Scholarships and other awards will be presented to members of the Class of 2017 at DeKalb County High School during the annual Senior Awards program Monday night, May 22 at 6:00 p.m. in the DCHS gymnasium.
Representatives of colleges, universities, branches of the armed services, businesses, civic groups, and other organizations will make the presentations.
Meanwhile, graduation for the DCHS Class of 2017 will be Friday, May 26 at 7:00 p.m. on the high school football field.
(Click link below to view DCHS Class of 2017 Senior Formals)
http://wjle.com/graduation/2017/page1

Ten students from DeKalb West competed in the middle school math contest at Tennessee Tech on April 27.
8th grader Jaden Johnson ranked 9th out of 61. 7th grader Victoria Rodano placed 21 out of 59 while Aly Griffith in the 6th grade ranked 12th out of 63.
Also participating in the math contest from DWS were Isaac Brown, Madison Martin, and Alex Moreno from the sixth grade; Brayden Antoniak from the 7th grade, and Ashlin Maynard, Jordan Crook, and Gracie Griffin from the 8th grade.
Pictured front row left to right are Ashlin Maynard, Jaden Johnson, Alex Moreno, and Aly Griffith.
Back row left to right are Victoria Rodano, Isaac Brown, Brayden Antoniak, Jordan Crook, Gracie Griffin, and Madison Martin.

NHC Smithville is excited about honoring National Nurses Week, which is celebrated annually from May 6th, also known as National Nurses Day, through May 12th, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.
NHC Smithville would like to recognize and thank our highly skilled, dedicated nurses that exemplify the best in their profession. The Director of Nursing at NHC Smithville is Melinda Wilson. The Assistant Director of Nursing is Paulette Nichols.
Registered Nurses (RN):
Brian Cripps, April Dearmon, Alisha Hale, Molly Merriman, Cheryl Myers, Julie Sullivan, Jacqueline Taylor, and Cindy Wolter
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN):
Monica Baker, Nicole Burris, Amanda Carter, Nanci Drennan, Shalyn Eaton, Nioakah Hickman, Jessica Holland, Rebekah Johannsen, Amber Judkins, Thomas Mahler, Arianna Matthews, Cindy Milford, Kalee Mullican, Sabra Murphy, Abby Onkst, Justine Pettit, Brandon Sullivan, Julie Vincent, Angie Walker, Christy Ward, Margaret Watkins, Lindsy Winfree, Sharon Yocum, and Vicki Yost

Earlier this year, the DeKalb Prevention Coalition received a $12k grant from Saint Thomas DeKalb Hospital funded by community benefit dollars to support a ‘Community Health Adventure’ for DeKalb residents. This program currently provides free healthy activities throughout the year for all ages. To date, the program has impacted 900 participants in various free activities that promote physical and emotional health including: yoga classes, art instruction, martial arts, tai chi, healthy cooking demonstrations, senior chair volleyball, senior chair yoga, walking clubs, nutrition education, along with classes provided for teens and adults with disabilities. The upcoming summer schedule will help to support summer safety including the addition of free swimming classes and water aerobics.
“The immediate success in the massive participation of the Community Health Adventure shows the great need for healthy activities that families and individuals can afford. Many families have multiple children, face income limits, or even shy away from trying new things that may pose an unnecessary financial burden to start.” said Shan Burklow, Regional Community Relations Coordinator for Saint Thomas Health, “It is our hope that this program will continue to evolve and grow to meet even more health and wellness needs that arise from communicating with the current participants. Future goals that support emotional and physical health will focus on free music instruction, life health coaches, personal training sessions, swimming lessons, and dance classes. It is so exciting to see people of all ages get healthier mentally and physically without the strain of a financial burden of any kind. Every class provided by the ‘health adventure’ is 100% free of charge including any supplies, uniforms, or special equipment that may be needed. Improving the health of the community is such an important part of what Saint Thomas Health is all about, and this program is a shining example of how we can all work together towards this goal.”
For more information on the Community Health Adventure, to volunteer, or to sign-up for available classes, call DeKalb Prevention Coalition or Justin Potter Library. Current classes are listed on the community calendar, and are updated monthly.
The DeKalb Prevention Coalition is an anti-drug coalition working to reduce dependence on harmful and potentially lethal substances such as prescription drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. The coalition has recently broadened its reach to include the overall improvement of community health by promoting health/nutrition education and wellness activities, and they would like to thank Saint Thomas Health for making this goal possible.
Upcoming Free Health Adventure Activities & Classes:
Wednesday, May 10 at 12 noon: Community Wellness Walk – meet on Smithville City Hall side of the Courthouse
Wednesday, May 17 at 11:00 am: Older Americans Day in the DeKalb County Complex
* Wellness Wednesdays in the DeKalb County Complex:
·8am: Walking Club
·9am: Chair Volleyball
·10am: Art Classes – contact the Library to reserve your spot
·10am: Sewing Classes – contact the Library to reserve your spot
·4pm: Gentle Yoga for beginners
·5pm: Martial Arts – every Wednesday and Friday (Free in May/June – includes free uniform)
·6:30pm: Power Yoga for beginners/intermediate
·June 2017: Swimming Classes –- contact the Library to reserve your spot
·June 2017: Water Aerobics/Senior Water Aerobics – time/date TBD

