Steven Jennings, a rising Junior could become the first DCHS Tiger ever to play collegiate baseball in the Southeastern Conference.
This outstanding pitcher and short stop for the DCHS program has already earned an SEC offer from Ole Miss and has given a verbal commitment to play for the Rebels after his high school career is completed.
Jennings said his goal to one day play SEC baseball took a huge step forward this summer when coaches for Ole Miss took notice of him as a member of Team Nike, Middle Tennessee’s most elite 16U travel baseball club, made up of seventeen of the finest young baseball players from across the state.
“My dream has always been to play SEC baseball and Ole Miss is a school I really like. I’ve always kept up with Ole Miss baseball. I started playing summer ball this summer and my coach told me that Ole Miss (coaches) had come to watch and that I needed to call them. I called a couple of times and started talking to them and they said we would really like to get you down here to Oxford for a visit. So I went down there. They showed me everything. They actually gave me an offer. That was on Saturday. When I got home I talked to my parents about it for a couple of days and then on Tuesday I called Coach (Mike) Bianco and told him that I wanted to come to Ole Miss and be an Ole Miss Rebel,” said Jennings in an interview with WJLE Tuesday.
“Early in the summer Ole Miss was one of the schools that started looking at him (Steven). They started following us around watching him play, mainly watching him pitch but also his playing short (stop) and as a hitter too. Late in the summer they decided they were ready to make him an offer. We set up a visit, made a trip to Oxford, and spent a Saturday down there going through all the baseball stuff, met with academic people, and toured the campus. Then we got back and a few days later he decided that’s where he wants to go,” said Randy Jennings, Steven’s father.
“Mainly I think they like his arm. That’s what drew him to them (Ole Miss). The first time they saw him pitch he was throwing 87, 88 (mph) and by the end of the summer he was sitting at 89 and 90 (mph) pretty much with every fast ball. That’s what they really like. They like the power arm. I think that’s mainly what it is but they left the door open a little bit for the possibility of him playing in the field also,” said Randy Jennings.
In the meantime, Steven, who is also a talented quarterback, said he plans to continue playing high school football and baseball his junior and senior years at DCHS and for the travel baseball club during the summers.
“You can’t sign an official scholarship until you are a senior. A verbal commitment is one in which they (Ole Miss) have offered a scholarship and he (Steven) has accepted it. You are basically honoring your word until I think it’s November of his senior year when he can officially sign” said Randy Jennings.
Steven also had an offer from MTSU and a scheduled visit to Vanderbilt before opting for Ole Miss.

A Smithville man was arrested Friday and his vehicle seized after he was found with Dilaudid and Oxycodone.
37 year old Jerry “Bugg” Goff of East Main Street, Smithville is charged with one count each of schedule II drug possession for resale (Dilaudid and Oxycodone). His bond is $50,000 and he will make a court appearance on August 27.
Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on Friday, July 17 a Sheriff’s department detective and deputy went to Eastside Inn and spoke with Goff, who was sitting in a white Durango. The detective conducted a probation search of Goff and found in his left cargo pocket a gold metal container which held 48 pills believed to be Dilaudid. In his right cargo pocket was a silver metal container with 19 pills thought to be Oxycodone. Goff did not have a prescription for the drugs and he was placed under arrest. Goff’s Durango was also seized because it is believed to have been used to transport illegal narcotics for resale.
20 year old Dillon Ray Mullican of Walnut Street, McMinnville is charged with disorderly conduct. His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court August 27. Sheriff Ray said that on Tuesday, July 14 a deputy was dispatched to Highway 70 east and Evins Mill Road after receiving a call of two persons fighting in the roadway. When he got there, the officer found Mullican walking on Evins Mill Road. As the deputy began talking to him, Mullican kept cursing and refusing to cooperate. As the cursing grew louder, the officer asked Mullican several times to calm down. When he refused, Mullican was arrested for disorderly conduct and brought to the jail for booking.
32 year old Johnathon Kyle McCormick of South College Street, Smithville and 31 year old Jarrett Manning of Ferrell Road, Smithville are each charged with theft of property over $10,000. Bond for each is $5,000 and they will be in court July 23. The men were arrested on Friday, July 17. Sheriff Ray said that McCormick and Manning took several pieces of jewelry without the owner’s consent from February 1 through March 7 in the Seven Springs Community. The jewelry was valued at $21,355 . The case was investigated by a Sheriff’s department detective.
30 year old Rhonda Joy Goff of Highway 70 east, Smithville is charged with introduction of drugs into a penal institution. Her bond is $10,000 and she will be in court August 27. Sheriff Ray said that on Friday, July 17 Goff turned herself in at the jail to serve weekends on another offense. When asked by a detective about any contraband on her person, Goff admitted to having drugs in her body cavity. Goff produced a blue balloon which contained four and a half Suboxone pills and turned it over to a female correctional officer.
Jesus Arellano Vega of Murfreesboro is charged with driving under the influence. His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court September 24. He was further issued citations for driving on a suspended license, violation of the financial responsibility law, driving on roadways laned for travel, and violation of the implied consent law. Sheriff Ray said that on Saturday, July 18 a deputy stopped a silver car for crossing the white emergency line multiple times. While speaking with Vega, the officer detected a strong odor of alcohol on him. His eyes were watery and bloodshot and his speech was slurred. Vega tried to perform field sobriety tasks but had difficulty understanding and following instructions. He admitted to having consumed several beers after work. He refused to submit to a blood test. Vega was placed under arrest.

