Plenty of activities have been planned to celebrate the arrival of the Christmas season in DeKalb County.
It all begins Sunday, November 25 with the Alexandria Christmas Parade. The line-up begins at 2:00 p.m. and no later than 2:30 p.m. The parade gets underway at 3:00 p.m. First, second, and third place awards will be presented for best floats, trucks and cars (one group), and tractors. A drawing for prizes will be held after the parade. Food and craft booths may be set up on the square during the parade. All local pageant winners are urged to participate along with church and civic groups, scouts, high school bands, local law enforcement and emergency services, enter your vintage automobiles and tractors, and all horseback riders and horse drawn wagons are welcome, plus more. To enter call 615-948-4829, 615-948-6486, or call the Alexandria City Hall at 529-2171.
The Smithville Christmas Parade is set for Saturday, December 1st at 1:00 p.m. Line-up begins at 11:00 a.m. at Smithville Elementary School. To enter floats or other entries, contact Jeff Wright at 597-6750 or John Poss at 597-1135. No call needed to enter vintage automobiles or horses and wagons.
The Liberty Christmas Parade will be Sunday, December 2. The line- up begins at 1:00 p.m. at Salem Baptist Church. The parade begins at 2:00 p.m. Call Liberty State Bank for more information.
Meanwhile, Christmas on the Square & Renovation Celebration will be held in downtown Smithville on Thursday, November 29 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. featuring a tree-lighting ceremony, Justin-Potter Library activities, Santa, Christmas shopping downtown, and much more.

The Sheriff’s Department arrested three people Saturday who were allegedly setting up a meth lab off Old West Point Road.
34 year old Jeremy Austin Scruggs of Highland Avenue, Smithville, 31 year old Danny Ray Murphy of Shady Drive, Smithville, and 28 year old Amanda Gail Maxwell of King Ridge Road, Smithville are each charged with initiation of a process to manufacture methamphetamine. Bond for Scruggs and Maxwell is $25,000 each. Murphy’s bond is $50,000. All three will be in court on November 29.
Sheriff Patrick Ray said that his department received a call of three suspicious persons on Old West Point Road. Upon arrival officers found Scruggs, Murphy, and Maxwell and several components used in the manufacture of methamphetamine, including rubber tubing, a 20 ounce plastic bottle with tubing from the top, aluminum foil, a plastic baggie of lye, and several other items. After being mirandized, Maxwell allegedly told the officer that she was paid by Scruggs and Murphy to carry them there in her vehicle in order to make meth. They were arrested and brought to the jail for booking. Murphy will be in General Sessions Court on a separate but similar offense on December 10.
Meanwhile, 45 year old Richard Len Judkins of Greenhill Road, McMinnville is charged with driving on a suspended license. His bond is $3,000 and he will be in court on November 15.
Sheriff Ray said that on November 8 an officer spotted Judkins operating a motor vehicle on Highway 70. Having prior knowledge that his license were suspended, the deputy stopped Judkins at Eastside Citgo. Judkins had been arrested earlier that day for a failure to appear in court, where he has several other driving on suspended license charges pending. Judkins had already been warned earlier that day not to be driving. Judkins was arrested and brought to the jail for booking.

