The 2013 DeKalb County Fair Miss Sweetheart is twelve year old Abigail Hope Taylor, the daughter of Ken and Cindy Taylor of Smithville. The pageant was held Wednesday night during the fair in Alexandria.
The first runner-up in the pageant was Lydia Anne Brown, the eleven year old daughter of Stephen and Amanda Brown of Liberty. She was also “Miss Congeniality”.
(MOTORCYCLE RACING HELD WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT THE FAIR)

Alexis Catherine Cudney was the second runner-up. She is the ten year old daughter of Chris Cudney and Marnie Horton of Smithville.
Twelve year old Addison Grace Oakley, daughter of Clark and Lisa Oakley of Liberty, was the third runner-up.
Fourth runner-up went to Mya Catherine Ruch, the eleven year old daughter of Joe and Melissa Ruch of Smithville.
The title of Miss Photogenic went to Alexis Grace Atnip, the ten year old daughter of Veronica Atnip of Smithville.
The Extreme Queen crown went to Shelby Maylee Sprague, the eleven year old daughter of Jimmy and Johnna Sprague of Smithville.The award is sponsored by the Extreme Looks Design Team Salon.
The Peoples Choice winner for this pageant was Shaunta Rose Koegler, the twelve year old daughter of Brian and Leticia Koegler of Smithville.
Rounding out the top ten in the pageant were Macy Elizabeth Hedge, the twelve year old daughter of David and Trina Hedge of Smithville; Madison Rae Rackley, the ten year old daughter of Gordon and Jessica Rackley of Smithville; Julia Grace Curtis, the eleven year old daughter of Bruce and Amy Curtis of Smithville; Elizabeth Guinn, the eleven year old daughter of Kendra and Ricky Guinn of Smithville; and Brooklyn Storm Estes, the twelve year old daughter of Chris and Shanna Bogle of Smithville.
Other Participants were Molly Raven Hall, the twelve year old daughter of Terry Hall and Glenda Hall of Dowelltown; Monica Carlton, the ten year old daughter of Amanda Carlton and LeRoy Hale of Smithville; Zowie Tillery, the eleven year old daughter of Bridgette Tillery of Smithville; Lily Grace Martin, the ten year old daughter of Gilbert and April Martin of Lancaster; Sydney Grace Turner, the ten year old daughter of Donna Turner of Smithville; Kacie Malone, the eleven year old daughter of Sam and Nancy Malone of Brush Creek; Mariah Mofield, the eleven year old daughter of Teresa and David Mofield of Alexandria; Shelby Clayborn, the twelve year old daughter of Brian Clayborn and Holly Clayborn of Liberty; Abby Evans, the twelve year old daughter of Amanda Mathis of Smithville; Alaysia Christian, the eleven year old daughter of Wendy Stepp and Lonnie Eaton of Alexandria; and Skylar McKinlee Fuson, the ten year old daughter of Aleisha and Scotty Fuson of Smithville.
(TOP PHOTO: Left to Right- Mya Catherine Ruch (4th Runner-Up), Alexis Catherine Cudney (2nd Runner-Up), Miss Sweetheart Abigail Hope Taylor, Lydia Anne Brown (1st Runner-Up), and Addison Grace Oakley (3rd Runner-Up)
(SECOND PHOTO FROM TOP: People’s Choice- Shaunta Rose Koegler, Miss Congeniality- Lydia Anne Brown, Miss Photogenic-Alexis Grace Atnip)
Derek Cook of Short Mountain won $500 at the fair Wednesday night. He is the only cash winner so far this week.
The following events are scheduled Thursday night:
Senior Citizen Day activities at 9:00 a.m. at the Lions Club Pavilion; 4-H Chick Chain Show at 5:00 p.m. at the Tot Kelly barn; Junior Goat Show at 6:00 p.m. at the Tot Kelly Barn; a Baby Show at 6:00 p.m. followed by a Vintage Fashion Show at the Lions Club Pavilion; and ATV Rodeo at the T.C. McMillen Arena at 7:00 p.m.;(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, sponsored by DeKalb Community Bank.
The DeKalb County Fair Memory Lane Stage Line-Up Thursday night is as follows: Terri Lynn Weaver from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. and Muddy Water from 7:45-8:45 p.m.
Visit the food booths and view exhibits in the Kenneth Sandlin Center and Commercial building.
Rides on the Midway will be provided by the Family Attractions Amusement Company.
Ride Arm Band Prices:
Thursday:$18
Friday: $18
Saturday:$18
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. Parking is Free!
For more information, call 529-FAIR or visit on-line at www.dekalbcountyfairtn.com.