19 year old Kaylee Shannon Cantrell is the 2015 Fairest of the Fair
Cantrell, daughter of Shannon and Tonya Cantrell of Smithville won the crown Monday evening during the annual pageant held on opening night of the DeKalb County Fair in Alexandria. She was also named Miss Congeniality
Nine contestants competed for the title.
The new queen succeeds last year’s winner, 19 year old Lauren Ashley Medlin, daughter of Greg and Teresa Medlin of Smithville.
17 year old Chloe White of Smithville was named first runner-up and Miss Photogenic. She is the daughter of Lou White and the late Stephen White.
Chloe’s 17 year old sister Carlee White of Smithville was second runner-up. She is also the daughter of Lou White and the late Stephen White.
Third runner-up went to 18 year old Taneah Brooke Cantrell of Smithville. She is the daughter of Scott and Tammy Cantrell.
Shauna Faith Taylor was fourth runner-up. She is the 18 year old daughter of Ken and Cindy Taylor of Smithville.
Other participants were 17 year old Aspen Nicole Flarity, daughter of Doyle and Cindy Flarity of Smithville; 18 year old Emily Kay Robinson, daughter of Buddie and Donna Robinson of Smithville; 18 year old Taylor Brooke Ellis, daughter of Tonya and Donnie Ellis of Alexandria; and 20 year old MaKayla Shea Funk, daughter of Amie Funk of Dowelltown.
Tonight at the Fair:
Tuesday, July 21: Little Mr. and Miss Pageant for contestants ages 4-6 at 6:00 p.m. at the Lions Club Pavilion followed by a Comedy Hypnotist Show; Corn hole Contest at 7:00 p.m. at the Grandstand; Go-Cart Racing at 6:00 p.m. at the T.C. McMillen Arena and (2- $500 cash drawings) at 9:30 p.m.
Memory Lane Stage Events:
Tuesday Night July 21
6:30-7:00 pm—Reily Kelly
7:00-7:45 pm—Smithville Sugar Squares & DeKalb Dancing Delights
7:45-8:45 pm—Donnie Barthelemy
Rides on the Midway will be provided by the Family Attractions Amusement Company. Unlimited rides will be available $16.00 on Tuesday night; $14.00 on Wednesday and $18.00 on Thursday, 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. through Friday and at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. The exhibit building is open from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. through 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.

The 2015 Junior Fair Princess of the DeKalb County Fair is 14 year old Addison Grace Oakley, the daughter of Clark and Lisa Oakley of Liberty.
Oakley, who was also named Miss Photogenic, was among eighteen young ladies ages 13-16 who competed for the crown on the opening night of the DeKalb County Fair Monday evening. She succeeds the 2014 Junior Fair Princess, 15 year old Caitlin Leigh Tyree, the daughter of Josh and Carrie Tyree of Liberty.
The first runner-up was Tyra Grace Graham, the 16 year old daughter of Kyle and Doris Graham of Smithville.
Second runner-up was Destiny Danielle Franklin, the 16 year old daughter of Charlie and Jennifer Ware of Smithville.
Hannah Walker was third runner-up. She is the 16 year old daughter of Scott and Misty Walker of Smithville
The fourth runner-up was Abigail Hope Taylor, the 14 year old daughter of Ken and Cindy Taylor of Smithville.
The title of Miss Congeniality went to 14 year old Joni Leigh Robinson, daughter of Buddie and Donna Robinson of Smithville.
Rounding out the top ten were 13 year old Shelby Maylee Sprague, the daughter of Johnna and Jimmy Sprague of Smithville; 13 year old Madison Faith Mick, the daughter of Chris and Greta Mick of Smithville; 14 year old Tesla Tapp, the daughter of Latisha Tapp and Jimmy Stephens of Smithville; 14 year old Shaunta Rose Koegler, the daughter of Brian and Leticia Koegler of Smithville; and 14 year old Sarah Anne Colwell, the daughter of Trent and Christie Colwell of Smithville.
Other participants were 13 year old Alaysia Chalet Christian, daughter of Lonnie Eaton and Wendy Stepp of Alexandria; 13 year old Kacie Denise Malone, the daughter of Sam and Nancy Malone of Brush Creek; 13 year old Carrie Maxwell, the daughter of Amanda and Rob Bernhardt and Tony and Ashley Maxwell of McMinnville; 13 year old Julia Grace Curtis, the daughter of Bruce and Amy Curtis of Smithville; 13 year old Caitlin Milligan, the daughter of Josh and Cyndi Milligan of Smithville; 13 year old Mariah Shea Mofield, the daughter of David Mofield and Teresa Mofield of Alexandria; and 14 year old Shelby Elizabeth Clayborn, the daughter of Brian Clayborn and Holly Clayborn of Liberty.

