Workers at Star Manufacturing have voted against representation by the United Steel Workers Union.
Neither officials of Star nor the Union have apparently issued a statement, but sources told WJLE Thursday night that the effort to form a union was soundly defeated 142-73 by employees voting at both the Smithville and Cookeville locations on Thursday.
The vote was scheduled after issues of working conditions, workplace safety, and unrealistic production expectations were raised by some workers at Star Manufacturing, according to a union organizer.
This is not the first time union plans have been upended in Smithville. Efforts for union representation at another local plant failed a few years ago.
Star Manufacturing International, Inc. is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri but has companies in several states. Star has been making durable, reliable, quality products since 1921. That year, Star introduced its first product, a popcorn machine. Since then, the company has grown and expanded into one of the world’s most respected and valued manufacturers of products in six major categories: Counter Top Gas and Electric Commercial Cooking Appliances, Hot Dog Cooking and Preparation Equipment, Popcorn Machines, Specialty Food Warmers ,Display Merchandisers, Toasters & Waffle Bakers.

Babies from one day to twelve months old were the center of attention during the annual Baby Show held Thursday evening at the DeKalb County Fair.
The winners (blue ribbon first place and red ribbon runner-up) are as follows:
Boys (1 day to 3 months)
Winner: Raylin Mark Ashburn, the three month old son of Trista Johnson and Jeremy Ashburn of Smithville
Runner-up: Landon Alexander Collier, the two month old son of Allison and Brent Collier of Smithville
Other participants in this category were:
Colt Ryder Rains, three month old son of Courtney and Hunter Rains of Dowelltown
Lucas River Garrison, one month old son of Rachel Garrison and Ronnie Irwin of Smithville
Tucker James Ludwig, fifteen day old son of Brittany Bone and Tyler Ludwig of Dowelltown
Girls (1 day to 3 months)
Winner: Emma Pettit, the two month old daughter of Nathan and Justine Pettit of Smithville
Runner-up: Makenlee Faith Collier, the one month old daughter of Matthew and Brooke Collier of Alexandria
Other participant: Saralynn Rose Fowler, three month old daughter of Bill and Alayna Fowler of Alexandria.
Boys (4-6 months)
Winner: Easton Jack Harvey, the six month old son of Chad and Kayla Harvey of Alexandria
Runner-up: Ty Carson Vickers, the six month old son of Joe Vickers and Coty Giddens of Smithville
Other participants:
Bentley Hunter Sexton, six month old son of Tyler Sexton and Kyra Hutchins of Smithville
James Casen Reagan, five month old son of Dylan and Kayla Reagan of Smithville
Conner Isaac Redmon, four month old son of Ashton Waggoner and Justin Redmon of Smithville
Camden Robinson, the five month old son of Kayley Robinson of Smithville
Girls (4-6 months)
Winner: Katie Jo Prichard, the six month old daughter of Luke and JoDee Prichard of Alexandria
Runner-up: Josee Irene Cripps, the six month old daughter of Tyler and Jessica Cripps of Alexandria.
Other participants:
Evelyn Claire Farmer, the six month old daughter of John and Tabitha Farmer of Smithville
Kenley Grace Johnson, the five month old daughter of Kenny and Laura Johnson of Smithville
Addison Kate Silcox, the six month old daughter of Cheyenne Swift and Dalton Silcox of Smithville
Anaya Rose Sutton, the five month old daughter of Candice Dolan-Barnes of Smithville
Boys (7-9 months)
Winner: Liam Gannon Brusaw, the eight month old son of Erica Duggin of Smithville.
Runner-up: Cooper Lane Robinson, the eight month old son of Heath and Tiffany Robinson of Smithville
Other participants:
Daniel Wayne Erickson Brandt, eight month old son of Carlie Sexton and Mason Brandt of Smithville
Nathaniel Lee Jenkins, nine month old son of Cody and Michelle Jenkins of Smithville
Arian Pierce Wiggins, the nine month old son of Megan Linder and Destry Wiggins of Smithville
Girls (7-9 months)
Winner: Ripley Anne Barnes, the eight month old daughter of Johnny and Shelly Barnes of Alexandria.
