By this time next year, you may be doing business with some of your courthouse public officials at the Town and Country Shopping Center location.
The county commission has not yet made it official, but County Mayor Mike Foster says it appears more likely that at least four of the offices in the courthouse will be moving, possibly by next spring. “I would think we are looking at probably sometime next spring. The way it looks, it would probably be Trustee, Register of Deeds, County Clerk, and Property Assessor. At least those offices. There’s still some discussion about the election commission and my office (County Mayor). One of those two offices probably will go (to the shopping center). That way the rest of the courthouse will be opened up for space that everybody needs for the courts and some storage too.”
One of the officials, probably the county clerk, is expected to have his own drive through window at the shopping center location to better serve the public.
J & S Construction is currently conducting a “Job Summary” at the old shopping center complex but so far no company has been selected by the county commission to do the actual renovation construction, although several architects have submitted plans for the design and layout of the facility.
Foster says the final plans will include space for a variety of purposes. “We’ve got five architects that have submitted plans. They have submitted what they have done for free and they (county commission) will pick whoever they want for that. The layout we’re doing is preliminary just to make sure everything fits in to account for space. In it (layout) right now is an auditorium with a stage to seat about 250 people, which could be used for performing arts, meetings or whatever. There’s an exercise weight room, a game room, and for lack of a better word there’s like a semi-gymnasium type area of about 4,500 square feet that could be used for kids to do whatever they want to do. It would probably have a basketball goal and things for recreation but it won’t be like a full gym. The senior citizens center would be next to that (gym) and next to a museum. There’s capacity for about six rooms for Motlow State Community College to have night classes and there will be a center in there for computer literacy to help industries and where, if they’re having training, they can come over there and use those. We’ll also have the two rental spaces and the county (public officials) offices. They’re all (offices) pretty much the same size and we’ll have an archives storage area in there of about 1,600 to 1,700 square feet. Right now, the plans are to have a drive through window on the south end there which will be part of where the Pizza Inn was. There’s also a space in the back at one of the loading docks for the Second Harvest Food Bank that hopefully the churches are going to see to like the Methodist Church here does. They have a really good ministry through the Second Harvest Food Bank and we want to give them that space in there to continue that. All the churches contribute but the Methodist church here initiated it. They do have a lot of input from other churches and organizations. These are things that are still in the plans as of today. It’s just a matter of getting them all situated and laid out to where they all fit in. We’re trying to make sure that the space is there to do all these things.”
Once J & H Construction completes it’s “Job Summary” then bids can be prepared and let for the renovation/ construction work. Foster says he is hopeful that bids can be let by late summer or early fall. Foster adds that the actual construction costs are unknown right now but the county is applying for as many grants as possible to help fund it. “We have applied for a Rural Development grant for the recreation part for $200,000 and we’re applying for another $200,000 parks and recreation grant. We’re trying to work those in there. We’ve already received $15,000 for the aging. We’re trying to get as many grants as possible.”
“We meet with J & S Construction each Thursday to go over what they’ve done for that week. They are evaluating the roof system. We already had some roofing companies to do that and some engineer companies to do other things on a smaller scale. But they (J & S) are updating the roof situation and checking all the electrical. They’re running cameras up the sewer lines and checking the sprinkler systems. Its sort of a summary of what we’ve got and they’re making a proposal of what we should do. Then invitations will be issued for companies and individuals to bid on those specific things.”
“It depends upon how quickly we can do it, but from what I’m hearing and what I’m thinking, maybe the roof (project) will be done in one section (bid letting), then the front might be done in another section, and then the building would be let in maybe three sections so that more people could have a chance to bid on it. We would like to have local bidders if we can because it would create some local jobs. That’s the way we’ll try to do that. Hopefully it will turn out that way. It just depends upon the overall scope of everything because some of the bigger companies, if they did the entire thing, would be the only ones capable of doing it. So we’re hoping we’ll be letting in three or four sections.”
