DeKalb County 4-H members Kris Barrett, Kayla Belk, Clayton Crook, and Wyatt Martin are headed to the state competition after a very successful day at the Central Region 4-H Outdoor Meat Cookery contest, held each year at the Wilson County Fair in Lebanon. Also participating individually were Hailey Bogle and Lily Martin. The team placed 3rd overall and will be representing DeKalb County and the Central Region at the state contest in Knoxville on October 7th.
4-H’ers in grades 7-12 can participate in this fun and practical contest that not only teaches them how to grill, but how to do it safely. Each contestant must start his or her own charcoal grill, prepare the meat, and cook it to perfection. On a four person team, each member is responsible for grilling a different species of meat: beef, poultry, lamb, and pork. They are judged throughout the cooking process to make sure they start their fires properly, prepare the meat safely, and cook it to the correct temperature. The meat itself is then judged on taste, texture, appearance, and originality of recipe.
At the regional contest, Kris Barrett was 3rd in lamb, Clayton Crook placed 3rd with chicken wings, Wyatt Martin 6th in pork, Kayla Belk placed 7th in the beef category, while the team placed 3rd overall in the Sr. High division. Hailey Bogle also placed 3rd in Jr. High pork with her baby back ribs.
There were 15 total counties present at the contest. Congratulations on representing DeKalb County so well. The 4-H members would also like to say thank you to Smithville Food Lion for helping to supply quality meat for the contest. If you are interested in participating in this contest next year, or any other activities, please contact the 4-H office at 615-597-4945.

A man, believed to be intoxicated at the time, was taken into custody on Sunday after threatening four people with a knife.
54 year old Robert Lewis Judkins of Judkins Lane, Smithville is charged with four counts of aggravated assault; public intoxication; and resisting stop, frisk, halt, arrest, or search. His bond is $24,000 and his court date is October 5.
Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on Sunday, September 10 a deputy was dispatched to a residence on South Judkins Lane due to a man reported to be threatening four others there with a knife. Upon arrival, the officer found the man, Judkins holding a knife. He was yelling and threatening to burn down the home. Judkins then swung the knife within inches of another man’s chest and threatened three others with the knife causing them to fear for their safety. According to the officer, Judkins appeared to be unsteady on his feet and his speech was slurred. The deputy concluded that Judkins was a danger to himself and to his neighbors. As the officer was placing him in custody, Judkins initially refused to put down the knife and to obey verbal instructions.
56 year old Donald Gene Rigsby of Bethel Road, Smithville is charged with driving under the influence. He was also cited for driving on a suspended license, driving on the wrong side of the road, and simple possession of a schedule VI drug (marijuana). His bond is $3,500 and he will make a court appearance on September 28. Sheriff Ray said that on Wednesday, September 6 a deputy spotted a red scooter traveling south in the northbound lane on South Mountain Street in Smithville. The officer made a traffic stop and spoke with the driver, Rigsby. He noticed that Rigsby’s eyelids were droopy and that his eyes were glossy and bloodshot. His speech was slurred and he was very unsteady on his feet. Rigsby submitted to but performed poorly on field sobriety tasks. He was placed under arrest. Upon a search incident to arrest, the deputy found on Rigsby 0.23 grams of a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana. The officer learned that Rigsby’s license were suspended for failure to show proof of insurance on May 29, 2016.
18 year old Jacob Randall Stacy of Carthage is charged with assault. He is under a $2,500 bond and his court date is September 28. Sheriff Ray said that on Thursday, September 7 Stacy, an inmate at the jail, punched another prisoner during an argument.
35 year old Jose Antonio Soto-Guerrero of Short Mountain Highway, Smithville is charged with driving under the influence. He was further cited for no insurance and driving on a revoked license. His bond is $2,500 and his court date is October 5. Sheriff Ray said that on Sunday, September 10 a deputy, while on patrol, spotted a silver Nissan Maxima on Highway 56 south pull over to the shoulder of the road. The officer stopped to offer assistance and found the driver, Guerrero passed out behind the steering wheel. He also noticed a strong odor of alcohol coming from the car. After being awakened by the deputy, Guerrero admitted to having consumed two to three beers. He also submitted to but performed poorly on field sobriety tasks. He was unsteady on his feet and his eyes were bloodshot. Guerrero had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person.

