One hundred ten students from DeKalb County High School participated in Project Graduation on Friday night, May 20 after the commencement program.
Every student who took part enjoyed the night safe and drug-free, which is the whole purpose behind Project Graduation. They had a night filled with food, fun, games, and prizes.
A huge thanks goes out to all who contributed to make this night a success, including parents, grandparents, friends, churches, the community, and all sponsors especially T-shirt sponsors DeKalb Community Bank and Liberty State Bank

Members of Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County have helped build HOPE for three partner families within the last four years and they would like to reach out to another family this year.
If you would like to experience the dream of home ownership you are invited to attend an information meeting and application fair on Thursday, June 9 from 6-7 p.m. at the Smithville First United Methodist Church Family Life Center next to Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Applications must be completed and postmarked by June 30.
The third Habitat home on Hayes Street in DeKalb County was completed last summer for Kim McCowan and her grandchildren. The other two, completed within the last four years for the Denise Perry and Felicia Gibbs families, are located on Adams Street.
Laura Stone, member of Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County, said Habitat works in partnership with people in need to build affordable housing. The houses are then sold to those in need at no profit and with no interest charged. “It’s a great opportunity for those who may not otherwise be able to afford a home to actually get in their own home. There’s zero percent interest on it. You have to meet three criteria. The basic things are that you have to be in need of a house due to inadequate or substandard housing that you currently live in which may not have enough rooms for you, there may be structural issues or heating and cooling issues,” said Stone.
“Secondly, you must have an ability to pay for the house. Your mortgage, property taxes, and insurance are all included together. We have income guidelines for that and they range anywhere from a one person family in which you can’t make more than $17, 875 a year all the way up to an eight person family who can’t gross over $33,000,” said Stone.
“You also must have a willingness to participate and partner with Habitat. What that means is you must have a certain number of sweat equity hours. That number is 500. What you would do is come out and assist in the construction of your own house and or work with some of our volunteer functions that we have including our chili supper, our Fiddler 5K, and things like that. This is where you get in your sweat equity time. All of our current homeowners have helped in building the next house so its an ongoing thing where everyone gives back,” said Stone.
Stone further explained that partner families don’t necessarily have to build on the Habitat site. “People have a misconception that they have to build where we’re building. If you have a lot or if someone has donated land to you, we can build on that land. We can go anywhere in the county. The only problem would be if you have property in an area that is under building codes or restrictions. Our houses generally do not meet the square footage guidelines for most restricted housing areas. We’re a little bit under that. But basically, anywhere you have a lot or if someone wants to give you a place to build, we can build on that for you,” said Stone.
As a partner family, you may also have some input on what your new home will look like.
In addition to providing an opportunity for affordable home ownership, the efforts of Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County also help put money back into the local economy and tax base.” Sixty eight percent of the building supplies of our house in 2010 was purchased in DeKalb County. We paid out about $6,000 to local subcontractors. We did have a lot of volunteer work, but we did have to pay for some things. Homeowners also pay city and county taxes just like everyone else. We’ve generated about $3,000 in DeKalb County taxes to date with our three other homes, so we do give back to the community,” said Stone.
Although money is raised through grants and local fundraising efforts, corporate and individual donations are vital to the continuation of Habitat’s work. Another $15,000 will be needed to complete the next house. Your contribution can make a difference. You may send a donation to Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County at Post Office Box 750, Smithville, TN. 37166.

