DeKalb County 4-H held the county-wide public speaking contest at the County Complex on December 12, 2017. Twenty-eight youth from various grades competed to earn a spot at the regional contest and for cash awards. The 4th-6th graders were all winners from their classroom contests held last fall.
Winning the 4th grade competition was Addison Murphy followed by Cali Agee and Nick Sweeney. Other participants were Ava Pack, Turner Bryant, Laura Magness, Jack Gassaway, McKenna Miller, Nicholas Daw, Isabella Allen, Logan Duke, Wyatt Carter, Brownie Johnson, Michael Anthony Gutierrez, Jakayta Odom, and Olivia Gilley.
In 5th grade, 1st place was awarded to Dare Collins, 2nd place to Layla Newby, and 3rd place to Luke Midgett . Other participants were Sarah White, Sylvia Evans, Ethan Kempton, Katlynn Ellis, Cole Mcmillen, and Tyler Belcher.
Tess Barton won 1st place in the 6th grade contest, Summer Morse taking 2nd place, and Jazmine Wagner winning 3rd. Emily Mildner placed 1st for 8th grade and Jacklyn Kleparek place 1st for the 7th grade.
Addison, Cali, Dare, Layla, Tess, Summer, Jacklyn, and Emily will all move on to the regional contest that will be held in January. Public speaking is one of the most important and valuable skills these young people will learn to help them with their future careers. There were around 200 4-H Members who gave a speech this year in the classroom! We are proud of their hard work and courage. For more information about the 4-H program, please contact the UT-TSU Extension Office at 615-597-4945.

The county has been awarded a grant to improve security in the third floor courtrooms of the courthouse.
During Thursday night’s meeting, the county commission voted to accept a grant in the amount of $17,031 with a 10% local match of $1,702.
The grant funds will be used to install two bullet proof benches and a panic alarm system (2 panic buttons) in the courtrooms. Funds will also be allocated for courtroom security training.
County Mayor Tim Stribling said he and Circuit Court Clerk Katherine Pack applied for the grant through the state’s Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC). This one time grant program became effective August 18, 2017. The AOC received $2 million in one-time funds appropriated by the Tennessee General Assembly and Governor Bill Haslam to improve court security across Tennessee.
Stribling explained that this is a reimbursement grant. The county will purchase the equipment first and be reimbursed through the grant program except for the 10% match.
In other business, the commission appointed Chris Russell as a member to the 911 board to represent Alexandria for a term of four years. Russell, who is also the Alexandria Police Chief, was recommended for the appointment by the DeKalb County Emergency Communications District Board of Directors (911 board).
The commission also voted to have DeKalb County included on a statewide listing of approved jurisdictions for the sale of consumer fireworks. With DeKalb County on the list, those seeking a permit to sell fireworks around the 4th of July and New Years Day will no longer need to have the county mayor sign their application as a requirement to obtain a state issued permit. All other state requirements will still apply.
“Tennessee law requires that all permit applications for the retail sale of consumer fireworks be signed by the chief executive officer of the county or municipality in which the fireworks are to be sold to fulfill the requirement of state law,” said County Mayor Stribling.
“The current practice requires the applicant to contact the (County Mayor) office in order to obtain his signature on the application that must be returned to the Department of Commerce and Insurance. The information provided about your jurisdiction will be made public so that applicants can determine any restrictions on the sale of consumer fireworks in your jurisdiction”.
“If you designate that the retail sale of fireworks are allowed in your jurisdiction and you elect to make that information public to potential applicants an applicant will not be required to obtain the signature for approval of the permit application”.
State law provides for the sale of fireworks by valid permit holders from June 20 through July 5 and from December 10 to January 2.

