The DeKalb County School System has announced that three educators, Julie Vincent, Michael Lewis, and Chris Vance have been selected “Teachers of the Year” locally and will compete for regional honors in the Tennessee Teacher of the Year Program.
Michelle Burklow, Supervisor of Instruction for grades K-6 made the announcement Wednesday. “Again this year, we’re going to participate in the Teacher of the Year program, which begins on the school level, moves to the system level, the regional level, and finally to the state level. This year a committee selected the Teachers of the Year at the system wide level.”
“In pre-kindergarten through fourth grade, Teachers of the year are Julie Vincent from Northside Elementary and Beth Pafford from Smithville Elementary. Ms. Vincent was chosen on the system wide level and will represent DeKalb County at the regional level.”
“In grades 5 through 8, Teachers of the year are Mike Lewis from DeKalb Middle School and Vicki Wilson from DeKalb West School. Mr. Lewis will represent DeKalb County at the regional level.”
“In the 9th through 12th grade, which is DeKalb County High School, Chris Vance is the Teacher of the Year and he will represent DeKalb County at the regional competition.
Should these teachers win at the regional, they will represent DeKalb County at the state level in March.
The Tennessee Teacher of the Year Program is designed to promote recognition, respect and appreciation for teachers; to stimulate interest in teaching as a career; and to encourage public involvement in education.
This program is sponsored annually by the Tennessee Department of Education and the Niswonger Foundation.
The Tennessee Teacher of the Year represents Tennessee at the National Teacher of the Year competition, which is sponsored by the Council of Chief State School Officers and Scholastic, Inc.
Teachers of the Year are selected competitively through five cycles: Building, System, Field Service Center Region, Grand Division and State; and from three categories (levels of teaching); Grades Pre K-4, 5-8, 9-12.
Teachers selected at each cycle receive local recognition and awards underwritten by local sources. State recognition/awards include a banquet honoring the nine State Teacher of the Year finalists and certificates of appreciation from the Governor. In addition, the State Finalists and the State Teacher of the Year receive cash awards from the Niswonger Foundation.

Omega Apparel of Smithville has been awarded contracts to produce new Army Service trousers and skirts for the U.S. Defense Department which will result in the creation of 112 new jobs here. The contracts are for five years and total approximately $40 million. The new jobs are expected to increase payroll for the operation by $1.8 million.
Hiring should begin within two weeks.
The announcement was made Monday by Dick Chase, President; Brian Roberge, Chief Financial Officer; and Chris Roberge, Operations Manager for Omega of Smithville.
Chase says Omega, which currently employs 86 workers, is excited about it’s expansion plans. “The new contract will involve hiring production operators, sewers, cutters, material handlers, and clerical staff, about 112 jobs forecasted. We’ll have a contract that will produce 176,000 new trousers for the Army in this contract. The garment is called the Army Service uniforms. The Army has chosen to go away from the traditional green that everyone is familiar with and has seen and are transitioning into this new garment. By October 2014, everyone (Army) will be in that new garment.”
Omega currently operates out of the two old shirt factory buildings downtown, on either side of Mountain Street. One of those buildings is used for cutting and sewing and the other for warehousing. After a renovation, one of the facilities will be for cutting and warehousing and the other for sewing.
“This has been a very interesting contract for us”, said Chase. Because of the expansion, we’ve had to increase the size of our sewing facility. Currently we have our cutting operation within these four walls (building on the west side of Mountain Street). We’re going to have to renovate our building across the street (east side of Mountain Street) and spend a quarter of a million dollars of renovation costs to bring that building up to speed and put our cutting department in that building. Then we’ll take that other square footage we have here and add that sewing operation to this existing facility. We will start hiring operators, production people and staff within the next two weeks.”
Chase says Omega, which has been in operation since 1994, also produces uniforms for other branches of the military. “We currently have contracts for the Army, and Navy. For the Navy, we have a men’s dress trouser and that garment has been made in Smithville since 1988. So every enlisted sailor who goes into the Navy has a broad fall trouser made here in Smithville. We also have the women’s Navy slack, both in white and the new black. Then we have the Air Force skirt, Marine Corps skirt, both in green and blue, the mens and women’s khaki trouser, the Air Force dress uniform skirt for the women.”
