Members of the DeKalb County Fair Association want to give the Grandstand a makeover and to preserve and keep it safe for future patrons to the Grandpa Fair of the South.
During the October meeting of the Alexandria Mayor and Board of Aldermen, the Fair Board received authorization to apply for a grant through the Tennessee Historical Commission to rehabilitate the old grandstand which is listed on the National Register of Historic places. The city owns the fairgrounds and leases the property to the DeKalb County Fair Association.
“We want to preserve it and make sure it continues to be safe to put people on. We’ve had two or three thousand people on it at one time during fair events in the past.
We’re going to be applying for a grant in the 2016 grant year to rehabilitate the structure. We received a grant from the Historical Society several years ago to do some work on part of the grandstand,” said Matt Boss, an Alexandria Alderman and a member of the Fair Board.
The grant application will be made in the name of the city but the fair board will fund the grant match if approved.
“Being city owned property, we’re going to apply through the city to do this but the fair board is going to take care of the expense of fixing the grandstand back,” said Boss.
But as a designated National Historic landmark, the grandstand rehabilitation project will have to meet certain guidelines.
“Because it is on the Historical Registry there are certain criteria. We can’t just go over there and put new screws or nails in it. We can’t put pressure treated lumber in it. We’re required to use rough cut lumber in the renovation. It has to be made up of the same or similar material as it was years ago in keeping with the history of it. While it will cost several thousand dollars, we are hoping to get this grant money and we’ve also set aside some money toward this project. Hopefully we can do at least a portion of the work that we want to do,” said Jeff McMillen, a member of the Fair Board.
“We’ve had an engineer come out and look and once we have a lot of these fixes done it’ll probably put 20 more years to the lifespan of it,” Boss added.
McMillen said once the project is completed the fair association hopes to add more fair events at the grandstand in the future
“The grandstand is still a usable structure. Its just not what it once was. Its just like your house. It has to be maintained and its time to do some maintenance. The main objective is to keep the grandstand structurally sound where I don’t care to put my family or your family on it. As of now, we feel good about it but we know there is some work that needs to be done that is very important for the safety of everybody,” said McMillen
The DeKalb County Fairgrounds were established on approximately seven acres along Hickman Creek in Alexandria on April 15, 1856. Today twenty four acres make up the fairgrounds. The individual grandstand and supporting buildings have also changed at different times, sometimes in responses to fires,tornado, and floods, other times in response to changing trends in agriculture and outdoor recreation and entertainment. Located in the center of the fairgrounds is the large V-shaped grandstand (C), which dates to 1920. It is the oldest surviving county fair grandstand yet identified in Tennessee and received a state highway historical marker from the Tennessee Historical Commission in 1989. Covered by an original hip tincovered roof, the frame-constructed grandstand has nine rows of benches for seating. The rear of the grandstand originally was used to house animals and other agricultural exhibits.
Articles from the Smith County publications indicate that the grandstand was purchased from the Rome Fair (Smith County) after an accident involving a bull that gored a woman to death who was standing in the crowd. Because of the accident, the Rome fair was closed. The grandstand was dismantled and moved to Alexandria where it was rebuilt the same year.
Aside from the grandstand renovation project, McMillen said plans are to have new restroom facilities constructed on the grounds in time for the 2016 edition of the fair.

The Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce presented a Community Improvement Award to property owner, Garey Evans, for the significant enhancements made to his building located at 105 West Webb Street right off the Smithville square. Improvements include a new roof and the exterior of the building has a beautiful new two-tone paint scheme. Businesses located in Garey’s building include Lack’s Muscle Shack Fitness Center, Hootie and Tootie’s Treasures/Thrift Store, a batting cage, and Real Life Community Church.
Chamber Director Suzanne Williams, Bobbie Wilson, Owner Garey Evans, Chamber Board Member Kathy Hendrixson, Smithville Mayor Jimmy Poss