‘Tis the season to be jolly, as the holiday standard goes. In many homes, this means a log on the fire, a trimmed tree or a menorah glowing brightly. All these signs of the season bring feelings of comfort and joy to families. But what you may not realize is that they also bring an increased risk of fire in the home. That’s why Lt. Brian Williams, DeKalb County Fire Department’s Fire Prevention and Safety Officer, wants everyone to be aware of some simple things we can all do around our homes to prevent fires.
The winter months are the peak times for home heating, candle, decoration and Christmas tree fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Statistics show that two of every five home decoration fires are started by candles. Fireplaces or chimneys are involved in almost two out of five home heating fires. Portable or fixed space heaters are involved in four out of five home heating fire deaths. Over the years, DeKalb County has had its share of all these unfortunate and unnecessary fires.
The DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department’s holiday wish is for all DeKalb County residents to have a merry, bright and SAFE holiday season. By recognizing holiday fire hazards and using a little extra caution, you can help keep your home full of comfort and joy while celebrating Christmas and New Year’s Day.
When decking the halls, choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant and keep them away from candles or any other heat source. Not all holiday lights are made equal so be sure that you know whether yours are for indoor or outdoor use and be sure to replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.
Lighting candles, whether for decorating or religious rituals, should always be done with caution. Candles should be in a sturdy holder and placed on an uncluttered surface. Lit candles should not be placed in windows where a blind or curtain could catch fire. Never leave a lit candle unattended. Blow out candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Additionally, candles placed on or near tables, altars, or shrines must be monitored by an adult.
Lastly, roasting anything on an open fire in the fireplace is not a good idea! Make sure that your fireplace has a sturdy screen and keep kids and pets three feet away. Have your chimney inspected, cleaned regularly and dispose of ashes in a metal container far away from the home.
“We know that the holidays are a hectic time of year for all DeKalb County residents. Please help DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department prevent unnecessary fires in our community by slowing down a little and taking time to pay attention to these few suggestions that we have recommended,” said Lt. Williams.

Winners of the Dowelltown City lights Contest have been announced.
BEST SCENE OVERALL:
1st Place: Tee and Nancy Wilson, Hillview Heights
2nd place: Darry and Susan Driver, Highway 70
3rd place: The Walkers, Corley Street
BEST PORCH AND DOOR:
1st place: Darlene Mathis, Happy Valley
2nd place: Kevin Kent, Mill Street
BEST WINDOW:
1st place:
Maudie Bass, Happy Valley
2nd Place:
Willie and Debra Cole, West Main Street