Jordan Wilkins of Smithville, for the second year in a row, has won the DeKalb County Fair 5K and Fun Run.
Wilkins was the overall winner of the race, which was held on West Main Street in Alexandria Saturday evening. He ran the course in 24 minutes and 15 seconds.
Carly Vance of Smithville took second place in the race at 26:41 and Kelly Pyburn of Alexandria came in third place at 27:01.
Fun Run winners were:
1st place: Conner Vance at 5:34
2nd place: Jordon Agee at 9:20
Funds raised from the race benefit the Paislee’s Foundation whose mission is to reach out to families dealing with stillbirth and infant loss up to three years of age

A high speed chase which began in Watertown ended in DeKalb County early Saturday morning as spike strips were used to stop the driver of a vehicle trying to elude authorities.
According to reports, the pursuit started when Watertown police tried to stop a man, believed to be driving under the influence of alcohol.
The chase continued east on Interstate 40 at speeds of up to 100 miles-per-hour, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
The driver turned off I-40 onto Highway 56 at Silver Point toward DeKalb County but did not stop until he crashed near Hurricane Bridge after running over the spike strips.
He reportedly suffered only minor injuries. His name has not been released.

The county commission will consider passage of the proposed 2015-16 budget and tax levy during its next regular monthly meeting on Monday, July 27 at 6:30 p.m. at the courthouse. A public hearing will be held prior to the meeting at 5:30 p.m. Meanwhile the commission will have an all-committees meeting to review the budget again on Thursday, July 23 at 6:00 p.m.
(CLICK LINK BELOW TO VIEW THE PROPOSED BUDGET IN ITS ENTIRETY)
DeKalb-16 Budget WITH 16 CENTS 7-7-15.pdf (229.82 KB)
The new budget totals $40,936,094 with a proposed property tax increase of sixteen cents from $1.62 to $1.78 per $100 of assessed value.
One cent of the tax rate generates $44,328 in local money with a 7% delinquency rate figured into the equation.
The proposed tax rate is broken down as follows:
County General: 94 cents
Highway/Public Works: 4 cents
General Capital Projects: 11 cents
Debt Service: 12 cents
General Purpose Schools: 57 cents.
The solid waste fund, under this budget as in recent years, would not receive any property tax money but would continue to be supported by revenues derived from payment-in-lieu of taxes, local option sales tax, hotel-motel tax, state revenue sharing-TVA funds, alcoholic beverage tax, bank excise tax, and the state and wholesale beer tax.
Capital projects fund expenses for the year total $373,670 including:
*”Motor Vehicles” Ambulance- $95,000
*”Other Equipment”$12,500
*”Motor Vehicles” Patrol Cars-$82,500
*”Other Equipment”- Fire department (repairs to fire trucks) $33,670
**”Other Construction”- Striping $15,000
*”Building Construction” Omega Building $40,000
**Building Construction”(seed money for Four Seasons Fire Station) $25,000
*”Solid Waste Equipment” Skidsteer/Backhoe $70,000 (landfill)
The county commission will also consider adopting a resolution making appropriations of $146,681 to the following non-profit organizations:
Upper Cumberland Development District- $2,000
Tennessee Division of Forestry-$1,500
DeKalb County Rescue Squad- $16,821
Plateau Mental Health-$7,180
Families First-$750
Senior Citizens Program-$25,839
DeKalb Soil Conservation District-$33,166
DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce-$17,500
Imagination Library- $7,200
Genesis House- $1,500
Veterans Honor Guard-$2,000
Upper Cumberland Child Advocacy Center- $1,780
DeKalb County Fair- $1,500
WCTE-TV- $5,000
Prospect Incorporated-$12,500
Upper Cumberland Human Resources-$1,200
UCHRA Assessment-Homemaker Aide, etc-$9,245