A Smithville man accused of assaulting his girlfriend and her daughter during a domestic incident last week was forcibly taken into custody after trying to evade arrest.
24 year old Clay Andrew Bain of Lakeview Drive, Smithville is charged with domestic assault, resisting arrest, aggravated assault, evading arrest, child abuse or neglect, and reckless endangerment. His bond totals $22,500 and he will make a court appearance December 17.
Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on Tuesday, November 10 a deputy was dispatched to Lakeview Drive in reference to a domestic. Upon arrival the officer spoke with Bain’s girlfriend who reported that after she and Bain had gotten into an argument he shoved her to the ground causing a cut and swelling to her hand. As the woman’s daughter, a minor child, tried to break up the argument, Bain grabbed her by the arm and slung her to the side causing injury to the child’s arm and shoulder. After being told by the deputy that he was under arrest, Bain ran into the house and to a back bedroom where he grabbed a muzzleloader pistol from a dresser, and waved it around with the officer and others in the room. Bain was forcibly restrained and handcuffed. The weapon was found to be unloaded.
Two men are in trouble with the law for possession of marijuana after their pickup truck got stuck in a field last week.
43 year old Donnie Dewayne Frazier of North Mill Street, Dowelltown is charged with possession of a schedule VI drug for resale and 30 year old Eric James Cox of Woodbury is cited for criminal trespass, simple possession of drugs, and simple possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond for Frazier is $7,500 and both will make a court appearance on December 17.
Sheriff Ray said that on Tuesday, November 10 a deputy was dispatched to Game Ridge Road to meet with a landowner who has a field leased for crops. He reported that a pickup truck, occupied by two men, was stuck in the field and that no one had permission to be there. The men appeared to have been illegally hunting.
The officer spoke with both men in the truck, Frazier and Cox, and obtained consent to search. He found two firearms and a black bag which held five individual bags and a Mason jar all containing a green leafy substance thought to be marijuana. Frazier also produced another bag of the same substance (marijuana). Frazier told the officer that the bags and all contents belonged to him.
In the case against Cox, the search turned up a baggie of a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana along with a pipe containing marijuana residue.
22 year old Cayden Katerina Cantrell of North Mill Street, Dowelltown is charged with assault and domestic assault. Her bond is $4,000 and she will be in court December 10. Sheriff Ray said on Tuesday, November 10 a deputy responded to a residence on North Mill Street in reference to an assault. Upon arrival the officer spoke with a man who reported that Cantrell got mad and pepper sprayed him in the face as he tried to break up a fight between she (Cantrell) and her sister. In the domestic assault case, Sheriff Ray said the arresting officer spoke to Cantrell’s sister who reported that during an argument between them Cantrell grabbed her by the arm and hit her in the face several times. Cantrell was placed under arrest.
20 year old Elijah Caleb Poss of Old West Point Road, Smithville is cited for driving on a suspended license and a violation of the light law. He will be in court on December 2. Sheriff Ray said that on Saturday, November 14 a deputy stopped Poss’ vehicle for a non-working brake light. A computer check revealed his license were suspended for failure to appear on December 23, 2013.
26 year old Joshua Grissom of Old Blue Springs Road, Smithville is charged with violation of an order of protection. His bond is $2,500 and he will make a court appearance on November 19. Sheriff Ray said that on Wednesday, November 11 a deputy was dispatched to a residence on Old Blue Springs Road concerning an unwanted guest. Upon arrival the officer spoke with Grissom who was sitting in a white utility truck and demanding to see his child. But Grissom was in the driveway of a woman who has an active order of protection against him.

The Chamber of Commerce recently presented a well-earned Community Improvement Award to NHC Healthcare, 825 Fisher Avenue, Smithville.
NHC Healthcare interior improvements include new carpet in all of their hallways, TV boards throughout the center, revamped activity rooms and nurses’ stations, new art/pictures, and updated lighting. The exterior improvements include new awnings and new roof on their Long Term Care and Assisted Living side of the building. In addition, NHC Healthcare just received a ZERO deficiency state survey!
Pictured l-r:
Chamber Board Member Kathy Hendrixson, NHC Administrator Clint Hall, NHC Director of Nursing Melinda Wilson, Chamber Director Suzanne Williams, Chamber Board Member Reed Vanderpool

The Christmas season is nearly upon us which means it’s almost time to celebrate Christmas on the Square! This holiday event will be celebrated on Thursday, December 3rd from 5 PM to 8 PM on the Smithville Public Square.
The Community Chorus & other special music will begin at 5 PM on the west side of the Courthouse with Boy Scout Troop #347 having a Flag-Raising Ceremony.
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Tree Lighting Ceremony – Held at 5:30 PM on the west side of the Courthouse. Be there for the countdown!
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Courthouse Open House – Stop by to visit and enjoy the refreshments and festive atmosphere. Come by and visit the Chamber office in the Courthouse, Room 201.
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A FREE Photo Booth & Christmas DJ Music will be provided by the City of Smithville – Enjoy your favorite holiday music throughout the night plus have a fun, complimentary picture made at the Cosmo Creations Photo Booth located inside the west entrance of the Courthouse.
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At the Justin-Potter Library, Christmas Carols and Story time – WSMV’s Snowbird will be reading to the children beginning at 6 PM. The library will have a special visit from Santa immediately after, so don’t forget to bring your camera!
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There will be extended hours and Open Houses at several downtown stores and offices. This is a wonderful time for Christmas shopping downtown. Chamber Executive Director Suzanne Williams would like to invite everyone to this enjoyable and heartwarming experience – Christmas on the Square! For more information, call the Chamber office at 615-597-4163.

