Dowell Sentenced in Meth Case

October 15, 2024
By: Dwayne Page

One of several people indicted by the grand jury in August following a joint undercover investigation appeared for sentencing in DeKalb County Criminal Court on Monday, October 7.

65-year-old Ricky Lee Dowell, indicted for sale and delivery of a schedule II drug (methamphetamine) over 0.5 grams and sale and delivery of a schedule III drug (Buprenorphine), entered a plea to one count of sale of a schedule III drug and received a four-year sentence on supervised probation under judicial diversion. He was fined $2,000 and given jail credit of 54 days.

The joint undercover drug investigation was conducted over several months by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, Smithville Police Department, and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation targeting several persons accused of illegally selling narcotics including methamphetamine.

October 15, 2024
By: Dwayne Page

From natural disasters to fires, auto crashes, law enforcement investigations, and search and rescue operations, emergency response efforts need reliable communication channels to coordinate their efforts when seconds count.

For years, the DeKalb County government has operated with a radio system made up of conventional analog technology to communicate between central dispatch and local law enforcement agencies, fire departments, EMS, and rescue squad. But over time, the system’s technology has become antiquated and more unreliable.

In recent months the county began funding upgrades in mobile and fixed radio transmission technology and joined the Tennessee Advanced Communications Network (TACN) which provides first responders the ability to better communicate locally and have additional coverage to talk on the radio with surrounding state communication towers during major events and disasters.

As part of the plan, a new TACN network communications tower is being proposed to be erected at the new Liberty Fire Station, on the property jointly owned by the towns of Liberty and Dowelltown, but leased to the county. Apparently in order for the tower project to move forward the towns of Liberty and Dowelltown have to signal their support.

Liberty Mayor Audrey Martin has called for a special meeting of the Liberty Mayor and Aldermen for Saturday, October 19 at 10 a.m. at the town hall to discuss the issue. According to the public notice, County Mayor Matt Adcock, 911 Director Brad Mullinax, and others including a representative from the state will be at the meeting to explain the reason for the new TACN system and to answer any questions pertaining to this tower. The meeting is open to the public and everyone is encouraged to attend.

County Mayor Adcock explained in an email post the reasons why improving emergency communications is important.

“I would like to address you today over the proposed concerns of the TACN tower in the community of Liberty here in DeKalb County. It is evident that this project is of utmost importance in providing stable communications for our emergency services. The local governments including the county and municipalities have committed to joining the TACN system and state infrastructure. It is critical that we support the improvements and upgrades to this system and infrastructure to better serve our citizens in the communities that they dwell amongst,” said Adcock.

“The proposal for this new TACN tower will provide better radio communications and directly benefit the towns of Liberty and Dowelltown in the event of an emergency. This TACN tower will serve our local agencies such as the DeKalb County Fire Department to improve fire protection in Liberty and Dowelltown and it will provide improved radio communications for the DeKalb County EMS (ambulance service) in delivering emergency medical services for the towns of Dowelltown and Liberty. This tower will benefit the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department in providing law enforcement services for Dowelltown and Liberty and it will enhance radio communications to all state agencies including but not limited to, the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency, and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency which provide many beneficial services to our county and provide for the safety of our citizens and their families,” County Mayor Adcock explained.

In January, Jeff Gray, Director of the Tennessee Advanced Communication Network, addressed the county commission about the advantages to the county of being part of the TACN network.

With TACN, Gray explained that first responders, including law enforcement, fire, EMS, and healthcare providers, would have reliable communications capabilities for daily operations and the ability to talk to each other to coordinate at the local, regional, and statewide level to respond in the event of an emergency or disaster.

According to Gray, TACN is made up of mobile and fixed radio transmission sites across the state so that from Tennessee’s urban to most rural areas, first responders have consistent communication coverage. “No matter where you are in Tennessee, even when other means of communication fail, TACN offers seamless communication for our partners. TACN has built-in redundancy to ensure the network still offers statewide coverage in the event any location becomes inoperable after a natural or man-made disaster,” said Gray
Because disasters know no boundaries, with TACN, local, state, and federal public safety agencies can respond as many but communicate as one. This interoperable communication is key to providing a swift and organized response that will save time, money, and citizens’ lives. And when infrastructure maintenance, repair, or an upgrade is required, the state bears the expense and not the TACN partnering county.

October 14, 2024
By: Dwayne Page

The DCHS Lady Tigers competed in the Division IAA State Golf Tournament last week at the Sevierville Golf Club and finished in 6th place, 24 strokes behind 1st place Page High School and 35 strokes better than their 2023 performance. The overall record for the year was 40-6.

Chloe Boyd, a sophomore, finished in 4th place with an outstanding performance of 71,74. Boyd’s goal was to finish in the top 10 after a tie for 33rd last year.

“The sky is the limit for Chloe”, said Coach John Pryor. “She is very talented, works hard, is goal driven, and an outstanding young lady”.

Alison Poss, a senior, finished an incredible high school career with a 39th place finish. “Alison has been so great for four years. Her first round was not up to her standard, but she finished her career with a strong 82, carding a birdie on her last hole. I will miss Alison, her four years came and went in a flash,” said Coach Pryor.

Emily Anderson, a junior, finished tied for 44th. Coach Pryor said “Emily works so hard and continues to improve. She always has a great attitude, and I love to watch her compete. I have big expectations for her senior year”.

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