State Senator Mark Pody Sworn In

January 9, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

NASHVILLE — State Senator Mark Pody (R-Lebanon) took the oath of office on Tuesday in Nashville as the 111th General Assembly was gaveled into session. The oath was administered by the Honorable Mark Norris, U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Tennessee, during the first day of the legislature’s organizational session.

“I am humbled by the confidence placed in me by the citizens of Cannon, Clay, DeKalb, Macon, Smith and Wilson Counties,” said Senator Pody. “My pledge is to work every day to maintain that trust and make them proud of my service as their state senator.

Other organizational tasks that will be taken up this week include the election of the state’s constitutional officers on Wednesday. The organizational session will conclude after the inauguration of Governor-elect Bill Lee, which is scheduled for Saturday, January 19 at 11:00 am on Legislative Plaza.

January 8, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

The Smithville Aldermen Monday night granted Chief Charlie Parker’s request to approve the current list of volunteer firefighters and officers serving the department for the city in 2019 including the following and their years of service:

Brenda Soto-Rookie
Dillon Hicks-Rookie
Caleb London-2 years
Ryan Herron: 3 years
Garrett Johnson: 3 years
Seth Wright-3 years
Kim Johnson-3 years
Robin Summers-3 years
Bradley Johnson- 5 years
Dalton Roberts-5 years
C.J. Tramel- 5 years
Shawn Jacobs-6 years
Becky Atnip- 6 years
Cory Killian-8 years
Glen Lattimore-11 years
Stephanee Wright-13 years
Gary Johnson-14 years
James Randall Hunt-14 years
Wallace Caldwell- Chaplain 15 years
Lieutenant Kevin Adcock- 20 years
William (Wink) Brown-21 years
Greg Bess-photographer 24 years
Lieutenant John Poss-28 years
Captain Jeff Wright-33 years
Deputy Chief Hoyte Hale-34 years
Lieutenant Donnie Cantrell-39 years
Lieutenant Danny Poss-39 years
Chief Charlie Parker-39 years

January 8, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

Are you concerned about halfway houses in Smithville?

Although the Sober Living Services and Omega House have been operating here for quite sometime, Smithville Mayor Josh Miller said some people are bothered that these facilities are so close to downtown and that the residents there are often seen walking about town. He said its a safety concern for many in the community.

In an effort to better inform the community about how halfway houses operate, Tom Vickers, manager of the facility has agreed to appear at the next meeting of the mayor and aldermen on February 4 to answer questions.

Mayor Miller raised the issue during Monday night’s regular monthly meeting.

“I know this council and myself many times have been approached about the Sober Living homes in town. The public will refer to these as halfway houses. This has become an issue of safety with some citizens. I have spoken many times with our city attorney. I have talked to the state. I have talked to our city planner about zoning and I cannot find where the city has any jurisdiction on these homes as long as they are within the state guidelines and state law. However when the citizens want answers I think it is the obligation of the board and myself to get those answers. I have contacted Mr. Tom Vickers and he has agreed to come before this board at our next city council meeting because I have been asked questions I just can’t answer,” said Mayor Miller.

According to its website, “Sober Living Services began as a way to serve a need in the community for a safe, stable environment that nurtures sobriety and encourages the individual to maintain a healthy, happy, and productive life”.

“Sober Living Services and Omega House are residency programs that provides housing for individuals needing recovery in a supervised environment. We have been approved by the State of Tennessee as Transitional Housing accepting parolees as well as a ReEntry Program.”

“We are not a coed facility but do offer locations for men and women. Our Sober Living Services offers housing for men and Omega House provides the housing for women.”

City attorney Vester Parsley said Sober Living Services and the Omega House are operating within state laws and regulations and there is little the city can do to force them out through zoning.

“Mayor you asked me several months ago and I did quite a bit of research. State law provides that they (halfway houses) cannot be zoned out by ordinance having these facilities. Basically if they want to have one here we can’t stop them as long as they comply with all the state laws which supercede our laws,” said Parsley.

Alderman Danny Washer pointed out that while Vickers has agreed to address the mayor and aldermen next month he is doing so voluntarily.

“He (Vickers) is coming to answer any questions the council may have especially regarding safety concerns. This is something he doesn’t have to do but I called him and he said he would come,” said Mayor Miller.

Although the facility is operating lawfully, Parsley said Vickers is trying to arrange transportation for residents who have to walk from one place to another in town.

“Mr. Vickers contacted me today and said they are going to try to get a bus or van to transport so they (residents) won’t be walking the streets. A lot of them work at local businesses, like Hardees,” said Parsley.

“As far as the law, he (Vickers) is within state guidelines. We have actually had the fire chief go over and inspect. He found some very minor infractions but those have been corrected so he is totally within compliance,” added Parsley.

Alderman Gayla Hendrix, who is also a local attorney , defended the Sober Living Program and urged the community to be more compassionate toward others trying to help themselves.

“I work in the judicial system and I know a lot of people don’t understand but these folks who come here and get accepted into that program are trying to better themselves. They may have made some mistakes in the past but they are trying to improve their lives and a lot of our citizens in their shoes have to go to other counties and reside in these type of homes to get themselves in a better situation. If they don’t comply with the rules they get kicked out of the program. I think people need to have a little more compassion toward these folks who are trying to make a difference and improve their lives while they are here in our community,” said Alderman Hendrix.

The next regular monthly meeting of the Smithville Mayor and Aldermen is Monday, February 4 at 6 p.m.

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