“And then we’ve got to do the central air and heat zoning and figure out exactly what use is going to be put to that particular central air and heat unit that’s on top. We know three of the units are not good out there but we think the other nine units are good according to the engineers. So once we get the zoning to fit with the layout of the property, then we’ll get that done and then get the roof done and then start doing the layouts. The interior will include some sheet rock walls, drop ceilings, and it’ll either be tile floors or some of it could be carpet that is installed in squares, which if (a certain section) is stained, you can pop it out and put another one in. It (facility) won’t be extravagant but it will be functional and durable and built for low maintenance.”
Foster says he also learned last week that the county has received another grant to help develop the new farmer’s market location on the north side of the shopping center facing East Bryant Street and work on that should be completed by September. “We got the environmentals done on it about six weeks ago and we were waiting to hear from another grant. We applied for a USDA Rural Development Grant for $50,000 which we got. We also applied for a Tennessee Department of Agriculture Enhancement Grant and we found out Wednesday that we got it, which is for $30,000. That’s why we were waiting (to do the project). But we’ve got the contracts and they have been signed and sent back in. We also did a little modification to the building and if everything goes well, we’ll be advertising that bid probably next week. Construction on that should begin right away. According to our contracts and grants we have to have that done by September. We have done the environmentals and the traffic flow pattern. It will have a bathroom, a wash area, refrigerated area with storage, a display area, tables, and it’ll all be handicapped accessible.”
Last October, the county commission voted to purchase the 62,000 square foot Town and Country Shopping Center complex. The property covers 5.21 acres and includes a large paved parking lot.
The purchase price for the shopping center was approximately $750,000.

Members of the DeKalb County Fair Association are busy preparing for this year’s edition of the Grandpa Fair of the South, which is set for Monday through Saturday July 19th through July 24th.
With the theme ” The Fun Begins in 2010″, this year’s DeKalb County Fair will feature a fun filled week of activities including all new rides by the Family Attractions Amusement Company and two nights of the Super Truck and Tractor Pull on Friday and Saturday nights.
Fair Manager Jeff McMillen says the fair will be bringing back the Off-Road Challenge, Open Rodeo, the Demolition Derby, and Super Tractor and Truck Pull, Go Kart Racing, Four Wheelers and Motorcycle Racing, DeKalb Idol, the Vintage Fashion Show, and many other popular attractions. “We have nearly the same events that we had last year but the carnival people (Family Attractions Amusement) will have all new rides. They’re trying to bring new things to towns that they have been in for a while.”
“The Off- Road Challenge will be adding a speed course. Instead of it being a boring type five minute “can you get across the log” type thing, it’s going to be more of a time type (speed course) event. These vehicles need to be pre-registered. The cost is twenty five dollars to pre-register or forty five dollars if you register the day of the event.”
“We’ll have Go-Cart racing. This year with our competition carts, which is the fast carts, they have started a points system and they do about four or five fairs. The Lebanon fair is the championship series of this challenge so if they (participants) want to be involved in the points and win money at the end of the year, they have to come to these fairs and race so we should have more participation in that class than we have had in the past.”
“This year on the tractor pull, we’re going to do two nights of the Super Trucks and Tractor Pull. We’ll have seven classes each night. Part of the smoker tractors will pull both nights and it’s a points event so they will have to participate if they want to win the points at the end of the year.”
The Antique Tractor Pull will not be part of this year’s fair line-up of events
McMillen urges fair goers to take the time to enjoy lots of delicious foods from the food booths and stop by to see the many commercial, agricultural, and women’s exhibits.
The Kenneth Sandlin Center will be open Monday through Friday from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and Saturday from 4:00 p.m.. until 9:00 p.m.
All Perishable exhibits ONLY will be accepted Saturday, July 17th from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
Premium books are now available at DeKalb Community Bank, Liberty State Bank, the Chamber of Commerce Office, and at all libraries in DeKalb County.