Two months after ground breaking the fourth Habitat for Humanity home in DeKalb County is under roof and could completed by Christmas.
The house is located on Hayes Street in Smithville and upon completion will become home to the Habitat partner family, Melba Vinca and her grandchildren Bradley Mullican, Cayton Lance, and Justin Lance.
“A lot of progress has been made, “said Larry Green, Vice President of Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County. “We have had a lot of good volunteers who have come out and done a lot of work on it so we’re coming along. We’re hoping to have (partner) family in the home by Christmas. We’ve had a professional crew that’s come in and done the framing. We had professionals to do the blocks and the wiring. We’ve got guys out here doing the siding. That’s what they do for a living. They can do it so much faster than we can and that’s really helped out. We’ve also had a lot of volunteers,” said Green.
“They’ve donated their time,” said local Habitat President Nolan Turner, referring to the professional crews. “Except for the block layers. Of course, that’s understandable. We had to pay them some but they discounted. Most of the materials we purchase are at a discount,” added Turner.
“This house has 1,050 square feet of living area inside,” said Turner. “Its got three bedrooms, a bathroom, living room, and kitchen combination. It has a half bath and closet space. Each house we build is based on the number in the family. Every family we have served has had two or three children. So all of our houses have basically been the same square footage,” said Turner.
Green said Habitat is in search of more volunteers. “We’re getting to the point now where we can use a lot of volunteers. People don’t have to wait until they’re asked to come out and volunteer. They can come out just about on any Saturday and do some work out here,” said Green.
Turner said donations are also welcomed. “We’re going to take this one first and hope the funds come in for the second house because we already have another family who has already been approved (as partner family) if things work out financially for them by the end of the year. So we need funds for the next house. Anyone who wants to contribute, we would appreciate that,” said Turner.
“Another thing we’re looking for is land to build on,” said Green. “If you have a lot somewhere that you would like to donate to us or maybe give us a good price on it, we’re in the market now to buy another lot,” said Green
“It (land)doesn’t have to be in Smithville,” added Turner. ” We’re looking for lots in Dowelltown, Liberty, Alexandria or anywhere in the county. This is a county project not just a Smithville project,” he said
Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County is a locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization. Habitat for Humanity builds and renovates houses in partnership with volunteers and families in need, regardless of their ethnic or religious background. The houses then are sold to those in need at no profit and with no interest charged. To contact Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County, please call 215-8181.

A 40 year old Dowelltown man was seriously injured Saturday night after his car crashed into a tree and broke in half on Holmes Creek Road beside the Smithville Golf Course.
Central dispatch received the call at 6:23 p.m.
Trooper Bobby Johnson of the Tennessee Highway Patrol told WJLE that Phillip Carroll of the Possum Hollow area was driving north in a 2005 Pontiac Sunfire when he crossed the center line, overcorrected and ran off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree. Carroll was ejected. A small fire also ignited from the engine compartment of the car. It was quickly entiguished by members of the Smithville Volunteer Fire Department who arrived on the scene.
Carroll was taken by DeKalb EMS to the Smithville Municipal Airport and flown by helicopter ambulance to Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga. Trooper Johnson said he does not know the full extent of Carroll’s injuries but he was conscious when help arrived to tend to him.
Members of the Smithville Police Department were also on site to render assistance.
Trooper Johnson said the cause of the wreck remains under investigation.

Haley Marie Hale captured the Fall Fest Crown Saturday night during the annual pageant at the DeKalb County Complex auditorium. The event is sponsored by the Smithville Business and Professional Women’s Club.
Nine young ladies ages 14-18 competed for the title.
Hale, the fifteen year old daughter of Chad and Melissa Hale of Smithville, succeeds the retiring Fall Fest Queen, 16 year old Lauren Ashley Medlin, daughter of Greg and Teresa Medlin of Smithville
First runner-up in the pageant was Tyra Grace Graham, the fourteen year old daughter of Kyle and Doris Graham of Smithville.
Katie Sue Haggard was second runner-up. She is the eighteen year old daughter of David and Vicki Haggard of Smithville.
Seventeen year old Rebekah Grace Webb, daughter of C.D. and Cindy Webb of Dowelltown was the third runner-up.
Fourth runner-up went to Liz Abigail Qualls of Smithville, the fifteen year old daughter of Brad and Kim Trapp and Jason and Stormy Qualls.
Meanwhile, Hannah Renea Walker was named Miss Congeniality. She is the fourteen year old daughter of Scott and Misty Walker of Smithville.
Others in the pageant were sixteen year old Jayde Nokes of Smithville, daughter of Toby and Jamie Nokes; seventeen year old MaKayla Shea Funk of Dowelltown, daughter of Amie Funk; and fifteen year old Brooke Roller of Smithville, daughter of Richard and Rose Roller.
(Top Photo: Fall Fest Queen Haley Marie Hale)
(Middle Photo: Left to Right- Liz Abigail Qualls-4th Runner-Up, Katie Sue Haggard-2nd Runner-Up, Haley Marie Hale-Fall Fest Queen, Tyra Grace Graham-1st Runner-Up, and Rebekah Grace Webb-3rd Runner-Up)
(Bottom Photo: Hannah Renea Walker-Miss Congenality)