WJLE and the following participating local and area businesses, public officials, and political candidates wish you and your family a MERRY CHRISTMAS!
*ABTS (Automated Business & Tax Service)
1225 South Congress Boulevard, Smithville
615-597-8846
*A Degree Above Heating & Cooling, a RUUD dealer
631 West Broad Street, Smithville
615-215-4822
*Alexandria Auto Parts, LLC
905 Brush Creek Road, Alexandria
615-529-2580
*Arrow Termite & Pest Control
9341 Short Mountain Highway, Smithville
615-597-7988
*Atnip Chiropractic Clinic
205 South Fourth Street, Smithville
615-597-5375
*Belk Grocery & Sporting Goods
108 Wright Bend Road, Smithville
615-597-4196
*Bumpers Drive-In
303 East Broad Street, Smithville
615-597-6190
*Caney Fork Electric Cooperative
580 East Broad Street, Smithville
615-597-5626
*Cantrell’s Furniture & Appliances
638 West Broad Street, Smithville
615-597-7871
*Cash Express
126 East Bryant Street, Smithville
615-597-3427
*Center Hill Wine and Spirits
725 South Congress Boulevard, Smithville
615-215-9463
*DeKalb County Ace Hardware
702 South Congress Boulevard, Smithville
615-597-4154 or 615-597-6175
*DeKalb Dental Center, the office of Dr. Mitchell S. Tatum, DDS
201 South Third Street, Smithville
615-597-4798
*DeKalb Funeral Chapel
863 South Congress Boulevard, Smithville
615-597-9400. Obituary line 615-597-9600
*DeKalb County Assessor of Property Shannon Cantrell
732 S. Congress Boulevard-Room 104, Smithville
615-597-5925
*DeKalb County Clerk James L. (Jimmy) Poss
732 S. Congress Boulevard-Room 102, Smithville
615-597-5177
*DeKalb County Circuit Court Clerk Katherine Pack
DeKalb County Courthouse, 1 Public Square – Room 303, Smithville
615-597-5711
*DeKalb County Mayor Tim Stribling
DeKalb County Courthouse, 1 Public Square – Room 204, Smithville
615-597-5175
*DeKalb County Register of Deeds Jeff McMillen
732 S. Congress Boulevard- Room 101, Smithville.
615-597-4153
*DeKalb County Road Supervisor Butch Agee
720 Smith Road, Smithville
615-597-4144
*DeKalb County Sheriff Patrick Ray
100 Public Square, Smithville
615 597-4935 or 615 597-4043
*DeKalb County Trustee Sean Driver
732 S. Congress Boulevard- Room 103, Smithville.
615-597-5176
*Dogwood Plaza
South Congress Boulevard, Smithville
*DTC Communications
Alexandria Office: 111 High Street.
Smithville Office: 200 Walmart Drive.
615-529-2955
*Evins Mill ~ A Tennessee Resort Property
1535 Evins Mill Road, Smithville, TN
615.269-3740 (Nashville)
*Family Care Chiropractic, Dr. Kevin Malone DC.
502 West Main Street, Smithville
615-215-2273
*Family Medical Center
302 North Congress Boulevard, Smithville
615-597-4395
400 East Public Square, Alexandria
615-529-2116
*Florence & White Ford
710 West Broad Street, Smithville
615-597-2300
615-597-5718
*F.Z. Webb & Sons Pharmacy
608 South Congress Boulevard, Smithville
615-5974185
615-597-5521 Nights & Holidays
615-597-4186 Soda Shop
Alexandria Location: 105 Public Square
615-529-2160
*Glynn’s Auto Sales
605 West Broad Street, Smithville
615-597-4533
*Good Health Family Clinic
414 East Broad Street, Smithville
615-597-4432
*Griffins Fruit Market
316 West Broad Street, Smithville
615-597-5030
*HG Staffing, LLC
477D North Chancery Street, McMinnville
931-474-1300
*Jamie a. Boutique
112 West Main Street, Smithville
615-215-7233
*Jimmy Sprague
Democratic Candidate for DeKalb County Road Supervisor
*Jim’s Tire & Alignment
449 Evins Mill Road, Smithville
615-597-2198
*Johnny’s Drugs
516B West Main Street, Smithville
615-597-7822
*Lake Homes Realty (Tony Luna)www.onthelake.com
615-210-9522
*Larry’s Discount Grocery
309 West Broad Street, Smithville
615-697-6617 or 615-597-6760
*Love Cantrell Funeral Home
100 East Church Street, Smithville
615-597-5275. Obituary line 615-597-7275
*Liberty State Bank
Smithville Branch: 735 South Congress Boulevard
615-597-2265 or 615-597-2266
Liberty Branch: 311 East Main Street, Liberty
615-536-5101
Alexandria Branch: 100 North Public Square, Alexandria
615-529-2375
*Middle Tennessee Natural Gas
1036 West Broad Street, Smithville
615-597-4388 or 615-597-4300
*Mark Milam
Democratic Candidate for DeKalb County Circuit Court Clerk
*The Miller Team-Josh and Melissa
Sunbelt Real Estate and Appraisals
409 West Broad Street, Smithville
615-464-5882 or 615-464-684-0262
*NHC Healthcare
825 Fisher Avenue, Smithville
615-597-4284
*Optimus Pest Solutions
409 South Mountain Street, Smithville.
615-215-7378
*Pokey’s TurnKey Bail Bonding (We have the key to set you free)
633 West Broad Street, Smithville
615-597-9174
*Pokey’s Fix-A-Flat Tire Shop (new and used tires)
633 West Broad Street, Smithville
615-215-9174
*Poppie’s Boutique
660 West Broad Street, Smithville
615-318-1440
*Rick’s Auto
255 Arrowhead Drive, Smithville
615-587-8318
*Jackie Smith, State Farm Insurance Agent
315 North Public Square, Smithville
615-597-8486
*Smithville Discount Wine & Spirits
413 East Broad Street, Smithville
615-597-9463
*Smithville Mayor Jimmy Poss
Smithville City Hall- 104 East Main Street, Smithville.
615-597-4745
*Smithville Storage (Opening in the New Year)
1000 South Mountain Street, Smithville
615-597-7757
*Swallows Insurance Agency
308 West Broad Street, Smithville
615-215-4455
*Three Star Mall
1410 Sparta Road, McMinnville
931-473-1515
*Webb House Retirement Center
115 Jennings Lane, Smithville
615-597-8888
*White Possum Grille
1060 West Broad Street, Smithville
615-597-9009
Daily Menu-Smithville 615-464-6108
*Wilson Bank & Trust
576 West Broad Street, Smithville
615-597-4663. Telephone Banker 615-597-2222
Alexandria Location: 306 Brush Creek Road
615-529-4663
*WJLE
2606 McMinnville Highway, Smithville
615-597-4265
*Woodbury Insurance Agency
234 McMinnville Highway, Woodbury
615-563-2123
Smithville Branch at 612E South Congress Boulevard