All U.S. military uniforms have to be manufactured in the United States or U.S. territories under federal law.
Chase says Omega was in competition with several other states for the contracts. There were ten other bidders for the jobs. “Our ability to win this contract didn’t just come from having an exemplary past performance with this company and our participation. This has been a community effort. Smithville Mayor (Taft Hendrixson) has been involved. (County Mayor) Mike Foster has been involved. The county commissioners have been involved. Without their participation in helping us find ways to get our costs to a point where we can be competitive, we might not have gotten this contract. It took some real hard effort on everybody’s part to bring it here to Smithville. We were competing against Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Puerto Rico. We knew they were bidding on this. We beat them out because we were able to be competitive both in pricing and in our past performances”
Brian Roberge said other places made offers for Omega to relocate but company officials wanted to stay here. “Jobs are very competitive and many other states are giving a whole lot more to the industries in their states. We were offered quite a bit to move, but we started this program here with Mike (Foster) and his leadership of this county and he made it possible for us to stay here and bring these jobs here.”
Chris Roberge added “We’re excited to be able to bring 100 new jobs to Smithville. The company has worked hard for fifteen years in this community to make sure that we could provide as much opportunity inside this community as we can. We want to continue to do that and not just for five years, but hopefully for ten, fifteen, and twenty years into the future.”
Smithville Mayor Taft Hendrixson said Omega’s announcement is reason to celebrate.”I’m certainly glad to see that they have gotten this new contract and the approximately 100 new jobs will absolutely be good for our community, especially in these economic times. The military is always going to clothe their soldiers, so that’s something we’re glad we’ve got.”
County Mayor Mike Foster expressed his appreciation to Omega Apparel and to others who have helped them prepare for this expansion. “We want to thank all the people who have had anything to do with this especially Chris Roberge, Dick Chase, and Brian Roberge. For a company that’s been here for fifteen years, they’ve got a really good track history. They’re already providing jobs for 86 people here and this will be another 100 plus. It adds another $1.8 million to the local economy. The best thing about this is it’s a five year contract and based on their past performances, it should be ten or fifteen year contracts. It gets some of the county and city buildings renovated and brings new life back down town. I want to thank Don Rigsby from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. He helped put a lot of this together. I also want to thank the Cumberland Investment Corporation, the county commission, and the county industrial development board for their help.”
(Pictured above left to right: County Mayor Mike Foster, Omega President Dick Chase, Omega Operations Manager Chris Roberge, Omega Chief Financial Officer Brian Roberge, and Smithville Mayor Taft Hendrixson)

A 26 year old Smithville man was charged last week in a theft investigation by the Sheriff’s Department.
Sheriff Patrick Ray says Matthew Malachi Lawson of Haley Road Smithville was arrested on Wednesday, February 17th and charged with theft of property under $500. During an interview of Lawson, detectives found him to be in possession of a tea set. After an investigation into where the tea set came from, detectives charged Lawson with theft of property when they discovered that he had stolen the tea set from a residence on South College Street in Smithville. Bond for Lawson was set at $2,500 and he will appear in court on March 25th.
On Wednesday, February 17th, deputies while on patrol, spotted a vehicle parked in a field. Two people were sitting in the automobile. The officer asked them if they had anything illegal on them and 28 year old Amanda L. Pinegar of Roy Foster Road, Smithville handed him a marijuana grinder that contained marijuana. Pinegar was charged with simple possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia and her bond was set at $2,000. She will appear in court on March 18th.
On Friday, February 19th, a deputy stopped a vehicle on Highway 70 West for several traffic offenses. Upon speaking to the driver, the officer asked for his drivers license. The driver said that he did not have the license on him, but he identified himself as Gary Woodard and provided his date of birth and social security number. When the deputy checked the information, he discovered that the man’s license was suspended. He was placed into custody and taken to the Sheriff’s Department. The officer, still not satisfied, investigated further and discovered that the man is actually 30 year old Jeremy Edward Woodard of Sparta Pike, Watertown. Woodard’s license was revoked. Woodard was charged with a third offense of driving on a revoked license and criminal impersonation. His bond was set at $4,500 and he will appear in court on March 11th.
