Come one, come all to downtown Smithville for the 45th Annual Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree and Crafts Festival! This milestone event will be held Friday, July 1st and Saturday, July 2nd. The Festival begins at 9:00 am each day, and continues until the final competition has been awarded. With over 35 music and dance categories, streets full of hand-made crafts, and over a dozen food booths, there is something for everyone at the Jamboree. You have to experience it in person…come and see the Jamboree!
In 1975, a PBS film crew did a documentary on the Fiddlers Jamboree called “Showdown at the Hoedown”. View the program by clicking the link below
http://folkstreams.net/film/267
Preliminaries will be held in the following categories on Friday, July 1:
Old Time Appalachian Folksinging (Solo); Junior Clogging (ages 13-39); Junior Buck Dancing (ages 13-39); Old-Time Appalachian Folksinging (Duet, Trio, Quartet); Dobro Guitar; Mountain Dulcimer; Hammer Dulcimer; Novelty Event (Spoon Clacking, Jug Blowing, Washboard, Tub, Saws-Appalachian Related Only); Autoharp, Gospel Singing (Solo); Country Harmonica; Old Time Banjo; Youth Square Dancing (4 Couples-8 Total Dancers); Gospel Singing (Duet,Trio, and Quartet); Mandolin; and Old Time Fiddle Band.
The top three acts in each category will be called back for the finals on Friday night and a first, second, and third place will be awarded.
All first place winners get $125, except the Old Time Fiddle Band, which gets $525 for first place and Youth Square Dancing which is awarded $300.
Second place winners get $100 and third place winners receive $75. The Old Time Fiddle Band second place winner gets $425 and $325 for third place. The Youth Square Dance second place team is awarded $200 and $100 goes for third place.
A United States flag and a Tennessee State flag will be presented on Friday evening. The flags, which have flown over the state capitol, go to the persons who travel the greatest distances, both from inside and outside the country, to get here. The flags will be presented by State Senator Mae Beavers and State Representatives Terri Lynn Weaver and Mark Pody.
Fiddler’s Jamboree Craft Awards will be presented during the weekend for “Best of Show”, “Best Appalachian Craft”, “Best Newcomer”, and “Best Craft Display”
On Saturday, July 2, preliminaries will be held in the following categories:
Junior Old Time Appalachian Flatfoot dance (ages up to 39); Senior Old Time Appalachian Flatfoot dance ( ages 40 and over); Senior Buckdancing (ages 40 and over); Senior Clogging (ages 40 and over); Bluegrass Banjo; Junior Fiddlers (ages 13-39); Flat Top Guitar; Contest Fiddle for the Neil Dudney Award; Bluegrass Band; Senior Fiddlers (ages 40 and over); and Square Dancing (4 Couples-8 Total Dancers).
Preliminaries will be held in each event and then the top three finalists will be called back Saturday night to compete for first, second, and third place.
Prize money in most categories is $125 for first place; $100 for second place; and $75 for third place. Awards for Junior Fiddlers and Senior Fiddlers are $225 for first place; $175 for second place; and $150 for third place. Prizes for Bluegrass Band are $525 for first place; $425 for second place; and $325 for third place. Awards for Square Dancing are $400 for first place; $300 for second place; and $200 for third place.
The winners of the Junior and Senior Fiddling competition will square off for the Grand Champion Award, the Berry C. Williams Memorial Trophy at the conclusion of the festival. The winner gets $300.
Meanwhile, the National Championship for Country Musician Beginners will be held Saturday afternoon, July 4 during the Jamboree featuring competitions for children, up to age twelve, in the categories of Buck Dancing, Clogging, Dobro Guitar, Mandolin, Five String Banjo, Flat Top Guitar, and Fiddle.
Preliminaries will be held in each event and then the top three finalists will be brought back to compete for first, second, and third place.
Prizes are $100 for first place, $75 for second place; and $50 for third place. One child will receive the Best Overall Instrumental Entertainer Trophy Award and $125 and the top fiddler will get the James G. “Bobo” Driver Memorial Trophy and $175.
In addition to the on-stage musical entertainment, the Fiddlers Jamboree will feature many crafts, plenty of delicious food; and lots of shade tree picking around the public square.
WJLE will broadcast most of the on-stage entertainment LIVE on AM 1480/ FM 101.7 and LIVE Streaming at www.wjle.com.