The DeKalb County Republican Party will be hosting a Legislative Update on Saturday, November 21, 2015, at 9:00AM in the downstairs courtroom at the Courthouse. State Senator Mae Beavers, State Representative Terri Lynn Weaver, and State Representative Mark Pody will be the featured speakers. They will be discussing issues that will be addressed in the 2016 Legislative Session. All Dekalb County residents are invited to come and hear from your Republican elected officials. Light refreshments will be available.
“We are fortunate to have three strong leaders advocating for us at the State Capital and I am thankful we have this opportunity to hear from them,” GOP Chair Mingy Bryant said. “2016 is going to be a busy election year, starting with the March 1, 2016 Presidential Primary, so we are organizing early to let Dekalb County citizens know how important it is to elect conservative Republicans to local, state, and federal offices.”
The Dekalb County Republican Party will also be hosting their Caucus on Saturday, December 5, 2015, in the downstairs courtroom in the Courthouse. The purpose of the Caucus will be to select a Republican nominee for Dekalb County Property Assessor and Constables in each of the Constable Districts. Interested candidates will be invited to speak at the Saturday, November 21st event. Interested candidates can contact Republican Party Chair Mingy Bryant at 615-597-2600 or Vice Chair Clint Hall at 931-201-6962.
For more information, go to our Facebook Page at Dekalb County Republican Party.

A 43 year old woman received an eight year sentence for auto burglary and theft Tuesday in DeKalb County Criminal Court.
Patsy McCoy entered a plea to theft over $500 and two counts of auto burglary. She received a total sentence of eight years all suspended to supervised probation except for time served. McCoy got a four year sentence in each case. The two auto burglary terms are to run concurrently but consecutive to the theft sentence.
Smithville Police Officer Lance Dillard responded to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter on Saturday, April 4. Upon arrival he spoke with a Loss Prevention Associate who reported that he had witnessed McCoy take several Wal-Mart bags from the front of the store and get a shopping cart. He then saw her pick up several items and remove the price tags before placing them in the bags. The total value of the merchandise was $535.98. McCoy was arrested for Theft of Merchandise.
McCoy was arrested again on Thursday, May 14 for burglary, theft and for resist stop, halt, frisk, arrest, and search. Sergeant Brad Tatrow was called to the emergency room of the hospital in reference to someone burglarizing vehicles in the parking lot. After an investigation McCoy was found to have entered two vehicles in the ER parking lot without the knowledge or consent of the owners and she allegedly took items from each vehicle. Sergeant Tatrow observed McCoy attempting to conceal something in her hand and when he ordered her to produce it she refused. McCoy then pulled away as Sergeant Tatrow tried to retrieve it. Police discovered that McCoy had taken items from the medical floor without the knowledge or consent of hospital personnel.
25 year old Garrett Michael Buckmaster entered a plea by information to three counts of burglary and received a three year sentence in each case to run concurrently with each other but consecutive to a two year sentence he is serving in Putnam County. He was given jail credit of 111 days.
Smithville Police Captain Steven Leffew said Buckmaster and another man, 22 year old Dewayne Watkins were arrested after an investigation into a rash of car burglaries by Lieutenant Matt Holmes, Detective Brandon Donnell, and Officer Lance Dillard. Leffew said many victims came forward within a two week period to report damage to and missing items from their vehicles. Items from some of these thefts were recovered at the home where Watkins and Buckmaster were residing. Detective Donnell made the arrests on Wednesday, July 22. The case against Watkins apparently remains pending in court.
53 year old Keith Dewey Higgins entered a plea to forgery and received a two year sentence on supervised probation. He must make restitution of $197.50 to Wilson Bank and Trust.
50 year old Kenneth Teeples received a two year sentence suspended to supervised probation after pleading guilty to possession of a weapon by a felon. He must also forfeit the firearm.
44 year old Felicia Fullilove entered a plea to sale of a schedule II drug and received a three year TDOC sentence all suspended to supervised probation. She was fined $2,000.
65 year old Jackie Wilkerson pled guilty to attempted delivery of a schedule IV controlled substance and received a one year sentence fully suspended to judicial diversion probation. He was fined $2,000 and must make restitution of $20 to the Alexandria Police Department.
55 year old Cheryl Gotro entered a plea by information to reckless endangerment and received a suspended sentence of 11 months and 29 days on probation.
37 year old Andrew Wilbert pleaded guilty to driving under the influence and received a sentence of 11 months and 29 days to serve 48 hours and then be on supervised probation. He was fined $360. The term is to run concurrent with another sentence against him.

A probation officer who allegedly used a client’s money order to commit forgery and theft was sentenced Tuesday in DeKalb County Criminal Court.
31 year old Ashley Lasser, who worked for CPS Community Probation Service, entered a plea to forgery and received a four year sentence fully suspended to judicial diversion probation. She cannot work in law enforcement during her term of probation. Lasser must also make restitution to CPS in the amount of $585.00. The theft charge against her was dismissed.
According to the warrant, Lasser passed a forged money order in the amount of $50 to the Dollar General Store in Smithville on Thursday, September 18, 2014. The money order was made out by a client of CPS as payment to Life Savers of Tennessee, which is a probation service where Lasser worked. She allegedly marked out the name Life Savers of Tennessee on the money order, wrote in Dollar General Store, and then passed the forged money order to the clerk.
The probation client, a defendant in a criminal case, had made out the money order to life Savers of Tennessee as payment for attending an anger management class.
Lasser allegedly used the money order at the Dollar General Store to purchase a soft drink and then received change back in cash.
Lasser reportedly was terminated from her job as probation officer after this offense came to light..
The case was investigated by Lieutenant Detective Matt Holmes and former Chief Randy Caplinger of the Smithville Police Department.