On Saturday, February 20th, deputies were called to Highway 70 West to check out a reckless driver. The suspected vehicle was stopped on highway 70 West and 62 year old Paul Cox Herron Jr. was found to be the driver. He appeared to be intoxicated. Herron had a strong odor of alcohol on his person and he failed all field sobriety tasks performed. Herron admitted that he had drank eight beers earlier. Herron was charged with driving under the influence and his bond was set at $1,000. He will appear in court on March 18th.

As the economic squeeze continues, many Americans remain concerned that the cost of a healthy diet is out of reach. However, according to an Agriculture Department study, the cost of eating healthy hasn’t changed as much as some less-healthy alternatives. Eating healthy food while on a budget does require smart shopping.
Farm Bureau’s Food Check-Out Week, February 21-27, focuses on helping Americans learn how to stretch their grocery dollars with healthy, nutritious food. America’s farmers and ranchers are committed to producing safe, healthy and abundant food. And they share a common concern with consumers when it comes to putting nutritious meals on the table while sticking to a tight budget.
The good news: a recent USDA report favorable supports the economics of healthier eating. Recent food price data show that prices for unprepared, readily available fresh fruits and vegetables have remained stable relative to dessert and snack food, such as chips, ice cream, and cola. Therefore, as defined by food in the study, the price of a “healthier” diet has not changed compared to an “unhealthy” diet.
Farm Bureau’s Food Check-Out Week is aimed at helping American consumers learn how to shop effectively to put nutritious meals on the table with fewer dollars. Here are tips for better nutrition on a tight budget. Have a plan: Know your food budget and plan nutritious meals and snacks you’ll prepare at home that include fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Prepare a shopping list and stick to it. Compare prices, clip coupons and check ads for foods you know you need. Don’t shop when you’re hungry.
Now in its twelfth year, Food Check-Out Week also highlights America’s safe, abundant, and affordable food supply, made possible largely by American’s productive farmers and ranchers. According to the most recent information from the USDA’s Economic Research Service, American families and individuals spend, on average, less than 10% of their disposable personal income for food.

Smithville Police have released a weekly update on crime news.
50 year old Rudy Pineda of 274 Smith Road was arrested on Friday, February 12th for public intoxication. K-9 Officer Bradley Tatrow received a call of a possibly intoxicated person being detained by off duty officer Corporal Travis Bryant at Wal-Mart. Corporal Bryant said that Pineda approached him while he was in the store and was obviously intoxicated. Upon contact with Pineda, Officer Tatrow found him to be unsteady on his feet and he had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage about his person. Pineda had trouble walking and nearly fell several times. Bond for Pineda was set at $1,500 and his court date is February 25th.
34 year old Royce D McCrary of 490 Halls Hollow Road was arrested on Monday, February 15th for driving on a revoked license and for being an habitual offender. Officer Scott Davis received information that McCrary was an habitual offender and was driving his vehicle. Officer Davis conducted a traffic stop on Bryant Street and requested a record check which revealed McCrary to be an habitual offender. Bond for McCrary was set at $1,000 and his court date is March 4th
21 year old Randall C Evans of 672 Blue Springs Road was arrested on Tuesday, February 16th for public intoxication. Officer Scott Davis was dispatched to the area of Walkers towing in reference to a motorist assist. Evans said he was driving the vehicle but began trying to push it to Jewel’s Market when he ran out of gas. Evans had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage about his breath, slurred speech and his eyes were blood shot and watery. He admitted to drinking. For his safety and due to his intoxicated level, he was placed under arrest. Bond for Evans was set at $1,000 and his court date is March 18th.
On Thursday, February 18th, K-9 Officer Bradley Tatrow arrested 22 year old Molly Sue Lawrence of 318 West Broad Street for two violations of probations in Putnam County.
Also on Thursday, February 18th, Sergeant Randy King arrested 42 year old Christopher Joseph Cantrell of 300 Wade Street for domestic assault. Bond for Cantrell was set at $1,000 and his court date is February 25th.
Meanwhile, anyone having information on the following offenses is asked to please contact the Smithville Police Department at 597-8210 or the Tip Line at 464-6046.
On Saturday, February 13th Officer Matt Farmer took a report of a green and yellow Yardman push mower with a Tecumseh and large wheels that was taken from the back of a pickup truck parked at the residence of 605 East Main Street. The mower was taken around January 27th.