Nine year old Addison Jean Puckett of Smithville was crowned Little Miss Princess at the DeKalb County Fair Wednesday night.
Puckett is the daughter of Jimmy and Anita Puckett.
First runner-up in the pageant was Kennedy Agee, the nine year old daughter of Josh and January Agee of Liberty.
Nine year old Natalie Morgan Snipes was the second runner-up. She is the daughter of Tim and Michelle Snipes of Smithville.
Third runner-up went to Carlee Elizabeth West, the eight year old daughter of D.J. and Megan Stewart of Smithville.
Alonna Christian was the fourth runner-up. She is the nine year old daughter of Wendy Stepp and Lonnie Eaton of Alexandria.
Madison Martin was named “Miss Photogenic”. She is the eight year old daughter of Terry and Jennifer Martin of Liberty.
Eight year old Kyleigh Breanne Hill is “Miss Congeniality”. She is the daughter Kyle Hill and David and Collene Clary of Smithville.
The Peoples Choice award for this pageant was presented to Rebekah Haylee Adams, the nine year old daughter of Brian and Carolyn Adams of Smithville.
The Extreme Queen crown went to Brookelyn Pedigo, the seven year old daughter of Jerrold and Melissa Pedigo of Murfreesboro. The award is sponsored by the Extreme Looks Design Team Salon.
Others in the top eleven were Hannah Paige Trapp, the eight year old daughter of Jeremy and Jenny Trapp of Smithville; Jaycee Makenna Barrett, the seven year old daughter of Jeff and Trish Barrett of Smithville; Alexis Danyelle Rigsby, the eight year old daughter of April and Caleb Rigsby of Dowelltown; Abby Malone, the eight year old daughter of Sam and Nancy Malone of Brush Creek; Maleah Paige Ruch, the seven year old daughter of Joe and Melissa Ruch of Smithville; and Alley Beth Cook, the nine year old daughter of Troy and Julie Cook of Alexandria.
Other participants were Mary Cowles, the seven year old daughter of Kenneth and Nikki Cowles of Brush Creek; Graci Starnes, the nine year old daughter of Brandon and Joelle Starnes of Smithville; Hannah Hall, the eight year old daughter of Joseph and April Hall of Smithville; Ansley Faith Cantrell, the seven year old daughter of Tony and Amee Cantrell of Smithville; McKenzie Pack, the nine year old daughter of Larry and Julie Brown of Smithville; Layla Lynn Walker, the eight year old daughter of Ed and Penny Walker of Smithville; Sadie Moore, the nine year old daughter of Robin West and Johnny Moore of Carthage; Allyson Roxanne Fuller, the seven year old daughter of Anthony and Amanda Fuller of Baxter; Elaina Bryce Turner, the seven year old daughter of Shane and Regina Turner of Smithville; Rebecca Lynn Eastes, the eight year old daughter of Kenny and Teresa Eastes of Liberty.
(TOP PHOTO: Alonna Christian (4th Runner-Up),Natalie Morgan Snipes (2nd Runner-Up), Little Miss Princess Addison Jean Puckett, Kennedy Agee (1st Runner-Up), and Carlee Elizabeth West (3rd Runner-Up)
(SECOND PHOTO FROM TOP: Extreme Queen Brookelyn Pedigo, People Choice-Rebekah Haylee Adams, Miss Photogenic-Madison Martin, and Miss Congeniality-Kyleigh Breanne Hill)

Venturing Crew 347 of Smithville recently visited the 2013 BSA National Scout Jamboree held at The Summit Bechtel Scout Reservation in Mt. Hope, West Virginia. The National Jamboree was attended by over 40,000 scouts from all across the U.S. and other countries. This was the first year for the Jamboree at the Summit and will be the permanant home. The Summit will also host the World Scout Jamboree in 2019.
The local crew camped in beautiful Camp Creek State Forest and visited many local attractions such as Hawk’s Nest State park where they participtated in an exciting White water Jet Boat ride up the Senic New river Gorge National River to see the longest single span arch bridge in the U.S. It towers 876 feet above the river.
The Crew also visited the Beckley Exhibition Coal mine where they rode an orginal man tranport mine train into the mine to learn the history of the local Coal Mines. They also visited the unusual Mystery hole site, where they defied the law of gravity and it still remains a mystery.
Venturing is a high adventure Co-ed division of the Boy Scouts of America for boys and girls ages 14-21. Members of Crew 347 that went on the trip were Ethan Judkins, Kain Bennett, Elizabeth Lasser, Neely Evans, and Brady Evans. Crew Advisors are Brad and Ronica Evans.

