Tennessee’s 2017 spring hunting season for gray, fox and red squirrels opens Saturday, May 13 and will continue through Sunday, June 11.
The daily bag limit is 10, the same for the fall/winter squirrel season which is held from late August to the end of February.
There are five species of tree squirrels found in Tennessee. Two species, the southern flying squirrel and the northern flying squirrel, are not hunted. They are small, nocturnal and rarely seen.
For more information on Tennessee hunting seasons and license information, obtain a 2016-17 Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide, available at TWRA Regional Offices and at hunting and fishing license agents or go online to TWRA’s website www.tnwildlife.org to view a copy of the guide.

Earlier this year, the DeKalb Prevention Coalition received a $12k grant from Saint Thomas DeKalb Hospital funded by community benefit dollars to support a ‘Community Health Adventure’ for DeKalb residents. This program currently provides free healthy activities throughout the year for all ages. To date, the program has impacted 900 participants in various free activities that promote physical and emotional health including: yoga classes, art instruction, martial arts, tai chi, healthy cooking demonstrations, senior chair volleyball, senior chair yoga, walking clubs, nutrition education, along with classes provided for teens and adults with disabilities. The upcoming summer schedule will help to support summer safety including the addition of free swimming classes and water aerobics.
“The immediate success in the massive participation of the Community Health Adventure shows the great need for healthy activities that families and individuals can afford. Many families have multiple children, face income limits, or even shy away from trying new things that may pose an unnecessary financial burden to start.” said Shan Burklow, Regional Community Relations Coordinator for Saint Thomas Health, “It is our hope that this program will continue to evolve and grow to meet even more health and wellness needs that arise from communicating with the current participants. Future goals that support emotional and physical health will focus on free music instruction, life health coaches, personal training sessions, swimming lessons, and dance classes. It is so exciting to see people of all ages get healthier mentally and physically without the strain of a financial burden of any kind. Every class provided by the ‘health adventure’ is 100% free of charge including any supplies, uniforms, or special equipment that may be needed. Improving the health of the community is such an important part of what Saint Thomas Health is all about, and this program is a shining example of how we can all work together towards this goal.”
For more information on the Community Health Adventure, to volunteer, or to sign-up for available classes, call DeKalb Prevention Coalition or Justin Potter Library. Current classes are listed on the community calendar, and are updated monthly.
The DeKalb Prevention Coalition is an anti-drug coalition working to reduce dependence on harmful and potentially lethal substances such as prescription drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. The coalition has recently broadened its reach to include the overall improvement of community health by promoting health/nutrition education and wellness activities, and they would like to thank Saint Thomas Health for making this goal possible.
Upcoming Free Health Adventure Activities & Classes:
Wednesday, May 10 at 12 noon: Community Wellness Walk – meet on Smithville City Hall side of the Courthouse
Wednesday, May 17 at 11:00 am: Older Americans Day in the DeKalb County Complex
* Wellness Wednesdays in the DeKalb County Complex:
·8am: Walking Club
·9am: Chair Volleyball
·10am: Art Classes – contact the Library to reserve your spot
·10am: Sewing Classes – contact the Library to reserve your spot
·4pm: Gentle Yoga for beginners
·5pm: Martial Arts – every Wednesday and Friday (Free in May/June – includes free uniform)
·6:30pm: Power Yoga for beginners/intermediate
·June 2017: Swimming Classes –- contact the Library to reserve your spot
·June 2017: Water Aerobics/Senior Water Aerobics – time/date TBD