To learn more visit http://smithvillejamboree.com/

Ten high performing teachers in the school system will be getting a one time bonus award for coaching and mentoring other teachers under a 2016-17 differentiated pay plan adopted by the Board of Education Thursday night.
Each eligible high performing teacher who agrees to take on this assignment and meets expectations will receive up to $2,500 for a total cost to the system of $25,000 to be paid out as a one time bonus in the spring so as to not affect the teacher’s base salary. Teachers were selected on the basis of their effectiveness scores and will be coaching and mentoring level 1 teachers. The current salary schedule will be maintained with steps for experience and degree. The funding for this plan requires no additional local monies. All bonuses are pending program funding and may not occur annually.
“This is the plan we have had for two or three years and it puts the part time coaches, the academic coaches in to our schools to work with teachers that may need some assistance with classroom management or different areas on their observation. It is just a teacher to teacher mentor program. We have had it in place and I think the principals are really excited to have this in place. They (coaches) are making an impact with the other teachers,” said Michelle Burklow, Supervisor of Instruction for Pre-K to 6th grade.
State legislation passed in 2007 and was updated in 2013 which mandates that school districts offer differentiated pay, which can include rewarding teachers differently based on their roles and ability to improve student outcomes. In Tennessee, “differentiated pay” means more than “pay for test scores”—it can include anything from teaching in high-need areas, to taking on new leadership roles or bonuses for increased student performance. Now, every district must decide what differentiated pay looks like for them.

Based on overall high marks given by the Board of Education in a recent performance evaluation, Director of Schools Patrick Cripps has been awarded a two year contract extension.
Cripps, who was signed to a two year contract by the Board of Education last summer, is now scheduled to serve as director for a total of three more years through June 30, 2019
The board approved Cripps’ new deal during Thursday night’s regular monthly meeting.
The results of Cripps’ evaluation shows that he is meeting “most” of the board’s expectations with an average score of 4.48 out of a possible 6.00 score.
“It means he’s met expectations. The grand total of all the categories came up to 4.48. That’s pretty impressive for someone taking on this challenge for their first year,” said Board Chairman W.J. (Dub) Evins, III.
During a work session prior to the board meeting Thursday evening, several board members expressed an interest in giving Cripps a pay raise along with the contract extension but Cripps said he did not want more money. Cripps’ annual salary will remain at $85,000 paid in twelve equal monthly installments in accordance with the policy. All other terms of the original contract will still apply during the extension period except that Cripps’ annual evaluation will have to occur by no later than March 31 each year rather than January 31.
“We discussed his new contract during the workshop. Two things we discussed. One was the extension of a contract. We talked about a two year extension on his contract. He has asked for no increase in pay. I think that is admirable of him. I also think its an obligation we have to give him a two year extension for a total of a little bit less than three years,” added Chairman Evins.
Board member Jerry Wayne Johnson moved to make Cripps’ contract extension for two years. Board member Doug Stephens seconded the motion. Board members Danny Parkerson, Kate Miller, Shaun Tubbs, and W.J. (Dub) Evins, III all voted in favor. Board member Jim Beshearse was absent.
The contract, as adopted last summer, states that the Board shall evaluate the Director annually and shall review the Director’s salary annually. In no event shall the Director’s salary be reduced except as provided by law. If any adjustment in salary is made during the term of this Contract, all of the other provisions of the Contract, including its termination date, shall remain as stated herein.
Under terms of the agreement, the Board will provide a medical insurance plan for Cripps on the same terms that it is made available to other employees. The Director will be able to participate in any other insurance program offered by the Board on the same terms as any other employee of the Board.
Cripps will also be provided with an automobile and all expenses involved in said automobile for him to carry out his official duties. He may use the automobile for personal purposes not interfering with school purposes, provided he shall pay or reimburse the cost of all fuel during such use.
The Director’s year shall consist of 240 duty days of normal office hours. Vacation time should be avoided at the beginning and end of the school year. The Director serves and is on duty during regular school session. Non duty days include 10 holidays and 12 annual leave days.
Cripps shall be granted one day of sick leave for each month of contractual employment. Sick leave days shall be cumulative and unused sick leave days may be used for retirement credit in accordance with the policies of the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System.
The evaluation of the Director shall occur no later than March 31 each calendar year (changed from January 31) during the term of the contract. The board shall review with the Director his performance, progress toward established goals, and the working relationships between the Director and Board, the staff, students, and community at large; and any other matters relative to the employment of the Director.
As part of the evaluation process, by July 30 of each year, the Director will present a Strategic Plan to the Board for the upcoming school year. The plan will incorporate the results of the Director’s most recent evaluation, will identify the strengths and needs of DeKalb County Schools, and will describe the Director’s Plan of Action to reach the goals adopted by the Board.
The contract may be terminated by mutual agreement of the parties or due to the retirement, disability, or death of the director. It may also be terminated by the Board for cause pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in TCA, the Teacher’s Tenure Act. If the Board terminates the contract for cause, the Director would be entitled to no further benefits of compensation.
The Board reserves the right to transfer the Director to any position within the system; however compensation and insurance benefits included in this agreement shall remain in full force and effect for the duration of the contract as specified in Article 1. In the event the Director declines to accept the transfer, this contract shall be terminated and the Director would be entitled to no further benefits or compensation.
The Director retains any rights to tenure as a teacher that he has already acquired in the DeKalb County Schools. Even so, the Director understands and agrees that, upon the termination of his duties as Director, he will be placed in a position for which he is licensed and qualified by the Board or any subsequent director of schools. No rights to a particular position are retained by seniority or any other means, and the Board or any subsequent director of schools, as appropriate, has the sole right to determine placement. However after placement, he will return to the pay scale prior to his appointment as Director.
The Director will not hire immediate family members in new administrative roles. Prior job assignments are grandfathered.

The DeKalb County Board of Education’s recent annual performance evaluation of Director of Schools Patrick Cripps has been completed and the result shows he is meeting “most” expectations of the board.
Cripps’ overall average score is 4.48 out of a possible 6 score.
(CLICK LINK BELOW TO VIEW RESULTS)
Scan0005_0.pdf (343.36 KB)
In accordance with state law, the school board is required to develop and implement an evaluation plan to be used annually for the director of schools. Board members used a four page evaluation form to rate Director Cripps (1-5) in each of 60 areas from eight categories including on his relationship with the Board, the Community, Staff and Personnel, Educational Leadership, Business and Finance, Personal Qualities, Strategic Planning Skills, and Tennessee Specific questions.
A rating of “1” meant his performance was “Consistently Below Expectations”. A “5” rating signified that Cripps “Met All Expectations”. A rating with an asterisk (*) symbol or 6 meant he “Exceeded Expectations”.
Other ratings were:
“2”-Meets Few Expectations
“3”-Meets Some Expectations
“4”-Meets Most Expectations
Each board member scored Cripps in all areas from the categories on the form. The scores were then averaged to arrive at the grand total score. The forms were then sent to officials of the Tennessee School Boards Association where the scores were tabulated and averaged.
The Director’s strengths, based on the overall report, were his personal qualities and board relationship. Weaknesses were in strategic planning skills and a category called Tennessee specific questions.
A breakdown of the scores in the eight areas of evaluation were:
Performance Goal Average
Board Relationship
4.82
Community Relationships
4.54
Staff and Personnel Relationships
4.54
Educational Leadership
4.56
Business and Finance
4.60
Personal Qualities
4.88
Strategic Planning Skills
3.93
Tennessee Specific Questions
3.97
Grand Total
4.48
The following is a further breakdown of the average score in each area of the evaluation:
BOARD RELATIONSHIP (Rating Out of 6)
Keeps all board members informed on issues needs, and operation of the school system. 4.29
Supports board policy and actions to the public and staff. 5.00
Has a harmonious relationship with the board. 5.29
Upon request, provides clear explanations of alternatives for recommendations. 4.86
Works toward creating and maintaining a high degree of understanding and respect between staff and the board. 5.14
Advises the board on need for new or revised policies. 4.71
Refrains from criticism of individual or group members of the board.5.14
