The first of two Tennessee young sportsman deer hunts for the 2017-18 season will be held the weekend of Oct. 28-29.
Youth ages 6-16 years of age may participate. Participating youth can use gun, muzzleloader, and archery equipment.
Young sportsmen must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult, 21 or older who must remain in position to take immediate control of the hunting device. The adult must also comply with the fluorescent orange regulations as specified for legal hunters. Multiple youth may be accompanied by a single qualifying adult.
Archery season began in the state on Sept. 23 and the first segment ends Oct. 27, the day prior to the opening of the young sportsman hunt. The second segment of archery only season begins Monday, Oct. 30 through Friday, Nov. 3.
The TWRA makes the recommendation that all hunters obtain a 2017-18 Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide. The guide lists license requirements, the counties and bag limits for each of the different deer management units. The guides are available where hunting and fishing licenses are sold and on the TWRA website, www.tnwildlife.org.
In 2016, youth hunters harvested a total of 5,854 deer during the first hunt. All 95 Tennessee counties reported harvests in 2016.

Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County, TN is pleased to announce following the application process, Jamie Nokes and Family have been selected to be their sixth partner family.
Ms. Nokes has been a resident of DeKalb County since she was 5 years old and is pleased to call this her home. She has three boys who reside with her Tayvian, 18, Desmond, 14, and Justis, 6; she also has a daughter, Jayde who is married to Daniel Stanley. They are active members at the First Assembly of God in Smithville where she is a member of the Praise Team.
When asking Ms. Nokes the reason she applied for Partnership she said, “I know four previous partners in DeKalb County and I have seen the blessing they have received from working with Habitat for Humanity. I am excited about working with Habitat and thankful to have this opportunity.”
In addition to a down payment and monthly mortgage payments, Habitat homeowners invest hundreds of hours of their own labor (sweat equity) into building their Habitat house and the houses of others. A Ground Breaking Ceremony will be schedule for February, 2018 with Construction beginning in early March, 2018.
How Can You Help?
Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County is 100% volunteer led and organized so there are many ways to participate. Whether you are skilled in construction work, cooking, fundraising, volunteering, or just have a desire to help, then we want you. We can use ALL the help we get no matter what your skills are we have a job for you. This program would not succeed without the support of DeKalb County and its residents. If you would like to volunteer in anyway please contact Alex Woodward at Wilson Bank & Trust 615-597-4663 or awoodward@wilsonbank.com.
Upcoming Events
Habitat for Humanity Chili Cook-Off and Bake Sale – Friday, October 27th 10:30-1:00 on the DeKalb County Courthouse Lawn, You be the Judge of the team with the Best Chili and Decoration. Make a donation and eat All the Chili You Want from all 12 teams!
Yeti Cooler Raffle – October 25th – December 2nd – Buy a ticket to win a Yeti 45 quart Cooler. Tickets are priced at 1 ticket for $5 OR 5 tickets for $20. Tickets can be purchased at the Smithville Branch of Wilson Bank & Trust or DeKalb County Clerk Jimmy Poss’ Office with other locations to be named as well.
About Habitat for Humanity
Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. The Christian housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in more than 1,300 communities throughout the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering, or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability, and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat.org.
About Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County, TN
Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County was formed in 2003. They have built five homes in the Smithville area and own property with plans to build future homes. Houses are constructed by volunteers and paid by donations from various fundraisers including the Fiddler 5K, Jackson Kayak Raffle, Golf Tournament, Yeti cooler raffle and the Chili cook off. Find us on Facebook at Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County, Tennessee to stay up-to-date on current events and construction updates.

Did you know that 6% of DeKalb County students regularly go hungry?
You can help feed these students through the DeKalb County Coordinated School Health Backpack Program by supporting and participating in the 2nd Annual Turkey Trot Walkathon to be held on Saturday, November 11 at Greenbrook Park.
Registration begins at 10 a.m. and all you need to bring to enter is a non-perishable food item for the Backpack Program.
“The Turkey Trot Walkathon hopes to encourage our community to get outside and enjoy some physical activity and fun while also supporting a great program. All ages are welcome. There are nine age categories and prizes will be given to a male and female in each age category that walks or runs the most laps around Greenbrook Park. We will have games, food, crafts, face painting, and a photo booth. Registration starts at 10:00 a.m. The Walkathon will begin at 11:00 a.m. and end at 12:30 p.m. with prizes to follow. There is no fee to participate. We ask that participants bring non perishable food items for a donation to the Backpack Program,” said Elise Driver, Coordinator of the DeKalb County Coordinated School Health Program.
“DeKalb County Schools have approximately 6% of our student population that goes hungry on a regular basis with meals provided at schools being their main source of food. Coordinated School Health began sending bags of food home to children over nine years ago. We began with long weekends and holidays and now we feed them every week during the school year. Funding is not always consistent and we are continuously seeking donations of food and or money to maintain our program, to improve the nutritional value of the food products given to students, and to promote healthy eating habits,” said Driver.
Your support will help feed these students.

Parents, children, and local businesses are invited to join the City of Smithville and the Police Department’s “Trick or Treat Halloween Downtown” Tuesday, October 31 from noon until 5:00 p.m.
Some offices in the DeKalb County Courthouse, Smithville City Hall, Smithville Police Department, Justin Potter Library, and participating businesses downtown will have candy and special treats for the children. Look for the stores and offices with a picture of an orange pumpkin on their windows. Maps are available at the police department and Justin Potter Library to show parents which businesses will be taking part in the event.
(CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO VIEW THE MAP HERE)
Scan20001.pdf (355.45 KB)
For more information call Beth Adcock at the Smithville Police Department at 615-597-8210 extension 1 or check out the police department’s face book page soon for details at https://www.facebook.com/SmithvillePoliceDepartment.
This event is sponsored by the Smithville Police Department and the Smithville City Hall.
Meanwhile, the Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a “Best Costume Contest” for downtown businesses and offices. Take pictures with your phone and send them to Shan Burklow at 615-594-2792 by 1:30 p.m. on October 31. First, second, and third place winners will be presented a “Halloween on the Square Best Costume Award”, media recognition, and bragging rights.
The Smithville Volunteer Fire Department will have special treats for children Tuesday, October 31 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Stop by for a hot dog, candy, and a tour of the Smithville Fire Hall. Meet with Smithville Fire Chief Charlie Parker and the Smithville Fire Department Volunteers.
Other communities and churches in the county will also be observing Halloween events in late October.

A benefit Golf Tournament for Chamber Director Suzanne Williams is set for Saturday, November 4 at River Watch Golf & Resort with a shotgun start at 10:45 a.m. It’s a 4-player team scramble and the cost is $85.00 per player. Enjoy a LIVE auction, food, beverages, and music. To reserve your spot call 931- 761- 8124 or email clubhouse@riverwatchgolfclub.com