After serving three years as Principal of DeKalb County High School, Patrick Cripps is getting a new assignment.
By a unanimous vote of 7-0, the Board of Education met in special session Thursday night and named Cripps the next Director of Schools. Cripps has accepted the board’s offer of a two year employment contract at a base salary of $85,000 per year. Cripps signed an initial 30 day contract Thursday night which is valid immediately until the board finalizes the deal. After the board and Cripps settle on all the contract terms at a July 30 workshop the board plans to vote on the final agreement at its next regular monthly meeting on Thursday, August 6 after it’s been reviewed by legal counsel.
“I’m really excited. I was really blessed and honored as Principal of DCHS and I am really excited to be Director of Schools. It’s kind of surreal. It’s hard to imagine that this opportunity has come to be at this time but I am very grateful and look forward to serving DeKalb County,” Cripps told WJLE after the meeting.
His first priority as Director will be to fill vacant positions including his own at the high school. ” First off we have to get people in place. With me leaving my position that leaves two (vacant) principals (DCHS and Northside). Immediately I have to start looking at applications, setting up interviews, and getting those positions filled,” Cripps said.
Cripps received a BS degree from Tennessee Tech University in the fall of 1995 with a major in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. In the fall of 1999, Cripps earned an MA in Educational Psychology and Counselor Education at Tennessee Tech. During the summer of 2004, Cripps received his Ed.S degree in Instructional Leadership at Tennessee Tech.
He has served as Principal at DCHS since 2012. Cripps began his education career in DeKalb County as a Safe Schools Counselor in 1997. Two years later, Cripps was named a School Counselor at DCHS. In 2005, he moved up to becoming an Assistant Principal at DCHS, a position he held until being named Principal.
Cripps becomes only the fourth director of schools in DeKalb County since the state law changed in 1998 requiring school superintendents to be appointed by local boards of education instead of being popularly elected. The first appointed director locally was Aubrey Turner, Jr. who served from 1998-2002, followed by Jim McCormick from 2002-2006, and Mark Willoughby from 2006-2015. Dr. Danielle Collins was named as interim director in April after the departure of Willoughby and is completing three months in the position. She will continue to serve as Federal Programs Supervisor for the School System.
Seven persons had submitted applications or resumes to become the next director. The board narrowed the number to three finalists but one of them dropped out later leaving only two candidates, Cripps and Supervisor of Special Education Gina Arnold who both interviewed with the board Tuesday night.
During Thursday night’s special meeting, the board members conducted the vote as recommended by legal counsel of the Tennessee School Boards Association first using paper ballots to make their choices. After the votes were counted Board Chairman W.J. (Dub) Evins, III announced that all seven board members had voted for Cripps. A roll call then followed with all members confirming their votes for Cripps.
Chairman Evins congratulated Cripps on the appointment and Arnold for being a candidate. “Ms. Arnold, it has been a tough decision. I’ve heard so many comments on your interview the other night. It could have gone either way. I appreciate what you continue to do here. I congratulate you on your efforts and thank you very much,” said Chairman Evins.
Board member Jerry Wayne Johnson praised Dr. Collins for the job she did filling in as director on an interim basis. “I want to thank Dr. Collins for what she has done. She worked hard on the budget. She stepped in and filled some big shoes and she has done a wonderful job. I want to let her know I appreciate it. Thank you very much,” said Johnson.
“I think everybody can say the same,” added Chairman Evins.
“Since the appointment of our new director, I would like to thank the board members for what they do for our system. We will continue our mission to ensure education in DeKalb County moves forward. I would also like to thank the board members for entrusting me with the responsibility as Interim Director for the last few months. The employees of our school system have been remarkable during this transition period. It has been a privilege to work with our board, news media, Mayor Stribling and County Commissioners and I look forward to working with each in the future,” said Dr. Collins in a prepared statement Friday morning.