All officers of the Smithville Police Department will soon be equipped with tasers
Chief Randy Caplinger told WJLE Friday that with the TASER X26C, each officer will have the ability to take down a fleeing suspect or someone who is threatening to do harm to himself and or others, without causing any injury or lasting after effects to the target. Tasers temporarily override the central nervous system, taking over muscular control for just a few seconds, giving officers an opportunity to make an arrest while the suspect is immobilized. “All officers with the city are certified and will be carrying the new X26 Taser, which is a weapon that can be utilized at the same time that any type of chemical spray can be used or a baton. It’ll be at the officer’s discretion. It’s a tool actually for the safety of the officers and for the public. It can be used against a fleeing subject or what’s called hands on, soft hand, or hard hand combat. Tasers are something the public has been hearing about for years. We hear the negative side a lot but there has never been one death caused by a Taser. A lot of people think a Taser will kill them but it won’t. What the Taser does when it’s deployed, it immobilizes the muscles. If a person is on drugs and the nerve endings are numb and a chemical spray doesn’t affect them, the Taser will. It puts out an electrical charge for five seconds. It immobilizes the person and gives the officer time to make the arrest. Its not going to stop their heart or affect their breathing. If a person has a knife or weapon of any sort, threatening themselves or anyone else it does keep that contact away from that person and the officer. It’s nothing that’s going to be used regular. It’ll just be used in certain situations and the officer will give the person (suspect) a warning that the Taser will be used if they don’t follow their commands. We should have one for each officer. That’s how many has been ordered. We’ll probably start utilizing the Tasers around the first of July,”said Chief Caplinger.
The costs of purchasing the tasers comes to around $5,000. The new city budget also includes funds for a new police car, four shotguns for the department, and a new detective position, along with funds for some new radar equipment.

Hours are set for the operation of the Smithville Municipal Swimming Pool.
Currently, the pool is open from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Although he apparently has the authority to set the hours under his lease agreement with the city as tenant of the pool and golf course, Tony Poss felt like he had to come before the mayor and aldermen Monday night to make sure it was okay to keep the pool open as late as 8:00 p.m. especially since Mayor Taft Hendrixson had the issue on the agenda Monday night for discussion, at the request of at least one alderman.
Previous tenants have apparently closed the pool around 5:00 p.m. each day, but Poss said because there have been so many patrons since the pool opened on Memorial Day, there is a need to keep it open til 8:00 p.m. Poss added that since the city can’t provide lifeguards for private pool parties, keeping the pool open longer still gives the public a chance to enjoy it after hours. “We’re keeping it (pool) open right now from eleven until eight o’clock at night. We’ve had a good response with it. The public seems to appreciate what we’ve done. We’re doing it kind of as a courtesy to the public. We’re definitely not getting rich at it. We’re doing it because we want to. We’re doing it kind of because we’ve been requested to do it. Since we couldn’t do private parties we’ve cut the prices down where they (public) can come in for two dollars a head until eight o’clock. The public is welcome. It’s not private. I’m just trying to put this issue to rest because it just seems to keep coming back up over and over. We have churches, ball teams, and others wanting to use the pool so can we stay open until eight o’clock? Its your employees. Its your pool. We’re trying to run it as efficiently as we can. The pool is clean. I promise you that. I’m taking care of the filters. I’m monitoring the chlorine and ph. I’m very proud of what we’ve done over there. When we’re not maxed out at six or seven o’clock, we send lifeguards home. We’re trying not to abuse the system but we do have to have a minimum of three lifeguards there at all times. Its not our decision. It’s a decision by the state” said Poss.
Mayor Hendrixson responded “Tony I’m very proud of what you’ve done and if you have patrons that stay until eight o’clock, that sounds good to me”. The aldermen seemed to agree.
Under terms of the lease, Poss hires the lifeguards at the pool but the city must pay their salaries. “The tenant (Poss) shall be responsible for the operation of the Smithville Swimming Pool, to include the hiring of certified lifeguards, however the landlord (City) shall pay their salaries during all hours of operation”. However during a discussion last month on how many lifeguards would be needed the aldermen informed Poss, based on a legal opinion by city attorney Vester Parsley, that while the city would be responsible for paying lifeguards during regular hours, it could not use public funds to pay lifeguards during private pool parties after hours.
Meanwhile, if the pool remains a popular attraction after school starts, the aldermen may consider amending Poss’s lease to allow him to keep it open for a few hours in the late afternoons or evenings and on weekends for a few extra weeks.
The lease currently states that “the tenant (Poss) agrees to open the pool to the general public on a daily basis beginning with Memorial Day until the first day of the school year as designated by the DeKalb County Board of Education. The tenant (Poss) further agrees to provide at least one day of “FREE” swimming to school children K thru 12 who have successfully passed their most recent school year.”
That free swimming day or “Report Card Day” was held on Memorial Day, the opening day of the swimming season.