The Twelve Annual Middle Tennessee Grain Conference is set for Tuesday, January 30th at the Coffee County Fairgrounds in Manchester. The conference will offer farmers insights to a number of emerging corn, soybean, and wheat production concerns.
According to the 2017 conference evaluation survey, 146 farmers from twenty-five Middle and East Tennessee counties and two adjoining states cited the Middle Tennessee Grain Conference as an excellent source of information addressing pertinent crop production topics.
The conference will get underway with registration beginning at 7:30 AM. Registration is twenty dollars at the door or participants can save ten dollars by pre-registering by Noon, Monday, January 25 through the DeKalb County Extension Office at 722 S. Congress Blvd. in the DeKalb County Complex. Registration fees include the program, materials, refreshments, lunch, a copy of the conference proceedings (which will contain copies of all presentations), and cap (given at the end of the Conference). This program, like all UT Extension programs, is open to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability or veteran status.
Once again, the conference will feature one of the largest trade shows in the area. Over 30 vendors will be on-site for the trade show beginning at 8:00 AM. A remarkable slate of speakers addressing current production topics for corn, wheat and soybeans beginning at 9:00 AM. Tennessee Farmers Cooperative will sponsor lunch on site by Christy “Q” Barbeque of Woodbury.
Following lunch, the keynote speaker will be Fred Whitford, Clinical Engagement Professor – Purdue Pesticide Programs. Dr. Whitford will discuss issues concerning “Removing Herbicide Residues from Agricultural Application Equipment & Sprayers on County Roads.”
Following the keynote address, producers will have the opportunity to attend a Dicamba certification program. This new training is required for producers to apply Xtend (Dicamba resistant) and Enlist (2,4-D resistant) soybean products. Cost of the training is twenty-five dollars per person paid at the time of the training. Producers who attend this training will be able to use all forms and brands of the new herbicide chemistries.
Complete details on conference topics and pre-registration may be obtained from Johnny Barnes, Extension Agent & County Director of The University of Tennessee Extension/Tennessee State University Extension Office. Please call 615-597-4945 if you have any questions.

A 64 year old truck driver received minor injuries Wednesday morning after his rig overturned on Cookeville Highway near the intersection with Floating Mill Road.
Trooper Chris Delong of the Tennessee Highway Patrol told WJLE that Robert Huff of Chestnut Mound was traveling south in a 2015 International Tractor Trailer truck when his load shifted and overturned as he was trying to negotiate a curve. The crash damaged a guardrail.
Huff was hauling graphite for Tennessee Contract Carriers enroute to Federal Mogul.
Members of the DeKalb Sheriff’s Department and DeKalb Volunteer Fire Department responded along with DeKalb EMS.

State Representative Mark Pody said he is grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of DeKalb County and the 17th District as their new State Senator.
Pody, a Republican, was elected in a close race Tuesday over Democrat Mary Alice Carfi to fill the remaining year of former State Senator Mae Beavers’ unexpired term. She gave up her seat to run full time for Governor next year.
Pody contacted WJLE by phone Tuesday night after the election results came in to thank the voters for their support.
“I am so proud of the district and I am grateful and honored for all the votes we received. Anytime somebody runs and puts their name in the hat to run against anybody it’s a good thing. That way voters have a choice and ideas can be clearly heard. I am grateful for the campaign that we ran and especially grateful for the result,” he said.
Pody now plans to resign his House seat in District 46 as he prepares to move to the State Senate.
“In the morning (Wednesday) I will officially resign from the State House of Representatives in District 46. The Governor will have my resignation on his desk in the morning (Wednesday) and the Speaker of the House will have it on her desk and I’ll officially take office as a Senator. They have to first go through all those official things like certifying the votes and things like that,” said Pody.
Pody, a Wilson County resident, said the Wilson County Commission will appoint someone to fill his unexpired term in the State House. There is still about a year left in the term.
Pody plans to seek a full four year term in the State Senate in 2018. The state primaries will be held in August with the Tennessee General Election to follow in November, 2018.
Meanwhile, Carfi also contacted WJLE Tuesday night after the results came in to thank her supporters.
“I want to thank everyone who voted for me and spent countless hours knocking on doors, making phone calls, writing post cards, and really welcoming me into the community. I am so proud of everyone who helped with my campaign and I am so appreciative for all your work that was done on my behalf. We may not have accomplished what we were seeking but that doesn’t mean that we give up our work to improve the lives of people in District 17 and in Tennessee. I am committed to working on your behalf to make sure that everyone has access to affordable health care, better paying jobs, and a quality education for our children regardless of their zip code. Thank you again for your votes and your hard work. We may not have won but I think we ran a very respectable race and we showed that Tennessee and Democrats will be working hard in 2018 to make sure that we have elected officials who are willing to fight for the people regardless of their party affiliation,” she said.