Runner-up: Jacqlin Ila Rose Prichard, the nine month old daughter of Mark and Amanda Prichard of Smithville.
Other participants:
Stella Grace Adcock, the nine month old daughter of Byron and Paige Adcock of Smithville
Alexis Brooke Shepherd, the nine month old daughter of Misty Myers and Donald Shepherd of Dowelltown
Jordyn McKenna Cantrell, the nine month old daughter of Tiffany Frazier and Jacob Cantrell of Dowelltown
Arianna Rayne Herrin, the nine month old daughter of Mitchell and Amanda Herrin of Smithville
Jaylee Marie Ellis, the nine month old daughter of Miranda Ellis of Liberty
Kaylee Rena Kubiak, the eight month old daughter of Zachary and Miranda Kubiak of Smithville
Kimber Nokes, the eight month old daughter of Emily Dawson and Dakota Nokes of Smithville
Piper Leigh Meeks, the eight month old daughter of Randy Meeks and Kristan Gray of Dowelltown
Boys (10-12 months)
Winner: William Martin Key, the eleven month old son of Will and Shana Key of Smithville.
Runner-Up: Christopher Higgins, ten months old. His guardians are Phillip and Natasha Waggoner of Liberty.
Other participant in this category: Jacob Paul Blair, the eleven month old son of Dwayne and Mary Ann Blair of Liberty.
Girls (10-12 months)
Winner: Clara Ruth Cox, the twelve month old daughter of Brandon and Whitney Cox of Smithville.
Runner-Up: Mia Grace Johnson, the ten month old daughter of Clint and DeDe Johnson of Smithville.
Other participants:
Claire Cole Cripps, ten month old daughter of Jordan and Nicole Cripps of Dowelltown
Klara Mai Armour, twelve month old daughter of Nathan and Hannah Armour of Dowelltown
Madison Faye Quarles, eleven month old daughter of Matt and Alana Quarles of Liberty
Marley Leigh Pyburn, twelve month old daughter of Jake and Kelly Pyburn of Alexandria
Zoey Rylinn Frazier, ten month old daughter of Dustin and Gabby Frazier of Dowelltown
Maggie Ann Hendrix, twelve month old daughter of Jared and Jennifer Hendrix of Dowelltown
Trinity Love Orcutt, ten month old daughter of Joshua and Faith Orcutt of DeKalb County
Tonight at the Fair:
Friday, July 24: Toddler Show for contestants 13 months to 48 months at 6:00 p.m. followed by the Zone Status Band at the Lions Club Pavilion: ATV-Mini Road-Outlaws Pulling at 7:00 p.m. at the T.C. McMillen Arena; a Horse Show at 7:00 p.m. at the Grandstand; and (2- $500 cash drawings) at 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 25: Blind Draw Horseshoe Tournament at the Tot Kelly barn at Noon.; Gospel Singing at the Lions Club Pavilion at 6:00 p.m.; Super Tractor and Truck Pull at 7:00 p.m. at the T.C. McMillen Arena: and (2- $500 cash drawings) at 9:30 p.m.
Memory Lane Stage Events are as follows:
Friday Night July 24
6:30 – until— Karaoke Night
7:45- UNTIL — Nokes Brothers
Saturday Night July 25
6:30-7:30 pm— Mid State Cloggers
7:45-8:45 pm— Evermean Evergreen Cloggers
Rides on the Midway will be provided by the Family Attractions Amusement Company. Unlimited rides will be available for $18.00 on Friday and Saturday.
Admission to the fair is $4.00 per person. Children age four and younger will be admitted free! Gates open at 4:30 p.m. Friday and at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. The exhibit building is open from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Parking is Free!
For more information, call 529-FAIR or visit on-line at www.dekalbcountyfairtn.com.

Ascension, parent organization of Saint Thomas Health, has signed a definitive agreement with Capella Healthcare to acquire four Middle Tennessee hospitals previously jointly owned by Capella Healthcare and Saint Thomas Health. Upon completion of the transaction, the hospitals will become a part of the Ascension Tennessee ministry, Saint Thomas Health.