Enjoy nightly entertainment at the Memory Lane Stage in Memory Village
DeKalb County Fair Memory Lane Stage Line-Up:
Monday Night July 19
6:00 – 7:00 pm- Jordyn Mallory
7:15 – 8:00 pm- The Springs Band
Tuesday Night July 20
6:00 – 7:00 pm- TBA
7:15 – 8:00 pm- Zack Allen
Wednesday Night July 21
6:00 – 7:00 pm- Mid-State Cloggers
7:15 – 8:15 pm- TBA
Thursday Night July 22
6:00 – 7:00 pm- Kenny Lee and Deidre Bentley
7:15 – 8:00 pm- The Under the Hill Gang -Ronnie Wilson
Friday Night July 23
6:00 – 7:00 pm- Terri Weaver
7:15 – 8:15 pm- Jubal’s Cry
Saturday Night July 24
6:30 – 7:30 pm- The Springs Band
7:45 pm – until- Lakeside Drive
The following events are scheduled:
Monday, July 19th: Cattle Show at 6:00 p.m. at the Tot Kelly barn; Off-Road Challenge at the T.C. McMillen Arena at 6:30 p.m.; Junior Fair Princess Pageant at 6:00 p.m. followed by the Fairest of the Fair Pageant at the Lions Club Pavilion. $1000 cash giveaway at 9:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 20th: the Little Mr. and Miss Pageant for contestants ages 4-6 at 6:00 p.m. at the Lions Club Pavilion with a concert by Doug Collins to follow; Go-Cart Racing at 6:30 p.m. at the T.C. McMillen Arena; and a Horse Show at 7:00 p.m. at the Grandstand; $1000 cash giveaway at 9:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 21st: Little Miss Princess Pageant for contestants ages 7-8 at 6:00 p.m. followed by the Miss Sweetheart Pageant for those ages 10-12 at the Lions Club Pavilion; Four Wheeler and Motorcycle Racing at 6:00 p.m. at the T.C. McMillen Arena; $1000 cash giveaway at 9:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 22nd: Senior Citizen Day activities at 9:00 a.m. at the Lions Club Pavilion; 4-H Chick Chain Show at 5:00 p.m. at the Tot Kelly barn; Junior Goat Show at 6:00 p.m. at the Tot Kelly barn; a Baby Show at 6:00 p.m. followed by a Vintage Fashion Show at the Lions Club Pavilion; and a Rodeo at the T.C. McMillen Arena at 7:30 p.m.; $1000 cash giveaway at 9:30 p.m.
Friday, July 23rd: Toddler Show at 6:00 p.m. followed by DeKalb Idol Final Competition at the Lions Club Pavilion; a Super Truck and Tractor Pull at 7:30 p.m. at the T.C. McMillen Arena; and a Demolition Derby at 7:00 p.m. at the Grandstand; $1000 cash giveaway at 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 24th: Horseshow Tournament at the Tot Kelly barn at 3:00 p.m.; Gospel singing at the Lions Club Pavilion at 6:00 p.m.; Antique Tractor Pull at 2:00 p.m at the T.C. McMillen Arena.; Super Tractor and Truck Pull at 7:30 p.m. at the T.C. McMillen Arena: and a $1000 cash giveaway at 9:30 p.m.
One thousand dollars in cash will be given away each night, Monday through Saturday at 9:30 p.m. at the Lion’s Club Pavilion and you must be present to win. If no one presents the winning ticket within three minutes, the money will be saved and given away on Saturday night in increments of $1,000. Your fair admission ticket is your ticket for the cash drawing.
ALL NEW RIDES on the Midway will be provided by the Family Attractions Amusement Company. Unlimited rides will be available each night for $16.00.
Admission to the fair is $3.00 per person. Children age four and younger will be admitted free! Gates open at 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. Parking is Free!
For more information, call 529-FAIR or visit on-line at www.dekalbcountyfair.us.

Sheriff Patrick Ray is urging you to beware of a scam that has been occurring here and in some counties surrounding DeKalb.
