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City supports return of the Smithville Fiddlers Jamboree and Crafts Festival July 2 & 3

April 13, 2021
By: Dwayne Page

The Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree will be returning for its 50th anniversary this year
The festival is set for Friday and Saturday, July 2 & 3.

Although the City of Smithville is not required to give permission for the event to take place, the Jamboree Committee recently asked the mayor and aldermen for their continued support. Safety measures will be taken by the Jamboree to protect the public as COVID-19 remains a concern.

During a special meeting Thursday night (April 8) the aldermen adopted the following resolution:

“Whereas, the Smithville Fiddlers Jamboree has been an intregral part of the Fourth of July festivities for a number of years; and

Whereas, the Jamboree Committee has asked that the City voice its support for said Smithville Fiddlers Jamboree; and

Now therefore, be it resolved by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Smithville that:

The City of Smithville and its elected Mayor and Board of Aldermen are in support of the Smithville Fiddlers Jamboree with the understanding that the Jamboree Committee shall follow all State Health Department and CDC guidelines for the health and welfare of the public attending said Smithville Fiddlers Jamboree”




Another Fatal Head-On Crash

April 13, 2021
By: Dwayne Page

Another head-on crash in DeKalb County has claimed a life.

42 year old Thomas Higginbotham of Silver Point died after being flown by helicopter ambulance to Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville Monday afternoon.

Trooper Brandon Johnson of the THP said Higginbotham was north on Highway 56 near Silver Point in a 1990 Ford Ranger as 39 year old Eric D. Fish, driving a 2015 Chevy Traverse, was heading south.

According to Trooper Johnson, Fish crossed into the path of Higginbotham and the crash occurred as both drivers swerved trying to avoid a collision.

Fish and his wife and son, 40 year old Janet Fish and 20 year old Derek Fish were all injured. Trooper Johnson said Mrs. Fish was airlifted by helicopter ambulance to Skyline Medical Center while Mr. Fish and his son were transported by DeKalb EMS to Cookeville Regional Medical Center.

Members of the DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department’s extrication and rescue team responded with backup support from the Smithville Volunteer Fire Department. A Putnam County firefighter/paramedic, who was passing by stopped to help render assistance.

The fatal crash came one week after 18 year old Cassie Maxwell of Alexandria lost her life in a two vehicle wreck on Highway 70 between Dowelltown and Liberty.




Report of drug trafficking activity leads to arrest

April 13, 2021
By: Dwayne Page

A county deputy made an arrest Sunday after checking out a complaint of drug trafficking activity.

64 year old Fred Thomas Dowell of Village Place, Smithville is charged with a second offense of driving on a revoked or suspended license; possession of methamphetamine with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver; possession of a schedule I drug; and possession of a schedule II drug. His bond is $19,000 and he will make a court appearance April 29.

Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on April 11 a deputy was summoned to Page Drive due to possible drug trafficking in the area. The officer observed a vehicle pull over to the side of the road. The driver then got out and approached the patrol car. When asked to produce his driver license, Dowell only showed the officer an ID. A background check through central dispatch revealed that Dowell’s license were revoked for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol in 1986.

Dowell told the deputy that he had just left a residence on Page Drive where heroin was present. After consenting to a search 2.85 grams of a crystal like substance believed to be meth and 0.42 grams of a white powdery substance thought to be cocaine were found in Dowell’s right leg cargo pants pocket; while 0.57 grams of a white tannish powdery substance believed to be heroin was found in the center console of the vehicle.

41 year old Abigail Vogel of Dale Ridge Road, Dowelltown is charged with criminal impersonation. Her bond is $3,000 and she will be in court May 13.

Sheriff Ray said that on April 8 a deputy was summoned to a residence on Dale Ridge Road due to a civil issue between a husband and wife. Upon arrival the officer spoke to a woman who identified herself as Amy Taylor. After a further investigation, the deputy learned that her real name was Abigail Vogel. When confronted, Vogel admitted that she lied about her name but did so because she thought there was a warrant against her.

37 year old Ryan Lee Walden of Dale Ridge Road, Dowelltown is charged with unlawful possession of a weapon. His bond is $20,000 and he will make a court appearance on May 13.

Sheriff Ray said that on April 8 a deputy was called to the Holiday Haven boat ramp where a suspicion person was spotted with a gun. Upon arrival the officer found Walden and another man at a green pickup truck. When asked if he had anything in the truck the man informed the officer that Walden’s shotgun was in the front seat. After obtaining permission to search the truck, the deputy found a Camo shotgun with a shell in the chamber and one in the tube. The deputy then spoke to Walden about the gun and he (Walden) said that the weapon belonged to his father. After witnesses reported seeing Walden, a convicted felon, in possession of a weapon, he was placed under arrest.

49 year old Jerry Andrew Davis of Carthage is charged in a sealed indictment with aggravated burglary, three counts of burglary, and one count of theft. His bond is $70,000. He will be arraigned in criminal court on May 18.




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