Several people attending Monday night’s meeting were apparently there in support of keeping the pool open longer. Among them was Poss’s mother, Joyce Poss, addressed the aldermen “There’s a lot of families that don’t get off from work until four or five o’clock. Some of them work out of town. This way they can spend time with their children at the pool. While they’re there, they can have family time. It also gets a lot of children off the street. The children are going to do something. We need to make sure we have things for our youth to do. Our senior citizens will want to use the pool for exercise reasons. I ask you to keep the pool open until eight o’clock so that everybody can use it,” said Poss.
Senior Sneakers, as in the past, will be allowed to use a portion of the pool as early as eight a.m. each day without lifeguards on duty for exercise purposes.

The Smithville Aldermen Monday night adopted a new budget ordinance on first reading for the fiscal year 2011-12. Second and final reading passage will follow a public hearing at the next meeting on Monday, June 20 at 7:00 p.m. at city hall.
The proposed budget, totaling $6-million 113-thousand 511, calls for no increases in water or sewer rates and the new certified property tax rate, established by the state after reappraisal, is expected to generate about the same local revenues as the current tax rate of .6194 cents per one hundred dollars of assessed value. The city property tax rate generates approximately $790,000 a year.
Water customers will continue to pay $5.00 for the first one thousand gallons of water usage plus $5.00 for each additional one thousand gallons of usage. Outside city rates are $7.50 for the first one thousand gallons of water usage plus $7.50 for each additional one thousand gallons of usage
The rate for city sewer customers, under the new budget, will continue to be $5.00 for the first one thousand gallons of usage plus $5.00 per thousand gallons thereafter. In addition, all sewer customers will continue to pay the $3.62 cent per month flat rate usage fee
The rate the city charges the DeKalb Utility District for water is $1.95 per thousand gallons but will increase to $2.00 beginning with January 1, 2012 sales.
Water tap fees for customers inside the city limits are $600 for a three quarter inch water line and the sewer tap fees are $600 for a four inch sewer line. If the lines are larger, the fees will continue to be cost plus 10%.
For customers outside the city limits, water tap fees are $800 for a three quarter inch line and $800 for a four inch sewer line. If the lines are larger, then the fees will continue to be cost plus 10%.
The proposed budget calls for city employees with up to four years of service to get their automatic step pay increases as defined in the wage scale and a cost of living increase of 3% . City employees with more than four years of service, who have topped out on the wage scale would only get the cost of living increase.
Proposed capital outlay expenditures in the general fund for the new year come to $256,000.
Other Specific projects are as follows:
Financial Administration:
$25,000 unspecified
Parks and Recreation:
$5,000 to pave a basketball court
$15,000 for a 1.5 mile walking trail
$5,000 for a fence
Public Works/Buildings and Grounds:
$25,000 for Shed & equipment storage
City Hall Building:
$25,000 unspecified
Fire Protection:
$36,000 for turnout equipment
$10,000 for a used vehicle & unspecified
Street Department:
$10,000 for downtown beautification
$10,000 unspecified
Police Department:
$40,000 unspecified
Swimming Pool:
$15,000 unspecified
Golf Course:
$5,000 unspecified
Airport:
$25,000 unspecified
Animal Shelter:
$5,000 unspecified
Sanitation Fund:
$5,000
Drug Fund:
$10,000 unspecified.
Proposed water and sewer fund Fixed Asset Additions: Automatic meter readers project- $360,000; update of water plant and engineering fees- $150,000; used mini excavator- $15,000;
Although these capital outlay projects are budgeted, they all may not be funded during the year.
The proposed budget breaks down as follows:
REVENUES:
General Fund: $3,106,400
Special Revenue Fund-Sanitation: $277,700
Water & Sewer Fund: $2,350,000
Drug Fund: $5,100
Appropriation of Surplus- General Fund: $192,413
Appropriation of Surplus-Drug Fund: $25,400
Appropriation of Surplus-Water & Sewer Fund: $153,837
Appropriation of Surplus-Sanitation Fund: $2,661
Total Revenues: $6,113, 511
EXPENDITURES:
General Fund: $3,298,813
Special Revenue Funds Sanitation: $280,361
Water & Sewer Fund: $2,503,837
Drug Fund: $30,500
Total expenditures: $6,113,511

A 44 year old Dowelltown man has been charged with driving under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident with injury following a wreck on West Broad Street near Wal-mart on Sunday.