Smithville Police have arrested a woman accused of stealing items from a barn.
39 year old Brandy Egerton was arrested April 30 for theft of property over $1,000.00. The victim reported on April 29 that someone had gone into a barn on his property and stolen a refrigerator, generator 3500, tools, and some lumber. Upon investigation was it discovered that Egerton had taken the property and disposed of it in Warren County. The items were recovered and returned to the victim. Bond for Egerton is $5,000 and her court date is May 18.
56 year old Tammy Elizabeth Burton was cited for theft on April 27. According to police, Burton was observed taking several make-up items from Rite Aid without paying for them with the intent to deprive the store of its merchandise. Her court date is May 11.
36 year old Robbie Lee Pardue was cited for simple possession on April 29. Police responded to an alarm call at a residence and found Pardue in the yard. Central Dispatch was unable to reach the homeowner to establish if Pardue had permission to be at the home. The officer sought and was granted permission to search Pardue’s vehicle where a small clear plastic container was found under the driver’s seat that contained what is believed to be crystal meth. Pardue’s court date is May 18.
56 year old Larry E. Lattimore was arrested on April 29 for domestic assault. Police spoke with the victim who had visible minor cuts on both arms below the elbows and redness on her throat just under her chin. Upon investigation it was determined that Lattimore and the victim had gotten into a verbal argument that turned physical when Lattimore grabbed her by the throat and threw her into the TV set. Bond for Lattimore is $3,500. His court date is May 18.
33 year old Johnny Lynn Devault was cited for criminal trespassing on May 2 as he was discovered on Wal-Mart property where he had previously been told he was not allowed. His court date is May 18.
18 year old Dustin Lee Utley was arrested on May 3 for violation of bond conditions. Police responded to Pizza Hut where Utley allegedly followed and harassed the victim. Utley was arrested previously for domestic assault and was released from jail on bond conditions. His conduct in this incident violated those conditions. Utley’s bond is $3,000 and his court date is May 18.

While the weather intervened, the Annual DeKalb County Relay for Life went on as scheduled Friday night.
Showers forced the 20th annual event indoors at the County Complex rather than the original location of Greenbrook Park but even the rain could not dampen the spirit and enthusiasm of the fundraising teams and participants.
This year’s theme was “Relaying Southern Style”
“This is our 20th year for Relay for Life and over those years its amazing to see how our dollars have worked that we have all worked together to raise for the American Cancer Society for the research programs. The methods they use are not as evasive to the body as they were in the early days. I am so glad that we in our county can be a part of doing something great,” said Relay Chairman Iva Dell Randolph in welcoming the crowd.
She also paid tribute to one of the founders of the DeKalb Relay for Life, Violet Fusion, who was a cancer survivor but passed away in May, 2012 at the age of 91.
(VIEW VIDEO OF CANCER SURVIVORS HERE)

“Twenty years ago when we first brought Relay for Life to this county there was a lady who was very instrumental in getting that here. We had been looking very hard at other campaigns and didn’t seem to be raising very much money. We had seen some of the meetings she had attended where they were having this Relay for Life. She talked to me about it and asked if we could do that. I said we can try and try we did and we have accomplished great things with all of us working together. That lady was Violet Fuson. Many of you remember her and knew her. She was also a cancer survivor. If we could have just a moment of silence and bow our heads in remembrance of Ms. Violet,” said Randolph.
The program began with the presentation of the colors by Boy Scout Troop #347 followed by Suzanne Slager’s performance of the National Anthem; Invocation by Chris Moore, pastor of the Smithville Church of God; welcome by Ivadell Randolph; introduction of cancer survivors; a prayer for cancer survivors by Dwayne Cornelius, pastor of the New Life United Pentecostal Church; and a song “I Believe” honoring cancer survivors performed by Don and Bonnie Rigsby. During the song, cancer survivors began their walk through portions of the county complex. Entertainment followed.

The DCHS Tigerettes, the top seed in the District 8AA Softball Tournament, will make their debut in the competition Sunday, May 7 at Baxter. Their opponent will be the 8th seeded Cannon County Lionettes. Game time is 5:30 p.m. at Upperman High School.
(CLICK LINK BELOW TO VIEW TOURNAMENT BRACKET)
District 8-AA Softball Tournament.pdf (148.14 KB)
The winner will advance to play again Monday, May 8 at 6:30 p.m. against either Central Magnet or Upperman. Central Magnet, the 4th seed, will meet Upperman, the 5th seed, on Sunday, May 7 at 7:15 p.m.
If the Tigerettes should lose their first game Sunday, they would drop into the losers bracket and play again Monday, May 8 at 3:00 p.m.
Meanwhile, Livingston Academy, the 3rd seed, will take on Smith County, the 6th seed, on Sunday, May 7 at 2:00 p.m. followed by a game between Macon County, the 2nd seed and York Institute, the 7th seed at 3:45 p.m. The winners of those two games will face each other on Monday, May 8 at 8:15 p.m.