13 year old Morgan Faith Green won the 2012 Autumn Sweetheart pageant Saturday night.
The beauty contest, sponsored by the Smithville Business and Professional Women’s Club, was held at the DeKalb County Complex auditorium. Sixteen contestants, ages 11-14 competed for the crown.
Green, daughter Suzanne and Jon Harrison of Smithville, succeeds the 2011 Autumn Sweetheart, 14 year old Tyra Grace Graham, daughter of Kyle and Doris Graham of Smithville
First runner-up in the pageant was Sarah Anne Colwell, the twelve year old daughter of Trent and Christie Colwell of Smithville.
Addison Grace Oakley of Liberty, the eleven year old daughter of Clark and Lisa Oakley was second runner-up.
Third runner-up went to Macy Elizabeth Hedge . She is the twelve year old daughter of David and Trina Hedge of Smithville
Destiny Danielle Franklin, fourth runner-up, is the thirteen year old daughter of Charlie and Jennifer Ware of Smithville.
Madison Faith Whitehead was named Miss Congeniality. She is the 11 year old daughter of Keneth and Tina Whitehead of Smithville
Others in the top ten were Jessica Price, the fourteen year old daughter of Charles Stubbe of Smithville; Julia Grace Curtis, the eleven year old daughter of Bruce and Amy Curtis of Smithville; Abigail Hope Taylor, the twelve year old daughter of Ken and Cindy Taylor of Smithville; Brooklynn Storm Estes, the twelve year old daughter of Chris and Shanna Bogle of Smithville; and Kaitlyn Elizabeth Roller, the thirteen year old daughter of John and Michele Roller of Smithville.
The rest of the contestants were twelve year old Anna Rachel Blair of Smithville, daughter of Keith and Amanda Blair; eleven year old Shaunta Rose Koegler of Smithville, daughter of Brian and Leticia Koegler; eleven year old Shelby Sprague of Smithville, daughter of Jimmy and Johnna Sprague; thirteen year old Kyra Orlando of Smithville, daughter of Shellie Bain and Shane Orlando; and thirteen year old Susan Marie Webb of Dowelltown, daughter of C.D. and Cindy Webb.
(Top Photo: Autumn Sweetheart Morgan Faith Green)
(Middle Photo: Left to Right- Destiny Danielle Franklin-4th Runner-Up, Addison Grace Oakley-2nd Runner-Up, Morgan Faith Green-Autumn Sweetheart, Sarah Anne Colwell- 1st Runner-Up, and Macy Elizabeth Hedge-3rd Runner-Up)
(Bottom Photo- Madison Faith Whitehead-Miss Congeniality)