Central dispatch received the call at 6:15 p.m.
Sergeant Mark Dial of the Tennessee Highway Patrol reports that Joe Young was driving west on U.S. 70 in a 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix when he came up on the traffic light near Walmart. As the vehicle in front of him was stopping due to the red light, Young steered to the right to avoid hitting that automobile but in doing so, Young struck the rear of a 1993 Harley Davidson Motorcycle, being operated by 22 year old Dustin Nichols of Alexandria. Young then left the scene.
Nichols was transported by DeKalb EMS to DeKalb Community Hospital where he was treated for road rash and then released.
Young was later arrested and charged in the case. He is scheduled to appear in General Sessions Court on the charges July 14th. His bond totals $5,000.
Meanwhile in his weekly update on crime news, Sheriff Patrick Ray reports that 22 year old Matthew James Wilber of Cookeville is charged with unlawful possession of a schedule VI controlled substance (marijuana) for resale; for sale and delivery; and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Wilber was also issued citations for possession of drug paraphernalia and simple possession of a schedule VI drug (marijuana). His bond totals $17,500 and he will be in court on June 23.
Sheriff Ray said that on Tuesday, May 31 the sheriff’s department conducted a sting operation, making a controlled drug buy from Wilber who allegedly sold the undercover informant three ounces of marijuana. Wilber’s 17 year old girlfriend was also present and charges are pending against her. The incident occurred at the Puckett’s Point Road boat ramp.
According to the arrest warrant, Wilber did deliver and sell three ounces of a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana, which is a schedule VI drug, to a confidential informant at the boat ramp near the end of Puckett’s Point Road. Wilber gave a statement admitting that he did weigh out and deliver three ounces of marijuana and sold it.
After the purchase was made, Wilber was placed under arrest. The officer also found in Wilber’s vehicle inside a blue duffle bag, two- one gallon zip lock baggies that contained a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana. One of the bags had 13.2 ounces of marijuana while the other had 1.7 ounces. Wilber allegedly admitted that he had planned to sell the marijuana. Also found among Wilber’s belongings was a black case containing a small plastic baggie with a green leafy substance along with a pipe, shredder, and rolling papers.
30 year old Berl William Doop of Clear Creek Road, Liberty was charged on Friday, June 3 with theft of property over $500. His bond is $5,000 and he will be in court on June 9.
Sheriff Ray reports that on Saturday, May 14 Doop allegedly took from a home that was being remodeled on College Street in Liberty, a Honda pressure washer and a Skil saw valued at approximately $600.
44 year old Richard Len Judkins of Cathcart Hollow Road, Dowelltown was issued a citation for driving on a revoked license and illegal parking. His court date is set for June 8.
Sheriff Ray reports that on Tuesday, May 24 Judkins was stopped for being illegally parked in the roadway at Pine Creek Bridge on Big Rock Road. A computer check revealed his drivers license were revoked for failure to file security after an accident.
23 year old James Michael Tramel of Antioch Road, Smithville was issued a citation for driving on a suspended license. His court date is June 22.
According to Sheriff Ray, a deputy spotted Tramel’s vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. After stopping the automobile and speaking with Tramel, the officer requested a computer check of his license and they were found to be suspended.
48 year old Timothy Lloyd Caldwell of Medlin Drive, Dowelltown is charged with a first offense of driving under the influence. Caldwell was also issued a citation for failing to maintain a lane of travel. His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court on June 16.
Sheriff Ray reports that on Tuesday, May 31, a deputy, while on routine patrol, spotted a pickup truck on Highway 70 west at Dowelltown. The driver, several times, failed to stay in his lane of travel. After stopping the automobile and speaking with the driver, Caldwell, the officer detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person and his speech was slurred. Caldwell performed poorly on several field sobriety tasks and he submitted to a blood alcohol test. He was placed under arrest.
24 year old Lois Nicole Godsey of Kings Court Circle, Smithville was issued a citation for violation of the financial responsibility law (no insurance), and no drivers license. Her court date is June 22.
According to Sheriff Ray on Wednesday, June 1 a deputy saw Godsey driving a motor vehicle. The officer had prior knowledge that she had no drivers license. He stopped the vehicle. Godsey also could not provide proof of financial responsibility (insurance).
41 year old Morris Edward Knowles of Allen Bend Road, Smithville is charged with public intoxication. He was also issued a citation for possession of a schedule II controlled substance (methamphetamine) and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond is $1,000 and he will be in court on June 16.
Sheriff Ray reports that on June 2, a deputy was dispatched to Craft Center Drive to check on a suspected intoxicated man. After arrival, the officer made contact with a security guard who led the deputy to the suspect. The officer found the man to be acting strangely. He was unable to remain still while the deputy was speaking with him. He was sweating perfusely and his speech was rapid. While conducting a frisk of his person, the officer found a powdery substance believed to be methamphetamine, a small plastic baggie containing residue, and a large plastic container. Inside was a needle and a powdery substance which later field tested positive for methamphetamine. A lighter and a spoon with meth residue were also found in Knowles’ vehicle.

The Smithville Police Department has an active K-9 unit again.
Chief Randy Caplinger told WJLE Friday that Officer James Cornelius and “Leo” are now certified in the search for illegal narcotics. “Our new K-9 handler is Officer James Cornelius. He started training with “Leo” our drug dog in April. He was trained by the Metro Police Department’s trainer. The dog and handler are now certified. Since their certification, they are back on the road together and making some good cases,” said Chief Caplinger
” I hope this will be another tool that we can use in the battle against drugs here in the city. They’re doing a great job and we’re looking for a lot of good cases to come forward out of this. Officer Cornelius does a continual training monthly with the dog and with the Metro Police Department. This dog is certified in finding all drugs and narcotics, marijuana, “added Chief Caplinger.

The 40th annual Smithville Fiddler’s Jamboree and Crafts Festival is set for Friday and Saturday, July 1 & 2
Jack Barton, Fiddler’s Jamboree Coordinator, said this year’s festival promises to be a little extra special with the 40th anniversary, but don’t expect much change in the program.
In addition to hundreds of crafts displayed along many of the downtown streets, the Fiddler’s Jamboree will once again offer plenty of delicious foods for sale at local food booths, lots of shade tree picking, and great on-stage music and dancing competitions.
Visit the Fiddler’s Jamboree website for more details at www.smithvillejamboree.com
Last years Grand Champion Fiddling Title went to Bill Birchfield of Roan Mountain, Tennessee.
(Click here to see video clip of 2010 Fiddling Champion Bill Birchfield of Roan Mountain, Tennessee)
Preliminaries will be held in the following categories on Friday, July 1 starting at 9:00 a.m.
Old Time Appalachian Folksinging (solos and duets); Flat Top Guitar; Junior Clogging (ages 13-39); Junior Buck Dancing (ages 13-39); Dobro Guitar; Mountain Dulcimer; Hammer Dulcimer; Novelty Event; Youth Square Dancing, Old Time Fiddle Band; Autoharp; Gospel Singing (solos); Country Harmonica; Old Time Banjo; Gospel Singing (duets, trios, and quartets); and Mandolin.
The top three acts in each category will be called back for the finals on Friday night and a first, second, and third place will be awarded.
On Saturday, July 2 starting at 9:00 a.m., preliminaries will be held in the following categories:
Junior Fiddlers (ages 13-39); Junior Old Time Appalachian Flatfoot dance (ages up to 39); Senior Old Time Appalachian Flatfoot dance ( ages 40 and over); Senior Buckdancing (ages 40 and over); Senior Clogging (ages 40 and over); Bluegrass Banjo; Bluegrass Band; Bluegrass Fiddle, Senior Fiddlers (ages 40 and over); and Square Dancing. The winner of the Bluegrass Fiddle will receive the Neil Dudney Award, named for the former longtime President and Coordinator of the Fiddlers Jamboree.
Preliminaries will be held in each event and then the top three finalists will be called back Saturday night to compete for first, second, and third place.