The 2017 Homecoming Queen at DeKalb County High School is Allison Brooke Maynard.
A senior, Maynard is the 17 year old daughter of Stacey Dickens of Smithville.
Allison is a member of the Senior Beta, Literature, Science, and Spanish Clubs, FBLA, National Society of High School Scholars Ambassador, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Alumni, and Class Vice President. She is a four year DCHS Football Cheerleader, four year DCHS Tigerette Softball player, and a member of the Extreme Fastpitch Travel Softball Team.
Maynard’s other achievements:
*Freshman Year- 8AA All District Tournament Team-Softball
*Sophomore Year- 8AA All District Honorable Mention-Softball
*Junior Year-NCA All American Cheerleader, NCA Disney World Spirit Spectacular Performer, 8AA All District Team, UTK Governor’s School for Science and Engineering
*Senior Year-DCHS Football Cheer Captain
Allison attends the Smithville First Free Will Baptist Church and has been a Remote Area Medical Volunteer
The Homecoming Attendants are:
Senior Attendant – Kayla Jayne Belk, the 17 year old daughter of Chris Anne and Andrew Fults of Smithville. She has served as Student Council President, 4-H President, and FFA Reporter. She is also a member of the Beta, FBLA, FCA, Climate Crew, and Science, Literature, and Spanish Clubs. Kayla has played tennis at DCHS for three years.
Belk’s other accomplishments:
*Received the highest level of achievement in 4-H, Vol State
*Maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout high school
*Over 600 volunteer/service hours from volunteering at summer camps and various other things
Kayla attends the Dowelltown United Methodist Church and is an active member of their youth group.
Senior Attendant- Kaitlyn Elizabeth Cantrell, the 17 year old daughter of Blake and Teresa Cantrell of Smithville. She is a member of the Beta, FBLA, Science, and Literature Clubs, and FCA. Kaitlyn is a football manager. She has maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout high school and is in the 21+ ACT score group. Kaitlyn attends the First Baptist Church and actively participates in their youth group.
Junior Attendant- Callie Elizabeth Mulloy, the 16 year old daughter of Randy and Nancy Mulloy of Liberty. She is a member of the Science, Literature, Spanish, HOSA, and Senior Beta Clubs. Callie is a football cheerleader. She is a member of the National Society of High School Scholars and was a John W. Harris Award winner for Junior Beta in 2014. Callie attends the First Baptist Church in Alexandria.
Sophomore Attendant-Alley Elaine Sykes of Smithville, the 15 year old daughter of Robbie and Jennifer Sykes and the late Tyler Alley Sykes. She is a member of the FBLA, Climate Crew, Science, and DCHS Literature Clubs and a DCHS football cheerleader. She was an NCA All-American nominee as a Freshman and Sophomore and is a past member of a winning All-Star Cheer Team. Alley attends the Church of Trinity at Algood.
Freshman Attendant- Leah Brooke Davis, the 14 year old daughter of Kerry and Glenda Davis of Smithville. She is a member of the FBLA, Science, and Literature Clubs. Leah is a DCHS Football Cheerleader and a member of the DCHS Lady Tiger Basketball Team. She is an NCA All-American Nominee and an active member of the Upper Helton Baptist Church in Alexandria.
Spirit week activities will be held September 18-22 at DCHS. The Homecoming Parade will take place Friday afternoon, September 22 and the Tiger Homecoming Football game will be at 7:00 p.m. that night against Cannon County. WJLE will have LIVE coverage of the game.

Two people charged by Smithville Police in recent burglaries were sentenced in DeKalb County Criminal Court Monday, September 11
Judge David Patterson presided.
25 year old Sonny Roman Smith and 29 year old Jessica Anne Jenkins each entered a plea by criminal information to attempted aggravated burglary. They were originally charged with two counts of aggravated burglary.
They each received a sentence of four years on supervised probation and were given credit for 35 days of jail time served. Jenkins’ sentence is to run consecutive to a case against her in Warren County.
According to police, at approximately 9:29 p.m. on Friday, August 3, Smith and Jenkins went to their victims’ home and walked into the house unwelcomed. When one of the victims confronted Jenkins, she (Jenkins) allegedly punched her in the face and ripped her shirt. Jenkins then approached the other victim, allegedly grabbed his cell phone, and damaged it by slamming the phone on the ground. By the time police arrived, the couple had left but the victims were able to identify them. The next morning, Friday August 4 at approximately 6:55 a.m., Smith and Jenkins were observed by police hiding behind a green GMC Sonoma on property where a burglary had been reported. The homeowner told police that prior to their arrival, a man and woman, identified as Smith and Jenkins were at the back door of his residence trying to gain entry. Smith and Jenkins were taken into custody without incident and charged in the case.

After 14 years, the Old Timers Day is returning to Alexandria on Saturday, September 23 starting at 10 a.m. on the town square.
The featured entertainment is as follows:
Tom duggin, Patsy & Nick Nokes, Susan Martin, The Collins family, DeKalb Dancing/clogging, Right on Time, Three Parts Grace, Kevin Roberts, Pickin Friends, Calvary Trio.
Food : Watertown First Baptist youth, Crazy Dawgs and more.
Vendors: Mary Kay, Designs by Roberta, Two Crafty teacher’s, thirty-one, Pampered Chef, Color Street, Pie’s n more, Lularoe, Paparazzi, Plunder, Rebel Edge cosmetic, Scentsy, Pink Zebra, Young living oils, Tupperware, Slick Surface, and many more

DeKalb County Circuit Court Clerk Katherine Pack and her staff will bring lots of color to their office on Friday, September 15 and they are inviting you to participate in “Purple Out Day,” too to show support for Alzheimer’s Tennessee.
The statewide campaign was first launched in 2015 through a partnership between the State Court Clerks Association of Tennessee and the nonprofit organization Alzheimer’s Tennessee.
Alzheimer’s disease impacts Tennessee families in every county from West to East, and now Court Clerks across the state, including DeKalb County Circuit Court Clerk Pack, are showing their support by participating in the 3rd Annual Statewide “Purple Out Day” benefitting Alzheimer’s Tennessee, a not-for-profit organization.
“Seeing our state turn purple to show support to the hundreds of thousands of families who have been touched by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia is incredibly powerful. I know many understand what it’s like to slowly lose a loved one to this brain disease that steals both memories and dignity. I hope our loved ones will inspire all of us to come together again and make this month’s Purple Out Day even more memorable,” said Circuit Court Clerk Pack
Along with displaying your purple spirit, you may make a donation. 100% of the proceeds will benefit Tennesseans.Please make checks payable to Alzheimer’s Tennessee. You may bring your donation to the DeKalb County Circuit Court Clerk’s office or mail it directly to the Alzheimer’s Tennessee Main office at 5801 Kingston Pike, Knoxville TN 37919. To make an online donation go to http://www.alztennessee.org/donate
Because Alzheimer’s disease and dementia impact at least 110,000 Tennesseans, the Board of Directors for the State Court Clerks Association of Tennessee voted to adopt and support Alzheimer’s Tennessee, a Tennessee-based 501c3 not-for-profit organization that provides support services, promotes brain health through education, and champions research for better prevention and treatment strategies.
Alzheimer’s Tennessee has been based in the state since 1983 and has the following mission: To serve those facing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, to promote brain health through education, and to champion global prevention and treatment efforts. Alzheimer’s Tennessee, Inc. coordinates support groups and answers HelpLine calls for resource referrals and information, offers community and professional education, advocates for the needs and rights of those with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, and funds research. For more information visit www.alzTennessee.org.

Alexandria Police have made an arrest in two recent thefts
Police Chief Chris Russell said that on Monday, September 11, 26 year old Andrew Payton West of Tramel Branch Road, Alexandria was arrested for two counts of Theft of Property Under $1,000.
According to Chief Russell, West stole a leaf blower valued at $150, from a vehicle on Avant Circle. The crime occurred on Friday, September 1.
West is also charged with a separate offense for taking a push mower valued at $150 from another residence on Avant Circle the same day, Friday September 1st.
West was booked into the DeKalb County Jail on a $20,000 bond and will appear in General Sessions court on September 21st.
Chief Russell said these charges stem from an ongoing investigation into recent thefts in the Alexandria area and anyone with information on other crimes is urged to contact the Alexandria Police Department at 615-529-2700 or the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department at 615-597-4935.