Under the agreement, River Park Hospital in McMinnville, Highlands Medical Center in Sparta, DeKalb Community Hospital in Smithville and Stones River Hospital in Woodbury would become full members of the Saint Thomas Health network. The four hospitals have been part of an innovative joint venture relationship between Capella and Saint Thomas since 2012.
“This change furthers Ascension’s goal of creating clinically integrated systems of care to better meet evolving community needs, with special attention to those who are poor and vulnerable,” said Robert J. Henkel, FACHE, Executive Vice President, Ascension, and President and Chief Executive Officer, Ascension Health. “We look forward to finalizing this transaction and welcome the associates and physicians of these hospitals to Saint Thomas Health and Ascension.”

“Saint Thomas Health is passionately committed to improving the health of Middle Tennessee’s communities by providing holistic, faith-based care to individuals,” said Karen Springer, Saint Thomas Health President and CEO, Senior Vice President, Ascension Health/Tennessee Ministry Market Executive. “To achieve this, we have focused on building and expanding a connected system of care across our region. Because of our existing partnership with Capella and our historic service to these communities, gaining full ownership of these important community providers of healthcare will allow us to better serve our patients close to where they live and work.”
During the multi-year partnership, Capella-Saint Thomas Health has expanded the services in each community, enhancing cardiac, stroke and telemedicine services.
“Since our partnership with Saint Thomas Health in 2012, we’ve further enhanced services in the Upper Cumberland region, with our four hospitals becoming part of the Saint Thomas Stroke Network, adding new telemedicine capabilities, and broadening access to physicians,” said Michael A. Wiechart, president and chief executive officer of Capella Healthcare. “To take care to the next level, we have been exploring with Saint Thomas how our partnership could best evolve to achieve our shared goals. With Saint Thomas’ national recognition for quality and their recent partnership with UT’s primary care residency program, we know that this evolution in our relationship comes at the best possible time.
We are proud of the work we have done together and know that Saint Thomas is the right choice to continue to shape the future of healthcare in these communities and across Middle Tennessee.”
The four hospitals will become full members of Saint Thomas Health at a later date, subject to customary closing conditions.
ABOUT SAINT THOMAS HEALTH
Saint Thomas Health is Middle Tennessee’s faith-based, not-for-profit health care system united as one healing community. With more than 6,500 associates, Saint Thomas Health is focused on transforming the health care experience and helping people live healthier lives, with special attention to the poor and vulnerable. The regional health system includes – Saint Thomas Hospital for Spinal Surgery, Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital and Saint Thomas West Hospital in Nashville, Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital in Murfreesboro and Saint Thomas Hickman Hospital in Centerville – as well as four hospitals in the Capella-Saint Thomas Health network. A comprehensive network of affiliated joint ventures, medical practices, clinics and rehabilitation facilities complement the hospital services and cover a 68-county area. Saint Thomas Health is a member of Ascension, a Catholic organization that is the largest not-for-profit health system in the United States. For more information, visit www.STHealth.com.
ABOUT CAPELLA HEALTHCARE
Capella Healthcare partners with communities to build strong local healthcare systems that are known for quality patient care. Based in Franklin, Tenn., Capella currently owns and/or operates 13 acute care and specialty hospital facilities in six states. With the philosophy that all healthcare is local, Capella collaborates with each hospital’s medical staff, board and community leadership to take care to the next level. The company has access to significant leadership and financial resources, investing 100% of net cash flow in its family of hospitals to strengthen and expand services and facilities. The company was recognized in 2012 and 2013 by Modern Healthcare as one of the nation’s fastest growing health care companies. For more information, visit the website, www.CapellaHealthcare.com. Twitter: @CapellaHealth
ABOUT ASCENSION
Ascension (www.ascension.org) is a faith-based healthcare organization dedicated to transformation through innovation across the continuum of care. As the largest non-profit health system in the U.S. and the world’s largest Catholic health system, Ascension is committed to delivering person-centered care to all with special attention to those who are poor and vulnerable. In FY2014, Ascension provided $1.8 billion in care of persons living in poverty and other community benefit programs. More than 150,000 associates and 35,000 affiliated providers serve in 1,900 sites of care – including 131 hospitals and more than 30 senior care facilities – in 23 states and the District of Columbia. In addition to healthcare delivery, Ascension subsidiaries provide a variety of services and solutions including physician practice management, venture capital investing, treasury management, biomedical engineering, clinical care management, information services, risk management, and contracting through Ascension’s own group purchasing organization.

