City Establishes 20 MPH Speed Zones in Unposted Subdivisions

October 2, 2018
By: Dwayne Page

A speed zone is being established for subdivisions in the City of Smithville not already posted.

During Monday night’s regular monthly meeting, the Aldermen voted to post the speed limit at 20 miles per hour in the three or four subdivisions which have no posted signs. The estimated cost to post the signs is expected to be no more than $1,000.

IMG_1620 from dwayne page on Vimeo.

Police Chief Mark Collins addressed the Mayor and Aldermen requesting specifically that the 20 mile per hour speed zone be established for Greenwood Drive Subdivision on Short Mountain Highway based on citizen complaints of speeding there. But Chief Collins added that speed zones in other subdivisions should also be posted.

“I have had a lot of people calling in and a lot of complaints about speeding (Greenwood Drive). I sent my guys out there. Every once in a while there is one (motorist) that comes through in excess. But Greenwood Drive is not posted. There is no speed limit actually on it other than going back to the state (speed limit on non-posted streets) which is 30 miles per hour. In my opinion even though people are traveling 30 to 35 miles per hour it is still too fast for Greenwood Drive,” said Chief Collins.

“I would love to get a speed limit posted for Greenwood Drive at 20 miles per hour. I think that would be a good speed limit for that area. The people I have talked to (residents there) also thought that was fair and reasonable. While we are doing this there are some other subdivisions throughout the city in the same boat. I have not had complaints from these subdivisions but there are no posted speed limits there either. I would like to ask that the board consider making the speed limit 20 miles per hour for all the subdivisions,” he continued.

Chief Collins said a posted speed of 20 miles per hour would make those subdivisions safer.

“In a subdivision you have turnarounds and houses close together. People are walking in the afternoon and kids are riding their bikes. If we leave it the way it is, non posted the speed limit is 30 miles per hour  (under state law) and there is really nothing we can do to anyone traveling 30 miles per hour. I feel 30 miles per hour is too fast so if we change one I thought maybe we could look at changing them all to 20 miles per hour,” added Chief Collins.

The aldermen adopted Chief Collins’ request.

October 1, 2018
By: Dwayne Page

An 18 year old senior at DeKalb County High School has been charged with sexual battery after he allegedly grabbed the butt of a female student and slid his hand up her shirt at school.

18 year old Billy Ray Young of Green Hill Road, Smithville is under a $5,000 bond and he will make a court appearance on October 11.

Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on Thursday, September 27 the School Resource Officer at DCHS was notified by two high school students that Young had grabbed the butt of a female juvenile without her consent. The SRO officer spoke with the girl who confirmed that the incident had occurred. According to the girl, Young came up behind her in the cafeteria and asked if he made her feel uncomfortable.  When she declined to respond Young allegedly grabbed her butt and slid his hand up her shirt.

The SRO reviewed the school’s video surveillance and confirmed that the incident had taken place.

Young was placed under arrest at school and taken to the jail.

October 1, 2018
By: Dwayne Page

Parents, children, and local businesses are invited to join the City of Smithville and the Police Department’s “Trick or Treat Halloween Downtown” Wednesday, October 31 from noon until 5:00 p.m.

Some offices in the DeKalb County Courthouse, Smithville City Hall, Smithville Police Department, Justin Potter Library, and participating businesses downtown will have candy and special treats for the children.

Look for the stores and offices with a picture of an orange pumpkin on their windows. Maps will soon be available at the police department and Justin Potter Library to show parents which businesses will be taking part in the event.

For more information call Beth Adcock at the Smithville Police Department at 615-597-8210 extension 1 or check out the police department’s face book page soon for details at  https://www.facebook.com/SmithvillePoliceDepartment.

This event is sponsored by the Smithville Police Department and the Smithville City Hall.

Meanwhile, the Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a “Best Costume Contest” for downtown businesses and offices. Take pictures with your phone and send them to Suzanne Williams at 615-464-7760 by 1:00 p.m. on October 31. First, second, and third place winners will be presented a “Halloween on the Square Best Costume Award”, media recognition, and bragging rights.

The Smithville Volunteer Fire Department will have special treats for children Wednesday, October 31 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Stop by for candy and a tour of the Smithville Fire Hall and the fire trucks. Meet with Smithville Fire Chief Charlie Parker and the Smithville Fire Department Volunteers.

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