Art lovers from across Tennessee and throughout the Southeast will be in DeKalb County this weekend, October 29 – 31, as the Off The Beaten Path Artists Studio Tour marks its 10th Anniversary.
This free three-day event draws thousands of visitors each year for the opportunity to experience the beautiful fall colors of our area and the Center Hill Lake region and tour the studios of some of the region’s leading professionals in fine art and craft.
“It’s a different tour every year as we keep it exciting with addition of new artists, new studios and our own work continues to evolve,” says Louie Colombarini, one of the founding members of Off The Beaten Path and member of it’s executive committee.
“People who take the tour are always pleasantly surprised to see what we do tucked away in the hills and hollows. It’s like a treasure hunt.”
The 2010 tour features 11 stops and ten working studios with more than 25 participating artists. Their varied work encompasses a full range of traditional and contemporary craft in wood, ceramics, fiber, painting, metal and jewelry making.
New stops include the studio/gallery of master woodcarver David Sharp, and the nearby Red Bow Studio of Cherry Cratty, pioneer in her patent-pending pulp painting technique. All visitors will have an opportunity to enter a drawing for this year’s art prize, the painting “Off the Beaten Path” donated by Cratty.
At each studio, guests can meet and converse with the artists and learn about the methods, material and environment which inspires their creativity. Visitors will also have an opportunity to purchase or commission original works by all participants.
Demonstrations of a variety of crafts are planned at several stops throughout the weekend: glass blowing at BareGlass Studio; wood and pumpkin carving by David Sharp; Raku firing of clay at From the Earth and Sea Originals; paper making at Liberty Paper Mill; weaving at Cosmic Clay studio; spinning and weaving at Beech Hollow Studios; and demonstrations of a wood fired kiln, blacksmithing and felt making at Creek Bend Pottery. Other participating studios include Fresh Chairs and Made by deMay in Smithville.
Although tour stops are numbered, the event is intended to be entirely self-guided, giving visitors the opportunity to drive from studio to studio in any order. Bright black and yellow signs will be placed throughout the county to direct them to each stop.
Stella Luna Gallery in Smithville is this year’s official tour hospitality center and also a showcase for the work of Off The Beaten Path members and other leading artists of Tennessee. There, visitors can pick up a copy of this year’s tour guide, plan the day’s or weekend’s itineracy and enjoy light refreshments.
“Our tour is a great reason to get out and see the work of all these different artists when our area is ablaze with color,” says Colombarini. “People who take the tour have never been disappointed.”
For more information, or to download a copy of this year’s tour map and guide, please visit the group’s website, www.offthebeatenpathtour.com.

The DeKalb County Angel Tree, Inc is accepting applications for the 15th Annual Angel Tree Project through Friday, October 29th.
Spokesperson Laura Stone said changes have been made to the application process for this year.” Applications can be picked up October 25th through October 29th. You will still pick up your applications at the Department of Human Services, but one of the changes will be that the application must be returned in person the following week to the 303 Building.”
“Completed applications will have to be returned to the 303 Building in downtown Smithville (the old Lavelle’s Building) on one of the following days; Tuesday, November 2nd from 5 until 8, Wednesday, November 3rd from noon until 6 or Thursday, November 4th from 5 until 8. Applications not returned to the 303 Building on one of these three dates WILL NOT be accepted. There are no exceptions to the requirements of the application process”, said Stone.
“Applications can only be picked up at the Department of Human Services on October 25th through October 29th and can only be returned to the 303 Building on the dates listed. In addition to bringing the completed application, applicants must provide photo identification of the person applying and social security cards and birth certificates for ALL children listed on the application. We will only be keeping the application; all other documents will be returned to the applicant. If an applicant cannot appear in person, their application can be submitted by a family member as long as all of the required information is presented.”
“Eligible children must live in DeKalb County and be no older than age 12 by December 25, 2010. The Department of Human Services will only be passing out the applications. Nothing will be returned to them and any questions should be directed to Laura Stone at 615.597.5060”
Stone adds that “the Angel Tree has been such a tremendous success in the past and with economic times extremely tough for many in our area, we want this years Angel Tree to be no exception. The Angel Tree helps so many families who are struggling to make ends meet. It is sad to think about, but many of these children would not otherwise have a single present for Christmas. With the economy still struggling, we are expecting demand to be high.”

The DeKalb County Jail and Jail Annex have again met minimum standards for certification by the Tennessee Corrections Institute.
Sheriff Patrick Ray said the Tennessee Corrections Institute recently performed an inspection of the DeKalb County Jail and the DeKalb County Jail Annex. In a letter to Sheriff Ray, TCI Executive Director Jerry Abston, wrote that “the inspection revealed this facility meets all applicable minimum standards. This status shall be reported to the Board of Control at it’s next meeting. After approval from the Board of Control, you will receive a Certificate of Certification. You are to be congratulated for attaining this degree of professionalism in your organization.”
