The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District announces construction blasting activities at Center Hill Dam, currently taking place Monday through Friday, will also occur on Saturdays beginning Sept. 16.
The Corps of Engineers’ contractor, Thalle Construction Co., began blasting activities earlier this year to build a concrete reinforcing berm downstream of the Center Hill Auxiliary Dam. The work also includes stabilization of a previous rock cut just west of the main dam where Monday through Saturday blasts are also expected to take place beginning in December 2017.
Blasting activities are expected to occur daily from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Motorists should expect delays of no more than 10 minutes. Motorists, boaters and visitors will be prohibited access within 1,500 feet of the blasting area. A variety of signs and signals will be posted and flagmen will be present to restrict access during blasting periods.
“We regret the inconvenience this may cause, but public safety is paramount,” said Resident Engineer Bill DeBruyn.
Blasting activities are anticipated to continue through the summer of 2018. The current contract is the third and final major contract for dam safety-related work at Center Hill Dam. To read more on the dam safety project, visit the Nashville District webpage at http://www.lrn.usace.army.mil/Missions/Current-Projects/Construction/Cen….

DeKalb County 4-H members Kris Barrett, Kayla Belk, Clayton Crook, and Wyatt Martin are headed to the state competition after a very successful day at the Central Region 4-H Outdoor Meat Cookery contest, held each year at the Wilson County Fair in Lebanon. Also participating individually were Hailey Bogle and Lily Martin. The team placed 3rd overall and will be representing DeKalb County and the Central Region at the state contest in Knoxville on October 7th.
4-H’ers in grades 7-12 can participate in this fun and practical contest that not only teaches them how to grill, but how to do it safely. Each contestant must start his or her own charcoal grill, prepare the meat, and cook it to perfection. On a four person team, each member is responsible for grilling a different species of meat: beef, poultry, lamb, and pork. They are judged throughout the cooking process to make sure they start their fires properly, prepare the meat safely, and cook it to the correct temperature. The meat itself is then judged on taste, texture, appearance, and originality of recipe.
At the regional contest, Kris Barrett was 3rd in lamb, Clayton Crook placed 3rd with chicken wings, Wyatt Martin 6th in pork, Kayla Belk placed 7th in the beef category, while the team placed 3rd overall in the Sr. High division. Hailey Bogle also placed 3rd in Jr. High pork with her baby back ribs.
There were 15 total counties present at the contest. Congratulations on representing DeKalb County so well. The 4-H members would also like to say thank you to Smithville Food Lion for helping to supply quality meat for the contest. If you are interested in participating in this contest next year, or any other activities, please contact the 4-H office at 615-597-4945.

A man, believed to be intoxicated at the time, was taken into custody on Sunday after threatening four people with a knife.
54 year old Robert Lewis Judkins of Judkins Lane, Smithville is charged with four counts of aggravated assault; public intoxication; and resisting stop, frisk, halt, arrest, or search. His bond is $24,000 and his court date is October 5.
Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on Sunday, September 10 a deputy was dispatched to a residence on South Judkins Lane due to a man reported to be threatening four others there with a knife. Upon arrival, the officer found the man, Judkins holding a knife. He was yelling and threatening to burn down the home. Judkins then swung the knife within inches of another man’s chest and threatened three others with the knife causing them to fear for their safety. According to the officer, Judkins appeared to be unsteady on his feet and his speech was slurred. The deputy concluded that Judkins was a danger to himself and to his neighbors. As the officer was placing him in custody, Judkins initially refused to put down the knife and to obey verbal instructions.
56 year old Donald Gene Rigsby of Bethel Road, Smithville is charged with driving under the influence. He was also cited for driving on a suspended license, driving on the wrong side of the road, and simple possession of a schedule VI drug (marijuana). His bond is $3,500 and he will make a court appearance on September 28. Sheriff Ray said that on Wednesday, September 6 a deputy spotted a red scooter traveling south in the northbound lane on South Mountain Street in Smithville. The officer made a traffic stop and spoke with the driver, Rigsby. He noticed that Rigsby’s eyelids were droopy and that his eyes were glossy and bloodshot. His speech was slurred and he was very unsteady on his feet. Rigsby submitted to but performed poorly on field sobriety tasks. He was placed under arrest. Upon a search incident to arrest, the deputy found on Rigsby 0.23 grams of a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana. The officer learned that Rigsby’s license were suspended for failure to show proof of insurance on May 29, 2016.
18 year old Jacob Randall Stacy of Carthage is charged with assault. He is under a $2,500 bond and his court date is September 28. Sheriff Ray said that on Thursday, September 7 Stacy, an inmate at the jail, punched another prisoner during an argument.
35 year old Jose Antonio Soto-Guerrero of Short Mountain Highway, Smithville is charged with driving under the influence. He was further cited for no insurance and driving on a revoked license. His bond is $2,500 and his court date is October 5. Sheriff Ray said that on Sunday, September 10 a deputy, while on patrol, spotted a silver Nissan Maxima on Highway 56 south pull over to the shoulder of the road. The officer stopped to offer assistance and found the driver, Guerrero passed out behind the steering wheel. He also noticed a strong odor of alcohol coming from the car. After being awakened by the deputy, Guerrero admitted to having consumed two to three beers. He also submitted to but performed poorly on field sobriety tasks. He was unsteady on his feet and his eyes were bloodshot. Guerrero had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person.

The 2017 Homecoming Queen at DeKalb County High School is Allison Brooke Maynard.
A senior, Maynard is the 17 year old daughter of Stacey Dickens of Smithville.
Allison is a member of the Senior Beta, Literature, Science, and Spanish Clubs, FBLA, National Society of High School Scholars Ambassador, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Alumni, and Class Vice President. She is a four year DCHS Football Cheerleader, four year DCHS Tigerette Softball player, and a member of the Extreme Fastpitch Travel Softball Team.
Maynard’s other achievements:
*Freshman Year- 8AA All District Tournament Team-Softball
*Sophomore Year- 8AA All District Honorable Mention-Softball
*Junior Year-NCA All American Cheerleader, NCA Disney World Spirit Spectacular Performer, 8AA All District Team, UTK Governor’s School for Science and Engineering
*Senior Year-DCHS Football Cheer Captain
Allison attends the Smithville First Free Will Baptist Church and has been a Remote Area Medical Volunteer
The Homecoming Attendants are:
Senior Attendant – Kayla Jayne Belk, the 17 year old daughter of Chris Anne and Andrew Fults of Smithville. She has served as Student Council President, 4-H President, and FFA Reporter. She is also a member of the Beta, FBLA, FCA, Climate Crew, and Science, Literature, and Spanish Clubs. Kayla has played tennis at DCHS for three years.
Belk’s other accomplishments:
*Received the highest level of achievement in 4-H, Vol State
*Maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout high school
*Over 600 volunteer/service hours from volunteering at summer camps and various other things
Kayla attends the Dowelltown United Methodist Church and is an active member of their youth group.
Senior Attendant- Kaitlyn Elizabeth Cantrell, the 17 year old daughter of Blake and Teresa Cantrell of Smithville. She is a member of the Beta, FBLA, Science, and Literature Clubs, and FCA. Kaitlyn is a football manager. She has maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout high school and is in the 21+ ACT score group. Kaitlyn attends the First Baptist Church and actively participates in their youth group.
Junior Attendant- Callie Elizabeth Mulloy, the 16 year old daughter of Randy and Nancy Mulloy of Liberty. She is a member of the Science, Literature, Spanish, HOSA, and Senior Beta Clubs. Callie is a football cheerleader. She is a member of the National Society of High School Scholars and was a John W. Harris Award winner for Junior Beta in 2014. Callie attends the First Baptist Church in Alexandria.
Sophomore Attendant-Alley Elaine Sykes of Smithville, the 15 year old daughter of Robbie and Jennifer Sykes and the late Tyler Alley Sykes. She is a member of the FBLA, Climate Crew, Science, and DCHS Literature Clubs and a DCHS football cheerleader. She was an NCA All-American nominee as a Freshman and Sophomore and is a past member of a winning All-Star Cheer Team. Alley attends the Church of Trinity at Algood.
Freshman Attendant- Leah Brooke Davis, the 14 year old daughter of Kerry and Glenda Davis of Smithville. She is a member of the FBLA, Science, and Literature Clubs. Leah is a DCHS Football Cheerleader and a member of the DCHS Lady Tiger Basketball Team. She is an NCA All-American Nominee and an active member of the Upper Helton Baptist Church in Alexandria.
Spirit week activities will be held September 18-22 at DCHS. The Homecoming Parade will take place Friday afternoon, September 22 and the Tiger Homecoming Football game will be at 7:00 p.m. that night against Cannon County. WJLE will have LIVE coverage of the game.

Two people charged by Smithville Police in recent burglaries were sentenced in DeKalb County Criminal Court Monday, September 11
Judge David Patterson presided.
25 year old Sonny Roman Smith and 29 year old Jessica Anne Jenkins each entered a plea by criminal information to attempted aggravated burglary. They were originally charged with two counts of aggravated burglary.
They each received a sentence of four years on supervised probation and were given credit for 35 days of jail time served. Jenkins’ sentence is to run consecutive to a case against her in Warren County.
According to police, at approximately 9:29 p.m. on Friday, August 3, Smith and Jenkins went to their victims’ home and walked into the house unwelcomed. When one of the victims confronted Jenkins, she (Jenkins) allegedly punched her in the face and ripped her shirt. Jenkins then approached the other victim, allegedly grabbed his cell phone, and damaged it by slamming the phone on the ground. By the time police arrived, the couple had left but the victims were able to identify them. The next morning, Friday August 4 at approximately 6:55 a.m., Smith and Jenkins were observed by police hiding behind a green GMC Sonoma on property where a burglary had been reported. The homeowner told police that prior to their arrival, a man and woman, identified as Smith and Jenkins were at the back door of his residence trying to gain entry. Smith and Jenkins were taken into custody without incident and charged in the case.