According to Sheriff Ray, the way this scam operates is a caller telephones a residence and tells the person answering the phone that their child, spouse, grandchild, or other relative has had some kind of accident and needs the family to wire money to them. “Most of the people that I have talked to about the scam here in our county said that the caller has given the correct name of the relative who is supposedly the victim of the accident. It is unknown at this time how the caller is getting that information and name of the relative. In one case, the caller told a grandparent that their grandchild had been in a terrible car accident and that the child was in a hospital and needed money wired to them so that he could get medical treatment. In this case, the grandparent did not fall for the scam.”
Sheriff Ray advises you not to panic if you get one of these calls and try to contact the family member (alleged accident victim) first before you do anything. “If you need assistance in contacting the victim, let us help you and never wire any money or give anyone your credit or debit card numbers.”

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department arrested an 18 year old man Friday after being called to investigate an altercation in the Midway community.
Clay Andrew Bain of Lake View Drive, Smithville is charged with evading arrest, unlawful carry or possession of a weapon, and possession of a schedule VI drug (marijuana). His bond is set at $7,500 and he will appear in court on July 29th.
According to Sheriff Patrick Ray, a deputy received a call from central dispatch about an altercation on Midway Road in Smithville. The complainant said that Bain was at a residence on Midway Road and was armed with a gun. An officer spotted Bain’s vehicle at the Midway Community Center. As Bain drove off the deputy activated his blue lights but Bain did not stop. The officer pursued Bain for approximately a ¼ of a mile before he pulled into the residence of the complainant. Upon approaching Bain’s automobile, the officer noticed inside the vehicle a club or stick that had duct tape rolled around one end of it. Bain was then taken into custody. When asked if he had anything in his pockets, Bain produced a small bag containing a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana.
43 year old Todd O. Hindsley of South Mountain Street, Smithville is charged with a second offense of driving under the influence, a first offense of driving on a revoked license, and simple possession of a schedule III drug (Hydrocodone). His bond is set at $4,000 and he will appear in court on July 22nd. Sheriff Ray says a deputy, while on patrol Thursday, July 8th, saw an automobile in the parking lot of a gas station on Highway 56 south moving in a reckless manor. The vehicle almost hit two vehicles and the gas pump. After stopping it, the deputy noticed that Hindsley was behind the wheel and that he was under the influence. Hindsley submitted to field sobriety tasks, which he failed. A check of Hindsley driver’s license revealed that they were suspended for a DUI conviction in Fentress County. Hindsley also was found to have in his possession three Hydrocodone pills which he tried to throw on the ground in order to hide them from the officer.
39 year old Michael Edward Brown of Bright Hill Road Smithville is charged with an eighth offense of driving on a revoked license. His bond is set at $7,500 and he will appear in court on July 22nd. According to Sheriff Ray, on Friday deputies received a BOLO or be on the look out from central dispatch for a vehicle that was driving recklessly. An officer spotted the vehicle and stopped it on Vaughn Lane in Smithville. Brown was the driver. A check of his license revealed them to be revoked.

Due to numerous reports of burglarized automobiles at lake boat ramps recently, Sheriff Patrick Ray is issuing a warning to all lake visitors to be alert and cautious.
“In the last few weeks we have received numerous reports of vehicles that have been burglarized around the boat ramps here in the county. The burglars are breaking into parked vehicles, bursting out windows, and stealing items such as pocketbooks, radios, compact discs, ratchet straps, and other items”, said Sheriff Ray.
“I know when people go to our lake access points, they are excited and ready to swim or go fishing or pleasure riding in their boats. I would ask that you take a few minutes and look at your surroundings and go by the following safety tips which might detour a thief from breaking into your vehicle:
Try to park in well lit areas such as under a street light or next to a well lit building.
Always lock your vehicle and do not leave valuables such as pocketbooks or jewelry in your vehicles that are in plain site.
