away: 3:30 p.m.
March 19: Watertown-Away: 3:30 p.m.
March 30: Covenant Academy- Home: 3:30 p.m.
March 31: White County- Home: 3:30 p.m.
April 2: Warren County-Home: 3:30 p.m.
April 6: Cannon County-Away: 3:30 p.m.
April 9: Livingston-Home: 3:30 p.m.
April 13: Watertown-Home: 3:30 p.m.
April 14: Warren County-Home:3:30 p.m.
April 16: Van Buren County-Away: 3:30 p.m.
April 17: Cannon County-Home: 3:30 p.m.
April 23: Rhea County-Home: 3:30 p.m.
April 29-30: Individuals @ Cookeville- TBA
May 1: Individuals Finals @ Cookeville-TBA
May 4: Girls Team Semi-Finals- TBA
May 5: Boys Team Semi-Finals-TBA
May 6: Team Finals @ Cookeville-TBA

L.B.J.& C. Head Start Seeking Applications to Serve Children 3-5 Years of Age
L.B.J.& C. Head Start is currently accepting applications to provide free comprehensive child development services to children 3-5 years of age for all children including children with disabilities in a full day program. School Readiness and the well-being of children is the primary goal at L.B.J.&C. Head Start.

L.B.J.&C. Head Start also focuses on family well-being. Head Start assists families in obtaining their GED, furthering education, seeking employment, obtain affordable housing, and much more.

Let L.B.J.&C. Head Start provide your family with the head start you need to succeed!
For more information contact: Smithville Head Start Center at 615-597-5168.

Book Sale at Alexandria and Justin Potter Libraries
The Alexandria and Justin Potter Library’s Book Sale will start on Friday, February 28th and will continue through Saturday, March 28th. There will be books, audio books, videos and magazines for sale at great prices. The libraries are accepting donations of books and movies that are in good condition for their book sale. They request no textbooks, magazines or encyclopedias, please. Come by and check out what the libraries have to offer. For additional information, contact Justin Potter Library at 615-597-4359 or the Alexandria Library at 615-529-4124. Visit us on our website dekalblibraries.net or Facebook.

DeKalb Middle School Golf Team Matches
Tuesday March 3rd, @ 4:00 (HOME)-Smithville Golf Course. Playing against Watertown and Davidson Academy.
Friday, March 13th @ 4:00 (HOME)
Playing Smith County
Tuesday, March 17th @ 4:00 (HOME)
playing Watertown & Davidson Academy
Monday, March 30th (AWAY) Lebanon County Club
Playing Walter J Baird, Winfree Bryant, Watertown, & Davidson Academy in Lebanon.
Friday, April 3rd (AWAY) Cookeville Golden Eagles Golf
@4:00 playing Smith County.
Tuesday, April 7th (HOME) @ 4:00
Playing Watertown.
Monday, April 13th (AWAY) Lebanon Country.
@4:00 playing Walter J Baird & Winfree Bryant.
Tuesday, April 21 (HOME) @ 4:00
playing Davidson County
Friday, April 24th (HOME) @ 4:00
Playing Watertown & Smith County.

DeKalb County School Calendar
The remainder of the 2020 school year is as follows:
Schools will be closed for Good Friday, April 10 and Spring break March 23 through March 27

Students will not attend on Wednesday, May 20. That will be an administrative day and all teachers must attend. The last day of school will be Thursday, May 21 and report cards will be sent home.

DCHS Graduation will be Friday, May 15 at 7 p.m.

Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held on Thursday, March 19 at DeKalb County High School from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Parent-Teacher Conferences will also be held from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 17 at DeKalb Middle School, Northside Elementary, Smithville Elementary, and DeKalb West School.

Report cards will be sent home on Monday, March 16 and Thursday, May 21.

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