The DeKalb County Fair begins its annual weeklong run Monday, July 20.
With the theme “Country Scenes and Beauty Queens”, this year’s fair will feature another fun filled week of activities along with rides by the Family Attractions Amusement Company and new events including a Comedy Hypnotist Show, the Almost Anything Goes Game Show, and Omega Force Strongmen.
The catalog of premium rules for exhibit entries at the Kenneth Sandlin Center is now available. Just check out the 2015 Fair Catalog (PDF) for complete details. Download the 2015 DeKalb County Fair Rule Book at the link below.http://www.dekalbcountyfairtn.com/images/2015_Fair_Book_web.pdf
Entry Dates and Times
*Perishable Items ONLY will be taken in on Saturday, July 18 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Kenneth Sandlin Center
Entries are also being sought for the DeKalb County Fair’s Decorated Hay Contest featuring three categories:
Decorated Round Bale
Decorated Square Bale
Decorated Display
Open to any youth or adult resident of DeKalb County
Hay can be entered Saturday July 18th – From 11:00 am till 2:00 pm
Hay bales may be decorated Saturday July 18th from 11 am till 2 pm & Sunday July 19th from 2 -4 pm
Decorations and Bales are to be removed on Sunday July 26th between 1- 3 pm
Meanwhile, the DeKalb County Fair 5K and Fun Run will be July 18. Registration begins at 6:30 pm at the Fair Office. The Run will start at 7:00 PM. Pre-registration available by contacting Matt Boss at 615-464-8627. Pre-registration guarantees a DeKalb County Fair 5K T-Shirt. The entry fee is $20 for youth and $25 for adults. Parking available behind Fair Office. For more info. contact Matt Boss at number above. Proceeds will go to the Paislee’s Foundation
Fair pageant applications are available for ages one day through 20. You may download applications from www.dekalbcountyfairtn.com.
Fair events each night are as follows:
Monday, July 20: Cattle Show at the Grandstand at 6:00 p.m.; Open Rodeo at the T.C. McMillen Arena at 7:00 p.m.; Junior Fair Princess Pageant for contestants ages 13-16 at 6:00 p.m. followed by the Fairest of the Fair Pageant for contestants ages 17 to 20 at the Lions Club Pavilion and (2- $500 cash drawings) at 9:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 21: Little Mr. and Miss Pageant for contestants ages 4-6 at 6:00 p.m. at the Lions Club Pavilion followed by a Comedy Hypnotist Show; Corn hole Contest at 7:00 p.m. at the Grandstand; Go-Cart Racing at 6:00 p.m. at the T.C. McMillen Arena and (2- $500 cash drawings) at 9:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 22: WSMV-TV’s Snowbird will greet fairgoers from 5-7 p.m. at the main gate; Little Miss Princess Pageant for contestants ages 7-9 at 6:00 p.m. followed by the Miss Sweetheart Pageant for those ages 10-12 at the Lions Club Pavilion; 4 Wheeler and Motorcycle Racing at 6:00 p.m. at the T.C. McMillen Arena; Kids Peddle Tractor Pull at the Grandstand at 7:00 p.m. ; and (2- $500 cash drawings) at 9:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 23: Junior Goat Show at 6:00 p.m. at the Tot Kelly Barn; Baby Show at 6:00 p.m. followed by The Almost Anything Goes Game Show at the Lions Club Pavilion; Omega Force Strongmen at 7:00 p.m. at the T.C. McMillen Arena; and (2- $500 cash drawings) at 9:30 p.m.
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.
Take a stroll down Memory Lane and enjoy nightly entertainment at the Memory Lane Stage in Memory Village.
Memory Lane Stage Events are as follows:
Monday Night July 20
6:30-7:30 pm —Muddy Water Band
7:45- UNTIL —Kitty Steadman
Tuesday Night July 21
6:30-7:00 pm—Reily Kelly
7:00-7:45 pm—Smithville Sugar Squares & DeKalb Dancing Delights
7:45-8:45 pm—Donnie Barthelemy
Wednesday Night July 22
6:30-7:30 pm—Kitty Steadman
7:45-8:45 pm— DCHS Cheerleaders
Thursday Night July 23
6:30-7:30 pm—Bryan Keith
7:45-8:45 pm— Terri Lynn Weaver
Friday Night July 24
6:30 – until— Karaoke Night
No Rap – Radio Edit Only
Max 1 Instrument or 2 Vocal Mikes and 2 Instruments Max.
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
Events subject to change without notice.
Rides on the Midway will be provided by the Family Attractions Amusement Company. Unlimited rides will be available for $15.00 on Monday night; $16.00 on Tuesday night; $14.00 on Wednesday and $18.00 on Thursday, 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. Monday through Friday and at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. The exhibit building is open from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Monday through 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.

A 66 year old man lost his life in a motorcycle crash late Wednesday night.
According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Floyd Tilley of Woodbury was traveling south on Short Mountain Highway near Lee Braswell Road when he left the road and struck a utility pole.
The crash was reported at 11:55 p.m.
DeKalb EMS responded along with members of the Short Mountain Station of the DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department, and Sheriff’s Department.
Tilley’s death marks the third traffic fatality of the year on DeKalb County roads.