Pre-K and Kindergarten Registration for the 2017-18 school year will be Tuesday, May 16 from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. and from 3:00 pm to 6:00 p.m at Smithville Elementary School and from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at DeKalb West School. Spanish language translators will be available to assist with filling out paperwork during the 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. time period at Smithville Elementary School.
Parents should bring the following items for their child:
Original Certificate of Birth
Current Physical Examination
Current Certification of Immunization
Proof of Income for All Household Members
Proof of Residency
Parents are encouraged to register all students who will be four (4) years old on or before August 15.
For information call Michelle Burklow at 615-597-4084
Children who plan to attend kindergarten must turn five years old on or before August 15, 2017 in order to enroll for the 2017-18 school year.
Please bring the following information with you on registration day:
*Social Security card
*Original birth certificate (certified copy with the state seal, not the hospital copy or mother’s copy)
*Current, up to date, physical examination and immunization record (These must be on a Tennessee Department of Health Certificate of Immunization, which can be obtained from your doctor’s office or the Health Department)
*Proof of residency for DeKalb County (i.e. gas/electric bill)
*Your child (they will be tested on registration day)

Tennessee’s 2017 spring hunting season for gray, fox and red squirrels opens Saturday, May 13 and will continue through Sunday, June 11.
The daily bag limit is 10, the same for the fall/winter squirrel season which is held from late August to the end of February.
There are five species of tree squirrels found in Tennessee. Two species, the southern flying squirrel and the northern flying squirrel, are not hunted. They are small, nocturnal and rarely seen.
For more information on Tennessee hunting seasons and license information, obtain a 2016-17 Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide, available at TWRA Regional Offices and at hunting and fishing license agents or go online to TWRA’s website www.tnwildlife.org to view a copy of the guide.

While the weather intervened, the Annual DeKalb County Relay for Life went on as scheduled Friday night.
Showers forced the 20th annual event indoors at the County Complex rather than the original location of Greenbrook Park but even the rain could not dampen the spirit and enthusiasm of the fundraising teams and participants.
This year’s theme was “Relaying Southern Style”
“This is our 20th year for Relay for Life and over those years its amazing to see how our dollars have worked that we have all worked together to raise for the American Cancer Society for the research programs. The methods they use are not as evasive to the body as they were in the early days. I am so glad that we in our county can be a part of doing something great,” said Relay Chairman Iva Dell Randolph in welcoming the crowd.
She also paid tribute to one of the founders of the DeKalb Relay for Life, Violet Fusion, who was a cancer survivor but passed away in May, 2012 at the age of 91.
(VIEW VIDEO OF CANCER SURVIVORS HERE)

“Twenty years ago when we first brought Relay for Life to this county there was a lady who was very instrumental in getting that here. We had been looking very hard at other campaigns and didn’t seem to be raising very much money. We had seen some of the meetings she had attended where they were having this Relay for Life. She talked to me about it and asked if we could do that. I said we can try and try we did and we have accomplished great things with all of us working together. That lady was Violet Fuson. Many of you remember her and knew her. She was also a cancer survivor. If we could have just a moment of silence and bow our heads in remembrance of Ms. Violet,” said Randolph.
The program began with the presentation of the colors by Boy Scout Troop #347 followed by Suzanne Slager’s performance of the National Anthem; Invocation by Chris Moore, pastor of the Smithville Church of God; welcome by Ivadell Randolph; introduction of cancer survivors; a prayer for cancer survivors by Dwayne Cornelius, pastor of the New Life United Pentecostal Church; and a song “I Believe” honoring cancer survivors performed by Don and Bonnie Rigsby. During the song, cancer survivors began their walk through portions of the county complex. Entertainment followed.

Smithville Police have arrested a woman accused of stealing items from a barn.
39 year old Brandy Egerton was arrested April 30 for theft of property over $1,000.00. The victim reported on April 29 that someone had gone into a barn on his property and stolen a refrigerator, generator 3500, tools, and some lumber. Upon investigation was it discovered that Egerton had taken the property and disposed of it in Warren County. The items were recovered and returned to the victim. Bond for Egerton is $5,000 and her court date is May 18.
56 year old Tammy Elizabeth Burton was cited for theft on April 27. According to police, Burton was observed taking several make-up items from Rite Aid without paying for them with the intent to deprive the store of its merchandise. Her court date is May 11.
36 year old Robbie Lee Pardue was cited for simple possession on April 29. Police responded to an alarm call at a residence and found Pardue in the yard. Central Dispatch was unable to reach the homeowner to establish if Pardue had permission to be at the home. The officer sought and was granted permission to search Pardue’s vehicle where a small clear plastic container was found under the driver’s seat that contained what is believed to be crystal meth. Pardue’s court date is May 18.
56 year old Larry E. Lattimore was arrested on April 29 for domestic assault. Police spoke with the victim who had visible minor cuts on both arms below the elbows and redness on her throat just under her chin. Upon investigation it was determined that Lattimore and the victim had gotten into a verbal argument that turned physical when Lattimore grabbed her by the throat and threw her into the TV set. Bond for Lattimore is $3,500. His court date is May 18.
33 year old Johnny Lynn Devault was cited for criminal trespassing on May 2 as he was discovered on Wal-Mart property where he had previously been told he was not allowed. His court date is May 18.
18 year old Dustin Lee Utley was arrested on May 3 for violation of bond conditions. Police responded to Pizza Hut where Utley allegedly followed and harassed the victim. Utley was arrested previously for domestic assault and was released from jail on bond conditions. His conduct in this incident violated those conditions. Utley’s bond is $3,000 and his court date is May 18.

The DCHS Tigerettes, the top seed in the District 8AA Softball Tournament, will make their debut in the competition Sunday, May 7 at Baxter. Their opponent will be the 8th seeded Cannon County Lionettes. Game time is 5:30 p.m. at Upperman High School.
(CLICK LINK BELOW TO VIEW TOURNAMENT BRACKET)
District 8-AA Softball Tournament.pdf (148.14 KB)
The winner will advance to play again Monday, May 8 at 6:30 p.m. against either Central Magnet or Upperman. Central Magnet, the 4th seed, will meet Upperman, the 5th seed, on Sunday, May 7 at 7:15 p.m.
If the Tigerettes should lose their first game Sunday, they would drop into the losers bracket and play again Monday, May 8 at 3:00 p.m.
Meanwhile, Livingston Academy, the 3rd seed, will take on Smith County, the 6th seed, on Sunday, May 7 at 2:00 p.m. followed by a game between Macon County, the 2nd seed and York Institute, the 7th seed at 3:45 p.m. The winners of those two games will face each other on Monday, May 8 at 8:15 p.m.

Many DeKalb County landowners may see a change in their property assessments this year.
Assessor of Property Shannon Cantrell said “Change of Assessment” letters are being sent to those affected.
“Change of assessment letters are going out this month (May) because the assessment on your property, whether it be real property or personal property, has either gone up or down. There has been a change so you will get a “change of assessment” notice,” Cantrell told WJLE.
If you don’t agree with your property assessments, Cantrell said you should not wait until you get your tax bill in the fall to try and do something about it. The time to raise concerns is when the DeKalb County Board of Equalization meets in June. Cantrell will be taking appointments for those appeals starting May 22. The Board of Equalization will meet starting Monday, June 5 from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. in the conference room of the Assessor of Property Office at the county complex building.
“Remember once the county board has met then you can no longer appeal locally for the 2017 taxes. I think that’s what catches a lot of people by surprise. They get their tax notice October 1 and that’s what really gets their attention if their taxes have gone up. Then they want to appeal it. But by that time the appeal for 2017 has already passed. We’re in the appeal season now,” said Cantrell.
“What is important to remember is that the county board of equalization normally meets the first week in June and if you would like to appeal your assessment now is the time to do that. Beginning May 22 call our office and make an appointment to meet with the county board of equalization to discuss the assessment on your appraisal,” Cantrell continued.
“It doesn’t have to be that you had a change of assessment this spring. Maybe nothing changed from last year but maybe you weren’t pleased with your assessment last year. Anybody can come and see the county board of equalization,” Cantrell added.
Last year the county commission reappointed Carl Dwayne Webb, and Phillip Hendrix to serve on the five member board. Doyle Evans and Jimmy Goad were appointed later by County Mayor Tim Stribling. Russell Watson was reappointed by the City of Smithville.
During the county commission meeting on Monday, April 24, County Mayor Stribling announced that Jim Davies has been appointed to replace Hendrix, who has resigned and that Joel Hooker has been named as an alternate.
Members of the equalization board will attend an orientation on May 15th in Cookeville.
Until 2014, the equalization board was made up of seven members, one from each district of the county. But under state law, there can be no more than five members. According to Tennessee Code Annotated (state law) “The county legislative body of each county shall, at the April session of each even year, from the different sections of the county, elect, for a term of two (2) years, five (5) freeholders and taxpayers who shall constitute a county board of equalization.”
According to state law, county equalization boards across the state are to meet each year on June 1 (or the next business day if the 1st falls on Saturday or Sunday). The county board is authorized by law to receive and hear appeals of current year property tax assessments as fixed by the county assessor of property. Generally an assessment must be appealed to the county board of equalization to preserve the taxpayer’s right to further appeal.