Can you tell if eggs are still fresh and good to eat? How do you know when a hen is a good layer? Do you know the different chicken cuts of meat? These topics and more are covered in 4-H poultry judging. Twelve DeKalb County 4-H members recently traveled to Lebanon for the regional contest where around 150 4-H’ers competed.
The junior team of Nathan Duvenage, Sylvia Evans, Shaelee Foster, and Luke Magness placed 3rd overall in their division. Sylvia placed 9th individually. The jr. high team of Marissa Clark, Lily Martin, Alex Moreno, and Caleb Taylor placed 12th. The senior team of Payton Cantrell, Clayton Crook, Caleb Taylor, and Jacob Williams placed 5th.
During the contest, there are three classes where eggs are graded on quality: candling, broken out, and exterior. Contestants must know the parts of an egg and how it deteriorates over time when candling. A light is held to the eggs in order to see the interior. The shell is then graded in the exterior quality class, and contestants look for defects and abnormalities. A class of four, live White Leghorn hens is judged on their egg laying ability. This is determined by the pigment of their skin and abdominal capacity. Senior High members must give oral reasons on this class to defend their decision. Finally, meat parts are identified and carcasses are graded in the ready-to-cook poultry classes.
Many of our poultry judgers have chickens of their own, and the knowledge gained through this contest will help them better care for their birds and market their eggs. Congratulations to these young people on a job well done!
If you are interested in poultry judging or any other 4-H activity, please call 615-597-4945. 4-H is a proud part of UT Extension, the UT Institute of Agriculture, and TSU Cooperative Extension. UT/TSU Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment through the cooperation of county, state, and federal governments.

The first of two Tennessee young sportsman deer hunts for the 2017-18 season will be held the weekend of Oct. 28-29.
Youth ages 6-16 years of age may participate. Participating youth can use gun, muzzleloader, and archery equipment.
Young sportsmen must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult, 21 or older who must remain in position to take immediate control of the hunting device. The adult must also comply with the fluorescent orange regulations as specified for legal hunters. Multiple youth may be accompanied by a single qualifying adult.
Archery season began in the state on Sept. 23 and the first segment ends Oct. 27, the day prior to the opening of the young sportsman hunt. The second segment of archery only season begins Monday, Oct. 30 through Friday, Nov. 3.
The TWRA makes the recommendation that all hunters obtain a 2017-18 Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide. The guide lists license requirements, the counties and bag limits for each of the different deer management units. The guides are available where hunting and fishing licenses are sold and on the TWRA website, www.tnwildlife.org.
In 2016, youth hunters harvested a total of 5,854 deer during the first hunt. All 95 Tennessee counties reported harvests in 2016.

Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County, TN is pleased to announce following the application process, Jamie Nokes and Family have been selected to be their sixth partner family.
Ms. Nokes has been a resident of DeKalb County since she was 5 years old and is pleased to call this her home. She has three boys who reside with her Tayvian, 18, Desmond, 14, and Justis, 6; she also has a daughter, Jayde who is married to Daniel Stanley. They are active members at the First Assembly of God in Smithville where she is a member of the Praise Team.
When asking Ms. Nokes the reason she applied for Partnership she said, “I know four previous partners in DeKalb County and I have seen the blessing they have received from working with Habitat for Humanity. I am excited about working with Habitat and thankful to have this opportunity.”
In addition to a down payment and monthly mortgage payments, Habitat homeowners invest hundreds of hours of their own labor (sweat equity) into building their Habitat house and the houses of others. A Ground Breaking Ceremony will be schedule for February, 2018 with Construction beginning in early March, 2018.
How Can You Help?
Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County is 100% volunteer led and organized so there are many ways to participate. Whether you are skilled in construction work, cooking, fundraising, volunteering, or just have a desire to help, then we want you. We can use ALL the help we get no matter what your skills are we have a job for you. This program would not succeed without the support of DeKalb County and its residents. If you would like to volunteer in anyway please contact Alex Woodward at Wilson Bank & Trust 615-597-4663 or awoodward@wilsonbank.com.
Upcoming Events
Habitat for Humanity Chili Cook-Off and Bake Sale – Friday, October 27th 10:30-1:00 on the DeKalb County Courthouse Lawn, You be the Judge of the team with the Best Chili and Decoration. Make a donation and eat All the Chili You Want from all 12 teams!
Yeti Cooler Raffle – October 25th – December 2nd – Buy a ticket to win a Yeti 45 quart Cooler. Tickets are priced at 1 ticket for $5 OR 5 tickets for $20. Tickets can be purchased at the Smithville Branch of Wilson Bank & Trust or DeKalb County Clerk Jimmy Poss’ Office with other locations to be named as well.
About Habitat for Humanity
Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. The Christian housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in more than 1,300 communities throughout the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering, or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability, and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat.org.
About Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County, TN
Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County was formed in 2003. They have built five homes in the Smithville area and own property with plans to build future homes. Houses are constructed by volunteers and paid by donations from various fundraisers including the Fiddler 5K, Jackson Kayak Raffle, Golf Tournament, Yeti cooler raffle and the Chili cook off. Find us on Facebook at Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County, Tennessee to stay up-to-date on current events and construction updates.