On Wednesday, February 17th Sergeant Randy King took a report of an NEF New England .22 L.R. revolver that was taken from a home in the city sometime since February 2009.
Also on Wednesday, February 17th Sergeant Randy King took a report of burglary at 218 West Broad Street apartments. According to the victim, she went home after spending time with her mother between February 15th and 17th and discovered that someone had taken all her belongings from the apartment. Some of the items taken included two TV’s, maroon leather chair and loveseat, two end tables and DVD’s.
Any information received that will help Smithville Police solve any criminal offense will be greatly appreciated. All information is confidential
The Smithville Police Department has also recently received complaints of a scam targeting the elderly. According to citizens, people are approaching elderly homeowners requesting to do odd jobs around their residence. They are requesting payment before service is rendered and then they do not return to provide services. Anyone approached by such persons should not pay until service is completed. Also anyone having information regarding such activity is requested to contact the Smithville Police Department or the tip line at 464-6046.

DeKalb County High School has released the names of this year’s Honor Students including the 2010 Valedictorian Hunter Tramel and the Salutatorian Wesley Blair.
Tramel is the son of Ronnie and Phyllis Tramel of Smithville. Blair is the son of Mellissa Page and Freddy Blair both of Smithville.
Students among the top twenty five senior academic ranking from numbers one to twenty five are as follows:
Hunter Tramel, Wesley Blair, Grant James, Caleb Spencer, Meagan Sullivan, Hunter Poteete, Seth Willoughby, Amanda Ours, Reddy Munagala, Cynthia Woodward, Tyler Harbaugh, Tiffany Young, Haley Snyder, Erica Neely, Jared Adams, Dakota Dexter, Payne Denman, Nicholas Goff, Caroline Carter, Kendra Foutch, Kyle Hogue, Jessica Fox, Lindsey Harden, Austin Garrett, and Gabrielle Byford.
Students earning “Highest Distinction” with a grade point average of 3.8 to 4.0 are:
Hunter Tramel-Valedictorian 4.0, Wesley Blair- Salutatorian 4.0, Grant James 4.0, Erica Neely 4.0, Hunter Poteete 4.0, Caleb Spencer 4.0, Meagan Sullivan 4.0, Seth Willoughby 4.0, Cynthia Woodward 4.0, Jared Adams, Caroline Carter, Payne Denman, Dakota Dexter, Kendra Foutch, Jessica Fox, Austin Garrett, Nicholas Goff, Tyler Harbaugh, Kyle Hogue, Reddy Munagala, Amanda Ours, Haley Snyder, and Tiffany Young
Students earning “High Distinction” with a grade point average of 3.6 to 3.79 include Gabrielle Byford, Axyl Chalfant, Tyler Dunaway, Kayla Ellis, Sabrina Griffin, Lindsey Harden, Katie Nixon, and Katelyn Stutts.
Those earning “Distinction” with a grade point average of 3.2 to 3.59 include Paulina Alfaro, Matthew Antoniak, Reeves Beller, Elicia Cantrell, Samantha Coe, Rachel Cunningham, Brandon Dyer, Abram Edwards, Whitney Gann, Jaylen Garrett, Jessica Goldstein, April Hale, Ethan Hale, Stephanie Hobbs, Conner Jones, Sasha Knowles, Abigail Laprad, Layne Mathis, Tyler McCloud, Brad Michaels, Travis Neal, Zachary Odom, Morgan Page, Micah Prichard, Kristian Puckett, Myra Tramel, and Joseph Vickers..
The Class of 2010 at DeKalb County High School will graduate on May 21st at 7:00 p.m.

The May 4th DeKalb County Democratic Primary will feature three contested races for county wide public offices, county clerk, county mayor, and register of deeds, and three contested races for the county commission in the third, fourth, and fifth districts. All other candidates will be unopposed.
Today (Thursday) at noon was the qualifying deadline for Democrats running in May and for Republicans and Independents running in the August 5th DeKalb County General Election.
County Clerk Mike Clayborn will be seeking his third term. His opponents in the Democratic Primary are Glynn Merriman and Chris Smithson. The winner will be unopposed in August.
County Mayor Mike Foster will also be seeking his third term, facing a challenge from Robert (Bob) Snyder in the Democratic Primary. The winner will be unopposed in August
Register of Deeds Jeff McMillen, seeking his seventh term, will face Clarence Trapp in the Democratic Primary. The winner will be unopposed in August.