Try to park close to the front of the parking lot and try to avoid parking far away from other vehicles.
If you see any suspicious people in the parking lot, call central dispatch so a deputy can be dispatched to your location. The number is 215-3000.

A 23 year old Smithville woman was arrested twice last week, the first time for possession of drugs, and for shoplifting on the second occasion.
Smithville Police report that Brandy Nichole Hale of 114 Highland Drive was arrested on Sunday, July 4th for possession of a schedule IV drug. Hale was stopped by Officer David Phillips for failing to maintain the proper lane of travel. She was also observed by Sergeant Randy King hiding pills in her bra. Hale gave consent to search her vehicle where a bottle containing her prescription and an unidentified pill believed to be a schedule IV drug were found. Bond for Hale is $1,500 and her court date is July 29th.
Hale was arrested again the next day, Monday July, 5th for shoplifting at Rite Aid Pharmacy.
She was observed by a pharmacy employee putting items in her purse. When questioned by K-9 Officer Bradley Tatrow, Hale denied having taken anything. Upon giving consent to search her purse, Officer Tatrow found items belonging to the pharmacy. Ms. Hale later admitted to taking the items because she didn’t have enough money to pay for them. Bond for Hale is $1,500 and her court date is July 22nd.
27 year old Jessica French Hale of 4001 Big Hill Road, Liberty was cited Friday, July 2nd for shoplifting and simple possession of a schedule III drug. Ms. Hale was observed placing merchandise on her person and attempting to leave Wal-Mart without paying for the items. A search incident to arrest revealed four pills believed to be a schedule III drug in her purse. Officer Scott Davis issued the citation. Her court date is July 29th.
38 year old German Edgardo of 324 Bell Street was cited for theft on Saturday, July 3rd. On Friday, June 18th, Jimmy Driver reported that on May 31st he was in Wal-Mart getting some pictures developed and placed his camera on the counter. An unknown person came up beside him and stole his camera. The theft was captured on Wal-Mart’s security cameras. On Saturday, July 3rd with the help of Constable Johnny King, Corporal Travis Bryant made contact with Edgardo who admitted to taking the camera off the counter and leaving the store with it. The camera was recovered and returned to Mr. Driver. Edgardo’s court date is July 22nd.
24 year old Johnny Aaron Murphy Jr. of Carthage was arrested on Monday, July 5th for possession of schedule III for resale. While investigating a possible stolen vehicle case, K-9 Officer Bradley Tatrow made contact with Murphy. The officer asked Murphy if he had any weapons or narcotics on his person. Murphy replied that he had Hydrocodone in his pocket but not in the right bottle. Murphy turned the bottle over to Officer Tatrow which was for another drug. The bottle contained 17 pills. Bond for Murphy is $5,000.
48 year old Danny Ray Ponder of 7851 Old Mill Hill Road was cited on Tuesday, July 6th for possession of drug paraphernalia. K-9 Officer Bradley Tatrow pulled over Ponder for a traffic violation. Ponder gave consent to search his vehicle and Officer Tatrow recovered two used hypodermic needles from the trunk. Ponder’s court date is September 2nd.
27 year old Johnny Lynn DeVault of 330 Talpha Drive was arrested on Wednesday, July 7th for DUI. DeVault was operating a motor vehicle and stopped for speeding. Officer David Phillips noticed that DeVault had slurred speech and his eyes were glossy. DeVault submitted to field sobriety tasks and he performed poorly. He also refused to submit to a blood test. DeVault was issued a citation for violation of implied consent and speeding. Bond for DeVault is $1,500 and his court date is July 29th.
Anyone having any on the following offense is asked to please contact the Smithville Police Department at 597-8210 or the Tip Line at 464-6046.
Sometime between 5:00 p.m. on Monday, July 5th and 1:00 am on Tuesday, July 6th someone burglarized a home on Forrest Avenue taking several firearms.
Any information received that will help the Smithville Police solve any criminal offense will be greatly appreciated. All information is confidential.