Eight year old Addison Jean Puckett is the 2012 Autumn Princess
Puckett, daughter of Jimmy and Anita Puckett of Smithville, succeeds the retiring Autumn Princess, Anna Rachel Blair, the eleven year old daughter of Keith and Amanda Blair of Smithville.
The pageant, featuring twenty eight girls ages 7 to 10, was sponsored by the Smithville Business and Professional Women’s Club and held Saturday at the DeKalb County Complex auditorium.
First runner-up was Madison Rae Rackley, the nine year old daughter of Gordon and Jessica Rackley of Smithville
Second runner-up was seven year old Alexis Danyelle Rigsby, the daughter of Caleb and April Rigsby of Smithville
Seven year old McKenzie Faith Sanders, daughter of James and Misti Sanders of Smithville was named third runner-up.
Natalie Morgan Snipes was fourth runner-up. She is the eight year old daughter of Tim and Michelle Snipes of Smithville.
Talon Kendall Billings was named Miss Manners. She is the nine year old daughter of Jerry and Sandra Billings of Billings Road, Sparta.
Rounding out the top ten were eight year old Addison Roller, the daughter of John and Chana Roller of Smithville; ten year old Sophia Helane Mahan, the daughter of David and Melody Mahan of Dowelltown; Kyleigh Breanne Hill, the eight year old daughter Kyle Hill and Colleen Clary of Smithville; Ellisyn Kelsey Cripps, the nine year old daughter of Troy and Jamie Cripps of Smithville; and Mary Grace King, the ten year old daughter of Scott and Michelle King of Smithville.
Others participating in the pageant were:
Eight year old Maggie Fay Felton of Smithville, daughter of Misty and Russell Ross and Adam Felton; eight year old Jillian Elizabeth Lockard of Smithville, daughter of Brittany Lockard and John Lockard; eight year old Keirstine Robinson of Smithville, daughter of Nick and Stacey Robinson; eight year old Mackenzie Leigh Sprague of Smithville, daughter of Wanda Sprague; seven year old Carlee Elizabeth West of Smithville, daughter of D.J. and Megan Stewart; ten year old Malia Nichole Stanley of Dowelltown, daughter of Steve Stanley and Larry and Phyllis Stanley; nine year old Kennedy Grace Agee of Liberty, daughter of Josh and January Agee; ten year old Kaitlyn Ann George of Smithville, daughter of Ashley and Frankie Bryant and Jeff and Kim Walls; ten year old Payton Brook Bowman of Smithville, daughter of Mike and Lisa Bowman; seven year old Kenlee Renae Taylor of Smithville, daughter of Ken and Cindy Taylor; nine year old Alexis Grace Atnip of Smithville, daughter of Veronica Atnip; eight year old Sarah Elizabeth Mahan of Dowelltown, daughter of David and Melody Mahan; ten year old Trista Lopez of Smithville, daughter of Tammy Nokes; ten year old Haylie Lockard of Smithville, daughter of John and Brittany Lockard; eight year old Ellie Elizabeth Webb of Dowelltown, daughter of C.D. and Cindy Webb; eight year old Kadee Beth Ferrell of Smithville, daughter of Anthony and Trena Ferrell; and ten year old Jaley Grace Hale of Smithville, daughter of Mike and Tara Hale.
(Top Photo: Autumn Princess Addison Jean Puckett)
(Bottom Photo: Left to Right: Natalie Morgan Snipes-4th Runner-Up, Alexis Danyelle Rigsby-2nd Runner-Up, Addison Jean Puckett-Autumn Princess, Madison Rae Rackley-1st Runner-Up, McKenzie Faith Sanders-3rd Runner-Up)

A 4.3-magnitude earthquake struck eight miles west of Whitesburg, Kentucky on Saturday, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.
The tremor was felt by many in DeKalb County.
“I had gone down the hallway to the restroom to brush my teeth and the floor started shaking under me,” said Janice Zoller, who resides on Antioch Road in the Keltonburg area. “The things setting on the sink and on the back of the commode were shaking. I thought, my washing machine is really off balance, and then I realized I didn’t have my washing machine on. I thought, this has to be a tremor from an earthquake somewhere because it was pretty shaky. It shook the whole floor under my feet. I was surprised. I think it lasted five or six seconds. It was enough that you really knew something was going on,” said Zoller.
Barbara Noyola, a caretaker for a resident on New Home Road, said she also felt the tremor.” I was sitting there in the chair and all at once the house just shook and the dishes rattled and it was very intense. It was like a hard shake. It was for two, three or four seconds. It just floored me because I’ve never experienced anything like that. It was scary,” she said.
The epicenter of the shallow, light earthquake was 0.7 miles deep under the Appalachian Mountains town of Blackey, near the Virginia border, the agency said.
There were no immediate reports of damage in the eastern Kentucky area.
The tremor was felt from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Atlanta, Ga., USGS geophysicist Paul Caruso told NBC News.