The man indicted in a double murder last year in Smithville has been deemed competent to stand trial after undergoing an evaluation at the Plateau Mental Health Center in Cookeville.
In a letter to the court, Dr. Sandra DeMott Phillips, a Clinical Psychologist wrote that 44 year old David Howard Dixon, after undergoing an evaluation as to his competency “has sufficient present ability to consult with his lawyer with a reasonable degree of rational understanding and a rational as well as a factual understanding of the proceedings against him”.
Meanwhile, Judge Leon Burns, Jr. set a December 2 trial date for Dixon in DeKalb County Criminal Court on Monday, July 22.
Dixon was named in a sealed indictment in November, 2012 charging him with two counts of first degree murder in the deaths of 55 year old Ervin Raymon Beacham and Jose Sagahon Ticante. The case against Dixon was presented to the grand jury by Dan Friel of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
On August 7, 2012, the Smithville Police Department responded to 311 Tommy Harrell Street and discovered Beacham, the owner of the residence, shot to death on the couch in his home. A second victim, Ticante was also found murdered and his body hidden under a tarp and some lumber in the backyard of the residence. TBI investigated the murders with the Smithville Police Department, DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office and the 13th Judicial District Attorney General’s Office.
After being picked up after the murders on August 7, Dixon was incarcerated at the DeKalb County Jail without bond for violation of probation and for failure to appear. He is currently being housed at the Henderson County Jail.
Dixon recently underwent an evaluation as to his competency to stand trial and to determine his mental condition at the time he was charged in the double murder. In her letter to the court, Dr. Phillips wrote “After completion of the evaluation, it is my opinion that at the time of the commission of the acts constituting the alleged offenses, severe mental disease or defect did not prevent the defendant (Dixon) from appreciating the nature or wrongfulness of the alleged acts.”
Dixon has a lengthy criminal history here including charges for possession of a handgun while under the influence, manufacture and delivery of a schedule IV controlled substance, assault, public intoxication, violation of an order of protection, aggravated assault, theft, domestic assault, and simple possession.

A Rock Island Woman, whose car was rear ended in a traffic accident Monday evening on South Congress Boulevard at Joe Tittsworth Street, is in trouble with the law for leaving the scene.
Central dispatch received the call at 5:54 p.m.
Smithville Police Officer Stephen Barrett told WJLE that 53 year old Debra Hayes has been charged with leaving the scene of a personal injury accident and driving on a revoked license due to previous DUI’s in two other states. She was also cited for violation of the financial responsibility law (no insurance). Her bond totals $7,500 and she will be in court August 8.
According to Officer Barrett, the accident occurred when 43 year old Kimberly Griffin of Smithville, driving south in a 2002 Land Rover, rear ended Hayes’ 1998 Chrysler Sebring, which was also traveling south. Griffin allegedly claims she fell asleep at the wheel and awoke upon impact. A witness said Griffin’s vehicle flipped over during the crash but came to rest upright.
After her car was rear ended, Hayes left the scene and drove about a half mile to Jewel’s Market, where she got out and went in the store. A witness reported the incident and Officer James Cornelius went to the store where he confronted Hayes and then brought her back to the scene of the accident where she was subsequently placed under arrest by Officer Barrett.
Griffin was taken by DeKalb EMS to DeKalb Community Hospital. She has been cited for following too closely and for violation of the financial responsibility law.
Members of the Smithville Volunteer Fire Department also responded to the scene.