Road Supervisor candidate Jimmy Sprague will be unopposed in the Democratic Primary but he will take on the Republican incumbent Kenny Edge in the August General election. Edge will be seeking his sixth term.
Circuit Court Clerk Katherine Pack, seeking her third term, will be unopposed in the Democratic Primary and the August General Election.
There will be no democratic candidates for Sheriff and Trustee this year. Both Republican Sheriff Patrick Ray and Republican Trustee Sean Driver, running for their second terms, will be unopposed in August.
Circuit Court Judge Amy Hollars will be unopposed in both May and August in her bid for election to finish her father, Judge John Turnbull’s unexpired term. Hollars was appointed by Governor Bredesen in October, 2008 after her father submitted a notice of physical disability. Judge Turnbull, who held the position since 1989, officially left the bench on June 15th, 2009. He was last elected in 2006 and his term expires in 2014.
District Attorney General Randy York will also be unopposed in both May and August as he seeks election to fill the unexpired term of Bill Gibson, who resigned in July, 2008. York was appointed by Governor Phil Bredesen in September, 2008 to fill the vacancy until the election. Gibson’s term expires in 2014.
The three contested races for the county commission in the May Democratic Primary are in the third, fourth, and fifth districts.
In the third district, Democratic Incumbent Jerry Scott, seeking a fifth term, is up for re-election. Other democrats in the race are Roy Merriman, who served on the commission for one term from 2002 to 2006, and Bradley Hendrix. Two can be nominated. The winners will be unopposed in August.
In the fourth district, Democratic Incumbent Wayne Cantrell will be seeking re-election to a fifth term. Other democratic candidates are Ronald H. Rogers, David L. McDowell, and Jesse Baker. Mr. Baker served on the commission from 2002 to 2006. Two can be nominated. The winners will be unopposed in August.
In the fifth district, Democratic Incumbent John D. Green is seeking re-election to a third term. Other democrats running are Johnny Ringo Colwell, Randy Braswell, and Bobby R. Taylor. Two can be nominated. The winners will face opposition from Republican Jerry Adcock and Independent Lloyd Emmons in the August General Election. Two will be elected in August.
In the seventh district, Democratic Incumbent Larry Summers is running for re-election. Jimmy W. Poss is also a democratic candidate. Two can be nominated. Summers served three terms on the commission from 1978 to 1990 and another three terms since 1998. Poss served on the commission for three terms from 1994 to 2006. They will face opposition from Independent Richard (Dick) Kinsey in the August General Election. Two will be elected in August.
First District Democratic Incumbent Elmer Ellis, Jr. will be unopposed in May. Then in August, both he and Republican Incumbent Mason Carter will be unopposed for re-election, since two can be elected. Both Ellis and Carter are seeking their second terms.
Second District Democratic Incumbent Jack E. Barton, III, seeking a second term, will be unopposed in May. In August, both he and Republican Incumbent Bobby Joines will be unopposed for re-election, since two can be elected. Joines is running for his third term.
In the Sixth District, Democratic Incumbents Jeff Barnes and Marshall Ferrell will be unopposed in both the May Primary and the August General Election. Both Barnes and Ferrell are seeking their third terms on the commission.
Administrator of elections Dennis Stanley reminds all candidates they must file a campaign treasurer form or a campaign financial exemption with the local election commission office as soon as possible. This includes candidates in the upcoming Democratic Primary and Republican and Independent candidates running in the August general election.

The DeKalb County High School Basketball teams made their debut in the District 8-AA Tournament Thursday night at Tennessee Tech in Cookeville.
The fifth seeded Lady Tigers defeated the fourth seeded York Institute Lady Dragons 73 to 68 but the fourth seeded Tigers lost to the fifth seeded Cannon County Lions 73 to 63.
Meanwhile, DeKalb County’s Seth Willoughby was named the “Most Improved Player” among boys players in the district and he earned a spot on the First Team All District. Payne Denman was named to the Second Team All District; Sonni Young made the Third Team All District, the All Freshman Team, and the All Defensive Team. Destry Wiggins and Hunter Poteete received Honorable Mention.