Many DeKalb County landowners may see a change in their property assessments this year.
Assessor of Property Shannon Cantrell said “Change of Assessment” letters are being sent to those affected.
“Change of assessment letters are going out this month (May) because the assessment on your property, whether it be real property or personal property, has either gone up or down. There has been a change so you will get a “change of assessment” notice,” Cantrell told WJLE.
If you don’t agree with your property assessments, Cantrell said you should not wait until you get your tax bill in the fall to try and do something about it. The time to raise concerns is when the DeKalb County Board of Equalization meets in June. Cantrell will be taking appointments for those appeals starting May 22. The Board of Equalization will meet starting Monday, June 5 from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. in the conference room of the Assessor of Property Office at the county complex building.
“Remember once the county board has met then you can no longer appeal locally for the 2017 taxes. I think that’s what catches a lot of people by surprise. They get their tax notice October 1 and that’s what really gets their attention if their taxes have gone up. Then they want to appeal it. But by that time the appeal for 2017 has already passed. We’re in the appeal season now,” said Cantrell.
“What is important to remember is that the county board of equalization normally meets the first week in June and if you would like to appeal your assessment now is the time to do that. Beginning May 22 call our office and make an appointment to meet with the county board of equalization to discuss the assessment on your appraisal,” Cantrell continued.
“It doesn’t have to be that you had a change of assessment this spring. Maybe nothing changed from last year but maybe you weren’t pleased with your assessment last year. Anybody can come and see the county board of equalization,” Cantrell added.
Last year the county commission reappointed Carl Dwayne Webb, and Phillip Hendrix to serve on the five member board. Doyle Evans and Jimmy Goad were appointed later by County Mayor Tim Stribling. Russell Watson was reappointed by the City of Smithville.
During the county commission meeting on Monday, April 24, County Mayor Stribling announced that Jim Davies has been appointed to replace Hendrix, who has resigned and that Joel Hooker has been named as an alternate.
Members of the equalization board will attend an orientation on May 15th in Cookeville.
Until 2014, the equalization board was made up of seven members, one from each district of the county. But under state law, there can be no more than five members. According to Tennessee Code Annotated (state law) “The county legislative body of each county shall, at the April session of each even year, from the different sections of the county, elect, for a term of two (2) years, five (5) freeholders and taxpayers who shall constitute a county board of equalization.”
According to state law, county equalization boards across the state are to meet each year on June 1 (or the next business day if the 1st falls on Saturday or Sunday). The county board is authorized by law to receive and hear appeals of current year property tax assessments as fixed by the county assessor of property. Generally an assessment must be appealed to the county board of equalization to preserve the taxpayer’s right to further appeal.

Although he has already signed with Ole Miss, the pitching prowess of DCHS senior Steven Jennings has been drawing lots of attention from Major League Baseball scouts and with high prospects of being taken in the upcoming MLB draft, Jennings could be facing a major decision, whether to further his career in college or turn pro.
MLB scouts, sporting radar guns, have been at almost every Tiger home game this season when Jennings takes the mound and apparently have liked what they’ve seen from the rising star.
MLB.com currently ranks Jennings at 47 among the “top 100 prospects to watch” for the draft scheduled for June 12-14.
(Click link below)
http://m.mlb.com/prospects/2017?list=draft
“A star quarterback who was the offensive MVP of his Tennessee high school district as a junior, Jennings tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee during a game in September. While the injury ended his football season, he not only recovered in time to play baseball this spring but also has emerged as the top prep prospect in the state. His stock has risen so much that he could go as high as the second round,” according to a report on MLB.com
“Jennings didn’t spend much time on the showcase circuit because of his football commitments, so he has been a bit of a revelation. His loose, quick arm generates a fastball that sits at 89-92 mph, reaches 95 and should add some more velocity in the future. His hard slider can hit 85 mph and shows the upside of a plus offering, and he also has unveiled a curveball that can be a solid breaking pitch as well,” the report continued.
“Though he hasn’t had much need for a changeup yet, Jennings shows some aptitude for the pitch. He’s athletic and has an easy delivery, which enables him to throw strikes. He’s committed to Mississippi but figures to get drafted early enough to lure him away from the Rebels,” the report stated.
Players are graded on a 20-80 scale for future tools – 20-30 is well below average, 40 is below average, 50 is average, 60 is above average and 70-80 is well above average.
Jennings’ scouting grades are as follows: Fastball: 60 | Slider: 55 | Curveball: 50 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 50 | Overall: 50.
Although Jennings is not scheduled to start Friday, the Tigers are set to open play in the District 8AA baseball tournament against Livingston Academy at Carthage starting at 2:00 p.m. weather permitting. WJLE plans LIVE coverage.