The 2013 Junior Fair Princess of the DeKalb County Fair is 14 year old Mary Elizabeth Murray, the daughter of Angel Brown of Smithville.
Murray was among 28 young ladies who competed for the crown on the opening night of the DeKalb County Fair on Monday night.
The first runner-up was Taneah Brooke Cantrell, the 16 year old daughter of Scott and Tammy Cantrell of Smithville.
Second runner-up was Madeleine Brummitt, the 15 year old daughter of Chad and Vicky Brummitt of Algood.
Haley Marie Hale was the third runner-up. She is the 16 year old daughter of Chad and Melissa Hale of Smithville. She was also “Miss Congeniality”.
The fourth runner-up was Darrian Turner, the 16 year old daughter of Shane and Regina Turner of Smithville.
The “Extreme Queen” sponsored by the Extreme Looks Design Team Salon went to Attiah J’nay Hicks, the 14 year old daughter of Rod and Brandy Hicks of Sparta.
Juli Sue Garcia-Romo, the 15 year old daughter of Tammy and Dygo of Brush Creek was the “People’s Choice”.
Hailey Nicole Glass, the 14 year old daughter of Doyle Glass and Debbie Netherton of Alexandria received the “Miss Photogenic” honor.
Rounding out the top ten were Liz Abigail Qualls, the 15 year old daughter of Brad and Kim Trapp and Jason and Stormy Qualls of Smithville; Tyra Graham, the 14 year old daughter of Kyle and Doris Graham of Smithville; Bethany Brooke Poss, the 15 year old daughter of John and Lori Poss of Smithville; Kayla Jayne Belk, the 13 year old daughter of Chris Anne and Andrew Fults of Smithville; and Hannah Walker, the 14 year old daughter of Scott and Misty Walker of Smithville.
Other participants were Jayde Elizabeth Nokes, the 16 year old daughter of Toby and Jamie Nokes of Smithville; Carrie Lee Adams, the 16 year old daughter of Brian and Carolyn Adams of Smithville; Santanna Ferrell, the 13 year old daughter of Melissa Ferrell of Dowelltown and Chris Ferrell of Smithville; Naomi Hope Lawson, the 15 year old daughter of Amy and Jonathon Hillis and Mark Lawson of Liberty; Emily Hope Burklow, the 13 year old daughter of Shan and Andy Burklow of Dowelltown; Britney Nicole Keen, the 14 year old daughter of Greg and Jan Keen of Sparta; Jessica Price, the 14 year old daughter of Charles Stubbe of Smithville; Destiny Danielle Franklin, the 14 year old daughter of Charlie and Jennifer Ware of Smithville; Shelby Delane Prichard, the 15 year old daughter of Stan and Michelle Prichard of Brush Creek; Chelsi Vaden, the 14 year old daughter of Travis and Jerri Lynn of Hickman; Alexis KaSara Davis, the 14 year old daughter of Scott and Angela Davis of Smithville; Cassidy Anne Montgomery, the 13 year old daughter of Rose Montgomery of Liberty; Brooke Daniellie Roller, the 16 year old daughter of Richard and Rose Roller of Smithville; Olivia Grace Fuson, the 13 year old daughter of Aleisha and Scotty Fuson of Smithville; and Kimberly Nicole Carlton, the 16 year old daughter of Dewayne Carlton and Brandi Pelham of Smithville.
(TOP PHOTO: Left to right- Darrian Turner (4th Runner-Up), Madeleine Brummitt (2nd Runner-Up), Mary Elizabeth Murray (Queen), Taneah Brooke Cantrell (1st Runner-Up), and Haley Marie Hale (3rd Runner-Up)
THERE WERE NO CASH WINNERS MONDAY NIGHT
The following events are scheduled Tuesday night:
Little Mr. and Miss Pageant for contestants ages 4-6 at 6:00 p.m. at the Lions Club Pavilion followed by entertainment (Elvis impersonator); 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 (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, sponsored by DeKalb Community Bank.
The DeKalb County Fair Memory Lane Stage Line-Up Tuesday night is as follows: Pickin’ Friends
6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Visit the food booths and view exhibits in the Kenneth Sandlin Center and Commercial building.
Rides on the Midway will be provided by the Family Attractions Amusement Company.
Ride Arm Band Prices:
Tuesday:$16
Wednesday:$14
Thursday:$18
Friday: $18
Saturday:$18
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. Parking is Free!
For more information, call 529-FAIR or visit on-line at www.dekalbcountyfairtn.com.

18 year old Rebekah Grace Webb is the 2013 Fairest of the Fair
Webb, the daughter of C.D. and Cindy Webb of Dowelltown, was also named “Miss Photogenic”.
17 year old Lauren Ashley Medlin of Smithville was named first runner-up. She is the daughter of Greg and Teresa Medlin.
18 year old Ashlee Michelle Whitehead, daughter of Kenneth and Tina Whitehead was named second runner-up in the pageant. She is also the “Extreme Queen” which is an award given by Extreme Looks Design Team Salon for best hair and personality.