The relationship between the City of Smithville and the DeKalb Utility District has been strained in recent years over the DUD’s new water treatment plant but the two sides are trying to put aside past differences and work together with passage of an agreement which will allow each utility to sell water to the other in times of need.
Under the water purchase agreement adopted Monday night 4-1 by the Smithville Aldermen and 5-0 by the DUD Board of Commissioners last Thursday, the City of Smithville and the DeKalb Utility District will sell water to each other, if needed, at the rate of $2.67 per 1,000 gallons. That’s the rate the city had been charging the DeKalb Utility District before the DUD cut ties with the city as a customer and started producing water for its own customers during the summer.
The city will maintain eight existing master meters that can service both utilities and the DUD will reimburse the city for one half of the servicing and maintenance costs.
“Last Thursday the DUD Board met and passed a water purchase agreement between DUD and the City of Smithville. Our city attorney Vester Parsley looked this over as well as Greg Davenport from Wauford Engineering. We changed a couple of things and sent it back to DUD. They were fine with the small changes. It was more or less just some wording. Their board approved it unanimously,” said City Administrator Hunter Hendrixson.
“Now that they (DUD) have their own plant up and going, if they need to use us, we can use our master meters to provide them water and if something happens in our distribution system we can turn our meters around and use the DUD water for our customers. Its just a mutual aid agreement. It basically says we will support each other one way or the other. The $2.67 per 1,000 rate can change years down the road but both parties have to be in agreement,” Hendrixson said.
Alderman Shawn Jacobs, who voted against the agreement, expressed concern about the rate. “We’re still selling water to them (DUD) cheaper than we can produce it ourselves,” he said.
“It sticks in my craw that we’re charging our customers $5.00 per 1,000 gallons and we’re letting non taxpaying residents get it cheaper than that,” Alderman Jacobs continued.
“Its based on a wholesale number versus a retail price,” replied Hendrixson.
“It’s the same price for both sides,” added City Attorney Vester Parsley.
“Have they (DUD) given any figures on what it cost to produce their water?,” asked Alderman Danny Washer
“Not that I am aware of. I suspect its more than $2.67 per 1,000 gallons,” Parsley responded.
“I’ll sign it (vote for it) but I don’t like it,” said Alderman Washer.
The agreement states:
SALE OF WATER FROM SMITHVILLE TO DUD:
“In times of special need or as circumstances require, Smithville will sell DUD a quantity of safe, potable water under terms of this agreement. DUD will pay for the purchase of this water in a manner consistent with the lowest 1,000 gallon wholesale rate charged by Smithville at the time of purchase, which rate at the date of this agreement is $2.67 per 1,000 gallons,” the agreement states.
“Smithville will bill DUD on a monthly basis with payment being due under the same terms and conditions as any other Smithville customer”.
“Smithville will furnish as much water as practicable to address DUD’s needs. The parties do, however, acknowledge that Smithville owes a primary duty to its citizens and, therefore, that Smithville does not guarantee any specific amount or quantity of water to be available at any time and reserves the right to limit the amount of water furnished to DUD”.
“Smithville agrees to supply water to DUD in the same condition of purity and fitness for consumption to all the other customers of Smithville. Smithville does not guarantee and will not be liable for any obligation, liability, responsibility, or cause of action arising out of the furnishing of water to DUD, whether concerning the quality or quantity of water furnished.”
“DUD hereby agrees to indemnify and hold Smithville harmless from any cause of action arising out of lack of water pressure or availability of pressure which might be brought by any DUD customer or user. This indemnification shall extend to the reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred by Smithville.”
SALE OF WATER FROM DUD TO SMITHVILLE:
“In times of special need or as circumstances require, DUD will sell Smithville a quantity of safe, potable water under terms of this agreement. Smithville will pay for the purchase of this water the same rate that Smithville proposes to charge DUD in the event of the sale of water to DUD by Smithville. The rate in effect as of the date of this agreement is $2.67 per 1,000 gallons,” the agreement states.
“DUD will bill Smithville on a monthly basis with payment being due under the same terms and conditions as any other DUD customer”.
“DUD will furnish as much water as practicable to address Smithville’s needs. The parties do, however, acknowledge that DUD’s primary purpose is to serve its customers within its service area and, therefore, that DUD does not guarantee any specific amount or quantity of water to be available at any time and reserves the right to limit the amount of water furnished to Smithville”.
“DUD agrees to supply water to Smithville in the same condition of purity and fitness for consumption as to all the other customers of DUD. DUD does not guarantee and will not be liable for any obligation, liability, responsibility, or cause of action arising out of its furnishing water to Smithville, whether concerning the quality or quantity of water furnished.”
“Smithville hereby agrees to indemnify and hold DUD harmless from any cause of action arising out of lack of water pressure or availability of pressure which might be brought by any Smithville customer or user. This indemnification shall extend to the reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred by DUD.”
MAINTENANCE, UPKEEP, AND REPAIR OF EQUIPMENT AND CONNECTIONS:
“Smithville shall continue to service and maintain the metering equipment located at Evins Mill master meter, Highway 70 West master meter, South College Street master meter, South Mountain Street master meter, Midway Community master meter, Cookeville Highway master meter, Hobson Street master meter, and Shiroki master meter. DUD Shall reimburse Smithville one half of any costs associated in servicing and maintaining said meters. Such service and maintenance includes, but is not limited to, routine maintenance, annual testing and calibration, and repositioning, if necessary. Before performing any such service or maintenance, the parties will confer concerning the work to be performed, the party responsible for overseeing the work, and the anticipated cost of such work.”
“Except for (previous paragraph), each party will be responsible for the upkeep, maintenance, and service of lines and equipment on its respective side of these meters,” the agreement concluded.