Inspector Joe Ferguson, in the report, wrote that “On June 3rd, 2010 the DeKalb County Jail and Annex were inspected. I looked at records and logs which appeared to be in order. Medical exams were up-to-date. The kitchen was clean and the dietician letter was current. The physical plant appeared to be in good state of repair and clean. I recommend continued certification for 2010.”
The DeKalb County Jail and Annex have a certified capacity of 102 beds. The inmate population on the day of the inspection was 95.

A 29 year old Smithville man was arrested by the Sheriff’s Department last week after witnesses saw him setting fire to the woods near Indian Creek Boat Ramp and then trying to run from the law.
Jesse A. Golden of New Home Road, Smithville is charged with setting fire to personal property or land, reckless endangerment, felony evading arrest, and driving under the influence.
Sheriff Patrick Ray reports that on Friday, October 22nd at Indian Creek Boat Ramp and parking lot, witnesses saw Golden setting several fires in the woods. An officer got behind Golden’s automobile and turned on his emergency equipment signaling Golden to stop but he accelerated to speeds up to 90 miles per hour. The chase continued for about two miles. While running from the officer, Golden almost hit a county fire engine and another vehicle head-on before pulling over. The officer found an empty gas can and a package of matches in Golden’s vehicle. During questioning concerning the fire, the deputy noticed that Golden was unsteady on his feet. He admitted to drinking beer and performed poorly on all field sobriety tasks. He also submitted to a blood test. The total bond for Golden is $16,000 and he will be in court on October 28th.
In other crime news, 47 year old Ricky Lynn Cantrell of Liberty is charged with leaving the scene of an accident. On Friday, October 15th, a deputy responded to an accident where the driver left on foot. After speaking to several witnesses, the officer learned that Cantrell had run out of gas on Highway 70 west. He pushed the vehicle into the parking lot of Crook’s Used Cars, hitting another automobile. He then left on foot before an officer arrived on the scene. Witnesses said Cantrell appeared to be intoxicated. He was arrested on Saturday, October 16th. His bond is set at $1,500 and he will be in court on November 4th.
29 year old Christopher Shawn South of Woodbury is charged with driving on a suspended license. He was arrested on Monday, October 18th. His bond is set at $1,500 and he will be in court on Wednesday, October 27th. South was operating a motor vehicle at Sonic Drive-In on South Congress Boulevard that matched the description of the automobile of another person who was wanted for questioning. A computer check revealed that his license were suspended for failure to pay child support on October 10th, 2009.
23 year old Austin Corley Wood of Dale Ridge Road, is charged with a third offense of driving on a suspended license. He was arrested on Tuesday, October 19th. Bond for Wood is $3,000 and he will be in court on October 27th. Wood was operating a vehicle on Highway 56 and was stopped for a traffic offense. A computer check revealed that his license were suspended for driving on a suspended license on April 6th, 2009 and other offenses that day and on August 20th, 2007.
41 year old Sherry Lynn Chandler of Page Drive, Smithville is charged with driving on a suspended license. Her bond is $1,000 and she will be in court on November 3rd. Sheriff Ray says Chandler was operating a motor vehicle on Midway Road on Tuesday, October 19th and was stopped for a traffic offense. A computer check revealed that her license were suspended for failure to provide evidence of financial responsibility on September 10th, 2010 in DeKalb County.
25 year old Michael Andrew Snyders of West Main Street Smithville is charged in five warrants for violation of probation. He was arrested on Wednesday, October 20th. He is also named in a sealed indictment from April 12th, 2010 charging him with sale and delivery of a schedule II controlled substance and two counts of violation of the drug free school zone. Snyders is under a $50,000 bond in the drug cases.
25 year old Scotty Randall Hendrixson of McMinnville Highway is charged with simple possession of a schedule II controlled substance. He was arrested on Thursday, October 21st. Hendrixson was a passenger of a vehicle on Cecil Hale Road, which was pulled over by an officer. A K-9 unit was requested to come to the scene. The dog indicated on the vehicle. A search was conducted and half of a dilaudid pill was found in the floor of the passenger side where Hendrixson was sitting. His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court on November 4th.
Meanwhile, 23 year old Gary Christopher Ponder of Old Mill Hill Road, Dowelltown is charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. Ponder was the driver of the vehicle in which Scotty Randall Hendrixson was a passenger. During the search, a loaded hypodermic needle was found under the drivers seat where Ponder was sitting. His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court on November 4th.
22 year old Priscilla Leann Roberts of Sparta Highway, Smithville is charged with introduction of drugs into a penal institution. Her bond is $5,000 and she will be in court on October 28th. On Friday, October 22nd, Roberts reported to the county jail to do 24 hours of drug court time. During a search prior to her being locked up, a correctional officer found two whole pills and sixteen half pills of xanax on her person.