Third runner-up went Shauna Faith Taylor, the 17 year old daughter of Ken and Cindy Taylor of Smithville. She also received “Miss Congeniality”.
Katlin “Alli” Emme, the 17 year old daughter of Gordon and Jessica Rackley and Michael and Leslie Emme of Smithville was fourth runner-up.
The only other contestant in the pageant Monday night was Christian Janette Atnip, the 18 year old daughter of Veronica Atnip of Smithville. Atnip was the recipient of the “People’s Choice” Award.
(TOP PHOTO: Left to right- Shauna Faith Taylor (3rd Runner-Up), Lauren Ashley Medlin (1st Runner-Up), Queen Rebekah Grace Webb, Ashlee Michelle Whitehead (2nd Runner-Up), and Katlin “Allie” Emme (4th Runner-Up)

Rolando Navarro of Smithville was the overall winner of the first ever DeKalb County Fair 5K Fun Run held Saturday morning in Alexandria.
Navarro ran the course in 23:29

James Sullivan of Alexandria took second place in the race at 26:17 and Kelly Pyburn of Alexandria came in third place at 28:09.
Winners in the children’s category (ages up to 12 years):
First place: Damien Sullivan of Alexandria
Second place: Addison Oakley of Liberty
Third place: Abby Evans of Smithville
Fourth place: Garrett Hayes of Liberty
Winners (13-39 years):
First place: Bailey Hayes of Liberty
Second place: Cason Oakley of Liberty
Third place: Jasmine Zervas of Alexandria
Winners: (age 40 and over):
First place: Melissa Ruch of Smithville
Second place: Gena Cripps of Smithville
Third Place: Clark Oakley of Liberty

DTC Communications is proud to announce its sponsorship of the annual DeKalb Idol talent competition at the DeKalb County Fair in Alexandria, Tenn.
DeKalb Idol will be held Friday night, July 26, in the Lions’ Club pavilion at the DeKalb County Fairgrounds. DeKalb Idol will immediately follow the Toddler Show, which starts at 6:00 p.m. at the pavilion.
“DTC is excited to again take the lead on this popular entertainment competition,” said Tom Duggin, Video Production Editor with DTC3. “Last year’s Idol was tremendously successful, although DTC took on the event on such short notice. This year, we have made a few changes that we hope will make the event even bigger and better.”
The biggest change in this year’s DeKalb Idol competition will be the audition process. Interested contestants will audition at a designated site on the fairgrounds on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights at the DeKalb County Fair, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. each night. Contestants will perform a 30-second segment of a song, a cappella, with the segment to be filmed by DTC3. The auditions will also be shown live outside the audition venue on video screens provided by DTC TV.
At the end of the three-night audition, the top ten contestants will be notified on Thursday, July 25, and will return to perform a full song during the competition on Friday night, July 26. Video highlights of the week’s auditions will be shown to the live audience during the competition. The top three finalists will be selected from the top ten, each to perform a different song in front of both the judges and the live audience. A cappella, music on CD, or live accompaniment will all be acceptable during the top ten and finals performances on Friday night. The judges will all have connections to the music industry.
Contestants will be scored on vocal ability, stage presence, appearance and audience response. The decision of the judges will be final. The decision of the judges will be final.
First, second and third place winners will be selected, along with the popular People’s Choice award. First place will win $300 and a trophy; second place wins $200 and a ribbon, while third place will win $100 and a ribbon. The People’s Choice award winner will claim $150 as the competition’s fan favorite.
DeKalb Idol is not confined to only DeKalb County residents; anyone of any age interested in participating are encouraged to do so.
Interested contestants must audition on one of the three aforementioned nights, and a $10 registration fee must be paid at the time of audition. Contestants may audition as many times as they wish; however, the $10 registration fee must be paid before each audition. Scores will not be revealed at the time of the audition, as the top ten will be determined from the video filmed by DTC3.
Last year’s winner of DeKalb Idol, Josh Issac, will be exempt from this year’s competition, but will be on hand to perform during the competition.
“We had some amazing talent from all over the region compete in DeKalb Idol last year, and I expect even more participation this year,” said Duggin, who will emcee the competition on Friday. “There’s no shortage of good singers in this area. We hope to put on the best DeKalb Idol yet for visitors of the DeKalb County Fair.”
For more information on DeKalb Idol, contact Tom Duggin at (615) 464-2402.
DTC Communications is a member owned telephone cooperative established in 1951. The cooperative supplies communication and entertainment products and services to residential and business customers primarily throughout Middle Tennessee.

One man died in a car crash Thursday afternoon on Highway 146 (Short Mountain Highway) near Short Mountain Mini-Storage.
Dead is 69 year old Haskel Junior Hawkins of Smithville.
According to Sergeant Eric McCormick of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Hawkins was traveling south in a 2002 Buick Century when his car veered off the left side of the highway, went into a ditchline, struck a culvert and rolled coming to a final rest on its side in a soybean field. Hawkins, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the car.
He was taken by DeKalb EMS to DeKalb Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead.