The voter registration process will change starting with the 2012 election. Citizens in the State of Tennessee will have to show government-issued photo identification in order to cast a ballot at the polls.
The Upper Cumberland Rural Public Transit System is designed to benefit the entire community. We provide vital transportation for Upper Cumberland residents of all ages linking them to doctors, employment, grocery stores, senior citizen centers, schools and much more.
The Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency (UCHRA) can provide transportation service to the Drivers Service Centers to voters who otherwise would not have transportation. Voters in DeKalb County may call their local UCHRA county office at (615)597-4504 for more information about scheduling a trip and trip fares that apply. For information about the Upper Cumberland Rural Public Transit System, visit www.uchra.com/transit .

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department made two arrests last week in the October burglary of a home on Skyline Drive.
33 year old Ricky Allen Ashford of South College Street, Smithville is charged with aggravated burglary, theft of property over $1,000, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and violation of probation. His bond totals $23,500 and he will be in court on December 1.
Sheriff Patrick Ray reports that on October 15 Ashford allegedly broke into a residence at Skyline Drive by using a credit card to open the door. He allegedly took from the residence gold chains, a diamond ring, a wedding band, and other jewelry all valued at over $1,000. The case was assigned to a detective and the arrest was made on Thanksgiving Day, November 24.
A sixteen year old boy was with Ashford during the burglary and theft. Ashford was charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor as a result and the boy was charged under a juvenile petition as a delinquent for burglary and theft
The violation of probation against Ashford was because he failed to pay in full his court costs by the end of his probation date in a previous case. Ashford had been placed on probation after being convicted of two counts of attempted forgery. He received 11 months 29 days in that case. He still owes $904.58 as of November 2, 2009.
39 year old Mary Ann Hale of Sparta Highway, Smithville is cited for driving on a suspended license, violation of the light law, and violation of the financial responsibility law. Her court date is December 14
According to Sheriff Ray, Hale’s vehicle was stopped due to a broken tail light on Friday, November 25. The officer discovered that her drivers license were suspended and she did not have proof of valid car insurance.
24 year old Rodrigo Carrasco of Columbia is charged with a second offense of driving under the influence. He was also issued a citation for no drivers license. His bond is $2,500 and he will be in court on December 8.
Sheriff Ray reports that on Wednesday, November 23 a deputy was called to check out a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed on Highway 70. Reports said that the vehicle was all over the roadway and doing doughnuts. The officer spotted the automobile on the side of the road with its flashers on. A man was behind the wheel. Upon speaking with the driver, the deputy noticed that he had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person and his speech was slurred. He was asked to step out of the vehicle. He was very unsteady on his feet. When asked to perform field sobriety tasks, the man indicated that he could not speak English. Because of this, field sobriety tasks were not performed and no blood alcohol test was taken. A computer check revealed he had no drivers license.

The Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association has received permission from the Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture Julius Johnson to hold a referendum vote on instituting a $.50 per head voluntary state beef checkoff. The vote has been scheduled for December 7th and 8th at Local County UT Extension offices. The UT Extension Office in Smithville will be the voting location for beef producers who live in DeKalb County. The office is located at 722 South Congress Boulevard in Smithville. The office will be open for voting from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 7th and from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 8th.
Every cattle producer in Tennessee will be eligible to vote on the checkoff by signing an affidavit at their local extension office, confirming that they are a cattle producer. If producers vote to institute the checkoff, $.50 will be collected when a bovine animal is sold in the state. Producers would then have 90 days to request a refund from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, if they do not want to participate in the checkoff. The remaining proceeds would then be transferred to the Tennessee Beef Industry Council. The funds could be used to finance a program of research, education, market development, marketing, advertising and other methods designed to promote the increased production, consumption, use and sale of beef products in Tennessee. A producer board will oversee the funds. The board will be composed of 9 members appointed by the Commissioner of Agriculture. These members will be nominated by the Tennessee Farm Bureau, the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association, the Tennessee Livestock Marketing Association and other recognized beef cattle producer associations.
The $1 per head National Beef Checkoff program was established in 1985. Half of this money remains in Tennessee and the rest is used nationally to fund programs like the “Beef, It’s what’s for Dinner” advertising campaign, new products innovations such as microwave ready meals and developing new cuts of beef. The money that has remained in Tennessee has funded programs such as UT Beef Day promotions on the Vol radio network, teaching kits for schools and consumer education programs. Since these funds have not increased since 1985, inflation has dramatically impacted the programs that can be funded with this money.
For more information on the Checkoff program visit www.beefup.org or call the UT Extension office in Smithville at 615-597-4945.