DUE TO THE FORECAST OF RAIN, THE 20TH ANNUAL RELAY FOR LIFE HAS BEEN RELOCATED FROM GREENBROOK PARK TO THE COUNTY COMPLEX FRIDAY
This year’s theme is “Relaying Southern Style”
The entertainment begins at 5:15 p.m. followed by the opening ceremony at 6:00 p.m. featuring personal testimonies from cancer survivors and then a Survivors’ Lap, during which those who have survived the struggle circle the track together to help everyone celebrate what has been achieved against cancer.
The schedule of events for the evening is as follows:
5:15 p.m.- Terry Hodges
5:35 p.m.- Kathy Goodwin
5:55 p.m.- Presentation of the colors by Boy Scout Troop #347
The National Anthem:
Invocation by Chris Moore, pastor of the Smithville Church of God
Welcome by Ivadell Randolph
Introduction of cancer survivors
Prayer for cancer survivors by Dwayne Cornelius, pastor of the New Life United Pentecostal Church
Song honoring cancer survivors by Don and Bonnie Rigsby
6:20 p.m.-Suzanne Slager
6:30 p.m.-Tina Boston
6:45 p.m.-DeKalb Middle School Beta Club Chorus
7:00 p.m.- David Turner & Friends
7:30 p.m.- Fluty and the Flutones
7:45 p.m.- Heritage from the Smithville First Assembly of God
8:00 p.m.- Elvis (Kevin Roberts) Salem Baptist Church
8:30 p.m.- Elizabeth Chapel Baptist Church Young Adults
8:45 p.m.- Smithville Church of God Praise Team
9:00 p.m.- Luminaria Ceremony
Prayer by Alex Woodward, preacher at the Gassaway Church of Christ
9:15 p.m.- Seth Willoughby
9:30 p.m. Zone Status
11:30 p.m.- Closing Ceremony
Midnight-Relay Ends

The proposed 2017-18 fiscal year budget for the DeKalb County School system is one step away from final approval.
The county budget committee convened Tuesday night at the courthouse and voted to recommend the spending plan for approval by the county commission later this summer.
Director of Schools Patrick Cripps met with the committee to explain details of the proposed school budget which includes a pay raise for teachers and a one time bonus for support staff
As previously reported by WJLE when the Board of Education adopted it last month, Cripps calls this a fair budget with no proposed local property tax increase for schools and not a lot of extras.
Although the school system is bracing for a cut in federal funding by 18% or $150,000 the state is sending about one million dollars more Basic Education Program (BEP) funds next year totaling $15,962,000.
In addition to pay raises and the scheduled step increases , the board of education plans to add another teacher at DeKalb West School because the average class size is over 20 students in kindergarten to third grade. A new kindergarten teaching position in the school system could also be created as needed next year. An application has been made for a state competitive grant through the Early Childhood Education program to fund pre-kindergarten next year. The school system received a $486,167 grant for the program this past year. The board also plans to spend more money on technology to bring one to one computer devices into the 6th to 8th grade classrooms. “The state sent us $144,000 this year for teacher raises. That comes to about $600 per teacher. We have added a $250 one time bonus for non certified staff. We put in technology for grades 6-8 for one to one devices about $200,000,” Director Cripps told WJLE.
One to one computers are electronic devices that allow students to access the Internet, digital course materials and digital textbooks. By providing students their own notebook computer or tablet, schools make it possible for students to find information instantly to produce rich multimedia content.
“There is going to be a demand for more technology in the schools. The state is sending money for us to put more money for technology and they are tracking it to make sure the funds are going toward technology,” said Director Cripps.
“The state is going to all testing online. At the high school it will be online next year with 3-8 grades the following year. These one to one devices are needed not only for testing but because of the way kids are learning and the way teachers are presenting the material to the kids today. It is totally different from the way that we learned and what the state is asking from our kids today. They are not being taught or expected to learn like we did. They (state) wants them to gather information, not just to give an answer, but a thought process on how they are arriving at an answer and how they are to use that in the real world,” Director Cripps continued.
The new budget also includes $20,000 for a school building feasibility study. “We put in $20,000 for an architect to come in and do a study. It is my hope that with an architect study we will be able to get a break down of different school sizes (options) and what it would cost to build those schools,” he said.
The general purpose school budget for 2017-18 totals just over $22 million dollars. Anticipated revenues are budgeted at $ 20.7 million. More than $1.2 million of the school’s reserves may be needed to balance the budget on paper but that is less than last year’s projection. “We are trying to go less and less into our reserves and we have done that this year,” said Director Cripps.