After 14 years, the Old Timers Day is returning to Alexandria on Saturday, September 23 starting at 10 a.m. on the town square.
The featured entertainment is as follows:
Tom duggin, Patsy & Nick Nokes, Susan Martin, The Collins family, DeKalb Dancing/clogging, Right on Time, Three Parts Grace, Kevin Roberts, Pickin Friends, Calvary Trio.
Food : Watertown First Baptist youth, Crazy Dawgs and more.
Vendors: Mary Kay, Designs by Roberta, Two Crafty teacher’s, thirty-one, Pampered Chef, Color Street, Pie’s n more, Lularoe, Paparazzi, Plunder, Rebel Edge cosmetic, Scentsy, Pink Zebra, Young living oils, Tupperware, Slick Surface, and many more

Millions in Florida were ordered to evacuate as Hurricane Irma roared toward the state.
Thousands of evacuees made their way to Tennessee including several families who found DeKalb County a good place to stay until it was safe to return home.
One such family is Dimitrios and Nancy Napier Vafeas, who along with their children, 14 year old Alexander, 10 year old Olivia, and the family dog, left home in Sarasota, Florida (a western coastal city) Saturday morning before the storm hit. They arrived later that day in DeKalb County to stay with Nancy’s mother in the home Nancy grew up in.
Having lived in Florida for 23 years, Nancy said her family has weathered Hurricanes before without taking a direct hit, but forecasts indicated that Irma might be coming straight for Sarasota.
“I have never been scared like this before,”said Nancy, who spoke with WJLE Monday night.
Living near the coast, Vafeas said her concerns grew as Irma drew closer.
“My home is two miles inland so we started really watching Irma last Sunday. We knew she was coming at us but things change so much with Hurricanes. It kept being forecast as more of an east coast event like Miami or Palm Beach. About Wednesday, it started inching closer and closer to being a west coast hit. That’s when I started watching (forecasts) every three hours. By Thursday night, we knew we were in the danger zone,” said Nancy.
The family had initially planned to ride out the storm but had a change of heart by Saturday morning.
“Friday morning I got up and heard there were some generators in town that were for sale. I ran and bought a generator. My husband put up all of the Hurricane shutters at our house. I got all of our supplies and decided to hunker down. We thought it’ll be close but it’ll still be okay. Then we heard the storm was going to be a category 4. It started getting very real at that time. Many of our friends were staying but a lot of people were going. It was kind of a mixed bag. My in-laws and my husband’s brother and his wife decided to stay. But Saturday morning I woke up and saw the latest forecast, that Irma was a category 4 coming for Sarasota. With visions of Hurricane Andrew, Katrina, and Harvey in my mind, I decided I didn’t want to stay. I have a 14 year old son and a 10 year old daughter and I didn’t want them to experience that either. I woke up my husband and said we’re evacuating to Tennessee. He said no we’ll be okay, we’ve got all our supplies, our Hurricane shutters are up, we’re going to be safe. I said I’ve got to go. He knew I meant it. So we gathered everything we could think of in an hour, wedding albums, kids photos, etc and we jumped in the car and took off down the road hoping that we would be able to get out safely before the storm hit and hoping there would be enough available gas along the way to make the trip. We were taking a chance by leaving but I felt we were taking a bigger chance by staying,” said Nancy.
Since arriving in DeKalb County, Nancy said her family has stayed in touch with relatives and friends back home through social media and have been pleased to learn that their home and neighborhood were spared any major damage.
“My house is actually perfect. Sarasota got very lucky. Irma took a more easterly turn. We got some flooding, debris, and downed trees but nothing serious. No trees fell on our house. I have seen pictures and our house looks like it did when we left it,” said Nancy.
The Vafeas family plans to return home Wednesday if conditions permit. “We’re monitoring the news from our friends down there. Over six million people evacuated from Florida and we only have Interstates 75 & 95 as the north and southbound corridors so they are going to be very packed as people return home and there may continue to be a gas shortage so we’ll see,” she said.
Nancy added that while her family was spared, the storm has caused destruction and loss of life for others and they need to be remembered by all. “We just need to pray for those who didn’t fare as well”.
After returning home this week, Nancy and her husband plan to fly back to DeKalb County for her 30 year high school class reunion on September 22 & 23.