Exercises good judgment and objectivity in making recommendations to the board. 5.00
Offers professional advice to the board on items requiring board action, with appropriate recommendations based on thorough study and analysis. 4.57
Understands and executes the intent of board policy. 4.71
Seeks and accepts constructive criticism of his work. 5.14
Keeps board informed in employment, promotion, and dismissal of personnel. 4.00
Average 4.82
COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIPS
Is an effective spokesman for the school system. 4.43
Is respected and supported by the community in conducting the operation of the schools. 4.57
Builds public support for the school district. 4.57
Solicits and involves the community in planning and problem solving for the schools. 4.29
Develops cooperative relationships with news media. 4.57
Participates actively in community life and affairs. 4.71
Achieves status as a community leader in public education. 4.71
Works effectively with public and private agencies. 4.43
Works effectively to serve the needs of diverse constituencies. 4.57
Average 4.54
STAFF AND PERSONNEL RELATIONSHIPS
Develops a good staff morale and loyalty to the organization. 4.71
Treats all personnel fairly, without favoritism or discrimination, while insisting on performance of duties. 4.86
Delegates authority to staff members appropriate to the position each holds. 4.43
Recruits and assigns the best available personnel in terms of their competencies. 4.57
Ensures that salary schedules for all personnel are competitive and within budgetary limitations of the district. 4.29
Represents the best interests of the board in working with teachers and their organizations. 5.00
Solicits input from staff in planning activities. 4.71
Maintains up-to-date job descriptions for all personnel. 3.71
Ensures that adequate planning and evaluation of curriculum and instruction occurs. 4.43
Develops and empowers staff, resulting in an effective educational team. 4.71
Average 4.54
EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Has a vision and communicates a mission for the school system. 4.57
Understands and keeps informed regarding all aspects of the instructional program. 5.00
Implements the school system’s philosophy of education. 4.71
Participates with staff, board, and community in studying, problem solving, and developing, curriculum and instructional improvements. 4.43
Organizes a planned program of staff evaluation and improvement. 4.14
Models the highest professional standards to staff and community. 4.71
Is an effective advocate of lifelong learning. 4.71
Creates an environment which encourages staff to constantly strive for improvement. 4.57
Incorporates technology as a teaching-learning strategy. 4.36
Encourages staff to be innovative in problem-solving. 4.43
Utilizes a leadership style that is effective and fits the culture of the community. 4.57
Average 4.56
BUSINESS AND FINANCE
Has an understanding of the needs of the school program, plant, facilities, equipment, supplies, and the budget required. 4.29
Supervises operations, insisting on competent and efficient performance. 4.71
Ensures that funds are spent wisely, and adequate control and accounting are maintained. 4.79
Average 4.60
PERSONAL QUALITIES
Defends principle and conviction in the face of pressure and partisan influence. 4.71
Maintains high standards of ethics, honesty, and integrity in all personal and professional matters. 5.00
Earns respect and standing among his professional colleagues. 4.57
Exercises good judgment and objectivity in arriving at decisions. 4.50
Maintains pose and emotional stability in the full range of his professional activities. 5.14
Speaks clearly and concisely with staff members, the board, and the public. 5.14
Writes clearly and concisely. 5.14
Keeps up-to-date with 21st Century Schooling and societal issues. 4.86
Average 4.88
STRATEGIC PLANNING SKILLS
Works effectively with board, staff, and community to develop both long and short range strategic plans. 4.00
Keeps board and community informed on progress towards short and long range plans. 3.93
Develops a Five Year Plan which includes strategies, goals, and projected student outcomes. 3.86
Average 3.93
TENNESSEE SPECIFIC QUESTIONS
Keeps board informed about rules and regulations of the Tennessee State Board of Education and all other government/state agencies. 4.43
Provides evidence to the board of effective evaluations of staff members including the Required Principal Performance Contract. 3.71
Incorporates requirements of the Educational Improvement Act (1992) into strategic plans. 3.86
Includes the five (5) components and outcomes of the system’s Report Card in long and short range planning. 3.86
Average 3.97
GRAND TOTAL: 4.48

Director of Schools Patrick Cripps has signed contracts with the 236 Professional Personnel for the 2016-17 school year.
Cripps presented a list of the employees to the Board of Education Thursday night.