A prisoner aggravated with Sheriff Patrick Ray retaliated against him earlier this week after being released on bond.
(CLICK LINK BELOW TO VIEW MUG SHOTS OF PERSONS RECENTLY BOOKED AT THE DEKALB COUNTY JAIL- Intakes & Releases From: 10/16/2017 Thru: 10/23/2017)
Seagate Crystal Reports – REPOR_44.pdf (2.23 MB)
33 year old Michael Brandon Redmon of Holcomb Road, Smithville went to Sheriff Ray’s home on Belk Road late Monday night, beat on the front door several times, and tracked white paint on his asphalt driveway, sidewalk, and carpeted porch. Sheriff Ray was not at home when the incident occurred but his wife was there and called him.
The sheriff and detectives, who were working on other cases at the time, went to Ray’s home but Redmon had already left by the time they arrived.
Redmon was picked up in Warren County Thursday and served by officers there with a violation of probation warrant against him out of DeKalb County Criminal Court. Redmon was brought back to the DeKalb County Jail where he is being held without bond pending a November 27 date in General Sessions Court.
Because of his actions against the Sheriff, Redmon has also been charged with aggravated criminal trespassing; disorderly conduct, vandalism, and retaliation for a past action. While he can’t be released from jail because of the hold without bond due to the VOP, a bond of $22,500 has been set on the other charges and his court date for these offenses is November 16.
The sheriff explained that Redmon had been arrested on Thursday, October 12 by the Smithville Police Department for theft of property and that he was released on Saturday, October 14 after posting bond. However when Redmon was booked into the jail, correctional officers took some items from him, which they did not give back to Redmon upon his release. Redmon apparently became upset over the incident and decided to take out his frustrations against Sheriff Ray.
“During the morning hours of Monday, October 16, my wife was walking out to her vehicle to leave home for work when she noticed a note stuck on my (sheriff’s department) county vehicle. The note was from Michael Redmon. It had his name on there a couple of times,” said Sheriff Ray.
“Later that night I was at the jail with detectives working a theft case when my wife called to tell me that a man had come to our home. He had stood on our front porch and beat on the door. She said the man then walked back out into the roadway and stared at the house. He eventually left but returned later. Again he stood on our front porch, beat on the door, and then went back out in the yard and stared at our house”.
“When the detectives and I arrived the man was not there but I noticed white foot prints coming from Belk Grocery (across the road) which looked like paint. There were multiple foot prints of white paint which led to my house. The tracks went up my driveway, onto the sidewalk, and on the porch,” he continued.
Sheriff Ray said he learned that the paint had been poured out into a ditch on the other side of the road from the store earlier in the day by the owners of the business and that Redmon had spotted the paint when he came to Ray’s home that night.
“We obtained video surveillance footage of Redmon going to that paint. He intentionally stepped in it and walked toward my house. The closer he got to my house, the less paint he had on his shoes so he turned around and went back toward the paint. He picked up two handfuls of grass coated in paint, brought it right in front of my driveway in the roadway, stomped on it again and then walked up my driveway, sidewalk, and porch at my home leaving white tracks of paint,” explained Sheriff Ray.
“The video footage also showed Redmon going to the ditchline where the paint was poured out. He got something there, set it on fire, threw it back in the ditchline across the road from the store, and then walked off,” said the sheriff.
“My detectives and deputies had been searching for Redmon since the incident and were able to locate him Thursday in Warren County. They contacted Warren County authorities and Redmon was picked up for a violation of probation. He was brought back to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department. The detectives talked to Redmon and he admitted to going to my house saying that he was aggravated. He confessed to stepping in the paint and walking up my driveway and on the porch,” he continued.
“This is not the first time something like this has happened to a law enforcement officer but whether it is me, another law enforcement officer, judge, anyone affiliated with the judicial system, or victim of crime we will not allow this type of behavior. Retaliation against any crime victim will not be tolerated,” Sheriff Ray said.
The charges against Redmon are as follows:
*Aggravated criminal trespass: “On the 16th day of October, Redmon entered on the personal property of Patrick Ray and his wife without their consent. Redmon’s action did cause fear for the safety of another. He did commit the offense of vandalism during the trespassing”.
*Disorderly conduct: “ On October 16, Redmon did engage in threatening behavior with intent to cause public annoyance or alarm by beating on the door of the residence of Patrick Ray and his wife on Belk Road. Redmon did beat on the door on multiple occasions during the night of October 16 and early morning of October 17”.
*Vandalism: “On October 16, Redmon did intentionally tamper with the property of Patrick Ray and his wife whose residence is located on Belk Road. Redmon intentionally covered his shoes in white paint and walked up and down the asphalt driveway of the residence leaving white footprints. Redmon also caused damage to the carpeted porch of the residence leaving white footprints. Approximate damages are $150”.
*Retaliation for a past action: “On October 16, Redmon committed the unlawful act of vandalism by intentionally defacing the asphalt driveway and carpeted porch of Sheriff Patrick Ray whose residence is on Belk Road. Redmon vandalized the property due to him being aggravated because of an act that occurred in the Sheriff’s official capacity at the DeKalb County Jail”.