22 year old Justin Andrew Cantrell of Adcock Cemetery Road, Smithville is charged with driving on a suspended license. He is under a $2,500 bond and he will be in court on November 18th. On Saturday, October 23rd, Cantrell was operating a motor vehicle on Adcock Cemetery Road and was stopped because the officer had prior knowledge of his license having been suspended. A computer check confirmed that Cantrell’s license were suspended for failing to provide evidence of financial responsibility on July 9th, 2010.
39 year old Shawn Edward Richardson of Salem Road, Lebanon is charged with driving on a revoked license. His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court on November 4th. On Saturday, October 23rd on Locust Street in Alexandria, Richardson was operating a motor vehicle and stopped for traveling the wrong direction on a one way street. A computer check revealed the his license were revoked for a DUI on August 24th, 2006 in Rutherford County.
50 year old Clifton Eugene Brown of Wesley Chapel Road, Sparta is charged with driving on a revoked license. On Sunday, October 24th, Brown was operating a motor vehicle on Highway 70 and stopped for failing to maintain his lane of travel. A computer check revealed that his license were revoked for a DUI on December 18th, 2009 in White County. His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court on November 4th.
33 year old Tara Leann Aughinbaugh is charged with simple possession of a schedule II controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Her bond is $4,000 and she will be in court on November 4th. On Monday, October 25th. Aughinbaugh was operating a motor vehicle on Highway 70 and was stopped for erratic driving. She gave the officer consent to search and he found, in a change purse, a plastic bag containing methamphetamine and a hypodermic needle.
34 year old Steven Craig Banfield of College Street, Lebanon is charged with driving on a suspended license, simple possession of a schedule VI controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. On Sunday, October 24th, Banfield was operating a motor vehicle and stopped for crossing the center line of the highway several times. A computer check revealed that his license were suspended for failure to provide evidence of financial responsibility. Banfield gave the officer consent to search and inside the back seat was a pill bottle containing marijuana and a pipe with marijuana residue. His bond totals $4,500 and he will be in court on November 4th.
27 year old Brandon Ross Bogle of Jefferson Road, Smithville is charged with public intoxication. His bond is $1,000 and he will be in court on November 4th. On Monday, October 25th on Big Rock Road, the sheriff’s office received a call that someone was knocking on a door of a residence. An officer responded and found Bogle on the porch of the complainant. He had an odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person and he was unsteady on his feet.
The DeKalb County Jail and Annex has again passed certification for minimum standards for local correctional facilities for 2010-2011. The certification remains valid until next year’s inspection.

Who makes the best chili in DeKalb County? Find out on Friday, October 29th when Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County hosts its 7th annual Chili Cook-off and Bake Sale.
Chili will be served from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the 303 Building on the town square. You can purchase your bowl for $5.00, eat all the chili you want, and vote for your favorite chili and the best decorated booth. Handmade pottery bowls will be available for $10.00. Delicious baked goods prepared by members of local churches will also be for sale.
“We are looking forward to another great day of good food and fellowship at the chili cook-off,” said Tom Janney, president of Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County. “We just completed our third Habitat home in DeKalb County and are making plans for our fourth house to be built in 2011,” said Janney. “The proceeds from the Chili Cook-off will be used towards building our next house, so we hope everyone will come out and eat lots of chili for a great cause!”
At press time, the teams competing in the Chili Cook-off are “Blessed and Highly Flavored” from Allen’s Chapel Methodist Church; “Cauldron of Fire” from the DeKalb County Board of Education; “Hot Checks Chili” from DeKalb Community Bank; “The Courthouse Gang” from the DeKalb County Officials; “Edgar Evins Chili Peppers” from Edgar Evins State Park; “Hale’s Bowls of Fire” from James C. Hale for State Representative; “Hillbilly Chili – It’s a Natural Gas” from Middle Tennessee Natural Gas; “The Bean Counters” from Tom Janney, CPA and Associates; “Red Hot Kilowatts” from Smithville Electric System; “Hollywood Corpse Review” from the Smithville Review, and The Inn at Evins Mill.
Last year, “The Courthouse Gang” from the DeKalb County Officials won the “Best Chili” award, and “Monster Mash” from the DeKalb County Board of Education followed in second place. In the decorating contest, the “Red Hot Chili Papers” from the Smithville Review won first place honors. The 2009 event raised approximately $3,500.
Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County is a locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization. Habitat for Humanity builds and renovates houses in partnership with volunteers and families in need, regardless of their ethnic or religious background. The houses then are sold to those in need at no profit and with no interest charged.
For more information on the Chili Cook-off and Bake Sale, contact Tecia Pryor at 597-7370. To contact Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County, call 215-8181.