Certified personnel at each school are as follows:
DeKalb County High School-
Angie Anderson, Charlotte Blaylock, Danny Bond, Amanda Brown, Kathy Bryant, Kevin Burchfield, Kelley Burgess, Britney Campbell, Amee Cantrell, Jeanine Cantrell, Todd Cantrell, Gary Caplinger, Mary Anne Carpenter, Andrew Cook, Lisa Craig, Deborah DePriest, Andrew Dixon, Brittany Dixon, Donna Emmons, Tina Fletcher, Amanda Fuller, David Gash, Josh Gulley, Sara Halliburton, Susan Hinton, Sonja House, William Jennings, Nate Kennard, Dylan Kleparek, Brad Leach, Tracy Luna, Lynus Martin, Rebecca Miller, Lori Myrick, Rolando Navarro, Jenny Norris, Scott Odom, Nallely Ortega-Prater, Shelly Painter, Walteen Parker, Linda Parris, Leslie Parsley, Tonya Perry, John Pryor, Jane Rice, Marilyn Roberts, Melissa Ruch, Daniel Seber, Michael Shaw, Steve Trapp, Chris Vance, Michael Whitefield, Seth Willoughby, and Sara Young.
Northside Elementary School-
Marla Beshearse, Kelly Birmingham, Mollie Bratten, Linda Bush, Shanea Cantrell, Megan Carroll, Lori Chew, Allison Collier, Trent Colwell, Michael Crockett, Alisha Day, Ashley Dean, Tabitha Farmer, Danny Fish, Lindsay Floyd, Jerry Foster, Carrie Gottlied, Amanda Griffith, Jennifer Griffith, Melissa Hale, Cynthia Hale, Jessica Hale, Patty Hale, Kirsten Hankel, Jennifer Herndon, Lorie Isabell, Karen Jacobs, Shelly Jennings, Karen Knowles, Kristy Lasser, Lisa Mabe, Jama Martin, Amanda Mathis, Libby McCormick, Diana Moon, Elizabeth Nolt, Josh Odom, Beth Pafford, Deb Poteete, Amy Raymond, Ashley Reeves, Melissa Roysdon, Carol Sampley, Tammy Sims, Jessica Styer, Carol Tripp, Cheryl Vandagriff, Kristen Van Vranken, Betsye Walker, Ginger Wenger, Jared West, and Sandy Willingham.
DeKalb West School-
Joey Agee, Jessica Antoniak, Jenny Cantrell, Jeanna Caplinger, William Conger, Kim Crook, Martha Damron, Tonya Ellis, Janet England, Sabrina Farler, Karen France, Cathleen Humphrey, Regina Kent, Nadina Manganiello, Shelia McMillen, Amanda Mullinax, Tammy Payne, Lori Pryor, Mary Ann Puckett, Cynthia Pulley, Kelly Pyburn, Jennifer Shores, Katie Stutts, Teresa Sullivan, Shelia Vanatta, Natasha Vaughn, Susan West, Cynthia Wilson, Vicki Wilson, and Amy Young.
Smithville Elementary School-
Misty Agee, Ashley Barnes, Renee Beaty, Kelly Birmingham, Lindsey Bouldin, Whitney Brelje, Beth Cantrell, Tiffany Cowart, Edward Dillard, Melba Farmer, Tina Gash, Sydney Gremmels, Vicky Hawker, Bradley Hendrix, Holly Hendrix, Mary Henny, Tanya Howard, Kelly Huling, Ana Jarvis, Amanda Johnson, Angela Johnson, Niki Johnson, Magen Jones, Jennifer Judkins, Leah Magness, Kristen Malone, Adrienne McCormick, LeVaughnda Midgett, Leslie Moore, Lisa Neal, Macy Nokes, Allison O’Conner, Joy Parker, Layra Parker, Anita Puckett, Jane Ramsey, Amanda Rhoady, Allison Rigsby, Bethany Rigsby, Heather Shehane, Emily Summers, Carol Tallent, Ashlee Thomason, Janet Trapp, Carol Tripp, Julie Vincent, Tiffany Wheatley, Kristy Williams, Janet Woodward, Christie Young, Crystal Young, and Sherian Zamora.
DeKalb Middle School-
January Agee, Josh Agee, Suzette Barnes, Cassandra Binkley, Mary Ann Blair, Nancy Cowan, Amanda Dakas, Tena Davidson, Courtney Davis, Jenny Elrod, Holly Espinosa, Jason Farley, Amy Fletcher, Suzanne Gash, Lesa Hayes, Lori Hendrix, Cecilia Jenkins, Randy Jennings, Bryan Jones, Michelle Jones, Natalie Kintz, Michael Lewis, Martha Melching, Debra Moore, Justin Nokes, Emily Phillips, Justin Poteete, Cody Randolph, Candice Scrabo, Penny Smitty, Tonya Sullivan, Laurie Sweeney, Jennifer Sykes, Kitty Thomas, Cheryl Vance, Tad Webb, Jennifer West, Kathryn Wisinger, and Alicia Wittenberg.
Central Office Staff-
Gina Arnold, Michelle Burklow, Dr. Danielle Collins, Lisa Cripps, Elise Driver, Amy Fox, Amy Lattimore, Joey Reeder, and Lori Rogers.
Resignations/Retirements
Peggy Sutton, resignation, Cook, SES
Talitha Looney, resignation, Cook, SES
Barbara Vanatta, resignation, Sub Cook
Tracy Robertson, resignation, Cook, DWS
Freeda Phillips, retirement, Cook, SES
Jean Hayes, retirement, Manager, SES
Roger (Ricky) Hendrix, retirement, teacher, DWS
Brian Reed, retirement, Educational Assistant, Alternative School
Melissa Peranteau, resignation, bus driver
Mary Henny, retirement, teacher, SES
Rebecca Whimpey, resigning, teacher, DMS
Doris Cantrell, retirement, teacher, DWS
Marshall Ferrell, retirement, teacher, Alt. School

Director of Schools Patrick Cripps has employed the 191 support staff for the 2016-2017 school year.
The personnel report was submitted to the Board of Education during Thursday night’s regular monthly meeting
Those employed at DeKalb County High School are:
Rena Adcock, Vicky Atnip, Wanda Bradford, Kathy Chapman, Tommy Clark, Kenderly Cripps, Debbie Eaton, Regina Estes, Beverly Ferrell, Darnette Hibdon, Melissa Hicks, Thomas Maney, Charles Martin, Marsha Martin, Paulette McDonald, Rhonda Merriman, Sara Parker, JoAnn Pittman, Denise Rutland (part time), Vicky Sandlin, Carol Swope, Norman Underhill, Danny VanDyne, Tiffanie VanWinkle, Jamie Wright, and Debbie Young.
DeKalb Middle School:
Sue Arnold, Jennifer Benton, Suzanne Caldwell, Anita Conley, Tammy Ferrell, Trena Ferrell, Fay Gilreath, Doris Graham, Jeremy Haas, Connie Haggard, Tammy Maynard, Josh Melton, Angie Moore, Lisa Norton, David Parker, Paula Pinegar, Pauletta Ruffner, Mary Sanders, Brad Trapp, Vicky Walker, and Polly Wilkins.
Smithville Elementary School:
Austin Bain (part time), Janis Barnes, Brenda Beth Cantrell, Debora Cunningham, Cindi Dias, Darlene Evans, Jennifer Gay, Betty Griffith, Margie Hale, Dan Hooper, Milinda League, Sara Lomas, Pat Milam, Tera Mooneyham, Eden Nokes, Michelle Overstreet, Holly Owens, James Owens, Rebecca Parker, Rhonda Pelham, Amelia Phillips, Lori Poss, Stephanie Reeder, Brenda Rigney, Jennifer Roller, Mary-Margaret Tripp, Tammy Tyler, and Celia Whaley.
Northside Elementary:
Pam Baines, Fay Baker, Sue Close, Evril Cubbins, Tena Edwards, Terrie Ford, Robbie Joan Frazier, Gary Good, Phyllis Hallum, Sherry Judkins, Melinda Lattimore, Sunshine Martin, Thelma Martin, Rebecca Moss, Lynn Pichey, Jo Dean Redmon, Ruby Thomason, JoAnn Vanatta, Kim Violet, Robin Warren, Deneene Willingham, and Rita Young.
DeKalb West School:
Holly Bain, Brenda Bandy, Jerry Childress, Donna Driver, Dorothy Duggin, Pauline Frazier (part time), Stephanie Fuson, Lisa Hale, Donna Hale, Julie Hale, Jennifer Martin, Mary Mathis, Linda Moser, Nancy Mulloy, Faye Nixon, Tina Paschal, Rhonda Pilgrim, Elizabeth Redmon, Kristi Sullivan, and Rena Willoughby.