For the girls, Cynthia Woodward was named to the All-District Second Team. Martha Webb and Kristina Stephens received Honorable Mention and Alex Meadows made the All-Defensive Team.
McKenzie Sells and T.J. Smith both of Livingston Academy were named Most Valuable Players in the district. Smith was also named Defensive Player of the Year. Alyson Roberts of Upperman was the girls’ Defensive Player of the Year.
Richard Melton of Livingston Academy for the boys and Michael Dodgen of Cannon County for the girls were named District Coaches of the Year
On opening night of the District Tournament Wednesday, the third seeded Upperman Lady Bees eliminated the sixth seeded Smith County Lady Owls 46 to 28 and the third seeded York Institute Dragons got by the sixth seeded Smith County Owls 56 to 50 in overtime.
The Cannon County Lionettes, the top seed in the tournament, drew a bye and will play the DeKalb County in the semi-finals on Friday night, February 19th at 7:00 p.m. while the second seeded Livingston Academy Lady Wildcats, who also drew a bye, will meet Upperman in the semi-finals on Friday at 4:00 p.m. The girls consolation game will be played Saturday at 6:00 p.m. and the championship game will be Monday, February 22nd at 6:00 p.m.
In the boys bracket, the top seeded Livingston Academy Wildcats, who drew a bye, will meet Cannon County in the semi-finals on Friday, February 19th at 8:30 p.m. while the second seeded Upperman Bees, who also drew a bye, will take on York Institute in the semi-finals on Friday at 5:30 p.m.
The boys consolation game will be Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and the Championship game will be on Monday, February 22nd at 7:30 p.m.
All District Selections for Girls are as follows:
Most Valuable Player
McKenzie Sells- Livingston Academy
Coach of Year- Michael Dodgen- Cannon County
Most Improved Player- Taylor King- Cannon County
Freshman of the Year- Ashley Wright- York Institute
Defensive Player of Year- Alyson Roberts- Upperman
First Team All District
Kayla Biles- Upperman
Alyson Roberts- Upperman
Emily Sissom- Cannon County
Karissa Dyer- Upperman
Rachel Brown-York Institute
Second Team
Taylor King-Cannon County
Lauren Ruehlen- Cannon County
Shelby Taylor- Livingston Academy
Cynthia Woodward-DeKalb County
Ashley Wright- York Institute
Third Team
Mallory MaHaney- Livingston Academy
Caroline Owen- Smith County
Ashley Campbell- Cannon County
Samantha Maya- Livingston Academy
Kelly Jones- York Institute
Elizabeth Carter-Upperman
Freshman Team
Abby Jakes- Cannon County
Sydney Staggs- Livingston Academy
Katherine Carter- Upperman
Katelyn Butler- York Institute
All Defensive Team-
Karissa Dyer-Upperman
Taylor King-Cannon County
Rachel Brown-York Institute
Mallory MaHaney of Livingston Academy
Alex Meadows- DeKalb County
Honorable Mention
Erica Melton-Cannon County
Lindsey Reed-Cannon County
Martha Webb-DeKalb County
Kristina Stephens-DeKalb County
Abby Miller-Livington Academy
Alyssa Thompson- Livington Academy
Amber Welch- Livington Academy
Taylor Randolph-Upperman
All District Selections for Boys are as follows:
Most Valuable Player
T.J. Smith- Livingston Academy
Coach of Year- Richard Melton- Livingston Academy
Most Improved Player- Seth Willoughby-DeKalb County
Freshman of the Year- Mason Ramsey-Livingston Academy
Defensive Player of Year- T.J. Smith-Livingston Academy
First Team All District
Justin Davenport-Cannon County
Tyrel Asberry-York Institute
Mitchell Simmons-Upperman
Seth Willoughby-DeKalb County
Mason Ramsey-Livingston Academy
Second Team
Chris Nash-Upperman
Anthony Williams-York Institute
Cody Stephens-York Institute
Brad Jackson-Livingston Academy
Payne Denman-DeKalb County
Third Team
Kailen Melton-Livingston Academy
Ryan Allen-Smith County
Sonni Young-DeKalb County
Colin Jones-Cannon County
Jared Nave-Cannon County
Freshman Team
Sonni Young-DeKalb County
Kailen Melton-Livingston Academy
Brock McCoin-Livingston Academy
Beau Carr-Smith County
Jordan Craighead-Smith County
All Defensive Team
Tyrel Asberry-York Institute
Mitchell Simmons-Upperman
Sonni Young-DeKalb County
Jared Nave-Cannon County
Cody Ruehlen-Cannon County
Honorable Mention
Cody Ruehlen-Cannon County
Jake Huitt-Livingston Academy
Will Wilson-York Institute
Lance Maynard-York Institute
Daniel Taylor-York Institute
Destry Wiggins-DeKalb County
Hunter Poteete-DeKalb County

A tractor trailer rig overturned Tuesday afternoon at the intersection of Highway 56 north and Allen’s Ferry Road near Village Market.