A Native American artifacts show will be held Saturday, July 25 at the county complex auditorium from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. and you can enjoy something to eat while you’re there with proceeds to benefit the DeKalb Animal Coalition.
The food menu includes coffee, doughnuts, sausage and biscuits for breakfast and for lunch enjoy barbeque including Dr. Cripps’ homemade barbeque sauce, homemade pool room cole slaw, homemade baked beans, and homemade carrot cup cakes.
The artifacts show will feature displays ranging from arrow heads to pottery and some items will be available for sale or trade. “This will be the third or fourth year we’ve had it and it’s one of the bigger shows in this area and it’s growing each year,” said Mike Foster.
“We have about sixty people that have committed to come and display their artifacts. Some (artifacts) will be for sale and others won’t. Some (participants) will trade. Some will buy. There’s a lot of people in this area who collect artifacts. One guy is planning to bring about 60 pieces of pottery which you don’t see a lot of here. There will be flint, beads, and about anything else you can think of including some trade goods that Europeans traded to Native Americans. It’s really enjoyable for people who like history or artifacts,” Foster continued.
“It’s open to the public and it’s free. You’ll see some really good collections. I know there will be three or four from DeKalb County. Byron McDonald, who has a lot of super DeKalb and Smith County artifacts that are museum quality will be here. Ben (Franklin) and I will have our stuff there, which may not be museum quality but are pretty good collections. And there will be others from here like Stevie Dedmon and Mike Henry who have a lot of DeKalb County (artifacts) and not necessarily all DeKalb County but Caney Fork and Cumberland River stuff,” said Foster.
You are also urged to support the DeKalb Animal Coalition. “They are going to use this as a fund raiser and hopefully annually too. They will be in the kitchen and cafeteria offering food for breakfast and lunch. We’d like to ask people who are coming to the show to come and support that (DeKalb Animal Coalition Fundraiser),” Foster concluded.
The show is sponsored by the Volunteer State Archaeological Society, a non-profit educational organization devoted to the study of prehistoric America. This society is one of the largest of the independent state societies affiliated with Central States Archaeological Societies.

Colby Barnes has had a busy summer preparing for and exhibiting at the regional and state 4-H Sheep Expositions. As an incoming 5th grader, this was Colby’s first year to be involved in 4-H and showing lambs. The regional show, held on June 27th in Cookeville, was the first test. Colby’s two lambs placed 2nd and 3rd in their classes. He also placed 5th in showmanship. The Tennessee State Sheep Expo was held July 13-15th, also in Cookeville at Hyder-Burks Arena. The competition was much more intense, but Colby lambs still performed well. One lamb was 5th in its class and was 4th place Tennessee bred. The 2nd lamb placed 11th while being 10th Tennessee bred. The show awards those exhibitors who raise locally raised sheep.
At the state show, there is an award called Premier Exhibitor. This award combines showmanship, animal score, and skillathon. During showmanship, Colby is judged on how he shows his lambs. In the market lamb classes for the animal score, the sheep themselves are judged on their quality and muscling. The skillathon is an exam that tests the exhibitor’s knowledge of breeds, nutrition, health, and other parts of the sheep industry. These three scores are tallied for the Premier Exhibitor award. Colby placed 11th in the state for his age category.
Showing sheep or any type of livestock takes time, hard work, perseverance, and responsibility but is fun and rewarding in the end. Colby did an excellent job representing DeKalb County on both the regional and state level. For more information about DeKalb County 4-H activities, please call 615-597-4945.