Did you know that 6% of DeKalb County students regularly go hungry?
You can help feed these students through the DeKalb County Coordinated School Health Backpack Program by supporting and participating in the 2nd Annual Turkey Trot Walkathon to be held on Saturday, November 11 at Greenbrook Park.
Registration begins at 10 a.m. and all you need to bring to enter is a non-perishable food item for the Backpack Program.
“The Turkey Trot Walkathon hopes to encourage our community to get outside and enjoy some physical activity and fun while also supporting a great program. All ages are welcome. There are nine age categories and prizes will be given to a male and female in each age category that walks or runs the most laps around Greenbrook Park. We will have games, food, crafts, face painting, and a photo booth. Registration starts at 10:00 a.m. The Walkathon will begin at 11:00 a.m. and end at 12:30 p.m. with prizes to follow. There is no fee to participate. We ask that participants bring non perishable food items for a donation to the Backpack Program,” said Elise Driver, Coordinator of the DeKalb County Coordinated School Health Program.
“DeKalb County Schools have approximately 6% of our student population that goes hungry on a regular basis with meals provided at schools being their main source of food. Coordinated School Health began sending bags of food home to children over nine years ago. We began with long weekends and holidays and now we feed them every week during the school year. Funding is not always consistent and we are continuously seeking donations of food and or money to maintain our program, to improve the nutritional value of the food products given to students, and to promote healthy eating habits,” said Driver.
Your support will help feed these students.

Parents, children, and local businesses are invited to join the City of Smithville and the Police Department’s “Trick or Treat Halloween Downtown” Tuesday, October 31 from noon until 5:00 p.m.
Some offices in the DeKalb County Courthouse, Smithville City Hall, Smithville Police Department, Justin Potter Library, and participating businesses downtown will have candy and special treats for the children. Look for the stores and offices with a picture of an orange pumpkin on their windows. Maps are available at the police department and Justin Potter Library to show parents which businesses will be taking part in the event.
(CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO VIEW THE MAP HERE)
Scan20001.pdf (355.45 KB)
For more information call Beth Adcock at the Smithville Police Department at 615-597-8210 extension 1 or check out the police department’s face book page soon for details at https://www.facebook.com/SmithvillePoliceDepartment.
This event is sponsored by the Smithville Police Department and the Smithville City Hall.
Meanwhile, the Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a “Best Costume Contest” for downtown businesses and offices. Take pictures with your phone and send them to Shan Burklow at 615-594-2792 by 1:30 p.m. on October 31. First, second, and third place winners will be presented a “Halloween on the Square Best Costume Award”, media recognition, and bragging rights.
The Smithville Volunteer Fire Department will have special treats for children Tuesday, October 31 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Stop by for a hot dog, candy, and a tour of the Smithville Fire Hall. Meet with Smithville Fire Chief Charlie Parker and the Smithville Fire Department Volunteers.
Other communities and churches in the county will also be observing Halloween events in late October.