County Wide Positions:
Chandra Adcock, David Bates, Chanson Boman, W.C. Braswell, Cindy Childers, Christie Colwell, Shea Colwell, Billy Curtis, Bettye June Dodd, Christie Driver, Wade Ferrell, Greg Frasier, LeAnne Frasier, Yvonne Hale, Rebecca Hawkins, Terry Hicks, Earl Jared, Freda Johnson, Rita Johnson,Tammy Judkins, Jenean Lawson, Debbie London, Deborah Magness, Shirley Mathis, April Odom, Shirley Ours, Danny Pirtle, Jr., Melissa Pirtle, Jo Dean Redmon, Joyce Robinson, Roger Sharp, Cindy Taylor, Kimberly Turner, Jamie Vickers, Judy Wiggins, Joannie Williams, and Aaron Young.
Transportation:
Michael Agee, Danny Bond, Dwayne Cantrell, Shannon Cantrell, Shara Cowan, Debbie Eaton, Ricky Edwards, Marshall Ferrell, Julie Fitts, Tina Fletcher, Linda Fowler, Bill Fowler, Lynn Griffith, Orlando Guzman, Terry Hall, Darnette Hibdon, Melissa Hicks, Kathy Jacobs, Danny Jenkins, Dwight Knowles, Frances Lawson, Daniel Lawson, Donnie Lewis, Roy Merriman, Ronald Merriman, Linda Gail Pack,Jimmy Poss, Ashley Redmon, Myron Rhody, Jimmy Sprague, Carol Swope, Ken Taylor, Bobby Taylor, B.J. Thomason, Cindy Washer, Danny Washer, and Angela Wilkerson.

The 53 year old gym floor at DeKalb County High School has been removed and a new floor is being put down.
Most of the old gym floor has already been discarded but a few planks and pieces remain. Fans who would like to have one or more may purchase them to keep as a souvenir. Prices start at $10.00 and up . Funds raised will go toward replacing the gym floor. If you are interested please call the school at 615-597-4094.

The City of Smithville is again poised to raise the water rate it assesses the DeKalb Utility District.
With only a few months remaining before the DUD opens its new water treatment plant, the city plans to charge the DUD $3.00 per thousand gallons for the water it buys from the municipality starting July 1. That is up from the $2.67 per thousand gallons the city currently charges. Once DUD breaks ties, the city will lose its largest water customer and hundreds of thousands of dollars in revenue. In the budget, the city has reduced projected revenues from the sale of water to the DUD from $765,000 for the year ending June 30, 2016 down to $400,000 for half the year in 2016-17. City officials say such a loss of income may eventually force the city to look at ways of cutting spending or raising new revenues to make up the difference.
The new rate to the DUD is included in the 2016-17 budget ordinance adopted on first reading by the aldermen Monday night. The vote was 3 to 0. Two aldermen were absent.
But does the new rate violate a court order?
In February, 2014 Chancellor Ronald Thurman ordered the City to reduce its water rate to the DUD from $5.00 down to $2.67 per thousand gallons, which a water study found in 2013 was the city’s actual cost to produce water at the time.
Following a two hour hearing in Cookeville, Chancellor Thurman granted a DUD motion for a temporary injunction barring the city from continuing to impose its $5.00 rate until the city gave proper notice to DUD and justification for raising the rate above $2.67 per thousand gallons.
During that hearing, the Court found that the city violated Section 18-502 of the Smithville City Code, which required the City of Smithville to give the DeKalb Utility District 30 days’ notice in advance of a rate change. The City of Smithville gave the DUD only 16 days’ actual notice in advance of the rate change. The Chancellor also found that the city had not given proper justification for arriving at the $5.00 rate.
In an effort to remedy the notification issue in the future, the aldermen voted in March 2014 to abolish the 1980 ordinance, which set the rate to the DUD at that time and also provided that a 30 day notice would be given the DUD if the city were to modify the rate.
City officials say the proposed rate hike now is based on the utility engineers recommendation. But the new $3.00 per thousand gallon rate would not take effect until July 1 and is subject to passage of the budget ordinance on second and final reading at a special meeting of the mayor and aldermen on June 28.

The new budget for the City of Smithville includes pay raises for employees, a new sanitation truck, the addition of a new full time officer in the police department to help cut down on overtime, matching funds to replace the Holmes Creek Bridge, street paving including on the public square, new equipment for the fire department, and an upgrade of the waste water treatment plant, among other projects.