Central dispatch received the call at 3:52 p.m.
Smithville Police say Jason Underwood of McMinnville, hauling a load of drive shafts for Foutch Industries, was traveling south on Highway 56 when he lost control, went off the road, over an embankment, and overturned, coming to rest on it’s side. Underwood told police that he lost control on a patch of ice.
Underwood was not believed to have been seriously hurt but police say he was taken by DeKalb EMS to DeKalb Community Hospital for treatment.
Members of the Smithville Volunteer Fire Department, the Smithville Police Department, the Tennessee Highway Patrol, and tow trucks were on the scene for several hours and Allen’s Ferry Road near the convenience store was blocked to traffic for a period of time until the wreck was cleared up.

The winners of the annual Leadership DeKalb Alumni awards were honored Tuesday night during the Chamber of Commerce Membership Banquet at the Elizabeth Chapel Baptist Church.
Laura Stone received the Community Leader of the Year Award and Judy Sandlin was presented the Legacy Award.
The Community Leader of the Year award goes to someone who has made a significant and positive impact on the county, specifically during 2009 and in a capacity beyond commitment to his or her profession. Stone was recognized for her work in founding the non-profit DeKalb County Angel Tree Incorporated which provides gifts for hundreds of disadvantaged children in DeKalb County. Stone also serves as board member for Habitat for Humanity and is a Class of 2005 Leadership DeKalb graduate. She has been an active committee member of the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life since 2005 and is an active volunteer for many other worthwhile causes and events including the Edgar Evins State Park History Hayride, the Nashville Rescue Mission and the Hope Center, serving meals to indigents and the homeless of Nashville.
Patricia Zornow was also nominated for the award.
The Legacy Award goes to the person who has made a significant and positive impact on DeKalb County over a considerable period of time and in multiple or lasting ways. Sandlin was honored for the countless dinners she has prepared and served to people associated with the DeKalb County Fair, Alexandria Senior Center, and Leadership DeKalb, among others. Sandlin was also noted for her work with the DeKalb County Fair Board, the Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce, the Alexandria Lions Club, and the Senior Center. Her recipes are legendary but her legacy is her selfless nature in demonstrating true leadership and hard work.
The other nominee for the award was Sue N. Puckett-Jernigan.
The guest speaker was Watson Brown, head football coach of the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles.
Click here for Coach Watson Brown’s entire remarks
The retiring members of the Chamber board are Gina Denman of Denny Lamp; Elmer Ellis, Jr. first district county commissioner; Kelly Garrett of Swallows-Garrett Insurance Agency; Charlie Parker of Smithville Builders Supply; and Chris Griffith of DeKalb Farm Bureau.
New members are Tom Miller of Liberty State Bank; Keith Blair, Attorney-at-Law, George Oliver of the Smithville Rotary Club; Jason Ray, Leadership Alumni from the Class of 2009; Mike Williams of the DeKalb County Fair Board and the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department; Janna Gillard of the DeKalb County Guide; and Angie Meadows of the Smithville Review.
Other members of the Chamber Board are Robin Driver of Center Hill Realty; Tim Hintz of Off the Beaten Path; Valerie Laprad of the Middle Tennessee Times; Judy Sandlin of the DeKalb County Fair Board; Rob Willingham of Middle Tennessee Natural Gas; Les Greer of DTC Communications; Michelle Burklow of the DeKalb County Board of Education; and Kathie McGlamery of the Appalachian Center for Crafts.
The 2010 officers are President Tim Hintz, Vice President Les Greer, Secretary Valerie Laprad, Treasurer Kathie McGlamery, and Past President Robin Driver.