The times for early voting have been set for the upcoming Special Primary for the 17th Tennessee Senatorial District.
The DeKalb County Election Commission unanimously voted Monday night to set the following hours: 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.
Early voting will be held October 18 through November 2 on the first floor of the DeKalb County Courthouse.
The special election was created due to the resignation of State Senator Mae Beavers, who is running for governor.
The Primary will be held on November 7th and the hours for election day at all precincts will be 8 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Primary winners will square off in the General Election on December 19th.

Millions in Florida were ordered to evacuate as Hurricane Irma roared toward the state.
Thousands of evacuees made their way to Tennessee including several families who found DeKalb County a good place to stay until it was safe to return home.
One such family is Dimitrios and Nancy Napier Vafeas, who along with their children, 14 year old Alexander, 10 year old Olivia, and the family dog, left home in Sarasota, Florida (a western coastal city) Saturday morning before the storm hit. They arrived later that day in DeKalb County to stay with Nancy’s mother in the home Nancy grew up in.
Having lived in Florida for 23 years, Nancy said her family has weathered Hurricanes before without taking a direct hit, but forecasts indicated that Irma might be coming straight for Sarasota.
“I have never been scared like this before,”said Nancy, who spoke with WJLE Monday night.
Living near the coast, Vafeas said her concerns grew as Irma drew closer.
“My home is two miles inland so we started really watching Irma last Sunday. We knew she was coming at us but things change so much with Hurricanes. It kept being forecast as more of an east coast event like Miami or Palm Beach. About Wednesday, it started inching closer and closer to being a west coast hit. That’s when I started watching (forecasts) every three hours. By Thursday night, we knew we were in the danger zone,” said Nancy.
The family had initially planned to ride out the storm but had a change of heart by Saturday morning.
“Friday morning I got up and heard there were some generators in town that were for sale. I ran and bought a generator. My husband put up all of the Hurricane shutters at our house. I got all of our supplies and decided to hunker down. We thought it’ll be close but it’ll still be okay. Then we heard the storm was going to be a category 4. It started getting very real at that time. Many of our friends were staying but a lot of people were going. It was kind of a mixed bag. My in-laws and my husband’s brother and his wife decided to stay. But Saturday morning I woke up and saw the latest forecast, that Irma was a category 4 coming for Sarasota. With visions of Hurricane Andrew, Katrina, and Harvey in my mind, I decided I didn’t want to stay. I have a 14 year old son and a 10 year old daughter and I didn’t want them to experience that either. I woke up my husband and said we’re evacuating to Tennessee. He said no we’ll be okay, we’ve got all our supplies, our Hurricane shutters are up, we’re going to be safe. I said I’ve got to go. He knew I meant it. So we gathered everything we could think of in an hour, wedding albums, kids photos, etc and we jumped in the car and took off down the road hoping that we would be able to get out safely before the storm hit and hoping there would be enough available gas along the way to make the trip. We were taking a chance by leaving but I felt we were taking a bigger chance by staying,” said Nancy.
Since arriving in DeKalb County, Nancy said her family has stayed in touch with relatives and friends back home through social media and have been pleased to learn that their home and neighborhood were spared any major damage.
“My house is actually perfect. Sarasota got very lucky. Irma took a more easterly turn. We got some flooding, debris, and downed trees but nothing serious. No trees fell on our house. I have seen pictures and our house looks like it did when we left it,” said Nancy.
The Vafeas family plans to return home Wednesday if conditions permit. “We’re monitoring the news from our friends down there. Over six million people evacuated from Florida and we only have Interstates 75 & 95 as the north and southbound corridors so they are going to be very packed as people return home and there may continue to be a gas shortage so we’ll see,” she said.
Nancy added that while her family was spared, the storm has caused destruction and loss of life for others and they need to be remembered by all. “We just need to pray for those who didn’t fare as well”.
After returning home this week, Nancy and her husband plan to fly back to DeKalb County for her 30 year high school class reunion on September 22 & 23.