A benefit Golf Tournament for Chamber Director Suzanne Williams is set for Saturday, November 4 at River Watch Golf & Resort with a shotgun start at 10:45 a.m. It’s a 4-player team scramble and the cost is $85.00 per player. Enjoy a LIVE auction, food, beverages, and music. To reserve your spot call 931- 761- 8124 or email clubhouse@riverwatchgolfclub.com

A total of 28 people have cast ballots during the first three days of early voting for the Special 17th Senatorial District Republican and Democratic primaries set for November 7.
On Wednesday, 11 people voted in person and there were 7 absentees. Four people voted on Thursday. On Friday, 6 people voted including 5 in person and 1 absentee.
Eighteen have voted in the Republican Primary and 10have cast ballots in the Democratic Primary.
The election is the result of a vacancy created in the district when State Senator Mae Beavers resigned to focus on her gubernatorial campaign. The District includes DeKalb, Smith, Macon, Cannon, Clay and Wilson counties.
Only one candidate is on the ballot for both primaries. State Representative Mark Pody is looking to move to the upper chamber and is on the Republican primary ballot. Wilson County attorney Mary Alice Carfi is the lone candidate on the Democratic primary ballot. They will face each other in the General Election set for December 19th.
Early voting hours for the primaries are as follows: Mondays 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesdays 9 a.m. until Noon; Wednesdays 9 a.m. until Noon; Thursdays 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Fridays 9 a.m. until Noon and Saturdays 9 a.m. until Noon. All early voting will be held on the first floor of the DeKalb County Courthouse.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is set for Saturday, October 28. As part of this major health and safety initiative, the DeKalb Prevention Coalition will host a take-back event at Smithville City Hall from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on October 28. More than 15 tons of drugs were collected statewide on the last National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day in April.
Community members are encouraged to stop by this local take-back location to drop off their unused or expired medications, especially pain relievers and other prescription drugs. Pharmacists and law enforcement officers will be on hand to accept the medications and safely dispose of them, no questions asked.
“Two-thirds of Tennesseans said the main sources of prescription pain pills for those who abuse them are family members or friends,” said Lisa Cripps, Coordinator, DeKalb Prevention Coalition. “Take-back days are a safe and easy way to get these drugs out of your home.”
“Count it! Lock it! Drop it! Is a comprehensive community program for prescription drug abuse prevention. The program’s focus is for all Tennesseans to count their pills, keep them locked away, and safely drop them in an official drop box to prevent others from accessing them, “said Kristina Clark, co-founder of Count It! Lock It! Drop It!”.
“With 52 percent of individuals statewide having concerns about a loved one’s becoming addicted, we want to provide more opportunities for people to safely dispose of their medications. National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day occurs twice a year, so we can better prevent these addictive drugs from getting into the wrong hands.”
“If you can’t make it to a take-back event, visit www.countitlockitdropit.org/drog-box-finder/ to find a drop box in your community.

DeKalb County members recently finished the Chick-Chain poultry project with the annual show and sale which was held at the Farmers Market. Each participant received 15 Red Sex Link or Barred Rock chicks in early May and raised them throughout the spring and summer. These 4-H’ers are learning responsibility, hard work, patience, and much more all while having fun by raising chickens.
On October 5th, 30 4-H’ers completed the project by bringing 3 chickens back to the 4-H Poultry Show and Sale. The pullets, or young hens, are carefully judged on maturity, egg laying ability, and overall health. A Grand Champion and Reserve Champion is each breed was selected along with other awards. The Grand Champion Red Sex Link went to Clayton Crook, a 10th grader at DCHS, and the Reserve Champion was awarded to Dare Collins, 5th grader at Northside. The Grand Champion Barred Rock went to Luke Magness, 6th grader at DMS, while Reserve Champion went to Cale Brown, 5th grader at Northside.
After awards were handed out, it was time for the auction! The money raised goes back to the 4-H members to refund their original deposit on the chicks and to help fund other 4-H programs. They also received additional prize money. A special thank you goes out to all the bidders, buyers, sponsors, and volunteers who came out to support the 4-H poultry project this year. This is always one of our biggest community events!
4-H members who completed the project should feel proud of all their hard work and accomplishments! If you are interested in the Chick Chain project, or any other 4-H program, please call 615-597-4945. 4-H is a proud part of UT and TSU Extension. UT/TSU Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment through the cooperation of county, state, and federal governments.