The aldermen voted 3-0 Monday night to adopt the new $6.6 million budget ordinance on first reading. Second and final reading action will come at a special meeting on Tuesday, June 28 at city hall. Aldermen Shawn Jacobs, Josh Miller, and Gayla Hendrix voted for the budget. Aldermen Danny Washer and Jason Murphy were absent.
Under the new budget, city hourly and salaried employees will get a 3% pay raise except for any police officers who are due to get an increase in pay under the department’s wage scale for all hourly employees. However the police department wage scale, which has been an eight step plan, will stop at six steps hereafter. The last two steps are being eliminated to keep police department salaries from getting too far out of line with other city workers.
In an effort to reduce overtime within the police department, the city is changing the officers shift schedules and creating a new full time officer position. With the new hire, the police department will have fourteen full time members including the chief, captain, one lieutenant/investigator, two sergeants, an investigator, and eight full time officers, plus two clerks.
The city is also increasing its contribution to Justin Potter Library from $500 to $5,000.
General Fund Capital outlay projects for 2016-17 total $692,000 including the following:
*Fire Department equipment- $116,000
*New sanitation truck and trash containers- $350,000 (unspent from 2015-16 year)
*Street Department-Holmes Creek Bridge Project & Unspecified- $60,000
*Police Department Car & Unspecified- $30,000
*New Animal Shelter- $75,000 (unspent from 2015-16 year)
*Airport: Taxiway Initial Design & Unspecified- $20,000 (Mostly funded by grants)
*City Hall Building (Unspecified)- $25,000
*Public Works-Buildings & Grounds (Unspecified)- $5,000
*Parks and Recreation- $5,000
*Financial Administration- $1,000
*Legislative-$5,000
State Street Aid: Paving-$350,000
Water and Sewer projects including the following:
*Sewer Plant Rehabilitation- $2,750,000
*Tube Settlers for Water Plant- $40,000
*Backhoe-$80,000

The Smithville Board of Mayor and Aldermen Monday night approved on first reading the new 2016-17 budget ordinance on first reading.
The vote was 3-0. Aldermen Shawn Jacobs, Josh Miller, and Gayla Hendrix were present. Aldermen Danny Washer and Jason Murphy were absent. Second and final reading action will come at a special meeting on Tuesday, June 28 at city hall.
The new budget totals $6-million 608-thousand 981 dollars. Under the new spending plan, the property tax rate will remain the same at 64.9 cents per $100 of assessed value. The city property tax rate is budgeted to generate $820,000.
Water and sewer rates are to remain the same. City water customers will continue to pay $5.00 per thousand gallons of usage. Rates for customers outside the city limits are $7.50 per thousand gallons. City sewer customers will continue to pay $5.00 per thousand gallons plus the flat usage rate of $3.62.
The rate the city charges the DeKalb Utility District will increase from $2.67 per thousand gallons to $3.00 per thousand gallons.
The city is expected to wrap up the 2015-16 budget year June 30 in the black in both the general fund by $153,724 and water and sewer fund by $76,399.
Total general fund revenues for 2016-17 are projected to be $3,127,010, not enough to cover total estimated expenditures of $3,976,981. The city plans to appropriate $849,971 from the general fund surplus if needed to balance the budget.
The water and sewer fund is expected to show a surplus of $157,925 by years end with total revenues at $2,622,600 and expenditures of $2,464,075. But the 2016-17 water and sewer fund is supported by a $500,000 grant for sewer plant rehabilitation which is counted as income to the city for just one year .
The city will also lose hundreds of thousands of dollars in revenue when the DeKalb Utility District launches its new water plant, which could come before next summer. In the budget the city has reduced projected revenues from the sale of water to the DUD from $765,000 for the year ending June 30, 2016 down to $400,000 for half the year 2016-17. City officials say such a loss of income may eventually force the city to look at ways of cutting spending or raising new revenues to make up the difference.
*Other interesting facts:
According to the budget the city is projected to take in a total of $2,303,160 in local tax dollars in 2016-17 including:
Property Taxes- $820,000
Wholesale Alcoholic Beverage Taxes-$230,000
Wholesale Liquor Tax-$80,000
Interest, Penalty & Costs on Property Taxes-$5,000
Payments In Lieu of Taxes-$60,000
Local Option Sales Taxes-$980,000
Business Taxes-$75,000
TVA Payment In Lieu of Taxes-$53,160