The winners of the Junior and Senior Fiddling competition will square off for the Grand Champion Award, the Berry C. Williams Memorial Trophy at the conclusion of the festival.
Meanwhile, the National Championship for Country Musician Beginners will be held Saturday afternoon during the Jamboree featuring competitions for children, up to age twelve, in the categories of Buck Dancing, Clogging, Dobro Guitar, Mandolin, Five String Banjo, Flat Top Guitar, and Fiddle.
Preliminaries will be held in each event and then the top three finalists will be brought back to compete for first, second, and third place.
One child will receive the Best Overall Instrumental Entertainer and the top fiddler will get the James G. “Bobo” Driver Memorial Trophy.
WJLE will broadcast most of the on-stage entertainment LIVE and on-line at www.wjle.com.

On May 1st, over 225 parents and friends strolled through the 303 Building on the square to view local student artists’ work from DeKalb County. Approximately 175 pieces were exhibited done in oil, pen & ink, crayon, watercolors, chalk, ceramics, tempera, and a photographic mosaic. Artwork from Smithville Elementary, Northside Elementary, DeKalb West, DeKalb Middle, DeKalb High School, the Adult School, Christian schools and home schooled were represented. Justin Potter Library loaned a piece done by their library art program, also. Study Club President Dianne Hawkins hosted the event with the help of the membership. Piano music was played for the afternoon by Study Club member, Susan Hinton.
The idea for the show was started when a member of the Smithville Study Club noticed there was no end-of-year art show to honor the artistic talents of DeKalb County youth. The Club proposed to have an art exhibit in early May 2011 to showcase these students’ work. Schools and principals were contacted in October of 2010, and work began to culminate in this show on Sunday, May 1st. Special thanks go to the art teachers – Ms. Carol Tripp, Mr. Mike Littrell, and Ms. Walteen Parker – for their support and collection of artwork for the show.
From the interest and attendance shown by parents, grandparents, and community leaders, it is hoped that the show will be an annual affair for the Smithville Study Club to host each May. Every student will receive a certificate of participation and a ribbon. Louann Hendricks, DCHS, won “Best of Show” and 1st place in her category Grades 9 through Adult School with her painting of a dog.

Sounds of music and celebration filled the air at Greenbrook Park Friday evening as caring neighbors from throughout our community gathered to rally support for cancer survivors and to raise money in the search for a cure and for patient services during the 14th annual Relay for Life.
As of midnight, a total of $54,836 dollars had been raised with more money still expected to come in.
This year’s theme was “Together We Fight…Together We Win!
Cancer Survivors Walk from dwayne page on Vimeo.
An hour of music preceded the opening ceremony. During the program, members of Boy Scout Troop #347 presented the colors as Suzanne Slager performed the National Anthem. The invocation was delivered by Michael Farr, Minister of the Smithville Church of God.
Cancer survivors then took center stage during the opening ceremony to give a personal testimony as to just how long they’ve been a survivor and then they took the first lap around the track as the evening’s activities got underway and Shelly Cross and Bonnie Rigsby performed a special song in honor of the cancer survivors followed by a prayer by B.J. Thomason, Minister of the Calvary Baptist Church.
Entertainment continued through midnight from various groups and soloists along with local church drama teams. Elvis even made an appearance.
Shelly Cross and Bonnie Rigsby Performing at Relay for Life from dwayne page on Vimeo.
The walking track around Greenbrook Park was lined with luminaria and a group of torches on the grounds were lit in honor or remembrance of those who have battled cancer, and those people were given special recognition later in the evening.
Cancer Survivors from dwayne page on Vimeo.
Relay For Life, the American Cancer Society’s signature event, is a fun-filled overnight experience designed to bring together those who have been touched by cancer. At Relay, people from within the community gather to celebrate survivors, remember those lost to cancer, and to fight back against this disease. Relay participants help raise money and awareness to support the American Cancer Society in its lifesaving mission to eliminate cancer as a major health issue. During Relay For Life events, teams of people gather and take turns walking or running laps. The events are held overnight to represent the fact that cancer never sleeps. Through the survivors’ lap and the luminaria ceremony, the people who have faced cancer first hand are honored, and those who have been lost to this disease are remembered.