The Alexandria Christmas Parade has been rescheduled for Sunday, December 4 due to rain. The line-up begins at 3:00 p.m. and the parade will get underway at 4:00 p.m. Entries of floats, old vehicles, tractors, 4-Wheelers, horses, etc are all welcome. Anyone under the age of 16 must have an adult to accompany them in the parade. Prizes will be given away on the Alexandria public square after the parade.Crafts and food booths are welcome to set up on or around the square. For more information or entry forms contact Deb McCoy at 615-948-6486, Denise Barrett at 615-948-4829, or the Alexandria City Hall at 529-2171.

What was once a dream is almost a reality! The DeKalb Middle School Fast pitch Softball team began its program during the 2000-2001 school year. Since that time the team has never had a field to call their own. Parents and coaches would transport players across town for practices and games at the Bill Page Field and as of last year the Coach Pitch fields. Coaches have always had to transport their equipment with them because they did not have a storage area.
In May of 2010 talk began about constructing a field on the campus of DeKalb Middle School. Principal Randy Jennings asked the Director of Schools and the school board for permission to build a field on the school property. The board approved the site and the preparations began. A committee of parent volunteers was formed to oversee the project. Professional Engineering Services in Sparta agreed to come and look at the site. Mr. Kyle Hazel, an architect with the company surveyed the site and drew up blueprints that would best suit the area where the field was to be constructed. After several meetings and discussions the plans were finalized.
August 3, 2011 was the “big day.” Road Supervisor Kenny Edge of the DeKalb County Highway Department provided two men who began the process. After approximately 4 ½, weeks the initial dirt work was complete. The next step was to plant grass seed for the outfield. Coach Karen Pelham, players and parents met one Saturday to sow and straw the area. It wasn’t long until the grass seed was coming up and the field began to take its shape.
Workers are currently in the process of fencing the field. Jason Walker (Walker Fencing) is doing the fencing and it should be complete within the next week. Once the field is fenced rock will be placed in the outside ditches and the banks sowed around the field. Sometime in early spring the finishing touches will be made by adding some infield dirt and bases. The field should be completely ready for practices and games for the 2012 season.
Plans are to add lights and a field house/ press box with concessions and restrooms in the future. The score board will be donated by Dr. Pepper Bottling Company. The project is being built in stages as money is raised.. This field is being constructed with fundraising by the players and parents, business donations and volunteer labor.
A special thanks goes to the following individuals and businesses: Kyle Hazel and Professional Engineering Services in Sparta, TN for their donation of surveying, design, and the time that you have given to this project, along with Kenny Edge and the DeKalb County Highway Department, City of Smithville, Middle TN Natural Gas, Tenneco, DeKalb Community Bank, Liberty State Bank, DTC, Southern Landscape Supply, Kwik N Ezy, HBC General Contractor, Graham Services, Hurricane Marina, Ace Hardware, Caney Fork Electric, Avant Funeral Home, Johnnie Cripps, Lyndon Ashburn, Jeremy Trapp, Love Cantrell Funeral Home, Dr. Denise Dingle and the many individuals who have participated in our fundraising efforts.
If you would like to make a donation or volunteer your services please call the school at 597-7987. All donations and support will be greatly appreciated.